The Budget

Education is by far the most important and vital recipient of our tax money. Our country has been a forerunner in establishing the principle that an educated population is the foundation upon which a democratic nation can build its future and its strength in an increasingly competitive global environment - and has made the massive financial investment required to make it happen. Each generation builds upon the knowledge and achievements of those who have gone before it, advancing on the stepping-stones of progress.

However, education has also become big business.
Over 68% of our county's funds, over $26,000,000, will be dedicated to education in the coming school year, for both operating and capital improvements:
View large version of Clarke County fiscal year 2008 budget graph
This year is also a "lean" year. With the slowdown of the national housing market, and uncertainty overseas, Virginia's communities are all experiencing cuts in funding, with the need for "belt-tightening", especially at the local level.
In spite of this, and with no increase in the total projected number of pupils (2,250 this and next year), the county has provided the School Board with a major increase in funding, that while less than they requested, was the largest increase given to any of the county's services.
These funds must be focused in the most efficient manner possible. Just as they would be in a family - when the budget is tight, choices must be made.

"Such a degree of learning [should be] given to every member of the society as will enable him to read, to judge and to vote understandingly on what is passing."

--Thomas Jefferson to Littleton Waller Tazewell, 1805

"We looked at the problems facing America and realized that if we are going to be a competitive nation, we need a far better educated populace than we have now. The American K-12 public education has gone from No. 1 in the world some 30 years ago, to No. 19. We thought, This is bad for the country and bad for our democracy."

--Eli Broad - multi-billionaire, (founder - SunAmerica). Has now established The Broad Residency in Urban Education.