Jun 4, 2008 9:36 pm US/Eastern
Activists Want To Buy Out Rudy Crew's Contract
CORAL GABLES (CBS4) ―
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Activist group wants to buy out Miami Dade Schools Superintendant Rudy Crew's contract.
CBS
A grass roots campaign is underway in Miami Dade to remove Schools Superintendant Rudy Crew one dollar at a time. They hope to raise enough money to buy out Crew's contract and 'send him packing'.
"I think it's work it," said Maria Andres with Save Dade Schools. "I think him staying two more years is going to cost us a lot more."
Andres, who works in the school district as a librarian's assistant, and Carlos Franco, a computer specialist for the school district, have joined forces with Coral Gables attorney Francisco Aguero to form the non-profit organization Save Dade Schools. Together they hope to oust Crew who has become a target of anger recently over proposed budget cuts.
"As I told him, if you need to take my job, take it, but also cut your bonuses, your salary," said Andres.
According to the terms of Crew's contract, the superintendant can be dismissed without cause but it would cost taxpayers a hefty price; two years of his salary plus benefits. Save Dade Schools estimates they will need to raise more than 700-thousand dollars. They've set up a
website to take donations and realize, in the end, their actions may cost them their jobs.
"They say I'm crazy, but who would I be if I didn't at least try," said Franco.
In order to remove Crew before the end of his contract, a majority of the school board 5 members must vote for termination. On their website, Save Dade Schools points out that 5 of the school board members are up for re-election and may be inclined to vote in favor of termination in order to be re-elected.
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