Del. Chris Saxman says he thinks he's found the money to keep the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents open, but the move could affect your child's education.

Saxman and Del. Steven Landes recommend the Commonwealth delay buying new textbooks in the next fiscal year.

Public educators are already expecting funding cuts in the millions. Dr. Carol Fenn, superintendent for Rockingham County Schools, says the school system is looking at a loss of $4.5 million in state money.

"We're going to have to tighten up and take a look seriously at our teacher numbers and all employees to determine whether or not they can be employed for next year," says Fenn.

Saxman announced his proposal to delay buying new textbooks Thursday.

"That would have a tremendous impact on Rockingham County public schools, K-12 school division budget," says Fenn.

Fenn says the county expected about $1 million for new books.

Saxman says his budget amendment is a modest proposal to save an essential service.

"I don't think this is an undue burden on the schools," says Saxman. "I think we have to make these decisions in the context of our economy right now."

Harrisonburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Donald Ford says educators are working with local legislators. Bracing for the budget shortfall, he says they want flexibility to decide for themselves where to make those cuts.

"If we delay the adoption of textbooks, I would contend that that money is still critical to local school divisions," says Ford. "We still need it at the local level to support the services we provide for K-12 education."

Saxman says he'd be fine if the total reduction in textbook spending amounted to $6 million instead of the full $79 million, since the $6 million is the amount needed to keep CCCA open.

Saxman says he expects this budget amendment to be debated in the General Assembly in the next week or two.