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Goochland Schools superintendent highlights dual-enrollment, CTE expansion and proposed raises
Summary
Dr. Andy Armstrong told attendees that roughly 100 of 250 May graduates are on track to earn an associate degree through dual-enrollment, outlined a submitted RFP for a CTE facility, noted four of five schools are on track or distinguished under the new state accountability system, and said a proposed 3% raise for school staff is pending board approvals.
Dr. Andy Armstrong, superintendent of Goochland County Public Schools, used the town-hall stage to lay out the division's priorities: career pathways, a third version of the district strategic plan and investments in career and technical education (CTE).
"A hundred of our 250 graduates this May who walk across the stage at Goochland High School will graduate not only with their high school diploma but with an associate's degree from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College," Dr. Armstrong told the audience, highlighting the district's dual-enrollment successes and the potential time- and cost-savings for students.
Armstrong said the division has submitted and advertised a request for proposals for secondary improvements that would include a new or adjoining CTE facility. He suggested a targeted construction timeline pointing toward late-2028 implementation contingent on design and work with architects and engineers.
On personnel and compensation, Armstrong said the division is proposing a 3% across-the-board raise for staff in FY27, pending board approvals, to maintain competitiveness and support retention. He framed salary as the highest budget priority for the schools and noted roughly 80% of the school budget goes to instruction and direct student services.
Armstrong also reviewed the state accountability results: two schools were classified as distinguished, two were on track, while Goochland Elementary was dropped one performance category in the new system due to a decline in outcomes for students with disabilities. He said the division expects that some legislative changes or remedial steps may follow in the General Assembly to address that metric.
Other highlights included a robust fine-arts and robotics program (including international competition participation), continued emphasis on small class sizes, and attention to student mental health and chronic absenteeism after recent weather-related closures. Armstrong invited residents to volunteer in schools and participate in events such as the division's fine-arts festival and athletic contests.
He closed by offering to take questions and underscoring the role of community investment in sustaining programs.
