WJCC schools instructional jobs saved

JAMES CITY COUNTY, VA (WAVY) - The Williamsburg-James City County school budget is nearing completion. People from the community took another opportunity to speak about what's most important to them in a tough financial year.

The superintendent addressed some concerns ahead of the public hearing in a briefing with the Williamsburg City Council Tuesday morning.

Having heard of recent developments, teacher Sherry Smeland told school board members, "First, I'd like to tell you what a huge sigh of relief when we read Dr. [Gary] Mathews statement that the cut positions in middle schools would be reinstated."

James Nicholson with the Williamsburg NAACP said, "We were concerned about increasing class sizes, particularly at the elementary level, where fundamental learning occurs. We are encouraged that no classroom instruction will be impacted by the amended budget."

Once facing cuts of $6.5 million, 45 positions were going to be eliminated. Now most of the jobs, all of those in classrooms, will likely be saved.

The budget the Virginia General Assembly passed on Sunday allows the school system to save money by giving it a break in required Virginia Retirement System payments.

Superintendent Dr. Gary Mathews said it's, "some $3.5 million we will not have to expend into the employer contribution Virginia Retirement System. That $3.5 million frees up a lot of positions in our public schools."

The money also helps restore summer school programs once on the chopping block.

School Board Chairman James Nickols told WAVY.com, "Summer school is a very important component because we're trying to do not only remedial work for students, but also enrichment work as well."

Mathews added, "I think, as one speaker said, we've dodged a bullet for the coming school year."

Mathews' amended proposed budget saves money by cutting administrative and support jobs. It also reduces administrative and service costs in various departments. School board members are expected to vote on the budget next Tuesday.

Mathews and Nickols say there are still plenty of questions that will extend beyond the 2010/2011 budget. The Virginia Retirement System payments will need to be made up at some point. Both said it is not clear how much localities will have to contribute in future years.

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