Representatives of the county school system are pursuing raises, and support for mental health and Special Education.
On Wednesday, the Prince William County School Board approved a $1.2 billion budget for fiscal 2020.
The meeting was held at the Kelly Leadership Center in Manassas.
“I’ve been on this board for over five years now, and I must say this is the most comprehensive and collaborative budget I’ve seen from the Superintendent and his staff,” School Board member Lillie Jessie said. “And I want to congratulate you, because I think you’ve looked at various elements that need to be funded.”
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) Superintendent Superintendent Steve Walts’ proposed spending plan was presented to the board last month.
The budget doesn’t just provide compensation for the school system’s employees.
It also offers more support for Special Education through 15 additional positions and $3 million that’s being set aside for the Regional School.
Funding was allocated for mental health and Career and Technical Education (CTE), as well.
Board members noted their approval of staff raises as well as Special Education support and more counselors.
Some, however, expressed concerns.
Class size reductions was one School Board member Gil Trenum pointed out.
“We held ground on class size reductions, but we didn’t really make any progress on that and we didn’t really even try to make too much progress on it,” Trenum said. “So, that frustrated me, ‘cause I think we missed an opportunity there.”
The School Board’s budget is expected to be presented to the Board of County Supervisors on April 2. County officials plan to adopt a budget on April 30.
