By Heather Michon, Editor
Fluvanna County School Board members paused during their May 13 meeting to honor the retirement of longtime school safety leader Capt. Von Hill, praising his decades of work building relationships between law enforcement and local schools.
Hill is retiring after 32 years in law enforcement, including more than 20 years working closely with Fluvanna County Public Schools.
Superintendent Peter Gretz called him “an incredible partner to the schools” and “a fierce advocate for students.”
In emotional remarks to the board, Hill said his work had never been about rank or titles.
“For me, it’s never really been about a position or a title in doing the work that I have done,” Hill said. “It’s about people and building relationships. And the relationships that I have sought to facilitate here in Fluvanna are the same that I would want to facilitate in my own personal life, which was looking out for the best interests of those around me.”
Hill spoke at length about the importance of school safety, collaboration, and supporting children, saying law enforcement needed “a seat at the table” when it came to helping schools solve problems and protect students.
Board members and administrators credited Hill with helping to shape many of the school division’s safety initiatives over the years, including vestibule security improvements and student prevention programs.
ABRAMS RENOVATION
Early in the meeting, the board approved the first funding draw for long-planned renovations at Abrams Academy, a project officials hope to begin shortly after the school year ends.
Architect Josh Bower said contractors believe most — if not all — of the renovation work can be completed over the summer if demolition and material ordering begin quickly. The initial phase includes classroom renovations, restroom upgrades, vestibule improvements and HVAC work.
Bower said demolition could begin around June 1, depending on how quickly contracts are finalized.
“Just let me know if you need help swinging a sledgehammer,” said Columbia representative Sean Brennan. “I love demo work.”
The board ultimately approved an initial $451,323.27 draw for the project, though some members sought additional clarification on future costs and scheduling before later phases proceed.
FUTURE CHANGES
The board also heard details of a planned administrative reorganization for the 2026-27 school year. Superintendent Peter Gretz said the division plans to eliminate two vacant director-level positions following retirements and instead create several coordinator and supervisor roles focused on elementary instruction, testing and accountability, and alternative education student services.
The restructuring will also restore the title of assistant superintendent to two executive leadership positions that are already performing those duties, Gretz said. Administrators emphasized the changes would not increase pay or add new costs to the budget.
The board also received updates on employee bonuses and curriculum changes heading into the 2026-27 school year.
Finance officials said state-funded employee bonus payments are expected to be distributed on June 5.
Board members also approved a new 6-12 literacy curriculum recommendation after discussion about textbook funding, digital licensing costs, and the use of state textbook funds to support the adoption.
Administrators said the division receives about $300,000 annually in state textbook funding and had also carried over approximately $200,000 from the prior year to help support the curriculum rollout.
The meeting closed on a celebratory note as board members looked ahead to Fluvanna County High School’s graduation ceremony, scheduled for Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m.
