The Journal Gazette, 600 W. Main St., Fort Wayne IN

Fort Wayne Community Schools Superintendent Wendy Robinson announced Monday the common wage scale for all construction projects in 2009 will follow the one recommended by the non-union Associated Builders & Contractors Inc.

The accepted wages were lower than those presented by unions. Robinson said she made the decision because it may save the district money, and she tried to follow comments by board members made during the Nov. 24 board meeting indicating the direction they wanted her to take.

Board President Mark GiaQuinta said then he hoped the setting of a common wage would send a message to taxpayers that the board is willing to save every nickel and dime to be fiscally responsible.

“When you don’t have a lot of money, you’re trying to stretch the money as far as you can,” Robinson said.

The school board voted Nov. 24 to require the superintendent to set the pay scale after a separate committee appointed to make the decision voted in a tie, thus sending the decision to the school board.

Any Indiana government agency using public money for projects totaling more than $150,000 must conduct a hearing to set the wage scale. If a majority of the committee cannot reach a consensus, the vote is sent to the home agency.

The school board conducted a work session Nov. 18 and heard presentations from Associated Builders & Contractors and labor representatives.

A written statement issued Monday announcing Robinson’s decision notes that neither proposal included wage information from the other’s survey and there was no comprehensive third-party survey detailing the wages paid on all projects in Allen County over the past year.

District projects in 2009 include renovations at Wayne High School to accommodate the New Tech program; roofing projects; electrical and mechanical work; and projects to bring buildings up to code with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

ksoderlund@jg.net