by RODERICK MULLINS

CLINTWOOD, Va. — The Dickenson County School Board took a significant step toward expanding its vocational offerings Wednesday night, approving plans to seek funding for a new $8.9 million nursing clinic and robotics lab on the Ridgeview campus.

The proposed 10,000-square-foot facility, presented by Curtis Elswick of the consulting firm Skanska, is designed to house nursing skills simulation labs, three exam rooms, offices, and a dedicated robotics classroom. The project has already secured a $2.7 million grant from the Virginia Department of Education’s School Construction Assistance Program, covering 30 percent of the cost.

“Health care is such a need in our area,” said School Board Chairman Jamie Hackney. “To me, this is a very worthy project for us.”

Superintendent Haydee Robinson noted that the nursing program is currently ranked third in the state but is operating out of limited space. The board’s approval allows administrators to begin courting local, regional, and federal partners to bridge the remaining $6.2 million funding gap.

Wednesday night’s meeting also served as a showcase for student and faculty achievement. Robinson announced that Ridgeview High, Middle, and Elementary schools have been officially designated as “Virginia Community Schools” by the Virginia Department of Education, a distinction held by only 13 school divisions in the state.

The board also recognized several student award winners:

• Beta Club: Students were honored for state-level wins in psychology, photography, drawing, and design.
• Skills USA: Jason Mullins (Automotive Technology) and Noah Rasnick (Carpentry) were celebrated for placing first in regional competitions.
• Arts and Music: Brayden Hillier was recognized for placing second in the All-State Chorus competition.

Director of Instruction Dennis Deel presented an annual review of the division’s comprehensive plan, highlighting dramatic improvements in early literacy. According to mid-year VALLS testing, the percentage of kindergarten students performing at “Tier 1” (on grade level) jumped from 35 percent at the start of the year to 70 percent in January.

“Everything we do, we want to look at every child, every day,” Deel said. “If they can’t read, they can’t do math problems … and they have trouble getting a real job”.

In administrative business, the board approved a revised 2025-26 school calendar to account for 11 snow days. To meet instructional requirements, the board shortened spring break to a single day (March 9) and set the final day of school for students on May 29. Graduation for Ridgeview High School is scheduled for May 22.

The board also held a moment of appreciation for its members, as February marks School Board Appreciation Month in Virginia, citing their role in “planting the seeds for student success.”