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School Board member Candyce Cassell said that the May 28 board meeting was one that she looks forward to all year because the board gets to recognize the work of the faculty and staff of Loudoun County Public Schools.
Recognition for certain faculty and staff came in the form of Dr. Claude Moore Foundation Scholarships, National Board teacher certifications, and presentation of service awards.
The Claude Moore Foundation donated scholarships of $5,000 each, plus $250 stipends for textbooks, to five teachers who are seeking licensure in an area of critical need. These areas include mathematics, chemistry, physics, computer science and special education.
The foundation is named after a radiologist who lived in and owned 2,000 acres in Loudoun County. Before his death at age 98 in 1991, Moore took on many philanthropic endeavors. Now, his foundation is dedicated to funding educational needs throughout Virginia.
Three teachers, Carolyn P. Baron at Lowes Island Elementary, Virginia S. Brennan at Sanders Corner Elementary and Carolyn E. Bridwell at Lowes Island Elementary, were recognized for their National Board Certification at the meeting. In addition to the honor, the three teachers received bonuses of $1,000 each.
SERVICE AWARDS recognizing 25, 30, and 35 years of work with Loudoun County Public Schools were given to faculty and staff from throughout the county. The award recipients included bus drivers, custodians, teachers, secretaries, principals, and every position in between. Some of the honorees have served in several positions throughout the years, while others have held the same position for the duration of their career.
The following faculty and staff were awarded for 25 years of service: Carolyn A. Anderson, Karen L. Barley, Bonnie C. Bowers, Patricia M. Clark, Patricia K. D'Arcangelis, Rita Dixon-Kent, Catherine Donaldson, Jeanne V. Dyer, Kurt B. Engel, Ellen S. Fein, Sharon S. Fields, Alice F. Gildersleeve, Nancy A. Grove, Joseph A. Harris, Michele K. Havener, Marlene H. Hersh, Sheree G. Hickman, Frances G. Hite, Donna H. Jensen, Bobbie J. Johnson, Bruce M. Johnson, Janette B. Johnson, Caroljean M. Kacho, John M. Keane, Bennett P. Lacy, Gay M. Lewis, A. Alanna McGuinn, Jennifer W. McKay, Norma J. Moles, Debbie D. Mueller, Charles A. Null, Jr., James F. Price, Peggy J. Rose, Carole A. Ruyak, Joanne E. Simpson, Pamela G. Smith, Anita J. Spain, Charles Stevens, Jr., Carrolet I. Taylor, Carol A. Thomson, Ann B. Thorsen, Mary E. Tinsman, Wayne M. Todd, Louis D. Upwright, Janie H. Utterback, Ruth S. Vodola, Ned D. Waterhouse, Jennie L. Wente, Ellen L. Wilt, Milton Worthington, Fred T. Wright.
The honorees for 30 years of service were: Sharon D. Ackerman, Martha A. Ballinger, Michael C. Barton, Mary Jane G. Black, Alma D. Brown, Dawn K. Bunting, Janice F. Butt, Martha B. Cooper, Elizabeth H. Denbow, Barbara M. Eason, Peggy A. Falzone, Judith A. Florance, Sheila J. Funkhouser, Loretta F. Hall, Gail M. Howland, Nancy S. Jacobs, Patricia A. Keister, Fanny M. Kellogg, Joan R. Mulligan, Karen F. Pekar, Deborah B. Pingley, Betty H. Rankin, Carol L. Shackleford, Louis T. Tiano, Marian S. Wimer.
The following honorees have served for the Loudoun County School Board for 35 years: Mary S. Brecht, Thomas E. Fields, Gail G. Mann, Betty A. Marker, Joseph L. Mauck, Jr., Michael A. Megeath, Bernice E. Smith, Thomas S. Woodall, Dennis A. Young.
THE BUSINESS PART of the meeting focused on the prospective new administrative office building. The site plan and elevations for the building were displayed as Assistant Superintendent of Support Services Evan Mohler gave a schematic design presentation. This looks like a very promising site, said Mohler in reference to the proposed building location right off of Dulles Greenway (Rte. 267).
The plans outline a five story, 150,000 square foot facility that would replace approximately 92,000 square feet of existing administrative office building space that has become crowded with staff members.
"This is a building that has been needed by the community for a long time," said Cassell while giving her support to the project.
The building is intended to accommodate the expected growth of the Loudoun school system. Due to the current growth rate, the number of staff members is estimated to be 450 by 2010.
Some board members argued that 150,000 square feet might initially be too much room for just the public school administrative staff. In response, Mohler suggested that the excess space in the building could be shared with the county government.
Board member Warren Guerin (Sterling) still opposed the issue. "We're building bigger than we planned to," he said. "I will not support the motion."
The motion passed 7-1-1, approving the building's site plan and elevations. It did not include approval of the floor plans or the interior of the proposed facility.