Board Holds Tight To Jobs Fund Money
Published 4:29 pm Tuesday, December 14, 2010
BUCKINGHAM – Although some may sigh Bah Humbug, the School Board, at its December meeting, concurred with a recommendation by Superintendent Gary Blair to hold off expending $570,011 of Jobs Fund money until more information on the FY12 budget is acquired.
Although several neighboring school divisions are using the funds for one-time bonuses, Dr. Blair shared his concern that the governor's budget proposal does not come out until December 17.
With budgetary figures projected on the wall, Blair said the composite index hold harmless would mean a decrease of $230,713. Additionally, the superintendent explained that along with reductions of $283,534 in Title I ARRA money; IDEA ARRA $240,256; IDEA ARRA preschool $17,586; and ARRA Ed Technology $16,607; they would also experience a decrease of $68,384 in affected salaries. Blair said the reductions total $857,080.
According to the superintendent, if the $570,011 in jobs funding were used to reduce that loss in revenue for FY12, the division would have a deficit of $287,069.
“However, that's not the whole story,” stated Blair, noting the governor was talking about reducing base aid by 2.46 percent. “Another difference will be the funding formula-there's just so much that we don't know yet,” shared Blair.
“We do not have stability right now,” said Blair. “We do not have a real rosy picture.”
Blair offered that he and the board could play Santa, which he said he would love to do because the employees haven't had a raise for three years. “However, if we do that now, come next year, we could have that much more to find,” he stated.
Noting that they would be facing tough choices, Blair said they needed to see what the governor was going to say. Moreover, he said they needed to talk with County Administrator Rebecca Carter to find out what the board of supervisors may be able to do.
Referencing that local funding, Blair stated, “They have been generous. They have gone beyond what they have had to do in the past. But this is all changing now. It is a whole different way of looking at school funding and it is a scary thing.”
Blair told the board, “So I would like to get the time to wait-to get more information.”
However, he added. “As a board, if you all decide you would like to use that as a one-time bonus, I'd have nothing against that. But I want you to go with your eyes wide open knowing that if we do that, people may feel good for the holiday season and the New Year but they may feel real bad when the numbers come out for next year's budget.”
He cautioned, “It's a guarded forecast. It's a scary forecast because we don't know where the cuts will come.” Blair added, “It's a very uncertain forecast.”
David Christian agreed that it would be nice to be able to give all the employees a bonus but if the figures stay in the red, it could mean cutting jobs.
Blair stated that he was planning to have voluntary meetings after school hours at central locations to talk about the budget so that people would understand.
Christian stated, “My opinion is to hold on to it.” He added that if they have the funds at the end of the fiscal year they could give a raise at that time. “It's insurance for us right now.”
Continuing, Christian shared that at a recent Virginia School Boards Association meeting, the sentiment was that there was “not a whole lot of good coming out of Richmond.”
He shared, “I am more concerned now than I was at this time last year.”
Both Blair and Christian expressed concern about the possibility of a change in funding formulas, which would require 65 percent of the budget to go to instruction.
Christian, noting the expense rural counties face with transportation and other issues, offered, “I am encouraging everyone to talk with their representatives about voting against the 65 percent rule.”
Beginning with the elementary building project on Route 20, Blair said the construction firm was on-site and working with asbestos and PCBs removal before moving forward with the actual renovation/construction.
“You'll see more and more activity as the days go on,” he assured.
Blair shared that he, Chip Davis, and Dr. Jim Dumminger recently reviewed the total budget for the capital-building project.
In turn, Blair said he made some recommendations to VMDO that would lower the cost for the project to $24,012,204.
According to Blair, that figure, which is approximately $1 million less than initially projected, does include the bus canopy but reduced the construction contingency to $1 million; cut the amount projected for the clerk of the works from $100,000 to $60,000; and reduced the amount for construction testing and inspections from $200,000 to $150,000.
Blair added that they all felt “very comfortable” with the modifications.
According to the superintendent, they have added terrazzo floors to the plans; and, included an additional $75,604 for the Davis-Bacon Act, which covers federal wage mandates.
Noting that the board of supervisors wanted the budget in place before it would appropriate the money, Blair asked for authorization to present the proposed budget to the BOS at its December meeting.
Blair reminded, “This is still a planning document.” He pointed out that until they have the actual spec sheets and bid them out, they would not have the exact figures.
He offered, “We feel really good about what we have here so far.” Blair continued, “We are still within the desired $24.1 million. I don't see us going over that unless we have unexpected problems or change orders.”
Ivan “Chip” Davis, facilities director, reported that 15 workers are currently on site and should peak with 50 workers.
“Everything is coming out of the building-and it's all handwork,” explained Davis. “They have removed the dead and dying trees from around the buildings.” He offered, “We are starting to rock and roll.”
When Vice Chair Ed Wise questioned what areas would have the terrazzo floors, Blair said the flooring would be in the hallways, entrances of both schools and in the cafeteria.
Davis said he conducted a cost analysis on the terrazzo flooring and it would definitely pay for itself many times over. He added that it would also take out the imperfections in the buildings.
Subsequently, the school board authorized Blair to present the proposed $24 million budget to the board of supervisors.
Moving on to the transportation/maintenance facility, Blair said they received temporary occupancy of the transportation bay. He added that demolition of the old bus garage should begin later in the week.
According to Blair, the HVAC system has been activated and the bathroom walls were redone. He updated the board on the progress of installing the fuel tanks and pumps.
“This is a great facility,” stated Blair. “I am sorry we are not in it yet. Some of that is probably due to the contractor; some of it is due to the things that we wanted done.”
Responding to questions posed last month about the BCHS student activity fee, Blair provided a report on the funds.
He said $5,250 has been collected, with $90 of that amount representing a donation from a youth group.
According to Blair, $189 was spent for a bowling trip for honor roll students, with an additional $33.60 for the bus driver; $48.96 for candy to those with perfect attendance; and $1,654.30 purchased academic jackets.
The jackets will be presented to students during an upcoming awards ceremony for academic achievements, explained BCHS Principal Roger Coleman.
Concurring with the superintendent's recommendation, the board agreed to request the board of supervisors authorize a carry-over of $312,622 from the FY10 budget to the FY11 budget.
During the budget discussion, David Christian asked about the overall outlook for the 2012 budget. He shared that he wasn't hearing anything positive.
Agreeing, Blair stated, “It looks awful.”
The board added Gold Hill Elementary School and the new bus garage and maintenance facility to the Honeywell contract for HVAC maintenance.
Blair explained the two facilities would add $4,646 to the contract for the rest of the budget year.
December's meeting began in the auditorium at Buckingham County High School with a recognition assembly. The assembly honored students receiving a perfect score of 600 on at least one Standards of Learning tests administered during the 2009-10 school year.
With parents and other relatives present to offer congratulatory support, 213 students were recognized for earning 293 perfect scores.
Of those honored, two students, Margaret Vaughan, who is now in the ninth grade; and Bridgett Cerritos, a senior, achieved 600's on four SOL's.
Prior to the impressive roll call, Chairman Acie Allen told the audience, “Today is one of the two best meetings of the year because today we get to recognize-during the daytime, during school hours-our students who have done really well.”
As the names were called, students walked across the stage where they were congratulated by each member of the school board and Superintendent Dr. Gary Blair.
At the conclusion of the roll call, Blair called for a round of applause from the students and the audience. Once the noise subsided, he thanked administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, and students for making the success possible. “I am so proud of you,” said Blair.
During his superintendent's report, Blair provided a timetable for the division's comprehensive school plan.
He said the plan will focus on five areas-instruction and assessment; community relations and communication; career and technical education; technology; and, professional development.
According to Blair, a survey to all stakeholders will go out in January with an analysis of the results and development of the comprehensive planning committee in February. In March, he anticipates the goals and action plans will be developed, with refinement, review, and prioritizing completed by May. Then, the target projects implementation of the plan will begin by July.
Referencing the focus areas, Blair offered, “That could change because we don't work in a vacuum. We reflect our community. We reflect the needs of the division and also the requirements of the state of Virginia and beyond with the federal guidelines.”
He advised the board, “It is a healthy process and you will be deeply involved.”
The board approved a list of college credit courses that will be offered to the public beginning on January 10, at the Vocational Center/Career and Technical Center.
Offered through Southside Virginia Community College, the courses include Introduction to Computer Application, a three credit course taught on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m.; Introduction to Business, three credits, Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Equine Management, a one-credit course will be offered January 12 through February 9, on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; and Veterinary Assisting, is a one-credit course offered from January 10 to February 14, on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30.
Additionally, Nurse Aide will be offered on Tuesdays from 5 to 10 p.m. Nurse Aide Clinical will be held on Thursdays, from 5 to 10 p.m. These are five credit classes.
An Introduction to Welding course is also planned and specifics will be announced later.
The board unanimously approved its consent agenda. Along with minutes, bills and accounts, the agenda included building and grounds request. Among those requests were use of school grounds and parking areas for Buckingham County Day, scheduled for Saturday, May 14.
John Sedgwick, father of a BCHS student, shared his concerns about conflicting dates for major events such as graduation.
He explained that last year, the BCHS graduation ceremony took place on the same day as the state's championship track meet.
“It's looking like this year it is on the same collision course again,” he stated. Noting the SOL recognition, Sedgwick reinforced the need to recognize and support students for their accomplishments.
“We should be encouraging these kids to do the best they can in everything they do,” said Sedgwick.
He called for better coordination and planning with scheduling events to avoid such conflicts.
Responding, Allen offered that Sedgwick had a very valid point that needs to be addressed.
Blair reminded school board members of the January 15 state deadline for filing their Statement of Economic Interest forms.
“It's something we do every year to show you don't have a conflict of interest,” added Blair.
The board selected Pete Gowin as its representative for the Virginia School Boards Association Insurance Services Programs. Moreover, they nominated Gowin to the VSBA Insurance Supervisory Board.
Christian, noting Gowin's business experience and his years as an educator and administrator, recommended Gowin for both positions.
The board nominated Christian as its representative to the National School Boards Association Federal Relations Network Conference in Washington.
Following a closed session, the board released two students from compulsory attendance.
The board approved the personnel agenda as presented. Resignations included Kim Price-Chambers as BCMS girls' basketball coach and Doug Adams as assistant track coach.
Appointments included the hiring of Ashley Davis as a special education aide at Buckingham Primary. Justin Boucher was appointed BCMS girls basketball coach; Marla Wayman, assistant track coach; and Doug Adams, assistant JV baseball coach.
Before adjourning, the board congratulated BCHS senior Lee Ann Ragland for being selected as one of 13 Virginia 4-H'ers to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia.
