Patrick County Schools Superintendent Jason Wood announced during the School Board’s meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14, that the division has received a $300,000 grant from the School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP). The funds will support extensive renovations at Blue Ridge Elementary School.
“We applied last year and were a finalist, but we didn’t receive the award. However, about a month ago, we were notified that we were selected this year,” Wood said.
The renovations will include upgrading the school’s stage to meet safety codes, improving accessibility, and adding functional steps. The current steps don’t meet code requirements, but once renovations are complete, they will, he noted.
Other upgrades include expanded restroom facilities. Currently, the school has only one restroom each for men and women, which Wood said is inadequate for such a large space. The improvements will provide more spacious facilities and also incorporate team rooms for sports teams.
A concession stand will also be updated, creating opportunities for students to fundraise on-site.
One of the most anticipated improvements is the addition of a covered walkway connecting the gym to the main school building. “Right now, it’s a long walk, and sometimes with bad weather,” students often have to stay inside their classrooms for physical activities. The covered walkway will make accessing the gym much more practical, Wood said.
Additional work will address subflooring and general flooring repairs throughout the school.
In other matters, the board:
– Heard a presentation on the new state accreditation system from Assistant Superintendent of Administration Shannon Brown.
– Approved the cell phone policy as presented.
– Approved the consent agenda.
– Approved the personnel report as amended.
– Presented a resolution to Woolwine Elementary School staff for receiving the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Highest Achievement Exemplar Award for 2024-2025.
