Cutting coffee pots in Volusia County Schools could save $500,000

By Jen Horton
BEACON STAFF WRITER

posted Jun 29, 2008 - 10:18:21am

The belt-tightening techniques of local governments have become so extreme, corset-wearers of the 1800s would be envious.

The Volusia County School Board found a new way to pull the laces another inch tighter: no more coffeepots in classrooms. Also, no more mini-fridges or microwave ovens.

Teachers and staff will no longer be allowed to have personal appliances in their classrooms.

Executive Director for Facilities Services Pat Drago said the savings on the electric bill are worth some inconvenience.

The School Board found almost 800 personal appliances in use in seven schools that were surveyed.

"That's only seven schools," Drago said. "That's a ton of money going out, and we're laying off people."

Drago acknowledged teachers in portable classrooms may be hardest hit. She said the district will make sure there are communal places, such as break rooms with amenities, accessible to every teacher.

"I know it's an inconvenience," she said. "You may have to pack your lunch and bring coffee in a thermos."

She added, "The estimated savings is $500,000. That's a lot of jobs."

— jen@beacononlinenews.com

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