The Henry County School Board met on January 9 to reorganize and hear about the program of studies in middle and high schools.
Teddy Martin, of the Reed Creek District, and Ben Gravely, of the Iriswood District, were elected as chairman and vice chairman, respectively; the meeting schedule for next year was finalized and the board adopted a Code of Conduct for members “Turnover has been staggering, why is this?” said Martin, and added that he understands teachers are afraid to speak their minds in fear of retaliation. He said that several teachers left last year after a “shake-up” occurred at an unnamed county elementary school.
“Changing principals in the middle of the school year is never good for our students,” said Martin, criticizing an unnamed principal for the amount of time they spend at their school. “One principal is the last to arrive and the first to leave,” he alleged.
Martin also brought up the lack of exit interviews for teachers departing the county. “Why don’t you do exit interviews when these teachers are leaving?”
If the board asked, Martin said that he would give particulars. He also urged the board to do what’s necessary to get great results. “A good education can change anyone, a good teacher can change everything,” he said.
Jan Turner also discussed the topic and highlighted a talk she had with a former teacher who enjoyed her career.
The teacher felt that it “was impossible to have a safe learning environment,” said Turner who alluded to an internal safety issue within the school. The teacher wasn’t happy with the attendance policy and believed responsibility for attendance relied on the parents. “Students don’t have control over whether they get there or not.”
The Virginia Literacy Act was also a part of the teacher’s decision to leave as she felt that it took away creativity. “Teachers are not robots,” Turner said, and added that she would like to talk to the board and that the teacher would love to speak with every member of the board.
“Something must be done to fix the problem so that we stop losing so many teachers,” said Turner.
Mary Martin, a former member of the school board, also expressed concerns and called for changes at the state and federal levels. “I have great faith in” Dr. Amy Blake-Lewis (Schools Superintendent) and her “leadership for this board,” Mary Martin said, and noted that when morale is down, officials need to find out what is causing the issue.
In other matters, the board:
* Heard a report from student school board member Bryson Bateman, who presented an update on how students are taking the bell-to-bell cell phone policy. “At least to me it does seem quite a bit of overreach,” said Bateman who added that “kids do not like it at all.” This question was asked after only two days of the new rule. “No one likes it, everyone hates it.”
*The assistant superintendent of teaching and learning presented the middle school program of studies and high school program of studies.
*John T. Morgan Roofing, of Roanoke, won the bid to replace the Laurel Park Middle School roof, including the base bid and adding alternatives.
*A security equipment grant of $244,000 was also approved.
*Recognized Magna Vista High School football team.
*Recognized Virginia Marching Band Cooperative Class 5 State Champions.
