Alleghany Highlands Public Schools representatives recently accepted an award from VAcorps for excellence in risk management. From left to right: AHPS School Board Chairman John Littleton, Lee Brannon, senior school specialist with VAcorp; AHPS school board member Jacob Wright, AHPS Superintendent Kim Halterman, Virginia School Boards Association President Dr. Cardell Patillo, AHPS Assistant Superintendent Melinda Snead-Johnson, and Michael Thorton, school specialist with VAcorp. (VSBA Photo)
AHPS Recognized by VACorp for Excellence in Risk Management
WILLIAMSBURG — Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is among 11 Virginia school divisions recognized this year for excellence in risk management.
VAcorp presented the awards during the Virginia School Boards Association’s annual convention in Williamsburg, which was held Nov. 20-22.
AHPS placed in the property and casualty category for divisions with 5,000 and below students.
VAcorp provides coverage and risk management services to school divisions, public entities, and related organizations across the Commonwealth. This marks the fifth year VAcorp has presented the awards.
“It is an honor to recognize school divisions that are excelling in risk management and are emphasizing safety, injury prevention, and an overall management of risk,” said Dr. Lee Brannon, director of schools of VAcorp. “Providing continued guidance for the implementation of best safety practices in Virginia schools is our goal.”
Accepting the award for AHPS were Kim Halterman, John Littleton, Melinda Snead-Johnson, and Jacob Wright.
“We are so proud of our entire team – and especially proud of our custodial, maintenance, finance, and safety teams. This award recognizes diligence in keeping students and staff safe,” said Halterman and Snead-Johnson, leaders of AHPS.
AHPS worked with VAcorp to complete risk assessments of all buildings as part of a commitment to continuous improvement in maintenance managed by Snead-Johnson. AHPS also benefits from a regularly updated capital improvement plan.
Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services. The association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.
With approximately 2,700 students, AHPS was created when Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center merged in July 2022. The school division is jointly funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington.
AHPS news and events are regularly updated on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and Instagram at ahpublicschools. Information is also available at www.ahps.k12.va.us.