Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, November 27, 1994 TAG: 9411280071
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
That could be difficult.
For the first time in the county's history, three elected School Board members will help put together the school budget for the next year.
They all campaigned on the need for more money for schools. They said the schools should have a higher funding priority now that the county has finished several major projects, such as the Spring Hollow Reservoir and the Smith Gap landfill.
Canada, one of the elected members, wants the School Board to have a work session with the supervisors during the early stages of budget deliberations.
"I hope we can meet before we get too deep into the budget," he said. "I'd like us to develop a master plan on financing."
Canada represents the Hollins District on the School Board. He was originally chosen by a judicially appointed selection committee before the county switched to an elected board. He was unopposed in the Nov. 8 election.
The two new members who were elected are Tom Leggette in the Windsor Hills District and Michael Stovall in the Vinton District.
Historically, the school superintendent has met with the county administrator during the early stages of budget preparation, when the administrator estimates the funds that will be available for schools.
"I'd like to see the board take a more active role in the budget process rather than leaving it to the superintendent and county administrator," Canada said.
The School Board should lay out its needs to the supervisors, he said, so they will understand the reasons for the requests.
Canada, who has been on the School Board for two years, said his fellow board members should not shy away from asking for money to fund all of the schools' needs.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Lee Eddy said he doesn't object to a work session with the School Board before the budget is prepared. But he questioned whether the county would have firm revenue forecasts by then.
The General Assembly meets in January and February. The amount of state funds for schools will remain uncertain until the legislature adjourns, Eddy said.
Supervisor Harry Nickens said he, too, would be willing to meet with the School Board, but said he has to consider all of the county's financial needs, not just schools.
"I am not sure that a School Board member understands all of the county's needs," he said.
Nickens, a former School Board member himself, said he was encouraged that Stovall promised during the campaign that he would work with the supervisors to improve schools. Stovall could not be reached for comment.
Leggette said Canada's proposal is "not a bad idea," but said he had not had time to evaluate it.
Leggette said he expects the School Board will be more assertive in asking the Board of Supervisors for funds.
During the campaign, Leggette said the school system had plenty of plans. "What we need is more money," he said.
Money is needed for school renovations, computers, laboratories and other equipment, Canada said. The county also needs to raise teachers' salaries, which have fallen below the national average, he said.
"We need to take some action to win back the confidence of our teachers," Canada said.
All three winners in the recent board election were endorsed by the Roanoke County Education Association.
The supervisors provided $3.3 million in additional local funds for schools this year, but the School Board had to trim its proposed budget by $800,000.
Canada said he supports the idea of school boards in Virginia having the power of taxation, similar to most other states. He does not want it to happen soon, but he believes the General Assembly ultimately will give taxing authority to boards.
by CNB