THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 21, 1996 TAG: 9602210406
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALETA PAYNE AND KAREN WEINTRAUB, STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
Simultaneously, the School Board and City Council have taken the first steps that could eventually lead to the consolidation of some school financial services with those of the city.
Meeting separately, both bodies agreed to a resolution that directs the city manager and superintendent to work to develop a consolidation plan. The target to begin implementing the plan would be July 1.
``I think this draft is an agreement to step forward,'' said board chairwoman June T. Kernutt in a work session before the regular board meeting Tuesday. ``If we can just make the commitment, I know we can work together to work out a plan.''
Later in the evening, the board voted 8-2 to approve the resolution. Board members Ulysses Van Spiva and Ferdinand V. Tolentino were opposed. One board seat is vacant since the resignation of Susan L. Creamer.
The consolidation of the school district's payroll, accounting and purchasing departments with the city has been a thorny issue in an often contentious year between the two governing bodies.
Board members had indicated a willingness to consider consolidation, but have insisted they would do it on their own timetable. City council, frustrated by what its members saw as foot-dragging, sought help from the legislature earlier this month. However, a General Assembly committee in Richmond told city and school representatives the issue should be settled at home.
After both sides returned, Kernutt suggested that two members from the board meet with two council members to try to reach some sort of solution to the issue. The first and only meeting of that group was just last week. The resolution came out of that meeting.
Supporters of consolidation feel that it will increase fiscal accountability in the school district - which ended last year with a $12.1 million deficit - and help save taxpayer's money. Opponents see it as an attempt to usurp School Board authority and control.
The School Board would retain all policy control of the divisions and its budgeting power. No employees would be laid off in the merger, although the departments would eventually be pared down through attrition, according to the resolution approved by both bodies.
After a brief discussion, the council voted 10-0 for the plan. Councilmember Nancy K. Parker could not attend the meeting. She is caring for her father, who is ill.
``We have made one small step on behalf of fiscal responsibility between the citizens, the School Board and the City Council,'' Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf said after the council vote.
Board members made it clear they want more details before they sign off on a plan and that any consolidation agreement would have to come back to them for approval.
``I don't want to say by passing this resolution that I support blank-check consolidation,'' board member Tim Jackson said.
The superintendent is to present a plan for board consideration in May, and the city manager's recommendation is expected within 60 to 90 days.
KEYWORDS: VIRGINIA BEACH SCHOOL BOARD VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL by CNB