In a few years, local companies may be able to add a big customer to their client list. But it depends on whether the Davenport Board of Education decides to outsource school district services to save money.
This week, the district posted a letter on its website, asking businesses to submit ideas about what jobs they could do at a lower cost. Superintendent Art Tate also asked department heads to send the letter to any companies they can think of, that may be potential contractors.
Tate doesn't know what services might be outsourced, but the Davenport district has all the offices a business would have. Those include administration, accounting, human resources, technology, repair and maintenance, and lawn care.
The superintendent says the school board will not consider hiring a company for teaching and academics. And other employees should not worry about losing their jobs because outsourcing could be done over several years.
The Davenport School Board is trying to cut expenses in other ways. Tate says for months, the board has been discussing whether to close an elementary school and switch from middle schools to junior high schools. On Monday, the Davenport Board of Education will hold a special meeting to talk about how to balance the budget over the next five years.
