Dr. Poole, presenting a school-board update to the Wythe County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 28, said the division’s FY26 budget book reflects a return to a normal operating budget after using federal and construction funds during previous years.

“The construction money and federal money is no longer in there,” Dr. Poole said, adding that the change makes for a “much cleaner budget every year.” He reported the completion of a recent school construction project that he said cost roughly $29,000,000.

The update outlined academic performance and workforce-aligned programs. Dr. Poole told the board that Wythe County ranked 17th in Virginia on Standards of Learning (SOL) results despite missed instructional days during the prior year. He described expansions to career-pathway programs — including GoTech at middle schools, manufacturing and health-care pathways, and partnerships with Wytheville Community College, Radford University, Emory & Henry and Virginia Tech — and highlighted a teacher apprenticeship program. The division also continues programs such as Jobs for Virginia Graduates (JVG) and said it retained reading and math specialists and behavior supports.

Dr. Poole said the division is exploring options for a 1¢ local sales tax referendum to accelerate capital projects, including planned work at Spiller and Fort Chiswell high schools, and suggested putting the choice to voters: “All we’re asking for is a chance.”

On facilities and equipment, Dr. Poole reported roofing work and stadium-light replacements at the county’s three high schools and security upgrades using school-security grants. He also said the schools are still evaluating options for relocating the cannery off the school campus and are pursuing potential grant funding.

Board members and staff offered positive remarks about the division’s career-preparation programs. Supervisor Morgan and others noted visits to GoTech programs and praised the hands-on experiences for middle and high school students.

The presentation concluded with an invitation to board members to contact the school division office for further budget information.