School Budget passed; Beahm will not seek re-election

With the final budget set at at $52,165,888 the school board public hearing took place on Thursday Mar. 28 in the Forum at CAMS. Teacher pay raises are a key in the new budget. 2.2% increase in instruction reflects the money that the state chipped in to fund a pay raise. The budget which reflects a $500,000 shortfall now goes to the county and Board of Supervisors for the final inclusion in the total budget.

A number of speakers spoke in thanks of the hard work by board and staff and in favor of agriculture education and Governor’s School. Two teachers in Agriculture have been included for the high schools in the final budget.

Daniel Holter of  James River reminded the board, “Both LBHS and JRHS have had nationally recognized programs. “ Amy White, parent and employee at VWCC, fresh off the announcement earlier in the day at VWCC of an Associates in Agriculture at the school, spoke to the need for community and the importance of agriculture.

The final figures rest in the hands of the Board of Supervisors who are still mulling the budget. Next year a new superinedent will be at the helm of the budget process as John Busher retires at the end of June.

In a side note Chairman Michael Beahm officially announced he will not seek re-election in November after 24 years on the school board.

Story and photo by Cathy Benson