By Matt de Simone
At its Jan. 8 meeting in Fincastle, the Botetourt County School Board celebrated the achievements of outstanding employees and teachers, elected leadership, and approved a multi-million-dollar plan to improve school facilities.
Superintendent Dr. Janet Womack presented the December 2025 Employees of the Month. Maintenance Foreman Danny Broughman was praised for his responsiveness and teamwork in handling building maintenance issues, including fire alarm procedures. Troy Linkenhoker, coordinator of Trade & Industry at the Botetourt Technical Education Center, was recognized for consistently going “above and beyond for his students every single day,” according to his nominator.
Womack also highlighted the county’s 2025-26 Teachers of the Year, celebrated at a December banquet at Hotel Roanoke. Madison Lantz of Troutville Elementary School was named Division Teacher of the Year. Other awardees include Amanda Schulz (Breckinridge Elementary), Teresa Witt (Buchanan Elementary), Jen Stuart (Cloverdale Elementary), Stacey Harris (Colonial Elementary), Megan May (Eagle Rock Elementary), Emily Keogh (Greenfield Elementary), Daryl Hylton (Central Academy Middle School), Julia Stafford (Read Mountain Middle School), Chris Frost (Botetourt Technical Education Center), Chelsea Asbury (James River High School), and Mary Lewis (Lord Botetourt High School).
At the start of the meeting, the board held its annual organization, electing Anna Weddle as chair and Matt East as vice chair.
The board also reviewed and adopted the FY 2027-FY 2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), outlining $54.2 million in projects. The plan includes major upgrades to HVAC systems and school roofs, security and technology improvements, transportation fleet replacements, additional classrooms, and athletic facility renovations. Superintendent Womack said the plan addresses both immediate operational needs and long-term educational priorities, ensuring safe, modern, and well-equipped learning environments for students and staff.
