Grayson County schools are approaching two consecutive weeks without in-person learning due to winter weather, but years of experience with challenging conditions have prepared the district for extended closures.

Local superintendents said they try to keep safety in mind on wintry mornings while minimizing inconvenience for families.

A former Grayson County Public Schools employee was arrested on Thursday on child pornography and animal abuse charges, Kelly Wilmore, Grayson County Superintendent, said.

The county’s response was hampered by an outdated communications system after the storm knocked out power countywide. Now, a year later, there’s a new digital radio system with towers across the county.

Grayson County classrooms will be filled with students next week. They rely on the Mount Rogers Community Services Board for what is called therapeutic day treatment — a kind of intensive mental health support that helps traditional school counselors.

In rural communities, vocational options such as agriculture, welding, auto-body repair and healthcare are increasingly popular among students.

A bomb threat at Carter Bank in Independence has impacted multiple schools in the area, according to Kelly Wilmore, the Superintendent at Grayson County Public Schools.

Weather disruptions began in September with Helene, and now the recent winter weather has pushed schools like Grayson County past double digits in missed days, leading to considerations for make-up days.

One central Virginia county is paying it forward after they received help over 10 years ago when a historic east coast earthquake rocked their community. Now, Louisa County has set the example of supporting each other when tragedy hits.

1st and 10 high school football is back in action. One team that’s still elite in Week 10 is the Grayson County Blue Devils.

Governor Glenn Youngkin has challenged local school districts to implement learning programs to help kids recover from learning loss.

The Virginia Board of Education is recognizing school districts in Southwest Virginia for excellence.

Governor Glenn Youngkin wants parents to feel safe when children are in schools.

Students in the Builds and Trade program have recently completed setting up posts for a new structure at the GC Recreational Park Softball Fields.

Grayson County topped the recent Virginia Department of Education cohort report with a 100% graduation rate.

Kelly Wilmore will serve as the division superintendent for Grayson County Public Schools for another four years.

Grayson County parents can worry about their pockets a little less this school year thanks to COVID-19 financial assistance.

Grayson County Schools will not force a mask mandate when school starts next month.

Grayson County schools are getting a major facelift after facing earthquakes and dealing with aging infrastructure.

Grayson County’s Superintendent is speaking out against a proposed budget cut in school division funding.

ROANOKE, Va – High school graduation is a day most seniors never forget. Ralph Northam announced plans are being made to make sure they can go on in-person, school divisions are optimistic about in-person ceremonies at the end of this school year. “To me, it’s the culmination of 12 years of school it’s the ultimate day for our high school students,” Franklin County High School Principal Jon Crutchfield said. Some school divisions like Roanoke City and Martinsville are still reviewing the new guidance issued by Northam. “Franklin County is such a tight-knit community it is probably one of the top four or five attended events in our county,” Crutchfield said.

ROANOKE, Va. – Though a school reopening bill passed the Virginia Senate, the virtual component is getting mixed reactions from school superintendents and teachers. If Grayson County uses Virtual Virginia, it could cost the district about $1,200 a year per student. “If you want a virtual component then you need to put some money in the SOQ [Standard of Quality] to cover that virtual component and not leave us shorthanded,” he said. “This is going right back to no child left behind unfunded mandates from years ago.”AdWilmore said this piece of legislation is micromanaging and Henry County Schools agrees. As a parent and a teacher, Franklin County High School Teacher Kim Ellis said virtual learning needs to be on the table because of safety.

Grayson County Schools announced it will continue regular classes indefinitely, with social distancing procedures in place. [Carroll County schools will shift to virtual amid surge in coronavirus numbers]Superintendent Kelly Wilmore believes his school district is safe because of the rural make-up of Grayson County. In total, Grayson County has had 587 COVID-19 cases, with 44 hospitalizations and 22 deaths, according to VDH. She said she understands Wilmore’s decision because children may not be able to learn remotely in Grayson County. “We know that in Grayson County, going virtual is not really an option.”Wilmore said he has plans to adjust if an outbreak occurs in Grayson County, but remains confident his kids can make it to the end of the year without having to go virtual.

INDEPENDENCE, Va. – A southwest Virginia school district is delaying its start, but not because of COVID-19. After careful examination, including notes and cell phone pictures, structural engineer Todd Poff gave the cracks at Independence Elementary School his stamp of approval. Grayson County Superintendent Kelly Wilmore points to a crack at Independence Elementary School as structural engineer Todd Poff takes notes. Grayson County Schools Superintendent Kelly Wilmore was at a school on Sunday when the earthquake happened. The other two schools in the county with cracks from the earthquake were still being assessed as of late Monday afternoon.