CCPS prepare for another difficult budget season

George Dasher warned the community Monday to prepare for yet another dismal budget cycle for Culpeper County Public Schools.

The Culpeper County School Board member made his predictions during Monday’s Talk About the Budget session where the community is welcome to share their thoughts and suggestions regarding the school division’s fiscal year 2013 operating budget.

Before opening the floor to the public, Dasher explained the next year’s potential financial challenges.

He said the Virginia Retirement System’s costs will increase about $2.5 million while health insurance will rise another $600,000 for CCPS.

“It’s the end of the line of stimulus funding,” Dasher added. “We’re in for another difficult year.”

The $70.3 million operating budget for fiscal year 2012 runs July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.

“This budget included a one-time bonus, holding employees harmless from the [Virginia Retirement System] and health insurance increase,” Dasher explained to the small crowd. “It included an increase for diesel fuel prices.”

Dasher also explained that the current budget was based on an Average Daily Membership of 7,556 students.

“As of December, we are currently at 7,629 or up 73,” he said.

For each student, Culpeper County receives between $4,700 and $4,800 from the state.

Rebecca Walser of the Cedar Mountain District asked the board if it would be able to maintain the gifted programs.

“I would really hate to see something that has such potential for the kids get cut,” she said. “I think we really need to invest in the students as well as we possibly can as a community.”

Board member Leanne Malulani assured Walser that the gifted programs are here to stay.

“I hopefully want to put your mind at rest some because that program is mandated so we have to continue to provide gifted programs,” she responded. “Obviously times are hard and we’re cutting corners everywhere we can, but at least we will continue to have that program because the state says we have to.”

Kerst ter Weele of the Catalpa District questioned the school board about its current relationship with the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors.

“I think that the relationship between the two boards is important and every one of us around this table has worked hard to foster that relationship. And occasionally, we have joint meetings. [Superintendent] Dr. [Bobbi] Johnson has a good relationship with them. She has attended their first Tuesday of the month monthly meetings.”

Dasher also explained how much the school division received from various entities last year.

It garnered $33.8 million from the state; $30.1 million from the county; about $5 million from the Federal government and $1.4 in miscellaneous funding from building rentals, etc.

Asked to explain which departments have endured the most cuts, CCPS Finance Director Jeff Shomo answered personnel, which is 85 percent of the school division’s operating budget.

“It’s a culmination of a bunch of different things we’ve had to do,” added Shomo, further explaining eliminations the maintenance department has faced in recent years.