The same night the Morgan Hill Unified School District board of
trustees passed next year’s fiscal budget, one that is $4.5 million
short of last year’s, Superintendent Wes Smith accepted a budget
cut of his own. He declined a 3 percent merit increase offered as
per the terms of his contract.
The same night the Morgan Hill Unified School District board of trustees passed next year’s fiscal budget, one that is $4.5 million short of last year’s, Superintendent Wes Smith accepted a budget cut of his own. He declined a 3 percent merit increase offered as per the terms of his contract.
Smith’s evaluation was based on his goals for the district and were aligned with the board’s: student achievement, highly qualified and dedicated employees, responsible financial practices, safe, healthy and sustainable environment and partnership through communication.
And while the nearly $6,000 the district saves is just a drop in the proverbial bucket, the move symbolically sends a message. It is in complete contrast to his predecessor who started at $185,000 and accepted a pay increase all four years in Morgan Hill, finishing his time here with a salary of $206,000. Those were selfish moves that did not incorporate the big picture view.
“While I’m not sure you get a whole lot out of symbolic cuts, if you will, I’d like to lead by example and for employees to consider options like not taking a pay raise as opposed to loading up classrooms and laying off employees. That option is there,” said Smith, whose salary is $190,000 annually. “I just wanted to do my part and set an example for the future.”
Sure, the move also has political ramifications. It’ll be a lot more palatable to employees when asked to reopen existing contracts to defer pay raises, take furloughs or reduce the school year, all items that could be on the table next year. And, it’ll make it easier to float the idea of a parcel tax to raise money for educational purposes.
Regardless, the message is good. It buys credibility and good will. Superintendent Smith, who has three children in Morgan Hill schools, is in this with the rest of us.
