Budget, Director's Search Discussed By Board Part 2

Local Funding from Has Been Promised, But State Funding for Virginia’s Governor’s Schools Will Likely Be Reduced By 6%

By: Danny Yates, Jabberwock Staff Reporter

Budget cuts for MLWGS are no longer a possibility, they are becoming a reality.

On Wednesday morning, Governor Kaine submitted his proposed fiscal year 2009 and 2010 budgets to a joint session of the Virginia General Assembly.

For the first time in years, the Commonwealth will be significantly cutting funds for secondary education.

“The revenue reductions for 2010 are big enough that we cannot ignore the single largest state expenditure in the budget,” said Gov. Kaine, referring to the $6.3 billion state education allotment.

Gov. Kaine has proposed a nearly $340 million reduction for state education.

6% Cut From MLWGS

At yesterday’s Regional Board meeting, MLWGS Director Mr. Doug Hunt estimated the proposed state cuts for MLWGS at approximately $78,000 to $85,000.

“It’s not as bad as it could have been, I suppose, but that amount of money will have an affect on us,” said Mr. Hunt.

Regional Board Chair Mr. Ivan Mattox shared a similar outlook.

“Everyone is going to be impacted, but we’re hoping for the minimum affect,” said Mr. Mattox.

Overall, however, the larger state reductions in general education funding may have a ripple effect on MLWGS.

Hanover County Superintendent Dr. Stewart Roberson spoke to the Regional Board about his predictions for state education as a whole.

“Salary freezes and lay-offs are a clear dynamic, and now having said that, Merry Christmas,” said Dr. Robertson.

Chesterfield County Superintendent Dr. Marcus Newsome spoke of how some citizens might react to the 6% cut in MLWGS state funding when compared to the greater 9% cut for most other secondary schools.

“Support around this table is unwavering, but when our communities see this [funding disparity], they are going to be pointing fingers,” said Mr. Newsome. “People will say why are we going to save that program when you’re cutting programs for poor kids… that is something we certainly need to be prepared for,” said Mr. Newsome

“Doug’s done a fantastic job,” said Mr. John Axselle, of Hanover County.

“He has raised the bar… It is with regret that I move we accept Mr. Hunt’s resignation.”

Board Leadership Retained

The Regional Board will continue on with the officers they have.

On the Superintendent Steering Committee, there will be some internal change, as Mr. Fred Morton of Henrico County is replaced as vice-chair by Mr. Marcus Newsome of Chesterfield County.

The Regional Board has not been idle about its search for the new director. Mr. Axselle, who is the head of the committee to search for the new director, gave the Board an update on the search.

Director’s Search Progress

“We will be meeting as a team to develop our questions [for the interview process],” said Mr. Axselle. The committee will meet on January 15 to begin formulating the questions, based in part on the results of the surveys filled out by members of the MLWGS community.

Mr. Axselle also addressed the issue of finding a replacement for Ms. Pat Taylor. She will be retiring from her post as Coordinator of Curriculum at the end of the school year.

“The process and focus of the director search will be the director, and that’s it,” said Mr. Axselle. “The new director should be the one who leads the search for the assistant director.”

Mr. Hunt, however, was concerned about waiting so long to pick the assistant director.

“The fear is that if we wait until the new director is in place,” said Mr. Hunt, “Then it might be too late in the season to get anyone.”