The monthly meeting of the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools (AHPS) on Monday, March 18, was a testament to the dedication and excellence of local educators and support personnel. The meeting primarily focused on recognizing outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the educational community.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the acknowledgment of the Educators of the Year from each AHPS school. These exceptional educators had previously been honored by the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism during its annual dinner meeting on March 9. Tracy Miller of Jeter-Watson Elementary School was named AHPS Educator of the Year, reflecting her outstanding commitment to education. Other esteemed Educators of the Year included Debbie Rusmisel from Covington Middle School, Gina Middleton from Callaghan Elementary School, Howard Nicely from Mountain View Elementary School, Jill Smith from Sharon Elementary School, Robbie Wood from Alleghany High School, and Jamie Huffman from Jackson River Technical Center.
In addition to recognizing educators, the School Board also took the time to honor the Service Personnel of the Year for AHPS. These dedicated individuals play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of schools and providing essential support to students and staff. Teresa Vess from Mountain View Elementary School, Paula Thurston from Covington Middle School, Ernest Jones from Sharon Elementary School, Lora Downey from Jeter-Watson Elementary School, Brooke Allman from Callaghan Elementary School, Eddie Smith from Alleghany High School, and Melody Weese from Jackson River Technical Center were all recognized for their outstanding service.
During the meeting, School Board member Marie Fitzpatrick expressed her gratitude and admiration for both educators and support personnel, referring to them as heroes who make a profound impact on the lives of students.
The meeting also included recognition of School and Division spelling bee champions from each AHPS school. These young scholars showcased their impressive spelling abilities, with champions like Liliana Boguess from Callaghan Elementary School, Hayleigh Dotson from Sharon Elementary School, Hunter Baker from Jeter-Watson Elementary School, Quinton Harris from Covington Middle School, Liliana Macentelli from Mountain View Elementary School, Abigail Powell from Covington Middle School, and Emily Gadd, division champion from Covington Middle School.
In terms of school infrastructure, the School Board approved $25,000 for an evaluation of a new tennis court site at Alleghany High School. This comprehensive evaluation will include a design and engineering study, as well as a soil sample analysis. Chairman Jacob Wright assured Board members that this funding would be reimbursed by Alleghany County, reflecting a proactive approach to enhancing sports facilities for students.
One notable decision made during the meeting was the approval of the budget for the 2024-2025 school year, totaling $48,635,414. Despite the substantial amount, the budget details did not break out local funding by locality, which totaled $12,235,932.00. This decision was made without significant discussion or questions from Board Members, indicating a consensus on the budget allocation for the upcoming school year.
Overall, the March meeting of the AHPS School Board was a celebration of excellence, dedication, and forward-thinking initiatives aimed at providing the best educational experience for students in the Alleghany Highlands community.
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