School division braces for cuts

In a presentation to the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors this week, School Board Chairman George Dasher said the school division will take “draconian measures” to balance next year’s operating budget.

He also told supervisors of the School Board’s decision to halt any further plans to renovate the 40-year-old Culpeper County High School.

For the coming year, Culpeper County Public Schools faces a $1.8 million deficit in state funding. In addition, cuts are expected to come on the county level as well. The budget is usually finalized in the spring.

“Being cognizant of the situation that we’re in with respect to revenues and the local economy here, you’ll see that we’ve tried to be as frugal as we can with those requests,” Dasher said.

With that in mind, Supervisor Steve Nixon questioned the School Board’s latest decision to advertise the vacant superintendent position between $145,000 and $155,000. Such a figure would mark a 16 to 24 percent increase from the previous superintendent’s salary, making the school’s top administrator the highest-paid position in the county.

“I know you understand that on the county side we’re going to have some reduction in funding as well,” Nixon said at Dasher’s presentation Tuesday. “In years past, we have tried to make up some of the deficits from the state. However, this year, it may be difficult for us to do that.”

In June, the School Board elected to mutually part ways with Superintendent David Cox and continue to pay his $125,000 annual salary plus $15,000 in annuities, $500 monthly car allowance and other benefits. Additionally, CCPS Acting Superintendent Larry Carter earns $140,000 for taking on Cox’s duties while he’s on paid sabbatical.

Defending the higher salary, Dasher told supervisors that, “We feel that’s where we had to go to attract candidates around the country.”

Rhonda Simmons can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 125 or .

Consent agenda
The board approved the following items:
- A resolution requesting VDOT to accept roads in Rillhurst subdivision into the state’s secondary highway system
- A budget amendment for $50,581 for circuit court clerk technology trust funds from the state. (No local funds required)
- A $300,000 budget amendment for the Department of Human Services for additional funds for Head Start transitional day care. The local funds will have to come from the general fund and are a required match to receive $90,000 of state and federal funds.
- Acceptance of two donations totaling $2,500 for the airport and AirFest
- A budget amendment for $930 for state funds received from the Department of Motor Vehicles from the sale of animal friendly license places for the animal shelter.
- Advertising for an appointment to the Public Transportation Advisory Committee