School Board Reschedules December Meeting to Avoid Christmas Parade Conflict

The Radford City School Board convened on November 12, 2024, to discuss key issues impacting the local education community, including budget preparations and upcoming facility renovations.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the decision to reschedule the public hearing for the school budget, originally set for December 10, to December 12. This change was made to avoid a conflict with the Christmas parade, demonstrating the board's commitment to community events. The public hearing will coincide with the regular school board meeting, allowing residents to engage with budget discussions that directly affect local schools.

Superintendent updates revealed positive trends in student attendance and behavior across schools. The board noted a decrease in behavioral incidents compared to the previous year, with only 40 reported incidents at the high school in the past month. This improvement is attributed to the hard work of school administrators and teachers, fostering a supportive environment for students.

The meeting also addressed the need to revisit the school’s cell phone policy in light of a new executive order requiring phones to be put away during school hours. The superintendent expressed pride in how staff and students have managed cell phone use thus far and indicated that a recommendation for policy changes would be presented in the next meeting.

In terms of facilities, the board announced upcoming renovations to the auditorium, including a concession stand upgrade and the recovery of auditorium seats, set to begin during the Christmas break. These improvements aim to enhance the experience for students and community members attending events.

Overall, the meeting underscored the school board's proactive approach to budgeting, student well-being, and facility enhancements, all of which are crucial for fostering a positive educational environment in Radford City.