Botetourt County Public Schools (BCPS) ranked fourth overall among Virginia school divisions in Standards of Learning pass rates for the 2025-26 school year, Superintendent Dr. Janet Womack reported to the School Board during its September meeting.
According to Womack’s monthly report, BCPS ranked fourth statewide in both mathematics and science and fifth in reading.
The Virginia Department of Education’s release represents the first phase of reporting for the 2025-26 school year. Womack said the VDOE’s School Performance and Support Framework results are expected during the first week of October, with a formal presentation planned for the October School Board meeting.
Womack also highlighted several other developments across the school division.
The second instructional funds disbursement has been issued to all schools, while central office representatives have begun visiting schools to provide information about the FY27 health insurance increase. A meeting was held with Lord Botetourt High School staff Sept. 2, with additional meetings planned at other schools.
The division’s first New Teacher Academy meeting was held Sept. 8 at Greenfield Elementary School, bringing together 28 teachers who are new to BCPS. The teachers received information about the division’s strategic direction and developed action steps for implementing it. Additional sessions are planned for October, January and February.
BCPS also is working to evaluate and enhance its clinical faculty and mentoring programs for new teachers, interns, apprentices and student teachers. Three BCPS principals are assisting with the effort, with the goal of mapping the current system, identifying opportunities for improvement and launching an updated system next school year.
In addition, the division is developing a new initiative to recognize employees for their years of service. Employment records for all 814 current BCPS employees have been reviewed to identify those with at least five years of service for recognition later this semester.
Maintenance and operations projects continue at Central Academy Middle School and James River High School, while Trane U.S. Inc. has installed dehumidification controls for the music room and gymnasium units at Central Academy.
The VDOE also conducted an operations assessment of the BCPS Transportation Department Aug. 26.
The Technology Department reported closing 1,447 helpdesk requests during June and July. Staff also replaced computers at several school and administrative facilities, installed a replacement voicemail server at James River High School, distributed Chromebooks to fifth- and ninth-grade students, and replaced outdated network equipment at Read Mountain Middle School.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
