Budget cuts hit county hard,
schools harder
The Rockbridge County School Board and Board of Supervisors are concerned that state budget cuts will adversely affect local school funding.
(JOHN HENDERSON / Rockbridge Report)
Gov. Tim Kaine's latest budget proposal is putting pressure on Rockbridge County taxpayers to pick up the slack in public school funding.
If Kaine's budget proposal is passed by the General Assembly this winter, state funding for Rockbridge county schools would increase by only $190,000, compared with an $847,000 increase last year, said Carol Wheeler, director of finance for Rockbridge County schools.
"We're constantly looking for newer and innovative ways to help our kids, and often times that comes with a price tag," Wheeler said. Proposed new school programs, combined with decreased state funding, could put a strain on Rockbridge County to make up the difference in the coming year.
Superintendent John Reynolds said the schools may cut back on programs and personnel, but he vowed to maintain the student-teacher ratio and find a way to raise pay.
Last year, the county spent $14.6 million on education, or 44 percent of the county budget. Still, school officials say they fear this year's resources will be less than they hope.
"There is not a year that does not pose a financial burden," said Laurie Macrae, chair of the school board. In the last five years the board of supervisors has not been able to support the school board's proposed budget, Macrae said, and she does not expect it to this year.
Kaine's budget would not provide funding for salary increases until July 2009. His budget proposal reflects a slowdown in the economy.
Virginia's current revenue forecast is $35.7 billion -- $641 million less than expected.
"In my proposed budget, we have tightened the belt, just as families do when they face tough times," Kaine said in a recent public address.
He said he would make education a priority.
"The best way to grow our economy is to support an education system that will expand opportunity and prepare our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow," he said.
For now, Macrae said, the county will have to "make it work" with less money.
School officials say the board of supervisors is unlikely to raise property taxes to compensate for the needs of the school system, and might turn to other sources for revenue, such as taxes on entertainment, sales, and vehicles.
Supervisor Rusty Ford said he did not want to raise taxes to meet the school board's demands.
"There are lots of people who are right on the edge of survival," he said, "and taxes can hurt those folks."
Supervisor Buster Lewis said county officials have "the best interest of the kids and the teachers at heart," and that the county will work with the school board to meet its needs.
Reynolds said he wants to have a stronger relationship with the board of supervisors to help meet the schools' needs. He said parents and teachers can help by talking with supervisors and state legislators.
"If enough positive feelings exist out there," he said, "then I think it's a little more difficult for those holding the purse strings to say 'no.'"
Produced by
Washington and Lee
journalism students.
Lead Supervisor:
Prof. Brian
Richardson
Prof. Phylissa
Mitchell
Reporting supervisors:
Prof. Doug
Cumming
Prof. Pamela Luecke
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd