By Jessica Dillon
Thomas Aucker recently completed 12 years of service on the Henry County School Board, helping guide the division through major changes, including the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aucker, a former teacher, said he sought a seat on the board after retiring as a way to remain involved in the school system he had spent much of his career serving.
“When I retired from school — teaching — I just kind of felt I needed to get back more, you know, to the school, and to be on the school board was a great opportunity to work for the teachers and the students,” Aucker said.
He said collaboration among board members played a key role in navigating challenges.
“There were so many opportunities on the school board, and we worked together. It was a strong bond that was between each of the school members and school board members, and I think that was crucial,” he said.
Aucker pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the most difficult periods during his tenure.
“It was pretty tough,” he said. “And then to get our SOL scores up, we worked hard to get them, and they did improve, which I think was very successful. And it also made the teachers feel good about what they were doing.”
He said he was especially proud of efforts to increase the school budget and raise teacher pay, as well as securing new equipment through the county’s 1% sales tax approved by the Board of Supervisors.
“It helped to bring the teachers and the staff needed and supplies,” he said.
Aucker also offered advice for current and future board members.
“I see people who have the talent to be on the school board to do what’s in there, and we need to keep it straight going and not, you know, rock the boat too much,” he said.
He said Henry County schools face challenges tied to limited resources compared with other parts of the state.
“Henry County is kind of down at the low end of the state, and, you know, we need to prove to these people — you know, Northern Virginia — that we have just as good opportunities as they do,” he said.
“They need to realize that we in the southern part of Virginia need help,” he added. “We can’t do this on our own because we’re just not being supplied for the needs that we have.”
Aucker also spoke about supporting teachers and strengthening academic performance.
“I think we need to define the various roles that we have as teachers, and of course, reading is number one. We have got to improve our reading. Writing is another area,” he said. “We need to help students looking into college, and we need to prepare them for that.”
He noted that the board must also operate within state guidelines and said one of the most difficult parts of serving was navigating public controversy.
“We try — we really try — because you get these parents who really chew you up one side and down the other,” Aucker said. “We can’t respond to that in a meeting, and that kind of ties your hands in being able to get things accomplished.”
Looking ahead, Aucker said he plans to travel with his wife and spend more time working outside at home. He also expects to remain a familiar face at local meetings.
