To the editor:

I am writing to address the proposed "consolidation" of Haverhill school department business and personnel functions.

First off, let me say that consolidation is not a new idea. When I first ran for public office five years ago, I talked about consolidating city/school departments and eliminating positions. Over the past few years, much consolidation has actually taken place between the schools and the city.

I want to touch upon some facts that have not been shared and address specifically the plan of Mayor James Fiorentini.

Five years ago, both the city and school department were on separate financial accounting systems.

Payroll was issued from two different systems, purchasing orders and bills also were entered on different systems. However, what hasn't been told to you, the taxpayer, is that this practice ended over three years ago.

During this time, both the city and the schools underwent a real consolidation that saved money by eliminating positions and redundancy.

Positions were eliminated in the auditor's office, purchasing office and in the school department. Unlike in years past, this consolidation put us on one financial system that both the city and school departments can view.

Further, don't be fooled by the statement that "we need a second set of eyes."

The second set of eyes currently exists. In fact, the school business office does not issue any check or pay any bill without it being reviewed by the city first.

Last year, the school department further consolidated its personnel functions by eliminating costs and positions of over $100,000 from that department.

Superintendent Raleigh Buchanan assumed the responsibility of the personnel director's position for no compensation. Again, costs have already been cut and positions already eliminated.

Let me address specifically Mayor Fiorentini's consolidation plan.

The truth is that Mayor Fiorentini's plan would not be a real consolidation, because the positions have already been consolidated and no money will be saved under his plan!

In fact, Mayor Fiorentini's plan would cost the taxpayer money. Two department heads on the city side would receive an increase in salary. The overall result of this consolidation plan would be a cost to the taxpayer of Haverhill.

I am not against consolidation; I am against a plan that has been submitted to us that costs the taxpayer more money.

There have been many things said publicly about this current proposal that have not been true and many facts about what is currently being done that have been left unsaid. We have already done real consolidation by saving money for the taxpayer of Haverhill.

SCOTT WOOD JR.

Vice president

Haverhill School Committee