Lower pupil/teacher ratios

Item 472 #2c

Language
Page 308, line 35, strike "$30,508,343" and insert "$31,708,343".
Page 308, after line 44, insert:
"This appropriation includes $1,200,000 the second year from the general fund to hire 50 new teachers.   It is the intent of the General Assembly that these new teachers begin work on or about January 1, 1998, in the juvenile correctional center schools and be allocated in such a manner as to reduce class sizes."

Explanation
(This amendment provides $1,200,000 from the general fund and 50.0 FTE positions the second year for additional teachers to reduce class sizes in the juvenile correctional center schools. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission study of juvenile corrections services in Virginia found that existing pupil/teacher ratios violate state and federal standards.)