Basketball, football, you name it - it could be on the chopping block.
"The cost shift from the state has arrived," School Superintendent Dr. Tony Brads told WDBJ7 Tuesday night.
That shift is forcing Botetourt County schools to make some tough decisions after the state mandated a 5% raise to teachers so they can contribute more to the VRS or the Virginia Retirement System.
"They claim they've given us additional funding but it's offset by the additional VRS rate. Our current responsibility for our employees without any raises is in excessive of $1.8 million," explains Brads.
To bridge that gap, the school division may have to reduce salaries and staff, eliminate courses or even athletics.
It's something the board says it doesn't want to, but may have to consider.
"Where these are not attractive or things we're remotely interesting in, they are items we can gain money in one substantial go around," says school board member Michael Beahm.
While funding for the schools hinges on a final budget from Richmond, Botetourt County Supervisors are waiting for the school board's budget and sympathize with those making tough decisions.
"Yeah, no one wants to see things cut, but when you run out of money, what do you do with your own budget at home when you run out of money? You gotta look at places to cut," says Botetourt County Supervisor Billy Martin.
When asked how realistic some of the ideas were to cut the budget, school board member Michael Beahm said he's never heard of a school system in Virginia getting rid of any of its athletic programs, but said unfortunately, it's not uncommon to hear of schools closings.
Thursday's meeting starts at 8:30 a.m.
