Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Cte Aviation Grant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
FCPS presents $70,000 Go Virginia aviation grant to buy flight simulators for three high schools
Summary
Frederick County Public Schools staff described a Go Virginia grant proposal to buy three Redbird TD2 flight simulators (one each for James Wood, Millbrook and Sherando high schools), wind tunnels and instructor training; the application is due March 13 with notification expected in April.
Frederick County Public Schools staff told the Instruction Committee on March 9 that the division plans to apply for a Go Virginia regional workforce grant to establish an aerospace technology core sequence across its three high schools.
"Under this proposed allocation, Frederick County Public Schools will receive approximately $70,000 in grant funding," said Mr. Bishop, the division's supervisor of career and technical education. He said the funds would buy three Redbird TD2 flight simulator packages (one each for James Wood, Millbrook and Sherando high schools), wind tunnels and related equipment, and support instructor training and FAA-aligned curriculum materials.
Mr. Bishop described the grant as a regional partnership under Go Virginia and said the Winchester Regional Airport would serve as the fiscal agent and fund administrator. He said the division planned to submit the application on March 13 and expected to hear back in April. He described the grant as structured on a year-to-year basis; the district would likely request the $70,000 level in the initial application and rely on equipment warranties and training to limit immediate maintenance costs.
Dr. Hummer cautioned the committee that grant-funded equipment carries a long-term cost risk, calling it a potential "cliff" when warranty periods end and replacements may be needed. "That's where we have to make that decision," Dr. Hummer said, noting the school board would later weigh whether to sustain programs after grant funding ends.
Mr. Bishop said Redbird would provide training and that the simulators include manufacturer warranties. He said the program aims to give students FAA-aligned technical competencies, industry-recognized credentials and early work-based learning to accelerate pathways into aviation careers.
The committee did not vote on the proposal at the meeting. Next steps are the March 13 grant submission and the division's follow-up after the April notification date.
