space and equipment.

space and equipment.

“The time to support us is now,” Hope said after the meeting. “I know that the budget is tight, but this program benefits the fiiture of every kid in our school.”

Since the program began, the number of students attending college and trade schools has nearly doubled, and Next Step has received heavy acclaim from both students and parents.

John Anderson, a citizen from the Hampton District, also added comments in favor of the program.

“I would hope that this is a program that the school will fund and support,” Anderson said. “I think the program is essential to the future of the kids of Rappahannock.”

RCHS Student President Clay Vickers added an emotional testimony to the strength of the program, noting that it was essential in his quest for college scholarships.

“This amazing woman and this amazing program has impressed me more than almost anything else in my 17 years,” Vickers said.

Additional cuts

Other cuts by the school board included a proposal to hire an additional physical education teacher aide instead of an additional PE teacher. This cut the amount of a fulltime salary of $52,399 by $26,200. Currently there is already one PE aide at the elementary school.

Board Chairman John Wesley Mills mentioned during the budget work session that it might be wise to postpone the additional position.

“I know that one of our goals is the health and wellness of our students,” Mills said. “But I wonder if in fact that we should support one of our existing programs rather than create a new one.”

Additional cuts proposed by the school board include a $10,000 reduction in transportation costs. The board voted to continue with its proposed cuts for the public session, which will be held at Rappahannock County High School on Tuesday, March 20.

“I think that there are adjustments that we can make,