Local school budget talks continue

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) - Many local schools have been working out their budget issues in recent weeks as they face major cuts in funding. Hampton and York County are set to discuss their budgets for the upcoming year Wednesday night.

Virginia Beach and Williamsburg-James City County Schools approved their budgets for the upcoming year Tuesday night. Hampton and York County school board members are scheduled to discuss theirs Wednesday night.

Virginia Beach School Board members voted unanimously to chop $37 million from its budget for the next two years.

At Tuesday's meeting, board members said they will increase 4th and 5th grade class sizes, make schools more energy efficient, and scale back on non-personnel expenses.

"When we started hearing some of the numbers coming out of Richmond three or four weeks ago, there were some pretty serious numbers we were looking at in terms of cutbacks and we were prepared to work with those cutbacks if we had to," said Virginia Beach school board member William Brunke. "Nothing about the process is easy. It's difficult for everyone involved," he continued.

Layoffs, program cuts and school closures have been avoided.

The Williamsburg - James City County (WJCC) School Board also met Tuesday night to mull over the superintendent's proposed budget.

Facing a $6.5 million shortfall, 45 positions were going to be eliminated, but most were able to be saved. No teacher positions will be cut, however, the school board has decided to reduce the number of administrative and support positions in order to cover next year's deficit.

The General Assembly's budget allows the school system to save money on Virginia Retirement System payments.

The public is invited to attend Hampton's meeting Wednesday night. If your interested in attending, be at Jones Magnet Middle School at 7:30 p.m.