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