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

DATE: THURSDAY, January 26, 1995                   TAG: 9503100019
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: W-11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

CUTS IN FUNDING WOULD HAVE IMPACT ON SALEM SCHOOL BUDGET

Salem will receive $100,000 less from the state than expected, and federal funds for disadvantaged students will be reduced 15 percent.

Tripp said Salem was expecting a net increase of about $244,000 in state funds, but Gov. George Allen's budget will provide an increase of only $144,000 - unless the General Assembly overrules Allen.

A 1 percent raise for Salem's teachers and other school employees would cost $180,000 - more than the net increase in state funds.

The School Board apparently would have to seek more local funds or make cuts in the school budget to free up money for pay raises.

Teachers and other professionals received a 3.5 percent raise and other improvements in fringe benefits that provided the equivalent of a 4 percent raise this year.

Bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and other non-degree employees received a 5 percent raise.

Tripp said it's too early to speculate on pay raises for next year because state funding is uncertain.

At a hearing Monday night to receive ideas and suggestions from parents, teachers and others on the new budget, Cindy Neathawk, a parent and a member of the health advisory board for the schools, urged school administrators to fund two full-time school nurses. The school system has one full-time and one part-time nurse.

Pat McMahon, a parent, urged the School Board to retain the city's top quality teaching staff by paying competitive salaries.

Salem ranks sixth in the state in beginning salary; 14th in 10-year salary; eighth in 20-year salary; and 25th in maximum salary.

McMahon said the school division needs to develop more partnerships with businesses.

``We need more technology, and this should be one of our priorities,'' McMahon said.

Pat Fisher, another parent, also urged the school division to upgrade its technology and develop on-line computer capability so students can stay abreast of changes in technology.

Fisher said parents are distressed by state budget cuts that could hurt the quality of education.

Walter Franke, a board member, said that the board has considered the issues raises by the speakers, but it welcomes the suggestions.

``If you have ideas, please give us a call,'' Franke said.

Tripp and his staff will prepare the budget during the next few weeks. The board will have a budget work session in late February.