Health of the county

 

On November 13, the Goochland Health Department, which is located on the lower level of the county administration building, held an open house to showcase the range of services it offers to residents. Dr. Tom Franck, District Director of the Chickahominy Health District, (https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/chickahominy)which includes Goochland, gave a brief overview of the functions of the department to the supervisors at their November 6 meeting.

The mission of CHD, said Franck, is to improve the health of a community by preventing disease, promoting healthy lifestyles, and protecting people from environmental and other health hazards.

Funding for the CHD comes from a variety of sources--42 percent of the department’s budget comes from the state, Goochland matches some state money, locally generated fees, and about 13 percent comes from federal grants.

Training in the proper use of naloxone to reverse opioid overdose

CHD oversees many programs. Environmental health includes inspection of restaurants, and swimming pools. It approves septic systems and private wells. Acting as a safety net provider, CHD offers clinical services like immunizations. It is one of only four health districts in Virginia that does maternity care on a sliding fee scale and has a staff maternity care clinician and offers family planning services.

How to safely install a child car seat

Rabies control is an important part of CHD. Every animal bite that animal protection gets word of is investigated to determine if rabies is involved and determine what action is appropriate to deal with the situation.

Tracking potential rabies outbreaks is an important part of public health.

CHD is getting more involved with improving community health and is unique in the Commonwealth for having a community health response and improvement team, which works with the community to develop assessments and improvement plans. The latest for Goochland was adopted in August 2025. Go to chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/84/2025-2029-Goochland-CHIP-Report.pdf for details. (This was hard to find on the CHD website. During the meeting, a QR code, which allegedly links to the report, was flashed on the screen, but many people, GOMM, included, do not “do” QR codes. A lot of work was put into this report, it should be more accessible.)

Priorities outlined in assessment include increasing support services for senior citizens, the largest age cohort in Goochland; improving access to healthcare; home repairs; transportation; attainable and safe housing; and mental health providers and services. Relationships with other local agencies including the Community Services Board (https://gpcsb.org/), GoochlandCares, and Habitat for Humanity help.

Franck said that studies to find a way to bring transportation for things like medical appointments to rural areas are underway. He hoped the CHD and Goochland would be able to provide real world input as to where the need is greatest rather than using demographic statistics, which can place services where they are needed least.

The open house had stations for each of the services offered by the CHD. These included training on the proper use of naloxone, a medicine that rapidly reverses and opioid overdose; proper installation of child car seats; services for new mothers including breast feeding assistance, nutrition education and eWIC cards for postpartum and children for their first five years.

A wide range of  services helps new mothers

The county’s citizen emergency response team (CERT) was also represented. A national emergency preparedness program, CERT, a free 22-hour program offered to those 16 years of age and up, provides basic training in emergency response skills. These include disaster preparedness; fire suppression and safety; disaster medical operations; light search and rescue; tea organization; and disaster psychology so that people can care for themselves and their neighbors until help arrives in the event of widespread disasters than can overwhelm first responders. Go to https://goochlandfire-rescue.org/emergency-management/community-emergency-response-team-cert/ for more information.

Tools and CERT manuals

The Goochland Health Department and CHD help Goochland thrive. For complete information visit https://www.goochlandva.us/355/Health-Department .

 

 

 

 

 

Routine BoS matters in November

 

View from the county admin building

The Goochland Board of Supervisors conducted routine business at its afternoon meeting on November 6. Some highlights follow. 

Did you know?

Since assuming the CEO role of the county in June, County Administrator Dr.  Raley highlights the accomplishments of the people who make the county function. Each month, he offers a glimpse into some of the many moving parts of local government.

·         Elections—For the November 4 election, Goochland had 7,504 early in person voters; 1,377 mail in absentee voters; and 8,077 in person voters on election day for a total of 16,942 out of the total of 24,225 registered voters in the county. This 70 percent turnout, while robust, made Goochland only second in the Commonwealth. Shenandoah County, at 78 percent, was first. Raley offered a debt of gratitude for the great work done by our electoral board, registrar, and their staff, election workers, county staff and volunteers who made collecting and tabulating these ballots over a 45-day period possible.

·         Parks and recreation’s eight-person ground crew led by Carl Lacy maintains 347 acres of public parkland, sports fields, and county facilities. Raley thanked them for their good work keeping Goochland beautiful.

County employee quarterly awards

This summer, county administration and department heads developed an employee recognition program to celebrate the accomplishments of “Team Goochland” to celebrate accomplishments in five categories: employee, team, rookie, leader, and customer service star.

The first awards for the first quarter of the fiscal year, July through September, went to:

·         Employee of the Quarter: Elliot Waugh, IT Analyst, Information Technology

·         Team of the Quarter: Department of Public Utilities

·         Rookie of the Quarter: Sheriel Means, Custodian, General Services

·         Leader of the Quarter: Jennifer Brown, Commissioner of the Revenue

·         Customer Service Star of the Quarter: Lindsay Tucker, Customer Service/Building Inspection

Board Chair Tom Winfree, District 3, said that the morale, competency, knowledge, and ability of these folks is second to none and that Goochland is blessed to have such quality employees working for Goochland.

Reports

Broadband-expansion activities continue in the county. There were 1,720 active locations as of September 30. Please see the board packet pages 43-59 for details.

Agriculture-the summary included legislative issues critical to farming to be voted on at the Virginia Farm Bureau convention to be held in Williamsburg in December and shared with the General Assembly. These include removal of local control over siting of solar facilities in places that would negatively impact farming and forestry operations; changes to tax and inheritance policies to assist current and aspiring to access land; and support for grants and scholarship incentives for large animal veterinarians at the university level.

The HG Meat Packing Plant on Old Fredericksburg Road, which will be the only UDA certified meat processing plant in the area, hopes to hold a soft opening in the weeks after Thanksgiving.

Budget calendar- the supervisors approved the budget calendar for the FY27 fiscal year. This includes a capital improvement project (CIP) work session in December; two supervisor workshops in January; joint workshops with the supervisors and school board. Raley will present his recommended budget on February 17, 2026, at which time the board will authorize tax rate advertisement. A public hearing on the budget will be held on April 7. Tax rates will be set on April 14. The budget and CIP for FY27 will be approved in May.

Chickahominy Health District oversees the Goochland Health Department. Its director Tom Francks grave a brief overview of the services offered and invited all to an open house on November 13. The mission of his organization, said Francks, is to improve the health of the community by precenting disease, promote healthy lifestyles, and protect people from environmental and other hazards.

Goochland General Services under the direction of Scott Foster handles facility maintenance totaling more than 263,000 square feet. This includes convenience centers; project management; security and key management; fuel management; non-public safety renovations; street signs; voting machine delivery and pickup; and pole banners like those celebrating 63 local veterans. Foster explained that his department uses cloud-based software to use best management practices to provide a clean and safe environment in all government facilities.

Foster reported that the Commonwealth requires localities to recycle 25 percent by weight of solid waste annually. Goochland recycles 58.6 percent, helped by curbside recycling used by 2,227 homes. Foster said that dealing with both aging infrastructure and new spaces coming online will be a challenge for his department.

Parks and Rec Director Tom Cocke said that there are a lot of fun things going on in his department and urged everyone to visit the department on the county website and access the QR code to participate in the survey used to craft the upcoming refresh of the parks and rec master plan.

Cocke reported that the real time online parking lot updates for the Fourth of July fireworks worked well and were viewed 4,967 times.

The P&R grounds crew volunteered to renovate the ball field at the privately held Goochland Rec Center. Special events like the concert series at Tucker Park, Ag Fair, and Fall Festival have seen increasing attendance, as did his department’s summer camps.

The P&R department supported the 5k sponsored by the Goochland 250^th Commission at Elk Hill on October 4.

After school and programs for senior citizens have been well received. Use of athletic fields and other recreational spaces, including the gym behind the administration building is robust. Traffic counters placed at some outdoor facilities indicated that 50,426 vehicles visited Goochland parks from July to September. Cocke contended that the number is probably higher because counters were not deployed at all locations.

This was the first year that Parks and Rec operated the Tuesday afternoon Farmers Market, which attracted more than 6,000 visitors and 30 vendors for the 22 weeks from May to September. Cocke thanked sponsors Farm Bureau, Renewal by Anderson, Advertising Connections, and Smallwood Renovations for their support. The farmers market in Centerville, which was privately owned and held on private property, ceased operation when its owner retired. Supervisors commented that the Centerville market brought in sales tax dollars from Henrico and expressed interest in finding a new location in eastern Goochland for another farmers market location. One supervisor requested more data on the county’s return on investment in the farmers market operation to see if it “broke even”.

Upcoming events include the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, and Tree lighting on December 5 in the field near the roundabout at the intersection of Fairground and Sandy Hook Roads.

Updates on the P&R master plan, which has been in the works for most of this year, will be shared with the supervisors in a one-on-one format and presented to the planning commission at its December 18 meeting.

 

New District 5 planning commissioner appointed.

Duane Cosby who was appointed District 5 planning commissioner in 2024, resigned in October. District 5 Supervisor Jonathan Lyle explained that Cosby’s departure is career related. He is a pastor whose bishop recently assigned him to increased responsibilities that require significant travel outside Virginia, which would have made it difficult to put in the work required of a planning commissioner. “He did an exceptional job as a planning commissioner,” Lyle said.

Martin Dean was appointed to succeed Cosby. Dean, a volunteer fire captain with Manakin Fire-Rescue Company 1, and former executive director of the Goochland Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association, is well acquainted with Goochland. Lyle said that Dean will continue to represent District 5 in the same exceptional manner as Cosby.

 

Martin Dean

 Profound apologies for misidentifying Duane Cosby.

The dust settles

In the wee small hours of Friday, November 7, the Goochland Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 with Jonathan Lyle, District 5 in dissent, to approve creation of a technology overlay district and technology zone (TOD/TZ) in the eastern end of the county, which has been a designated growth area for decades. The vote followed more than six hours of public comment by more than 80 speakers. (A video and transcript of the entire public hearing and comments by the supervisors before the vote is available on the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ under the “watch county meetings tab.)

Long story short. Since taking office in 2024, these supervisors set a goal to make the commercial/residential tax ratio of 30/70 through economic development. It is currently about 18/82. Residential development does not pay its own way.

Since the TOD/TD initiative was put forth by the county in early July, it has created a firestorm of opposition, mostly from new residents in the Hockett Road corridor complaining that they were not aware that data centers had been a by right use in West Creek since 2014 and do not want them in their backyards. A provision to allow small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) by right met with even more virulent opposition. The late in the game addition of approximately 900 acres north of the Richmond Country Club between Hockett Road and Mosaic that allowed data centers by right especially enraged residents of Mosaic.

For more than a generation, the owners of the 900 acres, now dubbed TOD west, apart from demanding that the county grant access to privately built internal roads in West Creek and Rt. 288, have been coy about their intentions, if any, to develop their land. Rumor of an agreement between owners of TOD west and unnamed entities to blanket the acreage with enormous by-right data centers further stirred the pot. The land is currently zoned A-2. As approved by the board, data centers in TOD west must obtain a conditional use permit. This process includes at least one community meeting and public hearings before both the planning commission and supervisors. Unlike zoning ordinances, which tend to be generic, CUPs are site specific and better able to mitigate impacts on neighboring properties.

A motion by Lyle to remove the 900 acres from the TOD/TZ died for lack of a second, as did a motion he made to defer a vote for 120 days to allow more study.

Opponents of the TOD/TZ contended that data centers anywhere in Goochland pose a dire health hazard, harm the environment, and cause a significant decline in the value of their homes.

Charle Vaughters, District 4, moved to approve the TOD/TZ with amendments made in response to citizen feedback. He said that the process was the most challenging during his tenure as a supervisor. The TOD/TZ, he said, gives Goochland “the chance to set and follow a higher standard for development, solidify and grow our county’s economy in ways never before imagined, and achieve our stated goals for decades to come.”

Vaughters cited the massive capital needs of the county, more than $217 million in the next decade growing to at least $490 million in 25 years. He said that infrastructure investment was made in the east end to support economic development. The ordinance, as amended, “is thoughtful, both economically and technically feasible in mitigating risk and makes Goochland not only competitive, but hopefully a leader is achieving modern economic development.”

He further said “I know there is a resounding voice against data center development. However, the fact that data centers could be developed in West Creek with far lesser standards than what is proposed in this ordinance led me to find the best compromise possible. My colleagues and I did everything possible to make this as strong as possible knowing it will not appease everyone.

That is an understatement. Even though opponents offered voluminous and detailed tweaks to the TOD/TZ, and demanded more time to study the issue, they really just want the whole thing to go away. Some said that they would gladly pay higher taxes rather than have data centers in the county. They do not seem to understand that many of the other 27,000 Goochland residents struggle to pay taxes at the current rate.

Jonathan Christy District 1 thanked staff, the planning commission, and his fellow supervisors for working tirelessly on the TOD/TZ. “After months of emails, accusations, rumors, adjustments, compromises, meetings, and fear mongering, I am satisfied that the best option that works for everyone is now complete. There are no individual winners in this but as a whole we have fortified our financial standing and will be able to provide some level of protection to residents that had not previously existed. We as a board have the obligation to not just look at the next few years, but to think about the next 50. There are no winners on this board. I have taken some personal hits in this process. Let me be crystal clear on something. I was never involved in any backroom deals regarding development. I hear rumors just like everyone else but have the responsibility to verify them before spreading them. Understand that this process has not been rushed or that concerns have been brushed off.

“This TOD is far different from its original draft. To my shock, I cannot believe that we are being attacked for making concessions and improvements.”

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, also refuted allegations that the measure had been “backdoored,” contending that it could have been done with a single community meeting and public hearings before the planning commission and supervisors. Instead, there were several community meetings and smaller sessions with various focus groups and neighborhoods. He said that economic development in the designated growth area protects rural areas will be protected and enhances the revenue base.

“We did listen,” said Spoonhower. “Nobody wanted to hear what we had to say.” He read all the emails he received, responded to about 600, watched videos, and followed links he was sent. “I heard, I listened, I understand, but I do not agree. I believe that data centers are the best thing for the area. There is nothing I can say that will get you on my side.”

Spoonhower added a bit of perspective to the discussion. He watched the videos of the board meetings at which Readers Branch and Mosaic were approved.

“Many of the same objections were raised then. It’s going to destroy the rural character, harm the environment, people are going to die on Hockett Road because of the increased traffic. That wasn’t because of a data center, it was because of ya’lls neighborhoods. And guess what? I think that was a pretty damn good decision that you’re all here.”

“This should be no surprise to anyone. In 2024 when this board took office the first thing we did, announced in public that we planned to bring commercial development, including working with our EDA to bring data centers to Goochland, to preserve the rural character. This was not hiding the football.”

As approved, the ordinance and comprehensive land use plan changes require energy generation, including small modular nuclear reactors and gas peaker plants, to obtain CUPs. This will provide ample opportunity for public input and a mechanism to educate citizens about the local impact of emerging technology during that process. More stringent noise dampening for generators and data centers as well as increased visual and aural screening, including berms and landscaping, were in the approved documents. More robust sound baffling and restricted hours on generator operation and testing were also approved.

Only two small parcels opted out of inclusion in the TOD/TZ.

The TOD/TZ imposes restrictions on data centers currently allowed by right in West Creek adjacent to residential property. This seems to have been done without the consent of West Creek property owners, which may well lead to legal action.

Since July many ugly and unfounded accusations have been hurled at supervisors, including that they are being bribed and need to be removed from office. It seems likely that they have also gotten emails and phone calls in a similar and, perhaps more violent, vein. Those who claim they could do a better job should remember that the next time the board faces a controversial proposal, and there will be a next time, whoever is in office will face similar calumny. It is impossible to please everyone and no matter how hard they work, at least half the people will be mad at them.

 

Veterans made America possible

 

Col. William Parrish and Marine Corps Jr. ROTC cadets

The annual Veterans’ Day observance was held at Goochland High School on November 11. Thanks to all who made this happen.

Goochland High School Marine Jr. ROTC Cadet Captain Ava Freeman welcomed attendees, after which the colors were presented by the unit’s color guard drill team. The GHS band played the Star-Spangled Banner. During the Armed Forces medley, veterans stood as the song of their branch of service was played. Veterans in attendance included a young mother Navy veteran and one from Air Force who came in uniform.

Maidens resident Colonel William Parrish, United States Marine Corps, (Retired) was the keynote speaker. He began his remarks by thanking GHS history teacher Rachel Tate for facilitating a program to bring veterans and high school students together for mutual benefit. He commended Lt. Col. Wiliams and Staff Sargeant Strong, the GHS MC Jr. ROTC faculty, for their excellent work with our students, and thanked our Sheriff’s Office and Fire-Rescue folk for their role in community safety.  (Go to https://sites.google.com/glnd.k12.va.us/goochlandhighschoolmcjrotc/home to learn more about this program, which has the largest enrollment in the Richmond region.) Above all, Parrish thanked his fellow veterans.

Following a distinguished career in the Marine Corps, Parrish established the Office of Anti-Terrorism for U.S. Customs Service; served as Senior Advisor to Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, where he helped plan Operation Liberty Shield to strengthen homeland defense during operation Iraqi Freedom; served as Acting Assistant Secretary for Intelligence Analysis; and Senior Homeland Security Advisor to the FBI. He received the Outstanding Public Service Award in 2009.

Col. Parrish went on to become an associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University where he helped create the Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Program, the first of its kind in the Commonwealth.

Closer to home, Col. Parrish served several terms as the Board of Supervisors’ representative on the Goochland Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association Board.

 Col. Parrish told of how the silencing of the guns at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, on the front lines of World War I led to the observance of Armistice Day, which became Veterans’ Day in 1954 at the direction of President Dwight Eisenhower, himself a veteran. On this day we recognize the service of those who wore the uniform.

Parrish reflected on how life lessons learned in military service translate into civilian life using the founder of FedEx Fred Smith as an example.  Smith believed that the leadership skills he learned during his service in the Marine Corps during Viet Nam helped him build a successful company.

These lessons include knowing yourself and seeking self-improvement; knowing what your job is and how to do it; knowing your people and looking out for their welfare; be proficient in the tools needed to do your job; and train as a team for success.

Parrish recalled creating a “what if” handbook to prepare families of those in his command left behind during deployments so Marines could focus on their mission rather than worry about the homefront.

Parrish shared some of his experiences. He was involved in providing security in the aftermath of the 1996 Kobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia and building a soccer field and supporting orphanages to win the hearts and minds of people in foreign countries where he was deployed.

November 10 was the 250^th birthday of the Marine Corps. Like the Army, founded on July 14, and the Navy on October 13, all in 1775, they predate the Declaration of Independence.

Our nation is blessed by every veteran since the founding of our nation, those currently serving, and those who will serve in the future like our cadets.

 

Veterans of tomorrow

 

(Attendance by local veterans was less than robust, possibly due to failure to get the word out. Goochland needs some sort of centralized calendar of events, to keep residents informed about local events.)

Icing on the cake

 

"Keys to Success" at Goochland Elementary School ( GEF image)

Equipping our kids with the tools they need for successful and satisfying lives is the goal of education. Filling thirsty young minds with knowledge is a daunting task. As every child has differing gifts—the motto of Goochland Public schools is “maximizing the potential of every learner—accomplishing that task requires a supportive environment for creative teachers, and often more money than is available in the county budget.

The Goochland Education Foundation, a 501c(3) organization, was founded in 2008, at the start of the “Great Recession” when county tax revenues were stressed by falling real estate values, to “bridge the gap between what traditional funding provides and innovative education requires” by citizens dedicated to help every student succeed. (Go to https://goochlandedu.org/ for details)

Each year, the GEF awards strategic innovation grants that reward and incentivize creativity in education.

This press release describes 2025 grantees.

“The Goochland Education Foundation (GEF) Board of Directors is proud to announce grant funding totaling $15,003.52 for ten innovative projects that will directly benefit students across Goochland County Public Schools. The Strategic Innovation Grants program supports the research and implementation of forward-thinking instructional practices, empowering students with the critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability essential for success in today's dynamic world. "Innovation in education means meeting students exactly where they are and giving educators the tools to unlock each child's potential," said Cyndy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of GEF. "These ten projects represent the kind of creative, student-centered approaches that don't just enhance learning—they transform it. We're proud to invest in ideas that will resonate in our classrooms and our community for years to come."

Dr. Andy Armstrong, Superintendent of Goochland County Public Schools, attended the awards ceremony to celebrate the recipients and their commitment to educational excellence. "Goochland Education Foundation Strategic Innovation grants continue to expand and enrich the engaging educational experiences our students and families deserve and expect," said Armstrong. "From kindergarteners discovering the joy of reading to high schoolers exploring professional theatre careers, these projects demonstrate our commitment to nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and real-world skills. I'm grateful to the Goochland Education Foundation for their continued investment in our students' success."

2025 Strategic Innovation Grant Recipients:

 ● Time Travel in Goochland and Beyond 4.0 – Byrd, Goochland and Randolph Elementary Schools Fourth graders explore Goochland's historic sites as part of their Virginia history curriculum, creating multimedia projects including podcasts, 3D models, and photojournalism to showcase the county's role in state history.

● Enhancing Supports for Literacy Development – Goochland Elementary Expands access to decodable books for struggling readers, providing families and volunteers with targeted materials to build reading confidence and fluency.

● Otterly Excited to Read: Kindergarteners Dive into Reading! – Goochland Elementary Partners with Goochland Library to connect kindergarteners with reading resources and foster a love of literacy through structured library visits and community engagement.

● "Keys" to Success – Goochland Elementary Provides wireless keyboards for fifth graders to improve typing fluency, writing stamina, and digital literacy skills essential for future academic and career success.

● A Sensory Room for All Learners – Randolph Elementary Creates a dedicated sensory room and classroom calm-down spaces where students can self-regulate, manage emotions, and develop coping strategies to support learning and well-being.

● Just make a mark…(and see where it takes you…) – Randolph Elementary Students refresh and enhance the school's outdoor courtyard learning space through artistic collaborations with local artists, creating lasting environmental and creative contributions.

● Good Morning Goochland: Student Broadcast Enhancement – Goochland Middle Eighth-grade media students gain real-world journalism experience through upgraded broadcast equipment for their student news program.

● Math through Music – Goochland Middle Students explore mathematical concepts including fractions, ratios, and patterns through guitar instruction, analyzing frequency relationships, time signatures, and chord progressions while developing musical skills.

● Real World Experiences for the Performing Artist – Goochland High Theatre and choir students attend professional workshops while traveling to New York City to explore career pathways in musical theatre through performances and backstage tours.

● Bulldogs Read to Succeed: Enhancing Student Literacy Through Beanstack – Goochland High Implements Beanstack reading platform and expands the library collection to gamify reading, track progress, and build a sustainable culture of literacy across all subject areas.”

Kudos to GEF for funding these initiatives.

If you have an extra “bean” or two, please consider investing in the future of our students through GEF.

 

 

 

Tomorrow is now

 

Junkyard Dogs Robot "marched" in parades on Goochland Day and at Homecoming

On October 22, Goochland Schools hosted local business and education roundtable at the Residence Inn in West Creek. This was the latest session of a dialog begun years ago to help our school division, especially the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department, prepare students for jobs.

County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley welcomed the group and introduced Bruce Watson, CTE director who said, “I have the best job in the entire school system.”

Chance Robinson, Assistant Director of Economic Development, talked about the importance of bringing local businesses together with schools to create the talent that helps them thrive and attract new companies to Goochland. He mentioned feedback from a local business praising the quality of an apprentice from the CTE program.  “It is a great example of how we build a pipeline with our school system to help existing industry. Small businesses want to start and grow in Goochland.”

He said that the $5 billion investment in Goochland recently announced by Eli Lilly (see GOMM “With a B”) whose commitment to partner with our schools to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education will be transformational.

Watson touted the CTE heavy equipment operator program, one of only two in the Commonwealth. “Ours is the biggest and the best. We own all of our equipment and enrollment in the program, which, has been in existence since 2014, is full.”

Dr. Beth Fowler, coordinator for student advancement at Goochland High School, discussed the advanced college academy (ACA) dual enrollment program. This enables students to earn an associates degree from Reynolds Community College, giving them two years of college credits and saving their families substantial college tuition. Many of the courses are offered at no cost to students and there is financial assistance for any family that needs it to ensure that all kids who can benefit from the program participate.

The number of students completing the dual enrollment program, which began in 2018, has quadrupled. The 2026 GHS graduating class is on track to have 99 students out of 250, earn their AA degrees. A third of students in GHS are participating in the full program. There are also “a la carte” students who “dabble” to see if college is for them.

Fowler contended that the “secret sauce” to the success of ACA is that the number of enrollees is not limited. This results in huge growth in the program not just for degree seeking students, some students simultaneously participate in other advanced programs.

The ACA offers the same academic rigor as college classes in a familiar setting. This, contended Fowler, builds students’ confidence that they are ready to deal with college. The ACA students also learn “soft skills” of professional communication, time management, and how to be successful in the world of work.

Fowler reported on some of the earliest ACA graduates. One is working on a doctoral degree in physical therapy. Another finished college and started a successful business. Another is on track to earn a master’s degree in five years.

Hunter Willms, a 2020 ACA graduate who earned a business management degree in three years, touted the flexibility of the program. He said that he saved $30k at got into the workforce a year ahead of his classmates. He is now a project engineer.

Mikayla Pryor, now a kindergarten teacher at GES, said she appreciated the program, which allowed her to graduate in December and was able to take a permanent substitute teacher job, which segued to a permanent position at the start of the current school year.

Watson said that work-based learning opportunities ranging from job shadowing that gives a glimpse into a particular career, to full-fledged apprenticeships, which can lead to job offers after graduation, are a crucial part of CTE.

Carl Gupton President of Greenswell Growers on Hockett Road (https://greenswellgrowers.com/ great fresh greens, available at Food Lion), who has welcomed several GHS student interns said that “their soft skills are amazing. They’re smart and willing to jump in and do whatever is needed, including coming in on a Sunday to help with an emergency order.”

“We want to be ahead of the game, so our students are ready to enter the workforce, or go on to a two- or four-year college,” Watson said. “With the high-tech companies coming to Goochland we are going to start an academy next fall for logistics, mechatronics, and robotics.”

He displayed a photo of GHS award winning Junkyard Dogs robotics team, which participated in a world competition Texas last May, working with a team from Israel. Watson explained that robotics is a huge part of instruction in Goochland Schools starting in kindergarten.

Coursework in the academy will open career pathways to careers in robotics, mechatronics (the design and analysis of mechanical systems, such as sensors, actuators, and mechanical structures. This can include anything from robotic arms and automated machinery to consumer products like cameras with auto-focus mechanisms), logistics, computer science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. He said there will be a 19 percent increase in these careers in coming years.

The academy program will be implemented in four phases with “on and off ramps” adding courses and work-based learning opportunities each year yet allowing for students who may change their minds about participating.

Both Amazon, under construction on Ashland Road, and the Lilly plant will bring high-paying high-tech jobs to our backyard. The Academy, said Watson, will help our kids be ready to fill these and similar jobs coming to the region.

Armstrong pointed out that the skills taught in the new academy will also benefit local partners and be responsive to workforce needs of the local partners in the room, the smaller companies that are the bread and butter of the Goochland economy.

Stan Corn, of Alarms, Inc (https://www.alarmsinc.net/), who has been an active partner with CTE advisory committee since its beginning, encouraged attendees to get engaged and meet “these great kids and see what they’re doing to aim them in the direction we’d like to see them go.” Mock interviews, career day in January, and a Veterans’ initiative provide opportunities to see up close and personal what’s going on in Goochland schools, provide opportunities to do this, said Corn.

CTE, said Watson, goes to great lengths to ensure that students and companies are a good match for job shadows.

Gupton reported that every student CTE has sent to Greenswell has been well prepared for the job. He also said that students are covered under the school division’s insurance while interning or shadowing to ease some of the “red tape” when dealing with minors.

Virginia Economic Development has been a great partner in this initiative, said Watson. Goochland is exploring collaboration and partnerships with other educational entities including Reynolds and Brightpoint Community Colleges and VCU.

The academy curriculum is being developed to allow high school students to take part in other programs including the Marine Corps Jr. ROTC program, which at 150 cadets, is the largest in the region.

Seniors will be encouraged to participate in apprenticeships as part of the academy. “We want our students to come out of high school with an industrial certification. We want them to get out into industry and see what’s going on,” Watson said.

This program could be a model program for the Commonwealth of Virginia, contended Watson. “To have a four-year academy with high tech skills for major industries will take our students a long way.”

The cost of equipment for the program is estimated at $175, 424, which will be purchased next spring. Watson is submitting grants and indicated that some federal funding may be used.

All of these programs are part of goal of the Goochland School Division to ensure that every graduate is well prepared for the next chapter in life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On to November 6

 

On October 20, Goochland County released an updated version of the TOD/TZ proposals that will be considered for approval by the Board of Supervisors at a public hearing to be held in the high school auditorium on Thursday, November 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Since it was introduced at a July community meeting, TOD/TZ has generated robust opposition. Constructive input from community meetings and sessions with smaller groups was incorporated in the October 20 documents. Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1408/Technology-Overlay-District-Technology-Z for the latest information. Due to legal restrictions, the proposals cannot be amended before the public hearing.

As written, small nuclear reactors (SMR) and gas “peaker” plants must obtain conditional use permits (CUP), a process which mandates at least one community meeting and public hearings before both the planning commission and supervisors subject to conditions imposed by the county. Water used for commercial purposes must come from public sources, not wells.

The addition of approximately 900 acres roughly between Mosaic, the Richmond Country Club, and Hockett Road, now identified as “TOD west” to the TOD/TZ footprint has been tempered with the requirement that any proposal for data centers there obtain a CUP. These parcels are illustrated with cross hatching on the map.

Changes made in the November 6 proposal, including restrictions on height, noise, and generator operation were made in response to concerns expressed by citizen engagement.

The statement on the county website also addresses rumors about “a done deal” concerning data centers in the TOD west parcels.  “…the County has been made aware of discussions between a private developer and several landowners regarding a contract for a potential data center project on approximately 900+ acres near Mosaic and Richmond Country Club. This information was shared with the County after those private discussions had already taken place. Goochland County has not been involved in or a party to any negotiations or contracts related to this property. However, the County recognizes that this is likely the beginning of continued interest from technology-related businesses seeking to invest in Goochland.”

Will this iteration of the TOD/TZ make everyone involved happy? No, but it does impose more stringent noise, height, buffer, setback, and generator operation requirements for data centers than currently exist. Rules for land in West Creek, which was zoned in the 1980’s, will not change. One goal of the TOD is to provide attractive incentives to encourage developers to accept the restrictions.

The October 20 TOD map seems to indicate that no landowners in its original footprint have opted out. The deadline to do so was October 10.

We do live in interesting times.