Schools to receive $4.1M in extra funding

New federal and state funds — totaling $4.1 million — has allowed Culpeper County Public Schools to save 46 existing positions and add 14 new jobs.

The Culpeper County Public School Board voted 5-0 Monday to approve $1.9 million in Title I federal funding. School Board members Bob Beard and Rusty Jenkins were absent.

Next, the School Board will request that the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors appropriate the funds accordingly.

In March, the board approved its $70.6 million operating budget for fiscal year 2010, which included the $2.2 million in state money.

The $2.2 million saved the 46 existing positions, while the $1.9 million created the 14 new positions and added more technology (such as SMART boards) and other school supplies.

Lauren Thomas, budget analyst for CCPS, said the new 14 employees were hired this month.

Both programs are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the nation’s economic stimulus package enacted to help improve the financial system.

School Board Chairman George Dasher said the board will have to adjust its operating budget to reflect the new Title I grant money.

Hunter Spencer, construction projects manager for CCPS, updated the board on Eastern View High and Yowell Elementary schools.

Spencer said he’s waiting to find out whether contractors have completed EVHS’s punch list, containing about 100 items.

Spencer also said he’s prepared to meet with Yowell architects and contractors this week to further discuss finalizing the issues with the pond.

Meeting today
The Culpeper County Public Schools Capital Planning committee will reconvene this morning with two topics on its agenda.
The public meeting is set to begin this morning at 8:30 inside Central Office, 450 Radio Lane.