The Charlottesville School Board approved a $68.5 million fiscal 2012 operating budget on Thursday.
The school division now awaits a funding approval from the City Council, and the final amount of money that will come from the state has not yet been determined.
The School Board also approved a plan to close Walker Upper Elementary School and merge all sixth- through eighth-graders into a newly renovated Buford Middle School by 2015. Fifth-graders will be shifted into the city’s six elementary schools, under the plan.
The board decided to have Walker refurbished to house the city’s preschool and adult education programs and to provide space for teaching and central office staff.
The spending plan, which was approved unanimously Thursday, includes an average 2.4 percent pay increase for teachers and staff.
The plan represents a $1 million decline from the budget approved for the current fiscal year.
“I think it was another challenging budget,” said School Board member Juandiego Wade, adding that he believes the plan “meets the needs” of the division.
Officials project a miniscule reduction in student enrollment — a drop to 3,755 students from the current 3,759.
The School Board cut some library assistant positions reluctantly, though members said they believe there might be opportunities for volunteers to pick up some of the slack.
School Board member Ned Michie said parent teacher organizations might be able to assist.
Board member Kathleen Galvin applauded the schools staff for increasing efficiencies in some areas, ultimately saving money.
The board is relying on some federal stimulus money and reserves to make ends meet.
The education spending plan is set to be presented to the City Council on March 7.
Local school officials are bracing for a $1.25 million loss in state “hold-harmless” funds, though the state budget has not been finalized, and the city’s payment into the Virginia Retirement System might increase by more than $800,000.
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