Hopewell News

Hopewell Public Schools is facing an massive reduction in its budget dependent on the actions of the General Assembly. Current estimates show a potential reduction of up to $3 million.
"This is unprecedented," said Assistant Superintendent S. Ray Watson. "I've been doing this for about 40 years."
Original estimates forecast reductions of about $1.3 million, which the School Board discussed in November and created a list of proposed reductions. Recently, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced an additional reduction of $1.7 million. The House of Delegates proposed a similar reduction and the Senate recommends an additional $700,000 reduction.
"That's going to be devastating to a school system already in the hole," said Superintendent Dr. Winston Odom. "It's going to be very painful."
As a result of these cuts, Odom said there most likely will be larger class sizes. Other potential cuts to fill the budget hole includes no salary increases, possible salary reductions, reduction of administrative positions, the elimination of field trips and staff reductions.
"We're looking at all our expenses," Odom said.
An additional decrease in funding is a result of the adjustment of the composite index, a complex equation that calculates the amount of state funding a school system receives. former Gov. Tim Kaine proposed a freeze on the composite index, which would lead to an additional $111,000 reduction. The state House and Senate have proposals to restore most, if not all of, of the composite index funding loss.
City Council and the School Board have passed a joint resolution Tuesday on their displeasure toward the reduction of funding through changes to the composite index.