Board asks superintendent to study Spotsylvania participation in ATI UMW after presentation
April 13, 2026 | SPOTSYLVANIA CO PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia
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Dr. Rebecca Towery, executive director of the Academy for Technology and Innovation at the University of Mary Washington, summarized the regional laboratory‑school model and answers to board questions about costs and access.
Towery said ATI opened last year with about 85 freshmen and that the program received a $2.1 million start‑up grant and $4.4 million in operating funds over five years. Towery described three dual‑enrollment pathways, including an associate degree in computer science, and said current enrollment spans a range of student needs: high‑achieving students, students on IEPs and students seeking industry certifications.
A student speaker, Henrik, described a typical schedule that includes four long class blocks and Friday club time, and said ATI provides close student‑teacher connections because the program is smaller than comprehensive high schools.
Board members pressed staff on several operational points: whether Spotsylvania students can attend (Towery said out‑of‑district students can enroll by first enrolling with a partner division and paying an out‑of‑district rate), how transportation is provided (Towery explained hub/shuttle and van options), average class sizes (about 20–25 students), and projected partner fees. Towery gave a phased per‑student partner fee schedule that she said is in the $8,500–$10,500 range over a five‑year phase‑in and estimated Spotsylvania’s next‑year cost at about $9,000–$9,500 per student, while noting ATI covers many expenses such as dual‑enrollment tuition and special‑education services.
After the discussion Miss Craig Ford moved and Mr. Lieberman seconded a motion “to task Dr. Mitchell with gathering information for a future presentation to this board on what it would look like for Spotsylvania to participate in ATI.” The motion passed 7–0.
What’s next: Superintendent Mitchell will report back with the requested cost impact, number of seats Spotsylvania could secure, and timeline options before the board considers any budget commitments.
Sources: presentation by Dr. Rebecca Towery and student Henrik; motion and vote recorded by the board.
Towery said ATI opened last year with about 85 freshmen and that the program received a $2.1 million start‑up grant and $4.4 million in operating funds over five years. Towery described three dual‑enrollment pathways, including an associate degree in computer science, and said current enrollment spans a range of student needs: high‑achieving students, students on IEPs and students seeking industry certifications.
A student speaker, Henrik, described a typical schedule that includes four long class blocks and Friday club time, and said ATI provides close student‑teacher connections because the program is smaller than comprehensive high schools.
Board members pressed staff on several operational points: whether Spotsylvania students can attend (Towery said out‑of‑district students can enroll by first enrolling with a partner division and paying an out‑of‑district rate), how transportation is provided (Towery explained hub/shuttle and van options), average class sizes (about 20–25 students), and projected partner fees. Towery gave a phased per‑student partner fee schedule that she said is in the $8,500–$10,500 range over a five‑year phase‑in and estimated Spotsylvania’s next‑year cost at about $9,000–$9,500 per student, while noting ATI covers many expenses such as dual‑enrollment tuition and special‑education services.
After the discussion Miss Craig Ford moved and Mr. Lieberman seconded a motion “to task Dr. Mitchell with gathering information for a future presentation to this board on what it would look like for Spotsylvania to participate in ATI.” The motion passed 7–0.
What’s next: Superintendent Mitchell will report back with the requested cost impact, number of seats Spotsylvania could secure, and timeline options before the board considers any budget commitments.
Sources: presentation by Dr. Rebecca Towery and student Henrik; motion and vote recorded by the board.
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