By Heather Michon, Editor
At the start of the year, the Fluvanna County School Board decided to open each monthly meeting by recognizing student achievement.
“It’s very difficult to choose when you have such exceptional people,” Superintendent Peter Gretz said at the top of the April 15 meeting.
Dozens of students were recognized for accomplishments ranging from academic honors to participation in statewide competitions in the arts, agriculture, and STEM.
Among the honorees was senior Mia Dixon, the first Fluvanna student to receive the prestigious Jefferson Scholarship to the University of Virginia.
Other students were recognized for earning full college scholarships, completing associate degrees while still in high school, and achieving perfect scores on Virginia’s financial literacy certification exam.
Students in career and technical education programs earned industry credentials, including Microsoft Office certifications, while others placed in statewide competitions such as the Virginia State Fair baking contest.
Fluvanna’s drone teams also drew attention after winning competitions at NASA Langley and qualifying for regional events.
The board also heard updates on student mental health efforts, including an upcoming “Sources of Strength” suicide prevention walk aimed at raising awareness and connecting students with support resources.
Abrams renovations
Facility improvements were also on the agenda, with an update on planned renovations to Abrams Academy, the division’s alternative education center.
Originally opened in 1936 as the high school for Black students during segregation, the building has long needed renovations and modernization.
The project, funded at approximately $1.8 million, is expected to begin this summer and will include a secure entrance, expanded classroom space, upgraded HVAC systems, and improved student restrooms.
“I love talking about potties,” said Josh Bower, project lead with Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates. “It’s kind of my thing.”
Under the plan, Abrams will move to individual restroom stalls rather than shared facilities.
“In this environment, it’s not really super-awesome to have multiple students sharing a bathroom,” Bower said.
School officials said the goal is to begin construction in June and complete major work before the start of the next school year.
Teacher bonuses
The most complex issue of the night centered on employee bonuses tied to state funding.
The state has offered funding for $1,500 bonuses for certain school positions, contingent on a local match.
For Fluvanna, matching the full amount and extending bonuses to all employees would have cost more than $500,000, a figure not built into the current budget.
Board members weighed two options: providing the full $1,500 bonus to all staff or reducing the amount to approximately $1,000 to align with the available local match.
The discussion highlighted tensions between supporting employees and maintaining fiscal stability. Some members expressed concern about committing funds late in the budget cycle, while others emphasized the importance of recognizing staff efforts.
Ultimately, the board voted to approve the reduced bonus amount, allowing all employees to receive a payment while limiting the division’s financial impact.
Mia Dixon ’26, University of Virginia’s Jefferson Scholarship; Haley Smith ’26, Presidential Award; Carson Raines ’26, University of Pittsburgh Scholarship; Zachary Carter ’26, Graduating with an Associate’s Degree from PVCC; Jordan Lewis ’26, Graduating with a UCGS Certificate; Maraleine Miligan ’26, Graduating with a UCGS Certificate; Ryleigh Money ’26, Graduating with an Associate’s Degree from PVCC; Gabriel Rhea ’26, Graduating with a UCGS Certificate; Allison Rhodes ’26, Graduating with a UCGS Certificate; Alexia Ward ’26, Graduating with an Associate’s Degree from PVCC
