chesterfield school budget (schools, estimated, money)

[leavingli66]

HI
I read about Chesterfield having to cut 52 (?) million from their existing budget for the school year 2009-20010
has anyone heard anything about this and how it will impact schools and children?

[Howe2]

I read in the Chesterfield Observer (see link below) that the 52 million is the county budget shortfall, about 9 % of the school's budget. The news recently reported that class size is estimated to increase by 1 student. There is a great amount of info. on this in the linked article so it may be worth looking up to get all details.
Also, the other point that stuck with me is that most of the positions that would be eliminated are currently vacant. Here is the link...
"Houston, we have a problem" | www.chesterfieldobserver.com | Chesterfield Observer

[ellieb128]

The county website has continual updates as proposals are made and adjusted.

FY2010 Budget Updates (http://www.chesterfield.k12.va.us/budget/index.htm - broken link)

There are pretty detailed lists and descriptions of proposed cuts as well as a long list of what ISN'T being cut.

[melody58]

I did hear that a lot teachers will be laid off and already looking into surrounding counties for employment.

[sls76]

Originally Posted by melody58

I did hear that a lot teachers will be laid off and already looking into surrounding counties for employment.

I'm not sure how accurate this statement is. I don't completely doubt that some teachers (especially those recently hired on) are looking around, but the number of teaching positions that are currently proposed to be eliminated is 340 and they expect much of that would be done through attrition. I also heard that the superintendent has a new proposal he will reveal Monday, he's found some additional money and hopes that the cuts are half what the current proposal is.