Va. Board of Education members urge flexibility on support-staff ratios

Virginia Board of Education members indicated today that they support implementing ratios for the number of state-funded school support staff to instructional staff.

But what they can't get behind, they said, is one ratio for all employees in the "support staff" category, which is so broad that it ranges from nurses to bus drivers to assistant superintendents.

This year, state lawmakers agreed with Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's plan for a funding cap in 2010 of one support position per 4.03 instructional positions funded through the Standards of Quality, which outline the basic requirements for a public education in Virginia.

That cap saved about $340.9 million in salaries and benefits, beginning in fiscal 2010.

The Board of Education was asked by lawmakers to make a recommendation on the appropriateness of establishing a ratio for the support positions. The members' proposal released today on the ratio is just part of proposed revisions to the standards, which are now open to public comment.

Four hearings will be held across the state on Sept. 30 -- in Chesapeake and Richmond cities, and Fairfax and Pulaski counties.

The board is expected to make a final decision in late October and report back to lawmakers by Nov. 1.

-- Olympia Meola