The Shadow
LOW MOOR, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany Highlands School Board convened on Monday, Dec. 15, for its final meeting of 2025, tackling a range of topics from student engagement efforts and academic performance to the recognition of outgoing board members whose leadership has shaped the district’s path.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and agenda clarifications from Chair Jonathan Arritt. Key additions included the introduction of administrative reports, discussion of proposed calendar changes for the current and upcoming academic years, and three resolutions of appreciation.
A major highlight of the evening was an update on Cougar Connect, an evolving mentorship initiative at Alleghany High School aimed at improving student belonging, attendance, and academic success.
“We started this program last year to address chronic absenteeism,” a program leader told the board. “It has since evolved. We now support students through regular check-ins with teachers and staff, fostering engagement and academic confidence. Research shows that connected students are two and a half times more likely to earn good grades and attend school regularly.”
Teachers shared success stories of individual students who, with mentorship, overcame challenges in attendance and engagement. Spanish teacher Miss Layman recounted, “One ESL student I mentored needed language support at first, but by the next year, she was succeeding on her own. Another student with frequent absences improved so much she also didn’t require help this year.”
Art teacher Miss Nicely described using a classroom plant to encourage an art student struggling with motivation: “Giving her responsibility for the plant gave her a reason to show up every day. Her attendance and engagement improved dramatically.”
The board praised the program’s impact. “Human connection is really missing in today’s times,” said board member Danielle Morgan. “If we impress upon our kids how important they are, we’re doing the right thing.”
Addressing instructional disruptions caused by winter weather, Superintendent Halterman recommended converting scheduled teacher workdays and parent-teacher conference days in January and February to regular student days if more closures occur.
“We’ve now missed seven days division-wide. The current proposal is that Jan. 9 would become a student day, and if another day is missed, Feb. 16 would also become a student day,” Halterman explained, noting the challenge of balancing adequate prep time for teachers with the requirement to maintain instructional hours. “We want to protect both instruction and teachers’ planning, but it’s a tough balance.”
Board members recognized the importance of teacher workdays but acknowledged the need to avoid extending the semester or losing instructional time. Suggestions included utilizing remote learning during snow days and further brainstorming solutions in January with staff and educators.
In a series of resolutions, the board honored the service and contributions of outgoing members Tammy Scruggs Duncan and Gerald Franson. Both played leading roles during the consolidation of Covington City and Alleghany County schools.
“Tammy has been a steadfast champion of public education and the arts,” stated the resolution read by fellow board member John Littleton. “Through her leadership, she guided the complex transition to a unified school division.”
For Franson, the board celebrated his advocacy for vocational education and his role as a founding leader of the unified district. “Gerald’s commitment has made him an invaluable asset to students, staff, and the community. We express our deepest gratitude and sincere appreciation.”
Both honorees received praise and ovations. “It was an honor and privilege,” said Franson. “We’ve striven to give this community a school system that will take it into the future.”
The board reviewed Vallss test data, indicating student literacy gains, and received updates on the curriculum for local middle and high schools. Policy LBD was revised for greater alignment with the Virginia state code regarding home instruction, and the board approved legislative priorities to be advanced by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents.
In a lighter moment, fifth grader Antele Morris was honored for her winning design in the district’s annual holiday card contest, celebrated by her teachers and administrators.
Closing out the meeting, board members and administrators expressed continued support for school staff, highlighted the importance of student connectedness, and offered holiday wishes to the community.
“We have a great village,” John Littleton remarked. “It takes everyone working together to make a difference.”
The board will reconvene for its reorganizational meeting on Jan. 5, 2026.
