June 14, 2024

A publication by Gloucester's Department of Community Engagement and Public Information

Exciting news, Public Utilities customers! Gloucester County will soon install a new water meter infrastructure that will give you access to water usage data and leak alerts.

We are so excited to see everyone on Saturday!! Please make sure you are following this event and come out to support of young vendors!


The Kids Craft Market is an opportunity and venue for crafty youth ages 18 and under to sell their creations. Booths will be set up on the lawn on the Colonial Courthouse. The public is invited to stop by and purchase items from our talented youth.

Join us next Wednesday (June 19) for Toby & Larry at 6PM in the historic court circle!


To see the full line up and other awesome things to do in Gloucester please visit https://gloucesterva.gov/tourism/events

GCPS CORNER

Dear Teachers, Staff, Parents and Community Members,


We are pleased to share important updates and decisions from the most recent Gloucester County School Board meeting held on Tuesday. These decisions reflect our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and high-quality educational environment for all students.

**Summer Office Hours**

Beginning June 10 and ending August 9, 2024, school front office hours are 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. District office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Schools and offices are closed on Friday. Employee summer work hours have been communicated through the memorandum FY24-01.


**Employee Recognition**

The School Board Recognized Heather Lucas, Chief Finance Officer, on her retirement. Heather completed 32 years of meritorious service in public finance. Her passion for students and the organization is a fiery as ever! She will be truly missed. Mr. Dwight Duren, her successor, is already on board learning the ropes. We welcome Dwight to the team and wish him much success in this role.


**Budget Update**

We are happy to report that the final Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) state budget has allocated an additional $1.7 million to our operating budget. This increase has effectively covered the previously anticipated $1.5 million shortfall in the school board-approved budget, ensuring that our financial plans are fully supported.


**School Board Approvals**

The School Board has approved several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education and security within our district:

1. **School Security Officers**: Funding has been secured to maintain two existing grant-funded school security officers. This decision underscores our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students and staff.

2. **Instructional Support**: We have approved the addition of a Reading Specialist at the middle school level. This role is critical in supporting students' literacy and overall academic success. Additionally, we have approved a part-time Gifted Education teacher to better cater to the needs of our gifted students, providing them with the resources and opportunities they require to excel.

3. **Fully Funded Programs**: We are pleased to announce that Instruction, Transportation, and Maintenance budgets have been fully funded. This comprehensive support ensures that our educational programs run smoothly and efficiently, benefiting students and staff alike.


**Future Considerations**

In response to the Superintendent's request to fund a district level Public Information Coordinator to improve crisis responses and overall district communication, the School Board commented that more information and discussion is needed, when it voted to approve the Updated FY25 budget.


We appreciate your continued support and involvement in our school district. Together, we are building a stronger, safer, and more enriching educational environment for our children.


Thank you for your attention to these important updates. We look forward to your ongoing engagement and support.



Sincerely,

The Gloucester County School District


LIBRARY NEWS

PR&T NEWS

Join us for an unforgettable adventure at Beaverdam Park's upcoming Kayak Camps!


Campers will hit the lake and learn basic kayaking skills and water safety! This is perfect for the beginner paddler, our expert instructors will guide your camper through the basics and help them master new skills!

Limited spots for these two camps are available!


Please visit gloucesterva.gov/civicrec to register!

Calling all young adventurers ages 10-13!


Get ready to embark on an exciting journey with Gloucester Parks & Rec's Passport Camp this summer!  Explore the world without actually needing a passport. We will be exploring fossil beaches, learning about nature at our local parks, and just enjoying the great outdoors! This is the perfect opportunity to make new friends & create lasting memories.


Registration for this camp is now open! Head to gloucesterva.gov/civicrec and click on CAMPS

Sarah Creek Clean Up !


9 volunteers spent 2 hours cleaning up Sarah Creek in their kayaks and canoes this past weekend!


They collected 8 bags of trash which included lots of plastic, a stool, and someone’s old swim shorts !



Thank you to all participants for helping to keep our waters clean


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For more information, to apply, and review full job descriptions, please visit https://www.gloucesterva.gov/347/Job-Opportunities

Town Crier | 804-693-5730 | Contact Us |
6382 Main Street
Gloucester, Virginia 23061
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