by RODERICK MULLINS
CLINTWOOD, Va. — The Dickenson County School Board convened for its monthly meeting on Wednesday, highlighting a year of significant student accomplishments, advancing new instructional initiatives, and managing routine operational business.
The board opened the session by celebrating several major extracurricular achievements, including the success of the inaugural “Pack Productions” media and journalism team at Ridgeview High School. Supt. Haydee Robinson recognized student Antionette White, who made history as the division’s first-ever state champion in the Virginia High School League creative writing competition.
Board members also praised the Ridgeview High School solar go-cart team, which competed in a statewide race held at Bristol Motor Speedway. While the team faced technical challenges that required extensive work, including a late-night part retrieval from Morristown, Tenn., by Principal Chris Owens, the board commended the students and faculty for their ingenuity and competitive spirit.
Additionally, the board recognized recent athletic successes in track and field and tennis.
During the business portion of the meeting, staff provided an update on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. While the Virginia General Assembly has not yet finalized its budget, officials noted that the Dickenson County Board of Supervisors has proposed an appropriation that includes the required local match plus $250,000 to assist with staff salary increases.
The board officially approved the division’s participation as a formal lead for a USDA Rural Utility Service Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant. The grant is expected to fund advanced instructional technology, including virtual reality systems for libraries and interactive video conferencing equipment, building on a successful $400,000 equipment acquisition from the previous school year.
In other actions, the board:
- Approved the sale of 15 surplus school buses.
- Reauthorized the division’s retirement incentive policy for employees.
- Reviewed enrollment and attendance data, noting that the district maintained a consistent enrollment total for the month.
Board members expressed their appreciation for a successful school year, with particular emphasis on the recent graduation ceremony. Members also thanked the departing student school board representative, Kendra Vitatoe, for her service and contributions throughout the year.
The meeting concluded with a closed session regarding employment recommendations and legal consultations before the board formally adjourned.
