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Vol. 2 No. 5 | Richmond Suburban News | August 3, 2016
Almost eight months on the job, superintendent issues report Busy period for Hanover schools outlined in ‘Post Immersion’ By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local
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SHLAND — Any good prognosticator will tell you that, in order to forge a successful path forward, you have to know where you’ve been. That’s also the driving philosophy behind a recent “Post Imamersion” Report issued by Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools. “This is essentially a journal of first re-elections combined with a state of the school system and where, as one individual, I see the needs for moving forward,” Gill said in a recent interview. The document outlines actions taken by Gill in collaboration with the school board since his appointment in December 2015, and notes some priorities and challenges facing county schools. “We have an excellent school system,” Gill said. “Like any business or profession, we can’t be successful if we are complacent,
or happy with the statues quo.” The report is based on Gill’s observations and knowledge gained through numerous meetings with stakeholders involved with county schools. “This is what I’ve seen. This is what I’ve heard. It’s a state of where we are and where I feel the needle needs to point in terms of where we are going. This is essentially a report of first impressions.” The superintendent said the report should not be confused as a plan for moving forward, a project that requires cooperation and input from various sources. “No one person should write that plan. It has to be a collaborative effort.” County school officials are compiling a five-year strategic plan for the system for school board consideration. One of Gill’s first assignments was compiling and submitting a budget for the upcoming year. He also was immediately responsible for overseeing new Career and see REPORT, pg. 7
File photo/Jim Ridolphi
The idea of a high-speed rail through the Town of Ashland has spurred residents, businesses, government leaders and Randolph-Macon College to speak out in opposition to the proposal. A petition is being circulated.
‘Families Under the Rail’ posts petition for residents File photo/Jim Ridolphi
During his first eight months on the job, Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, has met with county leaders, community- and faith-based groups, student advisory boards and others in order to get a better understanding of how to devise a plan for the future of the county’s schools. He outlined some of those observations in a written report issued July 12. Gill, right, is shown with John Axselle, chair and Beaverdam District representative on the Hanover County School Board at a Hanover County Chamber function earlier this year.
By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ASHLAND – The cry being heard in and around the Town of Ashland is “No Ashland Western Bypass” as residents, businesses and government leaders continue to speak out against the proposed high-speed rail. A petition is being circulated by an organization known as Families Under the Rail (familiesundertherail.org) to block the proposed west-
ern bypass for high-speed rail around Ashland. According to Cindy Wilton, who submitted the petition information, the purpose is “to bring to their official attention public opposition of the proposed western bypass around Ashland for high-speed rail; to the representatives that failed to ask the opinion of the property owners and businesses directly and indirectly affected by high-speed rail in or around see RAIL pg. 2
New state regulations make collecting proffers for transportation more difficult Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local
Ola Hawkins nominated herself for the Ashland District seat on the Hanover County School Board during last week’s meeting of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. The educational assistant in Henrico County was appointed to the seat.
By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local ASHLAND — A change in state law regarding localities and their method of collecting proffers passed by the Virginia General Assembly in its last session is forcing governing bodies across the state to review and amend local regulations governing the applica-
tion of levies for costs associated with new construction. The Hanover County Board of Supervisors addressed that very problem at its latest meeting and approved a motion that revises the county’s current transportation proffer policy and aligns county code with the latest state-mandated requirements.
In the past, localities have exercised the option to charge proffers, or lump sum payments, for developments that require transportation improvements or require additional services like new fire stations or parks. Hanover County abolished its proffer policy for all areas except transportation four years ago, and
currently policy allows officials to collect a minimum $2,306 payment from purchases in subdivisions with less than 50 homes. The revised policy will require subdivisions with 40 or more lots to conduct traffic impact studies and transportation costs would be assessed based on that data. see PROFFERS, pg. 5