Spotsylvania school board votes to adopt stretch of Courthouse Road, pledges school participation

The Spotsylvania County School Board voted unanimously on March 23 to adopt a stretch of Courthouse Road near the Smith Station intersection under the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Adopt-A-Highway program, a move board members said is intended to boost school and community engagement in local litter removal.

Parks and Recreation staff introduced the county's community cleanup days and the VDOT Adopt-A-Highway program, explaining how volunteers register, the safety equipment provided, and how the programs can help students earn service hours. "The adopt a highway program is launched by the Virginia Department of Transportation. . . It is a 3 year commitment, and they have to clean up twice a year," said Lizzie, special events and leisure programmer for Spotsylvania County Parks & Recreation.

Board member Craig Ford moved that the school division adopt a specific section of Courthouse Road she had researched; she told colleagues she and her son would handle the initial cleanup this weekend to ‘‘get the ball rolling.’' The motion was seconded and carried 7-0. Parks and Recreation staff said they will assist the board with the VDOT permit process and supply pickup logistics.

Officials emphasized safety and flexibility for student participation. Parks and Rec staff said VDOT typically asks groups to adopt a two-mile stretch (essentially a mile out and back), but staff also noted the department is often flexible and will sometimes accept shorter stretches if safety or locality warrant it. Younger students can participate in non-roadway cleanups on school grounds or park spaces to avoid traffic exposure.

The board and Parks & Recreation encouraged individual schools, PTAs and student clubs to register through Parks & Recreation or VDOT; volunteers are provided safety vests, trash pickers, bags and other supplies and are asked to report bag counts so crews can remove collected trash.

The board's action is procedural: the school division must still submit the VDOT application and receive a permit number to confirm the adopted route. Parks and Recreation staff said they will follow up with the board and provide assistance obtaining the permit and confirming the exact roadway limits.

What happens next: Parks & Recreation will coordinate permit details with VDOT and share registration instructions with schools. Ms. Craig Ford said she plans to lead the initial cleanup to establish the school board's involvement.