Board approves GO Virginia contract for Rowante manufacturing program, Cameron Foundation pledge described

The Prince George County School Board on Aug. 11 voted to approve a contract with GO Virginia to support an engineering and manufacturing program at Rowante Technical School.

Dr. Lathrop told the board the project will remodel three underused classroom spaces into an electronics/electrical trainer area, a traditional machining shop (with CNC mill and lathe, plasma cutter and grinders), and a makerspace with 3D printers, CAD workstations and a laser cutter. He said the program will offer workforce credentials such as OSHA, Smart Manufacturing and other industry certifications, dual-enrollment opportunities and adult-education options.

Dr. Lathrop described the financial model as net-zero to Prince George County Public Schools: the Cameron Foundation has committed a $100,000 check to supply trainers and a welding simulator contingent on board approval, and additional startup funding will come from in-kind donations from the three feeder divisions (Dinwiddie, Prince George and Sussex) and reimbursement structures through GO Virginia. He projected the program could directly impact about 300 students over five years and estimated broader economic uplift in state revenue and income taxes in discussion.

Board members asked about slot allocation for Prince George students, FY27 budgetary planning, and whether the project affects the FY26 budget. Staff said the initial startup will not affect FY26 local funds and that the district will plan to include local costs in the FY27 budget as needed.

The board approved the GO Virginia contract and associated action items by roll call in the evening's action block.