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PRSRT. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 26, No. 38 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | January 20, 2010
Roberson: system weathering storm Proposed FY 2010-2011 Budget: The Bottom Line Total Budget All Funds $198,235,940 Total Budget Decrease — All Funds -7.0% Total Projected Revenue — State, All Funds $82,822,420 Percent Decrease — State -10.6% Total Projected Revenue — County, All Funds $93,300,000 Percent Decrease — County -2.9% Number of Students — Total Served 19,368 Total Number of Employees 2,927 Source: Hanover County Public Schools
Supervisors split on roadway solicitation issue By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com A unanimous move for a change in leadership changed quickly for the Hanover County Board of Supervisors with a 4-3 split on the vote concerning an ordinance prohibiting solicitation activities on public roads. Voting in favor of the ordinance were G. Ed Via III, who had been elected chairman at the start of the meeting last Wednesday; John E. Gordon Jr., outgoing chairman; Elton J. Wade Sr. and Aubrey M. Stanley. Newly-elected vice chairman Deborah B. Coats joined with Robert R. Setliff and Charles D. McGhee in opposing the measee SPLIT, pg. 28 `
Schools losing $18.6 million and 52.6 positions By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com With a funding loss of about $18.6 million and the elimination of 52.6 positions, the superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools said the system faces “a daunting challenge.” Dr. Stewart D. Roberson
presented his budget proposal to the Hanover County School Board during the Jan. 12 regular meeting. Positive news for employees is the district’s decision not to pass on additional expenditures in health insurance, $1.6 million, a 15 percent increase, and a Virginia Retirement System rate increase, $1.2 million.
The 2010 proposal calls for a budget of $198 million, as compared to $213 million for the current year. That’s a 7 percent decrease in all funds. Total projected revenue from the state is $82 million, a 10.6 percent decrease. County funding is $93 million, a 2.9
National Robotics Challenge Photo courtesy of Tim Chumley/VCU
Members of team “Quantum Apocalypse” from Atlee High School are gearing up for the 2010 FIRST Robotics Competition. The national competition gives them just six weeks to design and build a robot to compete in a high-tech soccer game called “BREAKAWAY.” Team members picked up their robot building kit Saturday, Jan. 9, at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Shown are, from left, Devyn McIverMentor, Michael Allen, Nic Baldwin, Drew McLaughlin, Dan Moneghan, Christ Nesaw and Sam Ketner-Mentor. This is the sixth year that Atlee High School has participated in the national competition.
see SYSTEM, pg. 30 `
VICTORIA MAIDEN Miss Chesterfield 2010
Maiden sets sights on state crown By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com Two years ago, Victoria Maiden claimed the crown of Miss Mechanicsville. She added the title of Miss Chesterfield on Jan. 9 as she now looks toward the Miss Virginia Pageant. Preparation for the June state competition — to be held June 24-26 at the Roanoke Civic Center Auditorium in Roanoke — has already started for the Mechanicsville resident. On Thursday, she met with the Miss Chesterfield Committee. “They’re behind me 100 percent and they’re going to prepare me for Miss Virginia Week.” Even though she lives in Hanover County, she was able see MAIDEN, pg. 4 `