Smyth County School Board approves budget amendment, multiple textbook adoptions and personnel changes

The Smyth County School Board convened March 9, 2026, in Marion and approved a package of routine and policy items that included a budget amendment, several textbook adoptions, calendar decisions and multiple personnel actions.

Chairman Susan Williams called the meeting to order, Dr. Brad Haga conducted the roll call, and the board appointed Amy Sykes as Clerk for the remainder of 2026 on a motion by Ben Adams, seconded by Sue Tilson (6-0). The board later moved into and certified a closed session held under § 2.2-3711 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act to discuss personnel and potential litigation. The certification under § 2.2-3712(D) was read into the record before the meeting resumed.

In open session the board approved the consent agenda, including February payroll of $4,627,592.15 (checks #148090–148102 and electronic transfers), $1,032,648.31 in invoices from the County School Operating Fund, utilities and athletic officials payments of $165,046.04 and Textbook Fund payments of $3,800.80. Julie Bear, director of finance, presented February revenue, expenditure and cash-flow reports.

On the action agenda the board approved several items by recorded motions and seconds that passed unanimously unless noted. The board approved renewal of catastrophic insurance coverage for Smyth County Schools; renewed a policy services agreement with the Virginia School Boards Association; and approved the 2026 Division Improvement Plan as presented by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Williams.

The board approved a budget amendment presented by Julie Bear, though the transcript does not specify the amendment’s line-item details. Textbook adoptions approved included Middle/High English Language Arts and Middle/High Math adoptions presented by Dr. Kelli Hughes and an Elementary Math adoption presented by Dr. Kimberly Williams. The board also approved an amended 2025–26 academic calendar and set graduation dates for the 2025–26 academic year.

For the 2026–27 academic year the board considered two options and approved Option 1 on a motion by Ben Adams, seconded by Joe Johnson (7-0). The board approved creation of a one-to-one paraprofessional aide position and authorized ZMM Architects Engineers for the A&E facilities review; both motions passed 7-0.

Following the closed session, the board approved personnel changes on a motion by Joe Johnson, seconded by Lynn White (6-0): the retirement of Paul Chambers (Marion Senior High School teacher); resignations by Alisa Crosby, Lynda Hampton, Terry Hawthorne and Ashley McVey; hires including Madison Prater (Chilhowie High School instructional aide), Kendahl Pruitt (district registered behavioral technician), and Sean Williams (district maintenance); extracurricular hire Nathan Barton as Chilhowie Middle School head boys and girls track coach; and other appointments such as district substitute bus driver Matt Henderson and substitute Lynn Walker.

The board announced several community events and administrative notes, including the Smyth County Student Art Show on April 12, a board lunch visit to Chilhowie Middle/High on March 31, and the April meeting at Northwood Middle School (closed session at 5:00 p.m., open session 6:00 p.m.). Chairman Williams and board member Lynn White also praised Family and Consumer Science projects led by teacher Susan Hanna.

The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Lynn White, seconded by Joe Johnson (7-0).