Lynchburg schools to take on next year’s budget

Lynchburg City School Board will begin to tackle next year’s budget at a meeting Tuesday.

Division officials have previously said they expect reduction in state aid to result in a shortfall of between $3.7 million and $6 million. Today, school administration is expected to propose cuts and areas where staff could be reduced.

According to agenda materials, the board is not expected to make a decision on any cuts. Budget materials presented will be informational. The board will also hear public comments on its 2009-2010 budget today. A budget work session is scheduled for Jan. 12.

School board members are also expected to approve two budget adjustments for the current fiscal year because of the receipt of two grants. The division will receive a Project Graduation grant for about $10,000 and another grant for $5,000 from the Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation.

During the first meeting of the New Year, officials are also expected to discuss a textbook adoption for advanced placement world history and the division’s 2009 summer programs.

The only change to 2009 summer programs, according to agenda materials, is to the elementary remedial program. Previously the division has offered both reading and math instruction, but in 2009 they will only offer reading. The locations of the various programs are also subject to change as officials look to conserve resources.

The textbook adoption is expected only to be discussed. School administration is proposing the adoption of “World Civilization: The Global Experience,” fifth edition. The adoption is estimated to cost between $15,464 and $16,374.