The Henry County School Board met Aug. 7 to discuss the new school year and provide brief updates on school facilities.
Though the meeting was short, it offered insight into the progress of planned updates.
Revised policies were reviewed and verified.
Regarding facilities, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has completed the turn lane at Magna Vista High School, with crews ensuring pavement markings are in place before school starts Tuesday. Drainage work is finished at both high school football fields.
Backup cameras and air conditioning units for special education buses are in progress, as are generator installations. The Laurel Park roof project is “progressing well,” board members said.
Bus drivers practiced their routes twice to minimize transportation issues on the first day, which was Tuesday, Aug. 12.
The kitchen floor at Sanville Elementary School required replacement and work is ongoing. The nutrition department has plans to prepare meals elsewhere if the floor isn’t finished before school opens.
Dr. Joshua Bocock is the new principal at Magna Vista High School. “I really believe that gentleman would take Magna Vista and move it on up very high in our school and in our school system,” said board member Champ Hardie, of the Ridgeway District. “Dr. Bocock is determined to guide Magna Vista High School to be a high-quality school in all areas. I truly believe that he will.”
Schools Superintendent Dr. Amy Blake Lewis distributed magazines and urged board members to share them with the community.
“It’s just a very exciting thing to be able to put that magazine in someone’s hand and say, ‘Hey, your children are about to start school. Are you Henry County? That’s where they need to be.’ Or, ‘I know you’ve been homeschooling your students, but would you like to see all the good things happening in Henry County?’ Or, ‘I know you opted out for a religious exemption, but if you’re ready to come back to public school, look at all the great things we’re doing,’” she said.
Blake-Lewis also noted that all ninth-grade students will meet with counselors to ensure they are on track to graduate.
The community is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bassett High School Fieldhouse on Aug. 22 at 8 p.m.
