2015-05-13
Custodial complaints stir debate: What next?
School official: contractor held to ‘higher standard’When school officials decided last year to outsource custodial services at eight county schools, they also developed a system to monitor the contractor’s job performance. During a meeting last summer, principals of the eight outsourced schools were told that they should report any issues with employees of GCA Services Group to the school system’s facilities department – specifically, the assistant […]
We the Students
After years of debate-minded lessons, Cosby’s Renee Serrao up for national awardAs she closes in on the end of her 22nd year as a high school government teacher, Renee Serrao remains invigorated by the challenge of producing “informed citizens.” “It’s still incredibly rewarding,” Serrao said, sitting near a bulletin board jammed with political candidate bumper stickers in her classroom at Cosby High School. “The workload for teachers is much harder than […]
Cost to renovate Monacan rises, perturbs supervisors
With bids for the first project on a list of major school renovations coming in well above the expected cost, county officials are seeking assurances that the estimated costs for the remaining projects aren’t going to cause sticker shock. At a meeting last week, members of the joint Board of Supervisors/School Board Capital Construction Goals and Accountability Committee were given […]
Group offers help with job search
Jobseekers provides unemployed or underemployed residents with resources for landing a job and emotional and spiritual support while they’re looking. Volunteers help participants with reviewing résumés; assessing skills and strengths; preparing for interviews; and offer tips on correspondence and networking. All services are free. Jobseekers meets weekly on Mondays at 10 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 2341 […]
Developer to donate 21-acre park along Woolridge Road
A popular county park is set to grow with a donation from a developer, and plans are afoot to add amenities that could turn it into a major regional historical and recreational attraction. A 21-acre parcel along Woolridge Road that includes a pond, an amphitheater and a replica of a coal-mine headstock is set to be added to the nearby […]
Heating up: Rise of ‘vapors’ worries antismoking advocates
Sitting in his white Nissan Sentra just outside of Avail Vapor on Hull Street Road in western Chesterfield, Brett Hadden refills his electronic cigarette with new flavors he has just bought. “I like White Moose best,” he says. He also fits the profile of many who use vaping devices – he’s 19 years old, a recent high school graduate and […]
Gecker holds fundraising advantage entering debate
Unless something changed dramatically over the past month, Dan Gecker was expected to enter the May 13 forum for 10th District Senate candidates with a significant fundraising advantage over fellow Democrats Emily Francis and Alex McMurtrie Jr. Gecker, who represents the Midlothian magisterial district on the Board of Supervisors, raised $230,000 between Jan. 1 and March 31, according to the […]
Special advocates for abuse victims sought
The Chesterfield Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program is seeking volunteers to advocate on behalf of children who have been victims of abuse. CASA volunteers are mature citizens who care about children and their welfare. The advocate conducts an independent investigation, maintains regular contact with the child and reports to the court what is in that child’s best interest. Volunteers […]
Confidential support group for violence victims
The Chesterfield County Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center is facilitating an anonymous community support group for victims of domestic and sexual violence on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, 6-7:30 p.m. This support group is confidential. Anything you say is kept in strict confidence as is the location. You do not need to use your name unless […]