School official won't take raise he's entitled to

Waterbury Republican-American ^ | May 28, 2004 | Chuck Petruccione

[Graybeard58]

PLYMOUTH — School administrator Tony Orsini is eligible for a $1,994 raise but instead plans to return the extra money.

Orsini, the assistant principal at Harry S. Fisher Middle School, was tapped last month as the next principal of Plymouth Center School, but the promotion was later rescinded. The Board of Education decided to cut a principal position in town next year in an effort to cope with $812,000 that had been cut from it's budget request.

Orsini's contract states that even if he did not become the principal, he would be entitled to the higher salary because he was already appointed to the position. As a principal next year, he would have earned $96,414. As an assistant principal, he will make $94,420.

He said he didn't feel right taking the extra money.

"I had to do what was ethically correct," Orsini said. "I feel like I couldn't look at myself in the mirror unless I did the right thing."

Orsini said he was disappointed when he learned he would not become a principal, a goal he had set for himself when he began teaching in 1965. However, he said he understands the board's decision.

The 2004-05 education budget, which was approved by voters at a town meeting on May 3, is $18,914,260. That's an $815,000 increase over the current bottom line but only half of the increase the school board was seeking. Between salary and benefits, the board made up $110,000 of the difference by cutting the principal's position.

The rest of the money came from cutting supplies and staff — nearly a dozen position in all. Included in the cuts were a new math teacher at Terryville High School and a health teacher and a computer teacher at the middle school.

Superintendent of Schools Tony Distasio said some of the cuts simply mean not replacing some teachers who are retiring.

However, he said there will be four people who were planning to come back next year who will not be able to.

One of the retirees is Larry Amara, who is leaving after 22 years as principal of Plymouth Center School. Taking over for him will be Chrystal Collins, who has been in charge of Main Street School the last four years.

The board will eliminate the administrative position by not replacing Collins. Instead, Prospect Street School Principal Lou Rascoe will be asked to watch over both buildings.

Distasio said he was not surprised that Orsini called him with the offer to return the money.

Though $1,994 is not going to save any of the positions that were cut, Distasio said every little bit helps.

"This shows the type of person he is," Distasio said. "He is a consummate professional. He realizes the type of issues we have with the budget."

[Graybeard58]

A principal with principles.