Lynchburg City Schools held its first monthly finance committee meeting Thursday, as part of a multi-pronged approach to keep a better eye on the school system’s books.

With official state funding figures in hand, the Lynchburg School Board made headway on its approximately $86.9 million budget.

This week’s big snowfall meant as many as three days off for lots of Lynchburg-area schoolchildren.
Now, some systems will amend calendars to make up days, while others already had inclement-weather time built into the schedule.

Lynchburg City School Board delayed the approval of its 2009-2010 budget again Tuesday.

The Lynchburg School Board is expected to approve its 2009-2010 budget tonight, after delaying the approval pending final state funding figures.

Lynchburg School Board has canceled its Thursday meeting.

Discussion about Lynchburg City Schools’ $440,000 budget deficit continued to linger Tuesday when two City Council members said they still had questions.

In the summer of 1996, two Virginia Beach school board members stood before a jury and heard their fates pronounced: not guilty.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Doucette said Friday he does not believe the city school system’s $440,000 deficit constitutes a crime and he will not open an investigation into the matter.

Lynchburg City Schools will hold its annual February job fair Saturday despite a gloomy economic outlook, a hiring freeze and more than 80 positions on the chopping block.
“I think the overall reaction has been one of ‘why are you doing this,’” said Fred Stanbery, director of personnel.

Fluctuating figures kept Lynchburg School Board from approving a budget Tuesday, and deciding the fate of more than 80 positions that could have been eliminated under a previously discussed proposal.

Lynchburg City School Board likely will approve the division’s 2009-2010 budget today, which could include the elimination of more than 80 positions.

The Lynchburg School Board may eliminate more than 80 positions next year, including 31 teaching jobs and 18 teacher assistants.

The cuts were recommended by Superintendent Paul McKendrick at a meeting earlier this week as part of a multi-pronged plan to close a projected shortfall of $5 million.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Doucette offered only brief comment Wednesday on the ongoing school deficit controversy, but did not signal he had any plans to intervene.

More than two dozen people spoke at a Lynchburg City Schools budget public hearing Wednesday where they presented ideas, survey results, poignant stories and a plea — be careful cutting positions and salaries.