The Goochland School Board held its official public hearing on the budget Tuesday night, in preparation for a planned vote to approve a budget next Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Just five speakers came to the mike to address the board after Goochland School Superintendent Linda Underwood’s budget presentation, the latest version of a continually changing plan as the board and school administration attempt to balance revenue and spending.

The proposal to outsource custodial jobs proved to be the most controversial topic Tuesday evening.

Changes presented last night included adding back the five head custodians to the budget (all custodial services had been proposed for outsourcing in the previous week’s plan) which added almost $97,000 to expenditures and reducing central office days from 260 days to 250, saving almost $35,000.

That left the proposed operating fund with a $61,880 surplus, compared to more than $112,000 the previous week.

Several speakers objected to the outsourcing of any of the custodial staff.

Wendy Hobbs thanked the board for adding back the five head custodians but raised questions about the effect on the remaining workers to be outsourced.

Susan Gray suggested the board cut school days and eliminate the need to outsource any custodians.

After the close of the public hearing, board members discussed the outsourcing option, with Maintenance Chief Sonny Turner providing some information on how it might work.

Turner explained at last week’s meeting that if the decision to outsource any custodians is made, the expectation is that current school employees would be hired by the contractor.

Although much of the savings would be achieved by no longer having to pay for the health insurance and retirement plans of outsourced custodial workers, several board members talked about the painful nature of the pay cuts custodians would have to take if outsourced.

“We want the savings but not at the detriment of their take home pay,” said Hardy.
But no dollar figures for custodians’ current pay compared to pay under a contractor were discussed.

After some discussion it became clear the board was unwilling to reach a consensus on the outsourcing proposal Tuesday evening.

“I’m not ready to make a decision on the two options we have,” said District 3 board member Kevin Hazzard of the two bids received.

Earlier in the meeting Hardy summarized changes made so far by the board.

Additions included:

• restoring two furlough days
• adding $3,000 for art materials and supplies
• adding a full time library media specialist at GMS

Reductions included:

• eliminating one library media aide position at GMS
• eliminating an assistant principal at GHS
• eliminating the gifted and enrichment specialist
• eliminating the student services specialist
• revising the health insurance contribution strategy
• outsourcing contract custodians (not including head custodians)
• not providing funding for the parking lot attendant
• reducing some of central office staff from 260 days to 250 days

Underwood’s presentation this time included prioritized “add backs,” a list of positions that might be added if funds are available. Those included:

• one special education teacher - $54,749
• one GMS math/English teacher - $54,749
• increase stipend for lead teachers – cost to be determined
• increase funding for music supplies, robotics, etc - cost to be determined
• one Goochland Prep/Alternative Education teacher - $54,749
• increase drama to full-time - $24,000
• restore K-12 math specialist - $88,000
• add a half time intervention specialist at each elementary school - $90,000

Possible additional savings were also listed, which included:

• more health insurance savings to the tune of $100,000

• $47,000 savings if changes were made to the VRS contributions of Plan 2 employees (those hired after July, 2010), who could be required to contribute to their retirement

• the “last resort option,” reducing instructional days from 180 to 175, for a savings of $450,000.

At the end of the meeting, discussion revolved around the proposal to cut school days, with District 3 member John Lumpkins discussing results of a survey of teacher responses to that idea. Elementary teachers were most opposed to it he said.

“But it’s becoming not so much a last resort,” said Lumpkins.

The board is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. next Tuesday at Goochland High School with anticipated approval of the proposed budget on the agenda.