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

DATE: FRIDAY, April 1, 1994                   TAG: 9404010188
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ROANOKE COUNTY SCHOOLS STICK WITH BIG BUDGET

Despite Supervisor Harry Nickens' warning that the money might not be available, the School Board voted Thursday night to approve a $72.6 million budget that requires an increase of $4.1 million in local funds.

County officials have said they can provide an additional $2.5 million for the schools, but Nickens has held out little hope the extra $1.6 million will be available.

Despite their decision to ask for more money, board members said they hope to avoid a fight with the Board of Supervisors over the issue.

"We are not in an adversarial role. We are just asking for what is needed," said Jerry Canada, a board member. "The budget still does not meet all of our needs."

The School Board will meet with the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to discuss the budget.

"I hope the supervisors can find the money to provide what we need," said Chairman Frank Thomas.

Thomas said the schools have an acute need for at least half of the $1.6 million request to pay higher utility costs and other essential expenses.

If the schools don't get the money, Thomas said, the School Board will face some hard decisions.

Vice Chairman Maurice "Buck" Mitchell said the schools have struggled with inadequate funds for several years.

"We have patched, scrapped and done without needed equipment," Mitchell said.

"We have never had enough money for buses, special education, roofs, capital equipment and other things," Mitchell said.

"This is a budget of needs - not wants," said board member Charlsie Pafford.

The budget, which is up 6.6 percent, includes a salary increase of 3 percent for teachers, plus a scale adjustment that is equal to about 1 percent.

Superintendent Bayes Wilson said that the average raise for teachers will be 4 percent.

The budget also includes funds for 10 additional teachers, primarily in special education. There are funds to replace four buses, and additional replacements will be financed with surplus funds from the current fiscal year.

In other action Thursday night, the board:

Voted to participate in a campaign that is being sponsored by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber to persuade businesses to donate used computers to Roanoke Valley schools. John Saunders, head of the campaign, said donating used computers to schools will provide short-term tax deductions for businesses and help improve the computer literacy of the work force.

Awarded contracts for air conditioning and other improvements at Burlington, Clearbrook and Glenvar elementary schools.