Local News
School Board OKs new pending budget, new principals, new security cameras
The Warren County School Board on Wednesday, May 3, unanimously green-lighted the appointment of two new elementary school teachers for Warren County Public Schools (WCPS), as well as the superintendent’s proposed fiscal year 2024 operating budget for the school district and new security equipment for two Warren County schools.
Present at the meeting were School Board Chair Kristen Pence, Vice Chair Ralph Rinaldi, and members Andrea Lo, Antoinette Funk, and Melanie Salins, who voted 5-0 in two separate action items to accept the appointments of both principals.
Prior to the board’s vote, WCPS Superintendent Christopher Ballenger introduced and recommended Jennifer Knox as the principal at E. Wilson Morrison (EWM) Elementary School and Jessica Vacca as the principal at Leslie Fox Keyser (LFK) Elementary School. Both begin their new positions on July 1.
“I’m excited to get started,” said Knox, who has been an educator for 13 years and moved to Front Royal from Las Vegas two years ago with her family.
Vacca, who began her career in 2007 as a first-grade teacher at EWM Elementary School, has also worked at A.S. Rhodes Elementary School, Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School, and LFK Elementary School. At LFK, Vacca served as the assistant principal and, since November, has taken on the role of interim principal.
“I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your decision to entrust in me the position of principal at [LFK],” Vacca said. “I fully believe in the school division and its mission.”
In other personnel news, Shane Goodwin is leaving WCPS as the school district’s Personnel Director during what is currently a tough teacher hiring and retention time for many school districts across the country, including Warren County.
Goodwin, who has been acknowledged for diligently trying to recruit, hire and retain WCPS staff before, during, and after the pandemic, has been named Frederick County Public Schools’ new Assistant Superintendent for Administration. He will begin his new role effective June 1.
“I just wanted to stand before you tonight and say thank you for so many things,” Goodwin told board members during the meeting’s community participation portion. “And thank you for putting kids first and for believing in me and for the opportunity.
“And while I look forward to new things, I’m really thankful for the older ones,” he added.
“Shane is leaving us, so that puts us in a real bind,” said Board Vice Chair Rinaldi during his report.
WCPS has had several other leadership staff changes recently. This school year, for instance, Jane Baker retired as director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and principal at the Blue Ridge Technical Center; Greg Livesay retired as WCPS Maintenance Director; and Michael Hirsch retired as the head of Special Services. And Alan Fox, in 2022, retired as WCPS Assistant Superintendent for Instruction.
Proposed FY2024 budget
The School Board on Wednesday unanimously approved the superintendent’s proposed fiscal year (FY) 2024 operating budget for WCPS. Ballenger said the budget may change depending upon what happens with state funding action by the Virginia General Assembly.
The WCPS proposed FY2024 budget totals $72,524,746, which is an increase over last year’s budget and is based on a student enrollment of 4,998.
Of the total operating budget, $61,536,521 will cover FY2024 salaries and benefits, while $10,988,225 will cover line item non-labor costs.
Several revenue sources will cover these costs: State revenue of $38,093,115; $28,650,000 in local revenue; $4,980,387 from federal revenue — a decrease of $974,490 over approved FY2023 federal funds that totaled $5,954,877; roughly $500,000 from miscellaneous revenue sources, such as an energy bond rebate and county vehicle maintenance funds; and a $300,000 transfer from the Health Care Fund, according to Ballenger.
In an email to the Royal Examiner earlier today, School Board Chair Pence said members likely won’t know the final state budget until the end of June.
“I am supportive of our FY 2024 budget,” wrote Pence. “WCPS did not see an increase in funding from the FY22 to FY23 budget. While the FY24 operating budget does show an approximate $930k increase, the budget subcommittee, administrators, and entire School Board worked diligently to develop a budget that truly addresses the needs of our students.”
Pence also said that she appreciated the collaborative effort the School Board had during joint budget meetings with the Warren County Board of Supervisors (BOS). “Even with the $600k calculation template error from the state and rising costs of fuel and other necessities to run the division, we were still able to address the specific needs of our schools and include staff raises,” she wrote.
During his presentation, Ballenger expanded upon her comments by explaining that state revenue for WCPS will be reduced due to a $668,000 state aid calculation error. “So, we still have that in effect right now,” he said, “and that does give us an increase of about $1.2 million from state revenue.”
In addition to the state’s costly calculation error, Ballenger said the cost to hire substitute teachers is another of several drivers for the increased budget.
“We’ve had to put some money into the substitute budget,” he said. “As you are aware, the number of absences that we’ve had with staffing means we are probably going to be pushing a million dollars in substitutes this year. It’s pretty high. We’re hoping that we can get that cost down on our subs.”
Other budget drivers include higher fuel costs, the need for more school personnel, and teacher raises. The superintendent said some of the proposed cost-cutting includes an almost $600,000 cut to the non-labor budget; and putting some required positions on hold, such as a maintenance supervisor, an HVAC position, and a transportation mechanic.
“Those are positions that we cannot go multiple years without,” said Ballenger. “We need those positions.”
Included on the capital side of the budget are renovations at LFK Elementary School, where onsite construction started in December 2022. The completion date is set for August 2024. Funding for the LFK project totals $15,316,390, according to Ballenger’s presentation slides, which also include capital improvements for EWM Elementary School and Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School.
“My [budget] presentation is based on the current needs of the school division,” Ballenger said. “This budget is not complete as we are awaiting final numbers from the state that could have an impact on this budget. We will continue to review and refine it.”
More approvals
The School Board also voted unanimously to approve several other action agenda items, including:
Two quotes totaling $28,875 from MTS Equipment of Winchester, Va., to perform the proposed serving line improvements at both Skyline High School and Warren County High School, where the WCPS Food Service Department is working on efficiency in food service lines in the cafeterias, according to WCPS Assistant Superintendent of Administration George “Buck” Smith.
“Currently, we have air curtain reach-in coolers, which are used for display of our fruits and vegetables, but the coolers are largely inefficient and past their useful lives,” Smith told the board. “The new project will cost less in the long-term than replacing all of the existing coolers as they fail. And this will also be an effort to improve the overall aesthetic and increase our team’s ability to be more efficient when it comes to filling up the servery area.”
The project will add refrigerated drop-in serving wells to each serving line, improving the speed of service, and will be more visually appealing to students, he added.
Calendar changes. Juneteenth is now a division-wide holiday this school year and next year. The federal holiday is celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The School Board also approved May 23, 2023, as the last day of school for students and May 24, 2023, as a professional work day.
New security cameras for A.S. Rhodes Elementary School and Skyline Middle School will be purchased from Herndon, Va.-based ePlus Inc. in the amount of $22,010.25, which will be covered by a 2022-2023 Virginia Security Grant. WCPS Technology Director Tim Grant said new cameras will replace what isn’t currently working. “They’ll definitely be getting an upgrade on these,” Grant said.
The 2023-2024 Local Perkins CTE funding plan was presented by Jane Baker from the Blue Ridge Technical Center (above at the podium). The local plan provides Warren County with funding to purchase materials and equipment, support professional development, and support members of identified special populations engaged in career and technical student organizations.
The funding enables students to be workforce-ready, Baker said, adding that the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has deemed the plan as “substantially approvable” in its present form, though final numbers are not yet available from VDOE.
“However, it is expected that the funding will be similar to the numbers presented in this document,” said Baker, noting that the numbers are reflective of last year’s allotment.
Specifically, Perkins funding provides WCPS funds to support CTE programs and is not to supplant but to enhance local funding, Baker said.
To watch the School Board’s May 3 meeting in its entirety, go to: https://www.wcpsva.org/schoolboardmeetings.
Chamber News
Melodies on Main: Community Cheers as Money Pit Recording Studio Opens Doors
Local News
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: American Toad
Please remember to check your lawn before you mow!
This beautiful American toad was hit by a lawnmower on Saturday and suffered injuries to the right wrist and right hind leg.
Unfortunately, due to the level of trauma, the right hind leg required amputation at the level of the knee, which was performed once the patient was stabilized.
This patient is still eligible for release once recovered and will do just fine in the wild, even with one less leg to hop on!
This time of year we see species of all kinds come into care with injuries inflicted by mowers and weedwhackers. Luckily, injuries like this are preventable in many cases.
Some people will sweep their lawn with a broom to flush out any animals that may be hiding (also a great way to find and protect a bunny nest). You can also enlist a child, partner, or friend to keep you company while you mow by walking a few feet ahead and checking for wildlife as they go!
Or, if you are looking for an alternative to a turf grass lawn, consider replacing some or all of it with native plants! Traditional lawns provide little functional space for wildlife, use excessive water, and often introduce fertilizers and pesticides that damage our environment.
Reducing the need to mow and creating beautiful and healthy habitat for native wildlife is a win-win!
Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.
Local News
Warren County Virginia Sheriff’s Office Rallies Support for Deputy Whose Home Was Severely Damaged by a Fire
In an urgent Facebook post on Monday, April 22, Sheriff Crystal Cline alerted the community to the plight of a deputy whose home was severely damaged by a fire that day.
“This morning, we were reminded of the unpredictable challenges that life can throw at us,” she wrote. “One of my deputies faced a heartbreaking tragedy when a fire severely damaged his home, resulting in the loss of everything he held dear, including his beloved pet.
“This deputy has lived his life on the frontlines—he served in the Army, then as a volunteer and professional firefighter, and now as a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office serving our community.
“Your support, whether through prayer, donations, or financial contributions, will help provide the immediate needs of shelter, clothing, and other essentials during this critical time. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office (200 Skyline Vista Drive, Front Royal, VA) will be a drop-off location for any physical items or financial donations—ask for Jenn.
I appreciate your kindness, generosity, and support. We are more than a community; we are a FAMILY!”
Out of respect for the deputy, his identity was not revealed. Even so, the sheriff’s Facebook page has been inundated by people who want to help. Many types of donations are welcome, as the sheriff emphasized, and for those specifically wanting to make online financial contributions, a link is provided on the WCSO’s page. Michael Glavis of the WCSO has organized that site for raising funds, the “Sheriff Deputy House Fire Relief Fund.” Glavis considers the deputy a dear friend and work colleague. “He has given blood and sweat for others, and now I’m asking for everyone to give a little to help him and his family through the process of recovery,” Glavis said.
Local News
Illuminating Futures: Celebrating Achievements and Exploring Quantum Computing at ‘This is IT!’ Event
The “This Is IT!” club of Warren County, Virginia, marked another milestone as a hub for budding IT enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The club, which started in 2023, has quickly become a cornerstone for students interested in the ever-evolving world of information technology.
At the ‘This is IT!’ club gathering at the Samuels Public Library on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, students and community members came together to celebrate and learn. The club includes 9th to 12th-grade students from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds and is aimed to ignite curiosity and reward academic excellence in information technology and quantum computing.
The ceremony kicked off with an introduction by Melissa Chapman, an instructor involved with the club. She set the stage for a night that was not only about recognition but also about expanding young minds. “Understanding the vocabulary of quantum computing is the first step towards mastery,” Chapman remarked, highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge in this cutting-edge field.
The focal point of the evening was the guest lecture by Dr. Bruce Chesley, an aerospace engineer who adeptly connected the seemingly distant realms of space exploration and quantum computing. With palpable enthusiasm, Dr. Chesley described how quantum technologies could revolutionize our approach to exploring the cosmos. His talk made the complex topics accessible and entertaining, captivating the aspiring scientists in attendance.
Amidst the talks, the club took a moment to honor its bright young members through a scholarship awards ceremony. Scholarships were awarded to students who have shown exceptional prowess in STEM fields. These awards are a testament to the community’s support for its young learners and a major encouragement for them to pursue further education in technology. The winners were Jude O’Neal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, and Uli Duke.
Local News
The Apple Blossom Coronation Legacy Continues for the Historical Event
For the first time in the history of the Shenandoah Apple Bossom Festival® three consecutive generations in a family will have served as Queen Shenandoah. Susan Ford Bales, Queen in 1975, and Tyne Vance Berlanga, Queen in 2001, will be accompanying Joy Elizabeth Berlanga as she assumes her role as Queen Shenandoah XCVII.
The Crowning Ceremony entertains from regal pomp and circumstance to joyful enthusiasm of Little Maids and Pages who are ever present to serve their Queen. The youthful court interchange historical and educational facts from the British Crown to learning about a United States President – to asking, “Who has the Crown?,” and with dancing. The Queen will be crowned at the memorable Coronation celebration under the direction of Elaine B. Aikens. The Ceremony to install the new sovereign is sponsored by Morgan Orthodontics, on Friday, May 3 at 1:30 p.m.at Handley High School. President Gerald Ford crowned Susan. Susan crowned Tyne, and Joy will be crowned by her mother and escorted by her grandmother.
Susan, Joy’s grandmother, is a Virginia native and now resides in Texas. She is the daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. Susan is the mother of two daughters, Tyne Berlanga and Heather Deavers, five grandchildren, Joy Elizabeth Berlanga, Cruz Vance Berlanga, Elizabeth Blanch Deavers, Jude Deavers, and Sullivan Bales, and three stepsons, Kevin, Matthew, and Andrew Bales.
Susan was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and attended Holton Arms School and the University of Kansas, where she studied photojournalism. She is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree. She is the author of two novels set in the Whie House, “Double Exposure: A First Daughter Mystery”, and its sequel, “Sharp Focus.”
Susan is the Ship’s Sponsor for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which she officially christened on November 9, 2013. On April 8, 2016, in recognition of her service as the Ship’s Sponsor, she was named an Honorary Naval Aviator by the United States Navy, becoming only the 31st American to receive this distinction. And history was made with her selection – Susan is the first woman to be chosen as an Honorary Naval Aviator.
During her high school years, Susan lived in the White House and served as official White House hostess following her mother’s surgery for breast cancer in 1974. In 1984, she and her mother helped launch National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Susan subsequently served as national spokesperson for breast cancer awareness. Since the founding of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, Susan worked side by side with her mother on projects at the Center and was elected to the Center’s Board of Directors in 1992. She succeeded her mother as Chairman of the Board 2005-2010, and currently serves on the board of directors of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
In addition to her many charitable public service activities, Susan serves as Co-Trustee of the President Gerald R. Ford Historical Legacy, Trustee, Trustee of the Elizabeth B. Ford Charitable Trust, and the Honorary Advisory Committee of the Children’s National Medical Center.
Tyne, mother of Joy, Queen-designate, resides in Frisco, TX with her husband Hector and two children, Joy and Cruz. She serves as a marketing manager for Western Son. With a passion for community involvement, Tyne sits on multiple school booster club boards for all her children’s activities.
On Tyne’s departure as Queen she reflected, “It was easy to be kind, gracious and humble Queen when surrounded by the people of Winchester. My five-day reign as Queen Shenandoah was an occasion that will have a special place in my heart. I have formed friendships and made memories that will hopefully stay with me for a long time to come. On Sunday morning I was doing an exit interview with one of the reporters and he asked me, “If l had a daughter would I let her be Queen?” My answer was immediately “Yes, if she’s lucky enough to be given this opportunity.” Now, Tyne eagerly anticipates returning to Winchester where Joy is set to embark on a remarkable journey, echoing Tyne’s own experiences from 23 years prior. It’s truly heartwarming to be able to share this moment with both her mother and daughter.
The Queen and her family will ride in the Hang 10 Firefighters’ Parade Friday evening at 5:30 and the glo fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Queen-designate Joy and her family will be making appearances at Festival events during the weekend.
Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events.
Community Events
Valley Chorale Announces Upcoming Spring Concerts in Middletown and Front Royal
The Valley Chorale presents “Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope”, a spring concert exploring aspirations of love, home, spirituality and compassion that unite and uplift us all. With styles ranging from light classical and sacred to vocal jazz, spirituals and pop, The Valley Chorale strives to capture the hopes that unite us.
The Valley Chorale is known throughout the Shenandoah Valley for innovation and excellence, with piano, cello and percussion accompaniment, and their concerts are often a heart-warming experience for all. They welcome babies and tots, so no need to hire a babysitter.
Tickets can be purchased on their website TheValleyChorale.org — $15 for age 21+ (free under age 21) or at the door for $17.
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
Belle Grove Plantation (Bank Barn), 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
First Baptist Church, 14 W. 1st Street, Front Royal, VA (Community Reception to follow)
For further information, visit the website: TheValleyChorale.org: follow them on Facebook; email them at TheValleyChorale@gmail.com or call at 540-635-4842.
(From a Release by The Valley Chorale)