Muskegon Heights Superintendent Answers Questions About Administrators Cut in 2010

Andrew Trzaska | January 11, 2011

Muskegon Heights School Board members sought to clear up confusion surrounding the status of several administrators who were recently let go from the system due to budget constraints.

In October of 2010, the Muskegon Heights school board voted to not renew the contracts of five administrators, who worked in technology, building services and other departments.  Board trustee Trinell Scott stated at Monday’s meeting that rumors were circulating in the community about several administrators being back on the job.

Superintendent Dr. Dana Bryant indicated during the meeting that some of the  administrators whose contracts were not renewed in October were working for the district again to perform needed jobs to keep the school district operating, but were not actually employed the same way as they previously were.

Dr. Bryant explained after Monday’s meeting that the administrators’ contracts were not renewed and new contracts were not negotiated.  Those working for the district again were being paid from another account called a contracted service line.  The account’s funds are designated for specific jobs contracted out to companies or individuals not employed by the school district, including snow removal, boiler maintenance, and some state and federal programs.

Bryant declined to indicate which former administrators were working through this arrangement, but  stressed those being paid with these funds are doing work in line with what the account is designed to be used for.

Bryant also stated that other administrator positions beyond the five cut in October have still not been filled.  With such a heavy reduction in staff, the former administrators are “doing work as needed” to keep the district running.

Board Secretary Franklin Brewer indicated that the meeting was the first he had heard about the public hearsay.  He did not find it out of the ordinary, however:

“There’s always going to be rumors.”