|
|
||
Spotsylvania school division budget picture looks bleak Date published: 11/24/2009
By PAMELA GOULD With daunting predictions for the next two budget cycles, Spotsylvania County School Superintendent Jerry Hill has been working to get out early warnings to parents and staff about possible pay cuts, staff reductions and increased class sizes. Last night, the public got its first official chance to weigh in on the financial picture but only one person, Renee Beverly, took advantage of it. Beverly, a teacher and the Spotsylvania Education Association's representative, provided no input but acknowledged the challenge the School Board and the division face. "We know the task is mammoth. Teamwork is essential and we'd be happy to work with you," she said. Board members Martin Wilder and Amanda Blalock expressed disappointment that additional people didn't attend the meeting to offer their input. "We all know we are in a very, very troubled economic time," Wilder said. "We have a very daunting task ahead of us--the board, the school division--so I would urge members of the public to get involved. Have your voices heard." "This is the time we need to hear from you," Blalock added. Over the past several weeks, Hill has held meetings with parents, teleconferences with employees, and sent a memo to staff and parents to spell out what he foresees: a combined shortfall of $9.5 million for fiscal 2011 and 2012. With those prospects and staff pay and benefits eating up about 87 cents of every dollar, Hill has said pay raises and step increases aren't expected for the next two budget cycles. "I see the budget turning, but not until 2013," he told the School Board at a Nov. 6 work session. Teachers last saw a pay increase for the 2008-2009 school year when they got a 2.5 percent cost of living increase that cost the county about $4.25 million, said schools spokeswoman Sara Branner. In the current year's budget, the School Board avoided layoffs and pay cuts but eliminated 136.4 positions. An early retirement program offered last spring and federal stimulus funding enabled the school division to avoid layoffs. The early retirement program saved $1.7 million in its first year, school officials said. The program runs for two more years. People participating receive a bonus of 20 percent of their salary for three years in addition to whatever retirement pay they have earned.
Read more stories about Spotsylvania Date published: 11/24/2009
Thanks. This makes me wonder if we are really saving money by moving all of the preschool programs to one central location... 1958 - I hope that the SBO can make it right with all of those that feel that they have been unfairly treated. After the SBO reconciles with the cafeteria workers, they can start with the teachers!
per mile for the big buses to run?
dedicated building--they were spread out among some of the elementary schools throughout the county.
Mrs. Karma are you telling me the hiups at the main office& chartwells are going to start treating people like they matter?In my opinion IF so there going to have to go back and make things right with the people that had done such things to.And there going to hire back all the people they messed on so much they left the school system? thats going to be a tall order.But the need to hire people so they have enought help to get the job done with out trying to kill the workers they have.this is going to happen
1958 - Although we differ on which paths to take, it is good that both of us are concerned about the welfare of the kids (the MOST important) and the employees of Spotsylvania County Public Schools. All involved in the upcoming budget will have some extremely difficult decisions to make, but we are going to get through this together.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
