By Matt de Simone
The Botetourt County School Board met for its regular monthly meeting last Thursday evening in Fincastle, addressing personnel matters, student achievements, and key financial decisions as the district looks ahead to the 2025-2026 school year.
Student recognitions included the board congratulating Lord Botetourt’s Eric Duncan on being named to the VHSL Class 3 All-State indoor track team. Additionally, Lord Botetourt girls basketball standouts Madelyn Caron and Madilyn Winterton were named to the VHSL All-State first team. Joining Caron and Winterton were their teammates who took home the VHSL Class 3 State Championship in basketball in March.
Gabe Puckett, also of Lord Botetourt, received a certificate of recognition for being the VHSL Class 3 State Champion in the recent State Speech Meet held at Salem High School. Puckett earned the title of State Champion in the category of “humorous/dramatic interpretation” with his performance of “The Game Show of Game Shows.”
“Gabe’s remarkable performance distinguished him among his peers showcasing his skill, dedication, and passion for speech and interpretation,” Russ read of Puckett’s recognition.
The meeting opened with recognition of the April Employees of the Month Cassie Bartocci, nurse at Greenfield Elementary, and art teacher Angela Murphy of Colonial Elementary.
Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Russ read from each of the employee’s nominations, first saying that Bartocci “truly loves her job and loves all the kids that come into the clinic. She is so patient and loving toward every child. She keeps calm, even in the most stressful situations, trying to be a school nurse and having to run all over the school” checking on her students is so inspiring.
“[Murphy] is one of the happiest employees at [Colonial Elementary],” Russ read. “She brings a positive and exciting energy to her class in school. Many students need a little extra one on one time and Mrs. Murphy has allowed students to come to her art room to get out their frustrations with drawing or painting during her lunchtime. She sits and leads with students that need more practice before art class begins. She’s a bright light to the students and staff of Colonial.”
Additionally, funding approvals were granted for technology purchases across the division, including laptops, Chromebooks, desktops, and Special Education vans.
Photos courtesy of BCPS
Assistant Superintendent Janet Womack presented the board with the first draft of the 2026-2027 school calendar for review and future adoption. Some of the calendar highlights include a proposed August 12 start date and a two-week Christmas vacation (Dec. 21, 2026 – Jan. 1, 2027). Buchanan School Board representative Jenny Wilson asked Womack about a plan to continue using virtual learning days moving forward. Womack shared the division is currently allowed to use 10 days for “virtual days,” but that depends on the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) decision regarding those days moving forward. Womack said that could change in the next two years.
The board also heard an update from YMCA Executive Director Rob Lough regarding the YMCA’s current partnership with the school division on various programs including “Y Splash,” teaching children fundamental water safety skills. The Botetourt Y celebrated its 7,000th member this year and Lough shared the Y’s excitement continuing to grow and is proud the Y continues to be a community resource and community center for the young people of the county. He introduced YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Association Childcare Director Alicia Kindred who works with the youth of Botetourt schools.
The School Board will next meet on Monday, May 5 at 10 a.m. for a special meeting and then on Thursday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m. for the next regular board meeting.
