ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, February 8, 1996 TAG: 9602080032
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE STAFF WRITER
For the first time in recent history, the Montgomery County School Board rather than the superintendent will present the school budget to the Board of Supervisors next week.
During its meeting Tuesday night, the School Board agreed to take the proposed $53.3 million budget before the supervisors Monday night.
"We have the administration to run the school system, but when it comes to advocating the budget, we should be out there," said member Jim Klagge. "At least it's worth trying to see if it's more politically advantageous."
Members say they'll try anything to convince the supervisors to fund the hefty 12 percent increase over what was funded last year.
The budget, approved last month by the School Board, includes many of the initiatives developed by parents and teachers on local Goals 2006 committees, organized to help usher the county's schools into the 21st century.
A 7 percent increase for school employee salaries, money for additional teachers and new science, math and vocational supplies are included in the request.
Depending on budget and revenue adjustments, the Board of Supervisors could have to raise the real estate tax by 18 cents to pay for the entire $4 million in additional funding.
School Board Chairwoman Annette Perkins told the board it was important to "take ownership of our budget" by presenting it.
Superintendent Herman Bartlett, who had presented budgets in past years, said the board's decision reflected the switch to elected school boards.
Previously, school board members were selected by the Board of Supervisors, and Bartlett said the superintendent was used as a buffer between the two boards.
Now, with four of the nine members picked by voters last fall and the other seats up for election in the next few years, Bartlett said the board "is more willing to stand up and discuss with the supervisors what they believe their constituency wants."
Board member Barry Worth was optimistic: "It may be the new twist we need this year to stumble on a new horizon."
The board will present its budget during the supervisors' meeting Monday, beginning at 7 p.m.
In other discussions Tuesday, the School Board:
approved an emergency request asking the Board of Supervisors for $20,000 to test a fuel tank at Christiansburg High School. The 10,000-gallon tank, which sits under a concrete loading dock, was used as a backup fuel source but needs to be removed.
Under Department of Environmental Quality regulations, the school system must test the soil around the tank for leaks. This $20,000 study must be completed by the end of May.
The county's Capital Improvement Project Committee could allocate no money to schools this year, so the school system must request emergency funds for the test.
hired Mills, Oliver & Webb, Inc. as the architectural firm for the new Riner elementary school.
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