Written By: Faryal Zubair, Editor-In-Chief
Three million dollars. This sum of money is what the Waynesboro Public Schools will be losing in the next school year. Running the district as if it hasn’t suffered from such a great loss is what Superintendent Dr. Robin Crowder calls “impossible.”
“Public schools in Virginia have really been protected from the state and national recession,” said Crowder regarding any previous cuts in the school’s budget.
Waynesboro Public Schools get their funding from three main sources: the state, local, and federal governments. The biggest source, almost half of the funding, comes from the state. However, Waynesboro’s share of state revenues has fallen $2.6 million short of the projection in former Governor Kaine’s 2010-11 budget. But that isn’t all. Due to additional cuts made by Governor McDonnell, Waynesboro Public Schools will lose another $400,000 in order to balance the state’s budget.
In order to maintain the school system, cuts have to be made.
“Kids might notice higher student to teacher ratio,” said Crowder.
Waynesboro Public Schools will be losing at least 13 professional teachers and members of the support staff (bus drivers, aides, etc.). Twelve-month employees will also experience about four furlough days: days when they can’t work and don’t receive pay. There will be no supplemental pay for heads of department. No one will be getting a raise.
Another way cuts are being made is by offering the Early Retirement Incentive plan.
“It’s what I’d call a buyout,” said Crowder about the one time offer.
Some teachers are being persuaded to retire early by offering them a better package including more money. How is this possible when the budget for next year is so tight? It’s possible because the Early Retirement Incentive plan is being paid for by this year’s budget. The school system will then save money by not having to pay the higher salaries that the most experienced teachers earn.
“The most obvious thing will be that there will be a couple fewer teachers,” said Assistant Principal Matt Schult.
Waynesboro High School will be losing two teachers, one who will be retiring and one whose position will be lost due to the Reduction-In-Force (RIF) policy. The policy requires that the last person hired in a specific department will be the first person let go. The school will also lose one secretary position and two teacher’s aides will be replaced.
Dual enrollment classes will no longer be funded by WHS. Previously, students could take classes earning them college credits from Blue Ridge Community College at no cost. However, students will have to pay to take these courses in the next school year.
Rumors have been spreading about athletics being cut at Kate Collins Middle School due to budget cuts. Crowder denies this.
“We want to continue the athletic program but pay for it differently,” he said.
He said that coaches and athletes need to figure out a way to reduce costs by self-sustaining through concessions, fundraising, and tickets.
“We’re hoping that students won’t see a tremendous difference,” said Schult about cuts in other areas. “There will definitely be changes but that’s inevitable.”
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