Board Members Kelly, Koch Attend Final Meeting; Larson Earns Top VSBA Honor

WJCC School Board members Jim Kelly and Denise Koch, both attending their final WJCC board meeting Dec. 6, were recognized and thanked by their colleagues for their years of service on the School Board.  Roberts District Representative Koch was first elected to the Board in 2004 and served two four-year terms; Berkeley Representative Kelly joined in 2010 and served two years. Each received a plaque of appreciation and an engraved Jefferson cup.  Due to changes in district representation, Board Vice Chair Ruth Larson, who currently represents the Jamestown District, will become the Berkeley District representative effective Jan. 1; Heather Cordasco, who was elected to represent the Roberts District, will assume the seat vacated by Ms. Koch.  The Board will appoint a replacement for the Jamestown District seat.

Board members also received certificates and pins from the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) for various levels of participation in VSBA Academy workshops.  Ms. Larson received the Certificate of Distinction, the highest available level, for earning 84 credits over a two-year period.

Ms. Koch received a certificate of appreciation from the New Horizons Regional Educational Center for her two years of service on New Horizons’ Board of Trustees. WJCC partners with New Horizons to provide services to special education students, students with intellectual or emotional disabilities, and autistic students. Jennifer Haislip, Executive Secretary and Clerk of the Board for New Horizons, made the presentation.

Photo Kelly:  From left:  Jim Kelly, Vice Chair Ruth Larson, Chairman Jim Nickols.

Photo Koch:  Denise Koch receives her plaque of recognition from Chairman Jim Nickols.

Photo Larson:  Superintendent Dr. Steve Constantino presents Vice Chair Ruth Larson with a Certificate of Distinction from the Virginia School Boards Association for completing 84 credits in the VSBA Academy over a two-year period.