New mental health resources come to RCPS
Schools fully accredited, lobbyist working in Richmond
The Rural Education Achievement and Community Health (REACH) Initiative was introduced at Tuesday night’s School Board meeting, a program in Rappahannock County Public Schools (RCPS) focused on creating a “supportive learning environment” for students and sta .
One of the main focuses of the program is the advancement of mental health resources and sta in the school system, along with promoting positive relationships in schools and teacher morale and professional development.
Funding for the program, $628,000 for its rst year, will heavily support mental health resources, funding salaries of two behavioral interventionists, match existing funding for two transition coaches and backing other support services for students.
“It’s like an angel reached down and touched Rappahannock,” Superintendent Shannon Grimsley said. “A big piece of this is about mental health . . .and all of these things that. . . make sure students are succeeding.”
Steph Ridder, Headwaters Foundation board chair, thanked the board for supporting the REACH Initiative.
“I think it will make a huge di erence,” Ridder said.
SCHOOLS FULLY ACCREDITED
Karen Ellis, RCPS academic services coordinator, presented an update that both the Rappahannock County Elementary School (RCES) and Rappahannock County High School (RCHS) are fully accredited.
In the 2023-24 academic year, RCES students made “big achievements” in English and math, Ellis said, resulting in the school reaching “level one” status in all subjects, the highest level of accreditation. Science scores dipped slightly from the previous academic year.
RCHS math scores dropped some, which Ellis attributed to some changes in teachers and new standards. English and science scores both rose from the 2022-23 academic year to 2023-24. Chronic absenteeism went down at the high school, and graduation rates went up.
“The good news is we saw an improvement from where we were rated from last year,” Ellis said.
LOBBYIST AT WORK
Grimsley told the board that a new lobbyist, retained by funds from the school board and Board of Supervisors (BOS), is “already very busy” in Richmond advocating for the school system.
Grimsley said the lobbyist, Elizabeth Parker, has met with Republican Delegate Michael Webert, who represents Rappahannock County in the state House, and other government staffers. Grimsley said there will be a standing item on the agenda going forward for updates on Parker’s work.
ROBERT “BOBBY” BALDWIN RECOGNIZED
Robert “Bobby” Baldwin was recognized by the board for his two decades of service to the school system as a custodian.
A resolution read by Chair Wes Mills acknowledged Baldwin’s work ethic and attention to detail, and his status as a valued and respected member of the school community.
Baldwin retired from his position at the end of August.
Ireland Hayes is a reporter for Foothills Forum, a nonprofit organization that supports local news in Rappahannock County.