Prince William County School Board Meeting - October 15, 2025

001I'd like to call this meeting of the Prince William County School Board to order. Um, I'm going to read the notice of electronic participation pursuant to schoolboard policy 139. Schoolboard member participation in meetings by electronic communication. Jen Wall will Jennifer Wall will participate remotely in this meeting by electronic communication because she is unable to attend in person due to a personal matter that she is out of state. Uh, a motion is now in order for the approval of the meeting agenda. Mr. Blake. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Prince William County School Board approve the meeting agenda. >> Do I have a second? >> Mr. Chairman. >> Okay. All in favor or any discussion? All in favor? I. We need a roll call on this or no. >> Uh, Miss Wall, how

002do you vote? >> Say I unmute. Unmute. >> Okay, I see the hand. Okay. Everyone else was Mr. Wilk was I. Mr. Jesse I, Mr. Blake, I I miss um Zarapore I. We're doing roll call because when we have a member out, we have to do roll call. Okay. The motion passes unanimously. Motion to enter close session. Uh motion's order. Mr. Blake. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that pursuant to sections 2.2-3711 and 2.2-3712 2-3712 of the code of Virginia. The Prince William County School Board enter close session for the following reasons. One, to discuss with staff the assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body pursuant to section 2.2-3711A 2-3711A1 of the code of Virginia and two to discuss with division

003council and staff actual or probable litigation and specific legal matters involving staff, students and other civil litigation involving the school division under sections 2.2-3711 A7 and 8 of the Code of Virginia. And three, to discuss and receive briefings by staff members related to the security of school facilities, the safety of persons using such facilities, and the actions taken to respond to such matters, where discussion in an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such facilities pursuant to sections 2.2-3711 [Music] A19 of the code of Virginia. >> Do I have a second, >> Mr. Chairman? Mapore. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Okay. Roll call. Miss Ara, how do you vote? >> Yes. >> How do you vote? Mr. Blake? >> Yes. >> Mr. Jesse? >> Yes. >> Mr. Wilk? >> Miss Wall? >> Yes. >>

004Okay. And I vote yes. That passes unanimously. At this time, the Prince William County School Board will enter close session and we'll try to be out when we're out. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Uh, at this time, the Prince William County School Board is returning to open session from close session. I apologize for our starting late. We had a hearing that lasted that started at 5:30 that went um long and delayed the board's start um to the meeting this evening. So on that um we do have I read it earlier um if someone wanted to refer to it but there is a notice of electronic participation that was read earlier for uh schoolboard member uh from the Gainesville district Jen Wall who is participating by electronic means. So as long as she's on the meeting the

005board will have roll call votes for every vote um because that's the law regarding um board members who participate um by the Zoom. Okay, we have first up 801 approval of appointments and releases. Mr. Blake, motion's in order. Says 801 on my thing. All right, whatever. Let's go. Approval of appointments and releases. >> Where is that? Oh, yeah. All right. Sorry. 701. My apologies. Close session certification. Mr. Blake. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that pursuant to section 2.2-3712 2-3712 of the code of Virginia. The closed session of the Prince William County School Board meeting of October 15, 2025 be certified by adopting the following resolution. There now be it resol now therefore be it resolved that the Prince William County School Board hereby certifies that to the best of each member's knowledge one

006only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies and two only such a public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard and discussed or considered by the school board. Do I have a second? >> Mr. Chairman, >> Miss uh Williams, >> I second. >> Mr. Williams, second. Any discussion? Okay, please vote. We'll do the roll call. Um, >> you want to call the role, Miss uh Laura? >> Yes. Latif, >> yes. >> Blake, >> yes. >> Jesse, >> Wall, >> yes. >> Wilk, >> yes. >> Williams, >> yes. >> Zarapore, >> yes. >> The vote is eight yes, unanimous. Motion passed. Let's move on to close session action items now. 801, approval of appointments and

007releases. Mr. Blake, >> I move that the Prince William County School Board approved the appointment and releases of specific employees as presented in close session. >> Do I have a second? >> Mr. Chairman, >> Miss Williams, any discussion? >> Please call the role. >> Latif, >> yes. >> Blake, >> yes. >> Jesse, >> yes. >> Tradenic Wall, >> yes. >> Wilk, >> yes. Williams, >> yes. >> Zarapore, >> yes. >> The vote is 8 yes, unanimous. Motion passed. >> Moving on to 8.02. A motions in order. Mr. Jesse, recommendation. I move that the Prince County School Board provide written notice and case number SB25-00001 as discussed in close session. >> Do I have a second? >> Mr. Chairman, >> Miss Williams, a second. >> Any discussion? Please call the role. >> Yes. >> Blake, >>

008no. >> Jesse, >> yes. >> Tradenic, >> yes. >> Wall, >> yes. >> Wilk, >> yes. >> Williams, >> no. >> Zarapore, >> yes. >> The vote is 6 yes. 2 no. Williams. Blake. Motion passed. >> Moving on to the pledge of allegiance. At this time, we have our student representative, Karina Grover of the Kan High School to lead us in the pledge this evening. >> To the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. Uh moving on to Thriving Futures Focus. As everyone knows, Thriving Futures Focus is an opportunity to highlight the exemplary work being accomplished in our schools that fulfill our vision that every student will graduate on time with the knowledge, skills,

009and habits of minds necessary to create a thriving futures for themselves and their community. We dedicate this time during our meetings to recognizing students, staff members, and schools that have earned an honor or an award at the state or national level. Tonight, the board would like to recognize the six Prince William County students who were selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program semi-finalists. The National Merit Scholarship Pro Corporation is a nonprofit organization that coordinates academic recognition and scholarship programs for high achieving US high school students since 1955. The program has promoted excellence by recognizing top performing students and providing scholarship opportunities through partnerships with businesses and higher education institutions. Our students were selected based on their outstanding academic record along with entering the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program

010by taking the 2024 preliminary SAT or the PSAT National Merit Scholarship qualifying test. Uh we begin our recognition with the Kohl's districts mi Koh's district, Miss Lisa Zargo. Please introduce our first honores. >> Thank you, Dr. Latif. The Kohl's district would like to recognize two students from Charles J. Kan Senior High School. I am proud to acknowledge Jolene. Wait, Julianne, sorry, Julianne Lim representing I apologize. Um, representing Kan High School tonight is principal Dr. Tim Healey. Would you like to invite Julie Julie Goodness, I'm looking at it two different ways. Julianne to share a few words on this accomplishment. Hi, I'm Julian. Um, I'm from Kogan High School. I'm very honored to be a National Merit semi- finalist. Um, I come from a family that really values education and achievement. So, getting this award is

011not only a recognition of my efforts, but of the wonderful support that I've received from my family and teachers throughout the years. >> Thank you. And from CD Hilton Heist. Oh, no. I'm sorry. That's you. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um and Julianne, I'm very sorry to have said your name practically wrong twice. She can confirm why I said it like that. Okay. So, thank you. I just should have read the name without the pronunciation there. From CD Hilton High School. I would like to acknowledge Rebecca Clark representing Hilton High School as assistant principal Mter Brandon Morehead. And I wish to invite Rebecca to speak on behalf of this honor. >> Hi, thank you. I'm Rebecca Clark from Hilton, of course. Um, I'd like to first and foremost thank my mother. Of course, she's been

012there along every step. And as a single parent, you know, she plays a large role in the household. Um, but really to me, this is kind of recognition and reassurance. I mean, I didn't guess every question right. It wasn't a stroke of luck, but it's a testament to hard work and that paying off. And it's really different when you get the letter in the mail that shows that you did something uh worthwhile. So, thank you. >> Congratulations to you both. and I wish you both best of luck on your next steps and I hope you will let us know what those are. >> Excellent. Thank you, Miss Ara. Miss um Erica Tredenic of the Brentsville district. Mr. >> Thank you. The Brensville district is proud to recognize two students as well from Gainesville High School.

013I wish to acknowledge Benjamin Fu. Representing Gainesville High School is assistant principal Amy Manval. At this time, I invite Benjamin to share a few words about this outstanding achievement. Hi, my name is Ben Fu and I attend the Gainesville High School and the Governor Squad at Innovation Park. Um, I'm super appreciative and honored to be named National Merit Semi-finalist and I want to extend my appreciation to everyone who's uh helped uh got me to where I am today. Uh, first and foremost, shout out to my my parents. Uh, their unending support has gotten me through each day. Um, and thank you to my amazing teachers, counselors, and administrators. Um, and other faculty and staff at both schools, uh, Gainesville High School and the Governor's School. uh for helping to make my dream being educated a

014reality. And finally, uh thank a big thank you to Prince County Schools and Prince County Schools leadership for working to provide um the resources uh uh opportunities and environments uh for every school and student to succeed. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Ben. From Patriot High School, I want to acknowledge Luke Pomerit. It's my understanding that Luke has graciously opted out of speaking tonight. Representing Patriot High School tonight is Principal David Van Gelder. Congratulations and thank you for proudly representing the Brentsville district. Okay. Thank you. I'd like to now recognize Gainesville um Gainesville District. Um on behalf of Mrs. Wall because I think she's off now. Uh it is my pleasure to recognize two students from the same high school from Battlefield High School. I would like to recognize Luke Davis and Alexander Guushi. Both

015students have graciously declined to speak on behalf of their accomplishment. But representing Battlefield High School today is assistant principal Megan Host Hostellar. And congratulations to you both in the Battlefield High School. At this time, I'd like to Well, let's give them a round of applause. At this time, I'd like to ask all those involved supporting uh so everyone here who's supporting these students, including family members, teachers, parents in the audience, please stand up. We'd like to recognize you for all the work you've done to make this possible. Congratulations again to our six National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalist. It truly is a big deal and you really do make us very proud. We are very excited to have you all here tonight. We wish you all the best in your next step and we know the future

016is going to be very bright for you. Before taking some pictures, Dr. McDade would like to share a few words. Dr. McDade, >> thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. Congratulations to each of you. You are truly scholars and embody the PWCS profile of a graduate. We are incredibly proud of all of your accomplishments. And again, I do want to acknowledge that this is truly a testament not only to your personal dedication and excellence, but also your unwa the unwavering support and many of you have mentioned your family, your teachers, your mentors and your community. You represent us very well and we are so proud of each and every one of you. Congratulations. You remind us of what it means to create a thriving future and we are PWCS proud. So, at this time, I'd like

017to request our honores to come forward for a photo with the school board and to receive a small token of our appreciation. Okay. Um, this actually looking pretty good. Okay, that >> Okay, that looks good. Perfect. And everyone big smiles. >> Everyone good? Thank you. I'll be second. Okay. Um, up next is the adoption of the consent agenda. Uh, Vice Chair Blake. 11:01. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Prince William County School Board approve the public meeting consent agenda as recommended. >> Do I have a second, >> Mr. Chairman? >> Miss Williams. >> I second. >> Um, do we have any discussion? Okay, since Miss Wall is off the meeting now. >> Okay, so we just go ahead and put the vote up. >> Please vote. The vote is six yes, two

018not present at vote. Jesse Wall, motion passed. >> Okay. Next up is acknowledgements and recognitions. Um 12.01. A motion is in order. Vice Chair Blake. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Prince William County School Board approves the adoption of the acknowledgements and recognitions as recommended. >> Do I have a second? >> Mr. Chairman, >> Miss Williams. >> Oh, second. >> Um, any discussion? >> Yes, >> Miss Yeah. So, we're we're um going to have family engagement month um in November. And this is near and dear to my heart. It's um what I am hopefully studying for my capstone project. And the other one, so it's very important. I want I want parents to feel involved and um that always helps uh propel our our students into success. Uh another one that's on

019this list is also educational support professionals day. Uh that without them we we couldn't run our schools. They are there um for our kids and I am grateful for the work that they put in. So thank you >> Miss uh Williams. >> Thank you Mr. Chairman. I just want to bring attention to um the celebration for our budsman's day. It was actually on October 9th. Um but we do have an Obudsman here in Prince William County who does wonderful service for us and Obudsman's do um throughout their profession. If you are unfamiliar with our Obudsman here, I would ask that you um look up their services and what they provide not only for our staff but for also for the community. And just thank our budsman for the work she does. Thank you. >> Please

020vote. Vote is six yes, one abstained. Tradenic, one not present. Vote wall. Motion passed. >> Okay. Up next is citizen comment time. And those citizens who've signed up in advance uh with the clerk may address the school board this evening when they're called to the podium. As citizen comment period for regular schoolboard meetings is 1 hour and citizens may speak um on agenda items or other topics gerain to the operations and policies of Prince William County Schools. Please use proper decor 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, the board will recess and I'll ask the room to be cleared

021to restate public order. Um to restore public order. Tonight we have 21 citizens signed up to speak. When I call your name, please come to the podium and state your name and address. And per policy 134, the time allotted for each speaker tonight is 2 minutes. Um if you go over the two minutes, I will ask you to stop. It's not because I'm trying to be rude. It's just that's the two minutes andor I'll mute the um I'll figure out how to mute the um the podium and ask you to step aside. Thank you. Um, and we're going to go next to let me see. So, I'll announce the first five names so you know the order and you can come sit up front in the seats provided up front if you'd like. Uh, the

022first one, Maryanne Jensen, Eileen Devo, Jen Donnelly, Reena Staff, and Melissa Jük. Maryanne Jensen. My name is Maryanne Jensen. My son and his friends showed remarkable initiative in starting a Turning Point USA chapter at Patriot High School. A club open to all students that promotes civic engagement, leadership, and open dialogue. Qualities we want every student to develop. Yet, starting this club has been an uphill battle. No teacher would sponsor it, fearing backlash in today's polarized climate that many of you on this board have created. And the students face excessive hurdles just to get it approved. This is unacceptable. When the Young Democrats Club and the LGBTQ club can be approved with no problem, why the double standard? Mr. Tracy Blake's verbal assault on Miss Tradenic after the October 1st board meeting for her support of

023the Turning Point Club exposes your hypocrisy. You allow a board member to bully a female board member while preaching inclusivity, stifling conservative voices, and free speech for our kids. Mr. Blake, you are a toxic example to our children. I watched a school board member storm out of my speech last year, rejecting my differing views. Leaders who ditch civility betray our children, holding them to a higher standard than you enforce on this board. Your hypocrisy erodess the values you claim to champion. Turning Point USA is mislabeled as divisive and racist by the left. The students in this club are handing out pocket constitutions and American flags to foster free speech. Calling this racist is absurd and it denigrates that term. This board's committed to tolerance, right? This means tolerating all forms of constitutionally free speech. Um,

024we demand more from you. We demand that Mr. Tracy Blake resign because you know that is right. And you can keep smugging. Keep smiling, Mr. Blake. >> Thank you, Miss Jensen. >> Eileen Dero. >> Good evening. I'm Alen Devo from the Gainesville District, and I want to speak about certain community-based clubs. When I was a young child, I was starting not to play with fire. And as I got older and mature, I realized that fire unchecked is dangerous. Beyond that, fire can be a source of good. But we also know that it can cause harm and destruction when we're careless and foolish. So I ask you, would you give a child matches? Right now we live in a climate that's hot, hostile, volatile, and politically charged. And many would say even smoke. And when we

025know when we see smoke, there is fire. The type of fire that I'm talking about is a forest fire. They start rather small and uneventful, a campfire, a cigarette. But they span rapidly, exploding, erupting, and engulfing everything in its path. They spread because the land is dry and it lacks nourishment. And the winds are strong and powerful that carry hates. I mean embers that fly elsewhere and start a new fire in a new school or maybe a new forest. Sometimes the forest Sometimes the fires are started because of arson. Fire starters of firebugs. People like Jen Wall who light matches, walk away, act like it didn't happen. We're all advocating for giving children matches. But don't worry, we see you clearly with all those flames surrounding you. So, Dr. Latif, I ask you, do you

026insist on giving children matches knowing that they are hormonally impulsive? Brains are still developing with emerging face. We are struggling as adults to be silver in this society yet we expected to have children to self-regulate. What are we going to do when they burn themselves in each other? Are we going to have planes to drop water from the sky? Are we going to have a Shriner's hospital here to provide treatment for the second and third degree borings that they receive? No. No, we don't. And some of you still want to fight for the right to like matches, but not the right to be safe in school. All children deserve a positive culture and climate and safe to be and learn. Prove me wrong. >> Next, Jen Darling. Good evening. My name is Jen Donnelly and

027my address is on file. I'm here to express my concerns about the board's push back against the formation of the Turning Point chapters in our county schools. It's troubling to see students with differing viewpoints facing resistance rather than support. They deserve the same constitutional protections as any other group, particularly their rights to free speech and association. The issue goes beyond this club. This board has previously failed to uphold Title 9 in a manner that respects the privacy and safety of all students. I proposed a compromise allowing transgender students to use staff or Norse bathrooms, an approach that respects everyone's rights. Unfortunately, compromise seems elusive here. The situation worsened when the vice chair verbally attacked Miss Treadnick for supporting the club. This unprofessional behavior aimed to intimidate her into silence is unacceptable. Last year, he physically

028recoiled when I gave him my business card, claiming he couldn't be seen speaking to me. This is not leadership. In contrast, I appreciate the many members who, despite our differences, always engage respectfully and acknowledge my concerns. We need more of that constructive dialogue. After the recent incident, Miss Treadnick felt shaken and disappointed by the aggression she faced. I urge this board to consider removing Mr. Blake from his leadership position. No elected official should threaten or belittle any colleague. Thank you. >> Reena Stap. >> Good evening, uh, Dr. McDeade, Dr. Latif, and members of the school board. My name is Reena Stap, and my address is on file with the court. I had originally intended on speaking about ADHD and disability awareness month. I wanted to showcase how TClaywood Elementary has done a great job with

029my child's ADHD accommodations, including desk fidgets, headphones, and allowing them to stand while taking notes if needed. Both Tlaywood and Marcellar Middle have been great about my son's speech therapy and other accommodations for his genetic attack atia. But it seems other issues have come up that need to be addressed. I want to say a few words about Vice Chair Blake. From the first time I attended and spoke at a schoolboard meeting, he was welcoming and positive. Last month, I attended the Cassa Brewar Symposium and heard from him about his commitment to keeping the schools an inclusive environment for all, especially those who have been facing a recent increase in discrimination. When I emailed the board with my concerns about protections for transgender and gender non-conforming youth, he replied to me even though I reside in

030a different district. In his own words, he said, "I am committed to making sure our schools are safe, supportive, and inclusive for every student without exception." So, thank you, Dr. Blake, for all you do for this community. And as a um contrast to what the previous speakers had said, the Turning Point USA clubs are not inclusive. uh they do uh push a professor watch list which docks as many people and um can put them in danger and that is not something we need in our schools and I believe that there are things that need to be um taken in consideration before any school clubs can be allowed. Thank you >> Melissa Jük. Good evening. My name is Melissa and my address is on file. My concerns this evening relate to our children's safety at school

031and in particular our young girls and their rights to bodily autonomy and safety in bathrooms and locker rooms. A girl's right to bodily autonomy and privacy is sacred and must not be compromised. The question for the board is whether the Prince William County regulation supports or undermines our children's rights to bodily autonomy and safety. I am not disputing the Grim case. I am disputing the disproportionate concessions you've made that abuse the ruling of the case. Your newly rewritten regulation now includes language that a person's gender may change day by day. This is not a line from the Grin ruling where a document where documentary evidence of dysphoria, medical interventions, and parental involvement were all required for the child to enter the bathroom she identified with. Now you are telling me a child may vacasillate between

032genders daytoday. Based on the revision of the regulation, you have created an environment ripe for exploitation and manipulation. Your policy allows individuals to access bathrooms and locker rooms based solely on self-certification. This raises concerns over misuse by bad actors and jokesters. The staff at your schools have no objective mechanism to use in determining a student's gender fluid feelings dayto-day. What guidance will you provide your staff so they can definitively ensure kids are not taking advantage of the day-to-day clause to get a good glimpse of a young girl undressing in Virginia is a crime for a male to watch a woman undress in a bathroom. The conditions you've created enables a criminal acts for our towards our girls. >> Thank you, Mr. Next will be Chris Thunderberg, James Taesm, Clara Statatler, Katie Murphy, and Joshua Tennic.

033Chris Thunderberg. Shame on you. Well, some of you anyway. Mr. Blake's unprovoked attack on Mr. Dennick was unwarranted and completely unjustifiable. And this is not the first time he's done it. Blake should resign in shame and never show his face here again and hang up his silly bow tie. At the very least, this board should remove Mr. Blake from his vice chair position and censor him. He has proven that he's incapable of controlling his emotions and has not abandoned his criminal past as he says he has. How can we expect children to behave and follow a code of conduct when those at the very top of the school system cannot do so themselves? This isn't going to be memory hold. We will continue to bring this up until the board does something meaningful to remedy

034the situation. Mr. Mr. Blake is allowed to not like TPUSA, but as a leader, he is not allowed to bully other board members or support administrators and students that make it hard for TPUSA chapter clothes to be started in schools. The Federal Equal Access Act requires the school to allow and not interfere with the startup of non-educational clubs if any others already exist, which they do. You don't have to like it, but you can't try to stop it either. Apparently, the board needs to remind Mr. Blake and the school administrators of this. Thank you. >> James Taesm. >> My name is James Taesm. My address is on file and I am here as a parent who is very grateful for what this board has done for this community and for this school system. I grew

035up in a very different area that had a school system that is much more to the liking of many of those who have spoken today. And it was not a great place to grow up. As a relatively regular straight white male, it wasn't a great place to grow up. The intolerance that is taught, whether overtly or just subtly through small comments here and there, makes an environment where so many people feel like they have to hide. And I love seeing my kids come home from school knowing that they don't have to hide. They don't have to be someone besides who they are when they're at school. It is a safe place with great teachers that support them, care for them, and make sure that everyone is included and loved at their schools. The tolerance paradox

036is very much what is being displayed today where those that are intolerant of others are screaming for tolerance realizing that it is not something that is freely given but it is part of a social contract and if they are not willing to be part of it they will find that they are excluded. Thank you >> Clara Statatler. Does the podium go down, Ron? >> Or is that as low as it goes? >> As slow as it goes. >> Okay. >> Can I start? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Good evening, Chairman Latif board members and Dr. McDate. My name is Clara Stalter. My address is on the file with the clerk. I am a fourth grade student at Mary Williams Elementary School and I am here along with Leo, a second grade student at Kohl's Elementary School.

037From October 23rd to 31st, our schools will be turning red for a great cause, Red Ribbon Week. Schools across the division will be celebrating the nation's largest drug-free prevention campaign. Red Ribbon Week is all about promoting healthy choices, spreading positive prevention messages, and showing school spirit along the way. This year's theme is life is a puzzle. Solve it drug-free. To help bring the message to life, the Red Ribbon Week art contest is back. Students in first to eighth grade may enter a drawing or painting that features this year's theme. The deadline to submit your artwork is the 31st of October. Winners will be recognized right here at the at November 5th schoolboard meeting. Lastly, we love for everybody to join the fun on Tuesday, October 28th. We're asking all students, staff, and the community to

038wear red to show unity and support for health, drug-free living. Let's make the vict shine red. We brought a little swag for each of you to say thank you and for you your support. We hope you wear red and celebrate with us. PWCS is committed to teaching students about drug resistance, not only during Red Ribbon Week, but also year long. >> Thank you, Miss Clara. Very good. Thank uh Thank you, Clara Statler. We'll go next to Katie Murphy. just a little bit taller. >> Good evening. My name is Katie Murphy and I live in the Brentsville district. I'm here tonight as a parent and community member deeply concerned about what transpired following the October 1st Board of County Supervisor School Board meeting. What happened that night wasn't a simple disagreement. It was an act of

039aggression. A board member, Mr. Blake, confronted Mrs. Tradenic, shouted profanities, invaded her personal space, and made threatening remarks involving her family. That's not public service. That's intimidation. We expect our students to treat one another with respect. When the bully intimidates or threatens, there's consequences. Yet, when an adult in a position of leadership does the same thing, silence sends the message that the rules don't apply to everyone. And instead of showing remorse, hours later, Mr. Blake posted on his official schoolboard page, a wise man once said, "Don't argue with fools because from a distance, you can't tell who's who." That public statement wasn't reflection. It was mockery. It tells the community that he feels no accountability for his conduct. This community deserves better from its leaders. We deserve a school board that upholds its own standards

040of professionalism and safety, not one that looks the other way when those standards are violated. Accountability here is not optional. It's the foundation of public trust. And this isn't about politics or personalities. It's about safety, respect, and trust. Right and wrong. Dr. Latif, members of the board, make him resign. >> Thank you, Miss Murphy. Joshua Trodenic, Jessica. So, the next five uh Joshua Treenic. Okay. Uh next five will be and I have 12 crossed off the list. Is that correct, Laura? >> Okay. So Jessica Sher, Jeff Lofrren, Maryanne Hill, Juliana Fischer, Jan Schultz, Jessica Sher, >> you pronounced it right this time, actually. >> Yay. >> Thank you. Good evening, members of the board. Um, this latest round of schoolboard drama isn't going to help the approximately 13,000 students in our district who receive special

041education. This is a um huge distraction. I think that we need to focus our outrage right now on what is happening at the federal level with the department of education. Um I want to address federal firings in the Oval Office of Special of the Office of Special Education and their impact in IDEIDA. These cuts threaten the critical services and supports for students with disabilities across our state and here in Prince William County. This should be the thing that we're up here screaming about right now. With oversight drastically reduced, states can no longer reliably review or certify their IDA obligations. The federal office now operates with a drastically reduced staff, serving approximately 8.5 million students with special education needs nationwide. These cuts to the department with students with disabilities being left out without the services and

042protections they're legally entitled to. July 1st is the legal deadline for releasing the federal funding that pays for special education teachers, aids, and therapists. If the funds are not released by December 2026, states will have to stretch their current resources. And when that money runs out, there is no backup. The staff who tracks compliance and enforce special education law are being rifted, leaving the office nearly empty. Tonight, I have two asks. I ask that this board reaffirmed to families like mine that you are committed to following IDEIDA's protections and accommodations. Please continue to advocate for the resources. Next up, uh, Jeff Lofrren. >> Good evening, board. My name is Jeff Lofrren and my address is on record with the clerk. I can't and don't want to speak to what happened at the last board meeting.

043I wasn't there, but I do want to say what I've observed about Mr. Blake in the time I've known him. He's seemed to me to be a calm and principal leader on this school board. He takes his responsibilities as vice chair and board member seriously and he has maintained a positive demeanor in every interaction I've witnessed both during board sessions and out of them. From what I've seen, Mr. Blake is a caring and active member of the Prince William County School Board community. He shows up at events and participates enthusiastically in school activities. He's also been very active in communicating with students, parents, and concerned citizens. and I know I appreciate the time he's given to me to talk about issues of concern. Mr. Blake has been and continues to be a voice strongly in

044favor of equity here in Prince William County. He's been a fierce advocate for protecting the stu students who need it most and defending the non-discrimination policy in our county. Thank you for everything you do. Board members, thank you for your time. Maryanne Hill. >> Hello, my name is Maryanne Hill and my address is on file. Good evening school board members, Dr. McDade and staff. I'm speaking to you tonight as a parent of three students in the division with dyslexia. I'm also here on behalf of Decoding Dyslexia Virginia PWC. Our organization was created a year ago to explain what dyslexia is, what it is not, and to support the community that thrives within it. From our work over the last year, we have been networking, attending literacy nights, parent resource events, and speaking with families throughout

045the entire county. Our website has received inquiries, comments, and questions. Tonight, I would like to share with you a few of them. One, help. All caps. My third grade son is severely dyslexic and we need resources to support him. Two, I'm reaching out for my 9-year-old daughter. She is dyslexic starting fourth grade and we need help. Again, all caps. Three, while I appreciate the efforts our school is making, I'm concerned that the current reading intervention is not aligned with structured literacy read 180. Are there any local resources, support groups, or specialists that you can recommend to help my family? And number four, I would love to connect with another parent who has successfully navigated this in PWCS. Although VDOE has made success with this, it has not done yet. So, please do not check off

046the box that we are done with dyslexia. Dyslexic learners need understanding every single day. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Hill. Juliana Fischer. >> Um, hello. My name is Julianne Fischer. My address is on file with the board. I'm here this evening to again bring up the topic of the ASL program at Kan High School. For those of you that may not remember, Mr. Parks is a deaf teacher that was hired to teach the ASL program with the school district agreeing to provide him an interpreter. He's been an excellent teacher and has provided real world hands-on instruction of this subject. His ASL students and their parents were outraged to hear of the planned removal of his interpreter from the classroom. The in-class interpreter was expected to continue this year, and the replacement accommodations provided are

047laughable at best. Expecting any teacher to use texttospech software to teach a classroom of students is an unreasonable ask, and having students be responsible for handling emergency situations is unsafe and unacceptable. Since the basic right of his ability to use his interpreter has been stripped from him, the classroom environment has changed dramatically. Mr. Parks is no longer able to communicate effectively with his students and their learning has become entirely asynchronous. They are now watching videos on their computers for the entire class period and answering questions that follow. This has resulted in an unreasonable level of classroom noise to which the solution has been for the students to wear earplugs and noise cancelling headphones so they can focus. My daughter commented to me that while she's no longer learning as much ASL from the from this

048technique due to the slower spa pace of asynchronous learning, she is in fact learning a lot about real world things like discrimination, isolation, and unfair work environments. I'm beyond disappointed with the county's decision to make these changes and even more disappointed that no one with the ability to change this seems to care enough to do so. I sincerely hope that you as Prince County School Board and Superintendent will do what is right for the ASL program at Kolan High School and their teacher, Mr. parks who deserves to be treated like a valued and respected member of the school community. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um then okay, Jan Schultz and then after that we'll have excuse me on the name um Shaylin Clinger, Carl Gretton, Ha Ansari, Caitlyn Weston, Gloria Jordan, Robin Norris. That that'll

049wrap it up. And so we start with Miss Schultz. >> Thank you. Good evening, board. My name is Jan Schultz and I'm My uh address is on file with the clerk. I'm the proud daughter of an elementary school teacher and the granddaughter of a high school principal. Public education is deeply personal to me and I believe strongly in the power that it can uh transform lives. I'm here tonight to express my gratitude to each of you for your service, for your leadership, and the important decisions that you make on behalf of the children and the families of Prince William County. I want to especially recognize one member of this board who has gone be above and beyond in showing up for our community, Vice Chair, Mr. Blake. This past summer, I served on the organizing

050committee for PWC hunger-free, a community event aimed at fighting food insecurity in our county. On a hot July day, Mr. Blake joined us, not just as a board member, but as a parent, bringing his children to enjoy the activities and speaking to the crowd about the importance of ensuring no child in our county goes hungry. This is just one example of how Mr. Blake consistently shows up at a time when emotions can run high. I believe it is important that we focus on actions and Mr. Blake's actions show us that he is a valuable asset to this board and to our community. Thank you again to each one of you for your dedication to our schools and to our students. Thank you, >> Shaylin Klinger. Good evening. My name is Shayen Clinger and my address

051is on file. I'm a licensed clinical social worker, the founder of cerebral counseling and consulting. I'm also a neurodiversity advocate for decoding dyslexia Prince William County and I'm a collaborative partner of um find the ADHD girls. But above all else, I'm a mom of two neurode divergent girls in Prince William County schools. Um, for decades, ADHD has been understood through a male- centered lens. Diagnostic criteria were built around boys, leaving thousands of girls overlooked or misdiagnosed. Boys are diagnosed nearly three times more often than girls. Yes, research shows the actual rates are much closer. The difference is how symptoms appear. Girls with ADHD are often quiet, daydreamy, or overly talkative. They internalize rather than act out. Instead of being sent to the office, they're praised for trying hard while silently battling anxiety and burnout. As

052a therapist and a mom, I see bright, creative, compassionate girls who are exhausted from masking. I see girls that deserve to be creative, empathetic, and show their own innovation. Awareness alone is not enough. Schools are our first line of recognition, and educators really are our greatest allies. So tonight, I'm urging the board to continue leading in mental health awareness and inclusion by providing training for teachers and counselors on how ADHD presents in girls by implementing equitable screening that captures inattentive and internalized symptoms. By integrating classroom supports that help all learners, movement breaks, visual schedules, and partnering with clinicians and parent groups in the community. Because when we see these girls clearly, we don't improve academic academic outcomes, we improve lives. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. We have Carl Gretton. Good evening. I'm

053Carl Gretton of the Gainesville District. We see ads that our 21st district Virginia delegate has come up with $10 million for the school system. Where did this money come from? Did this come from the general fund? This money could have been used for affordable housing or reduce the cost of personal property taxes. If these $10 million has come from the school funds, then what is the representative doing with an accurate school budget? Was this money transferred through a county or state audit? Where do we see the monthly report on the school budget? Is this reported to countywide citizens? The school board is making a big deal that Prince William County is number one in teacher pay throughout the region. Have people looked at the numbers? The amount of money that is above other counties is

054about $1,000 a year. Divide that number by 12 months and hopefully the math teachers out there can see this as a mere pittance. The an sorry, the answer is an increase of about $100 a month. Take away taxes and you'll get a hamburger increase for your pay. If you really want to make a difference, lobby for this amount to be about $100,000 salary per teacher. Oh, I forgot. PEWIA is suspended because they lavishly spent money on hotels when they went to conferences. The Virginia Education Association, VA, is a school union of Virginia for Prince William County. It is amazing that this school association is an endorsing a candidate that has threatened to kill his political opponent and has threatened the wife with a statement that she should imagine life without her two children. How can

055anyone support this candidate for attorney general? >> Thank you. Next up, Henna and Sari. Right. Good evening, board members. Hello, Superintendent McDade. I don't think I have any good pop culture references for you today. I'm really sorry. And my address is on file. Um, I just wanted to talk I was going to talk about the PSAT because Happy PSAT day tomorrow. I know you're glad you don't have to do it anymore, right? You're good. I don't know, right? I'm studying for a standardized test right now. It sucks. Um, and I'm really mad that that camera makes me look like I added like 40 pounds and I really need somebody to work on that and tech support for me if you could. Um, but I wanted to talk about you guys. I heard a lot of

056things about inclusivity and safety regarding the TPUSA um, club and I wanted to kind of take a different angle from it. Um, I'm studying for the LSAP which is the the law school pres I think I've talked about this many times and I'm still studying. Don't ask how I'm doing. It's not important. Um, and there's a type of question called the evaluate question where you get an in a situation, you have to evaluate what's the best case scenario and the worst case scenario. And I feel like with the TPUSA, the best case scenario is that they're just a debate club. But the worst case scenario terrifies the heck out of me. I mean, I don't want kids, and they're already kind of scared, but I don't want kids to be afraid that they're going to

057get lynched because some kids just want to have a meeting that's not far right. It's like we want to eliminate the other people. And if you've ever listened to anything that TPUSA said, it's scary. So, I just think that I'm glad that you guys are trying to stay out of it. I hope that the kids will continue to feel safe. I don't know what's going to happen. Good luck. Good night. And tomorrow, don't guess C too many times on the PSAT. That's usually a bad sign. >> Caitlyn Weston. >> Good evening, Dr. McDade, Dr. Latif, and members of the school board. My name is Katie Weston. I am a parent, educator, and community member, and my address is on file with the clerk. Even though it is not schoolboard appreciation month, I wanted to take

058some time to share my appreciation for one of our schoolboard members, Mr. Tracy Blake, because I believe we all deserve recognition when it is warranted. As elected citizen leaders, schoolboard members face complex and demanding challenges as they advocate for the education of students and the well-being of staff. and their work is not done when they leave the schoolboard room. The time spent in the boardroom represents just a small fraction of the hours schoolboard members invest in our district. It is clear to me that Mr. Blake has spent so much of his time investing our in our community in so many ways. Over the summer, as mentioned, Mr. Blake joined us at our PWC hunger-free event. He spoke at the event bringing awareness to food insecurity issues in our district. He along with other elected representatives

059in Prince William County helped the community to raise over $3,000 and 6,000 pounds of food for our local food pantries in just two hours. Mr. Blake recently joined the community at the Cass Brewar Symposium, an event held with the intention of strengthening networks, connecting our community with resources, and amplifying visibility. I was thrilled to hear Mr. Lake speak and answer questions from the community at this very important event. And most importantly to me, when a group of parents needed to speak to our PWCS leadership, Mr. Blake responded very quickly. Set aside time to hear our stories. >> Thank you, Miss Weston. Thank you, >> Gloria Jordan. Hi everyone, my name is Gloria and my address is on file. Um, it's time for us to stop getting distracted by the he said, she said and start

060focusing on what truly matters, and that's our children. Every moment we waste on drama is a moment lost from improving their education, safety, and future. Let's refocus on what impacts all of our students. I do want to say that Tracy Blake is the kind of leader who shows up not just when the cameras are rolling, but every single day. You'll see him at school events, family nights, community gatherings. He listens. He's deeply committed to the parents, teachers, and students, and follows through on um what he says he's going to do. He builds genuine relationships and volunteers his time beyond duty. Tracy Blake proves that service, consistency, and compassion define true public leadership. I would also like to say that casting blame without any evidence is never acceptable and there should never be discipline based on

061hearsay. Also, turning point clubs carry racist and exclusionary messages. They have a long history of bigoted regg rhetoric. They criticize public schools and teachers. Why would we want a club that weakens equality and disparages public education? With federal cuts eliminating 450 positions and millions from an already underfunded special education budget, school boards should be stepping up and calling on um us to fight that. We can prioritize local funding, strengthen partnerships, and work hard to protect our children. Every child deserves access to the support they need to learn and grow. Thank you. >> Robin Norris. >> Hello, my name is Dr. Robin Norris and my address is on file. I wanted to thank you for your continued efforts and conversations around the topic of dyslexia. It's a hidden disability that affects at least 15% of our

062students in the district. It's also genetic and that means we must consider to that parents as partners who also struggle with reading and writing. According to Yale's Dr. Sha Witz, if a parent has dyslexia, there's a 50% chance their child will too. If one child in the family has it, there's a 75% chance a sibling will as well. As a professor, clinician, and parent, my days are filled with words, emails, texts, instructions, forms, all times sensitive, all seemingly urgent. I don't get to wander through a forest looking at trees or studying the ocean tides as my guides. It's words. I have to keep up to help my children, my students, and my clients to keep going. We live in a world where words matter. They can be life-saving. The more you notice words in the

063wild and daily life, the more you'll see their weight. authorized personnel only. That's a seventh grade reading level. It's kind of hard to decode. So my ask of this district is to look for the future engineers, artists, attorneys, teachers, and authors in places you might not think to look like actor Amir Baraka who plays uh Jeremiah and Zatima and the mystery writer Agatha Christie. I too use accommodations and dictate most of what I write. I listen to my emails and my texts and the words I've written to you all to make sure I do this as well as I can. Thank you for all you do. >> Thank you. And um just as always, if the community wants to communicate with the board, they always have the right also to email the board and send

064in um video messages as well. Thank you very much. Moving on next to um we are now at item 1401, legislative priorities. This is on for a vote. Um, do Dr. McDade, do you have any updates on this? >> No, Mr. Chairman, this was brought before the board at the last meeting. Um, if there are any questions, we do have uh Mr. Matt Gilfoil here to answer any questions based on his presentation at the prior meeting. >> Mr. Sarap, >> um, I did send an email about, um, my concern with Where is Mr. Gil? Oh, he's over there. Sorry. I'm like, okay. I I sent an email with some concerns about um there's a lot of it depends and whatifs in the future, but um with the federal government looking like they're going to replace

065the Department of Education with putting the money in other departments and then sending those um in block grants to the states possibly. Um, I wanted to know if we could get a little ahead and have Virginia maintain any monies that we do receive still get funneled to the things they're intended to go to. Did uh did anybody get that email to you? >> That that's actually a Shaquille question. >> Oh, it's a Shaquille question. >> I'm sorry, Mr. Yousef. Mr. Yousef is our CFO. Well, I just wanted to know if that is something that we could advocate to our legislature to sort of um >> Yeah, go ahead. >> Ensure. >> So, it is already included in the in the legislative priorities. Um it is not written as with the level of specificity you just

066described, but it does have in there an overall uh advocacy to replace uh any potential loss once it's if and when it's identified from a federal source um with state funding. So, um, as of right now, and I'll let Mr. Yousef talk to, um, any impacts that are known or unknown right now. >> So, at this moment, there are no known impairments to our federal funding. We are continuing to provide um, our reimbursements to the state. Um and at the same time we have several new applications that uh I briefed everybody on um at the BOCS joint meetings. Um so our next major reimbursement due days due date is actually today by our deadline and so within the next few weeks we'll see if there is in fact any effect of that impairment. Um, but

067right now there is no known impairment and as Matt said, we already have um an item here to to to seek replacement should there be any significant impairment to our federal funds. >> Thank you. >> Um, on that note, Dr. McDade, maybe Matt, um, you know, we do the legislative agenda every year and it's primarily geared towards the general assembly and down in Richmond. Do we have, you know, we haven't really put together a legislative agenda for the federal government? I mean, >> not in my seven years here that I'm aware of. >> I mean, I don't know if that's something we should think about, especially with all the changes happening, whether it's, you know, makes sense to do that, but something for the board to sort of contemplate or Dr. McDade. No answer needed

068now, but okay. >> I mean, we we've never done that in the time I've been on the board as well, but maybe it maybe it makes sense to do that now. I don't know. Okay. Um, if no one has any further questions, please vote. The motion was read. Oh, did we read the motion? Oh, I'm sorry. Vice Chair Blake, please read the motion. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Prince William County School Board approves the legislative priorities for the 2026 legislative session. >> Do you have a second? >> Mr. Chairman, >> Miss Williams, second. Any discussion? Please vote. The vote is seven. Yes. One not present at vote. Wall. Motion passed. >> Okay. Moving on to 1501. Um we have a presentation on what the 14th high school um how it's looking

069so far. Dr. McDade. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is my pleasure to introduce our chief operating officer, Mr. Vern Bach. He is presenting uh the DLR group that are joining us this evening to provide a presentation on the design of our 14th high school. Mr. Bach, >> thank you Dr. McDade and good evening uh chairman, Dr. Latif, uh school board members, and Dr. McDade. It is my pleasure to be here with you uh to unveil the uh design of the 14th high school to you. Uh just want to recap this has been uh over a year's worth of engagement uh with uh students uh community members um educators uh across the division u senior leadership u administrative staff uh the academic office uh really to um have and and and take all

070that stakeholder feedback and to provide to you this uh this design. Uh I want to thank the DLR group. It it's been a uh a really nice journey with them over the past year. Uh just to share with you the DLR group is 100% employeeowned uh global design firm that's backed by over 1,700 design professionals. And this evening we have with us Brian Donnelly, senior senior project manager and senior associate. Also also Emily Kappa Dalupo, architect. Uh they'll both be presenting tonight. And I also want to recognize we do have Justin Moss here with us, our director of facilities, and Vince Samper, our supervisor of construction. So without further ado, I'd like to introduce uh Brian, Brian Donley. Brian, Dr. Latif, uh Dr. McDade, members of the board, thank you so much for the opportunity

071to speak with you tonight and give you a little update on the uh design progress for the 14th high school. Um as um as Vern mentioned um we're very proud to have been to be have been selected for this project and it's been um a joy to work with your staff um and on the progress here. Um u we start of course with the with the site that we received um and as many of you know it's it's a challenging site. Um it's at the corner of Minville Road uh which is to the north of the site and um Summit School Road um which is currently being extended down to Telegraph Road. Um what you see is the our sort of interpretation of what was there. The orange stripe that goes through the middle of

072the strip uh site is um is a power line easement for Dominion Power. And the sort of blue um the blue sort of um lines that go through the middle of the site are uh a resource protection area. There's actually a small stream that runs through the site and so in perpetuity there will be a woodlands that is reserved at the middle of the site. Um these are things that we see as sort of opportunities um a way to sort of approach this site in a unique way. Um, of course, the most important thing that we um we did during the process of u of design was to meet with you um to meet with your constituents to meet with students um staff um and talk about what it is that Prince William County most

073values and how we can reflect those values in um the school design. Um without reading a slide, I will at least um summarize it this way. Um what we learned is that this school should be a place where the community feels they belong, where every student feels like they have a place to belong and where sustainability in and sustainable uh environmental literacy um is just part of the um part of the everyday experience of the place. Um so we took the site that we received and we reimagined it a bit. Um, as you see, um, here on this slide, um, uh, we've placed the building in the middle of the site. Um, and we've placed the the playing fields to the what is the north side of the site addressing Miniville Road. Um, this was

074done for two reasons. One was to take advantage of this of the the presence of this site on Miniville Road, um, which is right next to the, um, it's right across the street from the Santara uh, Health Center, if you're familiar with that. Um, and near the Ebenezer Baptist Church on the on the west side. Um so the football field or the the football stadium the the sports stadium will provide a um a presence on mini billill um the the location of the building in the middle of the site um does a couple of things for us. One is that it allows the building to address that that resource protection area and actually makes that stream and woodlands a part of the learning experience. Um to the east side of the site facing Summit School

075Road um is where the parent uh where where the parent entry will be. Um so all the all of the visitors to the site will come in from um from the same spot on Summit's uh school road. We see that as sort of addressing the this the town side. Um we've taken as our inspiration sort of um the fact that the site is not far from Aquan. Um Tackets Mill um is right sort of around the corner from us. Um so there's and there's water running through our site. So we've taken that theme of water as sort of part of our inspiration. And what you see here is the basic organization of the site. um the the red line that that um runs north to or sort of east to west there is what it

076sort of connects the the what we are thinking of as the land side of the site with the river side of the site. Um so the riverside literally is where the stream runs through the site. Um and then the the the other line that goes north south or side to side on the page. Um that divides the school into two pieces. um one is the sort of academic side uh again addressing that sort of woodland um stream and then the community side which addresses the sort of street side and on that community side will be all of the gathering spaces like the cafeteria um the theater and the gym. Um we'll get a little bit um go into a little bit more detail about the organization of the building but basically um what you see

077on the screen now is um our sort of fundamental way of thinking about this building and breaking down the scale of it. It's a it's a place for 1400 students, but we want to think about it as a place for each individual, every one student. How do you break down that scale so that people feel they belong? Um, we start with this idea of a boardwalk. Again, referring to sort of the the sort of um themes of of of a marina. Um, so the boardwalk will run all the way along the length of the the school. Um, and there are three nodal points or three sort of focal points. One at the main entry um where we provide um what we're calling a landing. There are other landings at the cafeteria and another one that

078overlooks the gym. Um, and by breaking down the scale of the of the building that way, um, it really gives each individual student um, an opportunity to sort of find their place. We've also broken down the academic side into what we call small learning communities. You'll hear us use that word a lot. Um, again, trying to make a school for for that many students feel as though you belong. Um we break this down and you see in the the the this the slide a diagram of um these sort of four wedge shaped um um blocks that are each three stories tall. Um and each of those is the small learning community. So each individual student has a place where they where they uh can sort of call their home within the uh within the building.

079Um the site is sort of nestled into the or the building is sort of nestled into the side of a hill on the site. Um so not every floor is the same. Um what you're seeing here is the the main floor. This is the main entry level. There's also a half floor below us and a story and a half above us. Um so on this level, the wedge-shaped spaces that are in blue. Those are the academic programs. So in the dark blue are the sort of core curriculum. And then embedded in each of those small learning communities is also um the um applied learning pieces, the science labs, the CTE labs. Um things that sort of allow students to sort of get both both experiences of applied learning as well as academic learning. Um and

080each of the houses, each of those small learning communities contains um these same elements. Um and then you see on the sort of lower part of the screen, the main entrance is indicated by that little red triangle. um administrative offices and a health suite on either side of that. Um to the far um to the right of the screen there is the cafeteria in pink and then the theater in um in in purple. Um you're from this floor you also can look down into um a couple of major spaces. One is of course the um gym, but the other is the what we what we refer to as the white box um which is actually the um um the robotics and um um drone sort of flight area. Um, so that can be a demonstration

081area for those kinds of programs as well. Um, as I said, there's it's nestled into the hillside, so there's a lower level below the main entry level. Um, this is also the level where the buses uh students will will be dropped off from the buses. So, you see there the gymnasium in green um and the other sort of um the other um uh uh athletic programs and and uh PE programs in green as well. Um and then two of the small learning communities as as well. And then above the main lo um entry level which is on the second floor um the library is immediately above the um immediately above the entrance and sort of provides the sort of center the sort of social and academic center um for this floor. It also overlooks the

082cafeteria um and you see the small learning communities here as well. And then finally the um the third floor u is a half a level as well. So each of the small learning communities is a three-level um structure. So what does this look like? Um, as you approach from um the southeast, as I said, there's a um everybody will approach the site from the same entrance, um you'll see this. This is the um an image of the gym um with the sort of sawtooth roof um providing daylight into that gym. So, it will never sort of feel like it's a a closed off box. Um as you sort of look um into the distance, you see the the main entrance and beyond that theater. Um the dropoff loop will actually take you to the north

083of the site and loop you back around. Um, so this now you're looking from the opposite side of the building at the rehearsal rooms and the theater um with the with the um main entrance and the the cafeteria in the or sorry the the gym in the distance. And this is the main entrance. So um on the site there is a plaza that will sort of welcome um students. It also will connect the street all the way back into the building um at this point. So the main entrance is seen as a little bit more formal um with a broad overhang hanging roof that is both um welcoming but also sheltering. again making this uh giving uh everyone who enters this building the sense of of of welcome and the sense that this is actually

084a place where they belong. Um on the other side I referred to the idea that this is sort of a riverside. Um and we use that analogy not that we want the building to look like a boat um but you see the sort of in the the sort of way that the facade sort of ripples across um um the idea that this this recalls the idea of a dynamic sort of movement of water in the wind. It's it's meant to be playful. It's also meant to be dynamic, but it's meant to sort of recall that that um idea of movement. And then immediately um on the other side, this is this is looking um at that same those same academic blocks, but now from the north, um the the academic block is seen as something

085a little bit more of an anchor. Um it's it's made of stone. It's of the earth, and it feels as though it's it's really sort of um anchoring the building to the site. So, it's a mix of these sort of playful elements as well as as well as sort of solidity. Um and then this is the entry from the from where the buses will drop off. Um also the entrance where folks will arrive if they're coming for a sporting event in the gym. Um so this is where uh you know many of the students will begin their day. Um and as they go through this entrance they're they're greeted by the first of what we referred to as the landings. This is a double height space. It's the gym lobby. Um it also has a

086piece that sort of overlooks into the gym. So um the idea is that this is an you know a a space that's um that's grand um but at the same time feels um academic and feels um like a place where um where you can socialize, where you can hang out, where you can actually feel like a student. This is um looking at the the landing above. So this is this is above where we just entered. Um again looking down into the gym, a place of gathering, a place for informal learning. Um and at the main entrance um we were this is the second of the landings. Um the the idea is that as you enter this building you see a couple of things. One is you look straight ahead and you see the the woodlands

087beyond. So there's a connection um from from um from the landside to the riverside. Um but you also see connections vertically. Um so there's an opening in the floor above so that you can sort of connect to things that are going on around the building. Um you see the the the building expand. um um left and right as well. Um the idea that everybody feels connected as you walk into this building. Um on that second floor landing overlooking um overlooking the entrance again that view um to the woodlands beyond the sense of of the interiors, the sense of nature um permeating the building. And then finally, the cafeteria, the last of our of our three sort of landing spots or or the three um the three focal nodes. Um this, you know, a primary social

088space. Um again an opportunity for um um for for gathering for small gathering for extended learning um and for opportunities for informal learning. Um this is the same space that cafeteria with a view back towards the towards the theater. Um the cafeteria doubles as the sort of pre-unction and um and sort of foyer of the of the theater as well. You'll see all of these images filled with light um filled with views to the outdoors. Um there's no no room in the space that is without windows. Um, and then that boardwalk I referred to, which is really the concourse that that sort of links the building um um from, you know, all along its length. Um, we don't want that to feel like just a big long corridor. Um, and I think in this image

089you see that it really doesn't. What it feels like is it feels like it's a part of um the natural environment, but it also you you see how the small learning communities anchor themselves to that or tie themselves in. So in the distance there you see the the small learning community and and the transition from that big long concourse into that sort of small more intimate space. All along this um path or opportunities for um for engagement with your fellow students. Um so the material pallets that we're thinking about um are all things that sort of recall nature things that are that feel like stone or feel like wood. Um the woods the the the greens and blues of of the sort of natural environment. bringing all of that to the extent that we can

090indoors so that there's a sort of seamless connection between um between the natural world and the built world um and where we are in the process um we are we are on our schedule to um finish um construction documents by the end of May and submit for permit um and then uh the project will go out to bid uh we're on schedule to go out to bid in September um and after a construction period of um several months 30 months I um on schedule to open um for students to come in the doors uh in fall of 2029. So again, thank you for your for your time and for your update. I welcome any questions that you have um regarding the design. Um questions Mr. Jesse, I don't have any question. I just want to

091thank you for your presentation. And this is something we've been looking forward to for a very long time and uh it sounds very exciting and and uh looking forward to it. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Miss Williams. >> Thank you, Chairman Latif. Uh I recognize that I was off the DIS for most of your presentation, but I have seen it. So, I just want to state that publicly. I just want to uh thank all of you for the hard work that you've done. This is uh by far one of the most innovative uh architectural designs that I have seen since being a schoolboard member and I think um you really have captured the voice of all stakeholders in this. I recognize nothing is going to be 100% one way or somebody's or the others,

092but that's a lot of work in itself. And I I really want to um thank all of you as well as as this board for really taking the time to listen to our community and the stakeholders and being involved um in this proposed design. I I'm very excited by this building. I think it will uh it will continue us on an innovative path in education and allow for uh a lot more opportunities than we currently have now for our students. And I just want to say I really appreciate your hard work. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, Mr. Jesse. Sure. >> I also want to thank you for uh talking about the drone robotic area. That's something very important to me and to I mean those programs are just expanding greatly and we needed

093a a separate facility. Uh the other thing that you didn't mention I think you should is that in case that we do start growing uh this school is expandable. Can you talk a little bit about that? >> Sure happy to. Um I I mentioned um the small learning communities and pointed out that of those wedge-shaped spaces, we had four of those. Um there's actually space on the site that we've preserved for a fifth. Um and so that will expand the the the capacity of the school. Um the cafeteria can be expanded as well. Um the gym and the theater are already designed for a school of a great of a slightly greater capacity. So um building in that sort of future proofing of those spaces that are really hard to expand um later. Um, yeah.

094So, we've been we've had that in mind. >> Any other questions? Mr. Wel, >> hey, thank you for the presentation. with the potential of exorbitant costs for something like this looking down the road. Uh this doesn't have to be obviously rectified right now. But I was thinking one thing of possibly rationalizing moving forward still with something like that despite news articles showing us a declining student population would be make it more of a multi-purpose building. Make it more something that has community usage. Whether it be I'm just throwing things out like a library that can do you know service for the community and the school depending on the hours whether it's a rec center um you know something to that capacity so there's more usage and it's not just a school it gives the community

095more collaboration and opportunity um to you know engage I think these are resources that we need I know not we're not necessarily the ones who do this um but it is an opportunity to build a partnership with the county potentially like we did with the swimming pool at Kogan. So, those are just some thoughts initially as we potentially come up with some obstacles to building this structure. >> Thank you, Mr. Wilton. Any other questions? Okay. Um, thank you. >> Thank you guys. Moving on to student representative time. We now have Karina Grover from the Charles J. Kan Senior High School. Miss Grover. >> Hello and good evening to the wonderful PWCS community, esteemed members of the school board and our amazing superintendent, Dr. McDade. I'm so grateful to once again be with you all to

096represent student voices countywide. We are now 240 days away from the last day of school. Um, who's counting? But yeah, first I'd like to wish good luck to all students in grades 9 through 11 who are taking their PSAT tomorrow. PWCS offers this test as a great opportunity to practice for the SAT and better understand your strengths and areas for growth. Take this chance to learn and prepare so you can do your best on the SAT in the future. Good luck to everyone. Remember to try your best and know that this test does not define you. On Monday, PWCS hosted the first school counselor summit which focused on helping all counselors continue to grow and better support our students. I would like to thank PWCS for giving the student senate the opportunity to participate in

097a panel discussion where we were able to advocate for students needs and perspectives regarding school counseling. This is another key example of student advocacy and action and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. I also want to take this chance to remind every student in PWCS that your counselor is here to support you. I met with counselors from elementary schools to high schools and they are very dedicated to guiding you and helping you succeed. It was great to see all the passionate counselors in PWCS and I thank you for always supporting students. We really need it. So, thank you. Now, with computers and devices not functioning properly, tech departments countywide are being significantly overworked. For example, at Kogan High School, the tech team consists of a significantly small team

098that currently has 3,000 open tech tickets, meaning there are 3,000 individual issues that need to be addressed. This affects students learning every day and highlights the urgent need for additional support and resources for our technology staff. Now, I would like to highlight some of the amazing work being done by our student voice committees countywide. At Woodbridge High School, students have been collaborating with their admin team to increase socialization during lunches. Their creative ideas include bringing in board games and even playing sports games on the TVs during lunch periods. Unity Reed High School is planning an open mic night, giving students a chance to voice their opinions. This event will also help them identify common goals that they can work to address throughout the year. Lastly, I want to recognize Patriot High School for their consistent

099dedication to the SVC center. This space is is designed to provide students with the tools and resources they need to advocate for themselves. They are almost finished with this room and we are all so excited to see this final product. This is just a small glimpse of the incredible work our SBC's are doing. I could go on for a while, but I'll stop there. I am beyond excited to see all that we accomplish this year. To finish my remarks, I would like to pay respects to Candace King, who was a student at Kan High School. Candace King passed away recently, and many students, teachers, and admin are grieving this loss. We are a PWCS family, and we will all support each other through this hard time. Whether you knew Candace or not, I want to

100highlight some key mental health resources you can use during this hard time. First, make sure to reach out to your counselors. I personally know personally know it may feel scary to advocate yourself to reach out, but um they are here to support you. PWCS also offers Hazel Health, a free online system that provides mental health services, ensuring students receive the support they need. If you see someone struggling, make sure to reach out and remember you are never alone. I also want to acknowledge the Kogan Choir. They attended Candace's funeral today and I know it was very hard for most of them. They were so close. They This just shows such a community that PWCS creates and um even in this hard time, we stay together and that's just so powerful to me. So yeah, I

101basically just said that through the ups and downs, we are sticking together. We are staying strong. Um, I want to remind every student to join your SBC's, reach out to your senators, and use your voice. Your voice matters. It has power. It makes a difference. And I promise I will personally never stop advocating for it. Let's continue to ignite change together. Thank you. All right, Miss Grover, thank you and thank you for attending the um the counseling and um reporting back on what the student senate saw with the counselors. We truly appreciate that. All right, Dr. McDade, superintendent time. You're up. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Tomorrow, as we heard earlier, is PSAT day across PWCS. This assessment helps students practice for the SAT, connects with scholar, connect with scholarships, and get personalized guidance for

102post-secary planning. I want to thank all of our principles, testing coordinators, counselors, and teachers for the coordination that make a divisionwide administration possible. Students, please arrive on time. Bring a charged device if required by your school, and do your absolute best because you've got this. In honor of National School Lunch Week, we are celebrating our incredible food and nutrition services team. I am looking forward to serving lunch alongside our staff later this week at one of our middle schools. And I promise the lunch team I won't give out too many curly fries. I enjoy seeing the smiles of our students and witnessing the care that goes into feeding tens of thousands of students every single day. Healthy meals fuel learning. Thank you to our cafeteria managers, nutritionists, and food service professionals for your commitment to

103quality, safety, and service. Next week is National School Bus Safety Week. A reminder that safety is a shared responsibility from doortodoor. To our bus drivers, attendants, routers, mechanics, and transportation staff, I want to thank you for safely transporting our students in a timely manner every single day. We also observe America's Safe Schools Week next week. Safety is foundational for learning. PWCS continues to strengthen our layered safety approach through training, drills, mental health support, threat assessments, and partnerships with public safety agencies. Thank you to our school administration, safety and security team, counselors, social workers, psychologists, school resource officers, and all staff who help build a culture of vigilance and care. As we look ahead to the coming weeks, I want to highlight several important opportunities and events for our students, staff, and families. Every high school

104has a dedicated college and career counselor. So, during Virginia College Application Week, I encourage students to make an appointment with their post-secary resource counselor and take advantage of the supports, financial aid opportunities, and information available for all pathways, including military, apprenticeships, and industry credentials. Additionally, families can also access student vision profile reports through parent view. These reports are available for students in grades 6 through 12. And these profiles help guide meaningful conversations at home about post-secary goals and the steps needed for your child to to achieve those goals. I also want to thank the counselors, college and career teams, and many community partners for expanding post-secondary opportunities for every student to thrive after graduation. I encourage every member of the PWCS community to share their voice in shaping the 2627 school calendar by participating in

105our annual calendar survey open through this Friday, October 17th. So, if you had not had an opportunity to take a look at the survey, please um open it and um review the survey and complete it prior to close of business on Friday the 17th. Your feedback is essential and I want to thank the many parents, guardians, teachers, support staff, school leaders, students, and community partners who have already contributed to this important process through the calendar committee. The survey results will be presented to the full school board in November with a final decision expected in December. PWCS is proud to have over 35 specialty programs from elementary to middle school and high school. We even have a grade 1 through eight specialty program. Our specialty programs focus on career exploration, subject area concentration, and post-secondary preparation.

106PWCS provides excellent opportunities that give students the chance to investigate careers ranging from the fine arts to building trades to advanced computer science. Applications for our specialty programs will open in early November. Please note that the Center for Fine and Performing Arts application is due um December 15th while all other applications are due February 1st. So there is an earlier deadline for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. For further inquiries, you may email or call our advanced academics and specialy programs department. Their contact information is available on our website at pwcs.edu. PWCS is also hosting three family engagement series webinars for students and families to learn more about specialty programs in PWCS. Last night, PWCS held a family engagement webinar for information on specialty programs for elementary school students. This online seminar is available

107for review on our website. The online seminar for specialty programs for middle school students will take place October 23rd at 6:30 p.m. And the online seminar on specialty programs for high school students will take place October 28th at 6 p.m. I encourage interested students and families to attend to receive valuable information. More information can be found on our website pwcs.edu. You can go to academic programs, find the link for advanced academic and specialty programs, and then select specialty programs. In closing, I would like to share that our schools and offices will be closed next Tuesday, October 21st, in observance of Dwali. Mr. Chairman, this concludes superintendent's time. >> Thank you, Dr. McDade. At this time, it is board matters. Um, we will start with um, Miss Arapor. >> Thank you, Dr. Latif. Good evening, everyone.

108Uh, I want to thank the decoding dyslexia folks when they come out. I always learn um a lot from them. Uh, when you've hosted events and I've gone I I'm I'm very appreciative for being able to have that opportunity and how dyslexia can affect our students, hearing the personal stories. Uh, so please keep ad your advocacy up. I I'm happy to learn more and um do whatever I can as a board member um both here in Prince William, but also in advocacy in um to government officials in whatever capacity. So, please make sure uh you keep inviting me to those things. I appreciate it. Um concerning calendar, I'm going to say it one more time about uh I really think we need to add at least a half day before the end of the quarter

109in elementary school for our elementary teachers. they lack the the of all the teachers um they get what 45 minutes I think in most elementary schools. I know there's principles who do like move heaven and earth to make sure that their teams get a little bit more planning but it is um these are general um general they're teaching general subjects and um getting the time to really work through their grades uh is is such a gift. So if we could add half days then that still counts towards the 180 days our students are in school and it gives the gift of time to our elementary teachers. Uh I want to thank uh all the people who've emailed with different concerns. Um yes as board members and as leaders we should be um conducting ourselves a

110certain way. We need to be examples to the community to our students and how we uh handle ourselves and also how we um resolve problems. I think uh one of the biggest skills we could be teaching our kids is how to listen uh and uh work with others. And with that, I'm just going to wish everyone a good evening. Thank you all for for staying with us this night. >> Miss Wood. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um as we know, October is Hispanic Heritage Month. So, I just want to take a moment out to encourage all of those who are not familiar with Hispanic culture to please uh do so. I'm sorry to have missed Fred Lyn's Hispanic Heritage Celebration tonight. Some of my robotics kids were uh participating in the event and I hope

111it went well. Uh in the past events, we had our joint legislative meeting uh here last week. So I would encourage those who were not in attendance for the meeting or u would like to learn more about what is was discussed uh that should be I'm sure there's a video somewhere, but basically it was just an update of where we stand uh from the county government side as well as the school division and what we should be looking forward to the future. Um, and considering as we work collaboratively together, I would very much like if we would have an uptick in those meetings because I think we do work well together, both boards, and uh I just hope uh that we can continue to collaborate on a more frequent basis. In other news, I do

112know that the uh Title One parent camp is this weekend. I didn't see it uh advertised. I'm pretty sure it is this weekend uh which is the 18th at Hampton from 8:30 to 12:30. usually in attendance but there may be a scheduling conflict uh this weekend uh we have a meeting here as well. Um another upcoming or another event that I am proud to have attended was the crisis receiving center had a ribbon cutting um earlier last week and uh it was attended by pretty much everyone elected representatives from all up and down the ballot. I just want to spend a sh special shout out to Andrea Bailey because I know this was an idea that she uh had championed since becoming a board of county supervisor member, but I know it's not just one

113person that makes it happen. Um I also want to um mention that last week I did tape a board briefing at Freedom High School. They have such amazing programs going on over there and I hope everyone will take the opportunity to check that out. Um, in addition to that, they have some uh really cool uh media studio which I heard our own communications department set up so they could do video morning announcements um and hopefully will be a budding program. So, thank you to communications for not only assisting me from taping my board brief but for adding to uh opportunities for students at Freedom. Uh as mentioned before, next week is safe schools week. So, I hope everyone wears red. Uh and the last thing that I want to say is that October is anti-bullying

114month. Uh, according to the Virginia Code of Virginia, bullying means any aggressive any unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, humiliate the vi or humiliate the victim, involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and the victim and is repeated over time and causes severe emotional trauma. Bullying includes cyber bullying. It does not include any ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict. I read that because bullying affects all of us. And I just bring this to special attention because it's something we talk about often. And as a board member who has a middle school student, I brought this subject up to him. And let me be clear, one thing that we should be proud of, what I heard back response from him was, "Mom, my friends and I, we go

115to school and all the things that are occurring and adults are talking about and in public and in the nation and on the news, when we go to school, we don't hear that. We show up safe, ready to learn, and be kids." So, I think all of us should be proud of that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Williams. Mr. Jesse, >> thank you. One of the things that we mentioned, I mentioned a couple board meetings ago, and I'd like to remind our board members, uh we talk a lot about boundaries and getting boundaries done, but we are not have not set any agenda or timing for that. So, I would encourage uh other board members, maybe another two to let's get it on the agenda and start working on on boundaries because I think

116it's very important. Uh we have Woodbridge Elementary School coming opening very soon. Uh we have Owan Elementary School opening soon and we don't have any boundaries yet for those. So, that's I think is important. I I'd like to address this issue uh that we had today talking with some of the uh citizen time and you know I I agree you know what happened was inappropriate uh on and in my opinion on both sides of the aisle and should not have happened. However, let's not be hypocritical. Some of us voted for a person who is a bully is bullying states, bullying counties, bullying everybody. So, you know, uh what's good for the geese is good for the gander. Uh but we shouldn't apply that rule, but it is in fact. So, let's not be hypocritical. Uh,

117somebody said rules don't apply and again uh let's not be hypocritical. And then Abigail Spanbury said at the debate about uh Mr. Jones, let the election make the decision. Thank you, >> Mr. Traenn. I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has reached out over the past couple of weeks for your kind words, prayers, and encouragement. Your support has meant more to me than I can fully express. I have never experienced such hatred, unkind, harsh behavior from anyone till I became an elected official. In no other job have I worked and been treated so unprofessionally by co-workers. I've never had my race, political beliefs, or strongly held religious beliefs questioned so harshly. All from the very people who call themselves the tolerant left, the love everyone left. We

118should be able to have civil discourse and discussion that doesn't bring about anger and attacks. We should model behavior for the very students we were elected to serve. We should hold ourselves to higher behavior standards than we hold them to. This week, I had a conversation with my dad that reminded me of something important. He told me that he has full confidence in me, in my strength, my calling, and my purpose. He reminded me that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be, doing the work I was called and elected to do. God has placed me here in this time and place for a reason. Sometimes in difficult seasons, that's exactly what we need. To be reminded of who we are, why we're here, and who we ultimately serve. We are not called to live in

119fear, but to be bold in our faith, our convictions, and our responsibilities. Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work hardily as for the Lord and not for men." That's the posture I will continue to carry forward. I will keep doing the job that you elected me to do. Thank you, >> Mr. Wil. >> Um, I want to uh first uh my condolences go out uh to the King family. Um Candy, delegate Candy Mundon King and uh Josh King um are my constituents. They live in Swans Creek, which is where I reside, and their children have gone through my schools. Um, so this tragic passing of their daughter, who, as we mentioned, Miss Grover mentioned earlier is a student at was a student at Kan High School. Um, my heart goes out to them. It was

120a beautiful memorial service today for the family. Um, and they're in my prayers. They're really good people, passionate, dedicated people to our community, and my heart is with them. Uh, I think that's all I really Oh yeah. Um this month is breast cancer awareness month. Um for many families like mine definitely um an impacted. My wife was diagnosed over a year ago. Uh she is in remission now. Um but uh this is a very important month because so many people have family or loved ones that have been impacted by breast cancer. Um so I'm thinking pink. Um and um just want to, you know, again express my love and support for all those people who are battling it or know someone um that has battled it or sadly has passed as a result of breast

121cancer. Um and I'm just going to leave it at that. Thank you, >> Mr. Blake. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. it. I also want to just um also give u just my my condolences to um Josh King and Candy King for the daughter. I just can't even imagine what's like. I have a 15year-old sophomore as well just like they do it. So, it's um it's just unimaginable for a parent and the strength they showed today was really admirable and um we all could learn from that. But um it's been another busy couple weeks across Prince William County and in the Napsco district. And I just want to highlight a few moments that um really capture who we are as a community. As Miss Williams mentioned earlier, we had the ribbon cutting for the Prince William

122County Crisis Receiving Center and that facility represents what happens when you take politics out of the equation and you do what's right for people. For for too long, our jails and our emergency rooms have been our default responses for mental health crisis. And that's never been that's never been a right fit. This center changes that story. And now when someone is in crisis, they can get the help in a space that's built for healing and not for punishment. And our law enforcement officers can get back to serving the community instead of waiting hours in the ER. It's a game changer for public safety, for families, and for dignity. Then then on Friday I was able to attend the parade of nations at um Dale City Elementary and they took that celebration outside out back in

123the field. Um it was beautiful. Students, families, staff filled the space with colors, music and pride. Kids waving the flags that represent represented their Hispanic heritage and culture from around the world. That's what makes Prince William County and the Absco district so special. Our diversity isn't something we just talk about. It's something we celebrate together. Huge thanks to Principal Slater and the entire Dell City team for making the event so meaningful. And then also last week we had our joint meeting with the uh board of county supervisors. It was a great example of collaboration done right. We covered a wide range of topics. Funder priorities, the impact of federal worker layoffs, potential government or not potential but the government shutdown and enrollment trends to name a few. But it was serious work and it showed

124that when we come together at the table with open minds and shared goals, we can make smart forward looking decisions for our community. And of course, I have to give some love to the Garfield to the Garfield High School at a Red Wolves football team has been on a roll these past couple weeks, knocking off Kogan and PTOIC back to back. Kogan before was undefeated before that game, but not anymore. And I love seeing the school pride and competitive spirit come alive on Friday nights. Keep it going, Red Wolves. And before I close, I will just want to say this. All right. I respect everyone's opinion. I truly believe that every voice and perspective matters. That's how we learn, grow, and build stronger communities. But there's an important difference between welcoming diverse viewpoints and given

125space to movements or messages that work against the values of inclusion, respect, and truth. Public education should be a place where all students feel seen, supported, and safe, not where politics or division take center stage. We can debate ideas all day, but at the end of it, our focus has to stay on what's best for kids and keeping our schools places of belonging for everybody. That's all from the Neapsco district where community collaboration and commitment are always a focus. Thank you. >> Um my deepest condolences to the King family on their loss of their daughter. U we are truly saddened by the loss and um you know we wish them um healing in this time that's really going to be tough for them. I've served seven years on this school board. Very proud of the

126work we've done here. I think um most proud of this past strategic plan that I think the fingerprints of every single member on this dis uh has had a had a say in or most of us have had a say in the strategic planning the strategic planning next time. I think my fingerprints are all over it. So whatever you don't like about the schools you can blame me and whatever you like about the schools you can blame me. Um, I've been called sort of everything in the book over the last seven years. And having run for even higher office, I think I've seen, if you just scroll online, you can see um communist, terrorist, my favorite chevara acolyte. Um, I've seen uh, you know, the far left not happy with me, the far right not

127happy with me. During the pandemic, I um you know, I think I achieved a notoriety um on both sides of uh folks disliking me at the highest levels um and from every aspect of the school division. Um and in politics, it is really tough. But I've also seen when when we do get along, when we do work together, we're able to do great things. Chair Wheeler, who was a super border of county supervisor chair, implemented and did some great things to improve funding for schools. Luke Torian, the chair of um House Appropriations, um singly the most powerful member in the Commonwealth when it comes to dollars, really helped us out here with schools. Um, I've worked with folks on both sides of the aisle, whether they're board of county supervisors, whether they're on this board,

128whether they're on um general assembly or in the federal government. Um, and I've been, you know, accused of sort of um, you know, why would you work with those folks? And and I and I work with them because it leads to great success. We are a school division that has one of the highest graduations rates we've ever had. The highest paid first year teachers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Uh one of the highest salaries of teachers around the nation. We have worked hard to improve student performance coming out of the pandemic. We are u a school division that Forbes magazines ranks as one of the top divisions to work for by our employees. Um we have opportunities that we have created for everybody in the school division. every race, every color, every you know um

129the diversity we have worked really hard for that and so I work really hard to do that and I work through the sort of constant um assaults and attacks that and you've heard from board members who who've seen it as well. It is disappointing when we can't get along. It is disappointing when we don't work well together. It's disappointing when we see that at the federal level with our federal officers. It's disappointing when we see that locally. It's disappointing when I see that here on my own board. I am hopeful um that this school board will continue to work well together because um the students who we represent here and the ones we work hard for are the ones we're doing all this for. Uh many of us have kids still in the school division

130and that's what we work for. And I'm committed to working with everyone on this school board, no matter what their viewpoints are. Um, and I will continue to do it in a civilized, collegial, and comprehensive way that gets us to the ends we need. Thank you. This meeting is adjourned.