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Isle of Wight board approves Perkins grant, hires RRMM for Westside design, and adopts pooled health plan
Summary
The board approved the 2026–27 Perkins grant and a $3.81 million architectural contract for the new Westside Elementary, voted to join the Local Choice pooled health plan to replace a self-insured renewal, and authorized a $1,500 retention bonus for returning employees.
At its April 2 meeting the Isle of Wight County School Board approved several budgetary and procurement actions aimed at advancing career-technical education, school construction, and employee benefits.
Perkins grant — The board voted unanimously to submit the 2026–2027 Perkins application to the Virginia Department of Education. Staff said the grant includes a modest increase and proposed adding health-science pathway courses, including an introduction to health, medical terminology and a medical lab technician/CNA/PCT sequence.
Architectural contract for Westside Elementary — After an RFP process and interviews the board approved awarding architectural and engineering services for the new Westside Elementary School to RRMM Architects. Staff reported the negotiated fee is $3,810,445.
Health benefits procurement — Staff presented two offers: a renewal of the district’s fully self-insured Anthem plan that would require roughly $1 million more than budgeted, and a pooled program administered by Virginia’s Local Choice (carrier still Anthem) that bundles health, dental and vision and spreads risk across many local jurisdictions. The board approved joining Local Choice and adopting the required participation resolution. Staff warned that the pooled option raises high-deductible plan limits and potential out-of-pocket differences but noted an increased HSA contribution is proposed to offset impacts.
Retention bonus — The board approved a one-time retention bonus recommended by the General Assembly: $1,500 gross for full-time employees returning for 2026–27 and $750 for part-time employees. Staff estimated a net division cost of about $748,000 after state funds.
Other actions — The board approved the 2026–27 Special Education Annual Plan, approved the consent agenda, authorized the superintendent to execute a contract for land acquisition for the new Westside Elementary (business matter 2026-04), and approved the personnel report from closed session. Most roll-call votes recorded unanimous yes votes from listed members.
The board recorded motions, seconds, and unanimous roll-call approvals on the major items; staff said next steps include contract finalization with RRMM and implementation planning for the Local Choice transition ahead of a May open-enrollment period.
