Henrico schools brace for tight 2010-11 budget

The tough economy is likely to mean a tough budget for Henrico County schools next year, administrators told the School Board at a work session yesterday.

The 2010-2011 budget year probably will be the most difficult in 50 years, Superintendent Patrick Russo said, based on his conversations with Henrico County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett.

"It may be the first year ever with less revenue from the county," he said.

Kevin Smith, assistant superintendent for finance, said he still was "trying to decode the governor's announcement" on a new round of state budget cuts, but he already knew that fewer sales tax dollars and lower real estate revenue from homes and commercial properties added up to "a trying year."

Schools probably will get operating expenses for the high school and middle school opening next year, but the traditional 5 percent yearly increase in the budget is unlikely, Smith said.

Because of the tough times, county administrators have asked the School Board to prioritize their requests for capital-improvement projects.

Renovation of Varina High School ranks above renovations of Brookland Middle School and Johnson Elementary School, based on a staff analysis of community impact of each facility, condition of the building and operating cost.

The Varina project is expected to cost $31.5 million, with $20 million of that covered by the 2005 bond referendum. The Brookland project is projected at $26 million, with $12 million from bonds. The Johnson renovation will cost $5 million, none of which is covered by bonds.

A vote on prioritizing projects is likely to come in October.

The new schoolwide dress code created a few questions on the first few days of school, primarily about the 4-inch rule for skirt height above the knees.

Lisa A. Marshall, vice chairwoman of the board, said she has heard from mothers of tall girls about the difficulty in finding skirts that are long enough. The former rule that skirts had to be as long at the fingertips was easier to meet, she said.

"We will be tweaking this as we go," said Jean Murray, assistant superintendent for instruction. "We want to use common sense but be consistent."

Cheerleader skirts have been one victim of the rule enforcement. To comply, cheerleaders must wear long shorts or pants with their uniform during school hours.

"There's a balance," Murray said. "Are we in school or are we performing on the field?"

Contact Katherine Calos at (804) 649-6433 or .