PETS
ADVENTURE
Missy is in need of a forever home. Check out animals at the shelter.
Hanover Tavern offers escape room experience
PAGE
7
PAGE
16
Vol. 5 No. 19 | Richmond Suburban News | January 22, 2020
School board considers equity policy By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND — The Hanover County School Board is considering adopting a new policy regarding equity and will take action on the proposal at next month’s meeting. Board members were briefed on that new policy at this month’s meeting by assistant superintendent Jennifer Greif, and a number of speakers addressed the issue during a public comment period. The draft document “recognizes that every child deserves an education based upon fundamental principles of equity.” The proposed policy commits to ensuring that equity applies to all Hanover students. “To that end, the division superintendent and all employees will create a barrier free educational experience for all students that accepts and acknowledges their individuality based on race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, cognitive/physical/emotional abilities, English language fluency, gender
Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local
Assistant superintendent Jennifer Greif presented a new equity policy for Hanover County School Board members to consider at their February meeting. Right: John Axselle has once again moved into the chairman’s seat of the Hanover County School Board. Ola Hawkins was elected vice chair.
religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, and other personal characteristics,” the proposal states. The new policy outlines guiding principles designed to embrace equity, includ-
ing classroom experiences that allow all students to have a clear path toward college or career with equitable resources and challenging curricula. All employees will promote a safe and welcoming environment and human resources will promote recruitment strategies that attract a diverse and highly qualified staff. Professional development will focus by providing information that assists developing strategies that support all learners. The document includes a commitment to promote funding strategies that provide additional resources to the neediest schools and students. The public will be able to see the results related to equity by postings on the Hanover County Public Schools’ website that will include data and findings as well as recommendations to promote “transparency, cultivate continuous improvement and build trust. see SCHOOL, pg. 8
Double support for R-MC
Joel Klein for Ashland-Hanover Local
These twins were sitting in the front row at the RandolphMacon College game on Saturday with their mother, who had been a member of the team. She graduated with the Class of 2008.
Bon Secours proposes hospital expansion plan at MRMC
Absentee voting starts for COPN application submitted to add additional 44 beds Dems’ Presidential Primary Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com MECHANICSVILLE – Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center filed a Certificate of Public Need (COPN) application to expand its licensed 225 acute care bed capacity by 44 additional acute care beds, including 11 intensive care beds and 33 medical/surgical beds. The proposed project involves the expansion of the hospital’s bed capacity through new construction consisting of
a two-story vertical expansion located above emergency services and intensive care services. The hospital also will renovate selected existing areas of its facility to accommodate the connectivity and flow of patients, staff, support services and construction of the new two-story vertical expansion. Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center is located in Hanover County, just one-half mile west of Interstate 295, which connects the larger regions of Hampton Roads, New Kent
County, Richmond and Henrico County. The proposed expansion directly addresses the fast growing demand for health care services from residents of the hospital’s service area, in particular Hanover County, eastern Henrico County and the Northern Neck. The proposed expansion will provide patients with increased access to the hospital’s innovative resources, outstanding clinical staff and exceptional patient care. see MRMC, pg. 12
Staff Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER – Absentee voting for the March 3 Democratic Party Presidential Primary got underway on Thursday, Jan. 16. Teresa “Teri” Smithson, General Registrar/Director of Elections, said, “Virginia Republicans will choose delegates to their national con-
vention at a state convention. Therefore, no Republican candidates will appear on the ballot in the March 3 Democratic Party Presidential Primary.” She also pointed out that registered voters must meet one of the 20 eligibility requirements to vote absentee. The list of requirements can be found on the Virginia see PRIMARY, pg. 8