SCHOOL BUDGETING FOLLOWS SCRIPT

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, January 4, 1992                   TAG: 9201040091
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Short
SCHOOL BUDGETING FOLLOWS SCRIPT
It's becoming an annual event. First, the School Board spends weeks debating next year's budget. Then, about the time the board's proposed budget - always bigger than the last one - heads for City Council, it crosses paths with a council directive for all city departments to cut spending.
That's how it went last year - and is going this year. The only real difference is the figures. They're bigger.
The School Board gave final approval to its $7.56-million 1992-93 budget Thursday. It reflects an increase of 7 percent over this year's budget and a whopping 18 percent more in city funds.
Council has asked the board and other city agencies to cut 1992-93 spending by 3 percent. Last year, council asked for level funding - that is, no increases.
Board members and Superintendent Michael Wright took note of the request, but they cited state law that requires school officials to "prepare an estimate of the amount of money deemed to be needed during the next fiscal year in support of public schools and the school division."
The board is asking the city to increase local money by $629,000. It hopes to give school employees 6 percent raises and a slightly improved salary scale, at an estimated cost of $328,165.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB