The effects Hurricane Helene had on the school calendar were among the items taken up by the Patrick County School Board at its October 9 meeting.
Following the hurricane, Schools Superintendent Jason Wood said the school division missed one day and had one virtual day of school.
“We have missed a total of three instructional days, which equates to 18 hours. We fall under the 990 instructional hours, not the 180 instructional days,” he said.
Because of this, Wood said the recommendation for the school calendar discussion is for Patrick County High School (PCHS) to push back its Standards of Learning (SOL) testing a full week.
“Which is still going to allow them to cover all their content to mastery and will also allow us to maintain our fall break, Veterans’s Day, three-day full Thanksgiving break, and our entire Christmas break. I’ve sent this out to staff,” he said.
Wood said if additional days are missed, the school system may have to consider making some calendar changes as PCHS completes SOL testing by December for the first semester.
Within 24 hours of the hurricane, Wood said the division reached out to Carroll County Schools to see if they needed assistance.
“They did need some water and supplies. We made one trip up there and filled over two pallets full of water, and then later in the following week were able to send additional water up there,” he said.
Wood said that the school division appreciated the support, and he’s thankful to live in a community where people will reach out to neighbors to offer help.
In other matters, the board:
*Approved the consent agenda.
*Received Virginia School Board Association (VSBA) Academy certificates.
*Approved the 2024-2025 Schoolwide Plans/School Executive Summary.
*Approved the disposal of surplus items. Wood said four school buses and two freezers will be entered into a surplus sale set to be held later this fall, more 75 iPads will be entered into a bulk sale, and Chromebooks in storage will be donated.
*Approved the Narcan policy as presented.
*Approved the personnel report as amended.
Vice-chairman Walter Scott, of the Smith River District, did not attend the meeting.
