Jun 19, 2008 11:15 pm US/Eastern
School Board Member Wants Superintendent Fired
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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Archive: Dr. Rudy Crew
CBS
Students in public schools across Miami-Dade County will soon see fewer teachers, fewer school counselors and fewer folks working in the principal's office, and Thursday one school board member was pointing his finger squarely at the superintendent.
With now more than 2000 school district positions slashed, and a $284 million money crunch to contend with, it's likely no one associated with the Miami-Dade school district or its board will come out of this with a sterling reputation. But if board member Renier Diaz de la Portilla has his way, Superintendent Dr. Rudy Crew will feel most of the sting of the disapproving public.
"In light of the fact that the superintendent has not accepted a pay cut, last night stated on the record he would not reopen his contract to lower his salary, and in fact is trying to move forward with a bonus, in light of the dire economic circumstances of this community," said Diaz de la Portilla. "I think it's a real slap in the face to the employees we laid off."
Diaz de la Portilla, who is up for re-election in August, has turned to the board's attorney searching for a way for the board to fire Dr. Crew without having to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars as spelled out in Crew's contract. He calls the superintendent "arrogant" and blames him almost entirely for the need to cut more than 2000 positions.
"The time has come to discuss whether Rudy Crew is the right fit for this community," said Diaz de la Portilla.
Dr. Crew responded with this statement:" Board members have the right to express their feelings and judge my work in accordance with the outcomes over my four year tenure. This Board member has submitted an inquiry to the Board Attorney regarding a matter which he believes warrants further discussion by the Board. I eagerly await the response by the Board Attorney. I am comfortable that my record of reforms and accomplishments can withstand the scrutiny of the Board as a whole."
Whoever is to blame, the teachers we spoke with are furious and some are even grieving over the job cuts
"I felt like I had gone to a funeral. It was so sad to see that the Board was ready to cut personnel before they really looked into programs," said teacher Donna Ellison-Shivers.
The teachers and administrators swept up in the most recent round of layoffs won't be notified until next week. Leaving many anxious, angry, and worried this isn't over.
"I have a feeling this is just the tip of the iceberg," said another school employee.
The board meets again next week, and they still are not close to a balanced budget. It's important to note that not everyone whose job was cut will have to go to the unemployment line. The district plans to reassign many of them to other jobs, and in new schools. But many will not be spared.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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