Melandee Heaster

The Greenbrier County Schools' Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year 2026 aims to transform lives through educational excellence by providing a safe, engaging, and dynamic learning environment that fosters self-directed learners and empowered citizens. Key focus areas include enhancing academic proficiency in English Language Arts and Mathematics through targeted interventions, professional development, and data-driven strategies. The plan also prioritizes student well-being with comprehensive behavioral supports, attendance initiatives, and specialized services for diverse student populations. Furthermore, it emphasizes strong family and community engagement, technology integration for all students, and addresses challenges such as staffing, severe behaviors, and state assessment limitations.

The meeting included recognition of UUV Knights of the Golden Horseshoe, Battle of the Books winners, State PBS Writing and Illustrating Contest winners, State Social Studies Fair winners, and GEHS Academic Showdown Teams. The board also recognized students attending various Governor's Institutes. Discussions and decisions included consent agenda items, new and revised policies for public comment and approval, textbook adoptions for the 2025-26 school year, approval of summer work program students for technology, and personnel matters. A C&I presentation on school nursing and student support systems was also on the agenda.

The Greenbrier County Board of Education meeting included personnel matters, revisions to the 2021 Return to Learn plan in response to a state mandate for five-day-a-week in-person learning, and Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) presentations from Greenbrier East High School, Greenbrier West High School, Eastern Greenbrier Middle School, and Western Greenbrier Middle School. The personnel agenda covered resignations, transfers, terminations, and the creation and abolishment of professional and service positions. Grade and administrative reassignments were also addressed.

The Greenbrier County Schools FY 2025 Strategic Plan centers around the mission of providing a safe, engaging, and dynamic educational environment that fosters self-directed learners and empowers citizens. The vision is "Transforming Lives through Educational Excellence." Core beliefs emphasize respect for all children, recognition of unique talents, valued family partnerships, and the collective contribution to student success. The plan addresses academic performance in ELA and mathematics, focusing on improving student proficiency, closing achievement gaps across subgroups (economically disadvantaged, English learners, students with disabilities), and enhancing interventions. Key initiatives include implementing the Science of Reading, strengthening math instruction with a new curriculum, expanding after-school programs, improving attendance and behavior through various interventions and professional development, and enhancing family engagement. The plan also emphasizes support for English learners, high school graduation rates, and career readiness through CTE programs. Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement are central to the plan's implementation.