Parents, teachers protest Bedford school cuts

BEDFORD — Residents, teachers and parents voiced opposition to school closures, job cuts and pay reductions before the Bedford County School Board on Thursday.

A crowd of several hundred packed the auditorium of the Bedford Science & Technology Center and many held signs in protest of those potential measures during the board’s public hearing on the proposed 2010-2011 budget.

To offset a projected $7 million funding shortfall that could grow worse depending on the outcome of the state budget, Superintendent Douglas Schuch has recommended laying off 124 full-time employees, charging fees for extracurricular activities and closing two elementary schools in Thaxton and Body Camp. The board is also exploring the possibility of pay cuts but no final decisions are expected until next month.

Residents said Thaxton and Body Camp elementaries, both in rural parts of Bedford County that have low student enrollment, are the hearts of their communities. Under Schuch’s plan, the schools would be taken offline and reconfigured as preschool centers.

“We need these two schools drastically,” said Kelly Overstreet, a parent who urged board members to focus on choosing necessities in the budget.

“If you close Body Camp, we will have children left behind,” said Wanda Smith, a former student at the school.

Numerous speakers praised the close-knit, personal atmosphere the two schools provide and how important the staff members are to their children. Brenda Smith, a parent at Body Camp, said she would be willing to take a second job to keep it open.

“Here in Body Camp, teachers know who my children are,” said Smith.

The majority of the savings from the cuts would come from the layoffs, Schuch has said. The division is conducting an anonymous survey, at the board’s direction, to learn where employees stand on a 1 to 10 percent “across the board” pay reduction, spokesman Ryan Edwards said. Board members are expected to discuss the results next week.

Several teachers pointed out during the hearing their salaries are already among the lowest in the region and it is unfair for them to assume the burden.

“It’s not the fact that I am not willing to, it’s the fact that I’m not able to,” said Jennifer Hall, a teacher, in regard to accepting pay cuts.

Board members said they could sense the emotions and said they are constantly thinking of challenges facing the school system, which includes 21 schools, more than 10,000 students and 1,700 employees.

“In hard times, we have to eat beans,” said board member Joy Wright. “I think we’re in a lose-lose situation. Anything we choose to do will probably not be popular with a particular group of people.”

Gary Hostutler, the board member who represents Forest, said he could understand the restraint county officials have used in recent years to not raise taxes. Hostutler said he agreed with several speakers during the hearing who said it is unfair for the affected employees losing their job to bear the burden of massive cuts.

Some said they would accept a local tax increase the help the struggling division retain its quality of education.

“We’re all looking to sacrifice. I’m certainly willing to put the money on the table,” said Hostutler in regard to a tax increase. “Something’s got to give when we see this cut in state funding.”

Members of the Bedford County Board of Supervisors have said the county is facing its own fiscal challenges and have remained steadfast against raising taxes to generate extra money in this economy. Supervisors are set to hold a public hearing on the county’s 2010-2011 budget on April 5.

School officials are expected to approve the budget near the end of March.