Budget likely to be adjusted pending passage of the state budget

The Roanoke County School Board has adopted a preliminary version of the 2012-2013 budget, totaling $130,947,771.  This school budget reflects revenues based on state aid for education in the Governor’s budget released on Dec. 19, 2011.

The School Board is required by state code to adopt an annual school budget by April 1 of each year.  After recent years of steeply declining state revenue for schools, the General Assembly adjourned March 10 without adopting a state budget for 2012-13.  Therefore, school districts do not yet know how much state funding will be allocated for the 2012-13 fiscal year.  In addition, significant changes to the state retirement system (VRS) that covers school employees were passed by the House and Senate in the final hours of the session which are in conflict with language included in the standing House budget which has not been adopted.

“Based on the uncertainties of the state budget which impacts both the school revenues, the county transfer to schools, and the school expenditures for retirement, the board adopted a preliminary budget to meet the legal requirement.  It is fully anticipated that significant changes may be necessary to this budget once the General Assembly reconvenes and adopts a state budget,” said Assistant Superintendent of Finance Penny Hodge.

The preliminary budget assumes level funding from the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and does not include school closings or layoffs of full-time contracted employees.  The budget includes a two-percent salary increase.

“As soon as the state budget is passed, the school system budget will be revised and submitted to the School Board for another adoption.  However, until final budget action is taken by the General Assembly, the School Board may be unable to issue employee contracts before the end of the school year,” said Hodge.

Submitted by Chuck Lionberger, Roanoke County Public Schools.