The $15 million gap between what Stafford School Board members say they need and what county officials say they'll provide appears no closer to narrowing after a budget workshop yesterday.
Schools would receive a $500,000 increase in local money for the fiscal year that begins July 1, based on County Administrator Anthony Romanello's spending plan.
But the School Board is asking for $15.4 million more than it received this fiscal year.
Stafford School Board Chairwoman Patricia Healy told supervisors that the division would have to eliminate existing programs because of the county's proposed budget.
"Right now, we're going to have to look and see what is mandated and what is not," she said. That includes extracurricular activities, some elective courses and programs for gifted students.
The school division won't be able to afford new positions and initiatives, members said.
But on average, Romanello said, schools are receiving a slightly higher increase in state and local money than county agencies.
School Board Vice Chairwoman Nanette Kidby said the percentage of the county's budget earmarked for schools has been on the decline.
In 2006, the division received 66.7 percent of Stafford's revenue. Schools would receive 60.7 percent under Romanello's plan.
"I'm not telling you how to do your job I'm just telling you the facts," Kidby told supervisors.
Supervisor Paul Milde asked the School Board whether it wanted to raise taxes above Romanello's proposed rate of 89.8 cents per $100 of assessed value.
None responded.
Supervisors were scheduled to approve a tax rate last night that would be advertised for a public hearing.
"I'd love for you guys to take a look at our budget book" and make suggestions, Milde said. "I just don't know where we're supposed to get this money."
He also questioned the need to open a new middle school in Widewater this fall.
Supervisor Cord Sterling said he doesn't expect a better budget season next year, and he encouraged the School Board to study consolidating schools, something Healy said was in the works.
Supervisor Harry Crisp said he'd like to know what the School Board would do with more money in increments of $1 million. Supervisor Bob Woodson, who called himself a strong supporter of education, said the schools deserve more.
School Board member John LeDoux said beginning teachers in Spotsylvania County make more than those in Stafford. The same goes for Prince William County, where LeDoux substitutes.
"When I go up and teach in Prince William, I sure run into a lot of Stafford folks," he said.
Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402
Email: jbranscome@freelancestar.com
| $4.7 million for 2.5 percent cost-of-living salary increases. That's in addition to a 2.5 percent annual increase for returning teachers not at the top of the salary scale. $3.4 million for a benefits trust for retired employees. The county's bond rating may suffer if the School Board doesn't invest in the trust. $2.45 million for 42 additional positions. $1.9 million in start-up costs for the new Shirley C. Heim Middle School. $876,000 for a bonus system to recruit and retain teachers. |