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by Gerald Ochs
Rappahannock News Special Writer
School Superintendent Dr. David Gangel presented his first draft budget for 2000-2001 to the School Board Tuesday night. This "rough estimate" of $8,354,250 represents an overall increase of 7.15 percent and an increase in the county's contribution of 12.21 percent, to $5,184,995. Dr. Gangel said that he did not know, at the present time, how many students would be enrolled in the system, nor did he know what the Commonwealth's contribution would be, and the budget would likely change through its development cycle over the next few months.
This draft budget does, however, reflect the costs for what Dr. Gangel considers to be the highest priority: attracting and retaining good teachers in the face of a national teacher shortage. The increase of $365,914 in salary and benefits for teachers and other personnel is by far the largest area of budget growth, and is designed to bring Rappahannock County teacher compensation in line with regional practices, according to the Superintendent. This salary realignment amounts to 4.75 percent each year over the next two years: Step 0 teacher pay increases to $26,817, for example, and Step 35 salary increases to $45,157.
Other areas of significant budget increase include: $140,837 for health benefits which represents a 25 percent growth over last year, but is significantly less than the 46.1 percent rate increase called for by the present insurance carrier, and which would require a re-bid; $34,920 for group life insurance which is due to the cessation of the "premium holiday" enjoyed last year; new addition start-up costs of $67,995; and athletic budget additions of $21,583 that include equipment and supplies for the new ball field and costs for assistant coaches in all sports programs.
Next in the budget calendar is to advertise it on Feb. 24, and to make copies available for public review.
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