THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 10, 1995 TAG: 9512080174
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Vanee Vines
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
Budget transfers approved
At its meeting Tuesday, the School Board approved $2 million in budget transfers, mainly reflecting the financial shuffling principals did after the board adopted a deficit-reduction plan in October.
The accounts pinched the hardest include those earmarked for instructional supplies; computers, copiers and other equipment; and library books.
The district faces a projected $6.6 million deficit for 1995-96. So far, this school year's cuts will free up about $7.5 million to cover the projected deficit, which could climb by another $2 million.
Some of the same problems that fed a $12.1 million budget deficit in 1994-95 contributed to the current year's problems.
They include underestimating the number of teachers needed and failing to budget any money for physical and occupational therapists for special education students.
The district also is likely to bring in less money than projected because of overestimating federal impact aid - money the federal government gives school districts serving a large number of military dependents.
Squeeze on field trips
Money earmarked in the operating budget to pay for student field trips will not be eliminated. But a measure approved Tuesday now calls for schools to pay $1 per mile to help cover gas and other transportation expenses.
Schools can use money raised by PTAs or through fund-raisers - or some of their current allowance for field trips - to come up with the mileage money. The change probably will lead to fewer proposed field trips, said interim Superintendent James L. Pughsley, who urged the board to approve the measure.
Board members said they regretted the move. But they said the district's financial squeeze compelled them to approve the recommendation in an effort to end the school year in the black.
Several students who attended the meeting didn't warm up to the idea.
``Cutting back on field trips can take the fun out of learning,'' said John Baker, 18, a Cox High senior.
Summer School 1996
The administration released on Tuesday its 1996 summer school plan outlining proposed programs and tuition rates. The board is expected to vote on the plan at its Dec. 19 meeting or in January.
Under the plan, students taking remedial classes would not pay tuition and transportation would be provided - although it would be limited in some cases.
Middle school students taking nonremedial classes would be charged $75 per course - or $5 more than last summer's rate. Limited transportation would be provided.
High school students taking nonremedial classes would pay $145 for courses typically taught over an entire school year - such as history - and $95 for courses typically taught for only one semester. Limited transportation would be provided. High school students paid the same rates last summer.
Other proposals:
Gifted summer camp for elementary kids would cost $120, up $5.
Gifted Summer Arts 6-12 and Summer Academy 6-12 would cost $167, up $42.
A special science and math program would cost $162.50, up $37.50.
The band and orchestra program would cost $57, down $18. by CNB