Bonnie Cranmer
Contributing writer
At the April 3 Craig County Board of Supervisors meeting, the 2025-26 budget for Craig County Public Schools was the focus of discussion. School Board chair Trace Bellassai, spoke briefly, followed by Superintendent Huff. The formulas for matching funding, local funds which then allow state funds to be accessed, is complicated. The school board worked with school administration, and Craig County Administrator Dan Collins to find the funds that allow for access to the matching funds from the state.
The programs that provide essential education and services to Craig County families are the basis for this effort. Technical services and infrastructure that supports the ongoing needs of the school are included. Special education programs and at-risk individuals’ support services are included. The preschool programs for three- and four-year-olds readies young minds and bodies for kindergarten. This was the funding that was at risk.
Susan Stimeling, Principal at Craig County High School, spoke about the impact the school’s programs have on the children. Her grandchildren joined her as she addressed the Board with her plea for funding. From the early childhood programs to high school graduation, the impact the teachers, administrators, volunteers and family members have is important. Superintendent Huff shared “Everyone shares in the success we’ve achieved.”
Craig County Public Schools (CCPS) serves 511 students as of March 31st this year. From recent scores, more than 80% of students are experiencing some level of at-risk; some, moderate or high levels. Virginia’s definition of “At-risk student” means a student having a physical, emotional, intellectual, socioeconomic, or cultural risk factor, as defined in Board criteria, that research indicates may negatively influence educational success. This mirrors the statistics from other rural communities in Virginia facing similar challenges.
During the 2023-24 school year, testing scores showed categories from state and federal accountability for reading, math and science at critically low levels. Drastic improvements were made this year. Increasing attendance to overcome chronic absenteeism was just one step in the process. Improving the state testing levels out of the red and federal accountability standards were met in 2025. This demonstrates the investment made with funding and accountability has resulted in increased student testing scores and overall performance improvements.
Funding battles will continue into the future. Craig County faces many changes in the upcoming months, with funding for USDA food programs and farmer programs under fire. Changes coming in social service programs, heating and cooling assistance, transportation programs and medical services will be different or could even be discontinued. The uncertainty has been difficult, especially during the budget planning for local governments and school systems. The Craig County School Board approves their budget on Tuesday, April 8. The schools will continue to play an essential role in the community, supporting the health and development of future generations.