The Henry County School Board met on May 2 to discuss changes to the FY 2024-25 budget. The school’s budget was reduced by more than $2 million, from $109,370,899 to $107,018,816 due to the recent approval of the total county budget.
Dr. Benjamin Boone, Assistant Superintendent for Operations and Administrative Services, presented the FY 25 budget amendment to the board.
Champ Hardie, of the Ridgeway District, asked about the state budget which impacts the school division’s spending plan.
“We are hopeful that they are going to provide more funding,” said Boone.
“There are going to be multiple budgets. You can go ahead and bank on a three percent increase,” said Teddy Martin, chairman.
The current budget still includes the five percent pay increase for teachers. If the budget doesn’t increase once the state budget is approved, funding for preventive maintenance at the schools will be cut.
“People need to realize that it comes down to, ‘are we getting the raises for our staff or are we fixing facilities,’” Cherie Whitlow, at-large member said. The board intends to follow the Evergreen study to ensure that staff are paid properly.
The required local share is the bare minimum the local government can give to the schools.
“If the local government gives the bare minimum for local share, it really takes away from your facilities budget,” said Boone.
The facilities budget was reduced by $1.3 million under the current budget, to $100,000. The instructional budget was reduced by $600,000 – a $300,000 reduction to technology and a $160,000 reduction to administration.
“We felt that we justified every request within that budget,” Superintendent Dr. Amy Blake-Lewis said, adding that the division needs to be proactive in addressing facilities needs like roofing and wiring before turning into larger issues.
“We had a water leak at FC Middle (School) over spring break. It’s estimated to repair, that it’s going to cost about $50,000,” she said. “If this was for next year’s budget, that one event would wipe out about half of the facility budget.”
Several proposed policy revisions were approved, including a revision to the homework policy.
“We still are endorsing homework in the division. How and where are we going to address this” asked Ben Gravely, of the Iriswood District.
“Guidelines will go to schools to principals, to teachers, and to families on what is the best practice surrounding homework,” Blake-Lewis said. Student Handbooks will still include guidance for giving homework to students.
“Those guidelines will still be there, specifically referencing amounts of homework that are appropriate by grade level and/or times when homework should or shouldn’t be assigned,” said Blake-Lewis.
Gravely also asked if there was a best practice to get the revised guidelines to teachers.
“We have talked to senior leadership about providing a summary document that is shared with all individuals within the district,” said Blake-Lewis.
In other matters:
*Britney Meeks was appointed to a one-year position as the Clerk of the Board.
*The school board also approved the submission of the VSBA Workforce Readiness Application, awarded a contract for heating fuel and oil to Davenport Energy, and approved a tire contract to both Jimmy’s Retreading and McCarthy Tire Service.
*Three school buses were approved for replacement at a total cost of $ 380,781 from the FY24 budget, and two categorical transfers were made. The June meeting will include changes to the Code of Conduct presented to the board for approval.
*Recognized RUSecure CTF Finals and National Cybersecurity Scholars.
*Recognized Teacher Appreciation Week.
*Recognized School Nurse Appreciation Day.
