Toledo Public Schools cabinet loses 2 posts in revamp
8/11/2011The Toledo Board of Education formalized a restructuring of the district's administrative cabinet Wednesday, permanently eliminating two positions and appointing three acting officials permanently into their roles.
The superintendent's cabinet now seats seven members, down from nine who served 18 months ago, Superintendent Jerome Pecko said. The duties of the two eliminated positions -- chief of staff and assistant superintendent for elementary education -- have been dispersed among cabinet members Romules Durant, Brian Murphy, and Jim Gault, who have been serving as interim cabinet members, but whose positions became permanent Wednesday.
The trio were instrumental in developing and instituting the district's transformational plan.
"I'm glad you were patient with us," board member Brenda Hill said.
The board also ratified a two-year contract with its third and final union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which represents about 800 bus drivers, food-service workers, secretaries, skilled-trades employees, and custodians. Union members accepted wage and benefit concessions similar to their teacher and administration colleagues, including a 2.5 percent pay cut and higher benefit contributions.
All told, the district reduced costs by $65.5 million over the next two years through employee concessions and position reductions.