The unanimous vote came during a Thursday morning meeting, that included the Virginia Board of Education Board of Directors, as well as school and government leaders for both Alleghany County and the city of Covington. Members of the Virginia Department of Education Board of Directors, as well as school, government leaders in Alleghany County and Covington react to the news of the resolution passing to merge the two school divisions on Jan. 28, 2021. (Virginia Department of Education)Acting Superintendent of Alleghany County Public Schools Sherman Callahan released this statement following the move’s approval:We did receive approval and are excited to proceed on with consolidation. Both men represent all of Alleghany County and Covington. Both Covington leaders, as well as Alleghany County leaders, approved the merger back in September.