TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
TUSD Board members voted 3-2 against looking into outsourcing jobs in the district, on Tuesday night.
Board members were looking into contracting out positions in many departments, such as custodial, transportation, maintenance, grounds keeping, even human resources and payroll, to see if contracting the jobs out to the lowest bidder would help the district save money.
A majority of the board voted against making the move, the two board members who voted in favor of looking into outsourcing were Michael Hicks and Dr. Mark Stegeman.
The move comes as a victory for labor groups who showed up at the meeting to voice concerns.
More than a dozen members of the state's largest union the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees showed up and rallied outside district headquarters.
"If these are trying times, if these are troubled times, if these are times that call for sacrifice, then it must be a shared sacrifice," said AFSCME administrator Alan Lee to a group of cheering employees outside district headquarters.
Lee went on to say, "Selling or contracting out facilities to the lowest bidder is irresponsible use of taxpayer money."
Mike Wisnieski, a member of AFSCME said many union members felt unappreciated. They were the lowest paid workers in the district.
"Yes, you do have your teachers and administrators, but who's cleaning your school, who is fixing your plumbing. who's driving the buses, who's fixing everything?" said Wisnieski.
TUSD board member Dr. Mark Stegeman said the district had already made many painful cuts but eliminating librarians, assistant principals, administrators, and closing 10 schools.
Stegeman estimated those moves saved the district about $10-$15 Million. LIVE IN MIDTOWN SW K13 LLL.
