NPS superintendent proposes budget

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Norfolk Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Samuel T. King presented the propose Operating Budget for 2013-2014 to the school board Wednesday.

Elizabeth Mather with Norfolk Public Schools said the budget is $300 million, about $5.3 million less than the budget for 2012-2013. This reflects the allowance by the General Assembly to carry over funding from the prior fiscal year on a one-time basis.

The budget includes the following initiatives:

• $1 million to purchase new interactive instructional software
• $40,000 in increased funding for Advanced Placement testing
• $800,000 to fund ‘safety nets’ to assist challenged students
• $170,000 in additional funding for alternative education programs
• $4.2 million for a two percent salary increase for all staff members
• $2.4 million for expected increase in health insurance premiums for employees

Mather said the school board approved a retirement incentive for employees eligible for retirement as of Jan. 31, 2013. Employees who meet the requirements of having 30 years of qualified service and who are at least 50 years old, or who are at least 65 years old and have at least five years of qualified service will receive $8,000.

Employees must show intent to retire by April 1, 2013.

“The proposed budget closes an $18.4 million gap between revenues and expenditures for FY2014,” Mather said in a release.

Since 2008-2009, NPS has lost 695 full-time equivalent staff positions. The proposed budget will eliminate 108 staff positions, all planned through attrition.

“I am confident that this proposed Operating Budget is student-focused, and provides a solid foundation for the future,” Dr. King said.