Middle schools make budget requests

New teachers, technology and paving projects topped the wish list of three middle school principals at Tuesday's school board meeting.

Blacksburg Middle Principal Virgil Hampton, Ewing Middle Principal Amanda Burnette and Granard Middle Principal Charles Wright presented their budget requests as the district began its annual budget process. The district's other principals and department heads will present their requests over the next couple of months.

Hampton requested another seventh and eighth grade teacher so Blacksburg Middle can reduce its class sizes in those grades from 18 to 22 students per teacher. His school wants additional LCD projectors and new maps for the social studies classroom.

The school's proposed budget includes funds to start a football team as part of Blacksburg Middle's requirements for jumping from Class A to Class 2A next school year.

At Ewing Middle, Burnette has requested the district resurface asphalt parking areas around the school that are in poor shape. She has secured a $6,700 bid price for a company to refurbish student lockers.

"Our student lockers are 37 years of age. A lot of the lockers don't work properly. Many students have problems getting them open," Burnette told school trustees. "I have secured a bid from a company willing to come replace and refurbish the lockers. If all four middle schools are interested in getting lockers repaired, the company would be willing to give us a better price."

Granard Middle is seeking a platform for operating sound equipment in the school auditorium which is frequently used for community events. Wright has asked the district to resurface parking around the school and for a part-time administrative assistant to assist with discipline referrals.

Many of the paving requests from school principals will be addressed in the district's maintenance budget next school year, superintendent Dr. Bill James said. The district will look at available funding sources for other budget requests and then determine what can be funded once it receives more information on the state budget.

The district currently plans on presenting its proposed budget to the school board in June.

State law requires the school board approve the budget by July 1.