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Caroline County schools launch 'Caroline Reads' literacy campaign; residents press board on safety and transparency
Summary
Dr. Sarah Kalverick, superintendent of Caroline County Public Schools, introduced 'Caroline Reads,' a countywide, grant-funded literacy initiative with a Feb. 7 kickoff in Bowling Green. Residents used public comment to urge transparency on development, retention for first responders, and to request VDOT review of Route 30 safety.
Dr. Sarah Kalverick, superintendent of Caroline County Public Schools, told the board on Jan. 13 that CCPS will lead "Caroline Reads," a yearlong countywide literacy campaign running December 2025 through December 2026. The program’s kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Main Street in Bowling Green; staff said the initiative and kickoff events are funded by a Virginia Department of Education grant.
Kalverick described the kickoff as a townwide event with a literacy passport for students, story walks on the courthouse lawn (pending final approval), photo opportunities with children’s characters and a series of business-hosted activities across Main Street. The presentation asked the supervisors to publicize the event and to consider participating as readers during the kickoff.
During the public-comment period, resident Nicholas Brogan—identifying himself as a Western District constituent—urged the board to prioritize public safety, competitive retention for deputies and first responders, and clearer, plain-English budget summaries so residents can see how money is being spent. Jesse Rollins thanked the board for support of a senior gala and recounted community civic efforts.
Resident Joseph James of the Reedy Church District raised safety concerns about passing zones and pavement markings on Route 30 between the Hanover county line and the King William county line (near Signboard and Secretariat Drive). James cited at least six accidents in recent years and described a serious crash on Dec. 19, 2025, urging the board to ask the Virginia Department of Transportation to review markings and passing-zone designations. He offered to provide photographs to illustrate the hazards.
Board members acknowledged the comments and directed staff to record and follow up on the transportation concern.
