001U um I'd like to call to order the U school board session September 11th, 2025, our regular meeting. Um we will meet in um close session first and then we'll come back at in open session approximately six o'clock. Um at the moment we have u five of our six members here. Uh we'll start without Thomas Street who's not here and he is expected within approximately three minutes and when he when he comes we'll um make announcement to you Cheryl so we can give you the time at which he arrives so we can try to stay on target and on schedule tonight. So, um, Madam Superintendent, do you have a recommended action for us? >> I do. I recommend the school board of Shannidoa County convene a closed meeting under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act
002in 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 2.2-3711814. And to discuss the award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds, including interviews of biders or offer offerers and discussion of the terms or scope of such contract where discussion in open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body pursuant to the provisions of Virginia Code 2.2-3711A29. >> Thank you for that. And uh is there such a motion? I move that the school board of Shannidoa 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,
003discipline, and resignation of several employees of the Shannidoa County Public Schools under Virginia code 2.2-3711814 2-3711814 and to discuss the award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds including interviews of biders or offerers and discussion of the terms of scope for scope of such contract where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body pursuant to the provisions of Virginia code 2.2-3711829. >> Thank you, Mr. Scott offer that motion a second. >> Second by Mr. Ricker. All in favor, please indicate by saying I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Unost. 5. We will uh convene and close session immediately and the plan is to be back here as soon as we can. 7:38. So, we would like to reconvene an open session. Try to
004get back here at six is as best we could do. Um, first thing I'd like to do is to read the uh the close meeting certification. So bear with me. >> Okay. >> So do I have a motion to reconvene in open session? >> Move to reconvene in open session. >> Thank you, Mr. Gutshaw. Second. >> Second. Second by Mr. Rickard. All those approved the motion to reconvene in open session. Please say I. I >> any opposed? None. >> So now I will read the uh close meeting certification. The Shannonoa County School Board hereby certifies by roll call vote that to the best of each member's knowledge 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 only such
005public business matters as were identified the motion committee in the closed meeting were heard discussed or considered by the Shendo County School Board. Each member responds as certified when called. Cheryl >> Mr. Mr. Street, >> I so certify. >> Miss Carlinia, >> I so certify. >> Mr. Gutshaw, >> I so certify. >> Mr. Vance, >> I so certify. >> Mr. Ricker, >> I so certify. >> Mr. Bar, >> I so certify. >> Uh, do I have a motion to convene the agenda as it has been presented to us? >> Oh, I'm sorry. better have the invocation and pledge first. Mr. Carino is going to u lead us through the invocation and the pledge. Thank you. >> Thank you chairman. Um I want to call um Amar and Mr. uh Billy Mullins from Fort Valley to
006do the invocation. Um but before we do that I would like to ask for a moment of silent uh silence from everyone. Um we have of course u remembrance of uh September 11th 24 years since that date and also the awful events that happened yesterday um with the assassination of Mr. Charlotte Kirk. So if you would please bow your heads and uh give a moment of silence Thank you very much, Mr. Phil. So, if you can do the invocation. Thank you. Everybody, could you bow your head please? Our heavenly father, we uh we thank you for this uh beautiful weather that we're having here today and uh in light of the things that have happened here recently and uh and what happened 24 years ago. Lord, you remain faithful. Lord, we thank you for um
007the school board, all its members here, Lord, and it's uh just the whole school assembly, the superintendent, the principles in the schools and u the the janitors, just all of them, Lord. We pray your blessing upon them. Lord, we uh just pray for this meeting tonight, Lord, that it would be done u with wisdom. And we thank you, Lord, that your word says that you give us liberally wisdom if we would just ask for it. That we would conduct all of our affairs in a civil a civil manner. Lord, we thank you for that. And I just ask you to bless each person that's here tonight in attendance. Uh that we would uh listen to one another and um just uh go out of here in a unity and support of this community. We ask
008this all in Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Now, please rise for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance 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. And now I'm looking for a motion to approve the agenda as it has been presented. >> Move to approve the agenda as presented. >> Thank you, Mrs. Gotcha. Second. >> Second, Mrs. Carlinio. Uh, any discussion? Those in favor of vote of approving the agenda, please signify by saying I. >> I. I any >> opposed? No post. So 6 and now we're ready for recognitions. Dr. Shepard. >> Thank you. So this evening we have quite a few students and staff with us here tonight. Um so
009we would like to rec recognize the FCCLA students who um did a great job at their national conference leadership conference and our FFA students who competed at state competition as well. So first of all I am going to introduce Mr. Scott Slutner. So >> Mr. Chairman, members of the board, Dr. Shepard once again, it is a pleasure to be here and an opportunity to show what is going on at Signal Knob. So at this time, I'd like to invite up Dakota Stra so he can be more specific about their accomplishments. Good evening everybody. I'm Dakota Stra, the agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor at Signal Middle School. I have three young employees with me this evening who are going to introduce themselves and I'll speak briefly. >> Hi, my name is Willa Bostik and I
010am the vice president of building communities. >> I'm Olivia Hammer, the vice president of growing leaders. >> I'm Madison Roots, the vice president of strengthening agriculture. Thank you, ladies. Unfortunately, our president, Calvin Davis, could not be here this evening. He's at a cross country meet in Page County. So, uh, he sends his best. Um, but at the 99th Virginia FFA State Convention this past June, our chapter was recognized for the third consecutive year as the number one junior FFA chapter in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We'd like to thank you all for your support of our FFA chapter and the opportunities we're able to provide our students uh and the activities that we were able to conduct to uh maintain that accomplishment. So, thank you. Thank you. [Applause] >> Mr. Slinger, you want to go ahead
011and do FCCLA too, >> please? I also have an opportunity. I will be recognized at a dinner in Edinburgh at 6:30. So that's why she has let me go first and I do appreciate it. But we do have a lot going on and a lot to be proud of and that's why it's a great opportunity to be here this evening. Um I'll let Mr. Mari come up here and talk about what our FCCLA students have been doing. >> Hi, good afternoon. Thank you so much for giving us a few minutes of your time to tell you about the success that our signal middle school family career and community leaders of America chapter experienced at the National Leadership Conference held in Orlando, Florida this past July. This annual event brought together more than 10,000 passionate FCCLA
012student members, adviserss, and guests. And our chapter is fortunate to have been a part of this great group of leaders. My name is Michaela Omari. I am the family consumer science teacher and SECLA adviser at Signal Knob. I had the pleasure of representing our chapter, school, and community on the state and national level. In attendance, we had nine students from Signal Knob participate in star event competitions, general sessions, Virginia State meetings, leadership workshops, and enjoy all that the conference has to offer. Awards are presented to FCCLA chapters as well as to individual students or groups who compete in STAR events. Students are recognized for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. Following the week's festivities, we had the following results. Jake Heiserman competed in sports nutrition and received third
013place with a gold medal. Payton Grant and Anna Will competed in chapter and review display and received fifth place and a silver medal. Lily St. Clair competed in teacher train and received seventh place with the gold medal. Liam Ludman competed in Say Yes to FCS and received fifth place with the silver medal. Lee Barnes and Lucy Hawkman competed in Interior Design and received a silver medal. And Ardan Kimmans served as a youth room consultant for the Digital Stories for Change competitive event. In addition to their individual successes, our chapter was honored as the 2025 National Family's First Middle School winner for our family wellness workshop that was held last February. The prestigious award recognized our members outstanding efforts to stren strengthen family relationships and promote wellness in the school and community by offering a variety
014of workshops based on the topics of family finances, healthy relationships, strong communication, and individual wellness. These workshops were provided through partnerships made with organizations throughout the community and our project was also a Virginia FCCLA mini grant recipient. Sydney McCarter proudly accepted the award on stage during the member recognition session of the conference. Our chapter also enjoyed all that the city had to offer with an exciting evening in Universal Studios. And of course, what's a trip to Orlando without some Disney magic? We were fortunate to spend time in Disney's Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom. As you can see, these conferences and opportunities allow our students to grow and become better leaders in our school and community. We would like to thank you, the school board, for approving our trip and providing our chapter with this
015great educational experience. Your continued support is greatly appreciated, and I have enjoyed sharing some of the highlights from our conference with you this evening. And thank you again for the time and attention you've given to my kids and myself. [Applause] Mr. Lennox, Demo Jackson High School. >> Good evening, board. Chairman Barla, Dr. Shepard. I'm Mike Lin. For those who do not know me, I'm the principal of Stonewall Jackson High School, and I have the pleasure of introducing Miss Terrena Shman, our FFI FFA adviser, uh, to recognize a couple of our students tonight. >> My name is Terrena Shman. I'm one of the adviserss at Stonewall Jackson High School. Uh, Mr. Dawson is the other adviser, and together we took 16 students to the state FFA convention in June, held a Virginia Tech campus. We had
016five different teams competing. While we were there, we had three of those um groups that were recognized on stage. Um Zach Street placed first for the Northern Area um in the tractor operating competition. We had Riley Oler and Darren Kibler who placed first in the tractor troubleshooting which was actually at the state fair which was before the convention but recognized on stage at the convention. And Jeremiah Malpa placed first at the convention in a junior prepared public speaking event. Um in that event he prepared a speech on his own 6 to 8 minutes on a topic of his choice in agriculture. He then presented that speech that was on brook trout to a panel of judges. They asked questions and then um he answered those questions and he placed first in a contest and with
017the junior competition, our competition ends at the state convention. Um and we are hopefully preparing for a competition the senior prepared next year. Um hopefully make it as far in that too. [Applause] Central High School, Miss Sherry Hushman and Mr. Derek Rittenau. Good evening. Thank you very much for allowing us uh the time to recognize our students. We have an abundance I've been here for a long time and I keep con continuing to get an abundance of wonderful young adults that want to go on and learn and do wonderful things. So for us at state convention, um we had a very successful year. talk about the two that are here first and then I'll tell you about a few that are not here. First, I have Faith Sortzy. Faith did a science fair project. It
018was a social science project and the name of her um project was public perception and consumer preference of organic versus traditionally raised beef. Is that correct? Okay. She placed first in her division. Um she went on and she was rated this summer as a bronze recipient um on the national level. So, it's really good. We haven't had an aggra science person at at Central for a while. So, it's really good to see that happening. Anna Ridden has done a few things um for the for the year, but at state convention, she competed in the a education demo um contest. She placed first um in the junior division where she prepared a lesson plan um a lesson plan on soils, which is absolutely awesome because that's preparing her to be an a teacher. Yes, hopefully. Put
019that plug in again. Um she was also on the meat evaluation team. We were lucky enough to win that in March. Um had an opportunity to go to Texas um in July to learn a lot more. Got to see a lot of other things in Texas there. And they'll go to a national convention in October. Hannah was on that team. Um she was fourth at the state contest. Um Tavian Dodson was the other person. I think he's at football practice. Brooke Ray and uh Taylor Leland. Both of those are in college, so they couldn't be here tonight, but they're going to go to national convention and hopefully they'll do well. Dale Folultz is another individual that did um really well at um state convention. FFA members can receive five degrees. Um the state level, state
020degree is the highest they can receive and they pick uh four different categories. aggra science um aggra businessment and production which would be like star farmer and Dale applied for the state star and placement um he worked for Woodstock equipment as he was going through high school he worked on the family farm the hours and the skills that he learned he banked um about 5700 hours so for the SAEs and the workbased um workbased learning that students are supposed to be doing he was putting in his time placed first in the state um he is at the big E now in Springfield, Massachusetts. He will interview on Saturday to compete in the regional stars. So, there's uh 10 or so kids that he'll be competing against there. So, it's a big deal to be able
021to go there. Um and and be able to represent Virginia. Um another thing that Dale did was a proficiency award and that's also based on your workplace um the the workbased learning that you do, your record book, SAE projects. Um Dale took the aggra mechanics and repair maintenance proficiency and applied everything that he had learned from the farm as well as from working at Woodstock Equipment um to that and he won it on the state level. Um and then Taylor Leland was another proficiency winner and she uh raises goats and works with their family farm and their goats and she placed first in the state as well. So we had a lot of great kids. We had some other kids that were second and third. So, I'm not a big person about second and third,
022but it's a big deal in the state. It's got to be first. But, um, I appreciate you coming to let us talk about wonderful kids and the things that they've done. So, thank you very much. This Melissa Boltz Strawsburg High School First off, I've been presented a challenge by my students. And whenever students present you a challenge and it's fun, I want to show them that you accept it. So this standing with me is a chapter that goes with the mantra that they live, laugh, and love. So remember that. I accepted. Now I engaged you all. Dr. Shepard, Chairman Barlo, members of the board, it is always an exciting time for me to stand before you to recognize hard work and the accomplishments of students and teachers of Strawburg High School. This evening is no
023different. I'm honored to introduce Strawburg High School FFA adviser, Miss Abby Cop, who will share the accolades of our FFA students and what they accomplished at the state convention in June. Miss Cop. >> Good evening, Dr. Shepard, Mr. Chairman, and members of the board, it is my honor to recognize our statewinning marketing plan team from Strawsburg High School, Sophia Teft, Khloe Welch, and Katherine Gimple. The marketing plan career develop career development event challenges students to create and present a written and live marketing plan for an agricultural product, supply, or service. This competition emphasizes solving realworld business challenges requiring indepth research, clear analysis, and strong strategic recommendations. This team will represent Virginia in the marketing plan CDE at national FFA convention this October. I would also like to recognize our members achievements in the national chapter
024award program. The National Chapter Award recognizes chapters with an outstanding program of activities. Our chapter was recognized at state convention as both the northern area winner and the state winner in the building communities division. Our FFA members participate in various community service activities throughout the school year. Some of these activities include volunteering at Compassion Cupboard, our local food pantry, preparing and serving meals during the community community meals program at Strawburg United Methodist Church, and shopping and wrapping for gifts during the Rurton's empty stocking fund program. I want to thank you and especially our administration at Strawburg High School for your ongoing support of our agricultural programs. That support allows us to mentor outstanding students and celebrate their success as they prepare for bright futures in agriculture and beyond. Please join me in congratulating these talented
025students on this outstanding accomplishment. [Applause] Are you sure? And finally, Dr. Nan from Northport Middle School. >> Good evening, Chairman Barlo, members of the board, and Dr. Shepard. We're proud to introduce Hannah Cop, our FCCLA adviser, whose leadership and dedication continue to inspire our students. Last year, as a firstear teacher, she revived and expanded our FCCLA chapter, transforing it from a nearly non-existent organization into a thriving and engaged student community. Alongside her is North Fork eighth grader Roman Fry, who achieved first place and a gold medal in event management at the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida. Unable to attend tonight is seventh grader Aan Ber who achieved first place and a gold medal in personal finance. Not only do they embody the spirit of family, career, and community leaders of America, showing what's possible
026when students are given opportunities to lead, grow, and serve. but they exemplify North Fork's mission to be a five-star general, demonstrating general pride, drive, and voice by representing our school, employing hard work, dedication, and perseverance, and making a positive difference through their leadership. We thank you for your support and congratulations to Hannah and Roman Pride. That is all of the recognitions. But while we still have a captive some of a captive audience, I want to thank our principles and our adviserss and our students and the parents um who support our students who are in FCCLA and FFA. They do an amazing job. Thank you. Before before the uh assembled herd leaves, I would like to say that uh I uh I'm blown away every time I hear the FCCLA and FFA presentations. I've never seen
027collectively year after year the poise from students, the confidence that those organizations bring. And it's just amazing to me what the organizations across this county do through those two organizations. So the administrators, the teachers, the students who do this, it's just to to me an unbel I I came from a more middle class Baltimore County area where we didn't have this. And it really builds spirit and uh poise in your community, our community. I just love it. So, um I uh Dr. Shepard made fun of me once upon a time that I didn't like all the performances we used to do, but uh I I love the recognitions that we do. So, thank you everybody for what you do. It's it's it's really wonderful. Thank you, >> Mr. T. Can I say something? That's cool.
028>> Yeah. I just want to take a quick second. Young lady did the report on the beef. I I'd like to follow up on that if I can visit her phone call. I'm kind of curious about that. So, don't throw it. Don't throw it away. >> Oh, she did. She didn't. >> Okay. >> And it the the results would surprise you, right? >> Okay. I'll get in touch. >> Thank you all. >> I think Tom was looking for a good cut of beef out there. >> All right. It is time for >> You're not Sorrybody. >> All right, it is time for um public uh and staff comment on agenda items and non-aggenda items. Uh, and so I' I'd like to read the u criteria by which we do this. The Shannido County School Board
029welcomes public comment from Shendo County residents, parents, or guardians, as well as from current students and employees of Shendo County Public Schools. Schoolboard members do not respond to public comments during the meeting or hearing. Each speaker may speak up to three minutes. Um, all comments should address a matter related to Shenville County Public Schools. Any complaints regarding the division employee should be directed to the school principal or an appropriate school division official. Uh, school board expects that each speaker will be courteous modeling for our students how one can respectfully disagree with others views. Speakers will address a comments the entire school board and not to one individual schoolboard member to the superintendent or staff member nor to the audience. Speakers will not engage in personal attacks. Um speakers may sign up speak at the school
030board meeting or public hearing on a document provided by the clerk of the school which I have here. Um and that our clerk has ascertained that speakers indicated their role as stakeholders and with valid addresses. Speakers are called to order once they signed up. Um at this point we have two speakers tonight and the first speaker is Mr. Bro Brad Pollock. Good evening Colonel, Mr. Chairman, members of the school board. Uh my name is Brad Pollock. As some of you are aware, I had prepared comments suggesting that if this board is ordered to change the name of Stonewall Jackson High School, as Judge Mike Erbansky ordered on Tuesday, that it be changed to Donald J. Trump High School. The irony in an Obama judge causing a school to be named after Donald Trump was almost
031irresistible, but I am resisting. Instead, I read every word of Judge Orbansky's 71page opinion, and it is now clear that we can keep the name Stonewall Jackson. This board simply needs to adopt a better reason for doing so. Some thought it was good enough reason that five of the six school board members who changed the name were clearly not listening to nor representing the will of the majority of the Shannido County citizens. But that is not a good enough reason for Judge Yansky. Some thought that the noble cause of Stonewall fought for as so many of the ancestors of Shendo County citizens did was good enough reason to restore the name. Judge Orbansky does not agree. This board can and must come up with a single good pedagogical pedagog ped ped ped pedagogical or educational
032reason why the school should be named Stonewall Jackson. And that single reason is that Stonewall Jackson was the black man's friend. An entire book was written on this very subject. And I wish I had my copy, but I gave my only copy to Winom Sears a few years ago. I ordered a few more this morning. Um, that is what this board needs to educate its students and the citizens of this county. And contrary to the caricature that has been made of Stonewall the most honorable and Christian man in our nation's history in some this board is not forced to submit to the caricature or the common belief in what Stonewall stands for. This school board is here to educate and to enlighten and that is what it needs to do. It could assign the reading
033of this book to every incoming student and then they can in turn educate their families and even the teams they compete against. What an honorable man Stonewall was. Wearing Stonewall Jackson on your chest should make every student proud. Every student proud regardless of their color of every color that proud. Just as the black church in Rowan Oak installed a stained glass window in his honor. Son was was born into a family with a couple of slaves as family members. He never bought one. Um every Sunday afternoon he illegally assembled scores of them at his church, taught them to read and taught them the Bible. He was threatened with imprisonment for doing so. His standing up for slaves is why he has been always been revered in the black community in Lexington. As soon as possible,
034this board needs to clarify for Judge Orbansky and everyone else that Stonewall stands for loving the oppressed, even when it is a crime to do so. Once this board does that, Judge Obansky cannot remove the name of Stonewall Jackson from our beloved high school. Thank you, >> Mr. P. Next speaker is Ann Weine King. Good evening board members and Dr. Shepard. I am here um tonight to just continue um the calls for the need for a new school and plans to be made because we're having still fluctuations of temperatures that are going to continue to create mold. all of the um not all of it, but a portion of the repairs that were done to the attached gym uh last December into early January, that mold returned over the summer. And now instead of having
035a plastic tote that had mold and stuff in it that would have been there for 20 years, now we have a nice shiny pan to collect the moisture that is collecting above that pipe or on that pipe. I think it would be great to have an update on the trailers. Um, we don't know the status of that. There were just four sticks in the ground when we got there at the beginning of the year um with tape around it. Um, that's been removed and grass has been mowed, but there doesn't seem to be any slabs or plants of a structure being brought in to be even set on the property. So, um the staff is a little discouraged in seeing that. I would like to say that I did meet the head of uh the
036new um gentleman who's part of the maintenance. He seems to be very um willing and responsive um to the to the needs that we've had so far. Um, I told him he's really stepped into something here, but I do appreciate everything he has put forth in the effort and the care that he seems to to genuinely have. Um, I think that's it, but we're not going to get anywhere that that mold. We got to get this taken care of cuz it's just going to keep coming back. Thank you. >> Thanks, Miss W King. Um, okay. Um, we have one final Devin Ross. >> Yes. >> Okay. Hello guys. Nice to meet you. Finally, uh Devin Ross here, uh District 2. Um I'm here because of my concerns regarding the weekly religious education program, specifically regarding
037Southern Campus. Um Kathy Reiner, the wife of Larry Reiner, a convicted child molester whose name is not on the sex offender registry due to the time of his offenses in Megan's Laws running the religious education program on Southern campus. I am shocked that no checks and balances or in my opinion a thorough investigation of who our most vulnerable elementary school children will have access to and be in a custodial role of off school grounds. Even though Kathy Rinard has a squeaky clean record is very well known in the small town of Mount Jackson, the riff raff of tier three convicted child sex offenders who attend Brighter Days Bible Church that her and her husband Larry operate. Sorry, we're running a little late today. Um, along with their backyard music venue who lure needy families and
038elderly in every weekend. My concern is Kathy Ryder having access to children who with the opportunity to lure them to their church or venue, putting them in harm's way with literally feeding them to the wolves um as they are connect um as these convicted sex offenders are safe on church grounds. The town of Mount Jackson has made huge steps banning Larry and Kathy from playing music in public town parks or being advertised in any town syndicates. All photos of the Riners have been removed from town sites and paper leaflets with their images have been destroyed. I urge the council to please take this information and do your own homework with the goal of finding another vetted religious church to run Southern Campus religious study program. Um I also am going to be reading one more
039thing. I have a minute left. Um, this is from one of the victims of Mr. Riner who's here with us tonight. Um, good evening. My name is Mary Wilcox. I am speaking for her. I'm here speaking tonight about the program in Southern Campus. I know many of you are aware of what is happening in Southside of Shannidoa County, but I'm here to make you aware and make sure it is addressed with all the parents who sign up for. I'd like to also say that my children have been and are currently in program in the public schools. There's a very serious problem with the teaching head teacher heading the campus. She is married to a convicted child pedophile. That is a preacher at an independent church in Mount Jackson. No one thought to do more thorough
040background check on these individuals. Recently, the town of Mount Jackson has been forced by law to separate church and state. This speaks volumes. Not only um has Kathy Rinard supported her husband through two convictions, but has also called the child victims liars. She has been luring families and children into their independent church while hiring a tier three pedophile James Phillips to work as an employee of the church. I have contacted the council and the President George Bowers refuses to meet or address the very situation. Not only is he not addressing it, he is promoting it on his personal Facebook account and the Antioch church Facebook page. He is not only advertising pedophiles, he's luring them into the pedophile ring. I'm handing out paper leaflets to all the schoolboard members this evening. I would like these
041addressed accordingly to protect our children. And I would assume that this board would also want the same. And I have some leaflets I'd like for you guys to look at if that's okay. If I could pass them to you guys. >> It's a little little bit of paperwork, but I think what you'll find here is not enough proof to perhaps sway you into listening to what we have to say tonight. These are these are all articles that you cannot find online. Um some of them come from papers that no longer they're they're not they're not online. So basically these are from some of the victim's families. And please take time. Oh my god. I just pull up your sign. It's okay. It's fine. And I only have this one. So I maybe you guys can
042share. >> Thank you. I have one question and that is um so there's a number of articles here you say we can find them online and I don't see a >> no no some of them sir are not they're actually from the dates of the offenses and many of them are not found online >> okay so um but I don't see the names of the publications are they >> they are probably just Shannidoa County primarily you have I know they're all on there. They are free press. They are the Northern Virginia Daily. They are the Valley Herald. They are all on there. Every single one of them handwritten. >> Thank you, sir. Thank you guys. >> Moving on to the uh consent agenda. Um >> Mr. Chairman, >> yeah. Um, I wanted to know if
043I could have your permission to represent an individual that is not here tonight that wanted to make a statement that public comment. Am I allowed to do that? He just asked. >> The board approves it. >> Um, is I'm sorry. Is there someone here who wants to make a statement? >> No, that person is not here. They contacted me want to know if I could make a statement uh representing them in public comment. That's all. I don't know if I if I can or not. >> I did it once before. >> Or is this >> somebody from the district? >> Yeah, from my district. >> Yeah. >> Or do you Or did I just or I just put it in board comments? >> No. No. I I think it's I think it's it's Germaine. Um
044is there anybody on the board that opposes Mr. Street speaking for one of his constituents who requested that you speak for them? Is that >> Yes. Okay. >> Is is there any objection? Okay, since there are no objections, the the board gives consensus for you to do so. >> Okay, thank you. I just wanted to pass on, as you can see, Mr. Steve Hishman from district 2 is not here, which is rare. Um, he just wanted me to pass on public comments that he was a big praise to the county program for starting off and supposedly over 200 students. So he just wanted me to pass on public comments of his praise for that program starting out this year. >> That's it. >> Okay. Uh and so that was uh that was spoken for Mr.
045Steve. >> Yes. >> By Mr. Thank you, Mr. Street. Appreciate that. >> Um do I have a motion to approve the u the consent items? Um they are the minutes of the August 14th school board. The approval will pay bills, donations, and the religious exemption concepts. Um so I have a motion to approve those consent agenda items. >> I move to approve the consent agenda items. >> Thank you, Mr. Rickert. >> Second by Miss Carinio. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Opposed? So the consent agenda is approved and now we're moving into the instructional agenda uh and u going to get our briefing on current so performance. >> Good evening um Dr. Shepard, Chairman Barlo, and members of the board. Um, thank you for the opportunity to share an
046overview of our current standard of standards of learning performance data. Um, this presentation was prepared by our assistant superintendent of instruction, Mrs. Jen Proctor, who is unable to be with us this evening um, due to a family emergency. I know she would appreciate your thoughts and prayers as her family navigates a difficult time. I am blessed by the opportunity to present this information to you tonight. Um, for those of you who I have not formerly met, my name is Monica Hegardner. I am the director of instruction and I am returning to Shannidoa County from Frederick County. Um, I previously served as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator in this county and I am thankful to be back home. It is a wonderful place to work and I am really appreciating the leadership of Dr. Shepard.
047Tonight's update will provide a highle comparison of our division's accreditation status, longitudinal performance data, and an overview of upcoming shifts in state accountability expectations that will affect how we will interpret future student achievement. So, first um just want to kind of show you a comparison of how the state is moving from accreditation to accountability. This slide provides a sidebyside overview of the structural shift Virginia is making. On the left is the accreditation system used through 2023 2024. It was grounded in the standards of quality and the standards of accreditation. Schools were judged on specific indicators such as English, math, and science and subgroup gap closure and received one of three designations. fully accredited, conditionally accredited, or accreditation denied. Those designations were publicly reported and informed um within the state report, which you all are probably
048familiar with that language. On the right is the new school performance and support framework. Elementary and and middle schools are evaluated on growth, readiness, and mastery. High schools are evaluated on graduation, readiness, and mastery. These combine into a single summitive category for each school, distinguished, ontrack, offtrack, or needs intensive support, which then aligns to federal identification for improvement and related support. This slide defines the parts of the new model. Mastery reflects so achievement. Growth reflects progress compared to the previous year. Readiness captures engagement and preparation. So in practice, readiness at earlier grades emphasizes chronic absenteeism. And at high school, it also includes three E. For those of you that are not aware, the three E are enrollment, employment, or enlistment. Graduation appears at high school, and together these produce each school's overall category. So you
049can see the different percentages there of the mastery growth and readiness. So as you notice there is 100 points 100 percentage and it is all goes into points and based on those points is where we get our four different categories. So the intent is a holistic view of school quality that connects results to support. The framework provides a clear label for families and staff and it links to federal identification so that schools that are off track or need intensive support receive targeted or comprehensive help and eligible funds. So now we're going to show you a comparison between the 2023 2024 uh accreditation model to what is now the accountability model. So this is Sandy Hook Elementary. You will notice that we already have the um and I'm using my pointer here, but it's not showing.
050Um you'll notice that the reading growth and math growth has not been put in yet, and that is because we have not received that from the state, but we suspect that we receive those results um in early October. We're hoping so. So um just to compare these things um within this is Sandy Hook. So for 2425 if we compare on this previous slide on track the lowest amount of points to be on track is 80. Right now without growth Sandy Hook is sitting at 64.47. So to be at um on track they will need 15 total points in order to um be on track. And to be distinguished they would need 25 plus. You can receive um more than 25 percentage points within the growth index. So it is a possibility that they could be
051distinguished. Um we are hopeful that they will be on track. As you can tell they can receive up to 25 and as I said um they only need 15. So we are hopeful for Sandy Hook. This is WW Robinson. For 2425 they're at 61.18 without growth. We are looking at 18.82 to be on track and then they would um meet 28. We are hoping for on track for WW Robinson. This is Ashby Lee. Again, we are hoping for 19.31 for the growth so that they will be on track and this is our longitudinal data over the last 3 years. Um what you will notice is that it is pretty stagnant in most areas. Something to keep in mind though is that the standards have changed over the last couple of years. So while we're seeing
052that they're stagnant, the rigor has increased. So um while yes, there's definitely some work that we need to do, the standards have changed and the um as a result the test has changed. So um we're thankful that we're at least maintaining, but we recognize that we need to um increase at our elementary. Here is Signal Knob. Um data at Signal Knob, we're feeling very hopeful for them. So, you'll notice that that reading and math growth, they can get up to 20 points. They only need 12.8 to be on track and 22.8 to be distinguished. Peter Muenberg again also looking really good. 69.9 they need 10.03. 03 to be on track and 20.03 to be distinguished. North Fork Middle also looking great. Only need 8.48 of growth to be on track, 18.48 to be distinguished. Our
053longitudinal middle school data is really awesome in my opinion. Um, again thinking about how standards have um potentially changed, you can notice that we are seeing progress within our middle schools. Official data, this data is preliminary. Um, again, we're still waiting on some official results, but looking pretty good. Also want to just point out the um chronic absenteeism there and how that has um decreased over the last three years. And last but certainly not least, our high schools. Um you will notice that um it's it's almost as if our achievement is looking brighter and brighter as we go up in level. Um and that is really in my opinion um the theory would be that we're just working on the gaps as we go. So um at the high school we're seeing here Strawsburg High
054is at 69.98. They only need 10.02 of um that 3E readiness to reach and again that growth changes at the high school level. The 3E is enrollment, enlistment and employment. Central High, same thing. Um 12.94 to be on track and they can um 22.94 to be distinguished and Stonewall Jackson 13.51 to be on track and 23.51 to be distinguished. And then this is their three-year um achievement data. Again, we are seeing some areas for growth for sure, but for the most part um really proud of our high schools and the progress that they're making. So, Miss Harter, we actually did the um calculations for the 3E for our three high schools and I anticipate they all three will be distinguished. >> Yes. So, looking forward looking forward to getting the actual data to >> Yes.
055>> and we can all celebrate that. So you may be asking um with those areas of growth um what are we doing as a division to focus on those areas of growth and these are some structures and systems. We want to look um specifically at the system level of what we are doing um to ensure that we know what is meeting the student outcome. So what is the input that is influencing that outcome? These are some things that um have been um going on in Shannondoa County, but we want to ensure that we're um making these things really the drivers of our um student outcomes to classroom outcome, school outcome, and then division outcome. So, you'll see there in the middle really wanting to express to our teachers that they make the difference. what is
056the number one indicator for student performance is teachers and the what they are doing to fuel those student outcomes. So we're really trying especially at the elementary levels to um just pour in to our elementary teachers and show them especially because um education as we all know postcoid has been very difficult um especially at the foundational levels and we want to make sure that our elementary teachers know the impact that they make. So um we are putting things into our structures such as teacher collaborative planning which then leads to our teacher um disagregation meetings and talking specifically about what are the what are the strategies that are happening within the classrooms that are leading to those student outcomes and if it's a positive outcome how can we continue to build capacity in that and scale
057up. If it's a negative outcome, what are we going to do differently next time and what are we going to do to intervene? Then um Dr. Shepard has um principal data meetings quarterly in which the principles of each school um elementary, middle, and high will be coming in to kind of it tell us what's happening at the building level and sharing um at that strategy level what teachers are doing. and then we will provide some feedback and then they go back to their school leadership teams and have faculty meetings to talk about um what they could be doing differently as a school. So again that then feeds the teacher collaborative planning and so on. So really trying to be intentional and strategic about the systems that we have in place. Um this is just to
058show you the cadence for the school data. So these are the dates in which um we've provided meeting windows for our administrators. So that um for the teacher disa disagregation they are to meet quarterly to go over their benchmarks and that is where content um levels as well as grade levels will meet together to talk about student outcomes and um again that teacher impact. What if a teacher has an 80% pass rate? what did that teacher do differently than maybe a teacher that has a 60% pass rate and having conversations about what are the strategies that are leading to those outcomes. And then um again you'll just see from the teacher disagregation to the principal meetings to the school leadership meetings trying to be cyclical to ensure collective efficacy um in in what we're doing
059for our teachers and students. Did just want to put this on your all's radar. This is kind of fresh and hot off the press as of a couple of weeks ago. Um, the state is recommending to the Virginia board to increase the cut scores for tests. So, if you notice on the left, those are the cut scores that all of the information that I just provided, those were the cut scores that um provided those outcomes. They are proposing to increase those cut scores. So, if you notice, if we just use grade three reading as as an example, in November of 2020, proficient was a 400. But if we look at the August 2025 um recommended cut score, proficient will be a 444. So, um you may be thinking, well, what does that look like in
060practice? So, we did um put all of our data in to figure out if those were our cut scores for this past year, what our pass rates would look like. And um Ashley Lee, for example, the current pass rate is a 60.51%. With the proposed pass rates, they're looking at a 29.3. So, um the state is they're they're still kind of going back and forth about this. We anticipate that it's going to be passed. Um but we just want you all as a board to be mindful. Um they are still having discussions about, keep in mind, we have achievement and growth. this is the achievement piece of those two two indicators. Um so working on that and we will prepare um our administrators and our staff as best as we can and we will support
061them where they are. But again, just wanted you all to be aware um of what this might look like in the impact of the new cut scores. Based on that, >> pretty much half of all of our kids are going to fail their so it's not good. >> Now, how does that compare uh sawwide? Have you seen anything? >> Um it so we received this from our partnership with um CIP, which is the cohort that we're a part of that provides our benchmark testing. So any division that's a part of that cohort received this. Um I did not ask for that but we could. Um there was a division that um said while they are looking at the different pass rates because of the new accountability versus accreditation all of those thing all of this
062is feeding differently into that formula. Um so that part we don't know. We don't know what this looks like from an accountability standpoint. We just know what it looks like from a mastery standpoint. So if you were if we were to go back to those initial charts that we were looking at by school. So this piece where it says reading performance, math performance, science performance, that's behind that is a formula. >> This is just one piece of that formula. So, we're not we don't have that data yet. Um, and that's something that we could potentially work on. Um, but just want to be aware of what this could look like. Um, and and interestingly enough, there's been some things that have happened from the accelerated math course and the cut scores that were provided for
063that. Um and kids that we have in accelerated math right now um would not even be in the accelerated math but our data says other data says that they should be in accelerated math. So the state is still figuring this out and we will meet them with whatever the decision is whatever decision is made. >> When will we know >> that part? I'm not sure. I think the board meeting is this month. >> So it it is in September. We expect that the uh Virginia Board of Education will approve it in October. Their first meeting to hear it was just recently, so two weeks ago. Um, so my understanding though is that the fall um so test scores will be on the old um pass rates, but the spring pass rates will be the new
064cut scores. >> That's correct. >> And while you know um go back at least one slide, if not two, right there. While it says fail basic is 409 and proficient is 444, they're thinking about adjusting it um so that it's still a a a three um a 334 and a 400 and a 500, but it'll be the number of questions you pass or you um get right will determine where you are where you're at. So, they're going to increase the number of questions you have to pass in order to pass the SL. >> Correct? So, for example, um in grade three reading, if I'm not mistaken, the percentage that's behind that proficient 400, I think is a 58.2%. So, um what they're talking about is proficient will still be a 400, but you may need
065to get a 70% to pass. >> So, more to come. It's it's really, you know, it's we are just learning about it now. So, we will um as we get the we will share it with you. But we wanted you to be aware because you you'll hear last year we talked about the increased rigor in English and math and this year it is still increased rigor because the kids have to do better or students have to do better in order to get a pass. So did you have a question? >> Yeah. Based on them using the old scores in the fall and the new scores in the spring, does that not put a lot of unneeded stress on the teachers? Because I feel like they're being judged on the spring, yet they're being if we're
066going to change it, let's change it for the whole year >> and go in prepared is kind of my feeling. and and I agree with that feeling as well. Um, and with us comparing this year's scores to next year's scores, it's going to be apples and oranges. So, we're, you know, it's going to be different information because the new of the new cut scores. So, it'll be interesting to see how it all rolls out. But right now, um, the information that we're getting is that the fall will be the old cut scores and the spring will be the new cut scores. Um, so, um, while it won't, um, really impact our our graduating seniors this year unless they have an SOL that they have to pass. It will impact our sen our 11th grade students
067who have so many verified credits that they have to pass. Um and taking that pass rate from 60% down to 30%. You know, that's significant. >> Um I'm the crazy person thinks this is really exciting. um the um concept of having a single data point which was SOS in the past led to teaching the test and getting past that and that's kind of all what I love about this is that develops the concept of a a whole student all the way through not just getting a test score in a certain subject not others. Um it's comprehensive at looking at the school as well as the individuals. Um it's built on the concept of raising expectations because our performance is not going to get better until we raise expectations. But as it's been pointed out, you
068can't just keep jacking those up >> and then all of a sudden you compare it to last time, it looks like you're failing, >> right? Uh but it's a struggle >> and we expect it to be a struggle because you have to struggle to get improvement and make yourself stronger. To me it's a lot like coaching in athletics. It's more is expected of you the better you get. Um so I really like the comprehensive nature of this. I like the BDE approach. But I I think I think both Mike and superintendent make good point that there has to be I hope there is dialogue with VDOE about a realistic next step >> that keeps us driving forward but not causing us to you know run the tires off off the car if we're going so
069fast. So um so it it it's a it's a balance that I hope VOA BOE is working with us and that we don't just go back and we go back and just say make it weak >> that that we accept the challenge but want it to be realistic. >> Absolutely. >> And and and so we'll see performance and academic raise which is what I really want to see >> and and and we'll do it in a comprehensive way. So I'm kind of excited. um the little this the slide that you showed which I call the golf ball I don't know but has the teacher the center has got it right >> the the the core of the golf ball when you hit it okay the core is the teacher >> that's right >> a lot
070of other things can you know >> but if you don't if you can give a student an exciting good great teacher things will happen good things will happen >> and and that makes as if you look that's the golf ball if you look at the layers the reason why retention and recruiting is so important and and and finding out why teachers want what they want to make them feel I not say better >> but to make them more effective. >> That's right. which in sometimes is to make them feel better, but sometimes it's raising expectations for them, too. >> And so, um, it's difficult. Nobody said it wasn't going to be difficult. I remember last year saying, "Is this too much >> for the teachers to take on at once?" And I know you're new
071here, but you're not new. >> So, um, what what do you think? Have the teachers been able to digest this and kind of understand it and and kind of go with the flow or do you think there's still a lot of frustration with >> um so as far as the cut scores are concerned this is new information so um to my knowledge the the teachers may be aware but we have not discussed this with the teachers yet because we don't want to cause any alarm until it's passed. Um I do know that the state um they had been asked to do a phased approach and the response has been an overwhelming no that it it that if we're going to do it, we're going to do it. Um and my response to that um would
072be that we really need to meet teachers where they are um and recognize and just say what it is. This is a challenge, but it's a challenge we can meet. to pretend that this isn't difficult is the worst thing that we can do. Um especially when we have teachers that are truly burned out. >> Um but if we if we can call it what it is, if we're transparent, if we don't ask them to do anything that we're not willing to do ourselves, that makes a huge difference. Um and I said this to Dr. Shepard when um I was applying for this job that the teachers need to know what's in it for them. And what's in it for them is positive student outcomes. and when they see the results that kids are doing well
073as a result of what they bring to the table, there's no better fuel. And knowing that you get up in the morning and you go and you make a difference for kids and so the more that we can meet teachers where they are and support them in that um I think is where the biggest bang for our buck. >> That is one perfect explanation. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you for stepping up for Miss Prop. >> Yes, absolutely. I'm very concerned about this because I'm about, you know, I'm going I'm on board with what Mike and and Mr. Barlo are saying in repeating that and this throws up a big red flag to me. These numbers, >> I'm all about raising the bar. There's some other things I'd like to address about raising
074the bar. I remember what we had to get to pass in class. It's not what it is today, right? >> So, I'm all about raising the bar, but >> like he said, very, it needs to be realistic. >> Yep. And um how does this work? Do we just does does does our education system have an input or does the V the BDOE just say sorry this is what we decide? >> So it's our it's how we're um graded as a division is how we do on our accountability or accreditation. So um so no, we don't have a choice. It's it's what um the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Board of Education um approves for our accountability. >> So they don't >> want any input from the ground level. >> The last meeting that
075I attended regarding this, they were seeking feedback. Um I'm not sure what that that process looks like. However, I can look into that and let you know >> because I if that's the case, I'm kind of not impressed >> with the VDOE if it's, you know, these are the new numbers. Sorry about your luck. Tough. Well, that's easy for them to say in Richmond with anything. >> So, that does alarm me. And then you brought up another point. the the teachers are already stressed because I do know there's this mentality if you know if my students don't meet this these so test scores and all the stress is on me so what are we going to do just and like Mike said just raise the burner the heat on them for for more stress I
076I don't I'm I'm just a little worried where this is going to go. >> Yeah, that's fair. I think that um the more that we can focus on growth. So even if the state does go through with this recognizing and again just being transparent and saying we know where students need to be at the end of this um and planning with um Amanda Bolt who takes care of our data and so that we know at the student level what that score needs to be and having students goal set so they and being okay with the fact of you might not make it this year but maybe you'll make it next and so really thinking about the goal how we set goals for kids. Looking at it from an achievement standpoint, but also a growth standpoint.
077Um, if you were to ask me to do something right now that I'm not good at, sports for example, um, I may not be able to um, go and do a free throw um, but maybe not within six months, but I might be able to do it within a year. So meeting our teachers and just saying we recognize that this may not be attainable and allowing them the flexibility and freedom that we don't there are some things we don't have control over. Um but if we focus on growth, if we focus on goal setting and we focus on not yet, but that doesn't mean never. Um because that's that's the switch that we need to make with our teachers. Um but I agree with you. It would be nice to know what that feedback loop
078looks like. So I can look into that for you. >> I think one of the things that we can't forget is over the last five years the rigor actually was decreased in the state of Virginia in the Commonwealth. Um I think it was 2020. >> It was Yeah. So when I taught third grade it was a 62.5% to pass and at 2020 they dropped it down to a 58.2. >> So the rigor did decrease. So um we use my hands for illustration but you know common core is here and Virginia is here. So with Virginia's rigor you know that the reality is it needs to increase so that we could be uh um in line with with the common core and many many states do common core. So the rigor does need to increase. It
079would be nice though to have a little bit of a transition period so we're not burning our teachers out and so you know because frankly they do a fantastic job and we all know you'll hear me say this during budget season our teachers have the number one impact on student learning. So you know so um but but we need to bring our rigor up. >> I guess the question and maybe this is also trying to refer to it is because I agree we do need to um up the rigor. I think our students are just um you know they're not prepared a lot of them when they go to college. So I I do agree with that 100%. I guess is whether we're going to be given any tools or any additional funding because my
080guess is a lot of these kids are going to need maybe mentorship. I mean I do know some of the divisions already have the that um infrastructure that they can actually provide that but we don't necessarily do that. So, I don't know. I mean, do we get any additional funding or do we get any other tools from the state to achieve those those goals or just >> I think that's yet to be determined. >> I don't think funding will come with it, but maybe some additional support >> and that's what I was wondering. At least that >> I just wanted to clarify for Tom too, SBMA did a great job of emailing us. Um the state was having Zoom meetings and everything else seeking input from schoolboard members, teachers. Um I did not get a
081chance to partake in that, but I wanted to let you know if if you get a chance, watch your email because SBMA does alert us to those meetings. I was going to say this schoolboard member comments, but it's Germaine right now, so I'm going to say it. So, the SBAMA is planning right now for its December conference and they're building um Sher Nordon, the executive director, is building a uh a conference. And you know, last year she was very successful in getting we had the four top members of the educational team from Richmond >> come and address us. And we had a small enough group. and Amy Gera and and and the others were taking that information and um Governor Ynan came as a matter of fact and they were eager for our input. This
082could be very valuable uh exercise for us to attend and be prepared ahead of time for raising exactly the kind of questions we just raised here and try to kind of meet them halfway, understand their philosophy and their more importantly to understand, you know, our guys are in the trenches and and what they need to do. So, um I I think you're on to something. We've we've got an organization that has linkage in communication with those guys and they can make it happen with us. So, if we can get some time to meet with them during that um December conference, if we're not in court, >> never mind. Sorry. >> Might drive right from the conference to the court. >> Okay. Anyway, um any other questions? Really excellent presentation. I very much appreciate it. >>
083Thank you. Thank you all. >> Thank you. Miss Hodes like a relay team back there passing the baton. >> Good evening. Tonight I want to start my presentation with some great news. Our teacher retention rate for the 2425 school year was 87%. And that means our turnover rate was 13% which is down from 18% last year. Here's a list of all the positions that were filled this year, including transfers. This list totals 227 positions that our administrators have filled. Again, some of these were filled due to vacancies that were created by transfers within the division. I've noted and read the positions that have experienced the most turnover. And with within this list, 84 are new to SCPS. We utilize a number of methods for recruiting and advertising. This past year, we attended 12 in-person job
084fairs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Job fairs are not as well attended in person as they were in the past. So, we need to consider some new methods for recruiting teachers. We also advertise vacant positions on electronic job boards with colleges and universities. And we do paid advertising on Google and Indeed and through social media sites and also some advertising through our local newspapers both in print and online. This was our second year of partnering with I teach which is an alternative teacher certification program that allows teacher candidates who already have a bachelor's degree the convenience of completing coursework for lure at an affordable rate while holding a teaching position. We currently have 16 new teachers participating in the IT Teach program, of which five have already entered the final residency stage. An additional four
085teachers from last year are finishing up their final residency stage. All of the participants in the final stage are expected to finish in June of 2026. As of today, we have 25 unfilled teacher and professional staff vacancies. Note that these are not all classroom positions. We're covering vacant positions with long-term substitutes and also with paraprofessionals who are covering in the teacher vacancy. We've backfilled those positions with long-term substitute paraprofessionals. Overall, we filled 124 of the 149 professional staff vacancies. And again, those include transfers. We currently have 10 unfilled positions of the 96 support staff vacancies. This is quite a bit more than last year. Uh, keep in mind this number of vacancies has occurred since October, last October. So, it's ongoing throughout the year. This chart shows the experience of teachers who left SCPS group
086by their use years of experience. The purple bar to the right of each series represents the past year. Well over half of the teachers who left us were our more experienced teachers who had 11 or more years of experience. About 8% of the teachers who left have left education. That includes retirements, right? >> Yes. Yes. >> This year, 50% of our new teachers have zero to three years of experience. We will provide them with support through our mentoring program, which has been rebranded this year and is now called impact, which stands for instructional mentoring program for advancing and coaching teachers. Our new teachers have each been assigned a mentor as well. Only 33% of the new teachers are our more experienced teachers with 11 or more years of experience, but will still need support to
087learn SCPS practices and procedures. And while we're talking about who's coming to SCPS, I'd like to add that 7% of our new teachers previously taught in SCPS and have returned to teach here. I've shown you the experience we lost and the experience of the new staff we hired. This slide shows the total experience of our teaching staff for the 2526 school year. The orange and brown colors represent 11 or more years of teaching experience. For the current school year, less than half of our teaching staff have 11 or more years of teaching experience. We have 17 SCPS graduates returning as new teachers this year. These are colorcoded by the campus where they graduated. Here you can see the divisions that our teachers went this year with Rockingham County being the highest at 11%. To share
088another perspective, the chart on the right shows where our teachers live who travel here from outside of Shannondoa County. While 11% of the teachers who left us went to Rockingham County, 11% of our staff live in the Rockingham County Harrisonenberg area and travel here to work. Likewise, 8% of the teachers who left went to Frederick County, which is the purple slice of the pie on the left. But 6% of our teachers travel here to work from the Frederick County Winchester area which is noted in the green slice of the pie on the right. About 74% of our teachers live in Shannidoa County. In the electronic exit survey process, the top three primary reasons teachers noted they were leaving were retirement, employment in another Virginia school division, and dissatisfaction with school or division climate related to
089discipline and classroom control. In addition to the primary reasons, teachers also noted family or personal considerations such as personal health, caring for family members with health conditions or to stay home with children as secondary reasons for leaving this year. In addition add addition to the exit interviews at the end of the year. I also conducted stay interviews during March and April with the top 10% of the teachers in our building. Keep in mind this feedback reflects perceptions from the 2425 school year and some changes are already underway for the 2526 school year. Teachers say SCPS is student focused and provides great opportunities for career readiness for our students. SCPS sets high expectations for student academics and behavior. They feel SCPS offers a friendly family environment with a strong sense of camaraderie and support from their
090peers within the schools and the division. They appreciate the many professional development opportunities and the added work days in the school calendar. They say administrators are supportive, approachable, and responsive. and they recognize the improvements in the cost of health insurance for those with family coverage and hope that those efforts continue and they appreciate appreciate open communication at all levels. Other feedback mentioned during the exit interviews and stay interviews included a need for support and consistency with student behaviors. They mentioned confusion with the processes in special education. We need to continue to ensure that special education teachers are at the table in conversations regarding students with special needs. New teachers need continued mentoring beyond their first year of teaching. A plan for improvement of facilities, renovations, and increased space were both mentioned. Staff are frustrated by
091high turnover of administrators in buildings and at the central office. staff would like to see recognition of veteran teachers and would like for teachers input to be sought for decisions that affect them. Examples mentioned were the cell phone policy and the changes with processes in special education. So remember, as I mentioned on the last slide, these were comments that were shared last year and we're already working on implementing some changes for this year. So, what can we do? Most importantly, we need to continue to show our staff that they're valued and heard. Our scour salary scales need to be competitive with surrounding divisions who we compete with for teachers. And we should consider a hiring incentive for hard to fill positions like special education teachers. We also need to continue efforts to improve our contributions
092toward health insurance for families. Days that were added to the school calendar for professional development and work days to allow teachers time in their classrooms have been so appreciated by our teachers. We need to continue to include the extra time as well as relevant professional development for teachers. We need to provide more support and consistency with student behaviors. And because of the large number of teachers who are new to teaching or who have come into teaching through alternative routes, we should also consider including our new teachers in some version of a mentor program for up to two additional years beyond their first year of teaching for additional guidance, collaboration, and support. I'll be happy to answer any questions. >> I do have a question. Um, in the reasons for uh leaving I think one was
093retirement which is understandable. The other one was the school climate and discipline which is self-explanatory. But the second one was uh they were going to another division. Did we um ask why they're going to a different division? >> Yes. The electronic survey is actually one that VDOE establishes what categories we put on that list because we have to report back to them. And so when I mention secondary reasons, a lot of them referred to wanting to be closer to home or feeling like the workload wasn't as heavy in a surrounding division >> that it was easier. >> Now keep in mind sometimes they come back the grass is not always greener. >> So the secondary reasons correlate to that second to the going to activation. >> Yes. Paul, what would the retention rate be if
094you didn't include the retirements? >> I think we had fewer retirements this year. I don't remember. I I can't tell you what the retention rate would be, but we did have fewer retirements this year. Any other questions? >> Thank you. >> Welcome. >> Dr. Shepard, we talking about the library school materials purchase list. >> Yes, thank you. So regulation IIBP-R library materials selection establishes procedures for the selection of new new library book materials. Um in June or in August um the librarians developed draft draft list of new books proposed for purchase and provided a list to the principles and directors of education for review. The on Monday August the 18th the final draft list were placed on the division website for review. The final approved library materials list were presented to the school board for
095information at the Thursday se tonight at tonight's schoolboard meeting and the recommendation for approval will be on the consent agenda at the October 9th meeting. Happy to answer any questions. >> Hearing none to action items. So, u our personnel um report has been uh delivered to us. Um do I hear a motion to approve the personal list list as it has been presented? >> I move to approve the personnel list as presented. >> Thank you, Mr. Ricker. To second. >> Second by Mr. Vance. All in favor, please say I. >> I. Any post? No post. Passes. Six. Nothing. 6.2. Request to carry forward fiscal year 2025 CIP, which I believe was briefed to us before. Correct. Okay. So, um, do I have a motion to, um, deal with the SCPS fiscal year 25 CIP year
096end? I move that the Shannido County School Board increase the fiscal year 2026 capital budget by 1,229,87483 and request the reappropriation of these funds from the Shannidoa County Board of Supervisors. >> Thank you, Mr. Gut. Second to that motion. >> Second by Mr. Street. Thank you, town. Uh, any discussion? All those in favor of the motion, please signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? None opposed. Passes 6. Dr. Shepard, ready for your monthly report. >> Thank you. We've had a great start to the school year and our attendance numbers continue to rise. For the fourth straight year, we saw improvements in our first month attendance numbers um with our overall August attendance tracking at almost 97% 96.58%. And I would like to thank Mike Dorman for stepping in and helping out at
097Triplette Tech for the first month of the school year. He helped to ensure our students and staff felt supported. Um, and I also want to welcome Liz Hopkins who had previously served as an administrator, uh, mentor, coach, and and who will be serving as a triplet acting principal for the remainder of the school year. Liz brings experience, compassion, and will be a welcome addition to the triplet family. Also, I would uh as we acknowledged our FFA students um this afternoon, this evening, our FFA students from all of our middle schools and high schools showed their animals throughout the week at the state fair at the Shannidora County Fair with many taking home prizes in best in class. Additionally, they volunteered at the dairy bar and helped lead fair field trips for our second and fifth
098grade elementary school students who um visited the fair. They also competed in the always popular egg Olympics. All three of our elementary schools um had their second and fifth grade classes take field trips to the fair and our FFA students led them on the tours. And then our triplet tech students um man the triplet um pavilion and our students our triplet students are showing off their skills over the course of the week um with students and fairgoers. And then finally, North Fork Middle School has kicked off a schoolwide challenge for students to learn 144 new words by the end of the year. Every student has a new v vocabulary journal where they keep track of the new words that they learn. And um this is a exciting schoolwide learning activity that helps keep students engaged
099throughout the year. So looking forward to knowing the 144 words that they learned this year. >> They had good words. >> Yes. Be happy to answer any questions. >> Any questions for the superintendent? >> Mr. Re, >> I've got one, but it it's not related to the monthly report. been getting a lot of questions still from bus drivers. They're being told they can't stop to grab a bite to eat or anything like that. I told them since our last meeting, we didn't have anything in policy or regulation. They're pointing the finger at at the school board office that that's where this information is coming from. I told them, >> far as I knew, there wasn't anything on that. Could you speak to that? So, briefly, um I know that we do allow our um our
100school bus drivers in um that go on field trips or um sports activities to actually stop and go get dinner and then come back. But anytime our school bus school buses take kids to school and then go home, they're not so they stop and get fuel, but they're not supposed to stop and and get a meal or anything like that because we do get um some push back from um community members saying that we're not using our our um public funds appropriately. So um so while it didn't come from a policy or or a regulation, it is practice that our bus drivers in the morning um or afternoon don't stop and to get a meal or to stop at Walmart or food line to get groceries. >> Thank you for that. We're going to move
101into uh school board member comments. Um I want to remind the board that we um will not conclude after that. We will indeed move into close session, but um we'll conclude our open um meeting with schoolboard member comments. Who would like to begin? Well, I guess I will. Miss Carino, I greatly appreciate you including a moment of silence at the start of the invocation and the gentleman whose name escaped me. Thank you for your words. The events of 24 years ago today, the truly barbaric act of some cowards presents us with a free moment. what psychologists call that. We know where we were, what we were doing when we heard about the attack in New York and the Pentagon and Flight 93 that ended up in a field in Pennsylvania. And then yesterday's savage attack
102on a citizen who was trying to do good. How horrific and appalling. Those those adjectives don't begin to describe what happened in Utah. It was an execution and it was premeditated. Losing a father of two children, one who just turned one and the other three back in August, and a mother without a husband who he dearly loved. It's interesting for me to note, sir, I'm kind of talking to you here because I can't u can't use my podium for the for the sermon of the day, but the widow posted today a portion of Psalm 46, which reads, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." And just on the way up here, I was listening on the radio that uh Mr. Kirk kept a piece of uh Micah, the book of
103Micah, as a guideline to his life, which read, "Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God." And again, I thank you and Miss Carbinio for the uh for the moment that we started our meeting with the recognition of those two events. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Mike, take it. >> Um, well, we heard about the pipe condensation in the gym at Sandy Hook. Um, are we looking into that roof again? I mean, if that pipe was the insulation on it was replaced just last year, shouldn't be sweating like that again. Has the roof been looked at? >> So, I'm not sure if this is the particular part of the building that um doesn't have any humidity control that we bring 100% outside air in without any um heating to take out the moisture.
104I would have to double check that, but I know that is is mostly the reason why we have um mold or mildew issues in um any parts of our school is because the systems that we have that you know those schools are were um built in the 70s and were renovated um a couple of times, but the last time you you'll hear the 90s wing and the 2000 wing um that some parts of those buildings have air conditioning units that don't condition the um the outside air and that's where the moisture is coming from which causes mold and mildew. >> The only other thing I have were the trailers. Have we started putting in the infrastructure for those trailers? I know the trailers are coming what winter break. We have ordered the trailers and they
105are likely going to be delivered at the end of October and um then we will have them available for move in at winter break because then that's when the infrastructure has to go in. So, >> thank you for that. Um >> and it's four trailers as opposed to three what what we originally approved. It's it's one trailer that has four classrooms in it. >> Awesome. Thank you for that. Um, the only other thing I'd like to say with my board member comments is thank you to our staff the start of this school year, the teachers and staff. I mean, I've heard a whole lot less complaints this year than last. Um, and I think that's attributed to the bodies in the buildings and the great job they're doing with our kids. So, I want to
106thank them. And, uh, other than that, I just pray that God continues to bless our county and bless our school system and all our staff. Thank you for your time. >> Um, actually I'm gonna piggy back on that because um I wanted to welcome everyone um and all our new staff and all returning staff and as well as all our children. And I was thinking about that that it's been kind of a quiet comeback. So it must be everything's perfect right now. So um I just want to wish you all a great year. Um I think we have a lot of things that we're going to be working on this year. uh that are going to be, you know, some of them are going to be challenging, but some of them are going to be
107really exciting. And I think um I pray to God that we're going to have a great year. So, we're just going to have faith in that. And um just kind of piggy back again on what Mr. Van said. Um I know we did the moment moment of silence, but it was uh it's it was a very sad day and and I've been kind of shaken up by everything that's going on, but we have to keep the faith. And one of the things that I'm a little bit concerned about is I know a lot of our young people have been really um concerned about what's happened. You know, they were not here in 2001 during 911. Most of us were. So, we kind of were kind of we've gone through this a little bit before. Um
108but for our young people, um I know Mr. Kirk was somebody who really spoke to them and I know a lot of young people to really listen to him and they saw him as their voice for their generation. So I'm hearing from a lot of them who are having a hard time with what happened yesterday. So we need to be there for them. We need to pray for them. We need to pray for our nation and um and keep the faith because God has a plan that we may not understand but but he knows better than we do. >> Thank you. Tom. >> Sure. Um, obviously another start of another school year. Um, here we are again and another year. So, I want to thank all the staff. Um, for everything that they do in
109our school system. And when you think about it, you know, I think in the back of my head, it's it's a, as we all know, but sometimes I think we got to remind ourselves or remind people, it's a very complex system. you know, everything from picking the kid up to bringing them to school, the organization to getting them to class, and of course the priorities in the classroom. And then we have all the functions after school. We have the sports, we have, you know, it's a very the nutrition, the meals. It's a very complex system. So, you got a lot to keep up with. Um, >> I think she knows. >> Yeah. Um, so anyway, thank you to everybody that makes it happen. Um, want to thank everybody for the situation, uh, the sad situation
110of starting a trip with Tech, but I want to thank, as she mentioned earlier, the people that have stepped up to the plate to help the students and help that department to start another school year under the conditions. Um, I also want to point out that Dr. Shephard said earlier, um the participation of the students at the county fair was very glad to see it. Very glad to see the the students um come through the barns and and take tours and interaction of everything there, the triplettech and so very glad to see the the student participation, you know, at our at our county fair. So anyway, that's in all the areas there. That's all I have. Chairman, >> thank you. Tom, go. Yeah, just to continue what Gloria and Larry said, um, yesterday a very
111difficult day for a lot of young people in this country. Um, you know, to look up to somebody and have them taken away, an outlet for you to speak for a lot of your beliefs. Um, it's a very tough thing. there's a lot of emotion, anger, and confusion and sadness, but um he he wouldn't want us to to dwell on that. He'd want us to move forward. So um it's been amazing. Many of you may not have been aware of his impact when it comes to young people and the youth in this country, but you're seeing it and hearing about it now. um he had a tremendous following. Um and just so much hate in the world and to just to have someone that is willing to have a conversation and debate with you and
112um still be respectful in many ways is just it's sad that that you can't have people like that in this world. So, um I think it's a wakeup call for a lot of people that, you know, we've got to figure out how to be respectful and if you disagree with somebody, um you know, going to those links is not obviously an appropriate thing to do. So, um very difficult, you know, and the videos all over social media, it's just it's such a the way things are now, you can't you can hardly avoid it. Um so it will be a very um challenging time for a lot of younger people and just have to move forward and continue to do good things in the in the world. >> Thank you Kyle. Well, I'll begin right there
113too. That's I think those of us are older when somebody that young is killed it um it rattles us. It doesn't seem the the nature of of things. But what I think is has rattled me more than anything is the fact that um here was somebody who espoused the idea of debate and discussion and openness uh and wasn't a hater and wasn't judgmental and um I think that was his um his draw is people and it was you know if if we have a segment of society believes that that's that's what we have to expunge we're in a heap of trouble. Um, which takes us right back to what we were talking about about an hour and a half ago, which is it's our job to make sure that we educate kids better than that.
114That they have respect for each other and irrespective of not only race and ideologies, but just civility and ability to get to get along. And uh I personally think we do a really good job of that in our county and others others could emulate it, but we certainly have to keep that that standard high. Um and this segus me a little bit more. Linda, I was interested in in the list of things we can do to entice teachers. Um and I I wanted to say something. I think LV since we and I both taught for quite a while. Um, one thing I really wanted as a teacher was a good class. When I had kids who knew wanted to come in and learn, I was excit I couldn't wait to get to that class. I
115couldn't wait. It's what made my day. But if I had a class where I had to wake up kids and and I wouldn't let anybody sleep and I mean it it just bothered me. Um, so just giving a teacher a good class. Now, that's easy to say and hard to do, but when you can do it, you get people down here who want to teach, who really don't care about the salary schedule as much as they'll be excited to teach what they love, what, English, history, whatever. Um, and there have to be ways we could we could figure that out, but it's going to take thought uh and and and and ways of doing it. It's not necessarily economic, but u but it it's something I I truly believe. Um and uh so I'll use
116you a a f a further segue which is I mentioned earlier about SPMA uh conference whether or not you go um since um the U executive director is asking for issues to be raised there. I invite you to send any of those issues to me and I'll without editing disorder them and I'll suggest that they be considered for uh presentations or questions to state leaders or um panels and so they'll have enough to do that. I've looked at their lineup so far and it's pretty technical. I'd like to get it a little bit more at least some things we were talking about like um classroom law, you know, you school law, you know, and and and more expectations of what I'm allowed to do and not allowed to do and so forth. Makes I think
117teachers feel a little bit more secure about their environment. Anyway, that so any anything I mean there's nothing to preclude you going to SBMA on your own, but if if you want to filter them through me, that that's just fine. So um on that I'm going to um end my comments and um I am going to uh at this point suggest that we reconvene in close session or convene in close session. Um can I have a motion that we do so? I move for the school board to convene in a quote. >> That's right. >> Recommendation. >> I'm sorry. >> You're going to make that suggestion? >> Yes. >> Well, thank you. I recommend this school board convene a closed meeting under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act in order to have a briefing by
118staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation where such consultation or briefing and open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of Shannidoa County Public Schools under Virginia Code 2.2-3711A7. >> Thank you. Motion I move for the school board to convene in a closed meeting under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act in order to have a briefing by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litig litigation where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of Shandela County Public Schools under Virginia code 2.2-3711 2-3711 A7. >> Thank you, Mr. Rick. A to second. >> Second, Mrs. Carinio. Any discussion? Those in favor, please indicate by saying, "I." >> Any opposed? None. >> We'll meet in close session. >> Good night for you,
119Mr. Bowman. And reconvene in open session at 9:15. Um, so do I have a motion to reconvene in open session? >> Move to reconvene in open session. >> Second by Mr. Rickard. Those in favor, please signify by saying I. I. >> Any opposed? None opposed. Once again, I'll read Closed meeting certification. Shannido County School Board hereby certifies by roll call vote that the best of each member's knowledge only public business matters lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meetings to which this certification applies and only such public business matters as were identified the motion convening the closed meeting were heard discussed or considered by the Shannidoa County school board. Each member responds ISO certified when called. Chair, would you please call the roll call? >> Mr. Street,
120>> I so certify. >> Miss Carlinia, >> I so certify. >> Mr. Vetaw, >> I so certify. >> Mr. Banks, >> I so certify. >> Mr. Ricker, >> I so certify. >> And Mr. Barl, >> I so certify. I think that's it. Um, do I have a motion for German? >> Move to adjourn. >> Thank you, Mr. Kel. Second. >> Second from Mrs. Carino. All in favor of journ please signify by saying I. >> I. Any opposed? No. Meeting is adjourned at 9:16.