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Gill: HCPS dedicated to to a special senior year (Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools.) Good afternoon, Class of 2020 and their families, I know this must be an especially difficult time for you and that you are likely experiencing a range of emotions as we navigate this unprecedented situation. Without question, this is not the senior year that anyone ever expected, and I am heartbroken for you. Despite this setback, I want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to ensure your senior year is special and that you receive the recognition that you have earned and deserve. I also know that you have many questions about graduation, from requirements to commencement exercises. Included below are answers to these questions that I hope will help to ease and address many of your concerns in this regard.
Graduation Requirements The Superintendent of Public Instruction for Virginia has shared with us his commitment that students on-track for graduation prior to the closing of schools will graduate. More specific details are included see GILL, pg. 13
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 36, No. 45 | Richmond Suburban News | April 1, 2020
Northam orders Virginians to stay at home By Melody Kinser Managing Editor RICHMOND – “The message is very clear: that is stay at home.” That is the statement Virginia Governor Ralph Northam opened his 2 p.m. Monday press briefing concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19). He said residents “should stay at
home to the greatest extent possible.” He also said that he is “depending on all of you to comply.” According to the Governor’s Office, the executive order takes effect immediately and will remain in place until June 10 unless amended or rescinded by a further executive order. Northam referred to the measure
as “a period of sacrifice in an unprecedented and difficult time. It will be hard for people, and I understand, but I have faith in you as Virginians.” He did say that “most Virginians recognize this and are complying.” “Across Virginia in the past few weeks we have seen people doing the right things,” including helping their
neighbors, making masks to help medical personnel, teachers driving through neighborhoods to feel connected to their students. While the Governor said adhering to social distancing and washing hands remain priorities, he added that “more people need to hear this basic message: see NORTHAM, pg. 11
Budesky returning as county administrator By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local HANOVER -- A familiar face will be returning to Hanover County, in his words, “fill some big shoes”. Goochland county adminis-
trator John Budesky was unanimously selected as Hanover’s next county administrator, filling a role occupied by Rhu Harris for 15 years. Budesky referred to Harris as a friend, mentor and colleague
as he made brief comments to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors after his selection was unanimously ratified at last Wednesday’s meeting. Even with the subdued setting and limited attendance,
Budesky’s hiring was more akin to a reunion for the lifelong administrator who has spent four years as Goochland’s chief administrator. He left his position as see BUDESKY, pg. 13
BUDESKY
Wegmans’ officials submit latest proffers By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local HANOVER -- A public hearing scheduled last Wednesday regarding Wegmans’ application for proffer amendments fell victim to restrictions prompted by emergency declarations by Gov. Ralph Northam and similar declarations by local authorities limiting the number of people allowed to assemble. Although the Hanover County Board of Supervisors
did meet for its regular meeting on March 25, crowd limits were enforced and all public hearings scheduled for that night had previously been postponed. The hearing has been rescheduled for April 22, but some supervisors questioned if that might be optimistic considering the uncertainty of the current pandemic. Wegmans’ officials sent a letter and proffer comparison to board members earlier last see WEGMANS, pg. 8
Rendering submitted by Wegmans