The Observation Deck

More reporting from meetings tonight..

The communications portion of the School Board meeting tonight was all about the current search going on for a new treasurer. Kristine Pagsuyoin came up to the podium to ask about the inclusion of the needs of the community in the search, reminding the Board that the community-inclusion in the search to replace Superintendent Estrop was not satisfying, as it appeared that the Board had already made their decision regarding who would fill that position before the community forums were held.

Kristine also asked current treasurer Rick Berdine if he was considering applying for the Treasurer position, even though he has resigned from the Treasurer position, as that rumor has been floating around recently. Mr. Berdine replied that he had not applied.

The Treasurer position is a very important one, especially given our District's current economic situation, with resources being as tight as they are. It's gratifying that so much attention is being paid to it in our District and at our public School Board meetings.

More later.

Betsy Voinovich

Betsy Voinovich wrote:Kristine also asked current treasurer Rick Berdine if he was considering applying for the Treasurer position, even though he has resigned from the Treasurer position, as that rumor has been floating around recently. Mr. Berdine replied that he had not applied.

This seems like a good time and place to discuss the position of treasurer and his pay and performance.

Is it true that the District "picks up" his pension contribution and that he pays nothing for that contribution?

Is it true that his pension will be $150,000 per year with a guaranteed annual 3% increase?

What is his pension contribution? What is his pension?

What was that $500,000 error?

Is a treasurer really worth $190,000 in salary plus $47,500 in pension contributions plus $10,000 in medical benefits plus $7,000,000 in pension payments?

Is the same deal available to others like the superintendent and assistant superintendent?

Does the School Board represent the District or its employees?

Hi Bill,

All of these questions need to be answered, and I know there are answers, in fact maybe we can get those answers on the Deck today. I had meant to post the brochure the Board sent out for their Treasurer search, but I got caught up in Thanksgiving. School Board President Matt Markling posted this link last week under the Special Board Meeting thread but I posted it here because it seems relevant.

Here's the brochure; it's a start:




Betsy Voinovich