CHATHAM — The chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors says the county probably won’t allow $5.7 million in leftover high-school renovation bond money to be used for special school projects.
“I don’t think it’s very likely,” Board Chairman Hank Davis said Wednesday.
Davis cited a tough fiscal climate and said the extra money — if spent — will likely be used to help pay off the remainder of the $70 million high school renovation bond county voters approved in 2007.
“We’re in an economic downturn,” Davis said. “Things are not looking good at all.”
Pittsylvania County School Division Superintendent James McDaniel asked the board during its meeting Tuesday night to let the school district use the money to for school projects not covered by the $70 million bond.
“The Board of Supervisors is uniquely positioned to make a positive impact in this community by utilizing a percentage of the bond funds to upgrade designated areas and facilities,” McDaniel said to the board during citizen input.
McDaniel told supervisors the county school board has “unanimously committed” to relocating Chatham High School’s track, adding a soccer field and moving the girls’ softball field to a better location to address a problem with the school’s athletic field. In addition, Pittsylvania County schools plans to expand storage facilities at the four high schools because existing space is inadequate, McDaniel said.
If the county pays for those projects with leftover bond money, school budget dollars would be freed up to maintain educational programs and secure jobs, McDaniel said. School board members have said they will try to avoid laying off any of its 1,529 employees, but the possibility may be considered to help meet a $4.5 million budget shortfall.
“You have the opportunity to demonstrate forward thinking and exhibit transformational leadership that will result in a ‘win-win’ for our students, the school system and the citizens of Pittsylvania County,” McDaniel said to supervisors.
Despite budgetary challenges, Pittsylvania County Schools has had 100-percent fully accredited schools for three of the past five years, 9 out of 10 students have passed SOL tests in English, math, science and social studies and attendance rates have improved for six consecutive years, McDaniel said.
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