CC schools to ask supervisors for level funding in 2014-15

Charles City school board members approved a $10,083,325 budget for the 2014-15 school year at their March 18 work session. The vote passed 3-2, with at-large member Steve Fuhrmann and District 3 representative Martha Harris casting the dissenting votes.

Discussions emerged based on the county school officials’ March 7 meeting. There, school officials voted 4-1 to ask supervisors for level funding for county schools. Schools were budgeted just over $4.5 million in local dollars for the current school year.

But major complications stand in the way of schools’ request. Interim school finance director Ray Watson indicated if the $4.5 million is granted, schools will still have to cut $344,053 from the budget due to loss of state grant money. At the March 18 meeting, a list of proposed cuts were presented to school board members.

Major cuts include one preschool class ($65,467), Governor’s school tuition ($28,078 from no new enrollment), and a school nurse ($68,520).

Fuhrmann entered a vote against approving the tentative budget, citing figures suggesting a possible further reduction in local funding.

“I don’t see how we can sit up here with information at hand with the understanding that our primary funders are planning to reduce the schools by $850,000,” he said. “I don’t understand why we aren’t building our budget under the assumption that we will be working with $3.8 million in local revenue.”

Harris’ vote focused on the termination of what she deemed as a crucial position for the schools.

“I am voting no because I can’t see one nurse working all three schools,” she said, pointing out the item on the list of recommendations. “I don’t want to have a nurse have to drive from one school to the next in case of an emergency.”

Watson said at the March 7 meeting that the first option is more feasible than two other options. Option two involves the $4.5 million plus asking the county to cover the $344,053 shortfall. Option three could jeopardize at least 10 employee positions in the school system.

According to superintendent of schools Janet Crawley, a meeting with county representatives yielded a projected county revenue shortfall due to less revenue coming from Waste Management. Figures received by the superintendent indicate the local contribution to schools could be reduced by $850,000. That reduction not only will result in termination of positions and programs, but could result in federal sanctions.

“These potential future cuts will result in MOE (maintenance of effort) financial sanctions,” Crawley informed school board members.

“The federal department of education will come down to Charles City schools and present a bill,” added Watson, providing more details. “If that happens, not only will we have cuts, but we may have to pay a fine that can be upwards of $200,000.

If schools reduce funding by $850,000, the total local contribution to schools will be just under $3.8 million. Board members viewed possible reductions if that route is dictated.

Positions listed under the $3.8 million option that could face elimination include three teachers (one at each school at $48,882 apiece), one special education teacher ($48,882), one guidance counselor ($50,902), an in-school suspension coordinator ($20,000), an administrator ($66,669), and all teacher aides ($127,215).

Programs are also in jeopardy in the worst-case scenario. Topping the list is the preschool program ($130,683), the high school JROTC program ($70,000), athletics ($41,419), and after school remediation ($32,010).

Fuhrmann expressed dismay over the list, referring to the number of cuts that affect the classroom.

“Half of these cuts are in instructional costs,” he said. “If we have to make these cuts, I’d like to see reductions in non-essential areas first.”

Viewing the possibility of losing more money, chairwoman Helen Payne-Jones pushed for the option to request level funding from county supervisors.

“I think we should ask for level funding or else we will be sanctioned by the federal government,” she said.

The superintendent spoke up, reemphasizing that board members must focus on their duties to county students.

“I understand the predicament the county is in,” said Crawley. “But I do need to say to you that your responsibility is to look out for the children first.”

School board members Barbara Crawley and Harris agreed, saying everybody has to chip in to help solve the county’s financial crisis.

“I am willing to accept a real estate tax raise to help as long as it’s designated to the schools,” said Barbara Crawley.

“The school system did not cause this problem,” added Harris. “Everybody needs to share with this responsibility. If taxes are raised and they are designated to the schools, I would have no problem with that.”