York Schools Will Ask Supes for More Money

By Amber Lester Thursday, March 18, 2010

The York County School Board agreed to ask the board of supervisors for an additional $602,000 in funding at its Wednesday work session.

The board met to discuss Superintendent Eric Williams’ updated budget proposal, which reflected changes in the General Assembly’s budget, approved Sunday. The GA budget reduced Virginia Retirement System payments for school divisions, resulting in a savings of $3.5 million for York County schools.

Even with that boost, the proposed budget’s expenditure reductions total $6,519,651. The budget proposal cuts 30 positions (no layoffs), including seven in the school board office, seven in operations and maintenance, 10 teaching positions and six para-educators.

The teaching positions cut would include four elementary positions that were on hold this year; four special education teachers and one interpreter due to lower special ed enrollment; and one elementary Assessment, Compliance and Intervention position.

Williams suggested the board request $500,000 to save 10 teaching positions that would be cut otherwise. That money would pay for four elementary, three middle school and three high school teaching positions, thus avoiding an increase of four to five students per class in the affected grade levels. The additional funds would also keep class sizes low at the secondary level.

The board agreed to bring up the suggestion at its joint meeting with the board of supervisors at 7 p.m. on March 24 at York Hall. “I know the board of supervisors have always asked that if we see a catastrophic need, to ask them,” said Mark Medford, school board chair. He added the school board would be direct. “We’ll say we’re making this request because we have to.”

Upon reviewing plans to cut eight para-educator positions, school board members asked how much it would cost to save six of those jobs. Williams estimated about $102,000; the board came to a consensus to add that amount to their request to the board of supervisors.

Part of their motivation to try to restore para-educator positions is a $75,000 reduction to remediation funding for personnel and supplies. “Our children are at stake,” said board member Barbara Haywood. “I don’t want to lose all the para-educators, even if it’s just two or three left.”

Williams supported the board’s decision, saying, “Para-educators are designed to support all students. In extensive discussions with principals, they put a greater emphasis on para-educators over remediation programs after school.”

The proposal also trims $830,000 from non-personnel costs, such as technology refurbishment, textbooks, miscellaneous supplies and equipment, contractual services, the replacement fund for maintenance vehicles, fuel, professional development and travel. For example, the division would no longer pay for some Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests, would reduce tuition assistance for teachers and would reduce travel 20 percent across the division.

“There is no way around it; teaching and learning will be affected,” Williams said after reviewing his proposal.