Potential employee raises aren’t the only thing being considered by the Warren County School Board as it continues developing the 2024-2025 budget for Warren County Public Schools (WCPS), which has several areas of both immediate and future needs.

From left to right: School Board members Andrea Lo, Antoinette Funk, Kristen Pence, and Melanie Salins during their Wednesday, May 15 meeting and work session.

During the work session portion of its four-hour May 15 meeting, School Board Chair Kristen Pence, Vice Chair Antoinette Funk, and members Andrea Lo and Melanie Salins heard from WCPS staff about exactly what is needed for the next school year and beyond to help successfully educate the school division’s roughly 5,000 students. Board member Tom McFadden, Jr., was absent.

WCPS Superintendent Christopher Ballenger pointed out to the School Board that everything from the teacher salaries to the health insurance, janitorial services, technology increases, math screener, substitutes, playground mulch, additional staffing, and buses, are currently driving the 2024-2025 budget.

Some highlights of specific needs for WCPS during the upcoming school year and included in its 2021-2026 comprehensive plan are:

Teachers

In addition to discussing the additional costs associated with raising the salaries for teachers, instructional assistants, and other employees, WCPS staff talked about adding more teachers and/or extending contracts.

For example, WCPS Personnel Director Jody Lee (pictured above) said the agriculture teaching position should be increased from a 10-month to 11-month contract. Agriculture classes are growing in size, he said, as are ag teachers’ responsibilities, which pretty much have extended over 12 months, despite them having 10-month contracts. WCPS also could benefit from adding another ag teacher position, according to staff.

“Most of your ag teachers are going to be 11- or 12-month employees because they do stuff over the summer time, and so this would not take away from needing [an]other position,” said Lee. “This is just something that needs to happen because they’re working over the summer and with their stipend that they receive that should only cover the extra hours during the school year not just for the summer as well.”

Ballenger agreed, adding that if the school division gets a Land Lab — which in Virginia provides agriculture students with hands-on opportunities to gain on-farm experience — it will have animals that need to be taken care of on a daily basis, all year long.

“So as the [ag] program grows, you’re going to see that we need to compensate for ag teachers’ time,” he said. “And it’s just what needs to be done.”

In other teacher-related areas, School Board members also again discussed a proposed 3 percent salary increase plus a step for teachers and instructional assistants, as well as a proposed 3 percent increase inclusive with a step for all other roles.

The Warren County Board of Supervisors, which funds a big chunk of the WCPS budget, has publicly said it supports such raises.

Substitute teachers

The current debate is whether to outsource the process for hiring subs or to bring the system in-house. At its meeting on Wednesday, the School Board did not decide which route to take but weighed recommendations from WCPS staff.

Currently, Educational Solution Services (ESS) is contracted by the division to hire substitutes but there have been complaints from teachers, substitutes, and even board members about the company.

Lee said he and Kendall Poe, deputy director of human resources and finance for WCPS, formed a committee to analyze the situation and make a recommendation to the School Board.

For outsourcing, they put together a request for proposal and received information from six companies. After narrowing the list down to three companies (EduStaff, Kelly Education, and ESS), Lee said the committee decided that WCPS should continue using ESS.

Among the reasons why, Lee said, are the comfort level of working with ESS, a long-time contracted company; ESS will provide a new absence management system and an on-site representative; ESS also offers nurse subs, an area of need for WCPS; and the costs were, while higher than the current budget, roughly about the same markup for all three companies.

“Kendall and I would also like a fair opportunity to make the corrections that we know we could have done a better job on our part and ESS is owned up to and is willing to do their part to make the partnership work,” said Lee, referring to complaints levied against ESS.

“I think there’s things on our end that we need to do better and I would like the opportunity to do that,” he said. “We know what we need to do now. We know how we can manage this better and give our principals direct contact with a representative that’s going to be in our building every single day and can help fill those short notice call-ins or whatever the case may be.”

“I’m disappointed that this committee was apparently tone deaf to the fact that ESS has really just dropped the ball repeatedly,” said Salins, who supports bringing the sub hiring system in-house.

Technology

WCPS Interim Technology Director Doug Stefnoski, who also coordinates instructional technology, explained why his department is requesting a $600,000 increase in the budget.

“I just wanted to point out that even though the narrative that we’ve been talking about is to use this cash to buy PCs because of the security upgrade that we discussed previously, that this is not really about just a one-time expense,” Stefnoski said. “I wanted to talk about the reasons why I’m asking this to be a permanent increase to our budget.”

Stefnoski (pictured above) said that the division’s current technology needs have already exceeded what’s been allocated, while unfunded needs from the previous school year were pushed onto this year’s budget.

“Long story short,” he said, “these expenses got us in the red already.”

And while WCPS does get funding from the federal E-Rate program — which is a discount program, not a grant that allows it to make technology-related purchases — the school division is required to have a 30 percent match.

“This is something that we rely on for purchasing a lot of our internet equipment, also for paying our internet bills,” Stefnoski explained to board members. “So, in my opinion, to not be able to have the funds to match this is basically throwing money away.”

And when he said that WCPS needs PCs, Stefnoski explained that “it’s really a function of we don’t have enough funds in this particular cost center to be able to develop an appropriate refresh schedule so that we can plan out our expenses over a longer period of time.”

Right now, he added, WCPS is “functioning in the emergency mode trying to get the $600,000 to cover the PC needs we have now, but that would only take care of our current need for that. We still have other needs.”

For example, WCPS must consider having a regular Chromebooks turnover schedule, as well as battery backups, wireless access points, and switches. And while some of this can be funded through the E-Rate program, the division still needs to have the funds in there to be able to develop a plan for that, he said.

“And in some cases, some of these things are not a guarantee that we would get the funding,” said Stefnoski, adding that rising costs are another consideration.

“So, if we’re just level funded in this cost center, then next year we’re already gonna be further in the hole because we don’t have enough to cover just the inflated costs for some of these programs that we use,” he said. “I want to say we don’t have enough to cover what we’re already trying to meet for the school needs. So we do need a larger budget for technology.”

“You’re just catching up and putting band-aids on things you’re working on?” asked Pence.

“Yes,” said Stefnoski. “I mean, these guys here, the techs, they’re the MacGyvers, the magicians, the mavericks. They’re holding stuff together with bubble gum and duct tape to make things work. But at some point, we need to be able to get the equipment that we need for our teachers and our students to do their jobs.”

Other expenses related to the proposed technology department budget increase include laptop upgrades, hardware purchases, and increased security (i.e. cybersecurity, data security, and physical security, such as cameras and speakers).

“I really can’t underestimate how bad that can be for a school system if you don’t have appropriate security in place,” Stefnoski said. “We do have a great team working towards making sure we have a secure system, but anything we can do for that would help.”

Future needs

As part of its 2021-2026 comprehensive plan, WCPS staff also spotlighted some future needs for consideration, including a higher starting pay rate for incoming custodians to stop the high turnover rates; school bus replacements, expanded bus routes, and higher fuel costs; rising preventative facilities maintenance costs; and recruiting, employing, and retaining highly qualified staff, among other areas.

Work continues

Nothing in the 2024-2025 budget is a done deal yet, according to WCPS Finance Director Robert Ballentine, who said the Virginia General Assembly recently approved the state’s budget and WCPS will wait, along with the Warren County supervisors, to see how that plays out locally.

“I’m anxious to see exactly what that means,” said Ballentine (pictured above). “I don’t know if there’s going to be more money or less money or maybe it’ll be exactly the same as we’ve built into what we’ve done up to this point. But that could affect things either in a positive or negative way.”

And the County also hasn’t yet voted on its budget, which includes funding for WCPS.

“We don’t have a final budget,” Pence said, “so I think it’s appropriate for us to talk about the things that we can do and what we can do with some of the extra asks and needs that we’ve had. I mean, ultimately we still need to put forth the budget that we need. Everybody seems to agree on the teacher increases. Everybody agrees on the teacher additions, that we need a reading specialist, and the ag teacher.”

“I’d like to make sure we keep the four reading specialists because I think that’s just a non-negotiable,” added Funk.

Video by Mark Williams, Royal Examiner.

A new scholarship accepted with gratitude by the Warren County School Board at its May 15 meeting honors a former high school student who passed away last summer.

School Board members Chair Kristen Pence, Vice Chair Antoinette Funk, and members Andrea Lo and Melanie Salins voted 4-0 to accept the new scholarship opportunity that begins with the Class of 2024 at Warren County High School in the amount of $500. Board member Tom McFadden, Jr., was absent.

Called For the Love of Josh Scholarship, the award honors Joshua Braden Lillard, who died by suicide on August 19, 2023. He was a senior at Warren County High School.

Dorothy Hicks, above at the podium, presents the For the Love of Josh Scholarship to the School Board on May 15 in honor of her son, Josh Lillard. WCPS Assistant Superintendent Heather Bragg stands nearby.

Since Josh’s death, his mother, Dorothy Hicks, told the School Board that a big part of her family came together and formed a nonprofit organization, also called For the Love of Josh.

“We want to support other teens and give to other teens, plus much more,” she said. “We greatly appreciate all of the community, especially Warren County, for everything that they have done for me and my family and for Josh. They were there for me before he did this and tried to help me with him.”

Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Heather Bragg thanked Josh’s family “for their time, contribution, and support of Warren County High School graduates.”

In other action during the board’s meeting on Wednesday, the Warren County School Board approved changes to Codes GDBD-R Support Staff Leave and Absences, and GCBD-R Professional Staff Leave and Absences to reflect the school division’s sick leave payout incentive.

Originally presented during the board’s March 20 meeting, this was the third and final reading of the teacher and instructional assistant sick leave payout incentive changes, according to WCPS Personnel Director Jody Lee.

Specifically, regarding the Support Staff Leave and Absences, instructional assistants in WCPS will be eligible to opt in to receive payment of unused sick leave. The eligibility requirements include: having a sick leave minimum balance of 31 days at the beginning of the school year; balance requirements of a minimum of 30 days after payout; a payout minimum of one day with a maximum of 10 days; and an opt-in form completed by August 31, according to the code change.

“Eligible instructional assistants will receive $50 per unused sick day at the end of the current school year in July,” said Lee, who clarified that the changes will be in effect for the next school year, not during the 2023-2024 school year.

Then, regarding Professional Staff Leave and Absences, sick leave payout will be available for: qualified classroom teachers in pre-K through 12th grade, special education teachers, ELL teachers, and athletic trainers, said Lee, adding that these listed qualified teachers are eligible to opt in to receive payment of unused sick leave.

Eligibility requirements, according to the code change, include: a sick leave minimum balance of 31 days at the start of the school year; balance requirements minimum 30 days after payout; payout minimum of one day and a max of 10 days; and a completed opt-in form by August 31.

Eligible qualified teachers will receive $100 per unused sick day at the end of the school year in July, said Lee, again clarifying that this is for the next school year.

Lee also provided payout leave examples. For instance, an instructional assistant would bring home $32.30 for one day leave paid; would bring home $161.50 for five days leave paid; and would bring home $323 for 10 days leave paid.

Meanwhile, teachers would bring home $64.60 for one day leave paid; $323 for five days leave paid; and $646 for 10 days leave paid.

On Wednesday the board also held a work session, which the Royal Examiner also covered in another story. The School Board’s next regular meeting will be held on June 5.

Video by Mark Williams, Royal Examiner.

On Thursday, May 16, the Early Act students at E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School (EWM) held their third annual pre-Memorial Day ceremony, paying tribute to those from Warren County and their country who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The school choir, “The Bobcat Chorus,” led by EWM Choir Director Thomas Hassett, sang the National Anthem. The Early Act students and guests planted American Flags along the school’s sidewalk to remind their classmates and visitors to the school as Memorial Day approaches May 27th of the deep respect the EWM family possesses for those who have given their all and their family members.

Royal Examiner thanks Early Act sponsor Michael Williams for alerting us to this event and for his photo assistance, which was credited.

The EWM main entrance-way got a Memorial Day is approaching makeover Thursday afternoon, May 16. See scenes from that Memorial Day Tribute below. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini — Photo 2 Courtesy Michael Williams

Students prepare as ‘The Bobcat Chorus’ led by Choir Director Thomas Hassett presents the National Anthem. Photos Courtesy Michael Williams

Community leaders and local business owners gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Service Title LLC’s new location. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a significant milestone for Christy Heflin, Raymond Heflin, and their partner Kellea Shaney.

Nike Foster, Executive Director of the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce, kicked off the event by expressing enthusiasm for the new venture. Chamber President Byron Biggs and Front Royal Mayor Lori Cockrell shared their support and admiration for the team.

“Thank you, everybody, for being here today. We’re so excited to help cut the ribbon on this new venture,” Foster said. Biggs added, “I’ve known Christy and Ray for a while, and they are wonderful with their clients and the community. We’re glad to have them in our community.”

Mayor Cockrell reminisced about the building’s history and her long-standing relationship with the Heflins. “I’ve known Christy and Raymond for a long time. They are great people and business people who do a lot for our community. Congratulations on this new venture.”

Christy Heflin expressed her gratitude to the crowd, saying, “We’re excited about this new space and look forward to many years to come.”

After the ceremony, publisher Mike McCool spoke with Christy, Raymond, and Kellea about the new Service Title LLC. “We are a full-service settlement agency, providing title insurance and handling all kinds of real estate settlements,” Christy explained. “Kellea works on the title binders and commitments, and Raymond and I work with clients at the settlement table.”

Raymond Heflin highlighted their extensive experience in the industry. “We’re also lenders with Alcova Mortgage and hold real estate licenses with Brenda Morris of Morris & Company Realty. This new venture is a different side of the business for us.”

Kellea Shaney, who has been with Service Title since it opened in 2009, expressed her excitement about the new chapter. “I’m excited to be continuing my job with Raymond and Christy. It’s great to serve people on this side of the business.”

Service Title LLC serves the state of Virginia and is working on obtaining a license for West Virginia. The company aims to provide a seamless and efficient real estate transaction experience for bankers, brokers, agents, or private individuals.

The community’s support for Service Title LLC’s new venture was evident, reflecting the company’s longstanding relationships and reputation for excellence. As the real estate market continues to evolve, Service Title LLC is well-positioned to offer comprehensive real estate services in the valley.

For more information about Service Title LLC, contact Kellea Shaney, Senior Title Insurance Underwriter and Settlement Processor, at kellea@servicetitlellc.com.

The Warren County Board of Supervisors (WCBOS) has strongly supported prioritizing teacher raises in the Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The Board is advocating for a budget that accommodates a 3% raise for teachers, including step increases and hiring an additional agriculture teacher at Skyline High School.

John Stanmeyer, Shenandoah District Supervisor, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “I think we have found some great solutions that allow the School Board to provide their employees what is needed while also addressing the funding challenges we have faced throughout the County.”

Chery Cullers, the Warren County Board of Supervisors Chairperson, echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about resolving the budget challenges. “I’m excited to see these funding challenges come to a close with priorities on public safety and teacher salaries as we resolve this upcoming budget season,” Cullers remarked.

The WCBOS has requested that the School Board prioritize these labor-related increases over any non-labor expenditures. This collaborative effort between the WCBOS and the WCPS School Board aims to finalize a balanced budget that addresses the needs of teachers and enhances the quality of education in Warren County.

As the budget planning continues, both boards are committed to working together to ensure that the final budget supports the community’s educational priorities and financial well-being.

Stay tuned to the Royal Examiner and the Warren County government website for more updates on the budget discussions and decisions.

Front Royal Police Department arrest report for the past 7 days: