Aila Boyd
Jason A. Wheeler, superintendent of Craig County Public Schools, highlighted spring academic activities, upcoming budget discussions and recent school achievements in the March edition of the division’s “Rocket Rundown” community update.
In the message to families and community members, Wheeler said the school division is entering a busy spring season as students continue classroom instruction and prepare for upcoming Standards of Learning assessments.
“Spring is always a busy and meaningful time in our schools as students continue building on the learning that has taken place throughout the year,” Wheeler wrote. “Classrooms remain focused on strong instruction, preparation for upcoming SOL assessments, and ensuring that every student continues progressing toward academic success.”
The update also noted the return of extracurricular activities and athletic competitions across the division. Wheeler said athletics, the arts and other programs provide students opportunities to develop teamwork, leadership and perseverance while representing the Rockets community.
Budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year is also underway. School officials are working with the Craig County Board of Supervisors as part of the fiscal year 2026-27 budget process, with several work sessions scheduled this spring.
A joint budget work session between the supervisors and the Craig County School Board is scheduled for March 19 at 5:30 p.m., followed by additional meetings April 2 and April 16 before final budget approval expected May 7.
School leaders have also invited residents to attend a community budget meeting scheduled for March 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Craig County High School to discuss school funding priorities.
Wheeler said the division is facing potential budget constraints and encouraged community members to participate in the discussions.
The update also announced a facilities improvement project after the Board of Supervisors approved funding to replace aging boiler systems in school buildings. The project is scheduled to begin at the start of summer break and be completed before the new school year begins.
Officials said the upgrades will improve reliability and energy efficiency while helping avoid costly emergency repairs in the future.
Several recent school events were also highlighted in the update.
At McCleary Elementary School, students celebrated Read Across America Week with literacy activities including “Camp Read-A-Lot,” a schoolwide Drop Everything and Read event and themed activities tied to the book Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. Students also participated in a “One School, One Book” program centered on the classic children’s novel Mr. Popper’s Penguins.
At Craig County High School, students and community members recently attended the school’s second annual job fair hosted in partnership with the Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board. The event connected attendees with local employers and career opportunities.
The division also participated in a regional recruitment event hosted by the Western Virginia Public Education Consortium aimed at attracting prospective teachers and staff to rural school divisions.
Student activities continue in the coming months, including a division-wide student art show scheduled for May 13 from 5 to 7 p.m., which will feature artwork displays, live music performances and opportunities for visitors to learn more about career and technical education programs.
The update also noted that despite several snow days during the winter, school officials do not currently anticipate adding additional days to the school calendar.
Wheeler thanked families, staff and community members for their continued support of the school system.
“Your partnership helps ensure that we continue striving for excellence in everything we do as we move into this exciting season,” he said.