The Henry County School Board voted unanimously to award two contracts intended to improve classroom environments and career-technical facilities.

Under the recommendation of division staff, Commonwealth School Equipment of Moseley, Virginia, was awarded a contract to provide soft seating sets for various elementary classrooms at a quoted amount of $424,992. Staff said the seating is cleanable and can serve as an option in place of classroom rugs; principals and teachers at individual schools would select whether to use the funds for soft seating or rug replacement.

The board also approved a construction contract to Vernon W. Peters & Sons of Ridgeway, Virginia, in the amount of $147,245 to upgrade culinary arts kitchens at Bassett High School. The contract was the lowest of three bids and will modernize the classroom kitchen space used by students in culinary programming; board members noted the contractor's local reputation.

Both awards were presented by division staff, motioned and approved by unanimous voice vote. Staff said each award will be coordinated with school principals and that details on installation schedules will be provided after procurement.