‘We are not trading in the trades for ballet at the high school’
Rappahannock County school officials unveiled plans for a new fine arts academy at the high school, and presented updates on the career and technical education (CTE) program at Tuesday’s School Board meeting amid rumors in the community that fine arts classes would replace some technical courses.
School staff assured the community that is not the case.
“Despite any rumors you may have heard, there have been no reductions in programming and course offerings in our program of study, only growth in direct response to students’ interest,” Jodi Place, high school assistant principal, said during her presentation of the district’s career and technical education plan Tuesday.
RCHS students Emma Arnold and Abbigayle Nicholas speaking to the board about their experiences in FFA and CTE courses. (Photo/Ireland Hayes)
Place said there are 44 CTE courses available at the school, like welding — which Place said was the most requested course in a student survey — health science and agriculture, with more opportunities off site through Laurel Ridge Community College.
Rumors had reached members of the Board of Supervisors. During Monday’s meeting, several supervisors said they had heard from constituents concerned that CTE courses were being dialed back. Superintendent Shannon Grimsley assured the board that the rumor was not true.
“Contrary to what you may have heard recently, we are not trading in the trades for ballet at the high school,” she said.
Place said the school system hopes to continue to expand experiences for students, with more opportunities like job shadowing, internships and “real-world competencies” to increase students’ career readiness after graduation.
“We very much want to expand,” Place said.
Fine Arts Academy
High school principal Mary Jane “MJ” Boynton detailed the addition of the new Fine Arts Academy at the high school.
“Whether they pursue a career in the arts or apply creative skills to other fields, this academy is going to support every student’s journey,” Boyton said.
Courses available in the fine arts program span from performing and visual arts to masterclasses and practical, hands-on opportunities, according to Boynton.
“I think we get hung up sometimes on thinking that there is necessarily going to be a career at the end of a program. And one of the true benefits of an arts program isn’t necessarily the end result or the career, it is very much the skill set, and the confidence building, and the self esteem and all of the other very important skills that our students need to be successful,” Boynton said.
Cecilia Falk, gifted and talent coordinator, and Principal Mary Jane Boynton present the new Fine Arts Academy to the board Tuesday. (Photo/Ireland Hayes)
During public comment, Jackson Supervisor Donna Comer spoke, “wearing her parent and full-time Laurel Ridge [employee] hat,” about the importance of the trade programs. Comer said she hopes there will not be any “backsliding” in the emphasis the school system has put on trades and career readiness.
“There is such a great shortage of skilled trades laborers in our area … so just as a parent and as someone out there talking to employers on a daily basis, I really, really hope that we don’t experience any backslide, because the work that we are doing is important and it’s reflective of our community needs and desires,” she said.
The academy application for the 2025-2026 school year will be available to students on April 15, and submissions are due on May 16.
Stonewall-Hawthorne representative Larry Grove announced Tuesday that he will not run for reelection. (Photo/Ireland Hayes)
Grove not seeking reelection
Fighting back tears, Stonewall-Hawthorne representative Larry Grove announced that after a recent “health scare,” he has decided not to seek reelection to the board.
“Based on discussions with my family, my doctors, and based on the fact that I’m 81 today, I’ve decided not to run for a third term,” Grove said.
Grove said he wanted to announce his departure early on to hopefully encourage others to come forward and run for the board seat.
The crowd sang happy birthday to him as the meeting adjourned.
