Pinellas superintendent Julie Janssen is asking the district’s employees for ideas on how they would help cut $63 million to $68 million from next year’s budget. In an online survey this week, the superintendent also invites employees to weigh in on ideas already being considered, including:

• Layoffs
• Furloughs
• Pay cuts
• Reduction or elimination of some extracurriculars.
• Lower pay for employees who return after retiring.
• Reduced health insurance.
• Cutbacks on textbooks.

Janssen took the idea from Hillsborough superintendent MaryEllen Elia, who recently surveyed her employees. Janssen approached Pinellas employees in a letter Tuesday. In the same spirit, the Gradebook hereby solicits ideas from school system employees and other members of the public. Weigh in below and let the discussion begin.

NOTE: Visit our special Web site on the budget cutting process so far. It includes helpful links such as presentations and budget documents.

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