Budget problems discussed at luncheon

State budget problems will affect Amherst County Public Schools –– the only question is to what extent, school officials suggested last week at a luncheon with legislators and county leaders.

The physical funding continues to deteriorate on the state level, officials agreed.

“For us to be delusional would be a mistake on our part,” said schools Superintendent Brian Ratliff.

“This year and next year will be very tough,” said state Sen. Frank M. Ruff Jr., R-Clarksville, who represents Amherst County in the 15th Senate District.

“We have a firm grasp and understanding of that,” Ratliff said at the luncheon at Central Elementary School that included top school officials, members of the county Board of Supervisors and County Administrator Lee Lintecum.

School officials also presented legislative priorities to Ruff and to Susanne Bunch, an Amherst-based legislative aide for Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge County, who represents Amherst County in the 24th District.

One priority is a request that the state delay added Standards of Quality requirements, which are unfunded and will remain so, Ratliff said.

“That’s just an example of things you keep adding on,” which require more staff members, Ratliff said. Statewide, the requirements will cost “a great deal of money,” he said.

“Additionally, we want to reiterate the critical nature of preserving core values and the quality of public education,” he said before the meeting. “As always we will stress that our area schoolchildren are our future, our greatest investment and most critical are of future economic development in the commonwealth.”

The Amherst school district must focus on sustainability and core education, Ratliff said.

“Those kids are first and foremost in our minds,” he said.

Amherst school officials also asserted that funding cuts must be made at the discretion of local school divisions, since the priorities vary for each division; and a delay of new graduation requirements until they are funded by the state.

The Amherst County School Board meets at 6 p.m. Thursday at 153 Washington St., Amherst.