Questions Handbook Costs

Editor, The News: ' An open letter to William Stewart, public relations officer, Ann Arbor Public Schools: "I read your recent reply (in The News) to the letter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sedley. You say that Deputy Supt. Macllnay has now saved over $120,000 in permanent administrative costs.' This statement is not helpful to me because I have no figures (other than the $120,000) to look at. As a result, the phrase, 'permanent administrative costs' has no meaning either. I hope you will clarify this with the actual figures." "Recently I heard that central administration has initiated a consultant service to help students with their homework and teachers with their classes. I have also heard that a pamphlet describing this service (for staff ) is being printed at a cost of $7500 to $10,000. Since teachers have only to dial the phone to request this service why is it necessary to spend so much money to publicize it? Certainly by using the service, teachers would be able to determine how useful and effective it is. How could Supt. McPherson authorize such an ture when he says he is 'paring administrative costs to the veritable bone'? "I feel the Sedleys' request to see a public printing of all administrative salaries for the school years 1970-71 andl 1971-72 is a reasonable one. I hope that other Ann Arbor citizens who feel the same way would cali you or Dr. McPherson at 665-7711 or Record-AComment, 761-2111 or phone a board member or write a letter to The News." (Editor's note: Mr. Stewarfsays the "brochure" referred to is a working handbook to aid teachers in their use of consultant services. The loose leaf section contains lists and descriptions of services and other aids available. The i t e m i z e d lists of materials permits specific requests for classroom aids. The loose leaf format was adopted so the handbook could be revised periodically at minimum cost. The binder is expected to last 10 years and total cost is $8,770, which includes $3,675 for the binding. The handbook will be distributed Nov. 3, at which time the board will be given a detailed accounting of cost. Mr. Stewart also says specific administrative salary information will be available to the media withintíienejctseveraldaysj I