Isaac School District Takes Drastic Measures Amid Financial Crisis
The Isaac School District, embroiled in a financial quagmire after being placed under state receivership for exceeding its budget by millions, is now turning to outsourcing as a cost-saving measure. This move comes as part of a broader effort to stabilize the district’s finances.
In a bid to address its mounting debt, the district is implementing several strategic changes. Earlier this week, the city of Phoenix agreed to purchase district-owned property, which will be developed into affordable housing. Additionally, the Tolleson Union High School District has acquired one of Isaac’s middle schools to further alleviate financial pressure.
On Thursday evening, Isaac’s governing board made a decisive move to outsource jobs in custodial, cafeteria, and landscaping services. Board president Patricia Jimenez highlighted the ongoing challenges but emphasized the district’s commitment to its students. “We are currently actively working with the receiver to navigate our debt and find solutions to our financial crisis,” Jimenez stated. “Our focus remains ensuring that our students receive the education they deserve while we work diligently to restore stability to the district.”
James Serbin, the district’s Chief Financial Officer, assured that each school will retain one daytime custodian familiar to the school’s principals, despite the outsourcing decision. “We felt it was important for the principals to be able to have someone at their school that they were familiar with,” he explained. Employees displaced by these changes will have the opportunity to work with the new contractors. The outsourcing plan is set to be implemented by March 1.
The anticipated financial impact is significant, with the district projecting savings of $62,744 from March to June this year by outsourcing landscaping, and an expected $188,231 in savings by 2026. Outsourcing cafeteria services is projected to save $123,947 for the remainder of this year, with a total of $413,158 in savings anticipated by 2026. Similarly, custodial outsourcing is expected to reduce costs by $148,869 this year and $373,641 by 2026.
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