The Henry County School Board met on Sept. 4 at Mount Olivet Elementary School, where members received an update on the school’s academic progress and approved funding for several capital projects, including new school buses and elevators.
Principal Kelsey Gardner said she is proud of the growth Mount Olivet students have shown in recent years, though challenges remain.
“It is currently performing slightly below the division average and is 11 percentage points behind the state average in reading,” Gardner said. “Addressing this performance gap is definitely a top threat for me. This year we are continuing our implementation of all-in tutoring blocks which utilizes all certified staff to provide targeted small group instruction and individualized education.”
Gardner said the instructional team is working with teachers to analyze data and create focused intervention groups.
“Just in the first 16 days of school this year, these groups are fully operational and already supporting our students,” she said.
Math performance has grown 13% at Mount Olivet, and absenteeism has dropped below 10%.
“We are partnering very closely with our families to ensure our students are here every day. We celebrate excellent attendance and emphasize the importance of being present to benefit from the high-quality instructions our teachers are providing,” Gardner said.
The board also heard about funding for nutrition programs. The Virginia Department of Education awarded the School Nutrition Program an additional $239,100 for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which serves all elementary schools. Because the FY 2026 School Nutrition Budget appropriation is insufficient to cover the program’s costs, an additional local appropriation will be required.
In other action, the board approved the replacement of five school buses. Of the county’s fleet, 45 65-passenger buses have exceeded 200,000 miles. The new buses will cost $677,085.
Elevators will be added at Drewry Mason Elementary School and G.W. Carver Elementary School at a total cost of $1,689,700, paid from the 1% sales tax. Drewry Mason’s elevator will cost $864,900, while the elevator at G.W. Carver will cost $824,800. The project was awarded to Daniel Builders LLC of Danville.
Switchgears at Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School and Laurel Park Middle School also will be replaced. RRMM Architects of Roanoke was awarded the $170,000 project, which will also be funded through the 1% sales tax.
During public comment, the Rev. Tyler Millner called for more representation of Black history in the schools.
