The School Board hosted its annual breakfast for Virginia legislators on Monday, December 19 at the Norfolk Technical Center, the same day Governor Bob McDonnell released his proposed two-year state budget.
The three General Assembly legislators in attendance - Del. Kenneth Alexander, Del. Chris Stolle and Sen. Ralph Northam - warned that PreK-12 public school divisions could expect even more competition for state dollars. The governor's proposed budget, they said, is expected to set aside general fund dollars for transportation and higher education.
Del. Alexander said he also expected more initiatives to promote charter schools in Virginia.
Del. Stolle said it would be incumbent upon public educators to make a compelling case for why additional funding is needed at a time when there are so many needs, and when the public is expecting educators to look for efficiencies.
"I know there are a lot of needs, and I know there are a lot of wants," he said, "but there has to be a justification of expenses."
School Board members and Interim Superintendent Michael Spencer emphasized the deep budget reductions that Norfolk Public Schools has experienced over the past several fiscal years - $39 million. Two hundred sixty-eight teaching positions have been eliminated in the two most recent fiscal cycles. Staff members have not had a salary increase in four years.
Board members urged legislators to fully fund the state Standards of Quality for K-12 education, and to vote against initiatives that would divert funding, such as new unfunded mandates or expanding charter schools.
School Board Chairman Dr. Kirk T. Houston, Sr., said Norfolk Public Schools has worked hard to maintain quality programs for children despite revenue reductions from the state.
Board member Dr. Stephen W. Tonelson said, "We need to do more for our children in Virginia."
Interim Superintendent Spencer put the funding issue into context according to the state's priority for building a work force and securing the future.
"I believe that if we're serious about stimulating job growth, it starts right here," he said. "Public Education is not just one more thing, it is the core of job stimulation. Without the work our teachers do every day, we cannot create a work force to sustain us over the next 20 years and beyond."
