Suffolk prepares for fewer school cuts

SUFFOLK, Va (WAVY) - Monday, Suffolk school leaders contemplated what the General Assembly's budget will bring for schools next year. During another special session on potential cuts, Superintendent Dr. Milton Liverman said the "worst case scenario from the House [of Delegates] would mean a $4 million state cut."

For months, a potential $14 Million shortfall in state and city funds caused a lot of anxiety among parents and administrators. However, compromises in Richmond will likely mean fewer cuts to public education.

Teaching positions and pre-school classrooms were on the chopping block in Suffolk just a couple of weeks ago. Liverman told WAVY.com, "When we were looking at $14 million dollars I was concerned about all of those things as well. I think when we're at the $4 Million cut from the state level and assuming level local funding - or not major cuts in local funding - some of those programs may be off the table at this point."

The City of Suffolk could still cut about $2 million in local funding for schools, but leaders are optimistic.

"We're feeling much much better about where we started a couple months ago looking at what we may have to do. But at this time we're looking at less. So we're feeling much more relieved," School Board Chair Lorraine Skeeter told WAVY.com.

Skeeter said savings will be found with options like offering retirement to more than 100 employees. "If they retire that will reduce the level. Even though we will be hiring people it will not be at that salary level."

Skeeter and other board members instructed Liverman to examine a 10 percent cut in the operating budget. Liverman said, "that would include things like purchase services, travel and training, staff development materials and supplies - anything that is not precisely personnel."

School board members are still considering closing two elementary schools with low enrollment and consolidating one school. But they decided to postpone any decisions until they hear from the legislature.

Liverman and board members will take another look at the numbers for Suffolk after lawmakers in Richmond finalize the state budget. Then the school board will vote on March 25.