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Smyth County School Board reappoints leaders, approves payroll and multiple personnel moves
Summary
At its Jan. 12, 2026 meeting in Marion, the Smyth County School Board reappointed Susan Williams as chairman and Dr. Paul Grinstead as vice-chair, approved monthly payroll and invoices, awarded a driveway extension contract, and approved several personnel resignations and hires following a closed-session review.
The Smyth County School Board met Jan. 12, 2026, in Marion and reorganized for the 2026 calendar year, reappointing Susan Williams as chairman and Dr. Paul Grinstead as vice-chair in unanimous 7-0 votes. Tara French was reappointed clerk, and the board set its 2026 meeting schedule and committee assignments.
The board approved routine financial items on a consent agenda, including payroll paid Dec. 31, 2025 totaling $4,936,927.09 and invoice payments of $111,058.75 from the School Debt and Capital Outlay Fund and $661,724.08 from the School Operating Fund. The consent agenda also included utilities, athletic officials payments and monthly financial reports. Julie Bear, the district’s director of finance, reviewed December revenue, expenditure and cash-flow figures during the superintendent’s report.
The board authorized payment of salaries on the last banking day of each month for 2026 and approved three law firms for legal counsel for the board for the year: VSBA Legal Services, Sands Anderson P.C., and The Education Law Group of Timberlake, Smith, Thomas & Moses, P.C. It also authorized Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Williams to preside over meetings in the superintendent’s absence.
On separate motions the board approved the VSBA Code of Conduct for school board members and for the board clerk (each approved 7-0), awarded the Chilhowie Elementary School driveway extension bid to Appalachian Paving and Grading, approved an amendment to the Smyth County Schools Program of Studies, and voted to continue participation in the Comprehensive Instructional Program (CIP), all by unanimous votes.
The board convened a closed session under §2.2-3711 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act for personnel matters and consultation with legal counsel on probable litigation. After returning to open session the board certified the closed meeting under §2.2-3712(D) by roll call (7 ayes, 0 nays).
Following the closed session the board approved multiple personnel actions by 7-0 votes. Resignations recorded included Hannah Brennan (Atkins Elementary instructional aide), Charles Heath (Oak Point Elementary bus driver) and Lisa Wolfe (Atkins Elementary instructional aide). Hires and assignment changes approved included Devin Bise (Oak Point custodian), Virginia Camacho (Marion Elementary PT custodian), Charles Musser (district maintenance), Beth Pratt (Atkins PT instructional aide), and extracurricular coaching hires at several schools. The board also approved schedule adjustments including additional hours for Henry Harris and a staffing change for Aleesha Neitch.
During public comment, Brandy Campbell of the Rich Valley area raised concerns about school safety and fencing around school property. Board Chair Susan Williams reminded members that Statements of Economic Interest are due to the clerk by Feb. 2, 2026, and noted the board will visit Marion Senior High School for lunch on Jan. 20, 2026.
The meeting adjourned following unanimous approval of the final motion.
