Chesterfield school leaders ‘relieved’ about budget

Chesterfield County school leaders are welcoming the news that they'll get to keep most teachers and support staff after weeks of agonizing about the potential loss of hundreds of job because of budget cuts.

"The current mood is happier, of course," said Brent Thomas, principal at Chester Middle School. "I think everyone is relieved."

In January, schools were facing a $52 million budget shortfall, and 525 positions had been identified for elimination.

Chesterfield, which relies on state funding for its school system to a higher degree than do Richmond, Henrico County and Hanover County, was preparing for the worst in the face of an uncertain but gloomy state revenue outlook.

But a reallocation of funds and an infusion of about $28.2 million in direct aid and grants from the federal government's stimulus bill restored a major portion of the cuts. On Tuesday, the School Board approved its 2009-10 operating budget of $571.6 million, which put back 427 positions. It still has to be approved by the Board of Supervisors.

"We're very grateful to the Obama administration for the relief," said Stella Y. Edwards, president of the Chesterfield County Council of PTAs. "As we move forward, it's up to the local division to make sure that we maintain a quality education."

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In a letter to employees, schools Superintendent Marcus J. Newsome said that while the stimulus funding will help ease some of the immediate budget cuts, it is a short-term fix and the school system must strategically plan for tougher economic times ahead.

"This means we must become even more efficient in terms of fiscal and human resources, adjusting our hiring practices as needed," he said.

School officials have said that a number of employees still will be laid off, including instructional aides and administrators.

Lois Stanton, president of the Chesterfield Education Association, said she's hearing concerns from teachers as to how human resources will handle the job-elimination process.

"I think there's some relief that it isn't as bad as it was in the initial budget, but there is still a concern in places where there continues to be changes, the support positions," she said.

Shelli Snead, a first-year instructional aide at Reams Elementary School, said the extra money is good news for the county schools. She has been worried about losing her job during this budget process.

"I still don't know about my position," she said.

Revised staffing details will not be available until next week, school leaders said.

But Pete Koste, principal at Manchester High School, said he is expecting to add back four teaching positions with the student-to-teacher ratio remaining 25 to 1. He also got back a dean or administrator who mostly handles discipline problems. Each high school and middle school got back one administrator with the revised budget.

"The 20 percent reduction [for each school budget] remains in place, but it is easier to work with less money than it is to work with fewer people," Koste said. "By adding back these teachers and others, I believe that we will have another successful year next year."

Carla V. Mathews, principal at Matoaca Middle School, said she's cautiously optimistic about the revised budget.

"The focus right now is on the fact that most jobs will be retained," she said. "That is only one piece of the budget pie. Despite the improved budget, next year will not be easy."

Donald Skeen, principal at Bailey Bridge Middle School, said he thinks his school will be in strong financial shape next year.

"This not only helps staff in re-establishing a sense of security for their families, but now the focus can return to preparing students for success in their classes and for the upcoming SOL tests."

Contact Juan Antonio Lizama at (804) 649-6513 or .