Local K-12 educators work exceptionally hard to ensure that our students are prepared for a fulfilling life after graduation, whether that be by attending an institute of higher education, immediately entering the workforce, committing to military service, or any other occupation. One of the responsibilities of educators and administrators alike is ensuring that all students are attending school and advancing their personal development, and a recent story in the Virginian Leader told a great success story as it relates to a local K-12 school division’s success in increasing attendance. I think it is worth highlighting again.
It was recently announced that the chronic absenteeism rate in Giles County Public Schools fell from 19.31% to 7.53% in one year, which is a reduction of around 61%. This is an astounding improvement, and one which means that students in Giles County spent roughly 8,000 additional days in classrooms over the past year, according to Superintendent Dr. Marlin Campbell. What makes this story so meaningful is the way that educators and administrators arrived at this accomplishment: instead of instilling a punitive environment, Giles has found ways to make its schools places that students want to attend. Macy McClaugherty Elementary/Middle School in Pearisburg was recognized as having a 97.93% attendance rate in August, which is likely the highest figure since the school division started keeping track of this metric.
Making school interesting and fun is vital to keeping students engaged, and I am so proud to hear that this new focus has had such a tangible positive result. Sometimes, the most important education improvements do not necessarily begin with statewide mandates or new programs. Instead, they can come from communities solving problems locally. I thank all of our local educators and administrators for all that they do to help the New River Valley’s students learn and grow and thank you to the Virginian Leader for bringing this success story to light.
In other good news relating to education, Radford University’s enrollment reached 7,917 students, which marks the university’s third consecutive year of enrollment growth. Just as important as the strong enrollment numbers is the percentage of the 2025 freshman class that returned for their second year: 79.9%. Radford University has stated that this is the highest freshman retention rate in university history, surpassing the record of 79% set in year 2000. Radford University’s nursing program is exceptionally strong, also reaching a best-ever enrollment figure of 1,482 students. This is important as our region seeks to address the rural healthcare shortage, and generally speaking, it is also positive news for broader workforce development in the region.
I work hard as your delegate to support the New River Valley educational ecosystem by sponsoring budget amendments and legislation that support programs and infrastructure improvements at the K-12, university, and community college levels of education. I have also voted many times to increase the pay of educators and support staff. Supporting education at all levels will continue to be a top area of focus for me in the present and into the future, and once again, I appreciate the great work from all of our local teachers and administrators!
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Twitter @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
