Bath School Board Wants To Hire Another First Grade Teacher For Valley Elementary

Warm Springs, VA – The Bath School Board wants to hire another first grade teacher for Valley Elementary School, if the Board of Supervisors will give them the money. At Tuesday night’s School Board meeting, the Board voted to request from the Board of Supervisors additional funding to be taken from the money the school system returned to the county at the end of the last fiscal year. There has been concern voiced recently about the large size of the first grade class at Valley Elementary.

There are 26 students in one homeroom. A parent of a first grader spoke during public comment Tuesday night about the class size and her concern that there is no full time aide for those 26 students. The Board voted to ask for additional money to hire another teacher, but Board Chair Eddie Ryder voted against it. He said it was not the recommendation from the administration and said it’s going to cost an additional $50,000 or $60,000.

Also on Tuesday night, the Board discussed locations for meetings for the remainder of the year. The Board voted to meet at the High School cafeteria for it’s October, November and December meetings. During discussion School Board member Barbara Waldeck said that she did not wish to go back to Millboro Elementary for any meetings. She said during the last School Board meeting held there, she was rudely treated, was frightened, and cut a presentation short because she feared for her safety as well as the safety of others. Waldeck said if she goes back to Millboro Elementary while on the School Board she will request that an armed guard be provided for her.

The School Board approved adding an additional $10,500 to the budget to fully reimburse students in dual enrollment classes. In order to be reimbursed those students must receive a grade of C or above. The existing policy was to reimburse students 50% of the cost of dual enrollment classes, after satisfactory completion. Money became available for full reimbursement from savings gained in personnel costs, compared with last year.

Also on Tuesday night, School Board member Barbara Waldeck began a discussion about animals at school and school functions. She made a motion that stated unless special permission is granted by the Superintendent or a Principal, the only animals approved for attendance at school or school functions would be service animals.
Waldeck was concerned about dogs in attendance at recent football games. Her motion died for lack of a second.

Finally, the Board voted to add a half time aide position and to request funds from the Board of Supervisors, if needed. It also approved $6,700 for a contract with Balser Associates to develop construction bid documents for the high school locker room.