ROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke City School Board met Tuesday afternoon after the Roanoke City Council made changes to how the city funds public schools.
City Council decision was made to keep funding the same as this fiscal year, which is below the normal 40% threshold. School officials say that this will create a gap of more than $6 million within the Roanoke City Public Schools budget.
This decision was made despite parents signing a petition that year asking that the city maintain the 40% threshold.
The school system is expected to receive about $107 million from the city. This decision could force the schools to make tough choices as to what needs to be cut.
Such changes could come to transportation for special needs students and after-school activities.
“Right now, we’re going to have to consider getting rid of our after-school activities bus, which a lot of students use to get home from sports and school activities,” Dr. Eli Jamison, Chairperson of the Roanoke City School Board, said.
Other proposed cuts could also affect potential solutions to crowded classrooms
“We’re looking at not getting a modular for the two high schools, which we’ve been talking about, which are overcrowded right now,” Dr. Jamison said.
“We just want to be able to know year in and year out this is what we can and should plan out strategically so we can serve our students and employees the best way we know how to by anticipating what the future may bring,” Dr. Jamison said.
Final budget considerations are to be discussed on May 27th. The school board is expected to approve the budget on June 10th.
