County schools receive $239,100 grant for fresh produce – Henry County Enterprise

Henry County Public Schools will provide all elementary students with fresh fruits and vegetables this year thanks to a $239,100 grant from the Virginia Department of Education.

The Henry County School Board approved the additional appropriation to the fiscal year 2026 School Nutrition Budget during its Sept. 4 meeting at Mount Olivet Elementary School. The funding supports the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which aims to ensure students have access to healthy food options.

Bus purchases

In alignment with the division’s bus replacement schedule, the board also approved the purchase of up to five 65-passenger conventional school buses from Sonny Merryman of Rustburg through the state contract. Each bus is estimated to cost $135,417. Officials said the investment will help maintain safe, reliable transportation for county students.

Facilities improvements

The board authorized a $170,000 contract with RRMM Architects of Roanoke for design and engineering services to replace the main electrical switchgear at Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School and Laurel Park Middle School. Both projects were identified as high priorities in a recent facilities assessment study.

Honoring Black history

The meeting also featured a presentation titled Black History in Henry County Public Schools by the Rev. Tyler Millner, a graduate of George Washington Carver High School.

Millner has dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of Carver, collecting historical documents and materials that he donated to the school system. The items will be displayed at the school.

“Education is an all-in enterprise,” Millner said during his presentation.

He noted the school’s first year was 1950–51, and three members of the inaugural class later returned to Henry County as educators after completing college.

Superintendent designee Dr. Ben Boone, Board Chairman Teddy Martin and Vice Chairman Ben Gravely thanked Millner for his presentation and his commitment to preserving community history.

Looking ahead

The board reaffirmed its commitment to honoring the past, investing in the present and planning for a strong future for all students.