Corey Shenk named AD at PCHS

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Page County Public Schools announced the appointment of Corey Shenk as the new Athletic Director for Page County High School.

Shenk brings experience as an athletic director, volunteer assistant athletic director, and head coach in basketball and baseball.

Most recently, he served as the Dean of Students for Springfield and Luray Elementary schools.

As Athletic Director, Shenk will oversee the school’s athletic programs, support coaches and student athletes, coordinate events and schedules, and promote programs that reflect the school division’s expectations of sportsmanship, academic achievement, safety, and character.

In the press release, Page County Superintendent Dr. Bryan Huber said, “Corey is a dedicated, student-centered leader who understands the important role that athletics and extracurricular activities play in the overall educational experience. He values teamwork, accountability, strong relationships, and school pride, and I am confident he will provide positive leadership for Page County High School’s student-athletes, coaches, families, and community.”

To view the full announcement, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Laurel Ridge honored by Luray-Page County Chamber

The Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce recognized Laurel Ridge Community College for the school’s community contributions during the chamber’s 100th annual banquet and awards ceremony.

The Nonprofit Excellence Award is presented to a nonprofit chamber member that:

  • goes above and beyond in communicating it’s mission
  • tirelessly works towards goals that align with a common purpose
  • positively impacts the community
  • foster relations with other nonprofits to promote collaboration and collective efforts to address community needs that provide a lasting impact.

Laurel Ridge’s nomination highlighted the over 1,500 degrees and certificates awarded to students attending the Luray-Page County Center since it opened 20 years ago.

In total, the satellite location has served around

  • 2,600 students
  • 230 Laurel Ridge Workforce solutions students
  • 80 Adult Education participants

The nomination also praised Laurel Ridge’s dual enrollment program offered to local high school students and stated, ““Not only do these DE classes save Page County residents tuition dollars when they transfer to four-year colleges and universities, they also help them save time, develop the skills to take on the rigor of college-level courses and become more impressive job applicants.”

Page County saw an increase in total dual enrollment from 141 in 2024 to 146 in 2025.

Laurel Ridge President Kim Blosser said, “We are so honored to receive the Excellence Award from the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce… and to continue to serve the… area for many years to come.”

For more information on the award, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Pre-K enrollment underway in VA

Enrollment for Pre-Kindergarten is underway for many of our local schools for the 2026-2027 school year.

Preliminary Pre-K applications are now being accepted for our local public schools and families can now apply for school at the nearest eligible zone.

Some eligibility requirements include that:

  • the student must be 4 years old by September 30th
  • the family’s income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal income guidelines
  • the child has a disability
  • the family is homeless
  • the parent did not graduate from high school

Local criteria may vary by school district.

For more information on the following school districts, click the link below:

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Page County Superintendent takes leave of absence

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Page County Public Schools issued a notice on Thursday evening stating that Superintendent Dr. Bryan Huber has taken an extended and unexpected leave of absence.

The Page County School Board appointed Dr. Paul Johnson to serve as Acting Superintendent in the interim.

In the statement, the School Board wished Dr. Huber the best while on leave and expressed appreciation for Dr. Johnson’s willingness to step into this role on short notice.

The School Board also asked anyone with business inquiries related to the Superintendent’s Office to Dr. Johnson during this time.

Dr. Huber originally took over the role on July 1st, 2025 after previously serving as Assistant Superintendent of Instruction with Page County Public Schools.

The school district did not provide an estimated time for his return.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Local schools receive School Security Equipment grants

The Virginia Department of Education announced the Virginia Public School Authority issued $12 million in School Security Equipment Grants for the 2025-2026 school year.

Eligible schools could receive up to $250,000 and in total 433 schools were awarded funds including several in the Shenandoah Valley.

Local schools receiving School Security Equipment Grants includes:

  • Shenandoah County Public Schools- $105,200 for Ashby-Lee Elementary, North Fork Middle, Peter Muhlenberg Middle, Sandy Hook Elementary, Signal Knob Middle and W.W. Robinson Elementary
  • Winchester Public Schools- $28,400 for Virginia Avenue Charlotte Dehart Elementary
  • Page County Public Schools- $26,143 for Luray Elementary, Luray Middle, Page County Middle, Shenandoah Elementary, Springfield Elementary and Stanley Elementary
  • Frederick County- $9,255 for Apple Pie Ridge Elementary, Indian Hollow Elementary, Middletown Elementary, and James Wood Middle.

Some other nearby districts receiving funds includes:

  • $250,000 for Harrisonburg
  • $250,000 for Fauquier County
  • $92,000 for Augusta County.
  • $78,000 for Rockingham County

For more information on School Security Equipment Grants, click here. 

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Ehlers retires from LHS after 35 years

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Luray High School’s Athletic Director Don Ehlers ended his tenure after 35 years in the school earlier this month.

Ehlers began his career as a teacher and JV coach at Luray after graduating from James Madison University.

His father Dean Ehlers was the first Athletic Director in James Madison University history where he led the athletics programs for 22 years.

Don Ehlers followed his father’s lead and took over the role of athletic director at Luray in 1999.

Under his tenure, he helped guide Luray to multiple team and individual state championships while also helping his student athletes reach their dream of competing at the next level.

He was replaced by former Chief Financial Officer of Page County Public Schools Patty Secrist on July 1st.

Secrist has over 16 years experience in education at the middle and high school levels and is an avid supporter of local organizations like the Luray Youth Football and Cheer League.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Page County Public Schools name new Superintendent

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The Page County School Board approved Dr. Bryan Huber as the next Superintendent on Wednesday night.

Dr. Huber will succeed Dr. Antonia Fox who is retiring at the end of the school year.

Dr. Huber has spent the last 18 years as a Virginia educator and most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent with Page County Public Schools after holding the same role in Greene County.

He also brings experience as a teacher, principal, assistant principal, and Director of Transportation.

In the announcement, Dr. Huber said, “I’m truly honored and incredibly excited to begin this journey together as the new Superintendent… As I transition into this role, my focus will be on student-centered decision making, empowering our amazing teachers and leaders, and building strong partnerships with families.”

His tenure will officially begin on July 1st, 2025.

To view the full announcement, click here. 

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Page County announces administrative changes

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Page County Public Schools Superintendent Antonia Fox announced three administrative placements for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.

Jennifer Hitt will serve as the new Principal of Page County Middle School.

Hitt previously taught special education and held administrative roles at private schools.

She replaces Tanya Miller who is now the CFO for the school division.

Tara Meadows was selected as the new principal of Luray High School, and she will succeed Nicky Clark who is now the Director of School Administration.

Meadows has spent the last 19 years at Luray as a social studies teacher and assistant principal as well as coaching Track and Field and Cross Country.

Brandy Hilliard was named the Director of Special Education after Ellen Baker’s departure to Shenandoah County Public Schools.

Hilliard is currently the Supervisor for Special Education and she previously held the role of Facilitator of Special Education.

She also has experience as a substitute, special education teacher, and paraprofessional.

To view the full announcement, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

FCPS and SCPS appoint administrators

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Frederick and Shenandoah County Public Schools recently announced the appointment of a few administrators.

On Tuesday, the Frederick County School Board named Christie Sibert as the Assistant Director of Finance.

She has been with FCPS for over 10 years as Payroll/Finance Specialist, accountant, and most recently the payroll supervisor.

On Monday, the Shenandoah County School board approved two appointments.

Michael Lennox will serve as the new principal of Stonewall Jackson High School.

Lenox has been with SCPS since 2011 in a variety of roles including math teacher, athletic director, and assistant principal.

Shenandoah County also approved Ellen Baker as Director of Student Services.

Baker has worked in public education for over 25 years and is returning to SCPS after the last 10 years in Page County as the Director of Special Education.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

PCPS makes administrative changes

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Page County Public Schools announced a few administrative changes for the school district.

Luray High School Principal Nicky Clark will transition to her new role as Director of School Administration on July 1st.

The Luray High School community will receive a survey this week to share qualities they would like to see in the new principal.

Chief Financial Officer Patty Secrist accepted the position of Athletic Director at Luray High School and will be replaced at CFO by Tanya Miller, current Principal of Page County Middle School.

PCMS will also send out a survey as they begin their search for a new principal.

Page County also announced the retirement of Cathy Marston, Director of Elementary Education, after 33 years of service.

Her position will be realigned to the Director of Teaching and Learning for grades Prek-12.

Sarah Hammill will take on the newly created role after most recently serving as the principal of Wayland Elementary in Rockingham County.

For more information on these changes, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.