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FY 2017 Budget Development Priorities/Goals

2016-17 BUDGET GOALS


PROGRESS REPORT
Provide Market-Based Compensation Systems for SCPS Employees
The FY 2017 Budget supported the second year of the Teacher Salary Model (adopted
by the Board on March 10, 2015), a market-based compensation model. The SB
established the median of our adopted comparison divisions as an initial target. The FY
2017 Budget included an enhancement for teachers with 1-13 years of experience
based upon a comparison of the nine adopted jurisdictions. Starting Teacher salary
was raised to $42,234 which is the highest in our region (but not the nine comparison
counties).
.
Preliminary analysis of Para Professional, Bus Driver and Nurse compensation
models was performed. The FY 2017 budget supported an increase of $.50 per
hour for Paraprofessionals. The Board recognized that additional work and
compensation models for all three of these employee groups should be
developed but were unable to support in this budget cycle.

The FY 2017 Budget included support of the Compensation Task Forces


recommended new compensation model based on a market-driven analysis of
compensation models for the trades in maintenance (electrical and mechanical)
and technology positions.

Reduce Classroom Sizes


This area was a main budget driver for the FY 2017 Budget. The Board adopted
new Staffing Standards for the division and funded 29 positions for elementary
education designed to reduce class size, 4 math specialists (ensuring each
middle school has a full time math specialist), 2 additional High School English
teachers, 2 CTTs, and 2 ESL specialists.

Aside from class size reduction staffing, mandated 43.5 special education
positions were funded, including teachers, paraprofessionals, school counselor,
social worker, and an OT/PT therapist.

Create Cash Capital Reserve to Fund School Capital Projects


The Board of Supervisors and the School Board both passed resolutions allowing the
creation of a School Cash Capital Reserve Fund. (The Fund will be held by the BOS
and the School Board has to ask for release of those funds from the BOS due to the fact
that Virginia school boards cannot carry any funds forward from year to year.)
Approved by the School Board
on October 27, 2015

FY 2017 Budget Development Priorities/Goals

Establish Cyclic Replacement Funding Levels

The School Board recognizes that determining proper funding levels for O&M
infrastructure projects, school buses, technology (computer hardware and
software applications), and textbooks is necessary and will continue to seek
funding these items in future budgets.
BASELINE

Compensation
The FY 2017 funded the final 1% salary increase of the state-mandated 5% VRS
employer contribution as well as the .7% increase in the VRS employer
contribution rate required by the state

Healthcare Insurance Program


As part of the shared services initiative with Stafford County, the School Board
adopted a new Benefits program for employees. Due to the combined nature of
the new Benefits program, a savings of $1.2 million was realized. Many
employees, especially those on the Family Plans, will realize a reduced
contribution amount for the Employee portion of the program.
Student Growth
The FY 2017 Budget confirms that the student population in Stafford County
continues to increase and additional positions were added to the base budget,
including funding of reserve positions to react quickly to unanticipated growth in
certain classes or schools. The forecast for fall membership for school year
2016-17 is currently 27,919. The actual membership report from technology on
April 4, 2016 showed 27,624 students, which is an additional 295 students for the
2016-17 school year.
Contracted Services and Annual Debt Service
Increases in these areas were covered in the FY2017 Budget.
ENHANCEMENT
The FY 2017 Budget included a 2% COLA for all SCPS employees, identical to the
COLA provided by the County.
The FY 2017 Budget supported professional development and compensation for critical
need areas.
Approved by the School Board
on October 27, 2015

FY 2017 Budget Development Priorities/Goals

Little progress was made in the area of the re-allocation of resources (among schools
with large student populations based on the different types and number of student
populations). The Staffing Standards adopted by the Board provides some guidance for
this area of concern to the Board but the Class Size Reduction goals were the main
budget driver for the FY 2017 Budget.
Funding for tuition reimbursement and other professional development support All
Century Skills and educational initiatives. The Board supports restoring professional
development funding and has taken some initial steps in this regard but additional work
should be done in the area.

Approved by the School Board


on October 27, 2015

FY 2017 Budget Development Priorities/Goals

2015-16 BUDGET GOALS


PROGRESS REPORT
Instructional Curriculum/Program and Personnel Alignment
Programs studied with a focus on equal access to core programs. In the first year, some
budget savings will be achieved due to alignment. Work is ongoing as the All Century
Skills effort continues and further analysis of programs and costs are completed.
Align and Adjust Compensation and Benefits with Adopted Comparison Divisions
The FY 2016 Budget included a limited and targeted enhancement for teachers based
on comparison with 9 adopted jurisdictions, initial starting salary raised to $40,000. This
was a main budget driver and additional funds were allocated to the teacher salary line.
Improve Recruitment and Retention of Staff, Including Professional Development
Stafford County Public Schools conducted a climate survey of buildings and building
level work, which is continuing. The 2015-16 Budget included a $500 payment for the
new teacher institute for all attendees and this expense is now part of the baseline
budget for professional development going forward. This addition to professional
development was a budget priority for the School Board.
Strengthen CIP Planning to include Support for Cash Capital Projects
Began work in this area with a focus on using FY 2015 carryforward funds to fund a
cash capital reserve for schools.
Cyclic Replacement - O&M Infrastructure Projects, School Buses, Technology
and Textbooks
Began work in this area with the utilization of FY 2015 unspent budgeted non-salary
and benefits year-end funds for O&M infrastructure project, school bus and technology
needs. In light of the FY 2017 budget goals, funding may be re-aligned in these areas.
Revise Staffing Goals
The board was unable to accomplish this goal during the FY 2016 budget period.
However, class size report and staffing plan will be presented in November 2015 to the
School Board for inclusion in FY 2017 budget planning.
Financial Management System
A new financial management system has been procured. The ongoing cost for this
purchase was included in the FY 2016 Budget. It may be possible to use FY 2015
carryforward funds for debt repayment in FY 2016, which reduces annual debt service.
Approved by the School Board
on October 27, 2015

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