Printer-Friendly
Email this Story
Post a Comment (0)
Slower-than-expected school growth to do little to close budget gap
The Board of Supervisors and School Board met last week to talk about what to expect for next year's budget, and board members told each other to be prepared for tough times ahead.
"The news every day doesn't get any better unfortunately," said Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott York (I-at large). "Right now, things are fairly scary."
County Administrator Kirby Bowers told members of the two boards Oct. 7 that the county is looking at an estimated $176 million shortfall.
The 2008-2009 enrollment for Loudoun County Public Schools as of Sept. 30 was 57,009 -- 308 students fewer than had been projected earlier this year.
The number indicates that Loudoun's growth is slowing somewhat, Schools Supervisor Edgar Hatrick said at last week's joint meeting.
And the final enrollment is 1,363 students fewer than was projected for the 2008-2009 school year just two years ago.
This smaller-than-anticipated number should help ease some of the pressure on the county for next year's budget -- 1,363 fewer students saves the county more than $17 million. But it doesn't do much to help the county overcome the projected $176 million gap.
"We're directing all agencies to look at current funding levels and prioritize services," Bowers said. "As we move forward with the process, I'm assuming we'll have to make some pretty tough calls down the line to make things meet."
Supervisor Susan Klimek Buckley (D-Sugarland Run) took the time to point out some of the positives in the situation, such as the fact that the two boards are now meeting monthly and cooperating like never before.
"I support this collaborative process we've put forward," she said. "I'm hoping this process will result in two things. One, more accountability on our part ... and the second thing is more strategic decision-making on both boards' parts. I think the economy is going to force us in that direction. I think it is incumbent on both boards to get to a higher level."
Contact the reporter at ecoe@timespapers.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.