We’re LIVE! at Schoolfield Elementary School for tonight’s Danville School Board work session. Refresh the page often for the latest happenings, photos & commentary. We’ll add more bonus coverage once we get home to the editing room. Tonight’s meeting starts at 6 PM.
Beautiful school. Amazingly beautiful.
Philip Campbell, Sharon Dones and Cheryl Bryant are out tonight. We still have a majority so the quorum is met.
Ed Polhamus reads a statement mentioning the school bus accident where the toddler was killed. Moment of silence. Very classy and well done.
We start off our open budget meeting. Tonight, we’ll learn about the budgeting process. Budget director Lori Cassada takes over.
In 2001, Danville schools had over 7500 students. In 2014, they have 5958.
Kathy Osborne now talks about future budget challenges.
Ed Polhamus introduces everyone and starts the question session.
I ask about the increases in the transportation department while student population has decreased. I also ask about a possible bond referendum. I also ask about outsourcing custodial or transportation programs.
After I question the possibility of electronic textbooks, Trevor Metcalfe (R&B) asks about the early retirement program. It’s sort of like the Halifax County schools’ LORP program. Interestingly, Polhamus tells us that the program is now costing $1.8 million per year. He gives the strong hint that the program won’t continue without changes next year.
We move to regular business. Robin Owens talks about discipline statistics. We’ll have this in a NumbersCentral soon.
Personnel recommendations are next from Juliet Jennings. We heart her! One retirement in the mix, but we don’t get to see names. The retirement is due to illness.
Kathy Osborne asks for contingency funding for a Langston assistant principal. She is also asking for funding for an assistant principal for Woodberry Hills elementary school.
Steven Gould asks Osborne the need for the Langston job. Osborne says the board had agreed to the need. Approved 4-0.
Woodberry Hills is in danger of losing accreditation and has discipline problems (says Osborne). Savings from using long-term substitute teachers will leave enough money in staffing funds to fund that position. It passes 4-0.
Closed session for disciplinary actions is next, so we’re done for now. We’ll clean this article up in the editing process.
More coming up on SouthsideCentral.
PCS has a “Lorp” called ERIP. Halifax axed their LORP cause they could not afford to continue. I wonder how long Pittsylvania county schools wiil keep theirs. Makes one wonder how this continues when PCS cry they can’t give their employees pay raises beyond the state donation.
Actually when administered correctly ERIP programs save money. The problem has been local districts have not administered them properly.