Albemarle County Public Schools News Release: Monticello High School's Learning Commons has received the National School Board Association's (NSBA) 2015 Magna Award, which is given annually to school division programs that “take bold and innovative steps to improve the lives of their students and their communities.” According to the NSBA, a national independent panel of school board members, administrators and other educational professionals select the programs from nearly 250 submissions. The awards program, now in its 21st year, has been supported from its inception by Sodexo, a global leader in providing more than 75 million consumers in 80 countries with a broad array of services that improve their quality of life. “We applaud the innovative spirit these winning districts possess and we share their passion for improving quality of life and education for students, ” said Steven Dunmore, President of Sodexo Education-Schools. The Magna Award is presented in three categories—school divisions with less than 5, 000 students enrolled; divisions that enroll between 5, 000 and 20, 000 students, and school divisions that enroll more than 20, 000 students. Albemarle County Public Schools has just over 13, 000 students. This is the first time in the program's history that a school division has won multiple times. Albemarle County Public Schools also received a Magna Award in 2013 for its M-Cubed Program. The Learning Commons at Monticello High School is located on the site of the school's former library. Beyond traditional library resources, the multipurpose center includes a vast array of interactive stations to more fully engage students with their learning. For example, at the Genius Bar, students learn to troubleshoot and repair computers. In the Glass Room, Skype sessions are held on a large white wall and students take notes, jot down ideas, and write messages on glass walls. A maker space complete with 3D printers allows students to design and create products, printing out the components they need. In the hacker space, students incorporate Minecraft and other programs into their projects. Two digital recording studios enable students to write, mix and record original pieces of music. Also, the Learning Commons includes a writer's café and poetry corner. Use by students and teachers cuts across the entire curriculum, from science students who design a new MRI application, to drama students who via Skype connect with a Tony-Award winning actress on the interpretation of their spring musical, to history students who study the civil war using the 3D printers to recreate battlefields. “These changes have had a dramatic impact on student learning, ” said Dr. Jesse Turner, Monticello High School's principal. “It is not unusual to see students lining up to use the Learning Commons before the school day even begins. Both of our media specialists, Joan Ackroyd and Ida Mae Craddock, have been extraordinary leaders in enhancing the value of our resources for 21st century learning, ” Dr. Turner added. Prior to the establishment of the Learning Commons, there were 400 annual visits by students to the traditional school library. Today, there are more than 70, 000 annual visits by students to the Learning Commons. The Commons has attracted the attention of the Smithsonian Museum and the New York Hall of Science in their pursuit of new instructional models that benefit all disciplines and student demographic groups, and it has been highlighted within the Virginia School Boards Association's Showcases for Success. It also has been cited as a best practice by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the accreditation agency for K-12 education in Virginia, and most recently, by the George Lucas Educational Foundation. Visitors have included MIT; Harvard; UVA and Virginia Tech; the universities of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Indiana; as well as Randolph College. Ned Gallaway, the Chair of the Albemarle County School Board, will be at the NSBA annual convention this week to accept the award on behalf of the educators and students from Monticello High School. The award includes a $5, 000 contribution from Sodexo. In the current issue of the American School Board Journal, Gallaway said the Learning Commons is an example of the change in direction put into place by the Albemarle County School Board, which is to move away from a heavy emphasis on standardized tests. “Our focus is on creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, ” Gallaway said. “We're trying to change the culture of the classroom toward project-based assessments and learning. We have a lot of trust in our educators that they know what to do, ” he added.

CHRIS DORST | Gazette-Mail file photo State School Superintendent Michael Martirano (right) and sc The West Virginia Board of Education decided, in a voice vote with no nays heard Wednesday, to not label entire schools with A-F grades next school year. The move followed a backlash from teachers unions and other groups to the state’s first public release in November of grades from that overwhelmingly standardized-test-based labeling system. “That’s got to go. A-F is gone, ” Gov. Jim Justice had said Feb. 8 in his first State of the State address. He had received the major public school employee unions’ endorsements during his campaign. On Wednesday, the Justice-appointee-dominated state school board approved a policy waiver that stops the A-F grades from being released next fall. “Well, it’s about time, ” Mickey Blackwell, executive director of the West Virginia Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals, said after the vote. “Principals throughout the state have spoken on this issue continuously since it was proposed. We found that it was often inaccurate, and we have made our feelings known, ” Blackwell said. “We are very pleased today to have a responsive board that is willing to listen to the practitioners and the people who are doing the work at the school level.” He said the A-F system “was too complicated.” Based on multiple measures, schools were assigned scores on a 1, 200-point scale for elementary and middle schools and a 1, 500-point scale for high schools. A modified bell curve then was used to determine how many schools would start off with As, Bs, Cs, Ds and Fs based on the total distribution of schools’ grades on those point scales and how individual schools’ grades compared to the total distribution. Blackwell criticized the high percentage of the A-F grades that was based on year-end standardized testing. Since Justice took office in January, three officers on the previous board resigned and the governor appointed one of the board members to a new position, thus freeing up another seat for him to fill. Justice has appointed four new members with voting power to the board, which has a maximum of nine voting members and still has two voting vacancies he can fill. Three of Justice’s appointees — Miller Hall, Chuck Hatfield and Barbara Whitecotton — are longtime county school system administrators. Early last month, the new board selected A-F opponent Tom Campbell as its new president. Last month, the new board directed the Department of Education staff to bring the waiver before it on Wednesday. According to department chief accountability officer Michele Blatt, the waiver stops A-F grades from being released based on this school year’s data. Although the idea had been discussed for years, the A-F grades were first unveiled this past November. They were based on last school year’s data, including growth in standardized test scores from the 2014-15 school year to last school year. Blatt said that A-F grades based on this school year’s data — including growth in standardized test scores from last school year to this one — would have been released in the fall if the waiver hadn’t been approved. Most of the A-F grades are based just on math and English standardized testing — although they take into account some other measures, such as graduation rates in high schools. The A-F grades are part of West Virginia’s “accountability system.” Blatt said that if A-F is permanently abandoned in the future, as is expected, the federal government will require the state to have a new accountability system in place for next school year. She said the federal government requires neither “summative” labels for schools — like A-F or the “success” and “priority” labels the pre-A-F state accountability system used to assign — nor growth in standardized test scores to be part of the accountability system. She said last month that the summative-label requirement is part of regulations the Trump administration has put on hold and probably will be eliminated completely. She said standardized test proficiency rates are the only required part of the accountability system. The board has directed state schools Superintendent Michael Martirano to start developing a new accountability system. Blatt said Wednesday that the state education department will have to submit its Every Student Succeeds Act plan to the federal education department Sept. 18 for its approval. The Every Student Succeeds Act is the bipartisan federal legislation regulating K-12 education that then-President Barack Obama signed into law in December 2015. “We’re looking at bringing back the stakeholders, ” Blatt said of the process to develop a new school accountability system. “We’ll bring back together principals, teachers, legislative representatives, our union reps, our parent organizations.” She said those interested in being stakeholders for developing the new accountability system can go to the education department’s website at wvde.state.wv.us/essa and learn how to become involved. She said the process likely will start with an “educational working group, ” developing something that will be shared with a broader group.

39 Golden Bear Drive New Cumberland, WV 26047 Phone 304-387-2363 Ginger Greene, Principal Alyssa Mick, Assistant Principal Chris Enochs, Assistant Principal Oak Glen Middle serves nearly 600 students in grades 5-8. The administration and staff are proud of this state of the art school, completed in the Fall of 2004, and hopes that the new facility will make the education of students even more effective. Among many attributes, this West Virginia School of Excellence conducts a live, daily newscast and offers a rigorous academic environment to the student body. OGMS was the first middle school in the state to have its own Internet server. The school's business partner is Hancock County Savings Bank. 125 Sinclair Avenue Weirton, WV 26062 Phone 304-748-6080 Sarah Parsons, Principal Barbara Switzer, Assistant Principal Timothy Daugherty, Assistant Principal A West Virginia School of Excellence and a Blue Ribbon Schoo l, Weir Middle School serves over 600 students in grades 5-8. Successful programs include the Accelerated Reader Program in which students spend 60 minutes per day reading, and a school wide writing event to improve skills. Weir Middle was named the Catalyst School for Hancock County for 2015-16.

Carlisle has been ranked the #15 private day high school in Virginia by Niche, a data-gathering company that rates communities by quality of life. Overall, Carlisle is ranked the 27th best private high school in the commonwealth, but 12 of the schools ranked higher are predominantly boarding schools. Ranking factors include SAT/ACT scores, the quality of colleges that students consider, student-teacher ratio, and student and parent reviews. Of the 8, 051 private high schools across the United States, Niche deems just under 3, 000 worthy of a ranking. According to Niche, Carlisle places in the top quarter of the nation’s ranked private schools. It is worth noting that no school in Virginia’s Top 30 has a tuition anywhere near as low as the $11, 980 that Carlisle will charge in 2016-2017. In fact, the average tuition for the day high schools ranked higher than Carlisle is $26, 170, while the median tuition of those ranked higher is approximately $25, 000.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR BROADWAY HIGH SCHOOL (Scholarships in bold are open to all RCPS seniors) Ed Long, Jr. Family Career and Technical Education Scholarship $1, 000 Open to Rockingham County High School seniors who plan to attend Virginia Tech or Blue Ridge Community College for the Virginia Tech transfer program. Applicants must complete a 2-year sequence of a vocational technical program, preferably in one of the following fields: agriculture, business, family and consumer sciences, marketing, technology education, or trade and industrial education. The Frazier Quarry Scholarship $1, 500 each Open to Rockingham County High School seniors who have been a member of the FFA or 4-H club for at least 2 years. Four $1, 500 scholarships to be awarded (2 females and 2 males). Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Priority given to applicants who plan a career in the agricultural field. Gary & Martha Dovel Memorial Music Scholarship $500 Open to Rockingham County High School seniors who plan to pursue further education in music. Applicant must have actively participated in a school music program, including band, chorus, or both, for at least four years and participated in a musical production and/or marching band. Applicant must also demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and extracurricular/ athletic participation. Applicant must submit one letter of recommendation from a music teacher and a short essay explaining why they should be considered for this scholarship. The Hill Scholarship for Vocational Excellence $1, 250 each Four $1, 250 scholarships to be awarded (one per high school, may be divided) to seniors who plan to pursue a vocational, technical or trade career. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have the desire to acquire the skills necessary to excel in their chosen occupation. In addition to the required letter of recommendation from a teacher/school administrator please submit a brief statement (1-page maximum) explaining how the scholarship would be used to assist you in achieving your goals. (Examples for the use of this scholarship may include the following: tuition, books or training manuals, purchase of required tools or equipment, professional uniforms, and cost of certification or licensing exams) The Hill Family Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers $1, 000 each Open to Rockingham County High School seniors interested in pursuing a career in education OR graduates of a Rockingham County high school who are currently student-teaching in a Rockingham County School. Two $1000 scholarships to be awarded. Applicant must demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, citizenship, and extracurricular participation. Essay required (maximum 3 pages) describing why the applicant desires to pursue a secondary degree and career in teaching. Kate Beagle Memorial Scholarship $1, 000 each Open to Rockingham County High School seniors interested in pursuing a career in public service/safety (includes teaching, nursing, etc.). Two $1, 000 scholarships to be awarded. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, received an “A” in driver’s education and behind the wheel training, and have a driving record with no infractions. Applicant must submit a short essay on how they will be an advocate against distracted driving and make a difference in their community. Luther Arliss & Helan W. Kirkpatrick Scholarship $1, 000 each Open to Rockingham County High School seniors. Two $1, 000 scholarships to be awarded (one to a female and one to a male). Applicant must demonstrate success through hard work and/or overcoming a hardship, financial need, scholarship, and contribution to the school and/or larger community. Matthew Privott Memorial Athletic Scholarship $1, 000 Open to Rockingham County High School seniors who are on a football and/or wrestling team, with preference given to Turner Ashby High students. Applicant must submit one letter of recommendation from a member of the direct coaching staff. Applicant must also submit an essay explaining their commitment and interest in the football/wrestling team’s overall effort, and how they have demonstrated hard work and having “heart” in that effort for the team. Massanutten Resort Scholarship $1, 000 Open to Rockingham County High School seniors who will be attending a four-year institution of higher education. Applicant must submit an additional 500-word essay on “The importance of the hospitality and tourism industry today and 10 years from now; and if you could change one thing to make the industry better, what would it be?" Massanutten Resort Scholarship $500 Open to Rockingham County High School seniors who will be attending a two-year institution or trade school. Applicant must submit an additional 500-word essay on “The importance of the hospitality and tourism industry today and 10 years from now; and if you could change one thing to make the industry better, what would it be?" ​ Payton’s Project (Freeze Bullying for Payton) Anti-Bullying Scholarship $1, 000 each Open to seniors in all four Rockingham County High Schools; four scholarships will be awarded at $1000 each (representative of each high school); applicant must submit an additional essay (maximum of 2 pages) sharing how they have put forth an effort to combat bullying in their school or community by some type of Freeze Bullying program. Applicant must submit a letter of recommendation from a school official to serve as validation that the applicants’ word and actions promote an environment of acceptance and tolerance of differences within the school community. REFI’s scholarship selection committee will make the recipient selection, giving preference to a student with average academic standing (i.e., a GPA of 2.5-3.0), but the student should have high aspirations of being successful.

Eastern Virginia Medical School, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a public-private medical school whose campus includes the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, and a wide array of research centers, libraries and student housing options. Founded in 1973, EVMS aims to advance the field of health care in eastern Virginia, especially the Hampton Roads community, one of the commonwealth's most populous regions, which includes the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach. Students are able to manage their busy lifestyles with help from an Eastern Virginia Medical School dormitory, university apartment, or off campus housing. Currently, nearly 800 students, including master's degree candidates, doctoral students and a handful of undergraduates participate in student living at EVMS. However, in 2008, the Commonwealth of Virginia approved the appropriation of funds to the institution, allowing the medical school to increase doctoral student enrollment by 30 percent, and enrollment in its physician assistant program by 60 percent. Eastern Virginia Medical School is expecting it's total enrollment to rise above 1, 000 students in the coming years. The institution offers a wide array of academic programs, which range from a Bachelor's of Science or certificate in Ophthalmic Technology, to a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and a Doctor of Medicine degree. Other concentrations include Biomedical Sciences, Graduate Art Therapy, Master of Physician Assistant and Clinical Embryology and Andrology. The school's position near two large hospitals helps students gain the practical skills necessary to practice medicine. In particular, EVMS and its affiliated hospitals have developed a reputation for excelling in reproductive medicine and research in pediatrics, geriatrics, diabetes and cancer. Students at Eastern Virgina Medical School typically find a university apartment in Norfolk, near the city's downtown district, and the historic Ghent neighborhood.

As a medical school dedicated since its inception to the health care needs of eastern Virginia, EVMS shows preference to applicants from the Commonwealth of Virginia, especially legal residents of Hampton Roads. For an applicant to be considered as an in-state Virginia resident for tuition purposes, he or she must have legally domiciled in the Commonwealth of Virginia for a least one year prior to matriculation and must fulfill other requirements to confirm Virginia residency. Applications from out-of-state students who have strong academic credentials and the personal traits valued by EVMS are also encouraged to apply. Applicants from rural or other underserved regions and those who have been disadvantaged or underrepresented for economic, racial, or social reasons, and who possess the motivation and aptitude required for the study of medicine, are also strongly encouraged to apply. The MCAT and a minimum of 100 semester hours, including the below required prerequisite courses, must be taken within the United States or Canada at an accredited university. (Online/internet-based courses are not acceptable). Applicants who are enrolled or are planning to enroll in a degree-seeking graduate program must fulfill the degree requirements for that program prior to matriculating at EVMS. Prerequisite Courses: Biology (with labs) 1 year General chemistry (with labs) 1 year Organic chemistry (with labs) 1 year Physics (with labs) 1 year (Biochemistry is highly recommended). Applicants must have grades of C or better in all required courses. Credits earned through advanced placement programs or CLEP are acceptable. Applicants may enhance their chances of acceptance by taking graduate course work in the natural sciences. In recent years, students matriculating at EVMS have had a mean GPA of 3.50 and a mean MCAT of 31 (510). The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is a computer-based exam which is offered multiple times throughout the year and must be taken by the prospective student before the application can be processed. EVMS will only consider MCAT scores from exams taken within two years prior to the application date. We will accept MCAT scores from exams taken from January 2015 through October 2017. The January 2018 MCAT will be considered for wait-listed applicants only. The MCAT tests academic competencies in the natural sciences, reasoning and analysis skills, and concepts from psychology, sociology and biology that provide the foundation for learning in medical school about the behavioral and socio-cultural determinants of health, (Source: AAMC). An applicant may wish to take the MCAT more than once to ensure the best possible performance. If an applicant intends to take the MCAT for the first time in the fall, review of his or her application will not take place until the score has been received. Information and registration may be accessed online at .

From the capital city of Richmond, with its progressive urban flavor, to the coastal area around Norfolk that is quintessential eastern seaboard, the state of Virginia carries a rich hospitality tradition. Southern comfort food dominates the menu in rural mountain towns like Natural Bridge and Stanton, but the inventive and thoughtful cuisine found in cultural centers like Roanoke and Charlottesville qualifies as top gourmet fare. Universities are numerous throughout the state and some offer great culinary arts schooling for Virginia would-be chefs. Historical schools like Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute are not likely to educate you in the kitchen but the rich educational tradition they embody creates fertile grounds for you at other nearby schools. Southern hospitality is a well-known phenomenon that points up Dixie’s ability to make you feel right at home, and food is at the center of it. Virginia Beach and other tourist towns on the coast are famous for seafood like the famed Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab. The bounty of the Bay provides the backbone for traditional crab cakes that lumps the delectably sweet meat of the Blue Crab with seasoned breading and herbs before pan frying them. Creative chefs transform the ocean’s daily bounty into culinary wonders that cannot be appreciated elsewhere. Dairy and cattle are leading industries in Virginia, so local chefs have more than just Virginia peanuts to put into their pots. Artisan cheeses are award winners in this sate that now competes head-on with Wisconsin and California to be the top dairy producer each year. Farms nestled in the undulating valleys of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains raise unique cattle breeds like Limousine and Black Angus that are prized by chefs for their high quality meat. Virginia has carved out a niche among domestic wine producers for delivering high quality wines that are made from locally grown grapes. Prized beef, world-class dairy, and noteworthy wines: is it any wonder that the state of Virginia occupies her own special place in the culinary dreams of passionate chefs-to-be? Find a Quality Cooking School in Virginia When you’re out for the best education possible, there are a couple things that you should consider. The type of degree you seek will steer your educational ship in a certain direction, so it’s important to refine your chef dream before you start school. The hospitality industry represents a large pool of employment opportunities that require training in specific disciplines. By visualizing your dream job, you are better prepared to hit the ground running on the proper path to your personal success. Are you a hands-on kitchen professional who wants to make a mark by creating inventive gourmet pastries? If so, the Pastry and Bakery Arts course of study might be just the right match for your dreams. If you are a management oriented worker who can see yourself in a variety of supervisory jobs, then the Hospitality Management program will lay the best groundwork for your success as a hotel or restaurant manager. Institutions specialize in churning out well-educated professionals for a variety of hospitality jobs. Make sure the school you choose is equipped with the program you need: Associate’s degrees are two-year curriculums that prepare graduates for specialized jobs within the industry like line cook, sous chef, hotel front desk manager, or banquet coordinator. Community Colleges and Technical Colleges often have well-respected Associate’s degree programs for culinary arts students. Some things to look for in a good school: Internships, externships and apprenticeships Working restaurants that are open to the public Job placement and resume help Professional chef instructors who bring real world experience to the training kitchen Career guidance Explore the Local Food Scene A required part of your culinary training must be a thorough exploration of the local food scene. Check out the best local eateries, and learn about the area’s most celebrated chefs. Dissect inventive dishes and learn nuances of flavor with your own culinary point of view in mind. Local festivals and food-centric events provide excellent opportunities for cooking students to get a finger on the pulse of the local food scene. Creative Virginia chefs prepare regional ingredients to showcase their own restaurants and get noticed, so they usually put their best culinary foot forward. As a student you can get involved by watching and tasting, but a far better approach is to volunteer in a festival kitchen. Making contacts that will serve you in the future is a natural byproduct of the culinary cross-pollination that occurs at foodie gatherings. Iron Chef style competitions have become mainstays at these cooking events, and they often include student categories that put your kitchen chops in the spotlight. Don’t miss out on Virginia’s exciting wine country and outstanding agricultural bounty. Take it all in on a student budget by adding these regional food and wine festivals to your “academic” calendar: Annual Fall Wine Festival, Norfolk Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival , Charlottesville – Focuses on the bounty of the land and the culinary buzzwords; sustainable farming. 6000 visitors hit the one day fest each year to sample vegetable creations from local trendsetters in meatless cooking. Students are sure to benefit from exposure to a national trend that involves responsible food practices, from farm to plate. Virginia Wine Festivals –The State has emerged as one of the top wine producing regions in the country. Hybrid wine grapes lend themselves to high yields in Virginia’s climate; so many wines are produced from local grapes. The state features dozens of festivals that play up the fame of Virginia wines. To navigate the landscape efficiently, consider only those festivals that draw 20+ winery exhibitors. Annual Brunswick Stew Festival, Richmond Chincoteague Seafood Festival – Best of the best local seafood preparations are featured at this spring festival. Little Neck clams, oysters and fish are presented among traditional side dishes of the South. Virginia Cooking Academies, Community and Technical Colleges, and Other Schools Offering Culinary Arts, Restaurant Management, or Hospitality Degrees Capital Bartending School – Alexandria Culinary Institute of Virginia – The Associate’s in Applied Science Degree from the cooking school at ECPI University prepares students for kitchen work in a variety of industry settings including, resorts, cruise ships, fine-dining restaurants, and banquet facilities. The 15-month program includes externships throughout that prepare a student with hands-on technical application of classroom skills. James Madison University – Harrisonburg J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College – Richmond – Hospitality Management, Tourism, and Culinary Arts are the focus of degree programs at the capital city campus. Associate’s in Applied Science-Culinary Arts is an intensive course of study that is accredited by the American Culinary Federation. National Business College – Salem Professional Bartending School – Arlington Radford University – Radford Virginia Intermont College – Bristol Virginia Polytechnic Institute - Blacksburg Virginia State University – Petersburg The Art Institute of Washington – Arlington – This nationally accredited cooking school is located in the D.C. suburb of Arlington, VA, which provides a bustling hospitality industry for work-study opportunities. Stand-alone culinary academies provide an advantage in their specialized structure by graduating students on a faster track than conventionally oriented curriculums. If you want to get out and get on the job, then embrace an intensive program that won’t have you sitting idly by between semesters.

My experience at First Colonial was a great one. My academic success was bolstered by a wonderful faculty. The teachers at FC genuinely care for their students' success and fulfill all of their academic needs. The administration focused on the needs of students, implementing changes benefitting the student body yearly. FC breaks the mold of a "typical" school with it's Legal Studies Academy, a faucet of the school that I was grateful to be a part of. LSA provided the one-on-one attention that is essential to student growth. One thing that sticks out about FC, however, is it's diversity problem. Many of the students at FC are white and privileged. Most of the parents in the PTSA are the parents of these students, which marginalizes the minority communities of the school. Though FC hasn't done anything to ignore or marginalize the underrepresented students, this is a problem that is present at the school.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has appointed three former classroom teachers to the state Board of Education, and appointed another longtime educator to head the state School Building Authority. Bucky Blackwell, a former county school superintendent with 47 years of education experience, will be new executive director of the School Building Authority, replacing Scott Raines. Miller Hall, Barbara Whitecotton, and Chuck Hatfield will fill openings on the state school board. They will be sworn in during the next school board meeting in February. "The politicians and bureaucrats in Charleston have failed to listen to our teachers, so I appointed three educators with significant classroom experience to the state Board of Education, " Justice said. "Miller Hall, Barbara Whitecotton and Chuck Hatfield have dedicated their lives to improving public education and on the state Board of Education, they will help me deliver results for students across West Virginia. They all share my vision for making education the centerpiece of our state. "Bucky Blackwell cares deeply about our public schools and will do an outstanding job on the SBA, " Justice added. "Local schools are the heart of any community, and too many West Virginia schools are falling apart; I know Bucky will help change that. "He is very knowledgeable of the SBA and understands the value the SBA has to school systems across West Virginia, and how important this authority is to the success of West Virginia, " Justice said.