Brenda Bowman and Phyllis Barker, speaking for the county Beautification Committee, told the Pittsylvania County School Board on Feb. 13 that the committee has scheduled a spring semiannual countywide cleanup for a Saturday in April and is asking high school clubs to participate.

“We began a new campaign to educate ... students about the importance of keeping our community clean,” Bowman said, noting the group has purchased children’s books for school readings, is organizing a poster-coloring activity and plans to distribute trash bags to students to encourage family participation.

Committee members also told the board they are exploring grant funding to buy cameras that could rotate through districts to capture license-plate information of littering violators and provide evidence to law enforcement. Bowman said the group plans to meet Monday with Sheriff Taylor to review procedures for camera use and evidence collection.

Bowman referenced a state code that makes certain littering violations a misdemeanor punishable by confinement of up to 12 months and a monetary fine; she asked the board’s legislative committee to consider a local ordinance that would permit issuing summonses for violations.

Board members and staff discussed the committee’s desire to read approved materials in classrooms; the board requested that the committee provide sample literature to the appropriate staff reviewer (identified in the meeting as Miss Patty) for compliance with school rules before further classroom use. Committee representatives said some volunteer readings already took place at Stony Mill Elementary and donated books were provided to libraries.

The committee described additional outreach ideas including trash-can costumes and a poster contest for students. The presentation was a public-request-to-speak item and did not include board action beyond the request for staff review of materials.