By Matt de Simone
At its regular meeting on June 12, the Botetourt County School Board prepared for a change in leadership as the academic year winds down while also recognizing outstanding staff and student achievements.
The evening marked the final board meeting for Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Russ, who was recognized for his service to the division. Russ became superintendent in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Board Chair Anna Weddle shared heartfelt words about Russ’s time serving as Botetourt County Public Schools superintendent at the meeting last Thursday.
“(Russ) was hired not only during a tumultuous time for the division, but for the entire world,” Weddle shared. “As brand-new superintendent he took it in stride and kept reminding us, ‘Well, no one has been superintendent in a pandemic before.’ His sense of calm and family-first values are exactly what our school system needed and we will be forever grateful to him and his family for the sacrifices they made over the past five years.”
Russ commended all of the individuals he worked alongside since taking over as superintendent. He noted that all five of the current members of the School Board “are all in it for the right reasons.” He thanked them stating, “I could not have been blessed with a better School Board.” Russ also shared his gratitude for the community’s support and the friends he made along the way.
“I thank you all for everything you’ve done for me and the support you’ve given me,” Russ concluded. “This division is going to continue on the uprise. We’ve got a great superintendent coming in.”
Board members expressed gratitude for his leadership and contributions. Dr. Janet Womack will officially assume the role of superintendent in July.
In other business, the board approved a revision of the division’s random drug testing policy and the updated policy as presented (JFCF-BR2). Womack presented the updated policy which saw a redline change when applied to nicotine usage. These changes have been made to strengthen prevention efforts and outline clearer consequences for violations.
BCPS has outlined a comprehensive student drug policy that recognizes substance abuse as a serious issue requiring cooperation from schools, families, law enforcement, and the broader community.
All school staff and students are responsible for reporting drug-related incidents, which must be documented and forwarded to the superintendent. Possession or being under the influence of controlled substances, imitation drugs, or marijuana on school property or at school events may result in expulsion, though the superintendent may allow alternative disciplinary measures.
First-time offenders face a 10-day Youth Wellness Program assignment, mandatory participation in the Student Assistance and Prevention Program (SAPP), and a temporary loss of parking privileges. A second offense results in a 12-week wellness program, therapeutic support, drug testing, and extended loss of parking privileges. A third violation triggers a formal recommendation for expulsion.
Womack mentioned having a recent meeting with school coaches about the policy and shared that she appreciated “the coaches and the thoughtfulness with regard to the questions they asked. It was, overall, very well-received positively.”
The revised policy reflects the district’s recognition of substance abuse as a serious issue and emphasizes the need for cooperation among schools, families, law enforcement, and the broader community. School officials must report all incidents immediately to the division superintendent, and both parents and law enforcement are notified upon confirmation of any violation.
The new policy underscores BCPS’s commitment to student wellness and safety while incorporating supportive interventions aimed at addressing substance use. To read this policy, visit the June meeting’s agenda at go.boarddocs.com/vsba/bcps/Board.nsf/Public.
