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Roanoke County school leaders outline $5.5M 'Campaign for Excellence,' report roughly $1M raised
Summary
Presenters told the School Board the Campaign for Excellence has raised just over $1,000,000 toward a $5,500,000 goal, outlined nine donor tiers and a media plan, and proposed an endowment and donor recognition program; a September launch and a topping-off ceremony were announced and the board gave informal affirmation.
At a Roanoke County School Board work session, presenters Jason Sir and Carl York updated the board on the "Campaign for Excellence," reporting that the campaign has raised "just a little north of $1,000,000" toward a $5,500,000 fundraising goal and is preparing for a public launch and a topping-off ceremony in September. Sir and York asked the board for feedback and informal affirmation to move forward; they did not request a formal vote.
The presenters said the campaign will accept cash and in-kind gifts (equipment and supplies) and outlined nine giving levels, from the Pinnacle Society at $1,000,000 and above down to Friends of RCCTC at $500–$4,999. "We don't want to do it just once," Sir said, describing the effort as a long-term relationship-building campaign that aims to keep industry partners engaged beyond the center's opening.
Sir noted that one teacher, Mr. Overfelt, secured a $200,000 contribution from a business partner, and presenters described industry connections, apprenticeships and advisory groups as central to both student placement and program development. "We want to get ahead of the curve and be ready for those changes that we need to make," Sir said when discussing equipment and early operating needs.
York described a media plan focused on four priorities — fundraising, student recruitment, community engagement and political support — with periodic media tours planned to maintain public attention. Presenters described a proposed endowment (described as "forever funds") intended to provide a lasting corpus to support equipment, certifications and other needs that are not funded in the construction budget.
Board members asked how the $5.5 million figure was determined; presenters said the target was set after consultation with consultants (named in discussion as Kinetic) and described the figure as a stretch but achievable goal intended to fund equipment, program startup and an endowment, rather than basic construction. A board member also asked whether donors can direct their gifts; presenters said donors may specify uses for some gifts but staff will encourage a portion be placed in an unrestricted endowment to benefit multiple programs.
The presenters said the campaign will include donor recognition opportunities (including engraved bricks/blocks and tier-based recognition) and that selected donor events will be timed to coincide with busy local media cycles. The presenters asked the board for its support; multiple members offered positive comments and informal affirmation. The presenters said they will coordinate the topping-off ceremony and launch details with staff and media but did not provide a specific year for the September launch.
The board did not take a formal vote during the work session; presenters moved on to other agenda items after receiving board comment.
