School Board meeting had CIP projects, Colonial Elementary and Virtual Academy info
The Botetourt County School Board met on Dec. 10. and the meeting was broadcast live through the school division website as well as in person. An agenda and board documents accessed can be viewed at www.bcps.k12.va.us.
Katrina Kish of CAMS was recognized for being Business teacher of the Year( We have a FB notice earlier) and many Congratulations!
The school board addressed some important items.
The CIP projects ( see photos) were approved. On Dec. 8, the Board of Supervisors re-appropriated .6 million in funds from the Capitol Improvement Fund. The money in that fund has been set aside with any left over school budget funds on June 30th each year rather than the county taking them back. The funds are used in order to fund CIP projects for the school. The Lord Botetourt roof will get final sections of an application of a specialized coating until the roof can be funded and replaced. The coating lasts 5-7 years. In areas that have been coated the roof is holding well and any leaks in those areas are coming from HVAC.
The contractors noted a delay in the opening of Colonial Elementary School’s new building. A survey was sent to parents. School Board Chairman Michelle Crook noted, “87% responded they would go to virtual only while the school moves from the old building to the new. “The move will take place this winter. The School Board approved the two weeks of virtual instruction. Dr. Russ commended the Principal Tammy Riggs, the faculty, staff, parents and students of Colonial in their efforts to get packed up while still holding school.
Virtual Academy is a new instructional program to be offered in the fall. Leah Stephenson who heads the program with a team of educators explained the program. Students will apply and belong to their home school , but will participate in a core of courses that are 100% virtual. They will sign a contract to commit to one full year. “While they will do virtual work they can still participate in activities at their schools,” she said. Teachers and approved programs will be the instructors. The program will be introduced in January to parents and students with videos and other information. The courses will be determined and by March students can enroll in the program. Fincastle representative Dana McCaleb pointed out that the northern end of the county will be disadvantaged due to lack of Broadband service. “I am interested in the equity of this. I live 2 miles North of Fincastle and I could not do this due to lack of bandwidth.”
The program is moving forward and is a true innovation of teaching methods and for students who are independent learners.
The next school board meeting is Dec. 17.
–Cathy Benson, The Botetourt Bee
