Ashland-Hanover Local – 02/20/19

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COMMUNITY

EDUCATION

‘Untold Stories’

15 students take top honors in forensics event

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Vol. 4 No. 23 | Richmond Suburban News | February 20, 2019

Budget plan boosts public safety, education By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

Hines and Piland present requests

HANOVER -- County Administrator Rhu Harris told the Hanover County Board of Supervisors that a prospering local economy allowed him to present an ambitious FY2020 budget that expands county services, rewards the workforce, and funds education without raising local real estate taxes. Harris said this year’s pro-

RHU HARRIS

see BUDGET, pg. 7

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

JETHRO PILAND

likely to graduate from high school and to succeed academically,” she added. The Commonwealth’s Department of Education defines excessive absenteeism as missing more than 18 days see HCSB, pg. 12

see WYATT, pg. 2

see REQUESTS pg. 4

HCSB approves $194.7 mil budget ASHLAND -- Hanover County School Board members unanimously approved superintendent Michael Gill’s proposed 2019-2020 budget that includes a 3 percent across-the-board salary increase for all employees. The $194.7 million operating budget also includes funding for additional counselors, mental health and special education specialists, and continuing technology efforts and improvements. The board also approved a five-year $78 million Capital Improvement Program that includes plans to construct a new elementary school, currently identified as a consolidation of Henry Clay and John Gandy elementary schools.

The approved CIP also provides funds to construct vestibules at 14 county schools, enhancing safety at these campuses by providing secure entrances where visitors can be screened for admission. Board members also approved a school nutrition budget of $7.4 million for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Gill will present the approved budget to the Board of Supervisors at a 2 p.m. today (Wednesday, Feb. 20). That panel has the final say on all county budgets, including the school system and is expected to consider the entire budget for approval in April. Since Gov. Ralph Norham’s budget is still unapproved, final numbers are expected within

weeks and the school board will issue a final approval once those figures are firm. The state is proposing a 5 percent increase for SOQ (Statement of Qualifications) positions over a two-year period. Since Hanover employees received a 2 percent raise last year, this year’s 3 percent increase satisfies that two-year mandate. Nancy Disharoon, director of Accreditation and Accountability, presented an instructional highlight that focused on school attendance and its importance, including the methods employed by the county to ensure students comply with compulsory attendance policies. “Regular and consistent attendance at school is

Jim Ridolphi for The Local

Bob Hundley, left, chairman of the Hanover County School Board, congratulates Dr. Michael Gill on being named Superintendent of the Year for Region 1. Shown in the background are Roger Bourassa and Sue Dibble.

important to achievement,” Disharoon said. “Research suggests that students who attend school regularly feel more connected to the school community, develop relationships and friendships, and are more

Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER – Scott A. Wyatt, Cold Harbor District representative on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, has announced his candidacy for the Virginia House of Delegates to represent the 97th District, comprising part of Hanover WYATT County, New Kent County and King William County. Regarding his decision to run, Wyatt said, “Delegate Chris Peace’s recent vote to join the Democrats to advance Medicaid Expansion in Virginia, and the higher taxes it will bring to offset costs has outraged this conservative community.” “Republicans in the 97th District want a representative that takes a strong fiscal stand against the progressive promises from the left which will grow government with unfunded mandates.” Wyatt said he believes the private sector can create a thriving economy and will take a pro-business approach of lower taxes and less regulation. Wyatt also said he believes

HANOVER – Col. David R. Hines, sheriff, stressed the importance of community partnerships and school safety as he presented a detailed explanation of his proposed 2020 budget at the Feb. 13 meeting of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. Hines and Fire Chief Jethro

DAVID R. HINES

Wyatt seeks 97th District House seat


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