Mt. Diablo School District Set to Adopt Budget--Even With Union Talks Stalled

Mt. Diablo Unified trustees Tuesday plan to adopt the district's 2010-11 budget, which will mean at least $12 million a year in cuts and furlough days and reduced benefits for staff, according to the Contra Costa Times. But officials from unions that represent secretaries, bus drivers and other non-credentialed staff tell the Times that they are not happy, saying they have not agreed to these cuts and that they expected the district to come up with a new list of cuts before adopting a budget. 

The unions plan to rally at 6 p.m. outside the district office. The Times adds: 

Steven Lawrence said administrators, who are not represented by a union, have agreed to four furlough days at the end of this month and seven furlough days, plus a cap on benefits, starting in 2010-11. Trustee Gary Eberhart has also proposed that board members voluntarily agree to 4.4 percent reduction in their stipend and a benefits cap similar to administrators', which trustees will vote on Tuesday.

The meeting takes place 7 p.m. Tuesday at 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord.