Staunton Schools budget a lean one

By: Bob Stuart | News Virginian
Published: March 16, 2010

STAUNTON – The 2010-11 Staunton Schools budget passed by the Staunton School Board Monday of more than $25 million takes funding levels back to 2006.

And while the budget includes a loss of nearly 33 staff members, early retirements and other measures mean only 17 people will lose their jobs, and that includes only two half-time teachers and one school psychologist.

The 15 support staff not coming back in Staunton are in part compensated for next year by the use of inmate labor for custodial services.

The message heard repeatedly from school board members Monday night was for everyone in the audience to ask state and federal representatives to increase money for education.

“We can’t take public education for granted anymore,’’ said School Board Vice Chairman Rod Owen.

Board members Ron Ramsey and Daniel Stuhlsatz both urged the audience to contact their elected representatives to help with funding.

Charlie Phibbs, the school district’s finance director, said next year’s budget is nearly $4.7 million less than the current budget.

But Phibbs acknowledged that federal stimulus money accounts for part of the greater budget amount.

And while there are no raises for teachers, administrators or support staff next year, there are no pay cuts or furloughs either.

Staunton Schools Superintendent Steven Nichols said despite the painful nature of putting together next year’s budget, “we will be stronger for what we have gone through.”

Nichols said all employees in the Staunton Schools have sacrificed for one reason: “the kids.”

Phibbs detailed the bleak nature of future budgets.

He said already, the Staunton Schools are looking at a shortfall for the 2011-12 budget.

And Phibbs said the Virginia General Assembly’s deferring part of retirement system payments to state employees must be paid back starting in 2013.

Nichols said the General Assembly decision to defer full retirement payments will prove costly later.

“The money will have to be recouped plus a surcharge,’’ he said. “We will be stuck sooner than later.”