Anticipating millions in budget cuts, Chesterfield County School Superintendent Marcus J. Newsome will ask the School Board tonight to cut his salary for 2010-11 by 7 percent.
Newsome makes $248,667 yearly in salary and benefits. The 7 percent would come from his $207,667 base salary, schools spokesman Tim Bullis said, and would mean a reduction of $14,536.69.
Newsome's request comes on the same night he presents to the board his proposed 2010-11 budget, which will contain cuts to close an expected $43 million gap. The current operating budget is $571.6 million.
The cuts have not been made public, but a survey that went out to employees this month included suggestions of laying off 500 employees; making classes larger; cutting employee benefits; and eliminating or reducing funding for several programs.
"As the leader of our school division, the first budget decision implemented is my request to the School Board that my salary be reduced by 7 percent," he said yesterday in a written statement.
"In these difficult times, I can't ask our work force to balance this budget alone. While this reduction will not close the budget gap, it is an important reminder that all employees, including the superintendent, will have to make personal sacrifices until more funding is made available."
District officials did not say whether across-the-board salary reductions would be included in the 2010-11 budget. If the school district had implemented a 7 percent salary reduction for the current budget, it would have resulted in a saving of $22.2 million.
Board chairman David S. Wyman said Newsome recognizes that there will be cuts and that the cuts should begin with him.
"I think he understands that over the next several months, as we take a look at his proposed budget that he will present [Tuesday] night, we're going to see the potential for some pay reductions," he said.
Although other school districts in the Richmond region face budget shortfalls, no superintendents have requested that their salaries be reduced.
During board meetings, some community members have complained about Newsome's salary and what they consider a "top-heavy" central office.
"All those administrators there who make $75,000 or more should take a 14 percent cut," said Andrew Gregory, an English teacher at L.C. Bird High School. "I have 39 years of teaching and two master's degrees, and I'll never see more than $62,000."
Gregory said he makes $61,000 a year.
Brenda L. Stewart, a government watchdog who has criticized Newsome's salary and benefits, said his pay cut is a start.
"I hope they're not proposing pay cuts for teachers and instructional personnel, and I don't mean instructional personnel at central office," she said.
Frank Cardella, president of the Chesterfield Education Association, said Newsome's willingness to take a pay cut shows good faith on his part.
"It will carry well with employees if we have to take 4 percent in salary cuts, for example, and he takes a 7 percent cut."
Contact Juan Antonio Lizama at (804) 649-6513 or jlizama@timesdispatch.com.
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