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Last Updated: Sep 10, 2009 - 12:28:52 PM |
Newsome Amends Proposed Budget
After proposing a FY2010 budget that included cutting over 500 positions from CCPS, Superintendent Marcus Newsome amended the proposed budget last week, reintroducing approximately 170 positions that were originally slated to be cut.
“The proposed revisions are the result of ongoing discussions with employees and others in the community,” said Newsome in a letter to school employees. “As I shared previously, I do not like recommending cuts. Each of the positions and programs proposed for elimination has contributed to student achievement and the success for which our division is recognized.”
Through the reallocation of some revenue, the proposed amendments will infuse $3 million back into the $52 million shortfall, giving school principals some say in how they would like to use the additional positions.
“These revisions are designed to give the school division the flexibility necessary to address the needs of individual schools,” said Newsome.
The reallocations were made possible by:
• Prepaying next year’s obligation to the Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP) trust fund. By prepaying the $2.5 million owed, CCPS can maintain the program without any changes without having to pay next year.
• As health-care claims were less than expected in 2008, school officials project a reduction in the projected rate increase, saving approximately $300,000 to $400,000.
• Reducing the annual payment for mortgages paid for new schools and additions/renovations based on more attractive interest rates.
In addition to these reallocations, school officials also anticipate that more funding could be available from the federal stimulus package and are waiting to see what state budget is passed by the General Assembly.
“While we will not know the full impact on Chesterfield County Public Schools’ budget until the General Assembly adjourns later this month, we believe the news will be positive,” said Newsome. “We cannot say with certainty what, where, or when additional positions will be available. That will be determined based on needs of schools and discussions with principals and further clarification of the impact of stimulus funds.”
In light of final General Assembly action on the state budget set to take place late this week, the School Board canceled their February 24 meeting. A special called meeting will be held on March 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room at 10001 Ironbridge Rd. During that meeting, the Board is expected to adopt their FY2010 operating budget.
School Budget Conversations Continue
Continuing to solicit public opinion on the proposed FY2010 budget cuts, members of the School Board held “fireside chats” throughout the last week, inviting PTA and PTSA leaders to meet and share concerns with their district representative.
“We want to show that we are being as transparent as possible, that there is nothing hidden from you as we work on the budget,” Matoaca district representative Omarh Rajah said during the Matoaca District meeting on February 19. “This is a great opportunity for us to come together on critical issues and to find out your concerns and solutions.”
As expressed in the February 10 public hearing, the biggest concern from the community continued to be the reduction in staff outlined in the proposed budget.
“Many of our kids are already at-risk, so reducing the staff hurts them even more,” said Robin Littell, PTA president at Ettrick Elementary. “You shouldn’t just cut a certain number of positions from each school. Each school should be looked at individually to assess their needs.”
Newsome has already started to look at the individual needs of schools
with his amendments to the proposed budget, amendments that would allow
principals to determine what positions should be restored at their
schools.
“We want to give the principals that leeway to decide how they want to
use that additional position based on what their school needs most,”
said Newsome. “We have this included in our safety net funding to
target areas where additional support is needed most.”
Other questions that PTA representatives had for school officials included:
• Will any funds be available to help students in need pay for AP tests?
• Has the School Board requested more money from the Board of Supervisors?
• Are local officials lobbying to change some of the state education
requirements now that there is less funding for state and federal
mandates?
• Is anything being done to welcome and encourage volunteer involvement in schools, especially at the middle school level?
• Can the transportation system be restructured?
• Have there been discussions about offering early retirement?
• Can Medicare and Medicaid be billed for certain medical services that are given to some of the special education students?
As the budget still is under review, school officials were unable to
answer all questions, but stated that they would take each of the
concerns into consideration, hoping to address each one as best they
can.
“With the stimulus package that was signed, we are more optimistic
today than at any part of the budget process,” said Newsome. “We just
have to remember that any funding we receive from the stimulus is
temporary; it’s only here for two years.”
nderatto@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421
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