JoAnn Dester

This Title I Dissemination Plan outlines comprehensive strategies to inform and engage parents of Title I students. Key components include providing specific written information about student rights and programs, distributing official notifications and information packets, and regular updates through monthly newsletters and school websites. The plan prioritizes parent involvement through parent-teacher conferences, school PAC meetings, county DPAC meetings, parent surveys, and direct teacher communication, aiming to foster active participation in their children's educational journey.

The Annual State of the County Address highlighted the county’s growth, resilience, and community achievements. Key discussion topics included the expansion of broadband access, the success of the small business grant program, the commendable performance of fire and EMS teams during regional disaster response efforts, and a strong commitment to financial stewardship, marked by consistent award-winning financial recordkeeping. The session also underscored the importance of transparent communication programs to foster trust and ensure citizen engagement, while setting a vision for continuous improvement in all county operations.

The Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure (ABTEL) held a meeting where the chair addressed agenda corrections and welcomed several new and reappointed members. The board conducted a roll call, established that the meeting was being recorded and livestreamed, and proceeded with a round of introductions for board members and departmental staff. Following this, the board approved the agenda and the minutes from a previous meeting. The board also conducted an election of officers, nominating and voting for the Chair and Vice Chair positions.

The chairman provided an update regarding the county's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on virtual public hearings for the budget and tax rate adoption. Key discussion topics included the transition to a virtual meeting format to comply with social distancing while meeting government deadlines, the clarification of budget line items regarding personnel, and an overview of the capital improvement plan as a planning tool for future projects.

This document outlines Botetourt County Public Schools' comprehensive approach to literacy instruction, aiming to ensure every student graduates prepared for future success. The plan focuses on key areas including professional development rooted in the science of reading, the implementation of high-quality instructional materials, and robust systems for monitoring student assessment and division-level progress.