Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 16, 1994 TAG: 9402160155
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Mercedes James, president of the Roanoke Education Association, was pleased that the raises were included in Harris' proposed $72.3 million budget instead of being among the supplemental requests.
"We are usually included in the School Board's wish list," James said.
In his first budget since becoming superintendent, Harris put high priority on raises to help Roanoke become more competitive with other school systems.
About two-thirds of the projected $2.9 million increase in the school budget - $1.9 million - would be earmarked for pay raises.
In recent years, Roanoke's teachers have not fared well in raises. The city has dropped to 65th in starting pay and 20th in average salary among 133 school systems in the state.
Roanoke ranks below Salem and Roanoke County in beginning and average salaries for teachers. Salem and Roanoke County have not disclosed their proposed pay raises for the next school year.
Harris has recommended a 3.5 percent raise for principals and a 3 percent increase for central office administrators.
At a public hearing on the budget Tuesday night, officers of several PTAs urged the School Board to provide resource teachers for gifted students at Crystal Spring, Grandin Court, Fishburn Park, Highland Park and Raleigh Court elementary schools.
Harris said he will try to meet that need by assigning one of two interns to identify special-need students.
As a result of comments on the preliminary budget, Harris said he will make some modifications, but the priorities won't change. He will submit the final budget March 8.
Harris' proposed budget also includes these recommendations:
School nurses: The equivalent of 3.6 full-time nurses will be added at a cost of $131,425, giving the school system the equivalent of 10.6 nurses.
Business-technical education: Will be expanded by adding high-technology courses and updating technology and keyboard labs at a cost of $187,300 in capital funds and $77,220 in operating costs.
Special needs: Students with special needs will have additional teachers and aides, at a cost of $217,920, to meet state mandates for special education. The budget includes $10,335 for elementary schools to identify gifted students.
Recruitment: Employee recruitment and professional development will be improved through an expanded internship program for teachers and administrators at a cost of $106,600.
Instructional technology: Will be improved through an additional $160,000 in capital and $50,000 in operating funds, and the reallocation of $35,000 in operating funds.
Health insurance: To maintain the current level of health insurance coverage for employees and to accommodate enrollment changes, inflation and other changes, an additional $756,638 is required.
by CNB