By Matt de Simone
During the Botetourt County School Board meeting last Thursday in Fincastle, the board recognized its recent Employees of the Month.
Ricky Eubanks, head custodian at Eagle Rock Elementary School, accepted his award from the board, while BCPS Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Russ shared a quote from Eubanks nomination, “Ricky goes above and beyond for our building. He helps to mitigate problems that pop up and does so with professionalism and ease. The students and teachers love working with him. He is a valuable and positive member of our staff. We are lucky to have him.”
Russ added, “If you want to see the shiniest floors in town, take a ride up to Eagle Rock Elementary.”
Sarah McLucas, Special Education teacher at Lord Botetourt High School, received her recognition. Russ shared a quote from McLucas’s nomination. “She is new to her role at Lord Botetourt High School and has been working above and beyond to help several students adjust to the pace of their high school workload, being that it is considerably more than they had back in middle school.”
Photos courtesy of BCPS
The School Board was recognized by the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA) for its commitment to effective school board governance through participation in the VSBA School Board Academy. Russ explained that the VSBA recognizes individual participation in VSBA-sponsored events by awarding academy credits. These recognitions are for the credit-reporting period beginning July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024.
School Board Chair Anna Weddle and Fincastle District representative Dana McCaleb received the Award of Honor and a gold pin. The Award of Recognition went to Vally District representative Tim Davidick, Buchanan District representative Jenny Wilson, and School Board Clerk Susan Albert. Superintendent Russ received the Award of Excellence and a silver pin.
Additionally, the board recognized Central Academy Middle School (CAMS) being named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. This honor is awarded to schools that demonstrate overall academic excellence or significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups. CAMS Principal Jordan Pinkard received the school’s recognition alongside members of his leadership team Math Department Chair Jane Wolfe, English Department Chair Laura Selkirk, Social Studies Department Chair Rhyanna Moran, Science Department Chair Sam Foster, Physical Education Department Chair Jesse Witt, Assistant Principal Amanda Collins, Department Chair Courtney May, Counseling Department Chair Lance Firebaugh, and Special Education Department Chair Suzanna Mejia.
