School board approves vital services for visually impaired students

In a recent school board meeting, members unanimously approved the consent agenda and moved forward to discuss significant policy revisions and service requests aimed at enhancing educational support for students with disabilities.

The meeting commenced with the acceptance of the consent agenda, followed by a first reading of proposed revisions to school board policies and regulations. These revisions, initially presented at the July 11 meeting, aim to ensure compliance with new guidelines and include necessary editorial updates. The Virginia School Boards Association has verified the legality of these changes. After a brief discussion, the board voted in favor of the policy revisions without any objections.

Additionally, the board addressed a request for direct services through Allied Instructional Services for students with visual impairments. Miss Taylor presented the need for a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and orientation and mobility services to comply with individualized education plans. The estimated cost for these services is approximately $150,000, which will be funded through the fiscal year 2025 budget, local special education funds, and grant funding. The board approved this request, ensuring continued support for students requiring specialized assistance.

The meeting concluded with a report from Superintendent Dr. Blake Lewis, who provided updates on various initiatives and highlights from the past month. The board's decisions reflect a commitment to maintaining high standards of educational support and compliance with regulatory requirements.