Development News for Colonial Heights, Virginia

Update on Capital Improvement Projects: Track, HVAC, and Facility Upgrades

Several capital improvement projects are underway or planned. These include resurfacing the track from June 11th to July 11th, with completion potentially sooner depending on curing times. The technical building HVAC project's final phase starts in early June and should be done by August 10th. Boilers at the high school are being replaced before school starts, and cafeteria floors and walls on the senior side are being addressed in a short project beginning June 5th. Additionally, duct cleaning and ceiling repainting will occur in the high school auditorium due to discoloration.

End-of-Year Testing Acknowledged as School-Wide Effort

The Office of Instructional Services highlighted the collective effort involved in completing year-end testing. They emphasized that testing is a school-wide endeavor, impacting schedules and requiring coordination across all grade levels, from pre-kindergarten to high school. Teachers and administrators were thanked for their dedication in ensuring students receive necessary accommodations and support during testing, often going the extra mile. Unexpected issues, such as fire alarms, did not deter the successful completion of testing. Some federal grants have longer operational cycles, with Title grants extending up to 27 months, influencing budget management across fiscal years.

School District Awarded Grant for New Bureau Specialist Position

The school district has been awarded a grant from the Department of Criminal Justice Services for a Bureau Specialist position, which was previously unfunded. The grant is for $62,431, requiring a local match. A budget amendment will be proposed to include this position once the general assembly approves the budget. The grant is a one-time award, though reapplication is possible. The grant was awarded to the city, necessitating an arrangement for the exchange of funds between the city and the school district. The financial report also noted that some federal grants, like Title grants, have longer spend-down timelines (up to 27 months), affecting how funds appear across fiscal years.

Summer Activities and Next School Year Preparations Underway

The Office of Support Services is preparing for summer activities, including the Early Risers program at Lake View and a book study for rising middle school students on 'The Amazing Generation.' They are also planning for 'Colonial CHPS on the Road' in partnership with Parks and Recreation, with preparations for the next school year beginning towards the end of July. The 'Alliance Public Schools on the Road' initiative was noted as a successful event from the previous year.