New superintendent seeks board backing for security upgrades and long‑range school projects

Juliana (Julie) Thompson, the newly appointed superintendent of Southampton County Public Schools, used her July 28 board appearance to outline a capital improvement plan that prioritizes building security, HVAC and long‑term facility replacements.

Thompson described a divisionwide door-hardware security upgrade and said the division planned to apply for the Virginia School Security Equipment Grant before the August 1 deadline. "If awarded this grant, the state would provide up to $250,000; we would provide the required local match with funds already included in our budget," she said, adding the full project estimate is approximately $312,000 and that itemized quotes are available for each school.

She also briefed the board on a potential School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) submission for larger projects, including window and envelope repairs and possible replacement of Capron Elementary and Southampton Middle School. Thompson asked the board for strategic direction and assistance in lining up financial partners if the board supports pursuing grant funding. Supervisors agreed that staff should prepare a financing road map and explore a phased plan; no appropriation was requested at the meeting.

Thompson closed by emphasizing safety and planning: "Safety and security for our students and our staff will be and will always be my number one priority," she said, and offered to work with county administration and supervisors to prepare competitive grant applications.