By Debbie Hall

On Monday, Patrick County school officials unveiled details of its $30.5 million 2017-18 budget proposal, which includes the school board’s preliminary request for an $812,787 increase from last year’s budget.

The proposed budget is pending approval by the school board, which will take a look at the budget Thursday, said Schools Superintendent William Sroufe. The school budget information, however, was needed by county officials in order to set tax rates.

Sroufe and Assistant Schools Superintendent Dean Gilbert presented details of the budget during a liaison committee meeting with county officials that included Roger Hayden, county supervisor for the Dan River District and Rickie Fulcher, supervisor for the Peters Creek District.

Sroufe explained the requested increase is due to “really …  four things,” but those four items “add up very quickly.” Many also are out of the division’s control, he added.

For instance, $329,041.19 of the requested increase is due to a two-percent raise for educators approved by state legislators, as well as a “pretty significant” increase to the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), Sroufe said.

An additional $356,016.16 is needed to cover a payment increase that was the result of refinancing a debt, he said.

A special education teacher is needed for elementary schools, Sroufe said of the position that is estimated to cost $50,890.11.

Additionally, the division’s “health insurance will go up considerably,” Sroufe said of a $250,000 increase that will ensure the school division is in compliance with state law.

The items listed total $985,947.46, which is more than the increase requested from the county, Sroufe said. He explained some state monies can be used to offset a portion of the total cost.

The division also proposes adjustments to the budget, Sroufe said of changes that include adding two PALS (Partners in Active Learning Support) teacher assistants – one each for each Patrick Springs and Stuart elementary schools;  adding two elementary literacy coaches; and adding one autism specialist/social worker that will cover schools in the county. All are needed due to increased need and/or state regulations, he said.

Fulcher and Hayden said they will present the proposal to the Board of Supervisors during the March 13 meeting.