THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, April 24, 1996 TAG: 9604240400
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
Stressing that they need new technology and computers, the School Board appealed to City Council Tuesday for more money from next year's operating budget.
Although the council supported improving the educational system, they said they needed a more detailed report from school officials about their request. They took no action on the board's recommendations.
Last week, City Manager Myles E. Standish unveiled the city's proposed $130 million 1996-97 operating budget to the City Council.
The Suffolk schools are to receive 52 percent of the city's operating budget, or $56.4 million. The bulk is a pass-through from the state. The city provides $14.2 million itself, and new state and federal funding could amount to as much as $5.4 million.
School officials said they need an additional $300,000 from the city. Standish recommended to the council that the money could be raised by cutting the city's sanitation disposable costs and utility funds.
Superintendent Joyce H. Trump and other school officials said the district's largest expense would be for computers in its 15 schools.
``It isn't just the hardware,'' Trump said, ``it's the support personnel. We can't have technology in our schools without having the appropriate personnel.''
The state proposes there be one computer for every five students, said Milton R. Liverman, assistant superintendent for instruction and curriculum. In Suffolk, there are 1,056 computers - or one for every nine students.
Schools officials said the additional $300,000 they want from the city would be used for:
One elementary teacher position, $36,500
One elementary special teacher position, $36,500
One 10-month technology personnel position, $36,500
Textbooks, $79,600
Technology, $110,900
City officials all touted education. Many said they would vote to fully fund the schools, but several questioned whether there were cost-saving measures available.
Mayor S. Chris Jones asked if the schools could share the city's data processing system. Jones also suggested that city officials study whether school employees could begin making contributions to their retirement plan. School officials said they hope in the future to share the city's online services.
``I as a taxpayer expect results,'' said Jones. ``I hear time and time again about students who're taking remedial courses to go to college. I've always been an outcome person when it comes to money.''
Council must pass the school's portion of the budget by May 15. A public hearing on the entire budget will be held on May 1.
KEYWORDS: SUFFOLK BUDGET by CNB