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By Gerald Ochs
Rappahannock News Writer
Though it may take some time to ascertain the educational philosophy of new School Board Chair Wesley Mills, he wasted no time at all in imprinting his management style on School Board meetings. By limiting the duration and directing the tone of public comment and staff reports, he managed a meeting that lasted not quite two hours in lieu of the four hour marathon that has typified Board meetings over the past few years.
The meeting was also opened with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance-and though it has been some years since the Pledge was last publicly voiced, none in the packed gallery appeared to have forgotten those words.
Chairman Mills provided some opening remarks that set the tone for this February meeting of the School Board. He said that the open session "is not a forum for public debate . . . noT for personnel issues." He then imposed a three minute limit on speakers, and suggested that any comments of greater length be submitted in writing.
Budget may be a
blockbuster
Superintendent Dr, David Gangel's report was highlighted by discussions of the draft budget. Though the budget has not yet teen released to the public (that is expected on.or about Feb. 22), hirdinmasod elements of his budget draft that imply a new budget that will dictate a significant increase in the local contribution. Dr. Gangel said that the draft budget had a capital expenditure component of $771,649-an amount that includes nearly $260,000 for repair of the sewage treatment lagoon at the elementary school-a 9.11 percent salary increase for teachers and a four percent increase for other school employees.
Board member Franklin Warner recalled that the Rappahannock County Education Association had called last month for a six percent salary' increase, and he asked why, in light of that request, did Dr. Gangel incorporate a nine percent increase into the budget. Dr. Gangel responded that it would require a greater increase than six percent to make Rappahannock County teacher salaries competitive and would help the school system to attract the qualSee
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