BY ROBIN KNEPPER
There were five different opinions on the Orange County School Board about how to allocate the $950,893 savings that the school system will enjoy in the next fiscal year.
But after a lengthy discussion, with every board member putting forth his personal view on how to use the money, a three-member majority finally agreed Tuesday to amend the operating budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
About 20 percent of the money, $194,246, will be spent on reinstating five positions that had been eliminated during earlier budget cuts. The rest, $750,647, will be kept for non-recurring expenses.
Late in this year's budget process, the General Assembly took action that spared the school system from almost $1.2 million in payments to the Virginia Retirement System. This is a one-year savings, and some officials have resisted using the money for recurring expenses, such as personnel.
In February, Superintendent Bob Grimesey had notified one part-time and 81 full-time employees that their jobs would be eliminated in the next fiscal year due to anticipated state cuts to education.
However, there was great support for funding after-school activities and four positions were recalled in April, a $241,048 commitment for part of the VRS savings.
The final budget, adopted by the School Board in May after final action by the state and county, called for 54.5 staff reductions. The remainder of the VRS savings was put into a contingency fund awaiting final allocation by the School Board.
Tuesday's action by the School Board will reinstate five more positions, a compromise supported by Chairman Jerry Bledsoe and board members Donna Waugh-Robinson and Lou Thompson.
Board member Judy Carter was unsuccessful in garnering support for the reinstating 11 positions. Jim Hopkins, who was unsuccessful in getting support for reinstating two positions for string teachers, abstained.
In other action Tuesday night, the board unanimously approved a one-year extension to Grimesey's four-year contract. The action, which was requested by Grimesey, makes his employment a rolling four-year commitment for all parties.
"This shows a vote of confidence for Dr. Grimesey from the School Board," Bledsoe said after the meeting. "We expect to do the same next year. It's our intent to have him stay in Orange County."
There were no other substantive changes in the terms of the contract.
During the public comment period, several speakers voiced their support for continuation of "release time" during the school day that allows children to attend a monthly program sponsored by the Children's Bible Ministries.
The issue was not voted on by the board at the request of Waugh-Robinson, who asked for time to look into it.
Robin Knepper: 540/972-5701
Email: rknepper@earthlink.net