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Superintendent reports lead testing, virtual academy discount, asbestos notice and academic benchmarks
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Perrigan updated the board on lead‑fixture replacements, a regional virtual academy discount expected to yield savings, a preliminary asbestos notice for Abingdon Elementary, and recent academic benchmarking and dual‑enrollment figures.
Superintendent Dr. Perrigan provided a multi‑item report Thursday that included health‑and‑safety updates, program and academic highlights, and scheduling implications after a winter that forced multiple closures.
Lead fixtures: Dr. Perrigan said fixtures that previously tested positive for lead were replaced at Greendale Elementary School and that test results were expected shortly. He said staff are investigating whether the contamination stems from fixtures themselves or the underlying pipes before moving on to other schools.
Virtual academy and savings: As a charter member of Region 7 Virtual Academy and through a contract with Stride K12, the division negotiated an additional $50,000 discount on in‑person students; Dr. Perrigan said the regional savings could amount to roughly $300,000 across Region 7 participating divisions.
Asbestos notice: The superintendent reported Washington County Public Schools received a preliminary notice from Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) related to an asbestos disturbance at Abingdon Elementary School. The notice and portions of its findings are being contested; the district will share the final report with stakeholders when it is available.
Instructional hours and make‑up planning: Dr. Perrigan reviewed instructional‑hour waivers tied to state guidance after weather‑related closures. He said some schools’ required instructional hours were revised downward by state waivers and the district has four virtual learning days left. He said his plan, if closures remain limited, is to recommend an end‑of‑school date before Memorial Day.
Academic data: The superintendent and Central Office staff summarized midyear data and SOL results. Highlights included high 11th‑grade reading pass rates at Holston High School and progress on early‑grade reading benchmarks: district K–2 measures showed movement of students from higher risk categories toward lower risk, with 65 students moving from high to moderate risk and 340 from moderate to low risk on midyear assessments. Dr. Perrigan also reported 637 students enrolled at the Career and Technical Center and 1,694 college credits currently registered through dual‑enrollment programs.
Other items: Dr. Perrigan said the division learned of possible funding for inclusive playgrounds via a federal grant application that has advanced to the second round with support from U.S. Senator Mark Warner’s office. He also noted communication with parents about course catalogs and scheduling: the new high school course catalog was released and will be placed online; scheduling for high schools is under way.
Board members asked questions about timelines and next steps; Dr. Perrigan said the district will report test results and the final asbestos finding as they become available.
