Page County instructional team reports pre-K gains; Luray Elementary, Page Middle receive federal improvement grants

Dr. Huber presented the school division’s instructional update and reported that Page County students in the youngest grades showed results above state averages on a range of early‑learning measures.

The update highlighted fall kindergarten benchmarks and specific assessments used by the division: VOWS (literacy), EMAS (early mathematical thinking) and CBRS (self‑regulation and social skills). Dr. Huber told the board that Page County kindergartners met the overall benchmark at 63% in fall screening compared with 50% statewide, and that division VOWS results showed 79% meeting benchmark versus 64% across Virginia. He described similar positive deltas for early mathematics and social‑emotional indicators and emphasized the division’s strategic plan, Positive Pathways 2029, as the organizing framework for the work.

Why it matters: the division said early‑grade benchmarks predict later performance and help target supports. Dr. Huber described a measurable difference between children who had participated in a formal preschool program and those who had not — for example, a 71% versus 53% meeting the overall kindergarten benchmark — and recommended continued investment in early learning.

The board also heard that two federal school improvement awards are forthcoming. Dr. Huber said Luray Elementary School was identified as a Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) school for specific subgroups and that the division had received official notice of a $50,000 award for Luray. Page County Middle School was identified under a separate federal category and the division reported a $75,000 award for that school. "The school getting this funding is $50,000 for Luray Elementary," Dr. Huber said, and added the money “is going to come right back to our teachers” to fund work outside contract hours tied to each school’s comprehensive improvement plan.

Division officials warned the board that the grants had not yet been deposited. When a board member asked whether the funds were in the account, a staff member said, "It hasn't hit the account. We're waiting on the —" and later noted the department would monitor timing closely and amend grant applications if needed.

Dr. Huber described how the grants will be used: compensated time for staff to refine and implement targeted interventions for underperforming subgroups and to align work across grade levels and schools. He told the board the grants are intended to support teacher collaboration and focused planning rather than one‑off purchases: "What I don't wanna do is say that we can just go buy things and that's gonna fix kids, because I don't believe in that," he said.

Board members asked about class size and eligibility for Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) slots; Dr. Huber and other administrators said allocations are set by state criteria and local slots are limited. The division said it is reviewing projected kindergarten class sizes and staffing as part of annual staffing conversations.

The instructional update also covered accreditation and federal accountability expectations. Dr. Huber and board members discussed timelines for spending federal funds and the practical constraints of summer schedules; several board members urged close monitoring because summer months shorten the window to implement paid, out‑of‑contract work.

Ending: Division leaders said they will provide ongoing updates as grant money is received and as school teams refine their implementation plans. Dr. Huber closed by emphasizing the division’s early‑learning vision: “The vision of Page County Public Schools is to support and prepare all students to become healthy, well rounded individuals, and engaged citizens.”