Pittsylvania County Schools Budget

Yesterday we received an email from the Chamber of Commerce asking their members to support an increase in funding for Pittsylvania County Schools. Here is an excerpt from their statement:

Summary
Our region’s economic growth and prosperity will be fueled by the ability of our workforce to be productive, adaptable, and continuous learners. The foundation of a strong workforce begins with an innovative, challenging and exemplary school system that educates and nurtures students to be successful and productive citizens.

• Pittsylvania County currently ranks 132 out of 133 school divisions for funding the operating cost per pupil.
• In recent years, the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors has funded at or near the bare minimum that the state has required for education.
• Technology, vocational equipment, and extracurricular activities are just a few of the programs that are “at risk” of not being funded if school budget funding is not increased.
• The school system needs to offer competitive salaries in order to attract and retain the best teachers and staff possible. With a national shortfall of qualified teachers, we can not continue to fall behind in our compensation of teachers.
• Pittsylvania County must invest in the necessary maintenance of existing facilities. If we neglect our facilities, rising maintenance costs will continue to erode our ability to fund programs that directly support our students.

The success of our students is at stake. The success of our region is at stake.

County residents may attend the hearing on Monday, April 23, 2007 at 7pm at the Pittsylvania County General District Courtroom. Or they may contact the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors.