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Superintendent: VCU residency saved, health clinic completed at High Point; two inclusive playgrounds and digital equity grants await federal decisions
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Harrington told the board a planned VCU teacher residency will proceed despite earlier federal funding loss, a health clinic renovation at High Point Elementary is complete, and two inclusive playground projects have first-round approval but await federal budget action.
In the superintendent’s report, Dr. Harrington updated the board on several administrative and grant-related items that could affect staffing, student services and facilities.
Teacher residency with VCU Dr. Harrington said a partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University to create a local teacher residency program — originally threatened by the loss of federal funds — has been preserved. “That program will start in the fall,” Dr. Harrington said, adding that candidates could finish the required coursework in three semesters and then move into teaching roles in the division. The program is intended to provide free tuition for local candidates and feed trained teachers into Washington County classrooms.
Health clinic at High Point Elementary Maintenance staff completed a renovation to convert an older classroom into a health clinic at High Point Elementary School. Dr. Harrington thanked the maintenance team for turning “an old dingy classroom space and turned it into a state-of-the-art health clinic,” and encouraged board members to tour the facility.
Inclusive playgrounds and digital equity grant The division has received first-round approval for two inclusive playgrounds at elementary schools; final funding depends on the federal budget and whether Congress enacts a full appropriations bill or a continuing resolution. Dr. Harrington also reported the digital-equity grant remains under federal review because of equity-related language and broader administrative review; he said the division is awaiting final federal action.
Budget and state funding outlook Dr. Harrington said the state cap tool from the Virginia Department of Education — informed by the General Assembly’s budget — shows an increase in required local effort for the division’s share of funding. He estimated the recommended increase would be roughly $1.5 million for the locality (his earlier estimate had been about $1.6 million). The division’s finance committee planned to meet with the county board of supervisors’ finance committee to finalize funding matters.
Other updates - Full-court support (a “March Madness” themed initiative) is underway to provide temporary staffing help for essential services and reduce workload pressure in buildings; the superintendent said he is already receiving positive feedback from staff. - Washington County Career & Technical Education Center: Greg (tech center staff) reported SkillsUSA district competitions finished and the tech center is sending 30 competitors to state-level contests; architects are rendering blueprints for projects the center developed with student work; an open house is active at the tech center.
Why it matters: The VCU residency could expand the local teacher pipeline with tuition support and faster entry for candidates; the High Point health clinic provides an on-site health resource for students; the playgrounds and digital-equity awards are contingent on federal appropriations and could bring fully funded capital improvements to county elementary schools.
What’s next: Dr. Harrington said the residency will begin this fall if approvals and candidate selection proceed, the finance committees will continue to refine local funding plans, and staff will update the board when federal grant awards are finalized.
