Schools

Mayfield District Officials Stay Out of Debate on Union Bargaining Bill

Resident said change in law could save money for schools

Mayfield City School District officials are not ready to weigh in yet on Senate Bill 5, a controversial measure that would curb negotiating powers of unions in Ohio.

As proposed, SB 5 would prohibit state employees, including public school workers, from collectively bargaining for wages and benefits. The intent is to give school districts and other government entities more discretion in setting pay scales and managing budgets.

The issue was brought up at Wednesday's school board meeting by Renee Gerhart, a district resident who suggested ways to control costs. She said too much of personnel costs is dictated by state law and the bill offers an opportunity to make changes.

"You do not have the freedom to hire, fire or promote based on merit," Gerhart said.

She added that state Sen. Timothy Grendell, R-18, and Americans for Prosperity are looking for school officials to testify on behalf of the bill in Columbus.

Superintendent Dr. Phillip Price said he's been following the debate about SB 5, but felt it was premature to take a stand on the issue.

"We're waiting until it comes out of committee," said Price. "It's still really early."

He said once out of committee, school officials will have a better idea of what is being proposed and can consider its merits.

Gerhart also suggested cutting down the number of bus stops to save wear and tear on vehicles as well as fuel costs, which she noted are quickly increasing. She said that in some cases buses are picking up students only two or three driveways apart.

Price said the district would consider her comments and said that a review of stops is conducted every year. He said stops were cut back a few years ago, resulting in a savings of $19,000 annually.

However, he said there is no way to set strict guidelines regarding stops because factors such as ages of the children, the neighborhood and safety have to be considered.

"Safety is the number one thing," Price said.

In terms of neighborhoods, Price said there are places, such as apartment buildings near Heinen's on SOM Center Road, where several stops are made because children wait in apartments until they see the bus.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Mayfield-Hillcrest