The Bottom Line - April 9, 2010 - FCPS

The Bottom Line - April 9, 2010 - FCPS
Budget Recap: Where We Are Now

As a result of recent actions approved by Virginia’s General Assembly, Kathy Smith, School Board chair, has requested that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors fund the school transfer at the same level as FY 2010, despite the county executive’s recommendation of a 1 percent decrease in the transfer to the school system.

At the Board of Supervisors' April 6 public hearing, Smith’s testimony highlighted FCPS’ efficiency and fiscal responsibility:

•Over the past two years, FCPS has taken reductions and cost avoidances exceeding $265 million and eliminated more than 1,200 positions. In addition, FCPS increased class size by one student and reduced teaching positions. The school system redesigned programs including summer school and college success and adjusted bus routes and bell schedules to achieve greater efficiencies. No employee received a salary increase this year. The per-pupil allocation principals received to operate their schools this year is the same amount they received in 2007, and it will be even lower next year. Per-pupil spending has continued to decline as FCPS’ enrollment has increased by thousands.

•Even with a level transfer, the School Board’s advertised budget still includes reduced services and programs for the coming school year. These cuts include a reduction of more than 200 positions (nearly half from central office support); a salary freeze for all employees; a reduction of custodial support; the closing of Pimmit Hills Alternative High School; the elimination of summer school except for some special education students and credit recovery to ensure graduation; the elimination of the extended school day and modified elementary school calendar; and a 15 percent reduction in supplies and textbooks. In addition to these reductions, fees will be instituted for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and PSAT tests and for Virginia High School League sports participation.

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