The Henrico County School Board today unanimously approved a $402.4 million operating budget for 2011 that cuts more than 100 positions, increases class sizes and reduces funding for the governor's school and the MathScience Innovation Center.
The budget plan now goes to the county Board of Supervisors for approval. The current operating budget is $424.3 million.
The total gap for next year's budget is $34 million. About $19.2 million includes actual personnel and funding cuts to make up the gap. The other $14.7 million would be made up from savings in the school district's contributions to the Virginia Retirement System and the reinstatement of a state technology grant.
"We're going to have to work leaner and harder, but I'm confident that we'll get the job done," said board chairwoman Lisa A. Marshall, who represents the Tuckahoe District.
Superintendent Patrick Russo told the board that the budget shortfall is expected to rise rather than fall. In the next couple of years, school budgets may go back to 2005 funding levels, he said.
"I think it's going to take almost a decade to get back to where we are," he said.
Only one person spoke before the budget was approved. Jennifer Andrews, president of the Henrico Education Association, thanked Russo for protecting jobs and students. The association has been lobbying at the state level for more education funding.
"We will continue to talk with our legislators . . . to try to get more funding for public education in Virginia," she said.
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