Budget Information

2004-05

The budget process for the 2004-05 began in October of 2003 with employee meetings held at each school and work site. At least three School Board members, the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent and the Board Clerk were in attendance at these meetings. Additionally a public hearing was held in November to seek public input. A summary of these meetings are available by clicking here.

The budget was discussed at the School Board's retreat in January along with monthly updates from the Superintendent at each meeting for the remainder of the school year. The School Board, due to the delays created by Virginia General Assembly, has adopted two proposed budgets. The first in April and the second in May. The School Board finalized the budget at its meeting on June 30, 2004.T

Major increases in the most recently approved budget include approximately one-half million dollars for employee benefit costs in health insurance premiums and contributions to the Virginia Retirement System. The other largest increase is for employee raises. The School Board is attempting to remedy a lagging salary for its teachers by improving teacher salaries significantly, especially for beginning teachers. Giles County has one of the lowest starting teacher salaries in the state and the lowest starting salary in the New River and Roanoke Valleys. For all full time non-teaching personnel the School Board approved an across-the-board raise of one thousand dollars per year (one hundred dollars per month). With the final approval of the 2004-05 Budget occuring on June 30th, , Giles County Schools have become highly competitive in the New River and Roanoke Valleys.