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Why was this action necessary? Were there other options for decreasing the budget? The superintendent offered to try to find the money elsewhere, but was turned down. In studying the budget, I easily found over $37,000 in non-curricular expenses that could have been reconsidered or postponed one more year. That is not to say that they are not important items, but are they urgent? Perhaps alternative funding sources for some of these could be found.
The list follows: $3,400 Refinish RCHS gym floor (annually), $2,000 Bleachers (new), $1,500 Lawn mower (new), $1,000 Two sets (eight) bases at 125/each (new), $1,000 Athletic uniforms (new), $2,000 Full funding for spring athletic officials (new), $900 12 month (?) toilet rentals (new fields), $1,624 Waxing machine for RCHS (new), $900 Wet/dry vacuum for RCHS (new), $250 Vacuum for RCHS (new), $369 Weed eater (new), $6,000 Replace carpet in high school auditorium, $2,000 Install door silencer hardware in High School auditorium, $3,000 Lock repair and replacement (Does not include next item), $2,000 Change exterior keying system at high school, $4,202 Replace carpet in school board conference room and offices, $5,000 Install one window for security viewing at RCES.
I feel confident that some of these expenses could have been deferred or reduced in order to continue the plan that would pay these individuals what they deserve.
A wise business person will tell you that when you construct a budget you need to do whatever it takes to adequately compensate all of your employees. The best equipment doesn’t do you any good if you don’t have qualified employees to operate it.
After watching several of our board members in action, I noticed one substantial increase (not included in the $37,000) that may well be justified. The Board Services account, used for conferences and training sessions for School Board members, was increased from $5,000-$7,000. That’s a 40 percent increase, but hopefully they will put it to good use.
Ron Makela
Amissville
We are all aware whenever we do wrong, sooner or later we are punished, but maybe, just maybe the Baldwins have already been punished enough. Are we too, guilty? Enough said, enough written, please. We’ve had enough!
Cathryn B. Wayland
Sperryville
Editor’s Note: It is never our intention to hurt a family or individual within our community, however, as a newspaper with general circulation in Rappahannock County we have an obligation to report news.
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