Institutions in waiting

Westwood Hills Elementary Principal Renae Deffenbaugh would like to see a painted and refinished gym floor at her school.

Part of almost $1.8 million in federal stimulus money going to Waynesboro Schools next fiscal year could make that happen.

A new gym was constructed and a floor installed in a school renovation almost a decade ago, but the Westwood gym floor since has been punished by five physical education classes a day and city parks and recreation use.

“It’s being used for the right things, for the children and the community,’’ Deffenbaugh said.

School officials across the Shenandoah Valley are pleased about the federal money that will soon flow to them from the stimulus package.

But the school leaders don’t have a clear reading on how the money can be used, except for those funds tied to special education and Title I programs.

“As we get the information, we will pass it on to school divisions,’’ said Charles Pyle, a spokesman for the Virginia Department of Education.

What is clear is that spending the money will require diligent record-keeping.

“We have been urged by the federal government to have a high degree of transparency, even down to the particular schools,’’ said Mark Lotts, finance director for the Augusta County Schools.

Lotts said the Augusta County Schools are slated to get $3.7 million for 2009-10 exclusive of Title I and special education stimulus offerings.

Augusta County administrators have ideas about how to spend the money, but they are waiting for more information on the guidelines, Lotts said.

“We don’t want to use the money for recurring costs such as salaries,’’ he said.

Augusta County Superintendent Gary McQuain said technology and maintenance to buildings are likely uses for some of the money. But he’s still not sure.

“It is frustrating right now,’’ McQuain said. “The whole plan is to spend the money quickly. It is positive for the community but it is uncertain what we can do.”

The Waynesboro School Board was given a list of possible funding options Monday night by Superintendent Robin Crowder.

Crowder listed additional staffing under Title I such as a reading specialist at William Perry Elementary, and technology software for the special education program.

Capital improvements include the gym floors at both Westwood and William Perry, window replacements for the central office and Wayne Hills Center and the purchase of custodial equipment.

The school board will work with Crowder and his staff over the coming weeks to further prioritize stimulus spending.