Random thoughts about Goochland in 2021

 

Covid

A year ago, we expected that the pandemic would be in our rearview mirror when vaccines became available. Here we are 12 months later, and that spiky virus is still in the news. Cases—defined as testing positive—are soaring for the omicron variant. It remains to be seen if there will be another wave of hospitalization and death, or if everyone will get it and have greater immunity. Have you noticed that the Times' Square New Year's ball looks a little like a Covid molecule?

When vaccines first rolled out, people went to great lengths to get jabbed. Vaccination rates rose steadily, then leveled off as folks had second thoughts. Mandates for the shot remain a contentious subject. Goochland County worked closely with the Chickahominy Health District to stage local clinics. Later in the year, booster clinics were also held.

Schools

In early February, the Hon. William Quarles, Jr., former District 2 Supervisor and school board member, passed away suddenly. The loss of his gentle wisdom leaves a void in the community. Among the many accolades paid this dear man was that by Del. Lee Ware who said that Quarles was able to disagree in a way that sparked constructive conversations.

Billie Jo Leabough was appointed by the school board to represent District 2 until the general election. In November, Angela Allen, was elected to the seat.

Goochland Schools kept on through Covid thanks to creative and intrepid administration and staff. Though masked, students attended in person classes. Extra curricular activities continued with a new look. The high school drama department, for instance delighted audiences with ZOOM performances.

Goochland High School held in person graduation outside in the football stadium on a perfect summer evening in June.

In August, students retuned to school for "the best year ever".

 

The supervisors adopted a nuisance noise ordinance on May 4 thanks to a committee comprised of citizens on both sides of the issue working closely with County Attorney Tara McGee. The new law provides a mechanism to address noise issues but exempts all lawful shooting.

Broadband expansion was a hot topic this year. The RISE/ Firefly (fireflyva.com) initiative got a lot of attention but was not the only game in town.

Evan Weiner's Port80 Internet began to plant fiber optic cable in the central part of Goochland, over a year ago and continues to connect users in the Crozier area.  Port80 was awarded a Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) grant earlier this year. Reporting to the supervisors at their December 7 meeting, Weiner explained that there are two parts to internet expansion, the backbone, fiber optic cable that goes down the road and the "drop," which connects homes and businesses "passings". Weiner said that, thanks to dry fall weather, Port80 is ahead of schedule. Of the 19 miles of cable in his project, 13 miles have been installed. He said that of the 288 passings in the scope of his project, 188 are serviceable. Weiner said that although his VATI grant covers one side of a road, Port80 will connect both sides. "We're picking up the tab for that extra cost," said Weiner. Port80 purchased adequate materials before supply chain issues erupted, so it is in good shape to complete the project. Go to http://port80.us/ for details.

Staffing issues

Kenny Young, hired as county administrator in September 2020, left the post in late June with no explanation. In August, the supervisors appointed The Hon. Manuel Alvarez, Jr., former District 2 supervisor, as interim county administrator, so there is no hurry to find a permanent replacement. The supervisors have retained a search firm to fill the position.

Goochland rejected the notion of defunding the police and instead increased compensation for our Sheriff's Office, which earned its fifth reaccreditation continuing the agency's commitment to excellence.

Raises were also approved for fire-rescue, which, like the Sheriff's Office needs to retain talented people and compete for new hires from a limited candidate pool. Raises and bonuses for county and school employees were also approved.

Recreation

The under-bridge walkway connecting the east and west sides of Tucker Park was dedicated in June.

In July, Goochland Youth Athletic Association hosted the 2021 Dixie Youth Baseball State Tournament at Hidden Rock Park. Volunteers worked very hard to showcase the county and make the event a rousing success.

After a few Covid delays, the "beta test" of the resurrected Goochland Day took place in September. Big plans are afoot for the May 12, 2022, event. Visit https://www.goochlandday.com/ often to see what's up.

Elections

Voters overwhelmingly approved referenda on the November ballot to allow the county to issue general obligation bonds to fund a new Goochland Elementary School; improvements to the high school/middle school complex; a new circuit courthouse; and West Creek fire-rescue station. Thanks to securing a third AAA bond rating from Fitch Ratings, Inc., in October, Goochland, the smallest county in the country to have a hat trick of AAAs, will be able to get the best terms on this debt and save some tax dollars.

Helping

Ann Casey, Goochland's 2021 Christmas Mother, and her faithful elves, brightened the holiday season for families in need. Thanks to all who generously support this superb grassroots organization.

 

Redistricting

The Virginia Supreme Court approved the final map redrawing district lines for state and federal offices on December 28. Go to https://vacourts.gov/courts/scv/districting/redistricting_final.pdf for the complete document. Goochland will now be in the 5^th Congressional District, the 10^th Virginia Senate District and split between the 56^th and 57^th districts for delegates.

The proposed redistricting map for Goochland election districts is available at https://www.goochlandva.us/1191/Redistricting. A series of meetings will be held, beginning on January 5, to gather citizen input on the local changes. Please plan to attend one or more of these sessions or watch the livestream. To make the local process as transparent as possible, all comments will be posted on the redistricting website. Please pay attention and participate.

The future

Approval last summer of approximately 170 additional homes in Courthouse Village, and continued growth around Centerville highlight the need for a plan of development in these areas. In 2022, Hill Studio, P.C. is expected to be retained by the Department of Community Development, to seek feedback about the needs of residents in Courthouse and Centerville Villages and incorporate them into development schemes. Please keep an eye out for these sessions and participate.

May your 2022 be filled with good health, good things, and good cheer. We need to stop yelling at each other and listen!

Fire-Rescue report and remembrance

 

Goochland Deputy Fire-Rescue Chief Mike Watkins presented his department's report at the December 7 Board of Supervisors' meeting.

He reflected on the 80^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor that plunged our country into the world war that spawned "the greatest generation". These fine Americans came home and gave generously of their time and talent to improve their communities. They founded Goochland Fire-Rescue, which is marking its 70^th anniversary.

Watkins paid tribute to a long time "community asset" who was being laid to rest that day. Fire-Rescue Chief D. E. "Eddie" Ferguson, Jr. was participating in the service for Samuel A. "Sammy" Smith, Jr., who passed away on November 26 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Sam joined the Centerville Company 3 Volunteer Fire Department at a teenager in 1965. He was a charter member of the Centerville rescue squad and one of the county's first advanced life support providers. He was a life member and served Goochland Fire-Rescue in many capacities, including as president of the Fire-Rescue Association. Though not a member of the Greatest Generation, Sam Smith continued its legacy of service above self.

When Sam owned a hardware store in the county, he would leave the business to respond to 911 calls, especially during daytime weekday hours, when fewer volunteers were available.

An active member of the Goochland community, Sam was a Master Mason and member of the DeWitt Clinton Lodge. He was past president of the Goochland Rotary Club with perfect attendance for 25 years. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Viet Nam era.

Watkins offered prayers for the Smith family in this sad and difficult time.

Watkins then shared tips for safe holidays.

Keep trees and other decorations away from open flames and other heat sources. Be careful with lights, make sure they are in good working order and do not overload circuits.

Do not leave cooking unattended. Fallen leaves can cause brush fires, especially in our current dry and windy weather, to rapidly get out of control. Do not burn outside on dry and windy days.

Every home should be equipped with a working smoke alarm. These are available from the fire-rescue office at no charge. Call 804-556-5304 or contact your local fire-rescue station to have one installed for free. NEVER REMOVE THE BATTERY FROM A SMOKE ALARM TO USE IN ANOTHER DEVICE.

Closed spaces containing fuel burning equipment such as fireplaces, wood stoves, and heaters should have a working carbon monoxide detector nearby. Do not operate a portable generator inside a home or other closed space.

If you suspect a fire in your home, get everyone out quickly and call 911. Do not hesitate to call 911 for assistance. Our fire-rescue providers are there to keep everyone safe, save lives, and protect property.  Your call will not inconvenience them.

Have a safe and Merry Christmas

The map is out

 

Proposed change to election districts based on 2020 Federal Census

 

Goochland's redistricting team, which contains no elected officials or electoral board members, released the proposed map of new voting districts yesterday.  Go to the county website goochlandva.us and click on the redistricting tab for details.

Five community meetings will be held in January to gather citizen reaction to the proposed changes in county voting districts. You may also comment online, by phone, or by snail mail. All public comments will be posted on this website to provide universal access for feedback. Comments will be collected through February 1, 2022. A special meeting of the Board of Supervisors will be held on February 22 at 6 p.m. at which time changes could be made to the proposed map. A revised map will then be posted on the county website for an additional 15 day comment period. A public hearing on the final map is expected to be held on March 15 at 6 p.m.

In general, Districts 1, 2, and 3 became larger geographically, Districts 4 and 5 shrank due to population growth there. As far as possible, the new map adheres to legal requirements and criteria adopted by the Board of Supervisors at its November meeting. Incumbents were not protected—district borders were not drawn to ensure that incumbents remain in the district they currently represent.

Please take the time to review the proposed changes and make you thoughts on the matter known.

 

 

Where the fireflies twinkle

 

Some of those who made RISE shine.

A wise man once said it's amazing what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets the credit. In the case of broadband expansion, everyone wants to take credit, and that's just fine as long as it gets done.

2018 internet in Virginia

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and 7^th District Congressional Representative Abigail Spanberger trekked to the Hadensville Company 6 Fire-Rescue Station on December 13 to announce that Firefly Broadband has been awarded $79 million in a Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant. These funds, leveraged with $33.5 million put up by member counites will bring gigabit speed internet access to 36,000 unserved homes in 13 counties, including Goochland, in Central Virginia by 2024.

Firefly, a wholly owned subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) partnered with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC, Dominion Energy, and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC).

Goochland Supervisors Susan Lascolette, District 1; Neil Spoonhower, District 2; Don Sharpe, District 4; and Ken Peterson, District 5 attended. Also present were Goochland Sheriff Steven Creasey; Fire-Rescue Chief D. E. "Eddie" Ferguson, Jr.; Interim County Administrator the Hon. Manuel Alverez., Jr.; Ben Slone of the Economic Development Authority; School Board Chair Karen Horn, District 3; Mike Newman, District 4 School Board Member; and county and schools staff.  Partners in the project from Central Virginia Electric Cooperative; Rappahannock Electric Cooperative; and Christine Jacobs, Executive Director of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission; John Hewa, President and CEO of REC and Gary Wood, CEO of Firefly were there too.

Unlike the previous Firefly announcement, held in the same location on November 10, there was extensive coverage by the regional media. Perhaps because Company 6, which is in Goochland, has a Louisa County street address, thanks to the United States Postal Service, reportage on the event has been a bit vague about its location.

2022 Internet Coverage in Virginia. 

Jacobs explained that her agency served as the lead applicant and grant administrator for the VATI grant.  The super regional project includes 13 counties and touches five regional planning districts.

"We are grateful for the incredible partnerships that have formed to overcome obstacles to securing universal broadband coverage in our region and look forward to supporting the provision of high-speed fiber internet across the project area,” Jacobs said. The governor said the VATI grant application filed by Firefly was by far the most comprehensive of those submitted.

Northam, who hails from Virginia's rural eastern shore, said that when he took office in 2018, he was told that it would take ten years to bring broadband to the entire state. He felt that was far too long. Money appropriated by the General Assembly for broadband expansion statewide rose from less than $4 million annually to $50 million last year. Applying federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan to the effort will make Virginia the first state in the union to have universal broadband access, the governor said. Regulatory obstacles that prevented electric providers to use their right of way and easements for broadband also needed to be overcome.

Northam praised Firefly President and CEO Gary Wood as the driving force behind the project, which leverages electric utility infrastructure to bring fiber to every home in the state through the Rural Internet Service Expansion (RISE) project. Wood, who served as a supervisor and school board member, understands the vital role that partnerships among localities and with state and federal agencies plays in bringing initiatives to completion. (See www.firerflyva.com/rise for more information.)

 

Wood thanked all involved especially Eric Feinman, the Governor's Chief Broadband advisor, and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, which administers the VATI grants. Projects were selected through a competitive process that evaluated each for demonstrated need and benefit for the community, applicant readiness and capacity, and the cost and leverage of the proposed project. The level of funding awarded is based on the infrastructure needs in the project area. 

 

Wood said that RISE is already "lighting the hills of Virginia" with broadband and thanks to the VATI grand funding hopes to bring the project to the finish line by 2024. Goochlanders are already being connected to Firefly.

 

Warner, who quipped that he once had a "real job" in telecommunications, recalled the early days of the internet. He said that people in India got the benefits of internet access, Americans outside of urban areas, not so much.

Spanberger was praised for her diligent work in the initiative. As the only member of the Virginia Congressional delegation to sit on an agriculture committee, she understood the hardship that a dearth of internet access places on rural areas.

All speakers alluded to the realization that access to hi speed internet is just as much an economic necessity to rural farmers as it is to other kinds of businesses. Covid lockdowns made remote learning and work as well as telehealth vital.  They also pointed out that universal broadband means that young people do not have to leave the communities where they grew up for world class jobs.

Wood said that, thanks to the VATI grant, soon the light of fiber internet will be everywhere that fireflies twinkle in the night sky of Virginia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redistricting

 

Current Goochland electoral districts

Proposed maps drawn by special masters appointed by the Virginia Supreme Court to divvy up Virginia's population into new election districts using data from the 2020 census are out for public review, finally. The task reverted to the Virginia Supreme Court after a commission created for the purpose could not reach agreement. Public hearings about the maps will be held on December 15 and 17 before a final review by the Court on December 19. Go to https://www.vacourts.gov/news/items/2021_1208_scv_press_release_redistricting.pdf  to learn how to comment.

This will change the boundaries of federal congressional districts, as well as those for the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate. Redistricting will also change the boundaries of county election districts.

The results of the 2010 census indicated that growth in Goochland was even throughout the county. Only a handful of census tracts shifted districts in 2011. While the 2020 census was taken as of April 1, 2020, before many of the homes in the large subdivisions were occupied, there was still a significant increase in homes in the eastern end of the county since 2010.

Goochland County Attorney Tara McGee leads the county redistricting team, which also includes Interim County Administrator Manny Alvarez; Deputy County Administrator for Community Development JO Ann Hunter; General Registrar Ryan Mulligan; GIS Analysts Jon Worley; and Divya George, but no elected officials.

McGee reported on December 7 that the Census Bureau has accepted the changes in the Goochland-Louisa border made in 2019 as permanent. The county population as of April 1, 2020, is 24,727, an increase of 3,010 people or 12.17 percent since 2010.

Census data showing growth

 McGee explained the parameters for redistricting to the supervisors at their November 3 meeting and updated her comments on December 7. A website https://www.goochlandva.us/1191/Redistricting-2021 dedicated to the process was recently created.

On November 3, the supervisors approved redistricting criteria and authorized the team to begin work on inputting data to redistricting software. Goochland cannot finalize its district lines until state maps have been approved.

Although protecting incumbents is legally permissible, the supervisors decided not to do this.  Precincts must have between 100 and 5,000 registered voters, not residents. Precincts cannot be split. For instance, District 3 is currently represented by two delegates, only one delegate may appear on a particular precinct ballot. That is why there are two precincts located at the Goochland Sports Complex.

Electoral districts must be substantially equal in population. Based on the 2020 census, this means that each electoral district in Goochland should contain about 4,830 people. To achieve this goal, district boundaries must be moved. Legal requirements for voting districts include that they must be contiguous and compact; race must not be a predominate factor; boundaries must be clearly observable; that the fewest number of voters are moved from one district to another; and that they retain the same shape as before redistricting. Another goal is to include voters from a subdivision in the same district when possible.

McGee said that subdivision was used rather than neighborhood, because subdivisions have legal definitions. The use of clearly observable boundaries, for instance roads rather than parcel numbers, adds transparency to the process.

To further complicate the process, "guests" of the Department of Corrections are no longer considered to be residents of their place of incarceration, so District 3 lost some people in the 2020 recount. McGee suggested that the simplest way to adjust boundaries would be to move them east for district 1, 2, and 3. Revising the boundary between districts 4 and 5, which runs east to west, could be a bit trickier. The map with proposed revisions to districts will be posted on the redistricting website prior to the January meetings.

Postcards announcing public meetings about redistricting have been mailed to every county residence. Sessions are scheduled for all parts of Goochland and include ZOOM options for those unable to attend in person.

Coming to your mailbox. Read and heed.

McGee said that every effort is being made to ensure that the redistricting process is transparent. Transcripts of all meetings will be posted on the website as will all pertinent comments. The only "editing" of comments will be for foul language or off topic remarks. The goal is to ensure that everyone has access to all redistricting information and decisions.

Public comment will be open for at least 30 days. After that, staff may make revisions to the map. Then the final map will be posted on the website for 15 days before the supervisors hold a public hearing before adoption of the changes, hopefully in April 2022.

Please pay attention and participate in this process.

For statewide information about redistricting, go to https://www.virginiaredistricting.org/.

 

 

Highlights of last Board meeting of 2021

 

The last meeting of the Goochland Board of Supervisors for 2021 took place on December 7. This was the last meeting with John Lumpkins, Jr., District 3 as board chair. It is the custom of the supervisors to rotate the chair among its members. A new chair will be elected at the January 4, 2022, meeting.

The afternoon session followed the annual employee recognition luncheon honoring those with five years benchmark service anniversaries.

The Rev. John Maher of St. Francis Episcopal Church on Hockett Road offered a moving invocation on the 80^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He asked the Lord to give wisdom to those who govern our county.

Interim County Administrator, The Hon. Manuel Alvarez, Jr., reported that the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, henceforth to be known as "Goochland's Grand Illumination", on December 3, was a great success. Attendance was estimated at about 1,200, far higher than previous years. "Someone told me it was like being in a Hallmark Christmas movie," he said.

County staff donated a record $3,111 to this year's Christmas Mother Ann Casey. "No taxpayer dollars were involved," quipped Alvarez. Collaborating to make the occasion memorable were the Parks and Recreation staff, Goochland Fire-Rescue, Jan Kenny from the Goochland YMCA, the Pamunkey Regional Library, the folks from General Services who put the tree up, and the amazing Goochland High School Dance troupe. He thanked all who generously donated food to Goochland Cares.

Goochland is blessed with a corps of dedicated and intrepid employees who found creative ways to keep local government running amid pandemic restrictions. The 33 people recognized for their service represent over 300 years of combined service to the county. Among the honorees, is 20-year veteran, County Executive Assistant and Deputy Clerk Lisa Beczkiewicz who keeps everyone else on track. (Go to page 7 of the December 7 board packet, available on the county website goochlandva.us, for the complete list.)

l to r Paul Drumwright, marking 15 years of service; Manuel Alvarez, Jr.,  Lisa Beczkiewicz, Board Chair John Lumpkins, Jr. The other employees honored for service anniversaries went back to work after lunch. The Board meeting is work for Lisa and Paul.

Putting its money where its mouth is, the Board adopted a resolution amending the FY22 budget by budgeting and appropriating $1.2 million in the County General Fund and School operating fund for one-time employee bonuses for county and school staff. This breaks down to $550,000 for permanent full and part-time county employees in good standing who were employed as of September 27, 2021, and did not receive a bonus in November 2021. The remaining $700 k is for school employee bonuses.

During citizen comment Jonathan Lyle, a director of  the Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District, reported on the recent Virginia Farm Bureau  state conference.

"Solar collection facilities do not farm anything," he said. "They are industrial in nature. In some places, they qualify for land use taxation. The VFB's position is that they should not qualify for that." Lyle contended that claiming solar collection facilities are "farms" and therefore qualify for land use taxation is disingenuous at best.

            (Property must be actively engaged in agricultural or timber—trees are a crop—use to qualify to be taxed at a per acre rate set by the state. Land use taxation is justified because cows do not send their children to school, and do not call 911. Lower tax bills help small farmers stay in business, so they are not tempted to sell their land to developers.)

A proposed calendar for the FY 2023, budget process was approved.  The county administrator's recommended budget will be presented to the supervisors on February 22, 2022. Following discussion, town hall presentations to citizens, and public hearings, approval of the FY 23 budget and setting of tax rates for calendar year 2023 is anticipated on April 19.

The supervisors unanimously voted to adopt a conflict-of-interest policy for appointees to various boards and commissions. This requires financial disclosure from individuals appointed. (See page 61 in the board packet for details.)

A public hearing was set for January 4 to amend the county ordinance dealing with on site alternate septic systems; conventional on-site sewage systems, including pump out requirements; and related issues. (Go to page 64 in the board packet for details.)

The interim county administrator, the Honorable Manuel Alvarez, Jr., was authorized to execute the following agreements:

·        With Timmons Group, Inc. for professional engineering services to design the water and sewer systems for the Huguenot Hills neighborhood at a cost not to exceed $381,900. This property is part of the Tuckahoe Creek Service District. The cost of the project is included in the county utilities' master plan.

·         Second amendments to the Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund, Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, and Local Incentives Performance Agreements between Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, LLC, Goochland County Economic Development Authority, and the County. Covid lockdowns prevented Hardywood from reaching the goals established in the original agreements. (See page 97 of the board packet for details.)

·        A third amendment to existing wastewater agreement with the Department of Corrections to increase the amount of wastewater treatment capacity in Courthouse Village from 136,000 gallons to day, to 180,000 to accommodate growth. The County will pay $1,939,110 to the DOC to construct Phase 1 of these upgrades. Funds for this project have been budgeted in the utility capital improvement project fund.

Marshal Winn, Ashland Residency Administrator for VDOT reported that the roundabout planned for the intersection of Fairground and Sandy Hook Roads is ahead of schedule with advertisement expected in January 2022, which would start construction by early summer. No word on where the county Christmas tree will be located next year.

Ken Peterson, District 5, asked if work is complete for the odd turn lane configuration at the intersection of Rt. 6 and Pagebrooke Drive near Rt. 288. Winn said that coordinating contractors to properly stripe the lanes had been a problem. He also said that work at the location was just finished, and he expected the intersection to operate as planned. At this time, no traffic signal is planned there.

There was also discussion about access to Rt. 6 from the newly opened Tuckahoe Pines retirement facility near the Henrico County line. As approved, no eastbound (left) turns were permitted. Vehicles wishing to go east were to make a right (west) turn onto Rt. 6 and go to the signalized intersection at Hope Church to make a U turn. Apparently, this is not happening, and cars are "wiggling" through the median to make left turns, increasing the potential for wrecks. Winn said he would see if there are ways to discourage left turns.

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, who serves on the Central Virginia Transportation Authority reported 50 percent of a local tax on gas and groceries, which was levied a few years ago, has resulted in about $2.4 million coming back to Goochland for engineering to improve Interstate 64 interchanged at Ashland and Oilville Roads. Some of the money generated—Goochland is a "donor" member because we contribute more than we get back—also goes to Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC). There is currently no bus service to Goochland. However, a survey is being conducted to gauge interest in micro transit—vehicles transporting small groups of people, perhaps for medical appointments—in Goochland. Go to https://grtc.metroquest.com/ to take the survey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working nine to five

 

Since its inception about a decade ago, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Goochland High School has worked to bridge the mismatch between the job market and skilled workers. CTE helps students explore where their gifts and aspirations will take them after graduation, be it college, the military, or the world of work. Bruce Watson, Director of CTE, Christin East, Division Coordinator for Student Programs, and Tim Greenway CTE Chair are the team that folded this into Work Based Learning (WBL).

School and business folk gather at GHS learning commons

Business roundtables sponsored by CTE facilitate useful conversations between local companies and the school division. This has evolved into to a robust and ever-expanding program of mentorship, apprenticeship, and "real world" job experiences for students. The goal is to prepare students for the local workforce so that they will become productive citizens and remain in the region, supporting its economic viability.

The latest of these was held at the GHS learning commons on December 2, the first in person event since Covid.

In opening remarks Goochland Superintendent of Schools, Jeremy Raley, Ed. D., gave a brief overview. "I am blessed to be a part of public education in this community that supports public education more than any community than I've even been a part of," Raley said. He listed a few of our school division's accomplishments—they are many— including being ranked the number 1 school division in the Richmond region by Niche.com for the fourth consecutive year and having the best teachers. "Goochland continues to be a shining star when it comes to delivering high quality public education to students."

Raley attributed the success of GCPS to an excellent team supported by the Goochland Board of Supervisors, something rare in the Commonwealth, and the community at large as evidenced by the overwhelming approval—85 percent— of the education bond referendum at the polls last month.

In addition to funding a new elementary school, the education bonds will pay to add approximately 30 thousand square feet to GHS for CTE, which currently operates off site. This will allow expansion of the program well into the future.

CTE's goal is to help students expand the learning they do within the walls of the school into the real world. The goal is for every graduate to have had at least one work-based learning experience.

Watson explained that work-based learning provides opportunities for students to "test drive a career". The logo for the program—a clever combination of gears and stairsteps around the GCPS G—was designed by a competition among GHS marketing students in eleven days.

The winning team is currently working with the school division's marketing professionals to refine the logo, which in itself is a work-based learning experience. All GHS students participate with business partners to learn about specific careers, and industries.

Looking beyond graduation starts early. Career awareness in elementary school includes guest speakers, and field trips. Career exploration in middle school includes mentorships, and career and skills assessment. Career preparation in high school includes 11 different work-based learning opportunities CTE certifications, internships, clinical experiences, and apprenticeships. "We want kids to be thinking about what they want to do after high school in the eighth grade," said Watson. Whatever students are interested in, even of not a CTE area of study, the program will help students connect with that career.

He explained that,  programs like job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships have been offered for the past few years. The students have the responsibility to find the company they want to work with so that they have skin in the game. Apprenticeships take place in senior year. Students alternate full days, studying at GHS to complete graduation requirements, with full work days on the job site. Watson said the eight hour day  arrangement is better for students and employers.

East said that job shadowing is an umbrella for many different activities ranging from an interview to field trip.

Watson addressed some employer concerns about the program. WBL is a part of the classroom, parents and the school division insure the student. GCPS will follow all federal labor laws prior to matching a student with business. GCPS provides OSHA training. Liability for injuries sustained while traveling to and from work rests with the party responsible for transportation of the student.

"Woven through everything we do here is soft skills," said Watson. "Employers tell us they want students who show up on time; are dressed appropriately; are able to think critically; are creative; resilient; can look me in the eye; and they can work in groups. We drive that home."

Greenway said that the program starts wit interview skills, regular resume revisions and so forth. Ideally, students will start at the bottom learning all facets of the company so they can work for and run the company.

Watson said that he regularly receives phone calls from employers who need workers wanting to partner with Goochland.

Watson introduced two seniors, Bayleigh Allen and Ben McCray who are dong apprenticeships.

Allen did hers with Poole & Poole architects in Innsbrook. "This experience was nothing but beneficial.  I felt like I had a real job." She learned about different specialties within the firm and participated in a job site walk. Allen's senior project focuses on the new Goochland elementary school and how the design of a school can influence learning. Allen said the work experience made her feel more confident about her decision to study architecture in college.

Ben McCray is doing an apprenticeship with a welding shop every other day. He began last summer and continued during the school years. The shop is a very small facility that handle a wide range of projects. McCray worked on many of them.  He likes alternating between school and work but is undecided about what comes next in his life.

"I don't really know what I want to do after high school," McRay said. "I do like that I have the option to go straight into a welding job or get more certification. If at the end of the year, I hate welding, it's no loss. Whatever happens here, I have options going forward. I like having that base but not being locked into anything."

Local businessman Stan Corn said that number one thing employers need are people who are ready and able to work. "That's the most important thing you can teach these kids."

Both Allen and McCray said their apprenticeships opened their eyes about the realties of putting in a full day's productive work "It teaches you how to work a full eight-hour day in a really hot warehouse in the middle of the summer," said McCray.

Watson said that Ben McCray, as a third grader at Byrd Elementary was responsible for getting the WWBT channel 12 in Goochland County.

Go to ttps://www.goochlandschools.org/page/work-based-learning for more information.