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2010-2011 Budget Introduction
Every year at this time school divisions tend
to lament over the lack of funding support for public education. The
majority of our dedicated and talented team of certified and classified
professionals are “can-do” and “will try” individuals that do whatever it
takes to ensure that our students achieve success. Regardless of our
budgetary circumstances, Pittsylvania County Schools will continue the
struggle for as long as it takes because it is our desire to be recognized
as having an innovative, challenging and exemplary school system.
Problems like this one are unavoidable.
Perspective on the problem, rather than the problem itself, determines
success or failure. First, we challenged our staff to approach this set of
circumstances with the following mindset: the problem is solvable; it will
challenge us; it will stretch our capacity to think; and it will make us a
better organization.
Next, we pointed out that there's a big
difference between problem spotting and problem solving. Problems,
responded to correctly, can propel the organization forward. We believe
that our people are our most valuable asset. The size of the person is
more important than the size of the problem. For example, Bob Ireland, on
Thursday, November 6, 1986, crossed the finish line in 19,413th place
(dead last). He had just completed the slowest marathon in history (4
days, 2 hours, 48 minutes, and 17 seconds). At the time he was a 40
year-old Californian who ran the race with his arms (his legs were blown
off in Vietnam). Why? He wanted to show his faith, test his conditioning
and promote fitness. He said, “Success is not based on where you start,
it’s based on where you finish!”
To this end, the Pittsylvania County School
Board stayed committed to saving jobs, maintaining quality instructional
programs and ensuring the long-term viability of the organization.
Included in the strategies for balancing the budget was an Early
Retirement Health Incentive Insurance Program (ERHIIP). The ERHIIP was
made available only to eligible full-time classified and certified
employees with an effective Virginia Retirement System (VRS) retirement
date of July 1, 2010.
Applicants had to meet all employee
eligibility criteria set forth in the Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP)
as of the date they file an ERHIIP application form. Applicants had to be
enrolled and actively participating in Pittsylvania County Schools’ group
health insurance plan during the 2009-2010 school year and throughout the
time period during which they receive the ERHIIP benefits. The application
form for the one-time only ERHIIP had to be filed between the dates of
March 10, 2010, and the close of business on March 31, 2010. Approved
applicants for the ERHIIP must comply with all requirements of the ERIP in
order to continue to receive the benefits from the program. In addition to
the other payments to which the applicant is entitled under the ERIP, the
school system agreed to pay annually $4,560.00 of the health insurance
premium for the applicant from the date of the applicant’s early
retirement until the applicant either reaches age 65 or for seven years,
whichever occurs first.
Additionally, it was decided to restructure
the contractual agreements for new hires for the 2010-2011 school year.
Finally, a prioritized listing for funding reductions was developed with
input from administrative and instructional staff, advisory councils,
community members and the School Board. Incentive programs, instructional
programs, maintenance and facilities, and transportation absorbed the
brunt of the budgetary cuts.
These strategies have produced more than
enough funding to balance the nearly $4.7 million shortfall in the
2010-2011 budget. Indeed, the School Board has remained true to its
commitment of saving jobs, maintaining quality instructional programs and
ensuring the long-term viability of the organization.
Respectfully,
Respectfully,
James E. McDaniel
Division Superintendent |
