Friday marked Convocation Day for Washington County Public Schools -- a chance to welcome back our awesome teachers and staff to kick off the 2024-2025 school year.
While we can't wait for the new school year -- let's take a look back at some of last year's accomplishments:
WCPS is ranked as the 7th highest academic performing division in the Commonwealth
We have invested more than $4 million in improving our facilities with the help of the Washington County Board of Supervisors and ESSER Funds
Added an in-person Urgent Care at JSB and provided telehealth options at all other schools. The in-person option will be expanded to three additional schools this year
We added an elementary and middle alternative school option that not only helped the child who was placed, but also allowed teachers to provide more uninterrupted instruction
We had multiple State, and even National Champions, in athletics and co-curricular events, including track, FFA, 4-H, band, chorus, technology, etc.
We were able to showcase our successes to a wide audience by hosting Gov. Glenn Youngkin twice, State Superintendent Dr. Lisa Coons multiple times, Attorney General Jason Miyares and other state leaders. We also had a student from the WCCTEC and JSB appointed to the Governor's Student Advisory, and a student from PH was elected as a State FFA Officer.
Although we still have improvements to make, we reduced chronic absenteeism from 22% to 14%
With the help of the Washington County Board of Supervisors and the General Assembly, we have been able to approve 3 raises -- two for FY 23-24 and the other for FY 24-25. To put it in perspective, a teacher who began their career in 22-23 ended that year earning $40,000. As we start this year, that same teacher will earn $48,425. That's an increase of $8,425 per year and $702 per month.
In addition to the salary increases, we also added or enhanced other employee benefits as well: Dependent Care Match of $2,400 -- HSA Contribution of $2,400 -- Supplemental Retirement Plan -- In addition, we have one of the most robust and affordable health insurance plans in our region, and we pay the full VRS life insurance benefit for employees
But we are just getting started! The school board has several goals it is looking to accomplish in 2024-2025:
Provide a safe environment to work, learn, and grow
Recruit and retain the best employees possible by improving salaries and benefits
Continue tradition of academic excellence and become the highest academic performers in the Commonwealth
Improve communication between all stakeholders
Encourage innovation
Align CTE programs to community needs and expand work-based learning opportunities
Improve student engagement
Provide resources that support social and emotional health for students and staff
Improve professional development for non-instructional staff
Develop a Leadership Pipeline Program
During Convocation, Ms. Kristen Harris, of Meadowview Elementary, was recognized by Del. Israel O'Quinn. The quick actions of Ms. Harris resulted in her helping a choking student this past school year. Del. O'Quinn also recognized Mr. Dustin Forrester, of Glade Spring Middle School for performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a choking student this past school year. (Mr. Forrester was unable to attend Convocation).
As we head into this new school year, remember to be proud of what you see in the mirror.
To watch Washington County Public Schools Opening Convocation, click below:
#WashCoConvo #WCPSBest #TrustYourCape #InTheArena #TheWashingtonWay