Dawbarn Awards Announced

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is now accepting nominations for the 17th Annual Dawbarn Awards through October 1, 2010. The Dawbarn Awards were created to reward individuals in the region who work to improve public education by demonstrating a strong commitment to inspiring an "education" ethic, encouraging good citizenship, and fostering learning among young people in the public schools of Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta County. Because of the negative effect of the teenage pregnancy rate in the region, recipients of these awards can also be individuals who, by effective mentoring and training, have encouraged young women to remain and succeed in school. Nominees are not limited to teachers, but may be any individual who works to improve the education of our public school children including guidance counselors, secretaries, bus drivers, custodians, school volunteers, tutors and community leaders.

This year, ten Dawbarn Award winners will be selected and the individuals honored will receive a cash award of at least $8,000. Individuals may be nominated and receive awards in consecutive years, but may not receive more than one award each year. A regional selection committee will review all nominations and will identify those individuals most deserving of recognition.

Nomination forms can be obtained from the Community Foundation at www.community foundationCBR.org and are available to anyone. For additional information, contact the Coummunity Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge at (540) 213-2150 or Christiana Shields at csshields@communityfoundationCBR.org

The "Jobs Bill"...What does it mean?

Over the past few days, the media has reported the passing of the federal "jobs bill" aimed at saving education positions lost during recent budget cuts. Just yesterday, two media outlets called to ask about my thoughts on the matter. So, what does it mean for Augusta County?

Unfortunately, the information from the federal government has not trickled down to the VA Department of Education thus far. All that we know is the Commonwealth will receive approximately $250 million to help avoid layoffs or to add teachers back to classrooms. According to the US Department of Education, this new funding will save 3,800 jobs in Virginia's public schools.

The following is a summary of key provisions and requirements in the Education Jobs legislation:

• States must apply for funding within 30 days of enactment. Approved state applications must be funded within 45 days of enactment.
• Funding to states is allocated using the same formula as last year's State Fiscal Stabilization Funds.
• State Departments of Education may set aside up to 2% for administrative costs.
• Funds must be distributed to school divisions using either the state's established practices or by using the Title I funding formula.
• Funds may only be used by school divisions for compensation, benefits and other expenses necessary to retain existing employees, to recall or rehire former employees, or to hire new employees. Funds may not be used for general administrative expenses.

While any funding to support education is welcomed, this money comes at an awkward time. First, Augusta County Schools begins the year on Tuesday, August 17. At this point, our staffing is established and all students have been assigned classes. Hiring teachers right now could be disruptive to school and student schedules since it would require a "reshuffling" of class assignments.

Secondly, our budget for the 2010-11 school year was adopted during the spring with no promise of additional money from the federal government. When the money is received, school divisions may need to adopt revised budgets in order to take advantage of the additional funding.

Finally, there is no indication that this money will be available for years to come. Once the money is spent, we could find ourselves in a position to cut staff once again due to decreased revenues.

More information related to this new legislation becomes available each day. Once clear guidance is provided from the US DOE and the VA DOE, we will be able to develop a direction for spending the money in a manner that will benefit students in Augusta County.

Staunton Elks Lodge 351 Supports ACPS

Distributing safety glasses to Virginia schools is a major focus of the Virginia Elks Association. The program, which started in 2008, initially supplied 3,000 pairs of safety glasses to high school students attending various technical and training centers throughout Virginia. This year, the program was expanded to include the high schools in the communities of the 32 Virginia Elks Lodges throughout the Commonwealth. During the 2010 school year, the program anticipates that 7,500 pairs of glasses will be distributed to schools across Virginia.

On Friday, July 30, members of the Staunton Elks Lodge 351 presented 1,750 pairs of safety glasses to the school division administration. These glasses will be used by students who are enrolled in career and technical education courses throughout the county. We are extremely appreciative of the generous donation by Elks Lodge 351.