The Shadow
LOW MOOR, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany Highlands Public School Board addressed many topics at their monthly meeting on Monday evening including the ongoing situation at Covington Middle School (CMS) and the recognition of student accomplishments.
During the regular meeting on Feb. 17, Superintendent Kim Halterman and Assistant Superintendent Melinda Snead-Johnson provided an informational update on the CMS incident on Jan. 31, in which teachers and students reported an unknown odor causing sickness.
“We really appreciate the concern raised to us and the expert help we have received in making sure we understand the situation as well as we can,” Halterman told the board and attendees. The superintendent highlighted resources available on the AHPS website, including a FAQ page and information from state health and emergency management authorities. Board members expressed appreciation for the community’s patience and support during the investigation. “I know the heart of the people on the board. I know the heart of the people in the schools,” said Board Chairman John Littleton. “When an event happens, whatever it may be, it concerns me as a father and a board member, but I also have an inherent level of trust in the people that are employed in this division.”
However, the board acknowledged the frustration expressed by the husband of a pregnant teacher employed at CMS, Bobby Buchanan, regarding the handling of the incident. Buchanan criticized the school system’s response and lack of transparency, particularly around the use of proper personal protective equipment by staff who entered the building. He also suggested that the carbon monoxide readings from the school had been purposely manipulated to lessen the severity of the issue. Board members repeatedly assured the public that safety is the top priority, and that a thorough investigation is underway. The board also reiterated its commitment to providing updates as the investigation progresses, emphasizing the need for patience during the process.
Amidst the CMS discussion, the meeting also celebrated student achievements. The board recognized the winners of the division’s annual spelling bee competition, including students from Covington Middle School, Jeter Watson Elementary, and other AHPS schools.
The meeting also highlighted some of the instructional programs offered at the high school, including a presentation on the data science course offered at the high school level. Student Kaitlyn Petrero shared her positive experience in the class, which covers topics such as budgeting, credit and financial literacy.
“Data and science taught me how to pay cash for my first car, to save my money, to have no debt, to make a budget plan, set up interviews and know what to say,” Petrero told the board. “It taught me how to make my college resumes, know what to prepare for when I went there and at the end of the day, my math, my science, my English and my history all taught me things, but nothing compared to that.”
The board also recognized the achievements of the school’s speech and debate team, who performed a humorous interpretation piece for the audience. Throughout the meeting, board members and administrators expressed gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the district’s teachers, staff, and administrators, acknowledging the challenges they have faced during the CMS situation and the ongoing efforts to support students.
As the meeting concluded, the board announced plans to enter a closed session to discuss personnel matters, student discipline, legal issues and school safety.
Callaghan Elementary Principal Lisa Hansford and Bella Craft (Christopher Mentz photo)
Covington Middle School Principal Karen Staunton and Carson Bogan (Christopher Mentz photo)
Covington Middle School Principal Karen Staunton and Emily Gadd- Division Champion (Christopher Mentz photo)
Mountain View Elementary Assistant Principal Amy Dew and Aeryn Sawyer
(Christopher Mentz photo)
