Scott unopposed in school board bid

Walter Scott, incumbent, is seeking a third term as the Smith River District representative on the Patrick County School Board in the Nov. 4 election.

He is currently running unopposed.

Scott, 59, said he decided to seek reelection because he wants to do his part to ensure all of the division’s schools stay open.

“With the declining enrollment, the monies go down, and I want to do my part to ensure that we don’t wind up closing a school. That’s always been a concern in any rural area is closing a school,” he said.

To help with this effort, Scott said he wants to ensure the division’s money is spent conservatively.

So, “we don’t wind up closing a school due to reckless spending,” he added.

In his third term, Scott said he wants to address the issue at Hardin Reynolds Memorial School (HRMS), where students cross Dogwood Road to access the gymnasium.

“That is a big concern of mine. I really wanted to have it done this year, but it may not happen. I really would love to see that road closed, that little road there between the gym and the school, that’s always been a real safety concern to me, and I would love to see that closed,” he said.

A few weeks ago in Eden, N.C., Scott noted, a truck plowed through a construction zone. He believes a similar situation could easily happen at HRMS.

“I know the speed limit’s 15 miles per hour (mph) there, but if somebody comes through there hellbent, the speed limit don’t mean much. If kids are crossing the road, or even adults are crossing the road, and kind of have their guard down, next thing you know they’re plowed over. So, that’s a real safety concern to me,” he said.

Scott also wants to expand Patrick County High School’s (PCHS) Career and Technical Education (CTE) department.

“That’s just where I think we need to be putting our resources into. I’m really for expanding the CTE department,” he said.

Any expansion, he said, would follow the recommendations of CTE teachers.

“The ones who know what the needs are more so than someone like I do. But of course, your plumbing, your electrical, and those things. Which we are working on that, but I would like to see it expanded on the CTE department to get our students work-ready when they leave the high school, or well on their way,” Scott said.

Having served on the board for nearly eight years, Scott cited the establishment of the welding program and the pole yard program at PCHS through Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) as some of his biggest achievements.

While he sometimes disagrees with how the 1% sales and use tax is spent, Scott said he played a major role in getting it passed.

“That’s been a lifeline in getting some of this stuff done that’s been neglected over the years without having to go to the board of supervisors and beg for money,” he said.

Scott noted that the sales and use tax can be saved and carried over from year to year, unlike the division’s regular funds that must be spent by the end of the fiscal year.

“This money can roll over year after year after year, and I personally believe we should stockpile as much of that money as possible to be prepared one day because most of these schools were built in the ’30s. We have an opportunity to save a few million dollars, and I know that won’t build a school, but it will be a big help,” he said.

Scott said the relationship between the school board and the board of supervisors has improved significantly since he first joined nearly eight years ago.

“To me it’s came a long way. It could always be better, but I think we have a pretty good relationship with the board of supervisors right now,” he said, adding that he believes the school board does its part to avoid constantly requesting additional funding.

Scott said his goal is for the division to continue operating on the required local effort and required local match without needing extra money.

“Doing our part to protect the taxpayers, and at the same token ensuring that all our schools are accredited,” he said.

Scott worked at Wood’s Cold Storage for about 30 years and in the county’s maintenance department for six years. He is currently retired and working on his own projects.