Reporting back on saving money

The attachment to item 7.38A on the current City Council agenda makes for some interesting reading. This is the report back to Councilor Rushton's request for five areas of cost savings in the School Department.
Their five areas?

1. Health insurance. Just like the city, the School Department is saving money on health insurance, partially due to Section 18, partially due to renegotiations. (Incidentally, am I the only one surprised that the School Department negotiates with 13 separate collective bargaining units?)
2. School closings. This would be the eight schools closed over the past six years.
3. Restructuring School Nutrition programs. This appears largely to be making full-time positions part-time.
4. Utilities. The School Department is part of a natural gas purchasing collaborative, has worked on its electricity purchases, replaced inefficient lighting, and (here's a big one!) is working to convert South High from electric heat to natural gas.
5. Recycling. Saving almost $100,000 a year.
6. Transportation. This appears to involve the hiring of bus monitors.
7. Postage. WPS is still paying $0.37 a piece!

(You'll note that they've listed more than five areas. They ask for five, you give them seven!)

The memo goes on to list the areas of increased revenue: Chapter 70 aid from the state, charter school funding formula change, Medicaid reimbursement from the federal government (which right now goes back into the City's general fund; the schools want it back!), E-rate funding, Microsoft settlement (tech funding!), and grant awards.

The summary?
Reforms made to date have resulted in $11.3 million in cost savings and avoidance, as well as $14.2 million in revenue generated to the budget of the WPS or the City of Worcester. In addition, the WPS have received $10.2 million in grant funding in FY09. This amount equals $38.7 million in annual cost savings or revenue increases.
(the bold is in the original)

We'll see if anyone has anything to say on this tonight!