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Vol. 27, No. 38 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | January 19, 2011
HCPS budget includes pay hike for all By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com Sunlight is on the horizon for Hanover County Public Schools and the good news means a pay increase for all employees. Delivering his final budget to the Hanover County School Board last Wednesday, retiring superintendent Dr. Stewart D. Roberson has proposed a 2.25 percent hike. Classification levels will be considered in the raise, but all employees will see more money in the 2011-2012 year.
Harksen named deputy county administrator Frank W. Harksen Jr. has been named deputy county administrator by Hanover County Administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. Harksen, who has served as the county’s director of public utilities s i n c e Janu ar y 1999, succeeds John H. Hodges, who reHARKSEN tired in D e cember. He will move into the position on March 1. see HARKSEN, pg. 26 `
Roberson said he had “never been so glad to present one (budget proposal).” For the coming year, the school system has targeted a total budget of $203.8 million. That figure, according to Dr. Michael Thornton, assistant superintendent of business and operations, includes textbooks. The new budget lists the employer health insurance contribution at $7,086, which Thornton said was “a very significant benefit for us to highlight.” Also, the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) employer contribution will be 12.76
percent. Due to a loss of enrollment, Roberson said 17 full-time positions are being eliminated. No reductions-in-force will be implemented in the new budget. “Attrition will take care of those 17 positions,” the superintendent, who leaves the post he has held since 1995 on July 31, told the School Board. He praised the employees, calling them “tremendous champions of mission. They have done more with less.”
Total Budget All Funds $203,834,005 Total Budget Inccrease — Operating Funds 1.6% Total Projected Revenue — State, All Funds $76,342,628 Percent Decrease — State 1.0% Total Projected Revenue — County, All Funds $95,251,111 Percent Decrease — County 2.0% Number of Students — Total Served 19,110 Total Number of Employees 2,910
see HCPS, pg. 28 `
Source: Hanover County Public Schools
Foley ‘humbled’ by YWCA Arts honor guished YWCA honor by her sister Kathy Abbott and her Ashland “sidekick” Sue Forbes Watson, Foley is one of the comWhen Lorie Foley decided to spearhead a munity’s most involved and recognized Children’s Musical Theatre Camp, she knew residents. it would be a “huge undertaking.” But her With a grin, she said she kept the secret devotion – and “proudest accomplishment” for weeks – even from her sister. She did, – helped her take center stage in the Arts category in see FOLEY, pg. 26 ` the 2011 YWCA Outstanding Women Awards. Nominated for the distin-
By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com
Lorie Foley, center, is shown with her sister, Kathy Abbott, and mother, Carol Kennedy.
Proposed FY 2011-2012 Budget: The Bottom Line
Mechanicsville rep to lead supervisors By Jim Ridolphi For The Mechanicsville Local For the second time in history, the Hanover Board of Supervisors will be chaired by a woman. Deborah B. Winans was elected chairman by a unanimous vote last Wednesday and replaces outgoing chair Ed Via, becoming the first woman since Nina Peace to head the panel. Winans has served on the board since 2007, representing the Mechanicsville District. Beaverdam District representative Aubrey Stanley will serve as vice chair for the upcoming year. In his outgoing remarks, Via said it’s been his pleasure to
serve as chairman during some challenging years, and he noted those challenges won’t disappear quickly. Despite those challenges, he said the county enjoys a continued triple A bond rating and was named one of the top 100 communities for young people to live. “2010 has been a challenging year as we dealt with the tough economic times,” Via said. “We have much to be proud of and thankful for in Hanover County. It’s been an honor this past year to serve as chairman. “The plain and simple truth is that Hanover is just a great place to call home,” he added. see LEAD, pg. 28 `