Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 6, 1993 TAG: 9311060041
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Robert Freis Staff Writer
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Wright said Thursday the higher or lower cost would depend on the ratio of teachers to students.
New classrooms would be the largest expense, followed by teachers' salaries, instructional equipment and furniture, he said.
A new full-day kindergarten would be an instructional boost to young students, said Betty Plott, a board member. Teachers and staff have agreed.
However, a committee appointed to study a new kindergarten hasn't issued a recommendation yet. Until it does, the matter won't come to a vote by the School Board.
Wright's estimate was part of a funding "wish list" for the 1994-95 budget.
The Radford Education Association's request for a 5.75 percent salary increase would cost an additional $436,472, Wright said.
Capital improvements scheduled for next year, including roof replacements at McHarg Elementary and Radford High School, facility modifications to accommodate the Americans with Disabilities Act, and renovations at the high school stadium were estimated at $147,896. Wright's figures also include funds for new employees such as a full-time school nurse, a half-time coordinator of special education and a full-time, first grade teacher.
The expenses will be reviewed as the School Board begins deliberating its budget for next year. The current school budget is $7.4 million.
Budget figures also captured the attention and concern of Board Chairman Guy Gentry, who noted a significant decline in Radford High School athletic receipts.
From 1992 to 1993, revenues from ticket prices and other sources were down $16,678 or nearly 20 percent, according to figures Gentry presented.
Athletic revenues are rebounding somewhat this year, but Gentry said the overall downward trend is disturbing.
The School Board recently voted to downgrade Radford High School athletic programs from Group AA to Group A. That move ended traditional rivalries with Blacksburg and Christiansburgi
Next year, "some of the teams we play will not bring large crowds," Gentry said.
Traditionally, the school budget has only paid stipends for coaches salaries and for transportation costs. Other operating costs have been paid by gate receipts, he saidi
But with those receipts down, Gentry said, the School Board might have to make up the difference.
"I don't want to get into cutting our basic needs," he said.
by CNB