Augusta Schools budget decision delayed

By: Bob Stuart | News Virginian
Published: March 19, 2010

VERONA – Stuarts Draft High School teacher Darren Ralston could symbolize the austere nature of the 2010-11 Augusta County Schools budget.

Ralston, an English teacher, told the Augusta County School Board on Thursday that he cannot afford to pay increased health care and retirement system contributions that county teachers may have to make to balance next year’s budget.

“I’ve heard the proposals and I would take home $200 less than what I need to live. I may need a second job,” said Ralston.

Ralston said he had no answers, but hopes the school board would find some in their deliberations.

A final vote on next year’s budget was delayed until Tuesday because the final calculations on state aid had not been received from the Virginia Department of Education by meeting time.

Augusta County Superintendent Gary McQuain said he and his staff have already trimmed $10 million from the funding level of the current year’s $100 million budget.

And McQuain said it is possible more cuts might be needed early next week.

“Our goal is to keep people working,” said McQuain, who said he might have to recommend another $1 million in cuts.

Those cuts could involve asking school district employees to pay more in benefit costs.

The superintendent said an early retirement incentive the school district offered resulted in 77 support staff, teachers and administrators taking advantage. And the superintendent said 34 of those who took the offer will not be replaced next year, including 21 teachers and six administrators.

School board members said Augusta County needs a break from the massive cuts in funding.

“We can’t take another hit next year like this,” said Middle River member David Shiflett.

Meanwhile, School Board Vice Chairman Nick Collins said applications for McQuain’s replacement have been closed.

Collins said the search committee would narrow down the applicant pool in closed session Thursday night to prepare for interviews of select candidates.

McQuain is retiring at the end of the school year after 13 years as the county superintendent.