The Halifax County School Board will ask the Board of Supervisors
for $173,048 in additional local dollars to support a proposed
$47.8 million 2003-2004 school budget.
The budget, adopted by the School Board Thursday night, totals
$47,820,978 and includes a proposed 3.8 percent average salary
hike for teachers.
A 4.2 percent pay hike for teachers was approved by the School
Board last year for the current 2002-2003 school year.
The proposed total school budget represents a two percent increase
over the current year's total budget of $46,872,632.
The additional local funding would represent a 1.4 percent increase
over the current year.
An average three percent salary increase for all other categories
of school system employees, including administrative personnel,
is also included in the budget.
"This is a pretty straightforward budget," said Bill
Covington, the school system's Chief Financial Officer.
"We're really not asking for more funding for anything. We're
eliminating two teaching positions (in the budget). The increase
is in the salaries. Trying to maintain what we have is what we're
trying to do."
School Board member G.C. Ratliff called the proposed budget "a
very doable budget."
"I don't foresee a tax increase based on what we're asking
for," he added.
School system officials will advertise the proposed budget for
public hearing in April.
The initial budget package school system officials put on the
table for the School Board to review Thursday night called for
no increase over last year's local contribution.
Last year, the Board of Supervisors appropriated a total of $12,107,750
to the school budget, $500,000 of which was earmarked for capital
improvements.
School system officials were seeking the $12.1 million total to
support this year's budget.
The initial budget called for an average three percent pay hike
for teachers and all categories of school system employees.
However, after examining the proposed 2003-2004 teachers' salary
scale, the School Board decided to increase the salary of a starting
teacher from the proposed $29,800 to an even $30,000.
As a result, school system officials, in order to give all teachers
the same benefit, had to go back to the drawing board Friday and
revamp the proposed salary scale.
When that was done, a total of $173,048 had to be added to the
original budget proposal to support what became an average 3.8
percent pay hike for teachers.
The starting salary for new teachers for the current year was
$29,000.
At the current $29,000 mark, Halifax County's starting salary
for teachers ranks below Lynchburg, Amherst County, Campbell County,
and Danville, all of which are $30,000 or more.
The $29,000 figure puts Halifax County's starting salary on par
with Pittsylvania County.
School system officials included no increase in the amount of
money the school system will contribute toward employee group
health insurance premiums.
That category increased by $48,603, Covington pointed out, with
the increase resulting from an increase in the number of school
system employees participating in the school system's health insurance
program.
Also, the school system reduced two teaching positions in its
budget.
"Nobody has to lose a job or anything like that," Witt
said, noting that the reductions are being handled through natural
attrition.
The result of a net loss of two teaching positions comes after
school system officials worked out a plan to add four positions
at Halifax County Middle School to cover a large influx of seventh-grade
students.
There was no increase in the compensation to School Board members.
However, to cover cost increases, a $5,000 increase was built
into the line item for administrative travel.
A $135,382 increase was noted in the transportation category with
that increase stemming from increases in insurance and fuel costs.
School system officials included the cost of replacing 10 school
buses in that category to keep the school system on track with
its normal bus replacement cycle.
School system officials showed a $500,000 decrease in debt service
payments in the budget.
A part of the reasoning for that is that beginning in 2003-2004,
the school system will no longer have payments to make on the
ILS computer labs that South Boston and county voters approved
in a referendum 10 years ago.
Halifax County is expected to receive an additional $529,125 in
state funds for next year's budget and an increase of $246,173
in federal funds.
The federal funds are "flow through" money, meaning
that the funds are earmarked for specific initiatives such as
food service and the "No Child Left Behind" initiative.
As far as the school system's capital improvement funds, the school
system had a balance of $914,119 in the capital improvement fund
on March 1.
The capital improvement fund is expected to have a total income
for fiscal year 2003-2004 of $1,843,584.
Expenditures will include $150,000 for the continuing renovation
of the restrooms at Halifax County Middle School, a $900,000 expenditure
for new tennis courts and a new track at Halifax County High School
and $750,000 for debt service payments on the recently completed
first phase of the school system's capital improvements program.
School system officials and School Board members pointed out that
the proposed budget is basically a bare-bones, no-frills budget.
Ratliff, noting a comment made by an individual during a public
hearing in Halifax advising they didn't mind spending money, but
didn't want to waste it, said, "I'm wondering what we're
wasting money on?"
"The tennis courts and track," remarked School Board
member Carl Furches.
"That's a matter of opinion on that one," replied School
Superintendent Dennis Witt.
"You want to know what people are saying," Furches quipped.
"We're not building tennis courts for one year," School
Board member D.H. McDowell Jr. pointed out.
"We're building for the next 30 years. That's what people
fail to see."
"The kids deserve those things," added School Board
Chairman Patricia Nelson.
"We are an AAA high school and we have to have some halfway
decent athletic facilities.
"The track is a disgrace," she added.
"And the tennis courts are probably as bad as the track situation.
I don't have any regrets."
Witt added again that there are differing opinions on that issue
"but I think the area Glenn is talking about is in operational
things and things of that nature."
The school superintendent told the School Board that if anyone
thinks money is being wasted and asks for specifics "we'll
provide the data."
They came, they saw, they spent.
"We don't know the exact numbers yet, but we had at least
1,500 people attend this year," C.H. Friend Principal Linda
Owen said yesterday.
Owen was ecstatic as she called the 30th Annual C.H. Friend Art
and Antique Show a "rousing success."
"We had a very successful show this year," she said
shortly after the event ended yesterday.
Although Owen said organizers were still counting the number of
people in attendance yesterday, Owen said attendance for the Saturday
show was comparable to years past.
"We are still counting Sunday's numbers, but we feel that
they will be close to last year's," the principal said.
And apparently those who went to the show opened up their wallets
while they were there.
"The dealers indicated that they were pleased with their
sales and look forward to next year," Owen said.
The 2003 show featured about 35 craftsmen, 20 antique dealers
and six artists, according to organizers.
Such a large event isn't possible without a large contingent of
volunteer support, the principal pointed out.
"We want to thank all of the parent volunteers, teachers
and members of the community for their support," she said.
"I really want to thank the co-chairs, Ellen Purvis and Elaine
Hunt, for helping make this year such a success," Owen added.
This year's raffle winners include:
· Krystal Whitehead of Red Oak- $1,000 shopping spree in
downtown South Boston.
· Mary Nealous of South Boston- an overnight stay at Berry
Hill with breakfast.
· Bob Howitt of South Boston- Season tickets to the Halifax
County Little Theater and dinner for two at Four Oaks Restaurant.
Sports editor and photographer Joe Chandler won two Virginia
Press Association awards Saturday night, taking first place and
third place in the Sports News Photo category.
In addition, the Gazette-Virginian staff was recognized with a
third place award in the Special Editions category for its section
on Halifax County's 250th Anniversary Celebration.
The competition was judged by representatives of the Oklahoma
Press Association.
Judges comments about the Gazette's 250th section - "Good
depth of coverage of a once in a lifetime story idea."
Chandler's first-place entry was a baseball action photo taken
during a Halifax County High School game last spring which depicted
Halifax County third-baseman Drew Lewis making a big stretch to
grab a throw at the bag ahead of a sliding baserunner.
Judges wrote - "the baseball picture we all want to get.
Several close-play photos from which to choose but this one stood
out."
Chandler's third place winning entry was an action photo of Halifax
County basketball player Shamoni Faulkner sailing past a defender
to put up a scoop shot in a game from last season.
The judges wrote - "Joe B. Chandler - sports is your thing.
Nice composition, good expression, well-framed."
Chandler now has 10 career VPA writing and photography awards
in his career.
This is second year in a row that Chandler has earned a first-place
photography award.
Members of the South Boston Town Council
are expected to pass a resolution tonight supporting the construction
of a new, consolidated elementary school to replace the aging
C.H. Friend and Washington-Coleman elementary schools.
The action is expected to come as town council convenes for its
regular monthly meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at Council Chambers
on Yancey Street.
Council's move comes just days after a public hearing was held
in Halifax to discuss a similar possible fate of Halifax and Sinai
elementary schools.
At that public hearing dozens of residents gathered to voice their
opposition to the proposed closure and consolidation of the schools.
During their February work session, council members were overwhelmingly
in favor of consolidating the two schools into one facility.
In presenting background information to Council members, Town
Manager Ted Daniels observed during the work session that the
school board has set a March 20 public hearing on the issue.
"I think everyone is aware of the (Halifax County School
Board's) capital budget for construction," he said. "I
think what they're looking at is putting one elementary school
in South Boston to replace C.H. Friend and Washington-Coleman.
"They're looking at whether to renovate or build a new one.
That's the purpose of the public hearing," Daniel said earlier.
During council's February 24 work session, Mayor Glen Abernathy
was quick to speak out in favor of new construction.
"I'd favor a resolution recommending building a whole new
school," he said.
"I'd think they'd have a significant reduction in their long-term
operating costs by constructing one new school," said Councilman
Coleman Speece.
Council is also expected to pass a resolution supporting a $38,000
Department of Health Grant to improve the raw water intake for
the town.
Other business before council tonight was described by Daniel
as "administrative housekeeping" during the work session.
Council will vote tonight on a resolution recommending six amendments
to the South Boston Town Code be adopted.
These amendments include:
· A change in the date delinquent tax penalties are assessed,
from December 15 to December 5.
· Letting the Council set the amount residents pay in parking
rental fees. Currently that amount is $12.50 per month.
· A change in the Town's procurement policy on goods
and services, to be in line with state code.
· Changing the code wording on the dates of Council's monthly
work session and meeting. This change allows the group to conduct
business during their monthly work session, if so desired.
· Deleting some obsolete code relating to taxes on
horses and mules.
· Making vehicle license taxes due and payable on April
15.
Following the regular meeting, council is expected to convene
in closed session to discuss the acquisition and/or disposal of
real estate.
Both the Halifax County Middle School (HCMS) baseball and softball
teams took advantage of last weekend's sunny weather to work outside
in preparation for the season-opening HCMS Invitational Softball/Baseball
Tournament this Saturday.
Southside Middle School Conference rivals Bluestone and Park View
appear to be set for the tournament, while Stanford appears to
be the fourth team at this point.
Game one will start at 9:30 a.m., followed by games at 11 a.m.
and 12:30 p.m. with the championship game scheduled at 2:30 p.m.
Lions baseball coach Barry Powell is excited about the start of
a new season, despite the loss of several key starters from last
year's team.
"Our track record in the past season-opening tournaments
has been a good one," recalled Powell.
"We've done really well."
Powell is somewhat familiar with conference foes Bluestone and
Park View and expects tough competition from any of those teams.
If Stanford comes to the tournament, Powell also expects a good
team.
"They've got a real strong baseball program," said Powell.
Softball coach James Smith also expects tough competition, no
matter who the Lady Lions face in the tournament.
Park View gave his Lions all they could handle in last year's
Southside Middle School Tournament Championship Game.
Bluestone should also be improved, and if Stanford is the fourth
team in the tournament, Smith expects no less than a tough opponent.
"They came up here two years ago, and we only beat them by
a 7-4 score, if I recall," said Smith.
"And, they usually don't make the trip unless they have a
good team."
Smith and Powell are hoping last weekend's sunny, warm weather
is just the tonic their teams need to start the season on a good
note.
Funeral services for Ralph Earl Austin were held yesterday at
the Brooks Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m.
The Revs. Don Davidson and Marvin Cook officiated.
Burial followed in the Clover cemetery.
Mr. Austin died Friday, March 7 in Halifax Regional hospital.
He was 79.
Mr. Austin was born in Halifax County on December 6, 1923, to
the late Jim H. Austin and the late Nannie Moss Austin.
AVirginia Game Warden for 40 years, Mr. Austin was married to
the late Gladys Conner Austin, and was a member of Clover United
Methodist Church, the American Legion Post 8 and the Halifax Sportsman's
Club.
Survivors include one son, David "Speedy" Austin of
Raleigh, one brother, James R. "Pete" Austin of Shelbyville,
Tn. and two sisters, Barbara Ann Jones of Red Oak and Sandra Edwards
of Mechanicsville.
He was predeceased by one son, Richard Michael Austin, two brothers,
Sonny Austin and Dude Austin and one sister, Ruby Holdren.
The family request that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to
the Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantations, P.O. Box 1398, Brookneal,
Va., 24528.
Rosa Lee Ballou, 49, of 6217 Hunting Creek Road, Nathalie, died
March 6 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Ms. Ballou was born in Halifax County on August 19, 1953, the
daughter of Prunious Ballou and Nell Edmunds Ballou. She was a
member of Bethel Grove Baptist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Katherine Ballou of Nathalie;
four grandchildren; two sisters, Brenda Ballou and Carolyn Ballou,
both of South Boston; three brothers, Perry Ballou of Clarksville,
Lawrence Ballou of Halifax, and Jerry Ballou of Lawrenceville.
Funeral services for Ms. Ballou will be held March 11 at 2 p.m.
at Bethel Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Nelson Stamps officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home.
Funeral services for William Lloyd Gravitt, 79, of Huell Matthews
Highway, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Shady Grove United
Methodist Church, with burial in the church cemetery.
The Rev. Don Davidson will conduct the service.
Mr. Gravitt died Saturday at McGuire Virginia Hospital in Richmond.
He was a retired tobacco farmer and Army veteran.
Mr. Gravitt was a member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church,
a member of the American Legion Post 8 and the D.A.V.
He was born in Halifax County on September 29, 1923, a son of
the late Hustler A. Gravitt Sr. and Willie Lucy Cole Gravitt.
Mr. Gravitt is survived by his step-mother, Bertha L. Gravitt
of Virgilina, three sons, Randolph L. Gravitt and Christopher
L. Gravitt, both of South Boston, and Gerald B. Gravitt of Vernon
Hill, three brothers, Hustler A. Gravitt Jr. and Arthur Gravitt,
both of South Boston, and Billy Gravitt of Richmond, one sister,
Betty Ann Drury of Albany, Georgia, six grandchildren and five
great-grandchildren.
Visitation time will be at Brooks Funeral Home on Tuesday between
7:00-8:30 p.m., and at other times at the home, 4122 Huell Matthews
Highway, South Boston.
The family requests that those wishing to give memorials please
consider Shady Grove U.M.C. Building Fund, 4129 East Hyco Road,
South Boston.
Charlotte Elizabeth Kent, 83, of Wilmington, NC, died March 6
at New Hanover Medical Center.
Mrs. Kent was born in Camden County, NC on January 13, 1920, the
daughter of Charlie Sawyer and Bette Simpson Sawyer and was married
to Maurice Samuel Kent.
Survivors include one daughter, Sharyn K. Adams of South Hill;
one son, Maurice Kent Jr. of Virgilina; three grandchildren, Gary
L. Kent of Boydton, Charlotte K. Pennington and Brian A. Keeton,
both of South Hill; three great-grandchildren, Chase Kent of Boydton,
Nathaniel Pennington and Dale Keeton, both of South Hill.
Graveside services for Mrs. Kent will be held today, March 10
at 11 a.m. at Halifax Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Sue Wiley
conducting the service.
Ms. Betty Sue Penick of Wickham Street, South Boston, died Thursday,
March 6, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Ms. Penick was 55.
She was born in Halifax County on October 18, 1947, and was a
daughter of Geanettie Penick. She was a member of the Pleasant
Grove Baptist Church.
Ms. Penick is survived by four daughters, Ms. Patrice Penick and
Ms. Monica Penick, both of South Boston, Mrs. Samantha Wade of
Clover and Mrs. Stacy Greene of South Carolina; three sons, David
Collins, Alfie Penick and Tracey Bailey of Alexandria; 13 grandchildren;
her mother, Ms. Geanettie Penick of Clover; four sisters: Mrs.
Sarah Wilson and Mrs. Jacqueline Lacks of Halifax, Mrs. Yvonne
Gordon of Philadelphia and Mrs. Joyce Sydnor of Alexandria.
Other survivors include seven brothers: Warren Penick, Jesse Penick,
Freddie Penick and Fulton Penick, all of Halifax, Robert Penick
of Louisiana, Lawrence Penick of Alexandria and Vincent Thompson
of Philadelphia; one son-in-law, one daughter-in-law and a host
of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In honor of the wishes of Ms. Penick, there will be no memorial
service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial
contributions be made to the American Heart Association, Mid-Atlantic
Region, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, Va. 23058.
The family will receive friends at the home of Mrs. Samantha Wade,
8010 Hunting Creek Road, Clover. Funeral arrangements are by Jeffress
Funeral Home, North Main Street, South Boston.