2010-11 Budget Outlook

As we begin second semester of the 2009-10 school year, our thoughts will soon turn to warmer weather, graduation and summer vacations. Although we all look forward to the various signs of spring, there is still much work to be done during this school year.

As students and staff continue their hard work in our schools, the School Board and I are in the midst of developing a budget for the 2010-11 school year. News from Richmond continues to be bleak as it relates to funding for public education. With the continued struggles in our economy, we all have been faced with decisions about how to spend our money. Our school division is no exception. Over the next several months, the School Board will be engaged in what will be a very difficult budget process.

While last year’s budget development process was also difficult, we received a reprieve when President Obama’s stimulus package was passed by Congress. As a result, our school division received nearly $615,000 most of which was used to maintain our staff. Unfortunately, the second half of the stimulus money, which was to be received next year, has been used to offset continued losses during this fiscal year. Even with the stimulus money available this year, our 2009-10 budget is nearly $400,000 less than the 2008-09 spending plan.

Our initial planning for the 2010-11 budget began in December when former Governor Kaine released his proposed budget for the next biennium. The proposal included additional cuts of approximately $393,000 for Radford City Schools. The first budget draft presented to the Board on January 26 includes cuts of nearly $191,000, and does not include staff reductions. While all of the cuts ultimately impact the quality of our school system, the School Board has committed to maintaining our current staff, and to protecting programs for students. The commitment to staff and programs will make the next round of reductions very difficult.

Even with the bleak economic forecast for the foreseeable future, please know that we stand committed to providing the best possible education for our students. Radford City Schools has always been recognized for quality education and we will continue on our path of excellence.