COURTLAND—Southampton high, Meherrin and Nottoway elementary schools are expected to be fully accredited, based on the preliminary results of the Standards of Learning tests. At the same time, Southampton middle and Capron elementary schools will be accredited with warnings in math. Riverdale Elementary will be accredited with warnings in both math and reading.

This was announced to the Southampton County School Board during Monday’s meeting. Rodney Brown, director of instruction, went over the results with the panel.

He noted that dips in some scores could be attributed to the increased difficulty in tests for the aforementioned subjects.

“We’re not where we want to be,” said Superintendent Dr. Alvera Parrish, adding that steps are being taken to improve scores in both math and reading overall in the school system.

One of those steps is a grant that’s been submitted to the Franklin-Southampton Charities for an after-school tutoring program for identified students.

Brown said the final SOL report is expected to come on Friday, Sept. 20.

In other school board news:

• Dr. Parrish reported a successful first week of school. “It was a very, very smooth school opening, but no real problems,” she said. “The parents gave positive feedback. We know we have our work cut out for us, but we’re ready.”

• The superintendent also recommended that board not opt out of the state’s disability plan. This came after Joy Carr, director of finance, pointed out the potential increased expense of going to an independent agency, which could later raise rates.

• A school security equipment grant of $96,436 has been awarded, which will go toward increasing safety for teachers and students. The money will be used to buy additional cameras and viewing monitors for blind spots, swipe key access for teachers and walkie-talkies at schools such as Capron Elementary, Southampton middle and high schools. Lorraine Whitehead was thanked for her help in obtaining the grant.

• The Monsanto Grant of $10,000, also to Whitehead’s credit, will be awarded to Southampton High School. The funds will be used to buy 10 laptop computers.