PAUSD parallels? Schools & Kids, posted by Shirley and Chesley Douglas, a resident of the Old Palo Alto neighborhood, on May 15, 2007 at 11:39 am
We read with dismay an article concerning the proposed dollar increase in the children's lunch program combined with the depletion of the staff involved that influence the deficit. The day before, an announcement of the appointment of the new superintendent to replace Callan. While we think the right choice was made, the salary and perks are exorbitant. Where is the equality?
While many students may be denied their lunches, learning tools, etc., one man and his family will be languishing in luxury with their house, moving and car allowances, health benefits and eventually, a generous retirement package. Is this really excellence in education?
For the superintendent and his assistant, it is, while our children (and our own are long gone from the system) suffer the sacrifices. Come on school board, let's get some priorities going in the right direction here!
Posted by Resident, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on May 15, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Not one kid who qualifies for a free and reduced lunch will miss out on food.
McDonald's meals, which are not nearly as healthy as our school lunches, cost more and include less.
At Paly, the kids cross the street and regularly spend more than the lunch cost at Paly.
Teachers with equivalent number of years of a new Super make $80,000 per year and great benefits also..not begrudging them at all, but at the same time, I don't think 3 times that for the boss of the entire district is exhorbitant, especially for one as experienced and well-rounded as this one, coming into a district fraught with divisiveness and demands of parents.
So, though I understand the place you are coming from, I totally disagree with you.
Posted by Fred, a resident of the Barron Park neighborhood, on May 15, 2007 at 1:15 pm
While I agree that everything is very expensive, people more so than anything, I don't think paying below market for senior leadership is wise.
To paraphrase the late Tip O'Neil, "Palo Alto ain't bean bag" which is to say Mr Skelly will have to earn every penny in order to be successful in leading the District.
Posted by Palo alto mom, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on May 15, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Dear Shirley and Chesley, Thank you for your concern for the PAUSD students. Rest assured that no students will go hungry, there is a reduced and low cost lunch program, plus the staff keeps an eye on any unforseen issues (children forgetting their lunch, a short term $$ problem, etc.) As far as I know, none of our schools are missing to much "stuff". With the cost of housing in PAUSD, 1 million is not much towards a house, I wish we could supplement all of our teachers so they could live in Palo Alto.
Posted by Fred, a resident of the Barron Park neighborhood, on May 18, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Why do you say that, JFP? The City Manager has similar, no? I presume it is part of the standard package if you want senior civil servants to live in PA.
I expect the PAUSD can borrow at a fairly low rate (5%? 7%? not sure), so the cost $1M loan is about $50-70K/year. I'm not sure what the terms are - do we get shared appreciation?
Posted by JFP, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on May 22, 2007 at 5:56 pm
I say the loan is outrageous, because he doesn't need it given the salary. For that salary, he can rent a pretty nice place, if he can't afford to buy.
Posted by Palo alto mom, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on May 22, 2007 at 6:44 pm
JFP To rent a decent house in PA with room for 4 kids is expensive - craigslist (how most rentals are advertised locally) currently lists 7 four bedroom homes in PA ranging from 5500 to 9500 a month.
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