DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
PRSRT. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 27, No. 25 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | October 20, 2010
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Most support school district’s budget goals By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com While praise and support for the superintendent’s proposal dominated the pre-budget hearing during the Oct. 12 Hanover County School Board meeting, one speaker took issue with salaries, particularly that of Dr. Stewart D. Roberson.
Gerry Baugh said he wanted to talk about “the high salaries of some of the people on the board and mainly our superintendent.” He said Roberson’s salary is about $240,000, which includes $46,000 in compensation. He then compared enrollment numbers between Hanover, 18,000, and Chesterfield County, 58,000, not-
ing the superintendent of the latter, Dr. Marcus Newsome, had a base salary of $207,000 before agreeing to a 7 percent pay cut last year. Baugh said Gov. Bob McDonnell’s salary for 2010 is $166,250, “with responsibilities for more than 100,000 state workers and all services offered to residents in the state of Virginia.”
He said Fairfax County has the 12th largest school system in the nation, with its superintendent, Jack D. Dale, employed with a contract for $292,469. Baugh said Dale manages 22,000 employees in a district with 173,000 students (the website, http://www.fcps. edu, lists a figure of 175,296 for the
2010-2011 term). The budget for the division is $2.2 billion. “I think the teachers of this county are doing a tremendous job and I commend them,” he added. He closed his comments by saying “The School Board and the administrative side are getting totally out of hand. I think the see BUDGET, pg. 13 `
Longtime county official retiring
A ‘wild day’ at BPES
Longtime Hanover Coun- my contributions to the county ty official John H. and I’m ready to Hodges has anmove on to other nounced his retirethings. I look forment, effective Dec. ward to retiring at 31. an age that I can Hodges was enjoy my retirethe county’s planment.” ning director for 16 Hodges has years before being been with Hanover appointed deputy County since Nocounty adminisvember 1980. Hired trator for commuJOHN H. HODGES as the county’s first nity development in project manager for 1998, the position in growth management, he was which he currently serves. promoted to planning director “It just seems like the right see OFFICIAL, pg. 4 ` time,” Hodges said. “I’ve made
Melody Kinser/The Local
A baby leopard was among the animals Jim Fowler, seated, co-host of the original “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom,” brought to Battlefield Park Elementary School on Friday. Handler Mike Troiano displayed several animals, including an alligator, owl and python while Fowler talked to students about nature and “the most exciting forms of life.” The local visit was presented by Jason Blount of Cold Harbor Financial. More on Fowler’s two presentations at BPES will be featured in next week’s edition.
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