I read the article “How To Read A School Budget,” and thought it contained some good information. I read it with interest as I currently serve on the financial advisory committee for the East Williston School district.
The only comment I would take exception with is the following: “for the most part, these costs [salaries and benefits] are uncontrollable.” In my opinion, this is not accurate and highly misleading. Salaries and healthcare benefits are controllable through contractual negotiations. However, I do agree that retirement costs are outside of the school district’s control, but these costs typically represent less than 20 percent of employee salaries.
Stephan A. Leccese
