The Shadow
LOW MOOR, VA (VR) – “Covington Middle School choir program had 126 students last year. This year the number has dropped to 46,” AHPS Band Director Adam Eggleston said, during the Alleghany Highlands School Board meeting Tuesday evening, August 17th. Due to unanticipated schedule changes and class consolidation, Eggleston explained that “students were only given one elective class to choose” on their schedules, instead of the expected two or three. “Electives like choir and band should not be treated as exploratory courses, but as programs, which have taken years to build”, Eggleston went on. The band director further mentioned how CORE classes and test scores are of course important, but elective options also help hold student interest and improve school attendance on a regular basis, often helping to improve student self-efficacy.
Eggleston expressed his gratitude to the AHPS Board for a previous meeting over the issue, but he wanted to furthermore “make sure the right people continue to ask the right questions” down the road. Chairman of the Board Jon Lanford subsequently called for additional meetings between board members and Covington Middle Staff to resolve any further class scheduling issues.
The AHPS Board also heard comments from Jackson River Technical College’s Principal, Josh Craft. Craft’s top concern was seeking additional funding from the school board for Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) affiliated events, such as FCCLA and SkillsUSA. With JRTC students having competed in numerous CTSO competitions at the district, state and national level, Craft called it an amazing resume builder for students getting ready to join the workforce. “Participation in these CTSO events is expensive though”, Craft stated. “JRTC students at this time have to engage in fundraising activities to cover 100 percent of their expenses”, which include annual dues, registration fees, competition fees, lodging, meals, and travel. “Over the past 3 years, JRTC made up for any deficit in fundraising so students can participate, but this is not sustainable,” Craft said.
The board also addressed concerns about deteriorating school infrastructure. Pointing out the new HVAC system that is desperately needed at Jackson River Technical College, along with the need for a new roof at Mountain View Elementary, Lanford suggested projects like these down the road could be funded by increasing the sales tax rate, instead of solely drawing from the year-end funds from the school division.
The upcoming November School Capital Needs Tax (Voter) Referendum proposes a 1% local sales tax increase in Alleghany County and the City of Covington. “Nobody likes to be taxed, especially when you don’t know where it is going, but we can guarantee you know where your money is going with this”. Lanford encouraged everyone to review the facts on increasing this tax, and understand how it has benefited other surrounding communities by supporting children, families, community and economic growth. The tax aims to raise over $2 million a year for school capital improvements.
The AHPS Board also approved funding for JRTC”S “Project Return”, which is a new adult alternative education program.
The next AHPS meeting is scheduled for September 21st, 2026.
Ty Dobbs
Adam Eggleston
Josh Craft
