The Henry County School Board honored Terri Flanagan, of the Horsepasture District, for her 20 years of service on the board at its December 7 meeting.
Teddy Martin II, chairman and of the Reed Creek District, read a resolution honoring Flanagan for her tenure on the board, including her service as the board’s vice-chairman from 2004-2006.
“Mrs. Flanagan has demonstrated commitment to excellence in meeting the educational needs of all the citizens in Henry County, and whereas during her tenure on the Henry County School Board, the school system experienced significant advancements in academic achievements and school accreditation while also making strides to close the achievement gap,” he read.
Flanagan has actively supported all facets of the school program, including equitable curriculum offerings, the implementation of the one-to-one iPad initiative, improvements and construction at Meadow View Elementary School, and the cafeteria and kitchen at G.W. Carver Elementary School, and the availability of extracurricular and co-curricular programs for Henry County students.
Champ Hardie, of the Ridgeway District, commended Flanagan for her tenure on the board.
“You know Mrs. Flanagan, that is quite an accomplishment,” he said.
Hardie said before Flanagan became a school board member, she was a successful substitute teacher, who subbed for him from time to time.
“When I returned to school, my students would ask me if I was absent again could I get Mrs. Flanagan to sub for me. The students really loved her,” he said.
Ben Gravely, of the Iriswood District, said it was a pleasure to work with Flanagan.
“I know years ago when I was in the school system as a building principal some of the decisions that you made impacted us tremendously, and I really appreciate the support that you’ve given our school system over 20 years,” he said.
Thomas Auker, of the Blackberry District, said, “We sit side by side” during the meetings “so she keeps me straight, I keep her straight. We’ve been together as a team, she has more years than I do, but she has been a great friend.”
Cherie Whitlow, member-at-large, thanked Flanagan for her work and dedication to the school system.
“I hope you enjoy retirement to the fullest,” she said.
Elizabeth Durden, of the Collinsville District, also thanked Flanagan for her dedication to county students, and Martin thanked Flanagan for all the opportunities the board has had to learn from and serve with her.
“We will certainly miss you, and we’ll gladly have you back here any time and thank you again,” Martin said.
In other matters, the board:
*Held a swearing-in ceremony for Champ Hardie, of the Ridgeway District; Teddy Martin II, of the Reed Creek District, and Cherie Whilow, member-at-large. Stephanie Brinegar, who will represent the Horsepasture District, also was sworn in.
*Recognized the 2024-2025 teacher of the year from each of the schools.
*Presented a certificate from the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA) to Gravely for serving as a delegate to the 2023 VSBA Delegate Assembly.
*Approved the All In Virginia Initiative spending plan.
*Announced the winners of the holiday card contest.
*Recognized students for their accomplishments in cross country, football, marching band, and other organizations.
*Heard updates to the VSBA regulations from Superintendent Dr. Amy Blake-Lewis.
*Approved the consent agenda.
*Approved the 2024-2025 academic calendar.
*Approved changing the 2023-2024 calendar to make December 27 and December 28 school board holidays.
*Approved the purchase of four 65-passenger conventional school buses.
*Awarded a contract for vehicular fuel to Clark Gas & Oil.
*Awarded a $299,600 contract to RRMM Architects to pay for providing professional architectural and engineering services for new elevators for G.W. Carver Elementary School, Campbell Court Elementary School, and Drewry Mason Elementary School. The funds will be from the one percent sales tax.
*Approved the school security equipment grant as presented.
*Heard the superintendent’s report.
*Heard comments from the board.
