Where is the Budget?   

Negotiations resumed on Thursday, July 3rd, with one simple question.  Where is the budget?  The district responded, “We don’t have one.”  The UTD Bargaining Team and staff were still analyzing data that the district provided.  Click here for video

President Aronowitz said, “It is apparent that the district never budgeted for 08-09 salary increases – all of the evidence is clear. So here we are, negotiating and there is no money for salaries.  We believe that this is an illegal action!” 

 After three hours and several requests, the district finally agreed that they could provide a copy of the 2007-08 budget.  When asked about the 2008-09 budget they replied that they would attempt to get it as soon as possible.  They state that their current budget is in draft form which is inaccurate and not up to date.  The budget office will be working over the weekend and in preparation for the July School Board Meeting.   

More questions were asked, few were answered.  The mantra from the district for the day was, “We’ll get back to you…” 

The next bargaining session will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2008, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the School Board room 726.