August 7, 2013
CONTACT: Bert Childress, Technology Support Specialist
PHONE: (804) 501-4276
Henrico earns Virginia Association of Counties awards for two model programs
Henrico County won awards from the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) for programs that promote a safe learning environment within Henrico County Public Schools and document more than 40,000 historical artifacts maintained by the Division of Recreation and Parks.
Henrico was one of 10 counties to receive a 2013 Achievement Award from VACo in recognition of a model local government program. Henrico and Orange County each received two awards, the most of any county. VACo announced the awards Aug. 1 and will recognize the winners at the 2013 Annual Conference in November. VACo’s Achievement Award program is in its 11th year.
Henrico received an award in the criminal justice and public safety category for its “Comprehensive School Safety Audit Process,” which was developed by Henrico County Public Schools to provide students and staff with a safe environment in which to learn and work. The initiative led to the creation of a safety and crisis manual, which provides safety guidance to schools and helps them develop a crisis plan that meets divisional expectations and considers unique characteristics of schools. In addition, schools follow a comprehensive safety audit protocol to continually monitor their adherence to safety standards and conditions.
Henrico also won an award in the recreation and parks category for “Museum Collection Management Program Database Documentation.” As the custodian of more than 40,000 artifacts related to Henrico’s history, the Museum Services section of the Division of Recreation and Parks strives to use the highest museum standards as it collects, documents, preserves and interprets the material culture of previous generations. By ensuring proper documentation of artifacts, Recreation and Parks is able to realize the full educational value of the county’s collection and make the information accessible to the community.
