Pam Dudding Contributing writer
As the year closes, the Craig County School Board is already preparing for 2020 in addition to recognizing students and citizens for their contributions.
Susan Crenshaw, Vice Chairman of the School Board, recently assisted Jeanette Warwick in presenting Pat Myers, currently Chairman, with gifts for his retirement.
“Tonight, we want to recognize Pat Myers who has served on our school board a total of 18 years,” Warwick said.
Myers’ first 12 years were from 1996 to 2007. He was Vice-Chair for a year in 1998, and Chairman from 1999 to 2007. Then from January 2014 to December 2014 he was Vice Chair, and four more years serving as Chairman during 2016 to 2019.
“I greatly appreciate the leadership you have shown on this Board and the dedication to our students and staff, so we would like to present you with a leather clock,” Warwick added.
Crenshaw read the inscription, “18 years of service, Patrick Myers, Craig County School Board in appreciation of your dedication.”
Warwick then presented Myers with a Christmas mouse ornament. “We bought this for him as that was his favorite place to go in Williamsburg and it also says 18 years of service,” she noted.
Warwick then asked everyone to stand in recognition of Myers service. She quickly said, “And he is still going to be our grill master.”
Myers thanked everyone and said, “I hadn’t been a stranger for years and I’m not going to be a stranger. I’m going to be here and whether I’m grilling, fixing hot dogs for the Booster Club or whatever, I’m not going to give up on the students either.”
Warwick continued, “We thank you Mr. Myers. He is going to be missed, but he won’t be absent.” Myers quickly smiled and replied, “no, I won’t be absent.” Then he asked, “Does this thing have an alarm on it? I want to be sure I can get up in time.”
Myers proceeded with the meeting.
A special presentation was given by Jackie Scruggs Taylor in memory of her aunt, Helen Marie Reynolds Dobyns, who was the Glee Club Teacher and Band Director for several years. She mentioned that many in the room knew Ms. Dobyns and that she passed three years ago.
Said Taylor, “She had a really nice piano at her home, so we were able to get it moved down here for Ms. Schulke to use and she seems to be excited to have it.”
She also had a beautiful picture of Dobyns from her college years when she had graduated from Radford University. She noted that they are having a plaque made to put on the piano. The inscription will read, “In memory of Marie Reynolds Dobyns – Donated by The Reynolds’ Family – December 3, 2019.”
“She loved Craig County and she loved music. You couldn’t be around her and not sing,” Taylor said. “She would stand up and make that piano walk.” Several others commented on Dobyns’ phenomenal talent.
“Thank you, and we really appreciate that from the schools,” Warwick said who reported on the trip to the Annual 2019 VSBA Conference in Williamsburg. Those who attended included Jeanette Warwick – Superintendent, Diana Bayne and Sonya Switzer – Clerks and Faye Powers – newest School board member.
“We heard dynamic speakers and had great sessions pertaining to school law,” Warwick added.
Powers represented the School Board in the delegate assembly and Bayne and Switzer attended the School Board clerks conference. “We heard lots of great ideas we hope to bring back in the upcoming year,” Warwick concluded.
She reminded everyone that the school would be participating again in the New Castle Christmas Parade, inviting any Board or staff members to ride the bus or walk the route. “Denny has topped last year’s Rudolph,” she said.
Warwick also announced the upcoming holiday appreciation time for the transportation staff and later a lunch for other staff. “The administration serves everyone,” she said before adding, “it’s a good time to be together and show our appreciation for those departments and all they do.”
There was a request made to hold a public hearing on the budget at the first meeting on January 7, 2020, and was approved.
Warwick added that she would inform all staff via email, “we want to continue the progress that we have made towards salaries as it is going to be our priority in this budget. So, we hope at the hearing we will hear about what other priorities you feel need to be made in the budget as well.”
On the board, the posters that entered the Red Ribbon contest scrolled. “We send it out electronically as a Christmas card, recognizing them as we have some very talented artists,” Warwick added.
The next board meeting on January 7 will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a school walkthrough, with the regular meeting starting at 6:30 in the Media Center.
The School Board encourages the community to attend and make 2020 a year where many people decide to become an ‘active’ citizen, attending meetings and helping where they can.
Until then, everyone is wished a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
