Bath School Board getting ready for school year

Hot Springs, Va. –

Bath County Schools are preparing to open on August 22. At Tuesday night’s Bath School Board meeting, the Board heard reports from both elementary school principals on school preparations. Valley Elementary Principal Les Balgavy reported that there are approximately 253 students enrolled at this point, with that number expected to change. And Millboro Elementary Principal Allison Hicklin reported about 120 students enrolled there. Math will be the focus this year at the elementary level, with every grade having a one hour math block and grades three through seven having an additional thirty minutes of math study on top of that.

The board recognized the Bath County High School culinary arts team. The team of Charles Adams, Kala Day and George Miller went to the FCCLA National Leadership Competition last month in Florida and won a bronze medal.

Technology and Administrative Services Director Paul Lancaster reported on the 2012-2013 state accreditation report, which is based on SOL results. He cautioned that the report is very preliminary at this point, because not all scores have been factored in. Lancaster said that it looks like Bath County Schools should be accredited for this year.

And the board approved a resolution on the refinancing of the high school renovation project loan. The refinancing can now move forward and closing will be around August 15. The refinancing has previously been approved by the Board of Supervisors and by the Industrial Development Authority.

School Superintendent Sue Hirsh gave an update on Capital Improvement Plan projects. The high school locker room is almost complete, a new school bus has been delivered and window shades at the high school have been installed.

School board member Cathy Lowry was appointed to the Jackson River Governor’s School Board

The board also amended the definition of a family in reference to high school sports passes. A family pass will now include admission for two parents or guardians and all of their children, not a limited number of children.

For more from the Bath School Board’s August meeting, including a number of appointments made, tune in to Noon Hour on Friday.