Salary cuts, layoffs last resort
March 1, 2010 by Bryan Rothamel · View Comments
PALMYRA — The School Board Members made clear the last parts of the budget they want to cut are salaries and positions, specifically salaries and positions of classroom teachers.
“The last, absolute last, place we should be cutting is classroom teachers,” Tom Muir, Palmyra District, said.
The proposed budget Superintendent Dr. Tom Smith presented did not go over well on the School Board. In the proposed budget was a four percent cut for all employees, removal of stipends, reduction of staff, elimination of extracurricular remedial programs, no additional help for employees with rising health care costs and adding $100,000 for an athletic budget.
The board immediately decided to look at all other areas before looking at reduction of faculty and salaries. One way to help was to offer early retirement for 27 teachers, 15 classified employees and eight administrators.
Muir suggested putting the early retirees to meaningful work. Chairwoman Barbara Gibbons suggested the idea of using early retired teachers to run the summer school program at no additional costs for the district.
The School Board did not want to cut any extracurricular activities. In regards to stipends, the board reached a consensus to cut stipends by 50 percent, saving around $200,000.
Also, the School Board wants to see research on a “pay to play” system where students will pay to play athletic activities. A fee of $60 was suggested and there would be opportunities for those who cannot afford to either receive reduced rates or work fundraising events to supplement.
The board has requested information on reducing the fleet of district owned vehicles, increasing the school day but shortening the work week, reduction of administrators, staffing requirements and more.
Without including any reduction to staff or salaries, the budget is still over $2 million short. Cuts currently included are removal of IB program, summer school costs, Virginia Retirement System contributions and instruction expenses.
Gibbons told the large audience, “I’m so happy you all are here.”
Doug Johnson, Cunningham District, told the audience even though the work sessions are not open to public comments, citizens can talk to members individually before or after the meeting.
The next meeting is Thursday, March 4 at 5 pm in the School Board Room.
Related posts:
- Budget woes could force layoffs, cuts PALMYRA — Fluco Blog has learned how Fluvanna proposes to...
- Smith announces retirement Palmyra — Shocking meeting attendees and the School Board, Fluvanna...
- New school to get artificial turf field The Fluvanna County School Board approved installing an artificial turf...
- School Board reacts to retirement announcement PALMYRA — When Fluvanna County Public Schools’ superintendent Dr. Tom...
- School Board budget still has to shrink Palmyra — Budget woes of the county met the harsh...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
