Highland School Board May Meeting

It was an evening filled with presentations at the May meeting of the Highland County School Board, as members and the audience learned about several field trips and the final budget appropriations.

First, Marty Leech reported on the fourth grade trip to Jamestown and Williamsburg. The information was augmented by live demonstrations as a number of students attended the meeting in period dress to speak about their related research.

Next, Mike Warf talked about the eighth grade trip to Washington DC, aided by a Powerpoint presentation by student Morgan Adams.

And lastly, FFA leader Steve Heavner and the groups’ officers reported on their trip to Louisville, Kentucky to attend the National Convention, which featured several agricultural and educational outings, as well as the chance to meet and mingle with FFA members across the nation. All the faculty members praised the behavior and manners of their respective groups, which was also noted by others where they visited.

Turning to financial matters, the Board heard from Superintendent Dr. Thomas Schott that the Highland Board of Supervisors had agreed to his request for $60,000 from a late arriving “caboose” bill from the Governor’s office be put towards a capital improvement fund for future school needs. This reduced the amount that the Supervisors had requested be cut from the budget by that same figure, which allowed additions of $2,400 to admin, $42,500 to instruction, $600 to technology, $4,100 to transportation, $8,000 to maintenance, and $2,400 back to the cafeteria. Dr. Schott thanked the Supervisors, and his staff, parents and community members for support during the process.

The Board approved the budget, as well as other action items including:

  • VRS Contributions for staff and non-professional personnel
  • Annual plan and application for special education
  • A change in insurance providers from Anthem to Optima
  • And approval of the consent agenda

Story By

Scott Smith

Scott Smith is the General Manager for Allegheny Mountain Radio and Station Coordinator and News Reporter for WVLS. Scott’s family has deep roots in Highland County. While he did not grow up here, he spent as much time as possible on the family farm, and eventually moved to Highland to continue the tradition, which he still pursues with his cousin. Unfortunately, farming doesn’t pay all the bills, so he has previously taken other jobs to support his farming hobby, including pressman/writer for The Recorder, and Ag Projects Coordinator for The Highland Center. He lives in Hightown with wife Michelle and son Ethan. In his spare time, he wishes he had more spare time, especially to ride his prized Harley-Davidson motorcycle. scott@amrmail.org

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