Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 15, 1993 TAG: 9312150027
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By Robert Freis staff writer
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Short
By eliminating nearly all new construction projects and by halving requested salary increases, the board produced a preliminary budget of around $8 million.
That figure, which represents about a half-million dollar increase over the present budget, includes a three percent salary increase for teachers and school personnel.
The Radford Education Association had requested a seven percent salary and scale increase.
The Board retained funding for items such as new instructional and health employees, benefits and athletic programs.
New and expanded school facilities are desperately needed but not financially realistic for next year, board members decided.
Also not included in next year's budget was a new full-day kindergarten program that would have cost around $500,000. Even after the cuts, some board members worried that a significant budget increase would be unacceptable to Radford City Council.
"I don't have a problem with this budget," Carter Effler said. "But we're talking about a sizable property tax increase in an election year . . . I don't think Council is going to do that."
Chairman Guy Gentry said the economy and misunderstandings among members of City Council about the necessity to fund certain school programs might work against a half-million dollar increase.
The School Board will meet again Thursday to vote on a final budget proposal.
by CNB