The Shadow
Tammy Scruggs-Duncan issues public apology at the Alleghany Highlands School Board’s meeting Monday evening, as they closed out the school year and prepared and hoped for a successful move into the newly merged Alleghany Highlands Public School System.
Scruggs-Duncan publicly apologized to teachers during board member comments, in particular Lorrie Saville, about comments she made during the last meeting regarding the use of scores. After reading comments on the post, she “could see how her comments were taken as an insult.” She explained that was not her intention and wanted to go on record with her apology.
She also realized, after receiving feedback, there was a clear divide in the comments, and she didn’t want to be seen as adding to that divide. “There is only one side now,” said Scruggs-Duncan. “We’re all on the same side,” she added and promised that she would “do better: moving forward.
Gary Whitmer read a letter from the Covington High School Cougar Alumni Association, respectfully asking the board “to keep their organization in mind” as the staff packs up trophies and memorabilia during the transition from CHS to Covington Middle School. He further explained that the Alumni Association had secured a large room at the Jeter Watson Center to preserve and display CHS history and memorabilia. Board members assured Whitmer that “nothing with historical significance has been discarded,” said Scruggs-Duncan. “We definitely want to honor our past at both schools,” added board Chairman Jacob Wright.
Coach Bob Donnan advised the board that the soccer field is being smoothed out to make it compatible and compliant with the Virginia High School League’s standards, and that the drainage issues at the track are being addressed.
Eric Tyree, director of maintenance, reported that the fence at Sharon has arrived and is ready to be put up, and that the maintenance staff is currently working on playground equipment.
Under information items, the board heard an explanation from Kim Halterman, superintendent, on a proposal to move the board meetings from the second Monday to the third Monday for the upcoming school year. This would allow more efficient and up-to-date information than the current schedule allows. This will come before the board as an action item at an upcoming meeting.
The board unanimously approved several action items, with John Littleton casting his votes via telephone, and heard several other information items before adjourning into closed session.
