Wise County Public Schools

Our alumni spotlight features Dr. Ariel Cornett, Class of 2009, from Powell Valley High School.

Wise County Public Schools is eager to learn about and share alumni highlights from its graduates! Please click here (https://forms.gle/ADQAbVxjGmieZA6R9) to complete a submission form. Please note that submissions will be featured in the order they are received.

The Pro-Art Association has requested that we share important information that pertains to WiseJAMS after-school music program for 3rd-12th grade students who are enrolled in Wise County Public Schools.

Applications are open for the Spring 2026 semester of the WiseJAMS after-school music program. WiseJAMS provides traditional mountain music instruction and cultural enrichment opportunities for students in 3rd grade and up. Students can learn to play guitar, fiddle, or banjo. Program cost is $15 per lesson, or $150 for the semester if paid in advance. Full and partial scholarships may be available for those in need. The program also provides instruments for semester-long loan at no cost. To request an instrument, please submit the instrument loan agreement at proartva.org/wisejams.

The WiseJAMS-Wise program will offer lessons on Tuesdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. beginning February 24th at L.F. Addington Middle School. Arrival times for students will start at 3:15 p.m. To register a student for the WiseJAMS-Wise program, please submit the registration form at proartva.org/wisejams by February 26th.

The WiseJAMS-Big Stone Gap program will offer lessons on Thursdays from 3:45-5:45 p.m. beginning February 26th at the Southwest Virginia Museum and Historical State Park. To register a student for the WiseJAMS-Big Stone Gap program, please call (276) 523-1322 by February 20th.

For more information, please contact:

Diana Burden
Marketing & Communications Director
Pro-Art Association
dburden@uvawise.edu | 276-376-4520
proartva.org

WCPS Releases 2026 High School Graduation Dates:

Eastside High School - Fri., May 15, 2026 @ 7:00pm @ UVA-Wise

Union High School - Sat., May 16, 2026 @ 11:00am @ UVA-Wise

Central High School - Sat., May 16, 2026 @ 4:00pm @ UVA-Wise

🚨 Big things are happening in the Criminal Justice pathway at WCCTC — all thanks to the incredible leadership of Mr. Kelly Fleming.  Mr. Kelly Fleming brings nearly a decade of frontline experience to the classroom, specializing in the intersection of legal procedure, tactical response, and community care.  Mr. Fleming has served 8 years full-time Law Enforcement.  Additionally, he has served as a Criminal Justice Instructor at WCCTC for 8 years.  For 17 years, and currently sworn in with the Wise County Sherriff's Office (Reserve Deputy), Mr. Fleming has been a certified and sworn Law Enforcement Officer.

Sophomore students from Union, Eastside and Central High Schools tour WCCTC programming. During the Criminal Justice tour, students are able to view a crime scene and participate as agents working that scene. This is an excellent educational outreach tool for those students who may not be enrolled in Criminal Justice that may desire to be in the near future!

Course Topics:
Legal & Procedural: Mastery of Search and Seizure laws and the fundamental Rights of Citizens.
Tactical & Physical: Certified instructor in Handcuffing, Defensive Tactics (Self-Defense), and the proper use of Basic Corrections Equipment.
Investigation: Hands-on training in Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Fingerprinting, and Drug Identification/Basic Trafficking patterns.
Emergency Medicine: Life-saving proficiency in CPR and Tourniquet application.

Course Offerings & Availability:
Criminal Justice I & II: Foundational laws, ethics, and intro to field work.
DE - MECC: Dual Enrollment courses via Mountain Empire Community College.
Academy Prep: Rigorous physical and mental preparation for the Police Academy.

Advanced Instructional Tools:
Mr. Fleming secured a $35,000 grant to purchase the Milo (Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives) Use of Force Simulator.  Mr. Fleming’s classes utilize this state-of-the-art simulation technology to provide students with high-stakes, "split-second" decision-making training.

Interactive Response: Students must issue verbal commands to on-screen subjects who react in real-time.
De-escalation: Focuses on the transition from verbal communication to the justified use of force.

Specialized Communication Training:
Beyond standard tactics, Mr. Fleming emphasizes the human element of policing, teaching students how to navigate interactions with vulnerable populations:
Alzheimer’s Patients: Techniques for managing memory-related agitation and wandering.
Mental Health Crisis: De-escalation strategies for individuals in psychological distress.

Career Advancement:
In Southwest Virginia, an entry-level law enforcement officer can typically expect a starting salary between $47,000 and $60,000 per year, depending on the specific agency and whether they are already certified.

While major metropolitan areas in Virginia (like Arlington or Fairfax) offer much higher starting pay, Southwest Virginia agencies are increasingly raising their rates to stay competitive for new recruits.

Virginia State Trooper - $60,000 - Paid during academy; rises to $65,403 after one year.
County Sheriff's Deputy - $47,231 – $50,107 - Based on current listings for Wise County and Norton
Town/City Police - $51,000 – $54,000
Campus Police (e.g., MECC) - $55,000 – $70,000 - Specialized roles or community college security often have unique scales.

Wise County Public Schools proudly recognizes Mr. Kelly Fleming for his outstanding leadership within the Criminal Justice program at Wise County Career and Technical Center (WCCTC). Through his dedication and vision, students in Wise County are offered meaningful educational opportunities that prepare them for lifelong careers in the field of criminal justice. His leadership not only equips students with real-world skills, but also helps ensure they can build successful careers while remaining employed right here in Wise County. Mr. Fleming’s commitment is making a lasting impact on students, families, and the entire community.

WCPS Parents, Residents, and Community Members:

Transparency and community engagement are the cornerstones of a thriving school division. Our school division proudly partners with the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) to ensure our policies reflect the highest standards of governance and state compliance.

To ensure our parents, residents, and community members are fully informed on how our school division operates, we would like to direct all stakeholders to our official "School Board Policies and Procedures" link on our division website. The most current version of the Policy Manual is maintained for public inspection at all times to ensure institutional accountability.

Community members may access the full Policy Manual by visiting this link: https://www.wisek12.org/page/school-board

Reviewing these policies provides insight into the rationale behind school division decisions, offering a clear roadmap of our operational standards. These documents govern essential functions—including student safety, curriculum development, and fiscal responsibility.

Thank you for your continued investment in our students’ success.

The VSBA Board of Directors have designated the third week of February (February 16-20, 2026) as VSBA School Board Clerk Appreciation Week – a time dedicated to highlighting the essential work our school board clerks do every day. Clerks are the behind-the-scenes organizers, communicators, and problem-solvers who keep our school division running smoothly.

Through the week of Feb. 16-20, Wise County Public Schools recognizes Mrs. Heather Fultz (School Board Clerk) and Mr. Ron Vicars (Deputy School Board Clerk) for their tireless work in keeping the Wise County Public School division transparent and well-organized.

From managing complex agendas to ensuring our district stays compliant with state laws, policies and procedures, Mrs. Fultz and Mr. Vicars' attention to detail is what allows the WCPS School Board to focus on what matters most: our students.

Thank you, Mrs. Fultz and Mr. Vicars, for being the steady hand behind the scenes!

Libby Taylor began driving a school bus in October 1988. She served as a substitute driver for two years before earning her contract in 1990. Since then, she has proudly driven for the Wise Central community.

Over the years, Libby has supported students in many ways. She has worked with cheerleaders and volleyball teams and continues to drive field trips, always making sure students get where they need to go safely. “I love the kids and want to take care of them,” she says. At the beginning of this year, she had eight Pre-K students on her route. Now she is down to four students, but she emphasizes how important it is to understand the responsibility that comes with transporting young children. “Taking care of those children is my main concern. I have a genuine care for my kids.”

After briefly leaving and then returning to driving, Libby was met with a heartwarming welcome back! As she came back, students jumped with their fists in the air cheering, “Miss Libby! She is back!”

Her dedication, consistency, and love for her students continue to make a lasting impact on the Wise Central community. Wise County Public Schools would like to show their deepest appreciation to "Miss Libby" for her valuable contributions to our school division!

National School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day is observed annually on February 15th; however, we felt that it was appropriate to show our school resource officers appreciation today, Friday, February 13th. Wise County Public Schools sends a huge THANK YOU to the Wise County Sheriff's Office, and to our SRO's for everything they do for our students and staff. Being an SRO is about so much more than safety; it’s about building bridges, mentoring our youth, and being a friendly face in the hallway every single day.

Thank you, to all of our SRO's, for being protectors, teachers, and role models. Our schools are better because you’re in them! 💙

#SROAppreciationDay

Wise County Public Schools is excited to operate on a REGULAR SCHEDULE on Wednesday, February 11, 2026!

All buses will be operating on their regular routes!