Ashland-Hanover Local – 08/08/18

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ASHLAND ADA project at train station expected to take a year

COMMUNITY

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Ashland Main Street Association hosts an evening of appreciation

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Vol. 3 No. 48 | Richmond Suburban News | August 8, 2018

Hanover County financial offices begin move Aug. 15 Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER -- Hanover County’s main financial offices are moving into a new building in the government complex. On Wednesday, Aug. 15, the Treasurer’s Office and the Department TheTreasurer’sOffice of Internal Audit will open for business in and the Commissioner the Chenault-Weems of Revenue’s office will Building. This is the be located on the first former Circuit Court building, which the floor of the ChenaultHanover County Board Weems Building. of Supervisors renamed the Chenault-Weems Building on July 25. The Commissioner of Revenue’s Office is expected to open in the Chenault-Weems Building on Aug. 21. The Department of Finance and Management Services is expected to open for business in the Chenault-Weems Building on Aug. 24. see OFFICES, pg. 8

PHHS principal will not return By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

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SHLAND -- Following a two-hour closed session special meeting on Thursday, the Hanover County School Board voted 5-1 to remove Beth Smith from her position as principal at Patrick Henry High School (PHHS). Sue Dibble abstained and Ola Hawkins was not present at the meeting due to a death in her family. SMITH Officials were tight-lipped regarding the decision following the closed session, but took the vote to accept the recommended action in public. The decision comes days after an 11-hour marathon session earlier in the week where a number of witnesses were called by both sides in the case. As mid-

night approached on Tuesday night, board members announced no decision had been reached. Smith served as PHHS principal for two years, but, according to reports, was not offered a contract for the upcoming year. State and local code prevents school system officials from discussing personnel issues, or providing details of specific cases. Due to the immense interest in this case, Hanover County Public Schools issued a statement addressed to Patrick Henry families, faculty and staff following the decision just after 9 p.m. Thursday. “We are writing to inform you that Beth Smith is no longer employed by Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) and will no longer serve as the principal of Patrick Henry High School (PHHS),” the email stated. Several speakers spoke in favor of retaining Smith at last month’s school board meeting, and many comments, both positive and negative, regarding her tenure have been received at the central office in

Ashland. Other parents and stakeholders had expressed concern that the system was not keeping parents and students informed of the decision. The letter, signed by superintendent Michael Gill and school board chair Bob Hundley, addressed that very issue. “We understand that this news may be concerning, but we wanted to communicate with you as soon as we were permitted to do so by policy to help eliminate any further uncertainty in the community about her role and the future of PHHS.” The lack of public information regarding the action also also addressed in the letter. “Regrettably, this has caused a lot of speculation, misinformation, and frustration in the community. Nevertheless, we want to assure you that we make decisions based upon facts, policy, and, most importantly, what we believe is in the best interest of students.” The search for an interim principal

Ashland Summer Theatre Festival to be held Saturday Photos submitted by Louise Ricks

The Whistle Stop Theatre Company will present the Ashland Summer Theatre Festival on Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Center St. in Ashland. Performances of “Thumbelina,” “Cattywampused,” and “Rumpelstiltskin” are scheduled for noon, 2 and 4 p.m., respectively. Tickets are $10 for all three shows. To make a purchase, go to https://whistlestoptheatre. weebly.com/purchase-tickets.html. Between shows, those attending are encouraged to join with the Ashland Main Street Association in checking out the Ashland Farmers Market, Ashland Library, PBS Ready to Learn, Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys, Sugar Fix, Origin Beer Lab, Cross Brothers Grocery, Gotta Have It Gifts, Trackside Grill, Butterfly Babies, The Henry Clay Inn, and The Ashland Visitors Center.

see PHHS, pg. 7


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