Manassas Park ponders school budget cuts

Various cost-cutting strategies were the focus of Manassas Park's school board work session Monday night. But three stood out: the retirement incentive program, furlough days and implementation of student activity fees.

The retirement option, launched last week, could save the schools close to $400,000. The package was offered to full-time employees who are at least 50 years old and eligible for either an unreduced or reduced benefit through the Virginia Retirement System.

Retiring staff members will receive $1,000 for each year of VRS service obtained in Manassas Park City Schools, other school divisions in the commonwealth or through the purchase of prior service. Retirees also will receive $25 to $50 per day for accrued sick leave, based on a scale. These funds will be transferred to tax-sheltered annuities.

The deadline to take advantage of the program is today, and at the time of the meeting, five employees had already resigned.

Depending on which version of the budget in Richmond passes -- the House version, the Senate version or a compromised version -- up to four furlough days would be considered at a savings of around $180,000.

Reducing tuition reimbursement by as much as $400 would save about $6,000 more.

Other reductions would come from eliminating certain specialty bus runs and consolidating summer school, which would run for four days instead of five and be housed in one building.

A $40 activity fee for sports, music and drama would bring in about $1,300 over six years.

Vice Chair Brenda Foster said that might not sound like a lot of money, but it would buy a snow blower, which the school must purchase.

Associate Superintendent Bruce McDade said high school coaches did not feel the fee would discourage participation. He also said coaches and parents know other school systems already have fees or are considering them for the upcoming year.

Other necessary additional expenditures include updating technology, purchasing a van and contributing to the Governor's School.

A completed budget must be submitted to the state by April 1, but the budget can be amended if necessary.

A public hearing during which residents may provide input on the budgeting process will be held March 15 at 8 p.m. in the school board chambers.

Katherine Gotthardt is a contributing writer to the News & Messenger.