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Vol. 37, No. 42 | Richmond Suburban News | January 26, 2022
FY 2023 budget proposal targets teacher, student needs By Jim Ridolphi For The Mechanicsville Local
H
anover school superintendent Michael Gill presented his proposed 2023 fiscal year (FY) budget at a special meeting of the Hanover School Board last week. In what he described as an optimistic and exciting proposal, the superintendent’s $277.6 million proposed budget includes a 5% pay increase for all employees as well as incentives for years of service that could equate up to an additional 2% in added salary. In addition, the proposal also expands student resources in the social, emotional and mental health areas. “This year, it is with a smile on my face that I bring you my proposed budget for FY 2023,” Gill told board members at a special meeting last week.
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Hanover School Superintendent Michael Gill presented his FY 2023 budget to board members at a special meeting last week.
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Gill said the proposal addresses two of the most important elements of the county’s school system — students and employees. “As a service organization, our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to caring for and investing in those who care for our students while upholding our longstanding tradition of excellence,” Gill wrote in a letter to school board members. “During these incredibly challenging times, they have risen to the occasion time and time again and given of themselves so selflessly to help ensure our students’ and families unique needs are met under extraordinary circumstances.” He said the proposal represents an ongoing commitment to maintaining that tradition of excellence by hiring and retaining the best staff available. see FY2023, pg. 18
Local business expands services to offer easy COVID-19 testing By Christina Amano Dolan Editor ASHLAND – As COVID19 cases continue to spread and residents struggle to find speedy testing, a local business has stepped forward to offer an immediate solution for communities in need. Secure Testing Services, LLC (STS), located on Air Park Road in Ashland, recently expanded its services to offer quick and easy COVID-19 testing to the general public. Residents can visit the STS testing center for a quick test and receive their results shortly afterward, which can be given in person or electronically sent. STS currently tests between 20 to 25 people a day but can
Christina Amano Dolan/The Local
Secure Testing Services office and testing center is located at 11075 Air Park Road, Ashland, VA, 23005.
test up to 65 people a day. Tests are scheduled every 15 minutes in order for clients to avoid contact with other potentially-sick clients. Individuals may wait in see TESTING, pg. 9
Town of Ashland announces retirement of Chief Doug Goodman Leaders honor his 29 years of law enforcement service Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – After nearly 29 years of exemplary service to Hanover County and Ashland, Chief Doug Goodman of the Ashland Police Department will be retiring on April 1, 2022. Goodman’s retirement was announced during last week’s Ashland Town Council meeting by town
manager Josh Farrar. He is retiring from the agency to spend more time with family and friends. “It is with a heavy heart tonight that I announce the retirement of Chief Douglas Goodman,” Farrar said. “Chief Goodman has been a powerful force for good during his tenure here in Ashland, and his daily presence will be missed.” All in attendance rose from their seats to applaud Goodman’s years of exceptional leadership and devotion to the community, followed by heartfelt farewell speeches given by council members. Goodman joined the Ashland Police Department (APD) in August 2007 after serving the Hanover
County Sheriff ’s Office for over 14 years and reaching the rank of lieutenant. While with APD, he served as an accreditation team leader and a commissioner for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA); served on the Board of the Virginia Center for Policing Innovation; is a past president of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and is a past chair of the Central Virginia Law Enforcement Chief Executive Association. “Over the last decade plus, Chief Goodman CHIEF DOUG GOODMAN see GOODMAN, pg. 7
ASHLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT