Local News
Warren County School Board Meeting – June 5th
Before the WCPS School Board meeting, Superintendent Greg Drescher honored WCPS retirees.
At the June 5th Warren County School Board meeting, health insurance and school lunches were the topic of discussion. Insurance rates down, lunch prices up.
Click here to download the Clerk’s Report. This includes the following expenditures this period:
FUND 1-SCHOOL OPERATING FUND 2018-2019 – $3,404,734.52
FUND 2 – CAFETERIA FUND 2018-2019 – $270,393.83
FUND 6- SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FUND 2018-2019 – $30,575.00
FUND 7- CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND 2018-2019 – $3,820.20
HEALTH CARE PLAN 2018-2019 – $5,663,911.64
On the Action Agenda the Board approved:
1 -Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant
The Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) Grant provides a multifaceted approach to serving students who have experienced crime based trauma. The supports include a full time behavioral health coach (see job description attached), continued funding for contracted support with an anxiety/depression specialist to implement the COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) curriculum to assist students in addressing the effects of trauma. In addition, mentoring supports will be contracted with a firm in Winchester. This grant will provide $200,000 of support per year for two years. These supports will serve students at SMS, WCMS and our Non-Traditional Programs. The project is grant funded. An additional appropriation from the County is needed in order to receive and spend the funds.
2-Renewal of Maintenance Service Contracts for 2019-2020 School Year
Warren County Public Schools, Facilities Management Office contracts or outsources various building related services that are necessary for the continuous operation of school facilities. These contracts are awarded with a base performance period of one year with four (4) one year renewals with agreed upon annual price increases. The Facilities Management Office is requesting approval for annual price increases for the FY19-FY20 school year for eight (8) service contracts including elevator service, solid waste removal, pest control services, school intercoms and bell service, energy management systems, security systems monitoring, LP gas and heating fuel oil supply.
Staff has reviewed all the service cost price increase requests from the vendors and where applicable, all price increase are within range of the CPI (Consumer Price Index) or All Urban Consumers dated March 19, 2019.
Download the 2019-2020 Maintenance Service Agreement Renewals
3-Donation of office supplies to Warren County Public Schools
Ms. Wanda Miller has made a donation of office supplies to Warren County Public Schools.
4-Approval of the 2019-20 Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Rates
There was a slight 1% to 3 % decrease in rates as compared to 2018-19 rates. Eligible employees, who enroll or re-enroll in the high deductible health plan, during the division’s open enrollment period, will be eligible for an employer’s paid contribution of $500 to their health savings account. There are no changes to the health coverage offered for the 2019-20 plan year.
Download proposed health, vision, and dental insurance rates for 2019-20 plan year
5-First Reading – May 2019 VSBA School Board Policy Updates
In May 2019, VSBA submitted 59 policies for consideration by the Warren County School Board. A chart showing all the updated policies has been prepared by staff members noting the proposed changes. An additional nine policies are presented for review but have no recommended revisions.
As this is a first reading of the proposed changes, there will be an opportunity to discuss the changes at the June 19, 2019 work session. Final approval of the changes is scheduled for the July 3, 2019 meeting.
Click to Download :
A – Recommendations and Comments by Staff May 2019
B – VSBA Explanation of Revisions – May 2019 Policy Updates
C – Red-line Copies of Policies with Proposed Changes May 2019
D – VSBA Policy Updates Workshop Notes
E – Policies Reviewed but Not Revised May 2019
6-Approval of Paid School Meal Prices for 2019-2020
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 requires school divisions participating in the National School Lunch Program to ensure sufficient funds are provided to account for meals served to students not eligible for free or reduced price meals. Schools charging less than $3.00 for paid lunches are required to adjust the full meal price to cover the difference.
Warren County Public Schools’ current lunch price for elementary students is $2.00 and $2.10 for middle and high school students. Based on the food services fund balance and the increased cost of food, we recommend increasing lunch prices by ten cents for elementary, middle, and high school students. The recommended new lunch prices for the 2019-2020 school year would be $2.10 for elementary students and $2.20 for middle and high school students. This will be the first time school lunch prices have increased since the 2016-2017 school year. The recommendation is to leave the breakfast price at $1.25. The last time the breakfast price was increased was the 2014-2015 school year.
E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School will continue in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP). There will be no charge for breakfast or lunch at E. Wilson Morrison for he 2019-2020 school year.
Click to Download:
A-Paid Lunch Equity Guidance for School Year 2019-2020
B-School Meal Prices of Surrounding School Districts
7-Approval of Audit Firm
That the firm of Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates be selected as the firm to conduct the FY2017 School Activity Funds audit at a cost of $10,500 and that the Chairman and director of finance be authorized to sign the letter of engagement.
School Board Policy File: DGC requires school activity funds to be audited at least once a year by a duly qualified accountant or accounting firm. The policy also states that the type of engagement (audit, examination, or review) and the accountant, accounting firm, or internal auditor, shall be approved by the School Board. The accounting firm of Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates has conducted the school activity fund audit the past several years and is recommended as the firm to conduct this year’s audit. This is also the same firm that performs the County’s comprehensive audit. The proposed cost for this year’s audit is $10,500.
Click to Download:
A-Policy File: DGC – School Activity Funds
B-Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates Letter of Engagement
8-Awarded a contract in the amount of $48,347.83 for support of the finance software system for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
WCPS has used financial accounting software from RDA (currently known as OpenRDA) since the early 1990’s. The software was originally provided at no cost to school systems by the state when a new statewide account coding system was implemented. Since then, support for and training on the use of the program has been paid for by Warren County Public Schools each year. The renewal cost for 2019-2020 is $48,347.83.
While RDA is considered an open source software provider (i.e. they provide the software at no cost), it is necessary for users to contract with them to provide updates, support and training on the system. There is rarely a week when we do not have to contact them and usually it is multiple times.
Because OpenRDA is the only vendor that can support this software, they qualify as a single source supplier.
9- Award Property, Liability, Auto and Workers’ Compensation Insurances for FY2019-2020
Since July 1, 2004, Warren County Public Schools has participated in and been insured by the Virginia Association of Counties Group Self Insurance Risk Pool (VACORP). This is the same insurer that the County of Warren uses. A 19-year history of rates is attached. The renewal rates for 2019-2020 are similar to the current rates.
Click to Download:
A-2019-2020 VACORP Insurance Renewal
B-Insurance Rate History
C-Virginia Procurement Act Requirement Letter
10-Increase the School Board’s FY 2018-2019 Operating Fund Budget by $43,000
In order to receive and spend $43,000 in unanticipated/unbudgeted revenue, an additional appropriation must be received from the Warren County Board of Supervisors. The unanticipated revenue results from the receipt of various grants and a reimbursement as detailed in the attached worksheet.
Download Appropriation Request Detail Worksheet
11-Presentation of Title I, II, III, and IV Grant Applications
The Title I, Part A; Title II, Part A; Title III, Part A; and Title IV, Part A applications seek federal funding to improve basic instructional programs, teacher and principal training and recruiting, support for language instruction for our English Learners, summer enrichment programs for at-risk students, and technology training for teachers.
Propose to use the funding from these federal programs for the following:
Title I, Part A – Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Education Agencies
Allocation amount: $941,800.71
Schoolwide plans at EWM, HJB, LFK, RJ
Title I Literacy Coaches – 4 FTE
Title I Math Coaches – 2 FTE
Title I Instructional Assistants – 6 FTE
Coordinator and .25 Administrative assistant – 1.25 FTE
Tutors and Summer Programs
Parent Family Engagement activities
Materials and supplies
Professional development to support schoolwide plans
Homeless student set aside
Remediation programs
Title II, Part A – Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting
Allocation amount: $166,407.94
Professional development for teachers, principals and staff
Supporting materials
Class size reduction
Private school set aside
Lord Fairfax Educational Consortium
Title III, Part A – Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient Students
Allocation amount: $14,671.26
Professional development for teachers on the WIDA ELD Standards
Materials and instructional support
Parent outreach
Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment
Allocation amount: $66,484.56
Summer enrichment program (Well rounded)
Professional Development for Blended Learning (Technology)
PBIS Support for all schools (Safe and Healthy)
Private school set aside
Note: All grants are based on the previous year’s allocation and are due by July 1. All budget figures are preliminary. Once the VDOE sends out the official allocations, all applications will be revised as needed.
This item will go before the board for approval at the June 19, 2019 school board meeting work session.
Click to Download:
A-Title II Assurances
B-Title III Assurances
C-Title IV Assurances
12-Approval of Expenditure Over $15,000 for the Purchase of Unified Talent Professional Learning Management System in the Amount of $21,935
Request the purchase of Unified Talent Learning Management System in the amount of $21,935. Unified Talent is affiliated with PowerSchool and links to our current student and staff information system making the manipulation of data less labor intensive than with our current professional learning management system. Unified Talent houses staff professional development offerings, keeps track of professional staff’s license renewal points, and provides a mechanism through which professional development can be approved toward relicensure efforts. $14,050 of the initial cost of this program goes toward the set-up, implementation and training which are one-time costs. Moving to Unified Talent will save the school division approximately $6,000 per year as compared to the current professional learning management system being used.
Unified Talent will be purchased using existing professional development funds.
The following resignations and appointments are to be presented at the Warren County School Board meeting on June 5, 2019.
RESIGNATIONS:
| Mark Bruns
Retiring |
WCHS – Teacher Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Julie Haines |
SS – Speech Language Pathologist Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Nash Keim |
DM – Teacher Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Megan Ludeman |
EWM – Teacher Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Jeffrey Monroe |
SHS – Teacher SMS – Girls Basketball Coach SHS – Boys Basketball Coach SHS – Varsity Baseball Coach
|
| Katherine Priest |
SS/LFCC – Instructional Assistant Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Sarah Pung-Eckert |
TRANS – Bus Driver Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Patty Jo Secrist |
SMS – Teacher Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Lauren Wells |
EWM – Instructional Assistant Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Andrea Wilson |
SHS – Teacher Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Ashley Burns | WCHS – TeacherEffective – 06/30/2019
|
| Anne Cunningham |
HJB – Teacher Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Tara Fulk |
EWM – Teacher Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Christy Irvin |
EWM – Teacher Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Terell Johnson |
SMS – Teacher Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Wanda Kaetzel |
WCHS – Instructional Assistant Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Samantha Morrison |
ASR – Instructional Assistant Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Michelle Orndorff |
SMS – Teacher Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| David Richmond
Retiring |
TRANS – Bus Driver Effective – 06/30/2019
|
| Denise Wilson |
BF – School Psychologist Effective – 06/30/2019
|
APPOINTMENTS:
| Kylene Callander
Replaced Jaqueline Dopson |
WCMS – Teacher Effective – 08/05/2019
|
| Stacy Gedney |
BF – Instructional Assistant Effective – 08/08/2019
|
| Essence Lang |
SHS – Instructional Assistant Effective – 08/08/2019
|
| Erika Miller |
WCMS – Instructional Assistant Effective – 08/08/2019
|
| Cathleen Noel |
WCMS – Instructional Assistant Effective – 08/08/2019
|
| Katherine Priest |
SS/LFCC – Teacher Effective – 08/05/2019
|
| Christopher Whitney |
WCHS – Spring Drama Coach Effective – 06/06/2019
|
| Alena Beasley
Replaced Steve Burton S. Burton Transferred |
SMS – Teacher Effective – 08/05/2019
|
| Brigitte Bitanga
Replaced Jaclyn Balancia J. Balancia Transferred. |
SMS – Teacher Effective – 08/05/2019
|
| Jennifer Breeden |
SMS – PT Instructional Assistant Effective – 06/17/2019
|
| Sarah Campbell
Replaced Caitlin Himelright |
ASR – Teacher Effective – 08/05/2019
|
| Christine Hausammann
Replaced Ashley Dillon |
LFK – Teacher
|
|
Samantha Morrison Replaced Holly Gardner H. Gardner Transferred
|
WCMS – Teacher
Effective – 08/05/2019
|
| Sarah Solomon
Replaced William Martin |
SMS/WCMS – Teacher Effective – 08/05/2019
|
| Brandon Walters
Replaced Phillip Barnes |
SHS – Teacher Effective – 08/05/2019 |
OTHER:
| Kaitlyn Garber
Candidate Rescinded Offer |
LFK – School Counselor Effective – 05/29/2019
|
| Windy Glahn
Candidate Rescinded Offer |
SHS – Teacher Effective – 05/19/2019
|
|
SS MORE Program: Stacy Fox Carrie Lohr
|
SS – PT Instructional Assistant Effective – 06/06/2019 – 06/30/2019 |
|
BF Supplementals: Shannon Hugentober Amirra Lanterman Jason Gilkerson Nytasha Brisco
|
Effective – 08/01/2019
OT/PT Lead Assistive Tech Speech Lead Child Find |
|
Summer Feeding Program Staff: Stacey Fox Carrie Lohr Maggie Starnes Sherry Timmons Wendy Carter Christina Shamblin Sharon Frenzel Pamela Ketola Marilyn Knuckles Linda Hernandez Kelly Jenkins Shannon Riehl Dorothy Crawford Nancy Andrews
|
PT Summer Feeding Program
Effective – 06/17/2019 – 06/30/2019 |
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.
Courtesy Royal Examiner File Photo of The Valley Chorale during the Christmas season. Get ready for their spring concerts ‘Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope’ the first week of May.
(From a Release by The Valley Chorale)
Local News
Warren Coalition Announces 2024 Video Contest Winners
Just before spring break, the Warren Coalition presented first-place prizes to four students for their submissions in the annual Health Video Contest. Jerry Buhl and Kenny Buhl, brothers who are both students at Warren County Middle School, won in the categories of Eating Healthy and Getting Enough Sleep, respectively. Caleb Rodman, a local homeschool student, was honored for his submission about Drinking Enough Water. Landon Marut of Front Royal Christian Academy took the top prize in the Exercise category. Each of the students received $125 in Amazon gift cards.
Warren County Middle School principal Chris Johnson (left) and Warren Coalition Community Liaison Gabriel Lee (right) present the proud and exuberant Jerry (center left) and Kenny Buhl (center right) with their prizes. The brothers won for their videos about eating healthy and getting enough sleep, respectively.
The contest was open to all middle school students, ages 11-14, in Warren County. Students could elect to submit a video about getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, drinking water, or maintaining healthy eating habits. The contest was held as part of the Warren Coalition’s WAHOO (Working to Achieve Healthy Outcomes and Opportunities) program, which is funded by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. Their videos will be used as healthy living ads throughout Warren County in the late spring/early summer.
Warren Coalition Community Outreach Coordinator Celeste Brooks (on left) presents Caleb Rodman with a $125 Amazon gift card award for his video about drinking enough water.
Warren Coalition is a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance abuse awareness to the community. The Coalition began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project, but it has since grown and was incorporated in 2001. The office is currently located in the Warren County Community Center. Their mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.
Warren Coalition Community Liaison Gabriel Lee (left) and Executive Director Christa Shifflett (right) present the “Exercise” category prize of $125 to Landon Marut.
Local News
Warren County Habitat for Humanity Receives Major Grant to Support Housing and Community Revitalization
Warren County Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a substantial $235,466 grant from the Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant. This funding will enhance their ongoing efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and provide affordable housing, with a focus on the Osage Street project.
The grant, named in honor of Susan Dewey’s 25 years of dedication at Virginia Housing, underscores a commitment to eliminating substandard housing and promoting vibrant, healthy communities. It is part of a larger $1 million initiative aimed at supporting the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of single-family homes across the state.
Warren County Habitat for Humanity is among five affiliates chosen for this generous grant. The funds are expected to aid in covering construction costs and reducing loan expenses, making homeownership more accessible to families striving for better living conditions.
Debra Siksay, President of the local Habitat chapter, expressed her gratitude, stating, “This grant from Virginia Housing is a monumental support for our Osage Street project and other endeavors. It allows us to push forward with our neighborhood improvement plans and make a lasting impact in the community.”
The organization’s mission, deeply rooted in the values of community and hope, is to ensure that every family in Warren County has a decent, safe place to call home. The Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant will play a crucial role in bringing that vision to life by empowering families and fostering community development.
Residents interested in learning more about the Habitat for Humanity projects or wishing to contribute can visit the Warren County Habitat website at www.warrencountyhabitat.org or contact their office at 540-551-3232.
Warren County Habitat for Humanity continues to work tirelessly towards a world where everyone has a decent place to live, supported by community efforts and generous funding such as the Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant.
Local News
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Red Fox
A quick turnaround for this lucky fox!
Patient 24-426 recovering in a BRWC pre-release shelter. @BRWC 2024
As the only wildlife-dedicated hospital in the Northern Virginia area, we rely on a variety of other organizations to get orphaned, injured, and ill wildlife to us for treatment from various locations.
Big thank you to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington and their skilled officers for responding to a call about a fox in distress with a trap on his neck. Their quick thinking got this fox contained, the trap removed, and the fox transported to us for further evaluation and treatment.
Patient 24-426 at intake. @BRWC 2024
On intake, this fox was relatively quiet but required sedation to be fully examined. While there was initially blood seen on the fox’s paw, the only major injuries found were wounds on the neck caused by the trap. The blood was likely from the fox using his paw to scratch at the trap in an attempt to remove it.
Conibear trap removed from patient 24-426. @BRWC 2024
With a long-lasting antibiotic on board as well as pain medications, this fox bounced back quickly and was moved outside to a pre-release shelter for continued healing. He quickly began digging, eating, and acting appropriately towards staff.
A few good days of food and rest, this adult fox was cleared for release by our veterinary team! We are overjoyed we were able to get this beautiful guy back to the wild:
Thank you to ALL involved in this animal’s rescue, care, rehabilitation, and release. It truly takes a village and we’re so thankful to have an amazing community dedicated to the well-being of wildlife.
It’s important to note that trapping within Arlington is illegal – if you have any information on anyone setting illegal traps in Arlington, please contact the AWLA to report information!
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
Northwestern Community Services Board Announces Executive Director Selection
Northwestern Community Services Board (NWCSB) selected Ellen Harrison as its new Executive Director, effective May 2024. Harrison brings over 28 years of experience in public health to the role.
Most recently, Harrison served as the Chief Deputy Commissioner for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, having been appointed to this position by Governor Youngkin. In this role, she led a division pivotal in transforming external relations and implementing key agency initiatives.
Prior to that, Harrison was the Executive Director of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board for over six years, following her role as Director of Acute Services. As Executive Director, she managed a staff of 250 employees and oversaw an annual budget of $17 million.
Jennifer Coker, Chairperson of the NWCSB Selection Committee, shared, “Ms. Harrison brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our agency, and we are excited for her to take on the agency’s Executive Director role. The board is confident that Ms. Harrison’s leadership will be a benefit to our clients, staff, and community stakeholders.”
Harrison holds a master’s degree in business administration and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from James Madison University.
Commenting on her new designation, Harrison said, “Over the course of my career, I have been humbled many times by the resiliency and strength of others. I look forward to continuing my journey with NWCSB communities and specifically the employees that are dedicated to the delivery of quality services.”
Northwestern Community Services Board is a public behavioral health agency serving the City of Winchester, and Counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah, and Page. The community services board offers an array of outpatient, case management, day support, residential, and emergency programs designed to enhance the quality of life for both children and adults.
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