The Shadow
LOW MOOR, Va (VR) – Alleghany Highlands school board members heard updates on an elementary school culture initiative and began grappling with a deepening budget squeeze during its February meeting this past week.
Attending from Sharon Elementary, educators Connie Pucket, Krista Kraft, Kim Adams, and Vickie Hayslett showcased a program modeled on Ron Clark’s well-known “house” system, designed to build community and reward positive behavior. Teachers, staff, and students are assigned to color coded houses, compete for points tied to attendance and conduct, and gather for pep rallies and themed Fridays.
The teachers described quarterly “party time” events during which houses celebrate nine-week accomplishments with activities such as tug-of-war, cup stacking, and dance parties. Teachers reported that students now look for chances to award points to peers, even in other houses, and that the system has encouraged leadership, improved behavior, and strengthened relationships, particularly among students who had been more challenging. Families have responded positively, and administrators said the approach reinforces existing Responsive Classroom practices.
The board also paused to recognize its own members and support staff. Members received certificates as part of School Board Appreciation Month, and the division marked School Board Clerk Appreciation Week with a resolution highlighting clerks’ role in recordkeeping, public transparency, and day-to day board operations.
Later, attention shifted to finances. Supervisor of finance Tracy Persinger outlined a preliminary fiscal 202627 budget that is more than $1 million below the prior year’s plan, citing the loss of Alleghany Foundation and Salem regional adult education funds and a decrease in overall anticipated revenues. Most spending continues to be driven by salaries.
In a separate budget work session, officials said the division faces roughly a $1.6 million deficit while weighing a 2 percent state-recommended pay increase for Standards of Quality positions, which would cost about $500,000 if extended to all staff. Health insurance premiums are projected to rise by about 17 percent, adding close to $1 million in costs. An increase in the Local Composite Index has reduced state support, and declining average daily membership since consolidation has further strained funding.
A staff survey presented to the board showed 82.5% of respondents were satisfied with their jobs and resources and felt their ideas were heard, but it also underscored pressure for higher pay to support student achievement and morale. The division is already operating with about 25 fewer positions than in 2022 through attrition, and leaders signaled they will continue to review staffing and contractual expenses to narrow the gap.
Board members discussed pending state budget proposals in the General Assembly and agreed they may need an additional work session once updated revenue projections are available. Administrators said enrollment projections, based on a state Department of Education tool, appear slightly higher than earlier aging data suggested.
Instructionally, fall Standards of Learning results showed English scores improving over the prior year, while history scores dipped, which staff attributed in part to assessment changes. High school performance was reported to be on track and ahead of last year’s pace.
The board also voted to surplus several vehicles for sale through an online platform, with discussion of possibly authorizing the superintendent to manage future surplus decisions without additional board action.
During public comment, retired educator Lorri Saville criticized compensation for middle school teachers who lose planning periods, saying the effective rate of $13.33 an hour was too low for highly educated professionals and urged the board to review how the schedule was approved. Board and division leaders closed the meeting by thanking staff, families, and community members for their ongoing support before going into a closed session.
