WJCC Budget Gets OK, Board Vows to Take Closer, Earlier Look

By Amber Lester Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The Williamsburg-James City County School Board unanimously approved the budget at a special meeting on Tuesday, but many members weren't happy with the final product.

In a work session prior to the vote, several members expressed disappointment in the budget preparation process for the 2010-2011 school year. Among their complaints, members cited the delay in the presentation of Superintendent Gary Mathews' proposed budget and the divergent numbers between the proposed budgets from the state. But the board also resolved to meet earlier in the year to prepare for next year's budget, with member John Alewynse saying they couldn't blame the administration for the situation.

Member Jim Kelly summed up his feelings by saying he wouldn't vote against the budget in protest, but did not feel like he'd had a chance to give it a good look. "This budget has been a moving target," he said. "I'm concerned that we haven't had the opportunity to appropriately vet the pros and the cons."

When Mathews' proposal was first released on March 11, the administration anticipated a revenue shortfall totaling $6.5 million. That first proposal eliminated or reduced 17 instructional positions and 28.5 full-time and part-time administrative and support positions, along with summer school for high school students and decreased tuition assistance for teachers. The budget also eliminated funding for the Assistant Superintendent of Operations, a position that will be vacated when Bob Becker leaves this summer to become the new superintendent of Pulaski County schools.

Within a week, however, the General Assembly passed a budget with positive news for WJCC. Due to dramatic reductions in the Virginia Retirement System rates, WJCC gained $2,004,702. Last week, the school administration recommended using the additional money to restore several of the planned cuts, including 17 full-time teacher positions and nine full-time teacher assistant positions, along with funding for summer school and tuition assistance. The new budget also reflected the board's desire to add a position for an executive director of human resources.

At Tuesday's work session, the board was presented with more recommended changes. After receiving specific numbers from the state and localities, the superintendent's proposed revenue dipped by $37,880. The recommendation also included changes discussed at the school board's March 17 budget work session.

The newest budget removed funds for security and a guidance position at the Academy of Life and Learning. The budget also added $40,000 of anticipated costs for the census.

During discussion, board member Elise Emanuel recommended adding a part-time coordinator of the social studies curriculum for the division. Emanuel, a former social studies teacher, said it was a big responsibility that shouldn't be placed on the shoulders of Dianna Lindsay, executive director of secondary instruction and staff development.

Member John Alewynse agreed with Emanuel's idea, saying of all the places in America, Williamsburg should have a good history and social studies program. "We should be a national leader in this respect," he said.

In a unanimous vote, the board also agreed to engage the Virginia School Board Association in its search for the division's next superintendent. Mathews told the board in November he won't request an extension of his contract, set to end June 30, 2011. The national search will cost $10,000 plus fees; the cost is based on the size of the district.

The VSBA staff will meet with the board to discuss search procedures; help develop a list of criteria for job candidates; monitor the search process to ensure the quality and quantity of candidates and ensure the legality of the process; perform initial screenings of candidate files; offer recommendations; prepare interview questions; and consult as needed.