Higher Salaries

Higher Salaries

Continued from page 1

Kathy Kenney, a new teacher in the county, also spoke for higher salaries. “I see teachers here really unhappy and it’s really sad,” she said.

Another new teacher, Tina Peterman, recounted her excitement about coming to teach in Rappahannock only to find that her salary left her “$200 in the hole every month.” Her father, she said, agreed to pay off her car loan and that “I’m only $15 in the hole now.” She stated that she can’t afford to drive to Winchester to participate in a health-club or pay to continue her education. “I’m not growing here,” she said.

Each of the teachers who spoke drew applause from the audience.

Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors member Nelson Lane, who was the only member of that board present, also spoke. He stated that farmers in the county are going through difficult times and that the county will soon need to find money for the landfill problem. “That’s going to cost us $100,000 any way you look at it,” he said.

Mr. Lane indicated his concern for the teacher salary problem but asked for help in finding new sources of revenue to pay the cost.

“I could vote to raise taxes and probably live through it,” said Mr. Lane, “but many here could not live through it.”

“I feel responsible to members in my district,” he said.

Mr. Lane also said that that citizens here can make voluntary donations to help the schools. When he checked on that fund, he found that there had been just one donation. “Peggy and Arthur Smith donated $200 for athletic equipment and I would like to express my thanks for that,” said Mr. Lane.

On another matter, the SPTA gave a written proposal for new playground equipment for Rappahannock County Elementary School. The board will review the proposal and possibly have a decision during the March 4 meeting.