Supervisors approve resolution supporting, funding ACCE Program

RESOLUTION OF THE PULASKI COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SUPPORTING THE NEW RIVER VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ACCESS TO COMMUNITY COLLEGE EDUCATION FUNDING THROUGH AN APPROPRIATION TO THE PULASKI COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

WHEREAS, it is the desire and intent of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors to strategically invest in meaningful initiatives that help to better prepare our citizens to enter the workforce and support the advancement of workforce development in Pulaski County, Virginia; and,

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors understands the importance of cultivating a world-class workforce for the benefit of bolstering our existing businesses and industries and to provide Pulaski County a competitive edge in the economic development marketplace; and,

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors prioritizes education and values the students of Pulaski County as our finest asset and considers investments in them as investments in our future; and,

WHEREAS, the Board has identified the New River Community College’s Access to Community College Education (ACCE) program as a strategic initiative aimed at cultivating a ready and able Pulaski County workforce and preparing our students for tomorrow; and,

WHEREAS, the Board understands there is a significant cost to making such an investment and this cost should be shared equitably between the public, private and non-profit sectors; and,

WHEREAS, the Board has identified the best and most logical repository for the ACCE program funding is with the local governing body whose charge is our children’s education and who is responsible for putting in place the proper keystones for raising student achievement and engaging the community to attain these goals; and, 

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors has identified the Pulaski County School Board as the governing body best suited for the development, management and oversight of the ACCE program; and,

WHEREAS, the school board currently works closely with the New River Community College (NRCC), the college’s Career Coaches and their faculty and staff; and,

WHEREAS, the school board is in a much better position to assist students with understanding and accessing the ACCE program, as well as utilizing the school board’s existing programs such as dual enrollment and other creative means to help manage the cost of the program and possible increases in continuation costs.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors wishes to support the workforce development and educational initiative known as the New River Community College ACCE program, and shall enthusiastically demonstrate our support through a commitment to invest as matching funds to the New River Community College Foundation’s funding, up to $100,000.00, as a match through an appropriation within the Pulaski County School Board’s FY 19-20 Budget.

Adopted this 29th day of April 2019, in Pulaski County, Virginia.

Howard A. McCready, Chair        

Pulaski County Board of Supervisors

Jonathan D. Sweet, County Administrator

 County of Pulaski, Virginia