VERONA — Augusta County Superintendent Gary McQuain told school board members Thursday that the county is slated to get a $4.7 million cut in state aid for next year.
The bulk of the reduction comes in basic aid to the schools.
The cuts are part of Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine’s proposal to balance a state budget that has a $2.9 billion shortfall. Kaine’s proposal still must be approved by the Virginia General Assembly.
McQuain said the challenge for the Augusta County Schools is to trim a $102 million budget that has little to cut.
He said the school district could choose not to replace retirees in the 2009-10 budget, but McQuain does not expect many because of the troubled economy.
As for cutting administrators and support staff, McQuain said Augusta County has a “lean” operation, making it difficult to find savings in those areas.
“I don’t want to paint too gloomy a picture,’’ McQuain told school board members. He said the goal is to do the best to protect the school district’s instructional program.
The school board and administrators will gather Thursday at the Augusta County Government Center for an annual retreat where they will consider budget goals for 2009-10.
McQuain said “all options are on the table’’ in planning for next year’s budget.
Meanwhile, the school board reorganized for 2009.
Also on Thursday Middle River District member David Shiflett was elected without opposition to serve as chairman. Pastures District member John Ocheltree was selected vice chairman.
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