The Bath County School Board Has A Number Of Things To Keep An Eye On

Warm Springs,Va – The Bath School Board has started work on next year’s budget, but at Tuesday night’s monthly meeting the Board addressed a current budget issue. The cost of gas and diesel fuel is projected to exceed the amount budgeted for this school year. The School Board voted on Tuesday night to ask the Board of Supervisors to appropriate stimulus money that’s been received back into the school budget to help offset fuel costs.

The stimulus money was unexpected, so it was not included in the budget. Business Manager Justin Rider said the funds would help, but the school system will have to dig deep to get through the year on fuel costs. School Superintendent Sue Hirsh said fuel use is being monitored closely and proposed field trips are being reviewed.

Superintendent Hirsh reported on some bills in the General Assembly that could have an impact on Bath including required employee contributions to the Virginia Retirement System, the inclusion of home schooled students in public schools athletics, and a limitation of long term expulsions and suspensions.

As part of the report on good news in Bath County Schools, the Bath County High School Scholastic Bowl team was recognized. The team is the undefeated 2012 Pioneer District Champions. The Scholastic Bowl team is going to the Region C competition on Saturday February 11 at Holston High School.

Also on Tuesday night, the School Board discussed a request to add to next year’s school calendar a guaranteed teacher workday at the end of semester 1 exams. Another calendar request being considered is the extension of spring break, if there are not five or more snow days prior to it. Superintendent Hirsh will take these requests back to the calendar committee and report on its recommendation at the school board’s March meeting.

In action following closed session, a student was given long term suspension for 364 days with conditions for readmission. And another student was given long term suspension through the end of this school year, with conditions for readmission. The board accepted the resignation of Kimberly Loan Harrup and authorized Superintendent Hirsh to fill an aide position and a pre-school bus aide position.

And the following appointments were made:

Alex Miller as boys soccer volunteer
Kirby Smith as volunteer tennis assistant
April Miller as JV softball coach
Susan McLain and Chloa Sue Wooding – substitute teachers
Alex Miller as the high school Spanish teacher

The board also awarded a contract to South End Construction of Roanoke for the renovation of the high school locker room.