Campbell County school staffers hope for higher salaries

By Annie McCallum, Lynchburg News & Advance
Published: February 5, 2008

Higher salaries for teachers and support personnel took center stage at a budget public hearing and subsequent Campbell County School Board meeting Monday night.

While only two people spoke during the hearing, their messages were the same - fund an increase in salaries no matter what the state does.

Altavista Combined School teacher Debbie White, who arrived at the hearing after a day of lobbying in Richmond, said Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s budget does not reflect an increase in teacher or support personnel salaries.

“I would like to bring you good news from the General Assembly, but the jury is still out on that,” she said.

The governor’s budget, released in December, calls for a 3.5 percent pay increase for teachers and instructional staff, but not until July 2009.

White, an educator for 28 years, urged Campbell County officials to do what they ask of students all the time - go above and beyond.

“The only valid question we have to ask here is: Can Campbell County afford an increase in teacher salaries and support personnel?” White asked, adding she believes the answer is yes.

Belinda Lacy, a Yellow Branch Elementary School cafeteria staffer, also spoke about higher pay.

“Our main concern is our pay scale,” she said, asking officials to consider a pay increase at each step in the pay scale. “We are not asking for a lot. It’s just a small thing, but would be greatly appreciated.”

Campbell County Schools Superintendent George Nolley affirmed the board’s commitment to higher salaries.

“I don’t know where things are headed in Richmond,” he said, later adding, “When it’s all said and done the school board will be able to put together a package that’s as best for you as it possibly can be.”

Following the public hearing, Robert Johnson, assistant superintendent for administration, highlighted major changes in the proposed 2008-2009 budget.

He said big-ticket increases would include a 3-percent teacher raise at a cost of about $1.6 million, increased technology funding for software and licensures at a cost of about $1 million and an increase in the Virginia Retirement System contribution at a cost of $677,346.

Johnson said according to Kaine’s proposed budget, which will likely change, Campbell County schools would receive about $56 million. The figure represents a 9-percent increase in the amount of funds received last year.

State funds make up the largest portion of the division’s operating budget, which Johnson expects to be between $76 and $80 million. County revenue makes up the second largest portion of the budget.

Johnson said the county’s contribution could increase by $138,741 if the Board of Supervisors approves a 2-cent increase in the county’s real estate tax. If the increase is not approved, the division would receive $270,000 less from the county.

Officials acknowledged even the forecast for projected state funds is unclear. Lagging sales tax revenues could mean a projected deficit greater than the $641 million previously suggested by Kaine. Johnson said he expects a better estimate in the coming weeks.

Even with an increase in county and state funds, Johnson said the school system still has a working deficit of about $3 million.

The school board plans to meet again Feb. 18 for further budget talks. It is expected to approve its budget March 17 and forward it to the county administrator by March 21.

In other news, the board:

• Approved the application of a waiver to begin the school year before Labor Day.

Virginia law states divisions wishing to begin before the holiday must apply for a waiver where they show “good cause.”