The Augusta County Board of Supervisors were confronted Wednesday night with a strong lobby from supporters of the Augusta County Schools, worried about potential budget cuts, including the possible elimination of the Shenandoah Valley Governor's School.
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Supervisors cautioned the speakers and audience to be patient. They said it was early in the 2012-13 budget process, and asked the audience to contact state legislators and asked for help with the budget needs. A $3.4 million gap in the Augusta County schools 2012-13 budget includes potential cuts in Governor's School funding that could eliminate the program in specialized math, science, technology and arts and humanities instruction. The Governor's School is in Tier 3 of the potential cuts in next year's budget by the school district.
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The budget problems are complicated, Pyles said. He said the county has lost enrollment in
recent years, and said the state has decided to ask localities to pay increased Virginia Retirement System rates in next year's budget.
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Pyles said he and other supervisors will meet with the area's legislative delegation today
and ask for help with the increased VRS rates. "If you want to do something, tell the delegates they need to represent you,'' Pyles said to the audience. He said the county does not want to lose the Governor's School and does not want other programs eliminated.
recent years, and said the state has decided to ask localities to pay increased Virginia Retirement System rates in next year's budget.
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Pyles said he and other supervisors will meet with the area's legislative delegation today
and ask for help with the increased VRS rates. "If you want to do something, tell the delegates they need to represent you,'' Pyles said to the audience. He said the county does not want to lose the Governor's School and does not want other programs eliminated.
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Interesting how it is the Governor's school to be highlighted so early in the process....
