Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recovery School topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Portsmouth board approves Region 2 recovery school participation, agrees to initial transportation share
Summary
The Portsmouth School Board voted unanimously to join the Region 2 Hope Harbor recovery school partnership, agreeing to an initial transportation fee and a small division share of operating costs while the city council considers grant and abatement funding.
The Portsmouth City School Board unanimously approved joining the Region 2 Hope Harbor Center recovery school partnership and agreed to pay an initial transportation fee of $20,400.
The vote formalizes Portsmouth’s participation in a multi-division recovery school intended to provide academic and therapeutic support for students recovering from substance use disorder. Dr. White and steering-committee members told the board the first-year operating budget for the recovery school is just over $708,000, with Portsmouth’s ongoing share estimated at roughly $41,100 annually beginning in 2026 under the shared funding formula because Portsmouth is guaranteed two seats (about 7 percent of enrollment).
The nut graf: board members were asked to approve the district’s participation so staff could submit a CMR to city council before the February 27 deadline and pursue matching funds from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority and other grants. Presenters said some revenue is already identified, including a split of a Virginia Beach award and $139,000 secured by the project coordinator; remaining local matches will be sought from the city.
Board members pressed presenters on enrollment logistics and parental consent. Dr. White said seats are guaranteed but voluntary; students must have parental consent to enroll. The steering-committee presentation said Portsmouth is guaranteed two seats and could use additional unused seats from partner divisions (for example, Norfolk) at no additional cost to Portsmouth if those seats become available.
Presenters described next steps: (1) secure board approval, (2) submit the CMR to city council before the stated deadline, (3) identify and hire a program coordinator, and (4) have Chesapeake Behavioral Health hire clinical staff. Presenters stated the recovery school is slated to open in August 2025.
Board members asked for clarity on funding sources. Presenters said the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority funds are expected to be allowable because the program is a “direct nexus” to opioid recovery services; they also noted a planned coordinated-partnership grant that will require matching funds drawn from the abatement allocations. The board did not commit city funds; presenters said they will ask city council to allocate the requested local match.
The board moved and seconded the motion to add an agenda item so the recovery-school participation vote could occur that evening; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call.
