Marion school leaders need to make sacrifices

It is time for the Marion Independent School District's administrators to take a voluntary pay cut to help meet Gov. Chet Culver's 10 percent across-the-board cut.

Instead of sharing in the sacrifice, as Culver and his department directors have done, the Marion administration has required those with the least to sacrifice the most. Several associates have already been laid off and others have seen a reduction in their hours. One maintenance worker and 2.5 custodians will most likely be laid off.

Teachers have seen a reduction in their salaries due to the cut in state Teacher Quality funds. Because of the type of contracts that teachers and administrators have, it is not possible for any layoffs in these groups until next year - layoffs that will certainly affect teachers.

The Marion administration needs to share in the financial burden.

Alex Stalkfleet

Marion