Wednesday night at the Augusta County budget meeting, Superintendent Chuck Bishop said that they would need five-point-four million dollars for the next school year.

"That five-point-for million would include a salary increase for teachers, plus the other expenses we are going to incur and a loss of revenue for the state," said Superintendent Bishop.

The County Board of Supervisors wanted to help.

"We're going to try and close the gap as much as we can..." said Tracy Pyles who is chair for the board.

Pyles said that he was hopeful that county funding could close the gap by more than two million dollars.

School board members compiled a list of potential budget reductions for the next school year. What they include - school closures, cutting athletic programs and even eliminating up to 50 positions.

The school board is also considering a reduction of part-time employee benefits, course offerings for students and the length of contracts.

Some members discussed increasing taxes.

A tax increase would potentially save jobs, keep school programs and help balance the budget.

Local officials will begin putting even more pressure on lawmakers in Richmond to get what they want.

"Our state legislators need to fight for Augusta County," said Supervisor Marshall Pattie.

"The culprits in all of this are our state legislators. It's our government. How they go about their budgeting is at our expense and they are whipping us around," said Pyles.

Members will now come together to draft a letter to send to lawmakers in Richmond. They want to ask for their help to save schools from having to make some tough decisions.