New Smyth virtual school expected to benefit local revenue

Superintendent Dennis Carter recommended to the Smyth County School Board that it establish a partnership with K12, Stride, to offer a virtual option for students who attend outside of Smyth County and Region VII — from Radford City east in the state.

Approved by the board, Smyth County Schools will establish a virtual school through the Virginia Department of Education and none of the students would be reflected on the existing schools' rolls. This partnership would provide approximately $200,000 in revenue for Smyth County Schools.

Funds would come from the localities outside of Smyth and from the state. Smyth is approved for up to 375 students for this new virtual school.

The intended utilization of these funds will be to support Smyth students who attend the Region VII Virtual Academy. Smyth has been able to use federal pandemic relief ESSER funds to pay for local student attendance (about 65), costing about $150,000 for current enrollment, but after ESSER runs out, the funds would come from the local system.

"We sought this (virtual school) as an option to seek additional revenue to be able to maintain our partnership with the Region VII Virtual Academy for our kids to take care of that $150,000," said Carter. Smyth could select the grades of students to participate in this virtual school and it would not impact Smyth Schools accreditation.

In a report on facilities updates, it was noted that placement of a shale base and stone has been completed on the old Marion Intermediate School building site. New parking blocks have been installed and the area has been hydro seeded. Parking space was available there for graduation ceremonies at MSHS on Friday evening.

Projects are planned across the school system during the summer break. Thursday is the last day of school for students and a early dismissal is planned.

The health insurance provider for Smyth County Schools, which is "The Local Choice," has provided the renewal information for the 2024-2025 academic year. The rates reflect a 10.9% increase for the FY25 academic year.

Carter said it is recommended to renew "The Local Choice" as major medical insurance provider and maintaining current insurance options.

Premiums will be:

Key Advantage 500 — Employee Only $944, Employee Plus One $1,747, Family $2,548;

Key Advantage 1000 — Employee Only $893, Employee Plus One $1,650, Family $2,410;

High Deductible — Employee Only $773, Employee Plus One $1,431, Family $2,088.

A reception for retiring members of the school system is planned for Thursday, June 6, at Riverfront Restaurant in Chilhowie beginning at 4 p.m.

In other business, school employees were recognized with monthly awards for outstanding service for May. The awards with nomination comments are for:

Silver Apron Award to Christy Hicks, food service assistant at Chilhowie Elementary.

"Ms. Hicks always goes above and beyond with no complaints. She is always smiling and jovial to faculty and students. Keeps the cafeteria very interesting."

Extra Mile Award to Jerry Widener, bus driver for Chilhowie Elementary.

"Mr. Widener always goes the extra mile in being sure that students arrive at school and back home safe and knowingly loved. He always has a smile on his face and will do whatever it takes to ensue the students are arriving to a safe space and without any outside commotions and disruptions. Jerry is a faithful bus driver who also helps at other county schools when needed. He also runs afterschool rounds."

My School Shines Award is a tie for May going to custodians Kevin Leonard, Eddie Bosley and Cathy Bosley at Atkins Elementary and to John Jackson and Teresa Thomas at Chilhowie Middle.

"With unwavering commitment, (Kevin Leonard) ensures every nook and cranny of the school gleams. Alongside him, Eddie and Cathy Bosley, our part-time dynamic duos of cleanliness, tirelessly maintain Atkins's pristine appearance. All three wear different hats. They juggle their busy schedules to ensure that our students have a clean learning environment, know all the students in our school, and always provide them with words of encouragement."

"Mr. Jackson and Ms. Thomas are excellent at what they do The thing that makes them so good at their jobs is the fact that they truly care about CMS and take great pride in a job well done."

Mover of Mountains Award to Patty Turilli, central office payroll clerk.

"In June of 2023, our payroll department had its first change in personnel in 16 years. Patty Turilli was instrumental in keeping all of our payroll functions flowing smoothly during the transition as well as leading the charge for training our new payroll clerk. If there is a job that needs to be done, and Patty has never done it, she has never said 'I've never done this'; instead she says 'I'll figure it out.' That is precisely what she has done and continues to do."

Student attendance awards for May went to Marion Elementary School for Most Improved and to Saltville Elementary for elementary school level, Northwood Middle for middle school level, and Chilhowie High for high school level.