Beard explains why she is running for School Board
As a lifelong educator with more than 35 years of experience in K-12 and higher education, I would be honored to have your support in the November election for the Botetourt County School Board, representing the Buchanan District. My career has been devoted to helping students succeed, supporting teachers, and developing programs that strengthen both academic and career pathways.
I believe our School Board should include at least one member with a strong background in education, someone who understands both the classroom experience and the systems that support it. That perspective ensures the needs of parents, teachers, administrators, and students are heard and represented in every decision we make.
I hold a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor’s in Education and Human Development from Syracuse University. During my career, I was licensed by the Virginia Department of Education in Administration, English, History, Marketing, Business, and Family and Consumer Sciences. I have served as a classroom teacher, central office administrator, college professor, curriculum writer for the Virginia Department of Education, and Dual Enrollment Coordinator for Virginia Western Community College.
I have been asked about my “platform” or key areas of support. I feel that my experience allows me to be objective as I address each of these areas:
School Safety: The safety of our students and staff must always be our highest priority. As someone who was teaching at Virginia Tech during the tragic campus shooting, I witnessed firsthand the fear and uncertainty such events bring. My own child spent six hours in lockdown that day. I understand on a personal level how essential it is to make our schools as safe as possible.
I support a layered approach to safety that combines prevention, preparation, and protection. This includes secured entry points, visitor check-ins, and the use of anonymous reporting systems so concerns can be shared confidentially. Beyond physical security, true safety depends on prevention, strengthening mental health services, improving school climate, and supporting counseling and anti-bullying programs. I also want to ensure that Botetourt County takes advantage of state grants and resources available for safety upgrades, communication systems, and staff training.
Fiscal Responsibility: As a taxpayer myself, I share the concerns of many residents who want greater accountability for how their tax dollars are spent. We must provide transparent and responsible financial oversight, ensuring every dollar directly benefits students and supports quality instruction.
Many of our schools are aging and will soon require significant maintenance or renovation. Before taking on major projects, we must carefully evaluate building conditions, prioritize needs, and explore all funding options. If it becomes necessary to consider the feasibility of combining our two high schools, that process should be approached cautiously and transparently, with full community input. We must weigh the cost, transportation time, and accessibility to ensure any decision reflects the long-term needs of our county and does not overburden taxpayers.
Fiscal responsibility means balancing educational excellence with stewardship of public funds and always keeping our students’ needs at the forefront of every decision.
Student Pathway Opportunities: Preparing students for success means offering multiple pathways that connect their education to real-world opportunities.
Our Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs provide students with valuable, hands-on experience and job-ready skills. I strongly support the continued modernization of the Botetourt Technical Education Center (BTEC) to ensure its programs and equipment align with current industry standards. Expanding partnerships with local businesses, workforce organizations, and community colleges will help students gain practical experience and strengthen our local economy.
Dual Enrollment (DE) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs give students a strong start toward college. Botetourt students are fortunate to have access to both Virginia Western and Mountain Gateway Community Colleges, where many courses align with the Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) program. While transfer of credits to four-year universities ultimately depends on the receiving institution, students can maximize success by reviewing college transfer guides and planning accordingly. Supporting both DE and AP ensures families have flexible, affordable options for earning early college credit.
Our Fine Arts and Leadership programs are equally important. Participation in music, theatre, visual arts, and band fosters creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Programs such as DECA, FFA, SkillsUSA, and student government help students build leadership and communication skills that will serve them throughout life. These opportunities strengthen not just our schools, but our community.
Academic Excellence: Every student in Botetourt County deserves access to rigorous academics, high-quality instruction, and the resources needed to thrive. Academic excellence means providing equitable learning environments in all schools, regardless of size or location. I believe in using data to identify areas for improvement while celebrating success and giving teachers the tools they need to innovate in the classroom.
Strong academics go hand in hand with strong values— integrity, curiosity, and perseverance. Education must prepare our students not just to make a living, but to make a difference.
Teacher Recruitment and Support: Teacher shortages are among the most pressing challenges facing schools today. We must attract and retain talented educators by supporting mentoring programs, relevant professional development, and alternative licensure pathways for professionals entering the field. Most importantly, we must show respect for teachers as professionals, listening to their voices, recognizing their expertise, and providing the resources they need to succeed.
Parent and Community Engagement: Parents and families are vital partners in education. I want to expand opportunities for parents to participate in advisory boards, career panels, fine arts events, and school-based volunteer programs. By strengthening the connection between school, home, and community, we help students see the value of learning both inside and outside the classroom.
I have lived and worshiped in Botetourt County since 1990. My husband, Dale, and I raised our children here— they graduated from Botetourt schools and participated in sports, band, and student government. I have been active in PTAs, booster cubs, my church, and community programs. Now retired from full-time teaching and administration, I have the time and experience to devote my full attention to our schools.
My lifelong commitment has been to education and to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, location, or career path, has the opportunity to succeed. Together, we can keep Botetourt’s schools strong, safe, and student-centered for generations to come.
Dr. Kathryn H. Beard
Candidate for Botetourt County School Board, Buchanan District
McCoy believes incumbent Wilson is right choice to represent Buchanan on School Board
I’ve sat through more Botetourt County School Board meetings than most any citizen outside of school and board administration than anyone I know. I’ve addressed school issues through years of reporting, and generally throughout the 34 years I did that in Botetourt, most times I’ve at least understood the reasoning behind the decisions the School Board makes.
That doesn’t mean I always agreed, but I wasn’t elected to make those decisions.
There have always been criticisms of School Board decisions (pretty much so for any public body), but that doesn’t mean those bodies made bad decisions, just ones some folks didn’t like.
These days, though, it seems the latest pastime is second guessing, criticizing, chastising, calling names, accusations of corruption, and sometimes worse when it comes to any publicly elected body. Just ask former Supervisor Billy Martin about unfounded accusations.
Social media fuels the more recent efforts by some to be critical of our local elected leaders. I’ve seen social media posts claiming Botetourt County schools are way beyond capacity, overcrowded beyond any acceptable limit. The fact is, Botetourt County does have a student population issue, except it’s a declining student population.
The school division has been aware of the challenge of a declining school-age population for several years, while at the same time trying to address the demographics that tells us the southern part of the county’s overall population is growing (not the school-age population) while the northern part of the county is losing population, including school-age.
This year, statistics tell us we have just over 4,500 students in public schools. Ten years ago, we had 5,500 students. The refrain about a crowded Lord Botetourt High School has some merit, except the 1,050 or so students there this year are fewer than 10 years ago when the school had 1,200 students. Meanwhile, at James River High School, a student high of 550 or so students is long past. Now, there are about 450.
This is just one challenge the School Board will have to address in the next few years, and by address, that could mean changing attendance lines, perhaps consolidating elementary schools, and reviewing what course to take with LBHS and JRHS…a makeover for LBHS, a new LBHS or a consolidated high school.
Other challenges are newsmakers statewide: SOLs, cellphone use, social media bullying, student gender identification, and the old culprits of tobacco, alcohol, drugs and sex.
This short explainer on my part leads to the reason for this letter. Voters in the Buchanan and Amsterdam Election Districts select our representatives to the School Board in the November election. The local elections for School Board and Board of Supervisors play second fiddle to the statewide races for Virginia’s governing trio that we’ll also decide.
I live in the Buchanan Election District and as such have paid closer attention to what Jenny Wilson has done as our current School Board member, and I think she’s done an excellent job representing us. I’d like to see her continue in that seat for the next four years because she’s proven to be level headed and thoughtful in how she votes as a board member.
We tend to forget that School Boards have so little power in Virginia. They have no taxing authority and are dependent on the state and the county supervisors or a city council for funding. They are obligated to follow most “policies” that are imposed by the State Board of Education. School funding issues require finesse since the Board of Supervisors decides the final school budget.
These are just a couple of reasons why I’ll vote again for Jenny Wilson. As a Conservative, she understands the importance of schools and providing the best education possible for our young people, and how that goes along with the constraints imposed by a budget that is swayed by forces beyond the School Board’s control.
When it comes to making hard decisions about our school buildings and our student population challenges, she’ll bring her own experiences of having students in the school system, as a parent and as a School Board member, into that process. I hope those in the Buchanan Election District will join in re-electing her.
Edwin McCoy
Buchanan
Opposes solar farm on Springwood Road
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed industrial solar farm at 4752 Springwood Road, Buchanan. While the pursuit of clean energy is a goal we can all support, its placement on valuable farmland in our community is a misguided approach that will negatively impact Springwood residents and Botetourt County for decades to come.
Industrial-scale solar farms are not simply a benign alternative; they are a form of industrial development with significant consequences for the land and our rural way of life. The construction process alone requires stripping the land of vegetation, compacting the soil, and disrupting ecosystems. This is not an empty, forgotten parcel. This is productive farmland, and once it is converted to a solar facility, the chances of it ever returning to agriculture are low. We should not sacrifice our county’s agricultural heritage for a 30- to 40-year lease that primarily benefits out-of-town developers and the leasing landowner.
Furthermore, the impact on our community’s residents is a serious concern. Studies have shown that utility-scale solar projects can decrease the property values of nearby homes, especially for those in close proximity. We have farmed our property for many generations for its rural charm and natural beauty, not to live adjacent to an industrial power plant surrounded by chain-link fence.
The argument that solar farms will provide substantial, long-term economic benefits to the county has been proven flawed in other communities. These projects create very few permanent jobs and, as some counties have learned, can even harm school funding by impacting how real estate values are calculated. The long-term costs of these projects are often passed on to taxpayers, particularly in cases of underfunded decommissioning plans.
I urge our Botetourt County Board of Supervisors to carefully consider the long-term impacts of this project rather than focusing on the short-term financial gains. There are other, more appropriate sites for industrial solar— such as industrial parks or commercial rooftops— that would not jeopardize our rural character, harm property values, or consume productive agricultural land.
We must prioritize responsible development that aligns with the values of our community and protects our future. Come join me to oppose this project October 23 at 7 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 137 Church Street, Fincastle.
Marty Francis
Buchanan
George prioritizes beneficial growth for Botetourt
I’m running for the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors in the Amsterdam District because I believe our county’s future well-being depends on bold, forward-thinking solutions that will have a positive impact on our community. As a resident who’s seen our area’s potential and its challenges, I know we can do better by prioritizing growth that benefits everyone, not just a few. It’s time to lead with vision.
Our local economy is the backbone of our families and businesses. I’ll advocate for all the local amenities that we raised our families with, and that we want to ensure remain part of our future. We have such special places that make us who we are! This time of year, it affords us so many memory-making opportunities as we all frequent the nearby farms for local crafts, apple picking, pumpkin picking, and outdoor hiking trails that offer incredible views. Our special weekly Farmers Market and so many other places and events are cornerstones that make us such a unique place that we want to ensure continue to be integrated into our county’s future. We need to be sure that they and other small local businesses continue to thrive. Our county’s natural beauty is one of our greatest assets, but it’s under threat from the unchecked growth that is currently taking place. This isn’t just about today— it’s about preserving the quality of life that makes our area special.
In every decision, I’ll listen to residents, collaborate with stakeholders, and hold myself accountable to transparent, results-driven governance. Running for the board isn’t about personal ambition; it’s about service to the place and people I care about most. Together, we can invest in a county that’s fiscally responsible, resilient, vibrant, and full of opportunity. If you are in the Amsterdam District, please write-in Linda George so that we can steer the county in the direction we would like it to go.
Linda George
Write-In Candidate for the Botetourt Board of Supervisors,
Amsterdam District
Thanks to all from the Fincastle Festival
On behalf of Historic Fincastle, Inc. and our Presenting Sponsor, First Bank, we wish to thank the many individuals, businesses, and organizations from throughout the area that contributed to having the Historic Fincastle Festival again this year. While the early morning weather provided a good amount of rain to the venue, a wonderful group of our undaunted crafters, artists, musicians, and food/drink vendors chose to persevere anyway. Workers and visitors alike were rewarded as the rain stopped by late morning, and the sun came out shortly thereafter.
This year is a special one for Virginia. We are celebrating 250 years since our Virginia forefathers first pushed for freedom from England…. a year before the writing of The Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776. To celebrate this, HFI was delighted to have the VA250th Traveling History Museum available for all visitors to tour, and Jeff Briggs and the Fincastle Company Revolutionary War Interpreters sharing the history and artifacts. The Botetourt Historic Museum offered visitors a fascinating venue to visit and all the history anyone could want.
A festival is only as good as its artists, crafters, food, and special offerings, and we are truly blessed to have enjoyed the talents and great foods offered by our vendors. It is due to the generosity of the Methodist Church that our fine artists were able to set up in the Family Life Center to protect their creations. The Festival’s main music stage was moved there as well due to the rain. The loyal crafters who braved the early weather set up in the town center to serve all who came, and blacksmith Patrick Mattingly entertained visitors at the Wysong Blacksmith Shop as he demonstrated his craft. Visitors to the Blacksmith Shop were also entertained inside by Eric Burton and Lori Turner as they played guitars and sang for all who visited. Mike Lee’s music students performed in the Episcopal Church wowing all who stopped in, With food choices from Hado’s Lebanese Kitchen and Kerstin’s German Kitchen to Tizzone’s BBQ sandwiches, Local Lemon lemonade, Nona’s Breads, and Muncey’s Kettle Corn, no one should have gone home hungry!
Many hands went into bringing about this Festival, but special thanks go to Mayor Mary Bess Smith and Town Manager Melanie McFadyen for their hard work. Thanks to Jay and Yvonne Saunders for the use of the old Baptist Church sanctuary for the Quilt Show. We also want to extend a big Thank You to the entire Fincastle Volunteer Fire Dept. for their critical help from planning to set up to take down and trash collection after everyone else had gone home! The Historic Fincastle, Inc. Board of Directors has been “hard at it” since the start of this year, and thanks can never express how critical their work and support were from start to finish. As always, the publicity, and coverage of the festival, both before and after the event, by The Fincastle Herald and associated papers were a significant help in our success.
Finally, a huge thank you must also go to our generous primary sponsors, First Bank, our Presenting Sponsor, and to John Alderson Insurance, Jay Kilby-REMAX Allstars, Mutual Assurance Co., and Tom and Kathy Kerkering, our primary sponsors.
Please accept our apologies for any oversights or omissions as many hands pulled together for this event. Next year, we hope to “do it all again,” so mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 26 (the fourth Saturday of the month) next year for another fun event as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence!
~ HFI
