Regional magnet programs brief Powhatan County School Board on curricula, internships and student outcomes

Representatives and students from three regional magnet programs described curriculum, enrollment and student work-based learning to the Powhatan County School Board during a workshop in February 2025.

Kumie Goranson, executive director of CodeRVA Regional High School, told the board CodeRVA was founded in February 2017, serves about 360 students with 375 slots available, and partners with about 15 school divisions. "We remind all of our kids, it's not about better or worse or different," Goranson said, describing CodeRVA's lottery-based admissions and an open policy for students with individualized education plans. She said 27% of CodeRVA students have an IEP or 504 plan and that the school emphasizes dual-enrollment coursework and workplace-readiness through in-house, six-week internships in 11th and 12th grades.

"My name is Logan Hoppin. I'm a ninth grade student at CodeRVA," said a ninth-grade student who described a blended schedule of small-group instruction and independent work and said he chose CodeRVA to accelerate in math and pursue technology coursework.

Representatives from Maggie L. Walker Governor's School highlighted the school's student-centered approach and extensive elective offerings. "We have courage, compassion, community, and collaboration," Hannah Boyle, a junior, told the board, describing a longer single lunch period, unstructured study halls, and language offerings that include French, American Sign Language, Latin, Japanese and Arabic. Boyle said seniors take either a seminar or a mentorship and that travel opportunities align with specific courses.

Christian Miller, a Spanish teacher at Appomattox Regional Governor School for the Arts and Technology (ARGS), described ARGS as a four-year program with six focus areas including dance, theater, music, visual arts, literary arts and technology. He said ARGS serves 14 counties and currently enrolls about 384 students. "We have 98 of our students that graduate with advanced studies diploma," Miller said, and he noted the class of 2024 earned about $3,500,000 in scholarships. A junior, Natalie, said ARG's program has "allowed me to develop my passions for my major while also supporting my growth as a student and bettering my community."

Board business recorded two formal actions during the workshop. Miss Wade moved to approve the workshop agenda; Dr. Taylor seconded and the board voted to approve the agenda. Mrs. Ward then read a motion to enter closed session to discuss the admission and discipline of specific students, personnel matters including superintendent evaluation, consultation with legal counsel on actual or probable litigation, and security and safety matters, citing Virginia statutes. The board voted to enter closed session.

No members of the public offered comment during the workshop before the board convened in closed session.