Column for the Chesterfield County Public Schools employee newsletter

I want to share with you the recent column I wrote for our Chesterfield County Public Schools employee newsletter. My message discussed the tough choices ahead given the current economic climate.

Charles Dickens probably didn’t have us in mind when he penned in 1859 “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” But his words aptly describe modern day Chesterfield County Public Schools. Our school division, the largest in Virginia to have all of its schools fully accredited, now faces one of the worst financial crises in decades.

According to the most recent projections, Chesterfield County Public Schools stands to see a $40 million revenue shortfall in FY 2010, and the forecast seems to be getting worse by the day. If the numbers hold true, next year’s operating budget will be smaller than it was three years ago — even though we have nearly 1,000 more students and four additional schools.

School divisions across the commonwealth are moving toward unchartered territory as we face draconian cuts. Fairfax County Public Schools plans to close a $220 million funding gap by cutting more than 1,000 positions, while Loudoun County Public Schools will consider a 15 percent budget cut.

We face tough choices ahead. In reality, all expenditures are on the table. Some decisions already have been made. We still must eliminate another $20-plus million to balance the FY 2010 budget. In a people-intensive business with 80-plus percent of the budget devoted to salaries, we are forced to take a hard look at staffing models and efficiencies.

Though state and national expectations continue to grow and budgets continue to dwindle, we will maintain our focus and commitment to children. The vitality of our community rests on the shoulders of a strong public education system. So in the spirit of the holidays, let’s also remember that this truly is among the “best of times.” Our school division made adequate yearly progress for the third straight year, our students continue to outperform state averages on standardized tests, and our staff members continue to earn state and national recognition. Our children did not create this financial crisis, and we must work with citizens and elected officials to ensure that we provide the best education possible. We will overcome our challenges, much like the Pilgrims did almost 400 years ago.