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.
“A number of things have happened even since last week,” said board chairwoman Julie Doyle, adding budget figures are constantly changing.
Board members were expected to OK a 2009-10 budget, which could have included the elimination of 31 teaching jobs and 18 teacher assistants. The fate of those jobs, and other various proposed cuts, will remain in limbo while officials try to finalize a budget.
The board voted to table budget talks on its $84 million budget until next week when they hope to have a better idea of state revenue and specifics on a proposed enhanced retirement incentive plan.
During last week’s work session, officials were trying to close a nearly $5 million funding gap. This week, after several revenue changes, officials said the gap is approximately $4.3 million.
While discussion of cuts was halted, Superintendent Paul McKendrick did say one proposal was officially taken off the table — one-day furloughs. After conferring with the division’s lawyer, McKendrick said the division is unable to do furloughs because of the way contracts are written. Furloughs were expected to save the division about $354,078.
Still charged with trimming millions from its budget, the board did review the savings impact of an enhanced retirement incentive plan included in the state budget passed by the Virginia House of Delegates.
The plan, expected to be discussed by the state Senate today, would be voluntary for school boards and could allow them to purchase years of service, which would allow for earlier retirement of eligible employees.
Fred Stanbery, director of personnel, said a survey of the 211 eligible employees found at least 87 would retire if the division purchased five years of service. Stanbery estimated that would provide a total savings of about $1.8 million next year.
The retirement plan is just one of several variables in the division’s final budget, which must be sent to city leadership by March 1. Some board members requested McKendrick ask the city manager for more time to complete the budget. He said he would ask, but the board also voted to tentatively meet Feb. 26 if an extension isn’t possible.
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