Some things survived

Faced with a possible $6 million shortfall in a $46 million budget, Orange County Public Schools is examining all of its options for scaling back. Last week, Superintendent Dr. Bob Grimesey presented his recommendations to the school board which included levels of proposed position cuts, program elimination and even cuts to school sports. But, some positions and programs considered for cuts have been spared–at least for the time being.
In order to make up the potential budget shortfall, school board members are examining everything, from personnel reductions to changes in programs. While Grimesey presented his budget Tuesday, which included the potential loss of 79 positions, non-personnel departmental cuts and changes in how athletics are funded, several other options were examined that didn't make the final cut. They include reorganizing central office staff, changing transportation policies and options for reducing the division's contribution to employee benefits.
Last year, central office was reorganized to meet budget shortfalls. According to former interim superintendent Larry Massie, reorganization of central offices amounted to a reduction of $1 million, and the elimination of 25 full-time and one part-time position, including five administrative, five and a half secretarial, one psychology intern, three technology teachers were moved to vacant classroom positions, one and a half maintenance/mechanic positions, five bus drivers, and one bus drivers aide. In all, cuts to the central office resulted in a budget reduction of $1,065,685.
This year, board members examined their central office staff compared to staffs in similar-sized counties, including Accomack, Botetourt, Isle of Wight, Powhatan, Shenandoah and Warren Counties. These counties have close to the same number of students as Orange County. When compared, the Orange County school division has the least amount of specialists, 12. Warren County has the most at 19. As for clerical posistions, Orange falls in the middle of the other counties with 14 positions.
Ultimately, because of last year's cuts, Grimesey said he couldn't recommend central office position cuts.
"We haven't yet hit custodians and central office [staff]," he said. "They were hit hard last year."
School board members also examined changes in transportation. The board considered the idea of staggered start times for school. This could allow for the elimination of all elementary school only buses, except for those that service Locust Grove Elementary School students. This could eliminate 21 routes, resulting in a net savings $189,875. However, high school would need to start at 7:30 a.m. in order to allow buses to complete their high school runs first, then reposition themselves for transporting elementary school students two hours later, with elementary schools beginning at 9:30 a.m. In turn, those students would then be dismissed two hours later, around 4:30 p.m. As for middle school students, Prospect Heights Middle School students would remain on the same buses they are on now and Locust Grove Elementary and middle school already operate on a staggered start with the same buses servicing both schools.
According to Orange County Public School Director of Transportation Justin Sarver, the cost of having all schools operate on a staggered start wouldn't necessarily save money in the long run. Fuel costs may increase due to the miles buses will need to travel to reposition themselves after their first runs, he said. Increases may also be seen in maintenance costs, plus the lifespan of the buses may be shortened due to extra wear and tear.
"These costs would be significant, decreasing the net achieved by the initial reduction of the routes," he added.
Sarver said the plan would also result in an overall decrease in drivers' hourly rate of pay even though some would be working more hours.
"This would have an impact on retention which would also increase training costs and impact student safety," he said.
Another transportation option considered, but not pursued, would be to have one bus pick up all students in an area, regardless of grade level. This would mean a bus would pick up kindergarten through 12th grade students from one residential area and then drop those students off at their respective schools.
"This is an expensive option," Sarver said.
While possible personnel reductions have been identified, changes in retirement, health and dental contributions were also considered for cuts. Currently, the school division covers the entire contribution for employee-only health and dental insurance, or $4,533 of health insurance costs for married employees or those with children. However, health insurance costs are expected to increase by 12 percent next year. If the school board is unable to cover the increase, employees could have to pay for it. As for dental insurance, currently the school division covers the entire cost of employee-only insurance, or $220 of costs for married employees or those with children. However, dental insurance costs are expected to increase by 7 percent next year, something the board may not be able to cover. Retirement service rates are also expected to increase 1-2 percent next year. This means employees could see a decrease in their overall pay next year to cover the costs of the benefit increases should the board not be able to cover them.
Ultimately, board members said it wouldn't be fair to pass insurance increases on to employees considering the board will be unlikely to offer a cost of living raise and with the possibility of an across-the-board salary reduction looming.
"I don't see where the money for cost of living increases or step increases is going to come from," District 2 board member Donna Waugh-Robinson said. "We should keep benefits instead."
According to Grimesey, nothing yet has been set in stone. He said board members will continue to look at various options, possibly making budget changes as late as May. Other options include a possible early retirement plan and finding funding alternatives for athletics. The Orange County School Board will present its budget to the Orange County Board of Supervisors Feb. 16.