001Order this meeting of the Shannidoa County School Board, Wednesday, May the 13, 2026. A meeting moved to this Wednesday in recognition of graduation for Triplette Tech tomorrow at 700 p.m. at Stonewall Jackson High School. Dr. Shepard, do you propose a closed session at this time? >> I do. I recommend the school board of Shannido County convene a closed meeting under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act in order to discuss and consider several personnel matters involving the assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salary, discipline, or resignation of several employees of the Shannidoa County Public Schools under Virginia Code 2.2-3711A14 2-3711A14 and for the purposes of discussing and considering several student matters involving the emission, discipline, or the disclosure of information contained in a scholastic record of students in the Shannidoa County Public Schools under Virginia Code 2.2-3711A2.
002>> Miss Pence is recognized. >> Thank you, Mr. Vance. I move that the Shando County School Board convene a closed meeting under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act to consider several personnel matters involving the assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salary, discipline, or resignation under Virginia Code 2.2-3711A14 2-3711A14 and to discuss and consider several student matters involving the admission, discipline, or the disclosure of information contained in a scholastic record of students in the Shando County Public Schools under Virginia Code 2.2-3711A2. >> You have heard the motion. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Rickert. All in favor of convening at closed sessions shall signify by saying I. >> I. And those opposed shall say no. And the eyes prevail six to nothing, Madame Clerk. And we will convene a close session. Is there
003a motion to reconvene in open session? >> Move to reconvene in open session. >> Thank you, Mr. Richard. Is there a second? >> Second >> and seconded. All in favor of reconvening and open session will signify by saying I. I. >> And opposed? No. >> And the eyes prevail. The Shandro County School Board hereby certifies by roll call vote that to the best of each member's knowledge, one only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements. By Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies. and two, only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed, or considered by the Shannidor County School Board. Each member will respond ISO certify when called upon by the clerk and I call for
004a roll call vote. >> ISO certify. >> I so certify. Io certify. >> ISO certify. ISO certified. I'm delighted this evening to call upon Reverend George Bowers, pastor of the Antioch Brethren Church, for the purpose of an invocation and also to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Reverend Bowers. Thank you. Let us pray. Father God, we come to you this evening and we thank you for a beautiful day that you have given to us and all the blessings we've already enjoyed today. Father, the blessings of family and friends and food and um maybe sport and lots of other things that you've given to us. We thank you. We thank you for the privilege of living in this valley, Lord God, and of all the rich natural resources you have blessed us with. And even
005more, Lord, we're thankful for the human resources, especially the most precious of our children. And Father, we pray that you would bless them. Bless their families, those that are finishing another school year, and those that have tests yet to take. Father, bless them. And Father, bless their teachers. We thank you for each of them. And Lord, they give so much uh over and above in a lot of different ways. And I pray for their refreshment uh over the upcoming summer. Father, we pray that you would bless those who administer our schools, Lord, the superintendent, her staff, the principles and their staffs. And Father, all the individuals involved in whatever way. We pray now that you would bless these board members as they consider the business of this board. And Lord, give them guidance, give them
006direction. May all they do bring honor and glory to you. Father, thank you most of all for your son Jesus who lived, taught, died, and rose again to give us eternal life. For it's in his name that we pray. Amen. >> Invite you to stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance 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. >> Thank you, Reverend Bowers. >> The chair is seeking a motion to approve the agenda as presented. >> Move to approve the agenda as presented. Thank you, Mr. Rickert. Is there a second? >> Second by um Miss Pence. All in favor will indicate by saying I. >> Opposed? No. And the eyes
007prevail. Item 2.5, recognitions. Dr. Shepard. >> Yes. I'm excited. This evening we have quite a few recognitions. Our first recognition is our Central Symphonic Band members who uh went to New York City. So, um Miss Lauren Shupner Is it on? Great. Okay. Good evening, Chairman Vance and members of the board. My name is Lauren Schupner and I am the band and orchestra director at Central High School. Tonight, we are recognizing 24 members of the Central High School Symphonic Band. In February of 2025, we submitted an audition tape and application to the Harmony Honors Invitational to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The company had already told me that there was a strong possibility that we would not be accepted due to the large number of applicants. But despite those odds, they recognized the
008talent of our students and we were accepted in March of 2025 to perform. We spent this past year fundraising, rehearsing, and preparing for this trip. On top of our normal performance responsibilities, we now had the task of preparing three grade six level pieces. In the music world, grade six is the most difficult level of music a group can perform. On top of performing in a world-renowned venue, we were also performing the hardest level of music. We were placed in the wind ensemble group combined with Redwood High School from California. And our combined ensemble was rehearsed and conducted by the famous composer Frank Tequelli. Our students represented Central High School and Shannidoa County in the utmost professional, respectful, and grateful manner. The travel company even noted in a follow-up meeting that our students stood out because
009of their attitude of gratitude. The following students were able to perform and travel to Carnegie Hall in April of 2026. And if you all could stand as I say your names. Bailey Martanszik, Maggie Walsh, Amy Rivera Diaz, Vivian Carico, Maddie Ross, Jackie Paleo Lopez, Jasmine Telling Houston, Ella Richmond, Alandre Rivera Rodriguez, Chelsea telling Houston, Ryan Helsley, Gavin Morgan, Cecilia Lopez Tersero, Julie Kibler, Lilia Lopez, Ambrosio, Parker Nef, Josiah Kron, Matthew Richards, Peter John, Johnston, Delila Lopez, Tersero, Jack Guestford, Gavin Hendris, Toby Han, and Eba, excuse me, Emma Vieira Romero. Thank you. >> Good job, guys. Our rec our next recognition is Ashby Lee Elementary School. And will Miss Molly Highland and Ashley Schwalter please come up? I'm going to actually let the students speak and then I'll recognize them by name. Kidwin is where kids
010get to challenge themselves to either build a windmill or a solar house. The goal of Kidwin is to understand renewable resources and able to use them for the great gater good. Kidwin also introduces kids to craftsmanship, teamwork, and STEM skills early on. It also teaches a lot about overcoming obstacles on teamwork. Uh, Kidwin helps expose kids to future career paths they may not have known about. >> Our teams built windmills during win. My team ran into obstacles while assembling our blades, but we were able to overcome it together. We won the judges award at the regional competition. They loved that our presentation included a jingle. Kidwin was a great experience and I hope to do it again next year. >> Kid is a fun program, but we had to learn to solve big problems and
011to persevere. My team ended up getting a personal best for energy output at the regionals. Our team had issues with getting our blades to be the same weight. We worked together to sign the blades. Our team won the energy experts award for our energy knowledge at the regional competition and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to participate in Kidland. So we were able to take three K teams to the regional competition and I'm going to recognize those students. Cora Logan, Caroline Logan, Clara Stevens, Fischer Joerger, Cassidy Anderson, Riley Miller, Abby Bowman, Josie Folly, Giovanni Cabrera, Ty Murphy, Allison Moyers, Brody Dawson, and Jackson Donald. Lisa Hartman and Alicia Billy from WW Robinson Elementary School. Dr. Shepard, I think she's looking for the clicker. I think Miss Jet has it behind you. Y Good evening. My name
012is Avery Folultz and I'm here with Ben, Jamie, Olivia, and other members of the W Robinson positive peer leadership team to share a little bit about our mission and experiences. This year we have a team of 25 fifth graders. Our mission statement was we are kind, brave, and compa compassionate leaders and role models that support WW Robinson. We do this acts we do we do this through acts of service, demonstrating good choices and creating fun experiences. Our leadership team has worked both inside and outside our school to be of service to others and promote positivity. This year we have been fortunate to partner with neighbors at Greenfield Reflections of Woodstock. We visited in December to sing carols and hand out treats. We had so much time we wanted we had such a fun time we
013wanted to return in the spring. The residents enjoyed some bowling time and we led them in some super fun bingo. We also just spent some time talking with them. It definitely brightened both of our days. Serving others within our school is a big part of PPL. Luke's Backpack is a weekend feeding program serving elementary and middle school students in Shannidora County. It is operated by Shannidora Valley Local Ministries. The program ensures children with limited or no access to food on weekends receive nutritious meals, a mission they have pursued since 2011. The PPL team delivers food bags every Friday to classrooms in our school. Another way we support our school is by mentoring younger students. This buddy program matches us with students in need of a role model that might just need someone to ask how
014was your day or talk through struggles they might be having. Sometimes we go into the classrooms and other times we meet at lunch and during walks to the bus. Teachers tell us that our time with them really makes a difference and that they look forward to seeing us every day. >> Every year the ppl team as a service project. This year, the project we selected was to design and teach lessons on kindness to younger grades. The lesson focused on manners, how to be a good friend, bullying, and more. We created interactive presentations with story with lessons with stories, acting out scenarios, and fun games. The teachers shared with us that having other students teach these messages meant a lot to the younger ones. It was a lot of fun being in front of the classrooms,
015but not always easy to get everyone to listen at the same time. We are we are leadership team and still learning a lot about what that means. In February, Mrs. Whitney Pence paid us a visit during one of our lunch meetings. She helped us understand the role of a school board member and how their service helps our schools. We appreciate her time and we definitely learned a lot about how school board members support all of our county schools. We also had a visit from Pastor Nate Robertson from Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Pastor Robertson serves as the chair of the Shannondo Valley Local Ministries. Part of what this group overseas is the Luke's backpack program. His message helps us understand exactly what the food bags we deliver each week do for the families of our school. We
016aren't just delivering bags. We are helping fellow students with meals they might not otherwise have. Thank you from hearing for from us this evening about our leadership team. We appreciate the time you've given us and also want to thank you for all you do to support our schools. The positive peer leadershipship team has been a special part of our fifth grade year. We hope members of the team will go on to other opportun opportunities in the in middle school and beyond to lead with positivity. We can just do it right here. Just turn around. You can be part of the picture. the other way. That's Miss Anne Wine King, Sandy Hook Elementary School. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Okay. Okay. Good evening, board members, Chairman Vance and Dr. Shepard. I'm honored to stand before you tonight
017um even if we have a smaller group today um to um share about our student ambassador RAS RA ambassadors. So, um, we have a a little bit of a different process as far as when our the how the student ambassadors are selected. So, this time of year, our fourth grade students, which have just finished wrapping up the nominations for next year's, um, here's here's kind of the process. Who would you believe would be who would be the best representatives for next year's Ram Ambassadors? These nominations should be students who exemplify our RAM's motto. Be respectful, be responsible, and be safe. Be a Ram and consistently demonstrate good citizenship, hard work, empathy, and kindness towards classmates, teachers, staff, and their families. And I always remind them, this is not a popularity contest. So, they are selected
018by their peers each year, which I think is a great thing. And they've always picked really great students. I want to they all couldn't come tonight but we I would like to read their names. So we do have Rowan Mcy, TJ Lerna here, Eli Leawitz and Daniel Shoemaker. And the other ones that couldn't be here tonight is Harper Grant, Cali Loving, Rayan Bodgege, Eleanor Ta, Ava Alicaid, Nyla Beiel, Jonah Lawrence, Mason Welzel, Jake Vandal, and Elias Cortez. Some of the things that my kiddos do throughout the year have listed here. They are part of the daily morning announcements. They help assist in the fall festival. Some participated in the Christmas parade. They created gifts this year by doing origami gnomes and stars for the senior citizens uh at Maynard Assistant Living Center. Um they have
019done an so encouragement video that I think we're going to queue up here, not quite yet for you guys to see. Um they did a hosted a breakfast for for the members of the schoolboard here and had a kind of meet and greet and gave you guys kind of a tour of the of their classrooms um for schoolboard appreciation week. Um, just this past Saturday, I took a select group who was able to attend. Um, we went to JMU, we went to the planetarium, we went to the gym and mineral museum and the arboritum and spent the day at JMU to kind of give them a little bit of a taste of what the college life would be like. Um, so they're kind of a shy bunch. So they said, "Do we have to talk?"
020And I was like, "No." And they know I'm a talker anyway. So, um, so yeah, I'm really proud of these kids. Um, we don't always have a lot of time to meet. It's been a struggle from time to time. There's a lot more I would like to do with them, but it's it's kind of hard to take them out of the classroom for that stuff. So, I like to respect that. So, love you guys. It's time to see. And they're a little embarrassed about this. Cue up the It's Here we go. >> Okay. One of my favorite sayings is that you think what you become. So, if you think you're going to fail, you can try your best and you'll probably most likely pass. And but if you think you're going to fail, that's a
021bad mindset and you can fail. So, just take your time and try your best. >> You've been practicing for it all year. It's not It's not that big. Try your best. Never give up. >> Don't stress. Just try your best. >> Um, eat a good breakfast and try your best. >> One of my favorite mindsets is it it's not a big deal if you fail. At least you tried your best and it doesn't it's not going to like you have more chances in third through fifth grade to pass your So test. >> So you've done great. Even if you fail, it's okay. We still care about you. Do your best >> on the test. Believe in yourself. Do your best. You can do it. >> Hey, it's just a test. There's no reason to stress.
022Don't worry. Remember what your teachers have told you and you'll be all right. >> Take your time. >> Don't rush. Remember your test taking strategies. >> Don't stress on the so take your time. Check your answers before you submit and have a really positive mindset because if you don't have a positive mindset, you're going to like you're going to doubt yourself and just do your best. You can do it. Okay? Don't rush and h have a healthy breakfast. and make sure you get a good night's sleep. Don't stress. It's just a test. >> Okay. So, everybody, I just want to say that you got this. It's just a test. If you're super nervous, it's just a test, you know? Like, you take so much tests. It's just another one of those. So, you got this.
023>> Thank you for having us. Thanks guys. So before we move on to the middle school and our last recognition, we have some really great things going on at our elementary school. So it was great to have our elementary schools and I believe it was Sandy Hook Elementary School students who suggested that we needed to recognize our elementary school students more. So thank you Miss Wine King and thank you uh Sandy Hook students. Miss Price, do you want to come and introduce your students? Signal Nom Middle School. >> All right. Good evening. So, the Kidwin project focuses on students being able to solve renewable energy problems. And there are two divisions, wind and solar. Throughout the year, our team has been working on these two divisions and this year we have created a solar project
024that we submitted online. The task was to create a solar home and we took this task in a different direction and made a home for pollinators in our community. We based this project on a community garden and built circuits to be able to power a water pump, a emergency shed, and used these things to make a community garden um model. We submitted this online and we qualified for worlds in Wisconsin. We also were able to attend the JMU state kid challenge and we participated in instant challenges as well as had the judges review our feedback. They were very impressed with our presentation and that gave us a lot of good insight of what to do in worlds. Two of us will be going to Wisconsin in this coming week. Joseph Brittenower and Ella Pangle. Um
025Oliver and I will be zooming in to be able to present our part of the of our project. >> Good job. >> That's great. >> Our team members from my right are uh Ella Pangle, Katherine King, Oliver Win Stanley, and Joseph Writtenower, and my co-coach uh Sharon Written. Great. >> She did it without reading. That was great. >> Impressive. You guys did a great job and enjoy your time in Wisconsin. That is all for this evening. >> Item 2.6. Six, public and staff comment on agenda items and non-aggenda items. The Shannidora County School Board welcomes public comment from Shannidora County residents, parents, or guardians as well as from current students and employees of Shannidora County Public Schools. Schoolboard members do not respond to public comments during the meeting or hearing. Each speaker may speak for
026up to three minutes. The board generally allows up to 30 minutes for public comments on agenda and non-aggenda items at the beginning of the meeting. If there are a large number of speakers, the board may limit the total time for comments and or may reduce the time allotted for each speaker. Only three have signed up, so I don't think that will be an issue. All comments should address a matter related to Shannidor County Public Schools. Complaints regarding division employees should be directed to the school principal or an appropriate school division official. The school board expects that each speaker will be courteous, modeling for our students how one can respectfully disagree with others views. Speakers will address their comments to the entire school board and not to one individual board member, to the superintendent, to a
027staff member, nor to the audience. Speakers will not engage in personal attacks. Speakers may sign up to speak at the school board meeting or public hearing on a document provided by the clerk of the school board. The school board clerk will ascertain that speakers indicate their role as stakeholders and valid addresses. Speakers are called in the order in which they signed up. If time allows, the chair may allow comments from individuals who have not signed up. A speaker may not speak more than once on a specific topic. Speakers who wish to speak on more than one topic must submit a separate request for each item. If a speaker would like to present written comments to the school board, eight copies should be provided to the school board clerk as the speaker approaches the podium to
028speak. And the first one to sign up this evening, Joseph Ritnau. Hello. Hello. My name is Joseph Ritnau. I am in seventh grade to go to SKMS. I went to the Paige Jano Honor Band at Laorray High School and I wanted to thank you for providing the funding. It was an amazing experience. We played fun music and were in an auditorium. The auditorium was huge and had lights that made my French horn's bell glow, but I'm worried because there might not be funding for next year. I thought this was a great event and I hope you keep funding it. Thank you for listening. >> Thank you. >> Good job, >> Reverend Bowers. Madam Superintendent, members of the board, I want to thank you for the privilege of be able to share with you this evening
029and for your service uh to the students, to their families, and to the taxpayers of our county. On behalf of the board and all of our students and of our executive director, Kathy Rivers, I want to thank you also for allowing our children to learn about Jesus if their parents so direct. weekday religious education restarted in this county in 2022 with 20 stu 22 students enrolled for four weeks. We just completed our fifth year of instruction with 269 students in 13 classes from second through fifth grades. This is an increase of almost a hundred students from last year and our end of the year celebrations were held a few weeks ago for the students from each of the campuses. Special thanks to Superintendent Shephard and Assistant Superintendent Proctor, other staff and board members that attended
030some of those events. In addition to their Bible lessons and memory verses, some students learned sign language as well as leadership skills by praying uh in their in their classes. Over half the students from two campuses shared either a Bible verse or a favorite memory from in front of large audiences at those celebrations. And the fifth graders said they wish they could continue in middle school. Our teachers reported positive improvement in behavior not just from year to year but within a few months of being in. And at least one elementary principal commented on changes that she could see in our students. Students shared that they have learned positive ways to deal with challenges with friends, siblings, and classmates through discussions of faith and action. We talk about real life situations and how to handle them
031in loving and forgiving ways. If only we could get the national leaders of both political parties in our program. Jesus is not just the only savior. He is also the only effective solution to our individual problems and our national division. As we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, I would remind us of our rich local heritage with pastor patriot Peter Muenberg who was a great godly leader. We desires to be an incubator for great godly men and women. And I would share with you one quote from one of Muenberg's best friends, another godly leader, George Washington, who once said, "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports." Shannidoa County is delighted to be one of those indispensable supports. Thank you again for your service to all of
032us. May God bless you as you carry on your duties this evening. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Justin Pence. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the board. Uh Superintendent Shepard. Uh I'm pleased to speak to you tonight uh representing the Economic Development Council of Shannondo County. Uh I'm the chair of that organization and we have members from all over the county, business leaders and I just wanted to let you know what we've been working on and uh we've we've tried to brief some of you. Um we've met with the school the um board of supervisors and what we would like to do is to try to form some kind of public private partnership to help with the construction of more classroom space, more uh teaching space at Triplette Tech. And we want to do
033it with the speed of private business, not the speed of government. Uh we we think um it's a shame to to be turning away as many kids are being turned away from that organization or the triplet tech every year. You know, we we we figure it's upwards of a hundred every year and those are the blueco collar workers that we need in this community. um the business people that represent that I'm speaking for on the EDC, they all feel that they need those trades people to participate in their buildings or participate in their businesses in the county and it's a huge lack of u employment. I know um people all over, not even in this county, depend on who we train in triplette to to um go into their workforce. So, I've I've spoke with
034um the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, uh Miss Chennery, and she guided me to a lawyer from the Meguire Woods Law Firm, and we've got him coming to speak with us about how you form a public private partnership. Um we have a meeting early June. So, our intentions are to try to lay something out for you, a proposal perhaps that says, you know, we would like to help with this, you know, urgent need and we feel in the county. Um, so I just wanted you to know where we are. Um, our meeting's June 10th. I've got this guy um is going to come to the meeting and well, he's going to be on Zoom and talk to us about some of the options of how we can proceed. Uh I just you didn't ask for
035help but we want to help and we feel like it's important and it's uh I know the the elementary schools are important all the the renovations are important everything's important but we just feel that this is the most important especially to the business community. So um we we look forward to seeing what we come up with and you know there's people that want to help you all. I know not to the tune of hundreds of millions that you that you all need and the county needs, but um a more um you know, a more reasonable approach to try to get something done. So, I appreciate y'all's time. Appreciate your service. I know it's not easy and it's not fun all the time, but uh I appreciate everything. Thanks. >> Thank you. That concludes our uh
036our public input. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda items which consists of 10 items and u I may be out of order Mr. parliamentarian. But anyway, I invite all of you to pay attention to 3.7 and the student from um to now I had it right to Jikstan and uh do some research on that country. This uh exchange students in for a culture shock. So anyway, is there a motion to uh approve of the consent agenda? >> Move to approve the consent agenda >> and the motion is made by Mr. Rickard and it is seconded by second. Miss Carlinio. All in favor will indicate by saying I >> opposed. No. And the motion carries. Somewhere back here is our next item. Instructional. Thanks for the queue. Uh, M. Proctor. Uh, computer science
037standards. Mrs. Proctor. >> Good evening board members, chairman Vans, Dr. Shepard. Uh this evening we're going to talk to you or I'm going to talk to you uh briefly about the computer science standards that we are um charged with implementing in Shannidoa County and then at the end if you have any questions I'm happy to take questions. All right. So what are we going to talk about this evening? We're going to talk about the ver uh the computer science standards what the state requires and the flexibility that is provided. Uh we're going to talk about how we chose a dedicated class um a standalone class for computer science and then we're also going to talk about uh why we feel like that's the best approach um and I have some examples of some standards that
038would make it really hard to integrate and then of course career exploration as well. So when did the standards take effect? Well, we've had Virginia computer science standards since 2017. uh those standards get reviewed every seven years. So they were went back to review in the year 2023 and the new standards were then adopted in June of 24 and we were supposed to have full implementation in the year 2526. That's this school year. So where are we at with that? Well, we are not fully implemented. Uh we are doing uh computer science at the elementary level. Um we have our computer courses um and we worked with our elementary folks, but we had not gotten our middle schools on board. And so we're going to talk more about middle school this evening um than our
039elementary schools. So what are the computer science standards? The things that are included are algorithms and programming, computer systems, cyber security, data an data and analysis, impacts of computing and networks and the internet. Those are the main categories and the state gave us flexibility. Option one was that we could weave our standards into existing content. So we could weave them into English classes, math classes, science, and history. Uh we decided to do a dedicated class. We already had it at the elementary level with our um computer courses that the elementary kids take during their related arts rotation. And so we felt like that was the best way to integrate it into our middle schools. and we're going to talk about why we felt like that was the best model. So, first and foremost, we wanted
040to protect our core content teachers, which is our English, math, science, and history teachers. As you've been hearing me say over the last year, we have had a lot of new standards come at us, especially at the elementary level. We had all new English standards, all new math standards. We are getting ready to have uh some new science standards coming. I'm not sure of the exact year, but those are coming on the horizon to be reviewed. And we just implemented new history standards. So, with all of those new standards, we did not feel like adding the computer science standards to our core teachers was fair. We felt like that was a burden that we didn't want to ask them to take on. We also felt like computer science deserves focused attention. If you are trying
041to be an English teacher and incorporate these computer science standards, something's going to get diluted down. either your English is going to get diluted down or the computer science is going to get diluted down. And so we felt like it was important for it to have its own attention. And then we also wanted consistency and quality because if we say okay go and integrate it well signal knob might decide to integrate it one way and Northwork might decide another way and Peter Muenberg another way and then we have three different ways that we're implementing those standards and it's not consistent across our division and we want all of our students to have the same access and it doesn't matter what your zip code is. And then we also wanted to show that we have a
042clear commitment to our computer science. um you know there are a lot of jobs that are on the horizon that this is an area where our students need exposure and so that was something else that we felt was important. So um here are some examples of computer science standards. I took them across um the grade levels. So the first one is an example of an eighth grade science uh computer science standard. The student will plan and implement algorithms that include sequencing loops, variables, user input, conditional control structures, function, and various data types. That's a lot. So, what does that mean? So, what this standard is teaching is students to break down how anything works. For example, a vending machine, a traffic light, an app on their phone, and then build it themselves. It's engineer engineering
043thinking, which is the foundation of software creation and careers. So that's what that standard is. As you can see, that might be a little difficult to ask our math teachers or our science teachers or English or history to incorporate. The next one is uh this one is from fifth grade. Students will explain the significance of training data in machine learning. And so this standard is teaching students to be critical thinkers about AI, which is really important right now. And when a student understands that AI is only as good as the data it learned from, they become informed citizens who can ask the right questions about the technology making decisions in their world. The next standard is a sixth grade standard. The student will analyze the impact of screen time on physical and mental health. And
044I think we can all agree that's really important. And so if we don't have a dedicated class where we can make sure that that is being taught, there's a chance that it won't get taught. And so we want to make sure our students are understanding that. And that standard actually goes all the way through K8. Um it varies by the grade level, but that is something that goes all the way through. And then the last one that I pulled for a demonstration was the student will describe and explain why protocols are essential in data transmission. And so that that is asking students to know how the internet works because humans agreed on a set of rules and everyone follows them no matter what country you live in. Um, and so all of those things would
045be really difficult to integrate into our core content areas. So then also I kind of wanted to debunk the idea that these things can only be taught in front of a Chromebook. That is not the case. In fact, we would much rather our students learn it in other ways and then maybe figure out how those things apply then to the computer world. So, some examples of some activities that um I was able to come up with some unplugged activities. You can see them. I'm not going to read through all of them. Um but you know, like the robots, we use those a lot in the elementary schools. And that does not require them using a computer. It's there's different things they use with the robots, but it doesn't have to be a computer. Um you
046know, there's lots of different examples there that you can see. And then also we just wanted to point out about how computer science careers are right here at home. And so just so you understand some of the fields. So like at Valley Health um we have health and IT and I cyber security. So, our hospital patient records, diagnostic equipment, all of those things um are a career that students that are familiar with computer science could go into. Uh at the Merc, the pharmaceutical uh manufacturing, Merc is uh investing $3 billion in Elkton and adding 500 jobs. So, there's a lot of opportunity there. Comics and Harrisonburgg is another area. And then of course area manufacturing um automotion uh robotics and IT systems. So in summary, uh Virginia gave us flexibility and we chose the path
047that gives computer science the attention it deserves. Our content area teachers are freed to focus on their own demanding so requirements. And many computer science standards are simply too technical and specialized to integrate meaningful into other subjects. and a dedicated computer science class exposes students to transformative careers that may never have been otherwise uh encountered if we didn't have this course. Any questions? Yes. >> I like that you gave it a class of its own. I do like that. Um although I am concerned because a teacher reached out to us um about this interfering with like school year long electives. what kind of impact is that going to have say on like a a music elective? >> So, um, at sixth grade, so I should have clarified this earlier. Thank you for asking that question.
048So, what we've done because we don't want it to take away a lot of electives for our middle schools because really in middle school it's about exploring and learning and getting opportunities to try out all the things that are available. So, we don't want to take away from that. Uh, so in sixth grade, all of our students take career explorations. So, we're going to combine this into that career explorations class. So, all of So, the sixth graders were taking that anyways. And then at seventh grade, we're actually going to combine the seventh and grade seventh and eighth grade content into one class so that kids don't have to take this elective than in eighth grade as well. And so, in seventh and eighth grade, that will be an elective that all students will take. Um,
049but each school has to work out like whether they're doing year-long or semester courses, but it shouldn't inter interfere because most of the time kids don't get all of their top choices. And so, this will hopefully pull kids out of other courses so that they can get their top choices. >> Thank you. >> The principles have been working on that as they've been doing scheduling. >> So, I'm also glad that you're doing this separately. I think um I think that was a wise decision. Um, one thing that was brought up to us a couple times during our personal committees um, meetings was the fact that a lot of students don't know how to actually use a computer like they were saying, you know, they kind of you know how to go in and do whatever
050they're supposed to do, but they don't actually know how to copy and paste, how to transfer, you know, do the the the things that we actually do with the computers. Um, and another thing was also the typing. like we don't really teach typing. So, they're still, you know, doing the two finger typing. So, I mean, is that something that we can incorporate into this, you know, like teaching them how to actually use a computer in the real world and also the whole typing skills? Um, or is that >> So, in the elementary and our technology classes, we do some of those things. We don't actually do the typing, but we do some of those other things you're talking about like how to paste and copy and, you know, use word documents and all of those
051kinds of things. Actually, we would use Google. We do everything Google. Um but most of those functions are the same. Um but we can look at the we would need to look at the pacing guides and figure up figure out how much time we would have to incorporate those things. But yes, that's something we can explore >> because it seems to me like we're doing something, you know, at this level and we haven't really taught them, you know, the very foundation of what they would be actually using. So that's just my two cents. Yeah. Any other questions? Okay, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Moving to theformational agenda, information on town of Strawlesburg request for deed of easement for the Riverwalk. Mr. Hensley and oh by the way we will be voting on that under
052the action section shortly. You're up. >> Good evening Mr. Chairman, members of the board. Dr. Shepard. Uh I will give an overview of the Riverwalk project. I know Dr. Shepard shared it with you last time and provided the information for you. Uh this project beame developed out of the town of Charlesburg where they received a grant uh back in February. We approved for them to be able to put in a parking lot and an access to the river for kayak and canoe launch. Uh it will be a deed of easement for 25 years. And what it allows them to do is to access through the South Fort Street down and they will put a parking lot that has approximately 14 parking spaces that's gravel and then a gravel path with billiards that will stop anybody
053from driving down through. it's a walking path to get to the river that they can access the river at that time. So that's an overview. They will they'll be able to maintain that path, the visitation, the visitation. They'll let us know in advance if they're doing anything. Um but they will maintain the parking lot, the access to that. That would not be responsibility of the school division. >> Any questions or >> questions that you may have since the last time it was shared? Miss Ship is here. Also, >> I see on the first page of the Riverwalk project that the second item says the grant will fund the entire cost of the project which includes extending the Riverwalk beyond Strawburg High School. I remember we had some discussion about walking alongside the football field and
054all that. That's not >> that's not part of this. No. >> Okay. Anything else? No. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> 5.2 discussion of draft policy KLB-BF selection and approval of bookf fair materials. Dr. Shepard. >> Yes, thank you. Information regarding um the draft policy was presented at a schoolboard meeting on Thursday, April the 9th. Following the initial presentation, the board discussed draft policy KBBF during the um the work session on April the 27th and then a school board member added a third draft policy with attorney um input. And so this evening we're discussing it and if the school board agrees then it will be up for um consideration at the June 11th meeting. So this is the opportunity for the schoolboard members to discuss um the draft policy KB-BF um which is selection and
055approval of bookf fair materials. >> Mr. Shaby. >> Um well I mean as previously noted um I feel that this is necessary so that we have consistency across the school division in how we deal with um book fairs. um since we were not consistent and it seems that each school may or may not be dealing with them slightly differently. Um I have been in discussions via email and communications with the librarians and the PTA workers and officials who um run the book fairs. So um we are I think we've come to somewhat of a consensus with feedback and things um that this won't be overburdensome or too too much work for them um to to um to implement and um we still have the opportunity to tweak it um if needed before we move towards
056a vote. >> Mr. We did hear some concerns from a librarian at at least one librarian. I believe it was two at the personnel committee meetings about this policy. Um, and if I'm hearing you correctly, you it's it's pretty well received. They were concerned that they weren't consulted on this. Do they feel heard now? Do I mean, have you met with them since? Um, we haven't had an in-person meeting, but we have emailed, you know, scores of times back and forth, and I believe every librarian in the division is on that email, um, train. So, um, and there was a mention of an in-person meeting, um, but that has, you know, yet to be scheduled or, um, you know, or brought forward, but, um, it's still up for discussion. Do you feel like you guys
057are moving in a u unison fashion? Are are they on board with this? >> Um so yeah, I mean they they seem to appreciate making it easier on them. Um you know, but um I believe that some feel the policy is unnecessary. >> I just want to make sure that if we're going to pass something like this, it's is simple enough for them to um to actually go by I should say >> or follow >> well it it mirrors the library book review policy which they already implement but it is I mean or which they already follow um but certain amount of librarians don't even run the book fairs so um which is why I think that we need a standalone foreign policy that is that is separate from the others. Um because um you
058know we are ultimately responsible um for anything any activity or anything that's sold as our schools. Um you know we we more or less that's a an implied endorsement. So um there has to be some oversight in my opinion for legal reasons. I I want to thank you uh for doing this because I mean you're right. I know there was some concern that this would be an additional burden but truth is it's actually our responsibility to do this. Um the school boards in the Commonwealth of Virginia have to um place the parameters um for this kind of situation book fairs and all that. Uh so I think the fact that this just provides some guidance as to what is to be allowed or not allowed uh it it's good not just for one school but
059because we're doing it for all the schools at the same time. Now, I do have a question. When you were here, I see that it was uh on Hold on. Let me see. I think it's section. >> Is that three? Yes, three. Uh number one that you crossed out a complete inventory list. Are we to assume that those links to their full online catalog is going to include everything? I mean that's so that so that we're not going to be seeing something or the parents are not going to be seeing something and then this students are going to have a different list somewhere else. >> Well, you know, um that is an assumption um you know and I think that if we have contracts with those vendors that maybe that should be addressed in there
060because um you know we we'll be taking their word for it to a point. But um >> why did you cross it out? >> Yeah. Um well at um because the complete inventory list for them to have a written one and go through the whole thing is what was too burdensome for for the uh the those putting on the the book fairs. So that's why um and when the librarians came and they showed how they were vetting it, it made sense that if Scholastic, for instance, you can just go to a link and see their entire catalog. Um that that would make more sense and make it easier on the personnel than listing the exact books that they were ordering or that may be being sent. I guess my concern is um from what I
061read with regards to Scholastic for example um is that they have different lists uh of books that they have available for the p to the public based on what the content may be because there were certain titles that some people had actually um had objections to. So they put a lot of those titles in a different list. So that from what I understood, from what I read and this could have been, this may not be current, but um it was something like they would u make available you know the online catalog A to the schools and then if you want to add online catalog B then you know the schools the librarians would have to approve that. So I don't know. I guess my my question is because this what you were originally asking here
062is not from the librarians. You're asking this of the vendors. The vendors should be the ones who would be providing this. So my concern would be you know we have to make sure that that vendor is not on is not just providing a limited amount of the catalog and then that the students would have access to the whole thing which may not be what our librarians or the parents are looking at. >> Well and and I kind of I agree with that there because I mean they should know what they're ordering for the book fair, >> right? So to to have a purchase list or or something like that that I mean that makes sense to me. So I mean we can go back and revisit this part because that I mean what you're saying
063makes sense too. And I know there I believe there was a local book company that like doesn't have an online list. So I think some of the procedure parts um maybe need some you know that we need to tweak a little more when it's implemented into how it's going to be carried out. >> Yeah. because this is what we're requiring of the vendors. This is not what we're requiring of it's what information is going to be available to our librarians or to the parents who are PTAs or whoever is running the book fair. I just want to make sure that when they're approving whatever they're approving that they are getting the full list and not that they're >> being fed one part of it and then the day of the book fair something else shows
064up. Um so I don't know. I I was fine with just having them, you know, compelling them to provide the complete inventory that they're going to make available to our students and parents. >> Yeah. Well, and and we let's you know, we can reddraft that. And yeah, because like I said, I it doesn't make any sense to me that they could not provide a list of what they're asking to be sent or what Scholastic is sending. >> They have that. Somebody has to have an inventory of that, right? >> So, okay. Quick question under responsibility number five where it says the um school board maintains final authority over all materials made available to students, but then it also says not conducting an item by item review. And I guess my question is, you know, where
065does the operational accountability ultimately rest? >> Well, the uh that was added by her attorney. So, um that's you know, fair enough. Um, but I I imagine through our the review procedures is how that would be narrowed down >> and that would be taken care of if if there was a question about a book. >> Um, you know, kind of like when we do the the library book purchases, they're reviewed by someone on the staff and then they come back with if there's any red flags or however they put it and then it goes through um a certain process. Um the uh and that was something that kind of jumped out at me in all this too is the people running the book fairs are pulling book books out on their own whether they're too
066scary or you know or whatever the reasons are. So um I think that having this more formalized and more consistent uh will save us problems in the long run. But as far as the item by item review, I mean, um, if it came to all the way to us, which the library book review policy could, um, that would when would be when the school board would actually review an item. >> Yeah. If I'm not mistaken, if I'm reading this correctly, I think what it's saying is that we're not going to be doing an item by item review prior to the book fair. that the only way that we would do it is if it comes as an appeal or if somebody brings it up to our attention. I think >> right >> providing some protection.
067>> Thank you, Mr. Shy. >> All good on this side. All good over here. Anything to add, Mr. Shad? >> No. >> The defense rests. >> The defense rest. Speaking of library book materials purchase list, Dr. Shepard, nice handoff. >> Thank you. >> Regulation II BP-R, which I should have memorized this by now. Library material selection establishes clear procedures for the selection of new library book materials. In April, the librarians developed a draft list of the new books proposed for purchase and provided a list to the principles and the directors of education for review. On Thursday, um, April 16th, 2026, the final draft list were placed on the division uh, website for review. The final approved library materials purchase list are presented to the school board for information at this evening's meeting. The recommendation will
068be for the school board to approve the final approved library materials purchase list at the June meeting. Happy to answer any questions. You good? Good. >> Going this direction. Any questions over here? >> I guess we're ready for the action. >> Personnel. Is there a motion to approve the personnel list as presented? >> I move to approve the personnel list as presented. >> Thank you, Whitney. Is there a second? >> And second. All in favor will indicate by saying I. >> I. >> Approve. Um opposed. No. Six to nothing. Okay. Item 6.2, request for attendance zone transfer student A. Is there a motion? >> I move to deny the request for student A to transfer attendance zones from Sandy Hook Elementary School to WW Robinson Elementary School. Is there a second to the motion to
069deny the request? >> Second. >> And has been seconded by Mr. Street. Floor is open for discussion. >> So just to clarify, a vote yes is to deny the request. A vote no is to allow the the request. Correct? Yes, denies and no denies the denial. >> Exact That's what I'm trying. Am >> I correct, Mr. Parliamentarian? Okay. Thank you. >> Which means allows it. >> Other points of interest or discussion. Uh Madame Clerk, I suggest a roll call vote on this. >> No. >> Yes. No. >> Yes. >> No. >> Is that 42, Madam Clerk? >> Oh, 33. Sorry, I made the wrong mistake. You're >> right. It's 42. >> 42. Mr. >> Shaby. >> Shabby. record was no and Vance was no. >> Okay. Recommendation to approve Town of Strawsburg request for deed
070of easement for the Riverwalk. I need a motion on the floor. I move to approve the deed of easement and grant the town of Strawsburg permission to establish a parking area and walking path on Shannondoa County Schoolboard property along South Holiday Street as proposed. >> Thank you for the motion, Mr. Rickard. Is there a second? >> Second. >> And second by Miss Carino. The floor is open for discussion. >> I believe we'll be okay on a voice vote on this. indicate uh yes approval by saying I >> I >> Yeah, I know I got my words twisted. Um oppose. No. Six to nothing. Congratulations, town of Strawlesburg. Although I would like to ask one thing, chairman. Um it was brought to our attention at some point about the tennis courts. if we could do something
071about if we need to have practices there or anything like that. If we could negotiate a negotiate a little bit with the town. >> I appreciate that. Okay. >> We're locking the doors before you leave. Uh, madame superintendent, superintendent's monthly uh, report. >> Thank you. Teacher appreciation week. Last week was teacher appreciation week, a time to recognize the commitment, passion, and impact of the educators who shape the lives of our students each day. Um, we know that our teachers have the number one impact on student learning. And we are so grateful to have such great teachers here in Channidoa County. And one of my favorite um topics is uh student attendance. Once again um this month we saw year-over-year improvement on our attendance rate with a 94.7% attendance rate across the division the division in
072April. Triplet Tech celebrated um 24 students as part of the Skills USA national signing day on Tuesday. last week. These students have committed to entering the workforce or continuing their trade education upon graduation and are a testament to the triplets CTE programs that teach and train the next generation of skilled professionals. A few weeks ago, we honored 31 seniors at the Shannidoa Scholars Banquet, which is always um a fun time of the year. This year, we celebrated 31 seniors with a lunchon at the Shannidoa County Community Center in Mount Jackson. The seniors who each received a thousand dollar scholar scholarship were selected based on their character, academic achievement, and school community involvement. We'd also like to uh congratulate Miss Julia Sigler on being named the 2025 2026 SPS SCPS division teacher of the year. Miss
073Sigler was selected from the 10 teachers of the year nominees from each of our schools and was announced at our staff recognition banquet on April 23rd. We would also like to recognize our division new teacher of the year, North Forks Miss Tiffany Coun. Our division team of the year, Sandy Hook Elementary School's special education pair professional team of Crystal Gray, Lindseay Green, Regina Mada, Skyler Puit, Diane Hushman, Amanda Moes, Ian Thompson, Raky Dio, Tiffany Pow, Kyla Witcher, and the division employee of the year, W Robinson's, Jackie Stanford Finner. Also, our special education uh committee, SEAK, um hosted the SCPS community care fund fair on May the 2nd at Central High School. It was a great event with many vendors and um we would love to see more parents out next year, but it it was
074a a a successful event. And then last but not least, we have two weeks of school. We have less than two weeks of school to go. And I'd like to wish everyone a successful end to the school year and congratulations to all of our seniors who will be graduating over the next few days. Graduation ceremonies are scheduled um tomorrow night is Triplette Tech. It's at 7 o'clock at Stonewall Jackson High School. Central High School will graduate on Friday, May 15th at 7 pm. Strawsburg High School is Saturday morning, May 16th at 10:00 a.m. Stonewall Jackson High School is Saturday, May 16th at 7 PM. And the last day of school for our students is May the 22nd. And we're looking forward to finishing our school year on a high note. And we hope that all
075of our students and families have a safe and enjoyable summer. And I said that was the last thing. And I have one more thing. The schoolboard retreat and schoolboard and board of supervisors meeting will be Monday, May the 18th, and it will be at Triplette Tech. It will start at 9 and it will go until we are finished, which will likely be um between 4 and 5 in the in the evening. Um the board of supervisor schoolboard meeting will begin around noon um with a lunch meeting. So, looking forward to seeing you guys again on Monday. >> Happy to answer any questions. Thank you. >> Item eight, report of board members, other business who would like to lead off. >> Can start if you want me. Um, so let me first start by um sending
076a big congratulations to all the graduating graduating seniors um and the end of the year for all the students and staff and teachers. I hope everybody has a fabulous uh summer and uh looking forward to seeing those of you who coming back uh next year. I also wanted to say that um I wanted to thank everybody who showed up for a personal committee meeting a couple of weeks ago. It it was actually a smaller crowd than we've had in years past. So, we were saying that we hope it's because things are getting better and there's not that much to uh to improve, but I know we always have a lot to improve. So, I I appreciate all the teachers that came and uh and told us gave us some really good feedback. Um when we
077were talking about the computers and the Chromebooks and the typing and all that stuff, all that came from those meetings. So, we really appreciate that. Um so, thank you to all the of them who who came to those meetings. And um also, we're still we keep hearing a lot about the Chromebook use. We heard it from a lot of teachers and principles saying we really need to um cut back on that. So, I'm happy to hear that we're still working on that to see how we can do that uh given all the requirements that we have by the state by the Commonwealth. So, so we're working on that. That's not something that we're gonna just forget about. So, we're going to keep on working on that. And um I also wanted to give a special
078thanks to Principal Mason and also of course Miss Wine who just left because you guys have been coming to all of our meetings and I appreciate that. And we also heard from other people who do watch online um all our meetings. So, I appreciate that because we we want you to guys to know what we're doing and what we're talking about so we can hear the feedback. So, I appreciate that. And uh yeah, have a great summer, y'all. >> Who's next? >> Mr. Rickard. >> First of all, I'd like to uh I'd like to thank Miss Cop and Mr. Fiser at Strollsburg High School and all the FFA members for the invitation for their awards banquet the other night. I didn't realize the magnitude of what our FFA students do in the community and the
079projects and all the stuff that they do throughout the year. If if any of you all ever get a chance to attend one of your local FFA awards banquetss, it's it's eye opening to see how much they do, the mentorships, um the things they do for the community. Um it was really great and I appreciate the invitation. Um, the other thing is is I'd like to give a huge shout out to one of our teachers at the governor's school, Miss Cara Bates. Um, her and one of her students are at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair down in Phoenix, Arizona right now. One of uh, one of her students is competing there. Um, so that's a pretty big deal. Wanted to congratulate her and that student. Also, a huge congratulations to all the kids
080that are graduating this weekend. and the ones graduating triplet tech tomorrow evening and uh the ones graduating this evening. Huge congratulations to all of our seniors and huge thank you to all of our teachers and staff for what you all do every day. Uh it is greatly appreciated. That's all I have. >> All right. Thank you. >> Okay, you're up, Miss Pence. >> Well, this time of year in our schools, it's uh it's exciting. um the school year is ending but it's also um unfortunately there are moments of anxiety um simply because of our so testing during so testing season. So I just want to take a moment to recognize our students and staff during this testing and especially to our students just to let you know that um you are enough and you are
081much more than a test score. Um, unfortunately, you know, it's just something that's mandated uh upon us by the state, but I think it's important for us to uh recognize that. And then, um, I just want to thank our teachers and staff as well who are in grade levels where, um, they must do SOS. Um, you know, they pour a lot of work into our students every day. And again, their impact cannot be solely measured on a percentage of students that pass these tests. Um, you know, the relationships they build, the confidence they give these students, um, and the care that they show, it just matters so much more than a test score. So, I just wanted to let our students and staff know that I do think about you during this time of year.
082And finally, um, a huge congratulations to our 2026 graduates as they prepare to walk across the stage Friday night and on Saturday. That is it. Thanks. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Street. All righty. Thank you. Um, just want to point out I did have the opportunity um, in the past to to make it to see the uh, Stonewall's musical Frozen and um, I just want to say that I was very very impressed. um you know I back in the day I won't say what year but around 88 I guess you know I used to participate in that kind of stuff and and uh when I walked in when I saw it I was like wow it's really changed the uh the technology the lighting the sound and all that but I was very impressed with
083the students to be able to remember all those lines and and all this the singing that took place and and I understand the the work that takes place behind to prepare for that. Um, so congratulations to all those students with the musical Frozen and the director and all the hard work it took to put into that. Um, also as was pointed out the teacher appreciation week. Uh, we definitely thank all of our teachers and unfortunately I wasn't able to get off work and make rounds and and appreciate and and and see and talk to the teachers, but we definitely do appreciate what the teachers do and they're welld deserved. Um, I want to wish our spring sports good luck because we're down to the end of the season and wish those that are able to
084continue on in the playoffs. So, I wish all of our sports uh good luck in the in uh how far they can go this spring. Want to thank all the staff, everyone, everyone that makes this this school division work. whatever your job is, whatever you do, uh I want to thank everyone for another school year and what you do and and and and to make things happen. And most of all, um like it's been said, I'll carry on. Congratulations to all the graduates this week. I wish you all the best luck. Um but congratulations and and hopefully there's wish you the best of luck in the future. >> Well said, Tom. Um well I'd like to open my comments uh with a reflection from George Washington. I'm you know obviously very into history in the
085250th so um I like to get something from the founding fathers in each one but um Mr. Washington uh once said knowledge is in every country the shest basis of public happiness. Um, and as we look into the work being done by our wonderful teachers, our staff, um, and inside our classrooms each and every day, those words really remain true as today as as to when he said them. So, uh, education is not really just about the classrooms. Um, it's the foundation for the prosperity of our community. And um and on that note um seeing some of the businesses and um you know and and business leaders in in the community come forward um and lend a helping hand um towards our CTE. I think um that gives me a lot of hope um that
086we can navigate these financial difficulties and um what we're going to build, how we're going to do it. um you know gives me a a I feel a lot better about it going forward that if we're actually going to have people step up and help um you know I've heard a lot about you know a certain donor with a certain amount of money um that doesn't seem to be on the same page with maybe some of the others but um I challenge you know I I I ask that person to consider helping what everyone else is doing because if we're working together, um the our students are going to prosper a lot better and our dollars are going to go farther if it's concentrated. Um teachers, you know, as I think about the ones, you
087know, watching my little boys each day, um you know, and I'm just watching the two of them at home. I can't imagine how you guys do it in the elementary schools um each and every day, but you're rock stars and um without you, none of what we do up here um would make, you know, a hill of beans of a difference. So, I thank the teachers and staff um for all the hard work you put in. And um seniors, I mean, you know, the the real big milestone, you know, walking across that stage and um you know, welcome to um what's going to become, you know, real life. So, um I remember about this six months after I graduated, I missed high school. So um you know but best of luck to all of you
088and uh you know keep making um good decisions and um you know make us proud. >> Thank you chairman. >> Well I second all the congratulations and extend also the gratitude to all those who made the school year what it was and all the events we attended including the um the retirement reception last week. It was just splendid like like they always are. But for my closing comments, I decided to do something off the wall, a little different rather than be a thorn in somebody's side or one of my LV rants. Um, I'm going to ask six trivia questions related to public education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and Shannidoa County. And I'll do my best to see who gets their hand up first. You know, I'm sure somewhere out there in those classrooms tomorrow,
089raise your hand, boys and girls. And in addition to that, of course, there's a prize for each correct answer. 100 grand. It's the best I could do this month. 100 grand. And all of you who are uh here, guests, media, others, play along. It's not fair going up against the school board because they know all the answers. Just ask us. Trivia question number one. What notable Virginia advocated for free in public schools in 1779, but the bill was not adapted I mean adopted by the general assembly. Raise your hand. >> Say that again. You didn't study for the quiz, did you, Miss Terra? >> Tick tock, tick tock. The answer is I get the hundred grand. >> Thomas Jefferson. Who was the first superintendent of the schools for Shannidoa County, appointed in September of 1870
090and served until 1882? >> Holy cow. >> I wasn't born yet. >> I was not fair. >> Who? Who was it? You're exactly right. >> Captain John Greyel was born in Mount Jackson, Mr. Street. He was educated, Mr. Shabi, at Dickensson College, which I think is in Carlile. And he served in the American Civil War. Number three, plus or minus five. You got a range of answers. And don't be so quiet over there. Um, during his 12-year term as superintendent, how many schools did Captain Greyel have to supervise? And I'll give you a range of answers, plus or minus five. But you only get one shot at it. So, don't play that game. >> Say three. >> How many? >> Three. >> Six. >> Two. Five. >> The correct answer is 83. >> 83. >>
091Every crossroads and community, it seemed in Shannidoa County had a one room schoolhouse. Um, they weren't always schoolh houses. They might have been someone's parlor or a meeting house or whatever. One of those was Bethl, which is out near our farm south of Strawsburg, where my mom and dad went to school to a one room schoolhouse during the uh Great Depression. The uh plumbing was outdoors, the water was sulfur, and the heat was a wood stove. Number four, why were schools closed two weeks earlier than scheduled in April of 1927? Why did schools close two weeks earlier than scheduled in April of 1927? uh 1941. >> Don't you remember yesterday, December 7th, 1941. I feel like we're on Are you smarter than a fifth? >> Well, the answer to why they uh closed schools two
092weeks earlier than scheduled is because the county ran out of money and couldn't pay the teachers those extra two weeks at a time when the yearly salary was barely over $500 a month. Um, number five. In April 1933, a policy was adopted by the Shannidoa County School Board that a teacher's contract could be cancelled for this reason. What was the reason? >> Cancelled. Teachers contract could be cancelled for this reason. No >> child birth. >> What was it? >> Bingo. A teacher's contract could be cancelled if the teacher's name was changed due to marriage during the term of her contract. Now number six. There'll be a lot of right answers on this one. What event on the last day of school 1968 precipitated the building of Sandy Hook Elementary School and um that of course
093generated the outdoor classroom village on the old playground. So what event last day of school 1968 precipitated the building of Sandy Hook School? >> What was it? graduation. >> The uh seventh graders were preparing for graduation, but that's not the right answer. >> No idea. >> The West Wing of the old school on High Street burned down on the last day of school and then Sandy Hook came along two years later. So, what did we get? We got two winners out of that. This is pretty good. All right. What's going to happen now is, Madame Superintendent, do you recommend that we reconvene to close session? I recommend the school board of Shannidora County convene a closed meeting under the provisions of Virginia code 2.2-3711829 2-3711A29 to discuss the award of a public contract involving the
094expenditures of public funds, including interviews of biders or offers and discussion of the terms or scope of such contract where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body. and in order to discuss and consider several personnel matters involving the assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salary, discipline, or resignation of several employees of the Shannidoa County Public Schools under Virginia code 2.2-3711A14. >> Chair recognizes Mrs. Pence for a motion. >> I move that the Shando County School Board convene a closed meeting under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act pursuant to Virginia Code 2.2-37. 2-3711A29 to discuss the award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds, including interviews of biders or offerers in discussion of the terms or scope of such contract where discussion in
095an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body and to consider several personnel matters involving the assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salary, discipline, or resignation under Virginia code 2.2. 2-3711 A14. >> Motion on the floor is to reconvene a closed meeting >> under the direction of the code of Virginia. Is there a second? >> Second. And all in favor shall say I. >> I. >> No. And we will reconvene in close session. in an open session. >> Move to reconvene in open session. >> Is there a second? Second. >> There is a several seconds. >> All in favor to reconvene in open session will indicate by saying I. >> I. >> Oppos? No. The eyes prevail. The Senate County School Board hereby certifies by roll call vote that
096to the best of each member's knowledge, one, only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and two only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed, or considered by the Shannido County School Board. Each member responds, "I socertify when called upon by the clerk." >> ISO certify. ISO certify. >> ISO certify. Now that we are in open session, is there a meeting to I mean a motion to adjourn? >> To adjourn. There is a motion to adjurnn by Mr. Rickard and it was seconded by >> second >> several people. All in favor of adjournment indicate by saying I >> opposed. No. >> We stand adjourned.