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Board hears updates on FFA trip, new STEM labs, Brookville construction and private donations
Summary
Members received reports on student FFA participation at the Capitol, a new STEM lab at Rustburg Middle, modular classrooms at Brookdale, progress at Brookville High and a privately funded Alta Vista fieldhouse; donors gave $49,250 in total to schools.
The board received several program and facility updates: an FFA delegation from Rustburg Middle School visited Richmond and met state lawmakers; a new STEM-plus-M program at Rustburg Middle started this semester; modular classroom units are under contract for Brookdale Elementary; Brookville High’s construction is progressing; and a privately funded Alta Vista fieldhouse is under construction.
Why it matters: The items show investment in curriculum (FFA, STEM and manufacturing labs), temporary capacity additions (modular classrooms for pre-K), and privately funded facility improvements that affect student opportunities and school capacity.
Highlights from presenters and board discussion:
- Rustburg Middle School FFA and Capitol trip: Evan Reedy and students described their training and a trip to the General Assembly and meetings with senators and delegates. The group of 12 students attended a statewide FFA day to advocate for HB 1909, legislation to support agricultural education programs. Board members praised students’ participation.
- Rustburg Middle STEM-plus-M: Board members visited a new STEM lab in which students work on hands-on projects; staff described 4 blocks of instruction with about 20 students per block and end-of-course projects such as boat/build competitions. Students said the class teaches life and teamwork skills.
- Brookdale modular classroom contract: Dr. Stanley said the division signed a contract with Box Modular for one unit containing two classrooms and two bathrooms, expected to be placed in March or April. The division intends to use the modular unit for pre-K.
- Brookville High construction and Alta Vista fieldhouse: Board members and staff shared progress photos of Brookville High and said students may occupy the building in phases; the Alta Vista fieldhouse is being built with private donations and is approximately 80 by 120 feet in size.
- Community donations and fundraisers: The board thanked donors (notably the Foster Foundation and the Morris Charitable Foundation) for contributions to Brook Neal Elementary and other programs; horticulture and school booster sales and events were announced.
No formal action on facility contracts was taken at the meeting beyond the modular contract update; donors and staff were publicly thanked and staff said they will return with follow-up items as projects advance.
