By Andrew Cluley
Ypsilanti, MI – The Ypsilanti School Board has again failed to approve pay raises for district administrators.
The board deadlocked three to three last night and tabled a motion to give administrators the same three percent pay increase given to district teachers.
Those voting against the raises cited low MEAP scores, problems with the new busing system, and other problems. Those favoring the raises praised administrators for bringing in millions of dollars in grants, enough to fund 62 teaching positions, and for bringing hundreds of new students into the district through the schools of choice program.
In other action, the board also deadlocked on a measure to guarantee six hours of work for all bus drives so they could qualify for fringe benefits.
Board President Diane Kerr said the district cannot afford the cost, and feared such a move would prompt other employees not receiving benefits to ask for them.