By Matt de Simone
The Botetourt County School Board will hold a public hearing this Thursday regarding the proposed 2024-2025 School Budget at the Central Administration Offices in Fincastle at 5:30 p.m.
Last Thursday, Botetourt County Public Schools (BCPS) Financial Director Brandon Lee read through the proposed budget during the School Board’s March meeting. BCPS’s ask from Botetourt County is $1,943,680 for the General Operating Fund, which would be money put toward raises for teachers and increasing the line for fuel and utilities, and $5,271,405 in Capital Improvements, totaling $7,215,085.
Lee noted that 85% of the division’s general operating budget is directed to personnel needs. Buchanan School Board representative Jenny Wilson mentioned that when the board passed the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) ask last Novemeber, two needs included repairs to the track at Read Mountain Middle School that currently has an “enter at your own risk” sign prior to entry.
Valley District representative Tim Davidick reminded the board and those in attendance that the $5,271,405 isn’t for expansion or building anything new. It is money designated for maintenance repairs.
Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Russ added that the board “cut back” on “half” the needs of the maintenance department in the latest request from the School Board. Many personnel positions are currently “doubling up” as opposed to creating new positions in order to be more “creative” with personnel, which include bus driver positions.
The board has to have the budget legally approved by March 31.
To watch last week’s School Board meeting in its entirety, visit bcps.live/archives.
