School budget cuts to be discussed

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Virginia Beach City Public Schools' Superintendent, Dr. James Merrill, will address the future of schools Monday at 7 p.m.

In his state of the schools address, called Future Focus, Merrill will talk about the progress on the strategic plan and the major budget cuts that are expected to happen in the next week.  He will also discuss the challenges the school system faces with the proposed budget and, what he has called, the "disastrous funding cuts," at the state and local level.

The budget Merrill presented to the school board in the beginning of February involved nearly $40 million in cuts.  Some of the cuts include: transportation to academies, the majority of summer school programs, middle school sports and junior varsity sports. VBCPS also sent 640 probationary teachers  letters saying their jobs could be in jeopardy.

The presentation is happening Monday night at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach.  A reception starts at 6:30 p.m. and the formal program will begin at 7 p.m.  Dr. Merrill will hold a question and answer session after his presentation.

The school board is expected to adopt the budget on March 6.