Campbell County schools facing $4.6 million cut

Campbell County Schools face a $4.6 million cut in state aid under the governor’s proposed budget, and officials said Monday they are unsure how they will handle the deficit.

“I don’t know what the answer is,” Superintendent George Nolley said, adding cuts must be made; it’s just a matter of where. “We have very few frills that I’m aware of.”

Nolley presented the anticipated shortfall to Campbell County School Board members Monday. He said based on Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s proposal, the school division stands to lose millions of dollars that could equate to a loss of at least 80 positions. The average school site, including central office, he said, could lose 4.5 positions.

“Keep in mind what you’ve heard up until this point is the governor’s proposal,” Nolley said.

Once the 2009 legislative session convenes Jan. 14, it will be up to the governor and legislators to hammer out a final budget. Nolley told board members the numbers will likely change.

Released on Dec. 16, the governor’s proposal made dramatic reductions to education spending, which had been spared in the first three rounds of budget cuts. Kaine’s proposal to cap state spending on support staff, such as aides and administrative staff, has raised the most eyebrows.

According to the proposal, the state would fund just one support position for every 4.03 instructional positions. The measure is expected to save more than $340 million in the 2009-10 school year, when the formula would take effect. Virginia has not used a formula to fund support staff in the past but does use one, based on student-teacher ratios, to fund instructional staff.

The formula has met opposition among state and local education officials because it would essentially cut funding for support staff permanently. When the economy rebounds the funding would still be gone, Nolley explained to the board.

Campbell County Schools, which receives about two thirds of its funding from the state, will be hit hard by the proposed cuts.

“When the state goes south it has a major impact on us,” Nolley said.

In a memo given to school board members, Nolley outlined budget possibilities, which included eliminating or reducing programs, consolidating or closing schools, changing attendance boundaries, reducing the length of the school week and reducing the salaries of existing staff.

“I don’t see how you can get around the business of reducing or eliminating programs,” Nolley said, later adding he would hate to see any consideration given to reducing salaries.

Robert Johnson, assistant superintendent for administration, said if school division officials were to enact any type of salary reductions they would need to notify personnel by April 15. The school system’s completed budget must be sent to the Board of Supervisors in April as well.

During Monday’s meeting no action was taken. Nolley said school administration will study possible options to bring back to the board, which will make the final decisions. The board will hold a budget public hearing Feb. 2 and will likely take up more budget talks then. Nolley said at this point only one thing is clear.

“This is going to put an extreme amount of stress on central office staff and principals.”

In other news, the board:

- Reorganized, voting Leon Brandt as the board’s new chairman and Roger Akers as vice chairman. The board also agreed to continue the same schedule, meeting on the first and third Monday of each month. Although, they will not meet Jan. 19.

- Tentatively set the first day of school for the 2009-2010 year for Aug. 24. A complete calendar will likely come back to the board at its next meeting.