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support for the International Baccalaureate <IB) Program; three supported the 9.11 percent teacher salary increase; and two expressed strong opposition to school budget increases. .
Brooke Miller characterized himself as a fiscal conservation, but said that “money spent wisely and in a way that rewards excellence can be beneficial to our community.” He noted the benefits of exercise and physical fitness to children’s health, and suggested that funding for athletics in Rappahannock needs to be improved to offer them better physical fitness opportunities. He supported funding for a full-time athletic director and for improved facilities.
Athletic Director Jon Smythe told the Board that he was “not here to ask for anything,” and he praised their past support for athletics. He also highlight-” ed successes this year in athletic programs, and thanked the School Board for their contributions.
Peter Kreyling also thanked the School Board for their efforts, and said that he echoed Brooke Miller’s comments and expressed his hopes that the Board would fund the full-time athletic director position.
Katherine Treanor spoke in support of funding for the IB Program and for athletics, reporting that she was “totally thrilled with the excitement that’s erupted” with it this year. She also expressed her hopes that those taxpayers without children would be as pleased as she to help support the schools. Former School Board member Ron Makela said that “teacher salaries have to increase but, at the same time, it’s vitally important to go with the IB Program.” Former School Board Chairman John Tole told the Board that he felt the school system was ready for the IB Program and of his support for teacher salary increases “beyond six percent.”
Mary Wiley said that a 9.11 percent teacher salary increase was “out of proportion” and she cited increases proposed in Culpeper of four to five percent, teacher salaries in Alexandria at $2,000 per month, and in Fairfax starting under $35,000. She also compared Rappahannock County’s per pupil cost of $9,000 with Culpeper’s cost of $5,600 and said that “sometimes I don’t believe that the dollar is all.” Tbm Junk complained about the rapidly escalating school costs in Rappahannock County. Referring to the proposed 15 percent increase this year, he said that at that rate, the budget will double in 5 years, and at the rate of growth of the County contribution this year (25 percent), that will double in three years. “If you don’t get a handle on this budget,” he said, “it will force the average person out of Rappahannock.”
Board reports
Rosa Crocker of the Facilities Committee reported that the
See BORAD, Page A8
88.3%