DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
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Vol. 32, No. 38 | Richmond Suburban News | January 27, 2016
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Reality replaces optimism in HCPS budget By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, presented his first budget Jan. 19 to the Hanover County School Board.
ASHLAND — When Hanover County Public Schools officials initially began considering a new budget last year, the prospects looked promising with a recovering economy and a slightly increased enrollment in county schools. That optimism was replaced with a healthy dose of reality last week as Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent, presented s Hanover County School Board members with his 2017 budget proposal … and there are challenges. When Gill said he realized the early
numbers were not sufficient and more money would be needed, he worked with county administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. to solve the problem. Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, proposed a $175.6 million budget for 2017.
“The county administrator stepped up to the plate and recognized that — while the funding was not forthcoming from the state as we had expected
— we would be able to make up for that locally,” Gill said. “We want the state to continue to fund what we feel is their share, but the conversations with the county administrator have been very beneficial and are the reason that I am able to come to you with this budget this evening.” The county’s share (local funding) for the budget increased by $2.5 million, while state lottery funds only increased about $300,000. Since state funding did not meet preliminary expectations, the local share did increase in order to preserve the school board’s original budget goals
to provide a pay raise, keep salaries competitive, and decrease class size. Gill proposed a $175.6 million budget for 2017 for the board’s consideration. The document contains a 2 percent raise for all employees, an additional $1 million ($2 million total for 2017) for technology upgrades, 16 new teaching positions and no increases for employee shares on health insurance. Despite last -minute “financial curveballs” thrown at the county’s budget process, the new budget addresses the school board’s stated budget objectives.
‘The Snow of 2016’ Thanks to our readers, we were inundated with so many cute — and some comical — photos from “The Snow of 2016.” From left, Aly Robinson got a photo of Emily, 1 1/2 years old; Dixie seemed relaxed as the snow fell in Bonnie Lee Woolard’s photo; Nancy Pellicer Dyer got some help from Frosty the Snowman in shoveling; and Elsa (Megan Adkins) from “Frozen” went out into the snow to sing “Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” Mechanicsville received between 14 and 16 inches. We extend our sincere thanks for all those who shared photos with us and our readers. For more photos and information about the big snowstorm, turn to page 13.
THE NAME YOU KNOW AND TRUST IN REAL ESTATE
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see BUDGET, pg. 15