Modesto schools reorganization includes special education

The key change in Modesto City Schools' administrative reorganization involves folding special education programs into the educational services division.

Virginia "Ginger" Johnson, now head of special education, will become the top administrator. She will have three managers reporting to her who oversee special education, alternative and vocational education, and attendance and child welfare.

Four other directors will work directly with schools — two with the district's 22 elementaries, one strictly with the high schools. The fourth will focus primarily on junior highs.

"That's where we're losing a lot of kids," said Trustee Steve Grenbeaux before voting with a 6-1 majority to approve the administrative plan. Trustee Cathy Hallinan dissented, saying she could not support raises for any employees affected by the changes.

The administrative shuffle means higher pay in several spots:

• An assistant director post in human resources changes to director, a gain of $7,670, or 6 percent.

• Three managers within the technology department get raises of about $5,000, or roughly 5 percent. An installation position returns. One job shrinks by about $8,500.

• Johnson, now assistant superintendent of special education, will assume the vacant associate superintendent post and receive a $10,600 raise.

In the technology department, savings came by eliminating one support job and reducing a supervisor, who chose to half-retire, to part-time. Director John Scott said the position cut did not cost anyone their job.

The office splits basically into start-up help, hardware fixers and software designers. The change focuses more help to the installation and fix-it areas as the district grapples with growing use of high-tech equipment.

Scott said his remake offered four employees additional duties with roughly $5,000 more in pay. One job shrinks a bit, taking a $8,500 cut, and an installation position returns. All will be at or near the $100,000 mark for 2012-13.

Bee education reporter Nan Austin can be reached at naustin@modbee.com or (209) 578-2339.