001Okay, good. I'd like to call the meeting of the Prince William County School Board to order. A motion is now in order for the approval of the meeting agenda. Vice Chair Jesse. >> Oh, you don't have it here. Jesse, Dr. Nobody has them. >> I move that Prince William County School Board approve the meeting agenda as recommended. >> Do you have a second? >> I second. >> Any discussion? Please vote. All in favor, raise your hand. Any opposed? No opposition. Motion passes. Moving on to >> vote seven. Yes, one not present. Vote Williams. Motion passed. >> Motion enter close session, Mr. Jessie. >> That pursuant to section 2.2-3711 and 2.2-3712 of the code of Virginia, the Prince County School Board enter close session for the following reason. One to discuss with staff the assignment, appointment,
002promotions, performance, demotions, salaries, discipline or resignation of specific public officers, appointing appointees or employees of any public body pursuant to section 2.2-371A one of the code of Virginia. two to discuss with the division council and staff act actual or prohibited litigation and specific legal matters pertaining to the collective bargaining staff students and other civil litigation involving the school division under section 2.2 two that's 3711 A78 of the code of Virginia and three to discuss and receive briefing by staff members related to the security of the school facilities the safety of the persons and using such facilities and actions taken to respond to such matters where discussion and open meetings would jeopardize the security of such facilities pursuant to section 2.237 23711 A19 of the code of Virginia. >> You have a second, >> Mr. Chair.
003>> Yes, Mr. Blake seconds. Any discussion? Please vote. All in favor, raise your hands. Any opposed? >> Vote is seven. Yes. One not present. Vote Williams. Motion passed. Uh >> at this time, the Prince William County School Board will enter close session and return approximately 7 o'clock. Heat. At this time, the Prince William County School Board will reconvene in open session from close session. A motion is in order for 7.01 close session certification. Vice Chair Jesse. >> I move that pursuant to section 2.2-3712 2-3712 of the code of Virginia, the code session of the Princeu County School Board meeting of May 6, 2026 be certified by adopting the following resolution. Now therefore be resolved that the Prince William County School Board hereby certify that to the best of each member's knowledge one only public business
004matter lawfully exempt from open meeting requirements were discussed in the closed meeting to which the certification resolution applies and two only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the close meeting were heard and discussed or considered by the school board. Do I have a second? >> Mr. Chairman, I second. >> Miss Wall seconds. Any discussion? Please vote. >> Oh, we're going to Let's see if we can end it up on the screen. >> Vote is eight, yes, unanimous. Motion passed. >> All right, moving on to close session action items. A motion is in order for 8.01. Vice Chair Jesse, >> I move that Prince County School Board approve the appointments and releases of specific parts as presented in the closed session. >> Do I have a second? >> M. >> Any
005discussion? Please vote. The vote is eight yes, unanimous. Motion passed. >> Okay. Well, that concludes um our close session action items. Moving on to the pledge of allegiance. I'd like to introduce Karina Grover, our student rep for the evening from Kogan High School to lead us in the pledgece to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands nation for all. Thank you, Miss Grover. Up next is Thriving Futures Focus. And tonight, we have a lot of folks we're going to recognize tonight. Uh we begin by recognizing our students who've earned uh first place. Oh, well, hold on. What am I doing? Sorry, sorry, sorry. Thriving Futures Focus is our opportunity to highlight the exemplary work being accomplished in our schools. that fulfills our vision that every student will graduate on time
006with the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to to create a thriving future for themselves and their community. We dedicate this time during our meetings to recognize students, staff members, and schools that have earned an honor and award at the state or national level. Tonight, the school board is honored to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our student staff across several several areas of excellence, including future educators, dual language immersion, visual arts leader, visual arts leadership, career and technical student organizations, and advanced academic achievement. I will now turn the proceedings on to Miss Jennifer Wall of the Gainesville District. Miss Wall, >> thank you, Dr. Latif. Tonight we will begin by recognizing students who earned first place honors at the Virginia Educators Rising Student Leadership Conference and Competitive Events and qualify to represent both Prince William
007County Public Schools and the Commonwealth of Virginia at the Educators Rising National Conference. Educators Rising is a national career and technical student organization that supports students interested in becoming future educators. Through competitions, leadership development and handson learning, students explore the teaching profession while building the communication, leadership, and service skills that strong educators need. I wi I wish to acknowledge Sadika Turner, coordinator of the growing our own teacher program, who is orchestrating the next great generation of educators in Prince William County schools. I would now Oh, let's see. Yeah, we've got I would now like to invite Miss Lisa Zarapur of the Kohl's district to introduce our first group of honores. >> Thank you, Mrs. Wall. The Kohl's district is proud to recognize several students who have demonstrated excellence in this important pathway and we certainly
008hope to see these outstanding educators as new teachers in a few years. First from Charles J. Kan Senior High School. Congratulations to Martha Aguilar Hernandez for being a first place winner at the Virginia Educators Rising Student Leadership Conference and Competitive Events and for qualifying to represent both PWCS and Virginia at the Educators Rising National Conference. Unfortunately, Martha is not here with us tonight due to another obligation. The Kohl's district is also proud to recognize CD Hilton High School students who were first place winners at the Virginia Educators Rising Student Leadership Conference and Competitive Events and who qualified for the national conference. Congratulations to Mcccleete Ofawa, Kyl Kylie Cooken, Cadence Costello, Dana Nadell, Jenna Newan, Ail Osman, Camila Sguero, Nikki Tong, Giada Wells. Tonight we are fortunate to also have Mcccleet, Ail, and Cadence here with
009us. CD Hilton High School is represented this evening by principal Cassandra Crawford and family and consumer science teacher Katherine Jackson. At this time I would like to invite Miss Jackson to share a few words on behalf of Hilton's honores. Okay. So I guess I'm going first. Um so I just want to thank uh Dr. McDade and Mrs. Crawford and um the um talent and acquisition I think that's what they're called now. uh department for supporting this amazing program. I've been getting to run it at uh City Hilton for the last four years. Um so I get to do the early childhood education, the teachers for tomorrow, and educators rising. Um and I have a lot of outstanding students. Um we've been to nationals. This will be our fourth time. I have some repeat customers over
010here. Um we have some amazing students that are definitely going to come back and be um our growing our own teachers. Um, and so I just want to thank everyone for our support and um, just want to spotlight our amazing students that um, without them we wouldn't be here. So, thank you guys so much. Thank you. Finally, the Kohl's district is proud to recognize Osborne Park High School students who were first place winners at the Virginia Educators Rising Student Leadership Conference and Competitive Events and who qualified for the national conference. Congratulations to Lexman Bamin Maho Mano Isabella Carneo Carnero sorry Gabriella Davis Diana Najaro Sagerro Supria Tamag Arisha Wakas Leia Zahir Osborne Park High School is represented this evening by principal Lisa Marie Kaine and family and consumer science teacher Christina Mullins. At this time,
011I would like to invite Miss Mullins to share a few words on behalf of Osborne Park's honores. >> Good evening. Thank you. After 21 years in education, it's students like these who remind me of my why. They are the reason I continue to love my job. I am so proud of them, not only for earning first place at the Virginia Educators Rising State Leadership Conference in March, but for the path they are choosing beyond this. Many are choosing to pursue an education, signifying the impact of Prince William County's growing our own program and dual enrollment, Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow, while others are simply keeping it open as a future option. Because in the end, we are all teachers. This is just the beginning of their journey, and I am grateful to walk alongside them as
012they take their next step toward nationals in Portland this summer. Congratulations to you all. I'm so proud of you. I'm happy to be your teacher. So, I'd like to say congratulations to all of these uh fantastic uh students who will be hopefully coming and being our teachers here in Prince William County in just a few short years. And what a great time to celebrate this during teacher appreciation week. Congratulations to all of our educators rising winners from the Kohl's district. And I would like to invite Miss Lorie Williams of the Woodbridge District to continue our educators rising recognitions and to introduce our next honore. >> Well, I thank you, Miss Argapore. The Woodbridge District is proud to recognize Laminatu Koma of the of Freedom High School for being the first place winner at the Virginia
013Rising Educator Student Leadership Conference and Competitive Events and for qualifying to represent both PWCS and the Commonwealth of Virginia at the Educators Rising National Conference. Lamatu's achievements reflect leadership, preparation, and commitment to a profession that changes lives every day. Freedom High School is represented this evening by principal Shaveveli Smith, administrative intern and supervisor of CTE programs Jason Allen, and family and consumer science teacher Dr. Hawei Kurama Nesa. Mr. Allen, would you like to share a few words on your accomplishment and I'm sorry if I butchered some last names. >> Greetings. My name is uh Jason Allen. I'm administrative intern at Freedom High School. Um, it is a pleasure to serve as the administrator for Laminatu Koma, an outstanding honor junior at Freedom High School. This year, Lamatu achieved a groundbreaking and historic accomplishment around children's
014literature. She wrote and illustrated her first original children's book, Nadi's New Friend, a story that inspired that was inspired by her own preschool experience that teaches young readers the values of kindness, empathy, and inclusion with a clear purpose. In addition to her lit literary achievement, Lambatu made history for Freedom High School by earning first place at the state level in educators rising in the children's literature category, becoming the first student from Freedom High School to achieve this distinction. Through this achievement, she has qualified to represent our school and PWCS at the National Educators Rising Competition. Laminatu also had the opportunity to share her children's book with students at Lisa Leavania Elementary School, the school that she attended, where she read her story and inspire young learners through both her message and her example. Lamatu exemplifies
015academic excellence, creativity, and leadership. She aspires to become an educator and is deeply committed to working with young children to build inclusive, supporting learning environments. Her accomplishments uh reflect both her dedication and strength of our school community. Thank you for allowing me to recognize this remarkable student. >> Congratulations again, Laminatu. Amazing accomplishments. I also have the honor of recognizing an outstanding educator in the area of dual language immersion. Dual language immersion programs provide students with the opportunity to develop academic content knowledge, excuse me, develop academic content knowledge while also building biiteracy and bilingual communication skills. These programs help students prepare to grow as global collaborators and prepare them to thrive in a world where multilingualism is an asset. Tonight, the Whippers District is proud to recognize Miss Nancy Dilla of Featherstone Elementary School for being
016ma named the Virginia Dual Language Immersion Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Dual Language Educators Network or Valden. This recognition honors Miss Davilla's outstanding work supporting students, strengthening language learning, and helping to build a school community where culture, language, and academic excellence are sur celebrated. The dual language immersion program is represented tonight by director of student opportunity and multilingual services Dr. Limar Cologne, supervisor of world languages and dual language immersion Betsy Campa, coordinator of dual language immersion Dr. Richard Partardo, and special dual specialist of dual language immersion and world languages Claraara Perez. Featherstone Elementary School is represented this evening by principal Christina Treadwell. Miss Davilla, would you like uh excuse me, would you like to share a few words about this extremely impressive honor? >> Yes. Um good evening er Dr. Mday uh Dr.
017Sullivan, Dr. Latif, and all the members of the board. Thank you, uh for the support for this amazing dual language immersion program. I thank Dr. Parardo for the nomination for uh for battling teacher of the year and all my uh directors and supervisors with the dual language department. But I do think that I need to share this with every single DLI teacher in this county. Uh this recognition belong to all of us. A little bit about me. I was born in Chicago and moved to Puerto Rico at the age of four. I was raised in a small town in the center of the island. I returned to United State when I was 25 and I'm the 11 of 18 siblings. So my my home was a classroom. Uh some of my siblings were very well
018behaved and some were like me. I was blessed with an amazing dad, an amazing mother, the value of education. Even when they didn't have the opportunity to attend to college, I wasn't known for six years. I have broken so many misconception. I had to fight to prove that an accent does not define my potential and my knowledge. I am a survival. My father repeated to me many times, you are no more important than others. You are no less. You are equal. And I grew up with that in mind. I thought that that was meaningful reflection for tonight. Uh this recognition uh matters. Dual language immersion is about far more than language. is about identity, access, belonging. It's about closing gaps. This award is for a child who does not have to wait to understand me
019because I speak their language. For the student that seem nonsmart from others simply because English is not yet theirs. For the families that finally feel heard and understood. for the child who smile when I read a book in Spanish because they understand because they belong. In DLI, students do not have to abandon their native language to feel successful. They shine immediately in my classroom. They learn English, but they can keep their native language. I taught monolingual cla um classes before I became a DLI teacher and I saw the struggle of on of my iso babies. I call them chicken nuggets because they didn't understand me. We know language learning require two things the desire and the need by meter school sometime is too late. I really think that DLI is the solution to raise students
020bilingual. We graduate many students. We're about to graduate thousands of students and send them to the world and minimal amount are bilingual because we start too late. I see the as a bridge. When that bridge is strong, it carries students to limitless opportunities. It's our responsibility to build it well. Justice So Sonia Sotom from Puerto Rico, of course, said when there's no room in the table and you care, bring your own chair. I always have props and I teach with props and I bring my own chair everywhere I go. I have some chairs for you guys to remember that when when something is something that we care, we should just speak up and we should be advocates. Teachers have conversations, advocate. We know our students needs because we walk with them every day. I'm asking
021the board for your continued support for this amazing program. Try to see you bring your own chair. My own quote for DLI said, "Dual language immersion does not open just a window. It opens a house full of doors. Each language is a door way into culture, connection, and understanding. Through being bilingual, students do not just see the word, they walk into it. I am Nancy Dabila and I approve this message. Well, that's a hard that that's definitely hard to follow. Congratulations, Miss Davilla, and thank you for your dedication to our students and Whippers. Small but mighty, and I appreciate all of you. And thank you to Miss Treadwell. The community is uh is is closer because of our dual language program there and it's an amazing thing to um be a part of. Thank you.
022>> Thank you, Miss Williams. Next, I'd like to invite Mr. Justin Wilk of the PTOIC District to introduce our next honores. Mr. Wilk. >> Thank you, Dr. Latif. Congratulations to Dr. Anmarie Bolino, supervisor of the arts for being named the 2025 VA supervision and administration art education educator of the year by the Virginia Art Education Association. This award recognizes outstanding leadership in visual arts education, and honors administrators who support highquality arts instruction, advocate for students and educators, and strengthen opportunities for creativity and expression. Dr. Bolino, your leadership has helped ensure that the arts remain a vital part of the student experience in Prince William County Schools. Your advocacy, your vision, and support for teachers and students continue to make a meaningful impact across our division, and I appreciate you being a husband of an art
023teacher. At this time, I would like to invite Dr. Bolino to share a few words on this recognition. >> Good evening, Dr. Latif, Mr. Jesse, members of the board, and Dr. McDade. It's always an honor to be here, and it's an honor to be recognized. I think this award is particularly special to me because I was nominated by one of our teachers, right? And that's always I think the the biggest blessing and honor that a person could bestow. Um and then I was doubly honored because our very own Cheryl Mill who is also a teacher here in the division. Um she was the president of VAEA and so I got to receive my award from one of our own. So super special for me. Um, and I just really enjoy the opportunity to be here
024to be in Prince William County Public Schools to support our teachers and our students and this wonderful, brilliant community. So, thank you for all you do. I appreciate it. >> Congratulations again. Thank you, Mr. Wilk. And congratulations, Dr. Bolino. I would now like to invite Mr. Tracy Blake of the NABSCO district to begin our DECA recognitions. Mr. Blake. >> Thank you, Dr. Latif. The school board is proud to recognize students who earn recognition at the state level distributive education clubs of America competition, more commonly known as DECA. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, hospitality management, and other business related fields. Through competitive events, students apply classroom learning to real world scenarios, developing communication, problem solving skills, collaboration, and professional presentation skills. The NAPSCO district is proud to recognize Alina
025Bakari of the G of Garfield High School for earning recognition at the state level DECA competition. Unfortunately, Alina could not join us tonight due to prior due to a prior commitment, but we wish we wish to congratulate her and the entire Garfield community. Next, I would like to call on Vice Chairman Richard Jesse of the Octa District to continue our DECA recognitions. >> Thank you, Mr. Burke. The Octa District is proud to recognize several Woodbridge High School students who have earned recognition at the state level DECA competition. Congratulations to Saiia Chiron, Ali Kahhack, Isabelle Ketlage, Jackson Yarro. These students demonstrated strong preparation, professionalism, and leadership through their performance at the state level. Woodbridge High School is represented this evening by assistant principal Brian Cardbach, Karnbach, and DECA sponsors Mrs. Healey and Mr. Medley. At this
026time, I'd like to invite Mrs. Healey to share a few words on behalf of Woodbridge High School's DECA honores. Mrs. Healey about to retire, too. >> Yes. >> Very sad. >> All right. Um, good good evening, Dr. Latif, members of the school board, and Dr. McDade. Thank you so much for this opportunity to recognize these outstanding students this evening. Our Woodbridge Senior High School students recently competed at the DECA State Leadership Conference where they demonstrated exceptional professionalism, strong content um knowledge, and real world problem solving skills. Their success placed them among the top students in Virginia, qualifying them to compete on the international level at the DECA International Career and Development Career uh Conference in Atlanta, otherwise known as ICDC. This achievement reflects their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence. Jackson, who is not
027able to be here with us tonight, has been a DECA member for three years and also has competed at the state level for three years. This year, he challenged himself by switching to a different competitive category, all on his own initiative, and that decision paid off by advancing him to ICDC. Jackson also served in his uh le leadership roles at uh Woodbridge Senior High School and after graduation he's going to be attending West Virginia University. We are incredibly proud of his growth and and grateful for his contribution that he is um made to Woodbridge Deca since his sophomore year. Ally and Isabelle, who are here with us tonight, both competed at the state leadership conference over the summer, I mean um last year, but over the summer they recognized that their skills would be even
028stronger as a team. So they partnered with a um local small accounting bit business and competed in the financial operations research category. This is where they applied classroom learning to a real world financial challenge. Um Ally and Isabelle have also held leadership roles in our DECA chapter at Woodbridge. And Isabelle is going to be graduating in a few weeks and heading off to um and attending Penn State University. We are proud of both of these young ladies and appreciate Isabelle's lasting impact on our program. Sia competed at the state leadership conference this year for the first time. She earned three medals, two in her role play and one overall medal. uh and she was competing in the automotive services marketing category. Her strong performance reflects both her preparation and her commitment and her success at
029the uh state level is an impressive accomplishment especially for a firsttime competitor. While Woodbridge DECA has uh students advanced from the leaders the state leadership conference the last four years, this is going to be the first time that we've had junior members who have also uh advanced onto the ICDC um conference. So Ally and Sia's success this year will allow them to share their experience, leadership, and knowledge with our DECA chapter moving forward. We are incredibly and proud. We are incredibly proud of all four of these students and their achievements. Thank you again for recognizing them tonight and for your continued support of career and technical education and co-curricular programs. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Healey. And I think Woodbridge High School will miss you moving forward. Thank you for all the great work and
030your long commitment to Prince William County Schools. I take that as a chairman's privilege to say that I've known Missiley for quite a long time and and and just I think we're all incredibly lucky here in Prince William County Schools to have teachers like her, committed mentors like each of you who've helped these students um really succeed at amazing levels. So, thank you very much. Uh let's give her and everyone another round of applause. >> Miss Argapore, you have our next deck honore. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Kohl's district is proud to recognize Dylan Tobayan of Kolgan High School for earning recognition at the state level DECA competition. Dylan, your achievement reflects the skills that DECA helps students develop. Leadership, confidence, creativity, and readiness for the future of career for the for future career
031opportunities. Kan High School is represented this evening by administrative intern Carrie Brown and DECA Club sponsor Rachel Bowden Distl. Uh, Miss Bowden Distle, would you like to share a few words on Dylan's accomplishment? >> Yes, I would. Thank you very much. Um, I am honored to be here and I want to thank Dr. McDade, Dr. Latif, and the school board members for taking this opportunity to recognize these students. um and especially Dylan because he has put in so much time and effort and energy because he set a goal for himself and he wanted to get that goal and he recognized that he needed to study more, he needed to practice more and he needed to do the things in order to reach his goal. So at the state competition, he participated in the principles of
032finance category. Um, which you can imagine is not easy um for a lot of us, let alone high school students who haven't really had that experience in finance and accounting um and and real world application. Um, but Dylan was able to place in the top 10 in his role play as well as the earn the coveted Deca Glass. Um, he was third overall in the state of Virginia. Um, and we are immensely proud and when he got called up on stage, the everybody from Kogan just went crazy and you could see the support for him. um and the love and you know he knew that the dedication had really paid off and the hard work. Um it was also another honor because that was the first time we've had a Kogan student called on stage
033at the at the final awards and he was also our first student to attend the ICDC in Atlanta. We don't have final scores yet. um he wasn't called on stage for the final awards for that but um he is already looking forward to next year talking about what he can compete in uh what leadership roles he wants to take we have grown immensely at Kogan in our DECA chapter uh we had well over 80 uh members this year um so that's 80 students that we are working with in terms of real life skills uh problem solving, uh, being put on the spot and and having to deal with issues and problems and and develop a plan. So, um, I really look forward to working with Dylan again next year. And again, I thank you for
034your time. Thank you very much. I now invite Miss Erica Tennic of the Brentsville District to introduce our next DECA honores and our final academic recognition. Thank you, Miss Argapore. The Brentsville district is proud to recognize Dylan Nuin and Daniel Pabinito of Gainesville High School for earning the recognition at the state level DECA competition. Through their participation and success, these students have represented Gainesville High School and Prince William County schools with professionalism, preparation, and pride. Gainesville High School is represented this evening by assistant principal Isabella Yearwood and DECA sponsor Timothy Keenan. Mr. Keenan, would you like to share a few words on their accomplishment? >> Thank you everyone for uh honoring these great students. Um we're we're a newer club, a newer chapter, only two years old. We've grown from 10 competing members to now
03540. Um and these two did a great job placing second in the state, also earning the the program's first ever deck of glass. So that's in the trophy case, safe and sound. Hopefully getting more students to compete every single year. Um I thank not only them for their hard work but also allowing for me the experience to go to ICDC for the first time. Um I competed in DECA um at the district level when I was in Prince William County Schools um at Patriot but I never made it to ICDC. So even as uh growing it's giving me the experience and to be able to teach the kids things that I didn't even know um when I was going through the program. So thank you Congratulations. >> Sorry. Congratulations to you both. Thank you. Uh
036and Mr. Dennick, I think you have one more recognition. >> Thank you. The Brentville District is also proud to recognize an outstanding academic achievement from Brentville District High School. The Cambridge program provides students with a rigorous international curriculum designed to strengthen critical thinking, communication, research, and academic independence. Cambridge assessments are recognized around the world and challenge students to demonstrate deep understanding and advanced skills in their subject areas. Tonight, we congratulate Steph Coopri of Brentsville District High School for earning an A+ on the Cambridge level exam and being ranked in the top 1% on the Cambridge exam. Death is an is an exceptional accomplishment that reflects your discipline, academic excellence, and ability to perform at the very highest level. Brentville District High School is represented this evening by specialty program coordinator Cheryl Meal. Steph, would you
037like to say a few words on your achievement? >> Um, yes. Uh, thank you all for having me here. I'm very honored to be here and I am very grateful to have had um the opportunity to take Cambridge classes and be in the Cambridge program at Brinsville. I feel like I have really gotten so much out of my time in my classes there. And I am immensely grateful to my teachers for supporting teachers, school administrators, um, for not only supporting me, but also all of my classmates as we learn and go out into the real world. Sorry, I I write a little bit better than I speak. >> Congratulations. Thank you, Mr. Dennick. And congratulations to all our tonight's honores. I'd like to ask all those involved in supporting our our honores, including family members,
038to stand in recognition of their support. If there's family members here, please stand. Before taking a few pictures, I'd like to turn it over to Dr. McDade to share a few words. Dr. McDade. >> Thank you, Dr. Latif. Tonight's recognition um really are wonderful reflections of talent, leadership, and excellence that continues to define Prince William County Public Schools. Congratulations to our educators, rising students from Kogan, Hilton, Osborne Park, and Freedom High Schools. Your success at the state level and advancement to the national conference show that the future of education is bright and we're proud of your commitment to a profession that shapes every other profession. To Miss Nancy Dila, congratulations on being named the Virginia Dual Language Immersion Teacher of the Year. Your work at Featherstone Elementary School reflects the value of multilingualism, cultural understanding,
039and global collaboration. You are helping students build skills that will serve them for a lifetime. And to our very own Dr. Anamarie Bolino, congratulations on being named the VA administration and supervision art educator of the year. Your leadership continues to elevate the arts across PWCS. And I will tell you, there is no one more enthusiastic about the arts than you are, and it is infectious. So, we deeply appreciate your leadership and we're so proud of you in this award. And to our DECA students from Garfield, Woodbridge, Kogan, and Gainesville high schools, congratulations on your state level recognition. Your accomplishments show the power of career and technical education to build confidence, professionalism, entrepreneurship, and realw world readiness. And then finally to Steph. I think you did a great job speaking as well, Steph, but congratulations on
040earning an A+ on the Cambridge English AS level exam and ranking in the top 1% which is no easy feat on the Cambridge exam. That's an extraordinary academic achievement and we are immensely proud of you. On behalf of Prince William County Schools, congratulations to all of tonight's honores and as I always say, we are PWCS proud. >> Thank you, Dr. McDade. At this time, I'd like to request our honores to come forward for a photo with the school board. Uh they'll take direction from our communication staff up front and receive a small token of our appreciation. Can I use your shoulder? I didn't want to like surprise my It's almost Okay, thank you everyone. Um that was a great thriving futures focus. Now on up to um the formal business section of the meeting. We're
041going to do the adoption of the consent agenda uh 11.01. Uh Vice Chair Jesse, >> I move that the Prince County School Board approve the AB adopt adoption of the acknowledgement and recognition as >> no consent agenda. Uh 11:01 right before that. >> So here just read this one. There you go. >> Okay. Now I move that the Prince County School Board approve the public meeting consent agenda as recommended. Mr. >> Thank you, Mr. Jesse. Second, Miss Williams. Any discussion? >> Please vote. >> The vote is eight. Yes, unanimous. Motion passed. Uh, moving on next to 12.01. Mr. Jesse, >> I move that Prince William County School Board approve the adoption of acknowledgement and recognition as recommended. >> Do I have a second, >> Mr. Chairman? >> Mr. Williams. >> Second. >> I will um
042since we only have one tonight and it's a very um they're all very important, but this one because this is part of the business of the board. Um I will ask Miss Wall to read the resolution. >> Thank you, Dr. Chairman. Um it is internal audit awareness month from May 2026 and this is a really important behind the scenes function of um the school division and the board is um are the activities of the internal audit. So I'm going to read the resolution. Whereas internal auditing is a vital part of strengthening organizations and protecting stakeholders of both the public and private sectors by helping to identify and manage or organizations risks and ensure policies, procedures and controls are in place and working appropriately. And whereas internal auditing is an established profession with a globally recognized
043code of ethics and international standard for professional practice of internal auditing and is an increasingly sophisticated and complex activity requiring specialized knowledge, training and education. And whereas internal auditors are independent, objective professionals who help organizations improve their operations and achieve their goals by providing a system systematic and disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risks management controls and processes. And whereas internal auditors analyze their findings and advise organizations, board members, and management in ways to maintain, correct, or improve their operations. And whereas internal auditors can investigate, discover, and fix processes that may otherwise have risk of inappropriate reporting and even fraud to promote accountability, productivity, and the improvement of management controls in public and private entities. And whereas internal audit awareness month is an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of internal
044auditors to the success of organizations and the global economy at large. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Prince County School Board and the Superintendent of Schools recognize May as internal audit awareness month in Prince County public schools and call this observance to the attention of all citizens. And I just want to add, we have an internal audit office and our internal office does an amazing job behind the scenes. Um, and so very important gives us that evaluation, uh, independent eyes looking at everything we do in the board. As a board, we rely heavily on the office of internal audit and want to say thank you for all the efforts of our auditor. >> Thank you, Miss Wall. And I'll add that for the last eight years, I've served on the internal audit committee. I've
045served on the joint audit committee with the board of county supervisors. It provides an important aspect of making sure the work we do here is transparent uh answers to the public and ensures that we have as stated in the resolution making sure that there's no fraud and there's good management of all public dollars. It is critical and I will say over the last couple of years I've been never been more proud of the work that Chair Wall who's chair of our audit committee, Vice Chair Blake or Vice Chair, well it was vice chair Blake and Vice Chair Jesse while they have served on the audit committee. It has been an extremely strong group of committed individuals working really hard on some of the toughest issues that the school division faces and I truly appreciate that
046work and and I appreciate the board for taking this work very seriously and recognizing this month. Please vote. >> The vote is seven yes, one abstain. Treenic. Motion passed. >> Uh up next is citizen comment time. Those citizens who sign up in advance with the clerk may address the school board this evening when they are called to the podium. assist and comment period for regular schoolboard meetings is 1 hour and citizens may speak on agenda items uh or other topics germaine to the operations and policies of PWCS. Please use proper decorum and manners while at the podium or you will be asked to step aside. We ask that the audience please be respectful of each speaker and refrain from any clapping, cheering or jeering to avoid disruption of the meeting. If you do not do
047so, the board will recess. I will ask the room to be cleared to restore public order. Tonight we have six citizens signed up to speak. When we when I call your name, please come to the podium and state your name and address for the record. Um, let me go ahead. I'll call all the names so everybody knows the order you're in. Uh, and they will be these six. Caitlyn Weston, Blake Hera, Reena Stap, Sanam Jawad Kasmi, Troy Harris, Kimberly Melman, Arasco, Caitlyn Weston, Caitlyn Weston. Okay. Blake Hera, >> Miss Wilson. Once they get there, preferably Oh, sorry. Good evening, board members, chair, Dr. McDate. Uh, my name is Blake Harum. My address on file. Uh so the hours were released next year. Not the most logistically sound addition to uh the teachers uh because it's
048going to harm a lot of our uh high school teachers specifically. We uh and just teachers overall in general with young children. I'm not sure if you uh anybody on the board is aware that the average daycare time in Prince County opens at 6:30 and with high school teachers, you're expecting them to be there at 7:00. uh not a lot of people the west side of the county is not as populated as the east side of the county and a lot of the specialty programs are on the west side of the county and now you're expecting to travel from someone who's going to be in Woodbridge drops their kid off at daycare and then they got to make it over to somewhere I don't know Gainesville whatever I don't know anybody who can make that
049drive in 30 minutes because they can't it's not geographically possible so what I've handed to you was the chart that I've done was for every single for every single school in each of your districts in a city cross um a teacher choosing a particular daycare and going to that dayare. So a month ago a member on this das told me that I'm not going to name a teacher if a teachers want a paycheck they'll have to figure it out. Hundreds of teachers also emailed HR um and got a similar message but I'm not going to going to read that one either. Um, but under these under these conditions, teachers just can't simply figure it out when you geographic like you physically cannot make it to I. I can't make it to Dumpries to G to
050Gainesville in like less than an hour unless I'm like driving like 100 miles an hour. So, I can't dam it. So, there's a lot of logistical challenges that you didn't take into account as far as when you're doing this. And a lot of these things are clearly open to clearly open to the board because they're on bus routes. You have the new 1234, the one route 1234 loop road that you have. You have the Minville uh whatever the Minivville intersection that they're redoing. And another thing too is if you pay attention pay attention uh to the hiring website, if you look at the biggest jump in open positions, it started the day those hours were released. There's a 6% vacancy rate within DWCS right now. And if you look at it, it's gone up like
051almost 2%. in I think there's probably something I don't I didn't write down there's probably like 80 positions that have opened up a bron certified teachers the teacher portion not just overall trainers etc stuff like that so I would ask that you guys that you reconsider this decision because you're going to put a lot of teachers at harm to where they're going to potentially have to quit and that's not you have a vac is vacancy and a retention problem to begin with you don't don't put yourself in that position Thank you, Mr. Reena. Staff. All right. Good evening, Superintendent McDade, Dr. Latif, and members of the school board. My name is Reena Stap, and my address is on file with the clerk. I would like to talk tonight about teacher appreciation week. Teachers in this
052county and all across the nation are some of the most hardworking people that I know. They work far beyond their contract hours, spend their own money to make their classrooms amazing for the kids, and they're there every day for our children. They deserve all the accolades we can possibly rain down upon them. Last month, the Board of County Supervisors proposed a large budget cut to PWCS, and I was disheartened to see that the first thing on the list of proposed cuts from this group was a well-earned pay raise. Um, teachers are the backbone of the education system, and I don't think anyone can argue with that. I'm hoping that the list was sent out of potential cuts talking about payraises and extracurriculars was meant to fire up the community to push back against the board
053of county supervisors. Obviously, it worked and PWCS received nearly all of the expected funding, but teachers should not be bargaining chips. Their raises are not to be on the chopping block as the first thing to be cut when budgets get tight. So, please let's show appreciation to the teachers by respecting them and not toying with their future planning. Thank you. Sam Jawad Kasmi. Good evening everyone. My name is Sam Kasmi. Um, I apologize. I'm a little unprepared. Um, I'm here because I am a mother of a nine-year-old daughter who was a victim of a bus driver forcefully putting her hands on my child on the bus unprovoked with force. Um, and I have put in complaints with transportation. I have put in complaints with CPS. I've put in complaints with I mean, um, Budsman. I've
054gone everywhere. Um, and, uh, I haven't made a lot of headway. I've been ghosted by transportation. They originally did give me a verdict of, uh, no abuse. When I asked for documentation or what they deem as abuse and whatnot, they um, haven't gotten back to me. They have not told me um they haven't even acknowledged the fact that she was actually physically touched or not. Um I did go to the school and review the video. The video did show my daughter was indeed grabbed by the shoulders, stood to her feet with force. Um the excuses that it was an open hand gesture instead of a closed hand gesture. So it doesn't show abuse. Um regardless, like I said, I've been ghosted by transportation. They have the COO has uh started another investigation. The bus driver
055is now back on duty. Um CPS did confirm that there was um protocols broken the driver um protocols that shouldn't have been that were in place and they said that she shouldn't have um done certain things that she did on the bus. Uh the school did acknowledge that the touch was unwarranted. Um, again, I haven't gone any far with this topic. Um, as far as with transportation and the investigation. Um, I'm asking you guys to look into it further to bring it to, you know, uh, light. Give me the justice that my daughter deserves. I had recorded the altercation because this wasn't the first incident with the bus driver. In the video, she is um, she threatens to run me over with the bus two times. She's very aggressive. She's shouting at the top of
056her lungs. Route manager experienced the same um aggression that I experienced. There was three other parents at the bus stop. I'm representing multiple parents today. So, I have signatures. I'm just not done getting it signed by everybody. So, I will email that to um the clerk when I get a chance. I guess we're here today because we want transparency. We want liability. We want accountability. and we want um this bus driver not to be on route, especially right now while the COO is still investigating this. She should be taken off. The CEO did tell me that there's no guarantee in the future that she could be any of my kids bus driver, middle school, elementary, high school substitute. Since there's no guarantee, the only way you're able to give me that guarantee after this abuse
057is to remove the bus driver. She's not safe for my kids and she's not safe for anybody else's kids. >> Thank you. Thank you, Troy Harris. Good evening, board. As I stand here before you this evening, I come to you um asking just for your ear. My child attends Osborne Park High School. I have gone through the proper steps of uh with the administration as far as getting a meeting with the administration. I was denied as a parent. I inherently have rights to discuss my child with the administration and have been denied that. I took it over to this uh associate superintendent. The associate superintendent has denied me the right for a meeting, an in-person meeting with my child. Now I am here today asking you the board um especially uh Dr. Latif uh Dr.
058McDade you as a elected official as a community member I'm asking you to hear my words personally in a personal meeting with you Dr. McDade I am asking the same I sent an email out to you directly and I have not heard back from you. I have not received any other communications and asking um and about my meeting through your associate associate superintendent. The Osborne Park basketball boys coach has been retaliating against my child for months. I have written documentation from the principal of that school from the coach told her explicitly I don't want anything I want to be have myself uh removed or um distanced from my son. This is the coach that oversees who participates in the basketball program. My son seeks to participate in the basketball program, but he has told the
059administration, "I don't want to have anything to do with this child. He does not speak to my child any longer. He does not look at my child any longer. They walked side by side in a stairwell six feet wide. He won't even acknowledge my child. and he has done so prior to me coming here speaking to you. For a coach to be able to say that for to any student in that school, you should be disgusted to have somebody that is in the school system that can say a particular kid they don't want to be around because they disagree with the thoughts and the opinions that their parents have. And that's what we're dealing with here. The administration of the school has been disgusting towards it because they try to uh turn the table and
060say these are learning curves that this coach is learning to to to coach and to deal with this program. A learning curve does not say I don't want to have anything or I want to distance myself from a child. A learning curve does not see that child and not speak to them anymore and does not acknowledge that child when they used to. So, McDade, Latif, I am asking you to hear me personally. I'm not asking you to agree with what I'm saying. I'm not asking you to act on what I'm saying. I'm asking you to hear what I'm saying. I believe the information that I have from the administration that shows that this teacher had said this directly to her, you will see that what I am seeing here today. I appreciate your time. Thank
061you, >> Kimberly Melmanco. My name is Dr. Kimberly Melman Rosasco and uh my address is on file. Um Prince William County Public Schools is engaged in systemic violations to special education law. They're violating the IDA. They're violating the ADA. They are violating the basic fundamental civil liberties of children. And as you've heard two parents just now talking about other violations that occur. But I know what this board is going to do. I've experienced it over the last few years. I've talked to dozens and dozens of parents who have experienced it. When anyone brings anything to your attention, this is the procedure that you follow. First, you'll say it didn't happen. Then you'll say if it did happen, it wasn't that bad. Next, you'll say, "If it was bad, it's not that big of a deal."
062Then you're saying, "If it is a big deal, it's not our fault." Then after that, you say, "If it is our fault, we didn't mean it. And if we did mean it, you deserved it." That's a page out of the narcissist prayer. That's what Prince William County Schools does in response to parents bringing legitimate concerns systemically affecting kids with disabilities. And that's what you all are doing. Case in point, the last time I was here, I heard a prepared um presentation from Dr. Ryer, your associate superintendent for special education. She stood up here with smiles in a PowerPoint saying how yes, there have been an increase in complaints, but there's also an increase in settlements. 58% I think she said. I was one of the parents you guys tried to settle with. You offered me
063$20,000 if I signed an NDA with teeth. I spoke about this last month and I'm sure Dr. Latif, your little speech about transparency and internal auditing is in response to the fact that my speech amassed two million views within a week and the thousands of comments called for investigation into this county for what you're doing. Because instead of wielding your $2 billion budget to help kids, to remediate your failures, instead of doing that, you're placing the blame on parents. Because Dr. Ryer last time said that parents are quote unquote electing to file complaints. Do you really think any parent wants to file a complaint? I was a a parent in this county for over a decade before I filed my first. But this is what happens in response to anyone who has advocated for civil
064rights. This is what happened in the 1960s. And the reason why Dr. Martin Luther King said, "Our nation's summer riots follow winters of delay. No one's rioting. We're filing complaints because we want a difference." And with that, in the last 15 seconds, I want to make every parent aware that there is a law firm by the name of Whitbeck Beglas. They're taking cases. They're going to bring suits against you if you don't remediate what you're doing. Contact Liz Fuller. Get your rights for your kids because this board will not do it for you. Okay, that um completes citizen comment time for this evening. We're moving on next to what are we moving on next to? Am I 14? 14. uh code of behavior proposed 2627 code of behavior up for information. Dr. McDade. >> All
065right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. At this time, I would like to invite our associate superintendent uh Daryl Samson to the podium, and he is accompanied, I do believe, by the by Teresa, the director of uh student hearings department, and they will be bringing forward the um code of behavior um amendments. >> Okay. Thank you, Dr. McDade and uh Chair Latif, Vice Chair Jesse, and members of the board. Appreciate the opportunity tonight to share our proposed updates for the Prince William County Public Schools Code of Behavior for 2026 and 27. Um our goal today is to highlight feedback received, clarify some recent updates, and share how this work supports fair, consistent, and transparent disciplinary practices. I do want to give a special thank you before we start to start to Miss Kathy Porter Lucas and Dr.
066Charmeal Atkins um who have led much of this work uh particularly prior to my appointment and I really appreciate their continued uh partnership and collaboration as we work as a whole team across the division uh to support the implementation of the code of behavior. Um it truly is a team effort and this work uh reflects all of uh the many leaders that contribute every day to its implementation. Okay. So today we'll cover these key objectives during the presentation and I want to ground us all in our code of behavior is uh really part of our FPWCS strategic plan elevate 2030 really in the area of commitment two which is in supporting positive climates and culture particularly in establishment of our safe and supportive school environments. ments. Um, a reminder for those that are watching, uh,
067it is a requirement under Virginia code that school boards regularly review, uh, the school division's code of conducts in terms of adoption. So, the purpose of our PWCS uh, code of behavior is to clearly communicate and establish guidelines and expectations for our students conduct during the school and school activities. Um we really try to emphasize in our code of behavior uh universal uh education as well as supports that are available for our students. And we want to highlight that positive school climates are partnerships between schools, families, and the community. This truly is a collaborative effort with all of those in our community. Okay. Um the uh last year, just as a quick refresher, we uh fully adopted the student behavior and administrative response framework uh that is supported through the Virginia Department of Education. Um
068and that really seeks to address student behavior from a holistic perspective. Uh and that it provides both disciplinary consequences for student behaviors and also at the same time really tries to support that students should get interventions and supports to address the root cause of student behaviors and then teach them new skills to try to make different choices in the future. Our interventions and disciplinary responses are not mutually exclusive. Okay? So they are both used together to be able to address incidents that occur in our schools, you know. So for example, students may engage in a physical altercation that is determined to be a fight. The students may be assigned suspension as the disciplinary response and with the suspension may also participate in a restorative conference or a small group intervention to build some new skills
069to better understand the impact of their behaviors as well as repair harm. It is not um it is both versus being or. Okay. So, and a reminder that our administrators really are responsible for the assignment of our disciplinary consequences. And when we look at interventions, a variety of staff roles do have the ability and the skill set to be able to help our students learn uh new skills and new ways of thinking. Okay. I will now turn this over to Miss Theresa Dval, our director of student hearings. Thank you. >> Okay, good evening. So, we had the opportunity to gather a lot of feedback. Um, here's our timeline. We had um a variety of the superintendent advisory councils that we spoke with and gathered feedback from them. In addition to that, we spoke with students
070in a variety of different settings as well. And this year was our first time um that we focused on our alternative education locations. We had student focus groups both at computer-based instruction and also at our independence um non-traditional school and gathered their input as well to get feedback. So from those stakeholders just kind of roll through the the main themes and threads that we saw with the administrator feedback um the definition and looking more into restorative practices and aligning those with our tiered um student behaviors similar to what Dr. Samson was just speaking to. also our code of behavior at a glance. Um, inquiring about having the opportunity for a kind of a a shorter version, so to speak. That is something that we would consider without losing the integrity of what our code of
071behavior has and everything that we bring to the table with that. In addition to that, defining and clarifying distribution of substances, you'll see that kind of teased out in here as well. Um, we did have a 100% of our administrators said that they were very familiar or somewhat familiar with our code behavior along with 100% agree that it creates a safe learning environment and a 100% of our administrators also feel that it supports an equitable environment. Um, this year was the first year we went to the leveling system aligned with our ESBAR codes and 75% felt that the leveling helped provide guidance and they appreciated that. our advisory and community feedback that we received um greater emphasis needed on cyber bullying and we have enhanced that as well and clarified that also adding developmental context
072around prek and kindergarten students. Our persistently dangerous codes were at the very back of our code of behavior. um they are now embedded alphabetically within our code and also a definition page that we'll go into a little bit more detail um as well as moving through the presentation. Our student feedback um always um appreciate the opportunity to hear from our students. Um we had the opportunity to have 134 student responses. We look forward to gathering even more next year. 63% of those were at the high school level and 37% were at the middle school level. 95% of our students felt very familiar or somewhat familiar with the code of behavior. 99% felt that it was easy to understand and 73% voiced that they felt with their experience that it was fair and that they understood
073the code of behavior. This consistent enforcement is ongoing this year. Uh we've had monthly trainings with admin as well as we appreciate our deans that were added this year, our discipline deans and reviewing disciplinary scenarios with them and working with our documenting and addressing student behaviors workg group which is a multi-tiered group across multi-disciplines. Areas of focus that you're going to see in our 2627 code of behavior. This is a comprehensive list and I'm going to highlight and go into more detail on the following slides. Highlighting on a couple of these is we've enhanced and added language around artificial intell intelligence. Um student activism to provide greater clarity and balancing the needs for safe and orderly activism in our schools and also our definitions at the appendix. So, our artificial intelligence, just to expand on
074that, we've included it in our regulation 2955. In addition to that, under cheating, including plagiarism, and you also see it under our misuse of technology, highlighting the use of artificial intelligence to impersonate the likeness of others will be um more specific to students and helping them understand. Um we are excited about AI, but we also need to provide guidance around it as well. We added a clarification of discipline regarding truency. There are four codes under Virginia code related to truency that students may not if you look at the legal guidance no ISS which is inschool suspension oss out of school suspension or class restriction can be assigned for those violations. So those are our objective is working with our principles, our student support teams, our counselors, our social workers to identify the why behind these
075actions and help to provide those supports for students so that way we can help motivate and move them in a better direction. So not all of those um we have now aligned all of those within our new document education for firsttime prohibited substance abuse violations. All secondary students who receive disciplinary consequences for prohibited substances will be provided a substance abuse educa education program um to give them guidance on what their choices are doing to themselves and their bodies and helping them make better choices. So we're excited to have that opportunity to offer. We've expanded on our derogatory language and images. So focusing on our slurs and symbols and noting the use of derogatory slurs and symbols that demean or intimidate an indivi individual group um and how that will be investigated underneath of harassment. So,
076our clarification with student activism. Um, finding this very important to make sure while we recognize our students right to their first amendment, there's also a focus on making sure while exercising their free speech that we balance this with the right of all students to a safe and orderly school experience. This language clarifies the guidelines for students who wish to engage in peaceful activism and the the requirement that they should work with their school administrators to ensure that it does not disturb the learning environment and that students safely and can all safety can be ma maintained at all times. So this is clear guidance that's been provided. We also have highlighted um clarification on grades preK to three regarding suspensions. This is state code. Um no students in grades preschool through three shall be suspended for
077more than three school days unless so those aggravating circumstances must exist. So conduct that causes or poses a credible threat of serious physical injury or death. also creating or an ongoing or unreasonable risk to the safety of students and staff. And the third under aggravating circumstances that involves the use of a weapon or reflects a pattern of behavior that is persistent and unresponsive to documented interventions. I'd like to hand it back over to Dr. Samson. >> Thank you. So, as we talked about before, we got a lot of feedback even last year um from some members of the board about really wanting a specific definition section that was very clear. Um and so, we've been able to put that in the back as well as make sure that the definitions when they're presented in the
078body of the text um are aligned. So, a few highlights. Um we got a lot of uh comments and questions from our administrators over the course of the year about what is the difference? How are we differentiating between assault, battery, and fighting? Um, and so really here trying to look at um these differences where you know assault is can be gestures and words, but it's really um those actions that are taken by an individual to be threatening. They are they are seeing those actions as potentially being a threat of violence to themselves. They're in real danger of being physically harmed. battery is when uh they are then making physical contact. So you often see both in uh our code here but also in Virginia uh code outside of schools is it's really often assault and
079battery together. Battery is when you have made that physical contact. Um and it does align those two definitions do align with uh state definitions in other places. Um fighting however is when uh there are mutual there's mutual decision to participate in that uh physical violence. So there's that mutual choice for that level of physical engagement. Um and so I think that that's really helpful for administrators when they're trying to determine what code applies to a particular instance. They now have that clarity. When we talk about distribution, this is another area that our administrators were really looking for clarification. Um we have to uh clarify that the distribution of prohibited substances is not solely confined to selling of prohibited substances or trading um in kind for those but it is inclusive of simply sharing substances between
080uh peers uh within the schools. Um it also reflects that distribution includes both the student who may be providing the substances as well as the student who is receiving the substances or asking for the substances. Um all over though when we talk about prohibited substances this also is inclusive of any lookalike substances. So even if a substance does not turn out to be um something that in the end is prohibited, it would still be considered distribution if there was a strong belief uh that it was uh was one at the time. Across the document, we had uh really tried to look at all of our uh the pieces of it and try to reduce redundancies um where possible. We've placed all the applicable resources and policies at the very front of the document to try
081to provide clarity as well as then we can refer to those policies and resources throughout the body of the document without having to restate them um throughout. We also put uh information on bullying and harassment that is often one of the things we get asked about the most right at the front of the document al together so that those updated and clarified definitions are present as well as the multiple ways that our families and students can uh report concerns that they have um in those areas. Um overall then due to the feedback we got on the scope of the document, the size of the document, we did look through and try to remove places where we had truly duplicative information. So we're talking about situations where one section at the very front would have uh
082a section on bullying and then three pages later there would be another section on bullying that was almost in most cases literally verbatim. Um and so trying to really take out some of the bulk where we could, however, without losing any of the required information um or uh information that is really required for legal purposes. Um last week we did review the leveled responses. We did not make substantive changes to the leveled responses. We know that there was a lot of work done last year um when the 2526 code of behavior was drafted and adopted. Um and but we did do a review just to make sure that we were still consistent um and that we had clearly delineated those leveled responses that exceeded uh those that were present within the model policy. The code
083of behavior will continue to be mainly accessed through clean catalog that's online that is available through all of our school websites as well as the district website. Um, and it is available in the nine most prevalent languages that are spoken across the district. Um, and families of course, if they would like a hard copy, can request a hard copy from their school in their preferred language. Um, as Miss Duval spoke about earlier, um, we're going to continue to work on calibrating those administrator responses. We know that that was something that we certainly heard uh from our students, but there has been a lot of work that has been done this year and we can continue to do through our regular professional learning opportunities with principles, but also with our deans of students. Um we continue
084to meet regularly with the documenting addressing student behaviors group and that's really to make sure that as leaders we are aligned in um our interpretation of the code of behavior as well as ensuring that we're uh not just looking solely at disciplinary consequences but that we're also looking at making sure we have those interventions um and supports in place to help students have the skills they need to make different choices uh in the future. Um and then once adopted we will be updating our studentf facing materials those presentations that get made by the schools in the fall so that it reflects uh any updates that we make. Um and then of course we are always continuing to think through um and work uh through Dr. Ryer's team and uh Dr. Darwin Barker who is our
085director um of multi-terism of support to make sure that we um continue to have layers of education as well as these interventions up and down uh the school continuum. so that our students can get what they need uh in terms of being able to uh behave as we expect in our schools. Um looking ahead as we start to even think about uh the 2728 code of behavior, we do want to look at revisions to ensure that we have streamlined and consolidated content whenever practical and possible. Um of course it's always appropriate to make sure that we continue to be aligned with state guidance and model policies. Um, and uh, we're not looking to make substantive changes necessarily to ESBAR coding and leveling. Um, but we'll of course continue to review that on an annual basis.
086And we were really excited to have such an opportunity to get robust feedback this year. And we want to make sure that we continue that so that we do uh, use the feedback from our students, our staff, and the community as we consider what revisions might be needed for the future. And with that, uh, Miss Duval and I are available for questions. >> Miss Trident, >> thank you all very much. I um I appreciate the changes. I appreciate um in your presentation that you note where to find that exact thing that you're talking about. That's excellent for us when we're getting your presentation, looking back at things. Um, I appreciate that. It's no secret I've not been a fan of the code of behavior as it is in some parts. Um I've said that prior
087to this. Uh I really do appreciate the changes that I'm seeing the way that we're trying to simplify getting rid of things that were redundant because that's something that I also pointed out a lot of. Um and trying to simplify it down so that when you're reading it, it's easier to to comprehend. Um there are still some things that I'm not a huge fan of, but I think a lot of it is um you know down to human behavior and human choice is is a little bit, you know, we don't get to control how humans are going to respond, but you know, the the word recommended um I just looked on here and this might be wrong because it's a computer, who knows? But it's it's mentioned 17 times. Um, and I think that that's
088one thing that I struggle with a little bit because you can recommend a certain uh consequence to me >> and recommend a certain consequence to Mr. Wilk and the way that we choose to respond is going to be different because we're different humans. Um, >> so that's also that inconsistency that you're still going to see in different schools because of that. So, um, again, that's just another uh concern of mine. I do appreciate that assault, battery, and fighting clarifying further. I think that's great. Um, we talked about that a little bit. Of course, a big thing that parents have talked to me about this year is truency and how that's defined. >> Um, and so I appreciate that. I still think there's some clarity there that I'm struggling with as a parent, too. And again,
089you know, that's when you um when you get those letters, especially to um non-English speakers, English is not their first language. Um I get a lot of questions from these parents asking what what happens next, you know, what's going on, what's what goes on, should I not go home and see my family? These kind of questions that you're getting at different levels. My daughter's in kindergarten, you know, that kind of thing. Are is she not going to be allowed to go to first grade? you know, those kind of clear questions. Um, I also really appreciate the uh the changes that make it more clear on behaviors that occur outside of the school, too. I I liked those changes that I saw in there. And I know another thing that parents bring up a lot is
090the AI um talking about that and and those things. So, I think that that's great that you added that in here. Um, and I don't have any questions. Those are my comments for now. If I have any other questions, I'll be sure to send those to you guys as well over the next couple of weeks as we continue to review. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Trendenic, Miss Williams. >> Thank you. Um I the code of behavior has come a long way. This might be my my favorite addition yet. I think it's very clean. I love that you can search because I always tell people go to the little box in the corner. Most people are much more comfortable with that. Um it's I I don't have any questions. I do
091have a suggestion moving forward. Um, similar to I think I've heard expressed from some of my other board members in various things that we do now sort of like a cheat sheet to kind of explain simplify it a little bit. Um, the things that I hear most from parents is when their student gets in trouble. There's um, even in here there's really only one line for appeals. And I think that's um, something that's not a process that's not very well understood um because it's changed our SMAP SDH we keep getting new initials. So, it gets hard for I think parents to understand what when your student gets in trouble at that moment, what do you do? And I think we don't really guide them as as well as we could. Um, we we're focused on
092the the rules so much, but as a parent, that's the one time where you you just don't think you're like my child. So, I think if we could note something in there moving forward, I'm I'm not the person to wordsmith it, but I think it may be easier on the administration as well as our families and dealing with that situation. Um, and I I am so excited about the focus groups from our non-traditional students. Um, I think that's a voice that we really could capture and specifically with COD behavior. I like the updates. I don't have any anything else to say. Just great job and I really appreciate um all the hard work that's gone into this. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay, Mr. Jesse. >> Yep. I just have a couple questions. one
093on the definition of assault and batteries and fighting. Uh I I'm having trouble trying to figure out with a fight. Uh I always see a fight as somebody started the fight. And so if Dr. Mc Dr. Latif here and I are getting in argument and I push him, then we both start fighting. So what's the definition? What's the difference between assault and fight in that situation? >> Right? I think in general when you're looking at something like assault and battery, um that other person is often not in a position where they are also up and engaging per se. They might be doing something that's more self-defense in nature. I think really the fight is when you've got people often really uh you know engaging physically together. Um I think we also have situations where um
094students agree to engage in that sort of physical altercation um mutually um which is where I think uh we see a lot of that definition coming into play. Another question is I asked I think every time this comes up I see you have the you know definition or the situation where if I take a drug from another student I'm also allowed is the punishment generally recommended the same for the two. >> Sure. So I think what we really tried to do um with that definition of distribution is clarify distribution um and those consequences uh apply um similarly to the student who is requesting the substance or getting the substance as well as the student who is receiving the substance. Yes, >> the recommended punishment is the same. Is that what you're saying? >> Sure. I
095mean the level of response from the administration you know they would be able to look at that and determine based upon that scenario. Um but we would view those two students that the distribution takes two people. Yes. >> Okay. Because my my concern has always been, you know, we we have a tendency to want to punish the person that brings the drugs in, >> but then we feel sorry for the person, particularly if they go to the hospital for taking the substance. >> Uh, but if they weren't there to encourage somebody to bring it in, >> it's it's a really catch 22. >> And sure, as a minority, I I know that the situation we have the jails fil and prisons filled with with people with drugs and with using and it's a difficult situation
096but it is a thing that I think very difficult to deal with. Thank you. >> Sure. Thank you >> Mr. Wilk. Thank you. Um I appreciate your time and the SL and the information uh presented. Uh I'll start with like the positives and lauding certain things. Um I do believe adding deans of students has provided consist consistency across the board. I do like how you've gone through more so than ever with the red lining and stuff and truncated kind of the verbiage that's almost repetitive like you said, duplicative. I found that a lot of that made this a lot more streamlined uh when reading the document. Um so the consolidation was good. I like the organization of the coding. Um you know just simple things you know alphabetizing just it was real quick to find
097things much easier looking in the document. I do have a you know a suggestion unless I was doing something wrong with um the functionality of the web page that you showed on slide 22. I was playing around with it today using that search bar on the left side. >> It didn't seem to do really much difference with searching words. So if I search for example pepper spray, nothing changed on the right. If I that that was more granular. But then if I searched a word fighting, nothing changed on the right. And and so I was wondering is that maybe me or if we could look into that and find a situation. I know we have a pretty sagacious savvy tech team that we could make sure that we you know link it because if I'm
098a parent and I'm looking for like a keyword or you know um pepper spray actually in the beginning of this year in one of my middle schools was dispersed and I'm a parent and right away I'm like oh my goodness you know what what what is this child going to get for doing this or whatever because I find that's actually a lot of times what the parents are looking for is how are you going to punish the perpetrator I understand but if I'm looking for pepper spray or something I couldn't and find it. I have to open the document and do a control F or can you know and then try to find it that way. So, if we can make it and look into that, that would be really helpful. >> Um, I have
099a question. So, I really kind of focused in on the younger grade bands when I was doing my uh overview of it. Um, relatively satisfied, at least I am, with the 612 leveling in the tiered intervention. I think we've come a long way. Um, a lot of suggestions and collaboration that we made with that. I I'm I a keen focus of mine has been is that prek uh to two range and and I know we um we are in a sense um what's the right word now limited I guess in a sense by the general assembly um and restricted on some of the policies that we can do for that level pre prek to 2 but is there something that says that every almost I'm going to say a good portion of the infractions for
100prek to 2 offers offers a level one tiered intervention really no matter what the severity is. >> Sure. I think we base a lot of that leveling initially off what is presented in the model policy which is supposed to be the guide that divisions use. Again, you can absolutely shift it particularly up. Um so I think we use that as a guide. I think the other thing that we think about when we think about prek students and the fact that we are looking as a division to expand >> the presence of pre-k students um within our our schools um is that at that age um so much of the curriculum but so much of the focus is on helping kids learn behaviors. um and they they may not have all of the skills yet or
101the background to be able to make um the same types of choices that we would expect even a 10-year-old or certainly an 18year-old to be able to make. Um, I think what the leveled responses do is they provide administrators based upon the specific incident and the specific student con context for that incident to include um four year olds versus even six-year-olds and expectations. It allows them that flexibility to look at that behavior within that developmental range as well as that uh specific um attributes of the case and then make a decision that could be um a level one. But I think most of the time we have level one, two, level one, two, three as options. Understanding that how an administrator may uh assign discipline in that case may look different for a younger student
102than an older student even within that band. No, I I appreciate that. I definitely concur about the prek. I guess in my issue is almost I feel like breaking it apart and saying I think there could be a lot more expectations on a second grader or even a first grader um than a kindergartener or a pre-k student. Um and and and you know some of the worst bullying situations that I hear uh about are at the actually elementary level. Um and so that concerns me and and if I'm looking a couple specific areas that I did look at given some of the situations that had um arisen this year with like for example harassment uh racial gender sexuality uh harassment you know prek to two offers a level one as an option 3 to five
103offers a level two again just my opinion but I think it's almost too lenient in my opinion depending on the racial and again this just me and I'm not really asking a question. I'm just saying some of the concerns I have especially like if you go to the next one, repeated harassment >> starts at a level two for prek to five. >> And again, I I would say that almost it's two different grade bands there because if you know I have a fourth or fifth grader saying a racially derogatory word over and over again to another student, I I don't think a level two would be even an option. at least for me. And I I understand the flexibility of it, but it gives me the appearance that that is a first option to choose
104from to do that if it's like the first or second time that they do repeated offenses. Whereas, I don't really feel like that should even be an option for repeated racial offenses and verbally, you know, that type of stuff in my opinion. again and and that you know and bullying of course is another big one that we tackle and we wrestle here and all divisions do. Um you know it's a growing concern. I know you guys mentioned cyber bullying um you know being an important topic um with cyber bullying. I also noticed that it is a tier one option to start with cyber bullying for the younger grade bands. I guess again I can see if you're breaking it apart with a preschooler, a three-year-old again versus a second grader, >> I don't know. I
105guess I I just see major kind of differences between that age range. >> Sure. I mean, I think when we think about the developmental nature of children, um, and how behavior in many instances for them is communication, um, and our goal as an educational body to try to teach them and retach them so that we, uh, really try to head off in the future, I think our goal, particularly with those younger grades, is let's try to get at some of these issues and concerns early so that we prevent them continuing to occur when they're in middle school and high school. and suddenly sometimes there are uh bigger things at stake. Um I certainly understand that perspective uh and I think we are our goal was to provide a range of options for students at those
106age bands um to really reflect the wide swath of human development we see in those ages. >> And I just just to kind of close this particular um topic out because I know that um Mr. Wilk has some other things that he wants to to address here. We also don't want to get too far away from the model guidelines either. Um we also want to make sure that discipline is fair and just to remind the board that we we do have accountability uh metrics from the state in terms of exclusionary discipline. And so you know we have to be reasonable if it is a it's a baseline right it's a place to start. And when we're talking about um young children who are still in the developmental learning stage where they are learning right from
107wrong um we don't want to at that young age start at the top. you you want to have a baseline that people can work up from. Which is why I do think that having the deans in place, having the regular calibration sessions and then having the process where if a primary student is being recommended for any kind of um you know discipline especially that would be exclusionary. It goes through an approval process that goes beyond just the school. And so that's the checks and balances to make sure that um if there is something egregious that it is addressed in the appropriate way, but also protecting that we do have young learners and for some of those students their first time in formal education. And so we don't want to start so high that we create
108a a situation where we are um issuing discipline that to to students that are unfair for their developmental stage. So, we'll we'll take what's being said under advisement, but I do I do want to put out publicly that, you know, we do not want to get too far away from the model guidelines and we also do not want to ignore the research around um child development. >> 100%. I I get the model guidelines again, we are, you know, limited to what we can do and I understand the importance of following those. I guess my experience with the bullying even with improvements that we've seen and there have been major improvements uh in this uh area is that especially in the elementary schools it seems like from the conversations that I've had with parents of childs
109who are the victims that it's repetitive and nothing is happening to the student who is the perpetrator, the repeat offender. I understand we are limited in suspensions and things like that and I I do agree about the importance of educating them and teaching them. I I just feel like sometimes there's too many chances. >> I think well I think we need data for that. I think we have to actually show that that is true. Um and this year we are collecting data to bring forward to say like how many um infractions were in a particular code. So uh towards the end of the year we will be bringing that forward. I do want to make sure that whatever we are uh positing that it isn't rooted in some form of objective data as opposed to
110just saying that it's happening all the time. Um and comparing what has changed from prior uh versions of the code of behavior to the to what we've implemented now and what we've done with report. We've made significant changes to reporting. We've also with the deans we've gotten um a lot more norming happening across the system. Certainly, it is not perfect, but I would rather that we first assess where we are with the changes that we've made and then use that data to analyze what adjustments need to be made rather than um you know making the statements to be true across the board that something has increased or that things have not happened when we don't actually have d comparative data to look at to say whether or not the things we put in place are
111working. >> Understand? And I'm just expressing concerns of specific constituents over time. I'm, you know, no suggestion that this is, you know, a rampant issue across the county. These are just me conveying concerns of things that I've seen. And again, not looking at the data, but just firsthand accounts of families coming to me about that. Last thing about bullying, and and and maybe it's something I missed, and I'm not asking to go to, but it's on like the page 47 of the document. and it talks about the reporting procedures for uh a student who is being bullied and something like that. I notice there's really no mention of the educator in there. Like there's no mention that if a child is a victim and may not feel um may not have they're not compelled necessarily
112to go on their own and make the report but maybe there would be an intermediary that they could go to their teacher >> that the teacher would have to report the bullying especially if we're talking like that prek to five area. I I I I don't know if it's because it's a different area like what the teacher should do with bullying or something, but when I looked at, you know, the procedures, I didn't see any step or an option for the student that could go to the teacher who then would be responsible for reporting the bullying. >> Sure. Happy to clarify. So, on page 48 of the clean copy, um, where it says, "How can I report bullying?" It says, "Any student can report bullying by talking to an administrator or a trusted school staff
113member or by completing the bullying complaint form. Any school staff member who receives a report of bullying must tell the school administration." Okay. And then students, it gives the link there. >> Perfect. I missed it then. I don't know what section I was looking at, but mine was 47 of the red lines. But no, I I appreciate that solves that because I thought it was odd. But I was like, wait, there's no mention of like adult intervention or anything at this point. >> Sure. >> What I saw. >> Yeah, absolutely. And I'm happy to to state that publicly that if staff get a report of bullying or harassment, it must be reported to school administrators. >> Perfect. And I'm going to last one uh of concern and everything else I'll just talk to you or
114send it to you offline. Um the interference of classroom instruction. Uh I think it's BAPI or whatever the coding of it. It it says for a K5 it only can be a level one and a 612 it is only a level two for interfering with learning in the classroom. Can can you explain a little bit more about that escalation? Where do we go after that point especially with the 612 students is >> disruptive. >> Is it disruptive? Thank you. Sure. I think the goal there is um thinking through like initially like if a kid is talking too much, what does that basic intervention look like? Um you know, if you've got a student who's out of their seat, what does that look like in terms of a basic first level of intervention? You know, I
115think what we would sort of say is um you know, there are additional codes as we get farther down, you know, about causing more substantial disruptions um that we would also be able to look at if we had true concerns. I think if we're looking at the ESBAR model, what we would also say is if a student is really struggling with excessive talking or um is up and moving about the classroom, um what is fueling that behavior that perhaps we need to also be addressing through some of these uh supportive measures or um interventions through counseling, through skilluing groups that we could do. um you know potentially is there some sort of learning challenge that we haven't looked at that perhaps we should um so I think there are codes where if the behavior continues
116to increase we might not continue to look at a BAP1 or a BAP2 but we would start to look at other codes but I would also say that ESBAR in addition to providing those disciplinary responses we would want to see the school also begin to examine what is behind that behavior and try to put some of those interventions in place as well >> I do appreciate I didn't mention I do like when I read the bullying area that it says this could constitute as for example harassment and then you jump to that chain or if you look at harassment it could be constitute as assault and so >> I did see the escalation depending on again >> you know where we're going or what the infraction was with that. Um, but the classroom disruption or
117interference one has always been just an item of mine and kind of looking at really the process and the next steps, especially from a classroom teacher's eyes on where do we go if this is a repeated thing. Absolutely. >> So, but that's it. Thank you so much. Like I said, a lot of compliments, a lot of good things. We're moving in a positive direction. And again, I think as Dr. McDade emphasized a lot of the concerns I have are, you know, based off guidelines that we're following that are not our guidelines in a sense and not going too far off the range with the disciplinary tiered intervention. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you, >> Tracy Blake. >> Thank you, uh, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for the presentation. And uh I really appreciate
118this continued work to ensure the uh code of behavior reflects both you know the compliance with the state reg uh requirements and the involvement needs of our student in our community. Um what stands out to me in these proposed updates is the intentional shift towards the clarity uh consension. So, I'm I really appreciate that and I'm encou I'm really encouraged to see stronger alignment around the the restorative practices and tier responses as well as efforts to reduce uh reliance on exclusionary discipline, you know, and instead focus on interventions that keep students connected to learning. So, I really appreciate that from our community and all of our kids up here. Um um the emphasis on student voice and feedback is also really important. Hearing directly from students about bullying in the reporting system and consistency across
119schools that reinforces this work. Um so it must both be clear and accessible and not just for staff but also for students and family as well. So I I really appreciate that. Um I'm I'm I'm really happy with the code of behavior. So I don't you know I appreciate the focus on the education based responses particularly with the um for the first time sub substance abuse >> related incidents which aligns with our responsibility of supporting um support learning and growth not just consequences you know so I appreciate that as well and at the core of all this work is you know with our it shows and it aligns with our commitment to a creating a positive climate and culture and community here in Prince William County. So, one where students feel safe, support, and able
120to learn. And I just finish with as we move forward, it will be important that we that implementation remains consistent across schools and that families clearly understand both expectations and support. But, um, just thank you again for this work that has gone into these proposed revisions. And like Miss Williams said, I think this is the best the best version so far. So, good job. >> Thank you. >> Okay, thank you guys. Appreciate it. Up next is Student Representative Matters, Karina Grover of the Kolgan High School. >> Thank you so much. Good evening everyone. I hope you're all doing well and have successfully accepted the fact that it is somehow already May. I'm not entirely sure how we got here so quickly, but we are here entering the season of exams, final projects, events, and students
121suddenly becoming deeply interested in grades. This week is teacher appreciation week, which is a meaningful opportunity for us to recognize everything our teachers do for our school communities. Teachers are essential to every classroom. They do far more than just teach lessons. They mentor students, support us through challenges, create opportunities for growth, and help shape our futures every single day. At the same time, I think it's important to acknowledge that teachers are human. No teacher is perfect, just as no student is perfect. They make mistakes, have difficult days, and are constantly balancing responsibilities that often go unseen by students. I know many students sometimes feel frustrated when they believe they are not being taught in the way they need or when communication in a classroom feels difficult. If that is the case for you, I encourage
122you not to immediately give up or let frustration build. Instead, reach out to your teacher, start a conversation, share your concerns respectfully, and work together to figure out what support or adjustments may help you move forward more effectively. As we move further into exam season, everyone's favorite, I also want to remind everyone to prioritize both their academic and their well-being. This is naturally one of the most stressful points of the year with exams, SOS, final projects, and all the end of year deadlines all happening at once. While it can feel tempting to survive purely on caffeine, I strongly recommend a different strategy. Please remember to prioritize your mental health, get enough sleep, stay organized, and make sure to reset when needed. Additionally, I know we already spoke on the code of behavior. Thank you for
123that presentation. But I want to remind everyone of the importance of the student voice bill of rights. As these conversations take place, it is critical that students continue to have meaningful voice in decisions that directly impact their daily school experience. Student voice should not be treated as an afterthought, but rather as an essential part of creating policies that are fair, effective, and reflective of the needs of students across the division. I encourage everyone, especially students, to stay informed, engaged, and involved. Lastly, I'm excited to announce that fellow student representative Biola Sarza and I will be presenting at the final school board meeting on June 3rd on the state of SVC's. This will be the first time this type of presentation has been given, making it especially meaningful. Great opportunity to highlight the incredible work of
124the student voice committees. This year we will be sharing accomplishments from throughout the year discussing the impact SBC have had on our community and emphasizing the importance of continued student leadership moving forward. We encourage everyone to attend whether that's in person or virtually so we can celebrate celebrate reflect and share all that our SBCs have accomplished. Thank you all again for being here tonight and for your continued dedication to students, staffs and our school communities. As we head into the final stretch of the year, I hope everyone gives themselves a little grace, a little rest, and slightly fewer overdue assignments. Have a great evening. >> Thank you, Mr. Grover. Dr. McDade, it's superintendent time. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This week is teacher appreciation week, and yesterday, May 5th, was teacher appreciation day. Across Prince
125William County Public Schools, we are grateful to our educators for who bring our mission to life every day. Our teachers do so much for our students, families, colleagues, and community. I want to send my sincere gratitude to all PWCS teachers for your dedication, your resilience, your creativity, and your unwavering belief in our students. You are central to the success of our schools and to our vision for every student. This week, we also recognize National Nurses Week, which runs from May 6th through May 12th. And today is National School Nurse Day. Our school nurses provide care, comfort, expertise, and a calming presence in moments that matter deeply to students and families. They support student wellness. They help manage health needs, respond to emergencies, and ensure students are ready to learn. We are so appreciative of their
126compassion, professionalism, and essential service to our schools. May is also National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reaffirm that student well-being is foundational to student achievement. I want to thank our school counselors, psychologists, social workers, nurses, teachers, administrators, and families who work together every day to support the mental and emotional health of our students. And finally, May is also better hearing and speech month. And on May 18th, we will recognize National Speech Language Pathologist Day. Our speech language pathologist and hearing specialists help students build communication skills that are essential for learning, confidence, relationships, and independence. I also want to remind families that kindergarten registration is open for the 26 27 school year. Starting kindergarten is a major milestone for children and families. And early registration helps our schools plan for staffing, class placement, transportation,
127and a strong start to the school year. Families can learn more and begin the registration process by visiting the PWCS website and selecting kindergarten registration. As we continue through testing season, as Karina just reminded us, I want to encourage our students to do their best, trust their preparation, and remember that these assessments are one measure of their learning, not the full measure of who they are. We are proud of their effort, growth, and determination that they show every single day. To our families, thank you for keeping students encouraged, engaged, well-rested, and present during this important time of the year. Your support makes a meaningful difference. And to our teachers and staff, thank you for helping students approach testing with confidence, focus, and a sense of purpose. Together, we will finish this school year strong, grounded
128in care for our students, appreciation for our staff, and a shared commitment to helping every student thrive. Mr. Chairman, that concludes superintendent's time. >> Thank you, Dr. McDade. Committee updates. Jen Wall on Governor's School. >> Thank you, Dr. Latif the joint board of the academic year governor school met on April 16th um for a regularly scheduled business meeting and Dr. Latif and I were both in attendance at that meeting. Um Dr. Calhoun informed the board that the school year has gone well and he provided some updates for us. We also heard um student presentations from the physics and engineering students which was mind-blowing how smart those kids are. Um a couple of like I summarized their titles. They had one on project atheron aerocool flares and stars liquid metal cooling. I mean smart kids are
129smart and their projects were cool. Um and it's always neat to hear directly from the students what they're working on. Um, the seniors had a finals last week, so they're all done. I heard some juniors saying, "It's so weird. We're not going to see them anymore." It's really cute. Um, I know the state science fair is done and we have two student groups who are going on to international science and engineering fair. Um, so we wish them the best of luck. Um, the VDOE evaluated our governor school back in March that was completed. Um, and that is uh by state requirement. Governor schools are in uh reviewed every six years I believe and that report came back with a lot of commendations and a few suggestions for improvement which I know we're on in the
130process of implementing those um our internal office of internal audit here in P PWCS we also um conducted a an audit of some of the aspects of governor's school and that there was also a report that came forward and those are also being followed up on but great great um results overall um we're thankful for that process process of evaluation and continuous improvement. It's really important that we do that at every level, even our high-flying governor school. Um the class of 2028 admissions um process is underway. Um it might even bei decided at this point. Um we were told that we had 166 students with 82 juniors and 84 seniors. So really good balance. Um and we um a bunch of us attended the research symposium on May 1st which was at the Freedom Center.
131on the GMU camp, sorry, whatever campus, the Scitec campus of GMU. Um, and it was great and I saw a number of kids just go above and beyond with their presentation skills, um, describing their projects and just they were so so enthusiastic and they jumped right in. Um, and they're really really smart. I'm saying it. I can't emphasize it enough how impressive these kids are and what a great program this is that we have here. Um, graduation is May 16th, graduation for Governor's School and that is hosted by Osborne High School. That's Manassa City Public Schools. We rotate this. We take turns. Last year it was our turn. This year it's Manassa City. Um, that's a 10:00 a.m. begin date or begin time. Again, that date is May 16th. So, I'm looking forward to that.
132And, um, celebrating the accomplishments of these outstanding class of 2026 students. Yeah. So, if you find any of them, you know, they it's it's a tough pro rigorous program, very tough, very rigorous, and they're all collegebound to um they're just going to fan out and take the great things of PWCS across the country, like literally all corners of the country. So, congratulations to the class of 2026 Governor School. >> Thank you, Miss Wall. Up next is board matters. We will start with Mr. Woke this week. >> Thank you, chairman. Uh Dr. Latif I'll be succinct with this. I know I talked a lot for the code of behavior. I did have a couple events that I did attend. Um a couple bingo nights. Flashback flashback bingo at Covington Harper. General bingle bingo. Oh my god,
133I can't talk. Bingo nights at Patty. I was a caller so you can see how well I was doing. Um um Forest Park had their annual suicide awareness walk. Uh that was a really uh compelling um event. It was great to see so many students there um attending the event. Uh PTOAC High School, uh I attended one of their choir benefit concerts, uh also with uh band and orchestra as well. Uh PTOIC also uh a couple days ago had one of their performances of Evil Dead the musical. Uh it was it was definitely unique. Uh I never I never knew it was a musical, but it is. And uh can't say I've ever seen it before, but they did a really nice job. Um a school appropriate nice job, too. It is a zombie killing
134musical, but it was it was fun. Um so that was good. Uh Graham Park had a career day that I attended and kicked it off with Supervisor Bailey. Uh PTOIC Middle School had their own musical, nothing like um Evil Dead. It was The Wizard of Oz. No death there. um generally. Um so, uh the Wizard of Oz was really good. It was PTOIC Middle School's uh first real middle musical performance that I can remember in years and it was phenomenal. Um and let's see, Henderson had their strings concert last night. And then one of my other favorite annual events uh at Mary Williams, they have their storytellers day. Um Dr. Dr. McDade, I think you came with me a couple times a few years back. This year it was rained out, so they had their
135event in the gym. And so the kids were having a good time. It's it's basically summary. It's it's a a celebration and an opportunity for students uh with special needs to do games and play in stations and different things like that. And in this case, go outside a little bit even with the rain and the bubble machines and different things like that. Um and so it was really great and I love that they do this every year. This was the fourth annual one. Um, and I love attending that as well. And I reserve the remainder of my time for Lorie Williams. >> Mr. Dick, >> thank you. Um, happy Mayber as they call it. Um, I know our teachers are feeling it because it is um down to the wire and our seniors are definitely
136feeling it uh with their senioritis and um all the fun things that are happening. Uh I encourage our seniors to enjoy uh those moments and the last of being in your school for the last time. Um soaking it up because you'd never get to go back to it. So truly enjoy it. Um I encourage you all to be super safe at prom. um and have a lot of fun. Enjoy your last moments on the field. Um and be kind to your parents. They're trying to spoken personally. I also um just want to thank you um Mr. Samson. Dr. Samson. Dr. Samson. Um I think you did an excellent job presenting tonight. I don't know if that was your first presentation or not, but >> we'll we'll say we'll say it was here. But um I
137think you just did a great job. I I really appreciate all the hard work and time that you took and the changes you made. So I just wanted to say thank you for that. >> This is a far >> thank you. Um so I did go to a few events. I I came here to see the art show which was amazing. Uh it was the I think the west part of the county is what was here on the last weekend. Uh, I also went to the SE's event over at Woodbridge High School to look at the kids projects and to um there just so many different kinds of ways that the students were um talking about or um sharing their ideas about the environment improvements we can be making or questions and curiosities they have.
138So, those are uh that's one event I always look forward to. Um, straight ho off the press from Miss Mills, uh, I want to say congratulations to our Prince William County Cappy's nominees. So, this year we have seven nominations from Kan High School and one from Osborne Park. Cole's district love you. Um, Kanh has one for uh, sound, but Chase Chapman, Leo D'Angelo, Jared Marquez, and Caitlyn McCort. Choreography is Charlotte um, Elliot. Orchestra is the Kogan Pit Orchestra dancer in a female role is Charlotte Elliot. Comic actor in a female role is Maya Vilchick. Comic actor in a male role Jeremiah Gates and lead actor in a female role Aaron Rigby. Osborne Park's uh high school between the lines uh special effects and technology was Lily and Grace LG Branco. So she is our Osborne
139Park nominee. I am um and I get to go to the Cappies this year. I'm so excited. So I can't wait to see all of our kids there. Um it is uh today is uh nurse appreciation day. So all of our school nurses, thank you for everything you do. Um all the all the minor boos and the major things that you help take care of in our schools, thank you so much for everything you do to uh keep our students safe and um maybe even sometimes some of our staff. It's also teacher appreciation week and it is Star Wars week as well. Our teachers are mentors. They are problem solvers. They are our counselors and innovators and sometimes miracle workers often before lunch and without a bathroom break. In many ways, teachers are the Jedi
140of our community. And they challenge our students and guide them, help them to discover their strengths and give them hope. And in return, students give us hope as well. Thank you teachers for your patience and wisdom that you have with our students and the care that you bring every day in our schools in these last weeks of school. May the force be with you >> yeah the force. Yeah. >> I will say I thought of you the fourth camera. >> No, I did think of Missager when it was May the 4th. I was like, "May the fourth be with you." I just totally thought of you that day. Um, all right. >> Today is Revenge of the Sith. >> Oh, man. >> Even better. >> Okay. Happy school nurse day. Uh, my family, we had
141a very direct relationship with school nurses over many years because my son had type one has type 1 diabetes. You never get rid of it. Um, and so I just want to give a huge shout out to all of our school nurses because you were so essential to our experience here in PWCS from grade kindergarten through grade 12. Um, teacher appreciation. I want to thank our teachers for everything you do to help students of Prince County learn, grow, and thrive. And if I had time, I could identify by name the teachers who have made an influence had an an outsiz influence on my children. I will save that for another time because I always have time problems. So anyway, generally thank you to all of you who work so hard, who prepare every day. Lor's
142laughing because we have the same problem. Um who deliver lessons and assignments, who meet with parents, who stay after to meet with students, who host clubs, who volunteer on advisory councils, who listen to concerns, take the phone calls, take time to email with parents, meet with them when needed, and go the extra mile in so many ways. I thank you for your impact. Um, rather than run through everything I've been to, I wanted to highlight just a few key events. I enjoyed Battlefields, A Little Mermaid. Um, it was a there was so a lot of talent on that stage. I loved Bull Run Shrek. Um, I was really impressed with the quality of this middle school performance and I'm looking forward to Reiken Middle School's Spongebob and Mountain View's show as well, which at the
143moment I'm forgetting what it is, but I'm excited about it. Um, I went to the regional science fair for middle schools this last weekend. Um, and it was really rewarding to um, visit with all of the middle school students that I was able to get to. I didn't get to all of them, but I also appreciated that their level of science is more where I am in my understanding of science compared to the high schoolers. I was like, I got you. I understand your project. This is awesome. And they they were brilliant. They were brilliant. Not that I'm brilliant, but they were brilliant. And it was so fun. I was so impressed. I'm like, you guys are 12, 13 years old and you're talking to me in this manner with this amount of confidence and
144knowledge. So, it was really great. So, thank you to all the science teachers who helped prepare kids to compete in the science fair at the school level so that they could qualify and compete at the regional level and then earn a spot to go on and compete at states. Um these kinds of learning experiences are so crucial um for students to take ownership of their learning and explore what topics they're interested in and that just goes so far for student engagement and it has it pays dividends exponentially. Another school and community event that I attended was the uh was an event at willing warriors retreat in the rolling hills just below Bull Run Mountain. It sounds it's as beautiful as it sounds. Along with Mrs. Johnson uh the principal of Alvie Elementary, Melissa Hedricks the
145parent leazison there, a school counselor and a group of students. Um the these students connected with military veterans and we raised the flags for the all of the armed forces at the site and this organization is just oh we also had taps and a national anthem. It was just a really special event for students. That's a very that's one of our school community partnerships that is thriving and benefits um our military connected families. Uh, I'm going to skip ahead. Um, let's see. Uh, to paraphrase the Secretary of State, we want America to continue to be the place where anyone from anywhere can achieve anything. A place where you can overcome the challenges and achieve your full potential. And I wish to point out that importantly here in Prince County Schools, we are working to make
146that true for PWCS as well. We are a school division where anyone from anywhere can achieve anything. whatever their heart desires, whatever their heads and hands are willing to work for, we strive to provide the opportunity to achieve those goals and dreams. And I leave you with that thought. Um, and to all a good night. >> Uh, Lori will. >> Thank you, chair. Um, I also want to say happy school nurse appreciation day. Our definition of what a school nurse does is different depending on your uh context of interaction. But uh if you haven't talked to a school nurse or social work or anyone in that vein since you were in school, you should uh probably go in and say hi and find out all of the wonderful duties that they have uh now in
147uh in in schools. It's it's more than putting on band-aids. Um I also want to say happy a teacher appreciation week. Uh it is an honor and a privilege to serve with a former teacher, Mr. Wilk and a current teacher uh Miss Zarapore. Uh it's it's something that I have never had as a profession but respect highly. It is where we all begin. Um even our administrators and our Kelly center uh leader Kelly center Kelly building leadership started as teachers uh most of them. So it's just an honor. I come from teachers uh and principles on one side of my family. So surprised. I noticed some teachers who yell at me, but I really do all the time support you. I know it sounds weird, but from our end, a lot of the things that
148we do are on the policy and on the system side. And so I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You don't get thanked for all the nights that you stay for back to schools or the five minute phone calls or that is not in your nineto-ive hours. And um without that, we wouldn't be here. And I really do appreciate it. I'm going to shorten my my end even though Mr. Will gave me one more time by saying I also went to the governor school and I bring this up because it is one of my favorite things to do is to go to the research symposium. I bring my student and it keeps his love of science um alive. I hope as a division we can utilize some modern technology maybe
149one day live stream those to our science room students um because math and science students are interested. and they get a lot of opportunities. But we have students in general ed science or our science teachers um who don't know that there's a research symposium. And one of the things that I found effective uh interacting with young people is when young people teach other young people. Um it's an exciting event and if you have not been it is open to the public. Um and it's just for me about building those existing pipelines utilizing the resources that we have because if you love science and you're not in a math and science program or you just want to see what other students are doing or what the possibilities are, it's amazing. um ASL. There's a student who
150had a a cube that translated ASL without a human person. Um there's another student last year that did a rail gun and they followed up on it this year. Uh there was a student that invented a machine that returns her soccer ball to I mean he I think he has two or three patents. Miss Wall and uh Mr. Blake were there or I told him he should get some. It's just an amazing opportunity for our students. And I'm going to end with saying please check out our summer programs. Um there is tuition is uh can be waved if you have um financial hardships that goes for our programs here and I know the county also does that as well. So please don't not register your student if you don't think you have the money. Um
151there are ways to get that done. And I also want to say to our CTE students, please be on the lookout for scholarships, unions, and other places. It's not just students who are going to four-year colleges. There are opportunities for you as well. and Miss Zaraphor and and Miss Wall. I'll do the quote this time. Do or do not try. Do or do not. There is no try. Yoda. That's it. >> Mr. Blake. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, as you've heard uh quite a few times already to this evening, uh, this week is teacher appreciation week and uh, our educators continue to show up with consistency, care, and commitment to our students and our families every single day and their impact goes far beyond instructions. They're shaping lives and they deserve to be recognized.
152So, please tell the teacher thank you this week when you see them. May is also mental health awareness month and supporting the whole child means prioritizing mental and emotional well-being alongside academics. This work is essential and it must f remain a focus in how we support our students and staff. And I know this board up here places a great emphasis on mental health. Um, and I also want to emphasize as M. Williams did the importance of summer learning and summer school is an opportunity not and I want to say um, take away some of the stigma from that summer school. It's a it provides academic support, enrichment, and a pathway for students to stay on track and even get ahead. Um, I encourage families to register before the deadlines. The Discovery Enrichment Camps and the
153elementary and middle school summer school close on May 22nd and high school summer school closes on applications close June 5th. Um, I've been all over the place. I don't I'm not really I was just going to tell Miss Ellis, my principal at Minville, happy birthday. Today is her birthday and then I'm going to sign out. So have a good night sir, >> Mr. Jesse. >> Thank you everybody. And again, I'd like to thank our teachers and our nurses. Uh you know that it's a great profession to be in. And it's an enjoyable one particularly when you help a kid that you didn't expect to achieve achieve. There's nothing like like it in the world when you do that. I want to thank my uh uh high school teacher who told me if I didn't pass
154this English exam, I wasn't going to graduate. And uh so I got on the ball and graduated on time. So, you know, teachers help you and do a lot of things. Also like to uh thank uh and ask that we might consider something for the schools that have named that. Mr. Braxton uh who is at the Braxton Middle School, his wife the name he is 101 and will turn 102 uh in July and he's still walking around and looks a lot younger than 101. So, uh that's a great thing and it's great that we have opportunity for him to see and visit the schools. Uh we got out a little bit this month. Uh the last between the last thing I went to the environmental uh program over at Woodbridge High School and that was
155a great event. And uh my wife and I went to the Future Kings, which I think the Future King organization is a organization that is a member of Sparks with the uh school system here, but they take kids from first from middle uh middle school to high school and they teach them stuff like drones and engineering and stuff. It's a very they give the kids advanced training in a lot of in four dis discipline areas that they are competing so that they can compete with college kids when they come out of school. So, it's a great program and it's something I'm glad that uh Prince County also support. Uh it's uh again, I want to thank everybody. My wife is getting better and we're beginning to go places together and uh hopefully see some more
156things at the different schools. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Jesse. Um happy teacher appreciation week, happy nurses week, nurses day. um you know very proud of the school division having uh you know for most of the time a nurse in every school all 100 schools over the last um almost seven years I believe so that's been pretty incredible um thank you to all of our students and to Karina this evening great um comments today Karina and best wishes for a um AP testing season so testing season graduation season and um you know externship season for those students doing it at some of our high schools. And um with that, I just want to say um good luck to all of our students who are still competing in sports this spring and um best wishes.
157Thank you everyone. Board meeting adjourned.