School Board Meeting Update
August 11, 2022
2. First Day of School Update (Timestamp 7:30 - 12:30)
School board office administrators were able to visit each building to interact with students, staff, and building principals. 4,470 students were present in our buildings and virtual academy on day one. This number is higher than last year as we have seen increased enrollment in the southern part of the county.
An unexpected fire alarm occurred just a few minutes before dismissal at Lord Botetourt High School. Botetourt first responders were quick to the scene to assess the situation. Some students were late in getting home, but several parents expressed gratitude for the prompt communication from the division.
3. Superintendent's Report (Timestamp 12:35 - 22:00)
- July 29: New Teacher Orientation - BCPS welcomed 45 new teachers
- August 4: Botetourt Health Department hosted a vaccination clinic
- August 1: Teachers returned to work and participated in professional development in-services
- Special thanks to Altec Industries, Yokohama Tire Corporation, and United Way for their generous donations of school supplies on behalf of BCPS students
- Botetourt County Schools served 334 students during the BCPS Summer Academy
- The technology department distributed Chromebook devices to all 5th graders, 9th graders, and teachers.
Mr. Dewease answered some maintenance-related questions from board members. He reported that the amount of fungal spores in targeted areas at Lord Botetourt High School is significantly decreased following mitigation efforts.
6. CIP Plan & School Board Statement (Timestamp 1:23:58 - 1:43:04)
- Anna Weddle provided a statement explaining the difference between a school division's Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan. Since 2008, Botetourt County Schools has been able to perform standard maintenance, but has been underfunded for capital improvement projects, such as building repairs, bus replacements, playgrounds, visitor vestibules for safety, etc. The school board developed a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in 2020 but has yet to receive the funding requested. A miscommunication between the School Board and Board of Supervisors has resulted in the school division not receiving $4.5 million dollars that was anticipated to address capital improvement needs.
- Dana McCaleb was informed that not only would the school division not receive the CIP funding requested, but that there would continue to be a deficit for the next five years. Although funding from the state in the amount of $2.5 million dollars is greatly appreciated, it pales in comparison to the amount needed to fix and replace our aging structures. She stated PTA groups should not shoulder the burden to raise funds for that which should come from the county. She has reached out to Governor Youngkin and Delegate Austin regarding the situation.
- Matt East expressed similar sentiments regarding the breakdown of communication and the dire need to address our buildings, especially as it pertains to security.
- Jenny Wilson expressed a concern that the condition of our buildings may drive away potential residents who will never know what we offer in Botetourt County.
- Tim Davidick encouraged leaders to feel an urgency to get creative and address these priority needs. "We need to be prepared, and we've kicked this can down the road for too long." He reached out to Delegate Austin, Delegate Head, and Senator Newman as legislative liaison.
7. Policy Change (Timestamp 1:44:57 - 1:46:42)
Jenny Wilson proposed that section C of fundraising policy JL-BR be amended. This change would remove the need to submit an opt-out form and will instead read:
"Student participation in fundraising is strictly voluntary. Student grades, playing time, and athletic practice time will not be affected by participation, or lack of participation, in a fundraising activity."
The motion passed unanimously.
