Stephanie Brinegar, who represented the Horsepasture District on the Henry County School Board, resigned, effective immediately, citing increasing career obligations as the reason for her departure.
“Every decision I made and every vote I cast was driven by a genuine desire to do what was best for Henry County Public Schools,” Brinegar said in a release dated March 11. “Although I am stepping down from my role, I will continue to keep Henry County Public Schools and our Board of Education in my thoughts and prayers.”
Board Chairman Teddy Martin II expressed gratitude for Brinegar’s service and wished her well.
“Mrs. Brinegar has a work ethic like no other. We understand this is a difficult personal decision, and we support her in continuing to improve our community’s wellness through her career, which has also been a priority during her tenure with the board. We thank Mrs. Brinegar and wish her well,” Martin said.
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the board will appoint an interim school board member to fill the vacancy. The interim member will serve from April to November 2025, participating in all school board functions until a special election is held for the seat.
Candidates for the Horsepasture District interim seat will be interviewed by the school board following submission of a letter of interest and verification of registered voter status in the district.
A public hearing will be held on March 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Henry County School Board Office, where candidates or other members of the public may present names for consideration.
Registered voters in the Horsepasture District interested in the interim role must submit a letter of interest and resume to Britney Meeks at britney.meeks@henry.k12.va.us or P.O. Box 8958, Collinsville, VA 24078 by Tuesday, March 18.
In other matters at its Thursday, March 6 meeting, the board:
*Heard an update on the fiscal year (FY) 2025-2026 budget, which is expected to be presented later this month.
With the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recently releasing its calculation tool for the FY2026 budget, Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Administrative Services Dr. Ben Boone said the division now has a line-by-line breakdown of state revenue sources, including basic aid and sales tax allocations.
“The total numbers match what we presented at the joint board meeting at the end of February,” Boone said. He and the finance staff are working to prepare and present the division’s budget at its March 20 board meeting.
Board Vice Chairman Ben Gravely, of the Iriswood District, said, “So, we’re not losing anything, but we’re not gaining much either.”
Later this month, Schools Superintendent Dr. Amy Blake-Lewis will attend a conference focusing on federal programming and potential funding cuts.
“We know that is something we are facing now with the potential dissolution of the U.S. Department of Education,” Blake-Lewis said. “In conferencing with the board chair, it seemed that this would be an appropriate conference for me to attend and bring back information on federal programming and funding.”
*Heard from Mary Martin, who praised the division’s efforts in educating students and preparing future business owners and workers.
*Recognized Bassett High School students who placed in the VA Beta Club Convention and received district certificates for swimming.
*Approved the consent agenda, except for the Henry County School Board governance norms and protocols.
*Approved the Henry County School Board governance norms and protocols.
*Heard a presentation on Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School.
*Recognized March as Virginia School Board Association (VSBA) Equity in Education Month.
*Recognized local businesses Lee’s Tire and Wheel, Adams’ Grocery, and Martinsville Family Practice as VSBA Business Honor Roll recipients.
*Approved purchases for interactive technology, network cabling and accessories, technology devices and accessories for students and staff, cybersecurity solutions and services.
*Approved a contract for furniture at secondary and elementary schools, awarded to Bassett Office Supply.
*Heard the superintendent’s report.
*Heard committee reports and board member comments.
*Approved the personnel report and addendum.
Martin, of the Reed Creek District, attended the meeting virtually.
Member-at-Large Cherie Witlow did not attend the meeting.
