Ross described how, between the time period of April of 2003 through April of 2009, the energy conservation program had saved $783,663.00 in avoided costs. In describing the high level of cooperation and compliance he has received from all in the schools, Ross stated, "Everyone has been great." Ross identified teamwork, data analysis capabilities, on-site training and expertise and the comprehensive facility audits as being the major success factors.

In describing the program benefits, he explained the positive contributions to the budget, and the environment. Ross explained that the energy saved was the equivalent of that which would be consumed by 1,200 cars over the course of one year of driving. Projected total savings through March of 2013 are anticipated to be $1,432,000.

The board also approved a resolution to nominate the Virginian Leader to the Virginia School Board Association’s 2009 Media Honor Roll. Board Chairman J.B. Buckland stated that the board is greatly appreciative of the support of education exhibited by the local newspaper and that they were fortunate to have the Virginian Leader in the county." Board member Drema McMahon added that the coverage is very good for our schools and that this coverage helps her keep up with all that’s going on. Superintendent Arbogast added, "Every week there is a showcase on the schools." Later in the meeting board member Whitehead expressed his appreciation of the coverage recently given to various students at the Governors School who had received awards.

On the topic of personnel, the board approved the resignation of Shellie Austin, Macy McClaugherty School (MMS) elementary teacher. Employment was confirmed for Robbie Spiegel, MMS elementary teacher; Shelia Rice, Giles Technology Center (GTC) LPN instructor; Rebecca Wagner, Eastern Elementary (EEMS) teacher; Lori Wilburn, EEMS special education teacher assistant; Chris Gautier, Narrows High School (NHS) AEP lead teacher; and Mary Spaur, EEMS bus driver. Athletic supplements were approved for both high schools. Volunteer agreements were approved for Sharon Wilson, Norma Lester and Dottie Meredith, all for EEMS May Day. Chris Townsend was approved as a substitute bus driver. Donald Vaught had been slated for approval as a substitute driver also, however, his septic company business had also won an RFP bid for services. By policy, he will only be able to have one of the two approved, therefore, the board elected to ask Vaught which of the two situations he wishes to have approved.

In closing, Ross added that the on-going program continued to receive technical support, at no cost, from the firm Energy Education, original designers of the comprehensive initiative.

Regarding school policy revisions, the board approved an extensive list, which will become effective in the coming school year. The board also approved a new evaluation form for the Instructional Technology Resource Teachers.

Superintendent Arbogast reviewed the preliminary levels of SOL academic achievement test results from all the schools in the areas of English, math, science and history.

In the concerns and accomplishments section of the meeting, board member McMahon described her appreciation to the teachers for all their hard work during the past school year and offered her congratulation to the schools on their SOL scores. Board member J. Lewis Webb described the past school year as "bittersweet". He further explained, "It was disappointing with the budget issues that they were unable provide the teachers with the support that they deserved." Webb explained that, in contrast, the stadium projects at the high schools and the two renovation projects at EEMS and GTC were quite exciting. He added, "The students deserve these."

Board member Ronald Whitehead reported that the Governors School had reduced the number of board meetings from monthly to quarterly. He added that there had been revisions in the student handbook.

Board member Joseph Gollehon described how he had observed much being accomplished in the area of fine arts Gollehon described how the new bleachers at the schools would be far more accessible than the previous ones where he had some difficulty with navigation. He also stated his pleasure at observing fewer discipline problems over the previous year.

Chairman J.B. Buckland stated, "I wish we could have done more for our employees and when things bottom out, we will do everything possible." As a point of reference, Buckland added that very few counties were able to give step raises this past year.