001And we will stand and do the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence, please. 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. All right. Thank you, guys. All right. Um we will start off with the recognition of Mr. Doug Deacon, uh Dr. Stanley. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It's a It's a great way to start a meeting when we're recognizing somebody like Mr. Deacon. We've got this year, I think we've got 16 certified retirees. And that's 16 that bring over 500 years of experience to our students and staff. Um so we're obviously going to uh miss all of them and congratulate all of them. But every so often you have a retiree that
002it was pretty much just a legacy to a building. And uh and you just can't imagine what the building's going to be like without them. Um and that is uh certainly what I would say about Mr. Doug Deacon. Mr. Deacon, would you come up, please? >> [applause] >> So Ms. Condit, who's retiring this year as well, back in the back, gave me some facts about Mr. Deacon that I'll I'll read to you. One, he's been in our school division for over 42 years. Same school, two different buildings. Thank goodness, right? Taught seventh grade for 4 years, taught sixth grade for 38 years. Taught English, math, history, and science. Most preps he ever had was nine in one day. That's different subjects that he would teach. Worked for seven different principals. Was the bus administrator. That's
003that's that's basically your traffic controller after school with dismissal for 21 years. And that's been out there wearing the vest, right? Didn't have a vest back in the Didn't have a vest back in the day, right? You are going to be tremendously missed at Rustburg Middle School, Doug. Thank you for everything. Outside of school, he's had 39 and a half years with the Brookville Timberlake Fire Department and 34 years as manager of the Hill City Swim Club. So, maybe he spent some more time over there with them and at home, obviously. Um so, anyway, I was talking to Doug the other day and he told me an interesting story that I'm going to let him tell to you all about how and when he was hired. Actually, I found out the the date, July the
00412th of 1984. Yeah, somewhere popped up somewhere along again in '84, yeah. I was uh building Dr. Nollie's house at the time. We were over in Wildwood and I'd seen him in the morning about 6:00 putting dormer roof on or something like that. And then I saw him later after I talked to Benny Arthur and and he hired me and said go across the street and see Don Cable and Company. So, I did that and that was fine. And Dr. Nollie looked at me and and I kind of gave me a strange look. I said, "Yeah, I'm I'm double dipping today. You're going to employ me as contract and and then I'm school teaching." And he said, "Well, that's nice. Well, come on into my office." Well, the fun part was at that point in
005time the school administration building was the old jail. And you go into the into his office and the jail the jail door was open. And I'm like, um >> [laughter] >> Dr. Ollie, uh that's nice. He goes, "The key is behind me." I said, "The key is behind you." He goes, "On the wall." I said, "There is a key behind you." He goes, "That works the door." I said, "So, at some point in time they do like to shut the door on you and leave you in here." He said, "More often than you would think." So, it's kind of interesting that I was hired out of a jail cell. >> [laughter] >> And kept me for 42 years, so. But, it's been good. It's been it's changed a little bit, you know, starting off with
006chalk boards and white boards and then a smart board and then a pre-K board >> [laughter] >> Yeah, no computers to everything's computerized and so, it's been a it's been an interesting change over the years, so. Yeah. Thank you. Well, I know we've got some board members that would like to say a few things. Oh, scary. I think for us and I'm going to stand, I think. How do you feel? Cuz I was going to go over there. Well, yeah, we'll come over here. I need my phone, too. We have a lot of things. I think for us what makes Doug so unique is the fact that, you know, we we know he's spent 42 plus years in the Rustburg community. But, for us he's been a part of the Brookville community just about as
007long. Um and his impact that he has goes way beyond what's been felt in Rustburg and I see heads nodding because I'm sure there are some kids out here that you have hollered at on a pool deck or you were hired you were at Mr. Mike Howard's back there. Yeah, [laughter] I see him. There you go. Um you see the lasting impact. There it's ball games. It's it's sporting events. He and Cheryl are always present at those. There are kids that will say they were Doug raised and it means Doug has raised them not just as employees at the at the pool, but he's had them since they were tiny little kids that he has taught them to be resilient. He's taught them to be respectful. He has grown these adults that have gone on
008to be future leaders in our community and pretty significant impact when you think that it starts it goes from one side of the county and it stretches on to the other and that's not even touching the fire department that I'll let you touch on as well. I do have a couple of things to read from Rustburg. Okay, you can go ahead. Yes. So, I reached out to some of my colleagues in Rustburg. Sixth grade team wants to recognize Doug Deakin for his years of service as a teacher at Rustburg Middle School. Known for his unforgettable stories, funny sayings, and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Doug has made a lasting impact on countless students and staff members and will truly miss his presence at Rustburg Middle School and a great for
009the memories we've made along the way. Another teammate said, "Doug has been the heart of Rustburg Middle School for many years. His love of people, the profession, and learning has been an inspiration to many. He has shared his love of working for the fire department with students and taught them so many safety skills. If you've ever talked to Doug, his enthusiasm is evident. His stories help engage the students making learning authentic. He's going to be missed by his friends and has left a lasting impact on so many people." I'm not as good as Karen as flying uh by the brain, so I wrote it down. Doug, it is an honor to recognize your 42 years of service to Campbell County Public Schools. Last year, our division focused on the word impact and there are very
010few people who represent that word more fully than you do. Your impact cannot be measured simply by years worked or titles held because your influence has reached far beyond the walls of a classroom. Just the other day, I was out to dinner and your name came up and the woman at the table immediately said, "I love Doug. He hired me as a lifeguard at Hill City." And I think that says so much about who you are. For generations of people in this community, you were someone who gave them a chance, believed in them, encouraged them, and helped shape who they became. You Some knew you as their teacher. Some knew you from summers at Hill City pool where you gave young people not just jobs, but confidence, mentorship, and responsibility during some of the most
011formative years of their lives. Others knew you through your service with Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department where in people's hardest and most frightening moments, there you were, calm, dependable, and ready to help. And maybe the greatest example of who you are is the fact that when it was time to retire, you stayed another year simply because you made a promise to a student. That kind of character, loyalty, and compassion cannot be taught. It comes from a life spent showing up for others again and again, quietly and without asking for recognition. You have spent decades pouring into this community and generations of people in Campbell County are better, safer, and stronger because they knew you. The measure of a life is not simply in years served, but in lives touched and your impact on this community is
012immeasurable. Doug, thank you for the countless lives you have shaped and the example you have set for all of us. We wish you a joyful, peaceful, and truly well-deserved retirement. >> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Vice Mayor. Karen and I came up with an award for you, Certificate of Community Impact. Aw. >> [applause] [applause] >> You'll be fine. Yeah. >> [laughter] >> I'll I'll break that way. There you go. We're thankful he hasn't quite retired from Hope City, but we know the time is near. She keeps saying, "I'm going to retire." And he's still there until she'll drive him away. Eventually. Eventually. Thank you. Like I said, thank you. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Sure do. What time you got here? Yeah. I'm going to stop. We'll get you all out. I mean I
013have to do this style over the same way. Got it. Thank you. Yep. Mr. Reagan, how many parents and children have you taught? I would not know, Mr. Wells. I don't know. Now that we have semesters for sixth grade, last 12 6000. Kind of hard to say. You know, it used to be easy. It used to be, you know, uh 60 to 80 years. It was like 4000 or something. 4000. Like with semesters, 6000. I have no grandchildren. So, I You have no grandchildren? I was going to ask I was going to ask that. I had a parent or grandparent that I taught one of my first years. That's And then I had I had a daughter I had a lot of a lot of kids and children. I was trying to do some calculations
014to see if grandchild was possible, but Yeah. Yeah, I had What? Something like that. Over the Well, over the last Well, So, 10. Well, It's kind of scary that she's had three generations. >> [laughter] [clears throat] [laughter] >> But your your style hasn't changed because my daughter said we used to tell he used to tell good best stories and now my grandson says it man he tells good stories. >> [laughter] >> I hope I hope I hope my grandson didn't bust your bubble as Mark cuz I didn't know I didn't know if it's going to be a surprise or not. You know, everyone's different. You know, they go oh that's so and so the black I don't care. >> [laughter] >> You're not No, don't don't compare me to somebody else. They're all different. That
015may have been your brother but I don't want to know. That's good. It's great. >> But I I appreciate you all. We appreciate you. We appreciate you. >> [applause] [applause] >> All right, good start to the meeting. Um we'll continue with Dr. Hale, recognition of Central Virginia Governor's School Science Fair winners for Campbell County Public Schools. Yes, um the celebrations continue. Um next we want to recognize our Central Virginia Governor's School Science Fair winners. Um and at this point I will turn it over to Mrs. Laney Patrick who will share more about our winners. Good evening, Chairman Phillips, members of the school board, Superintendent Stanley, and guest. Tonight I'm very honored to recognize several outstanding Campbell County students who represented our division at the Central Virginia Regional Science Fair on March 14th, 2026 at Central
016Virginia Community College. The Regional Science Fair brings together some of the brightest young scientific minds from across our area. Students spend months designing investigations, conducting research, analyzing data, and presenting their findings to judges from science, engineering, higher education, and industry leaders. Their projects reflect creativity, perseverance, innovation, and true passion for learning. This year, Campbell County Public Schools in Central Virginia Governor's School had an exceptional showing earning numerous category awards, and I would like to take a moment to recognize the following students. Alexander Santiago from Rustburg High School, from the Governor's School as well, earned third place in animal science. Isaac Kwong from Brookville High School and CVGS received honorable mention in animal sciences. Kevin Correa Loredo from Rustburg High School, CVGS, earned first place in behavioral and social sciences. It's a big list, so sorry,
017pardon me. Norissa Chambers from Brookville High School earned second place in cellular and molecular biology. Genevieve Fitzgerald from Brookville High School earned first place in chemistry for her project oil absorbents rates of natural and synthetic absorbents. Tulsi Desai from Brookville High School earned third place in earth and environmental sciences. Jacob Callis from Brookville High School earned first place in energy and embedded systems for his project investigating piezoelectric materials. Christopher Anthony from Rustburg High School earned second place in material science. And Luke Compton from Brookville High School earned second place in physics and astronomy. Kevin Correa Loredo also received the American Psychological Sorry about that. Fast forward, there we go. The the right slide. Um received the American Psychological Association special award. Tulsi Desai received recognition in connection with the US Stockholm Water Prize, and Christopher
018Anthony received a Lynchburg Dental Society award for his excellence in research. We are also very proud to recognize um two students who advanced to the Virginia State Science Fair that they had back in April, and those students were Kevin Loredo and Jenna or Genevieve Fitzgerald. These accomplishments are a testament not only to the dedication of our students, but also to the support of their teachers, mentors, families, and the learning opportunities provided throughout Campbell County Public Schools and Central Virginia Regional Governor's School. At this time, I would like to invite two of our first place winners to come and share a little bit about their projects, um and then you guys can hear first hand and see their amazingness in action. So, uh Jenna or Genevieve? >> [applause] >> You can stand right over here so
019I can see it. Hi, my name is Genevieve Fitzgerald, and my project was determining the different oil absorbents rates of both natural and synthetic absorbents. So, oil spills are a major environmental hazard with over 3 million tons of oil being released into the environment every single year, mainly through oil spills in the ocean. And traditional cleanup methods of oil spills are often really costly and can do more harm than good. One example of this can be seen with the Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010. Chemical dispersions were used in the cleanup of that oil spill, and the way chemical dispersions work is they're these chemicals that are put into a plane and they're flown over top of the oil spill and they're dropped on the oil spill and the chemicals interact with the oil and they
020break it down into smaller particles that then dissolve into the water so that the oil spill disappears. However, studies done in the aftermath of this oil spill have shown that while the chemicals do break the oil down into these smaller particles, these particles don't dissipate into the water like they're supposed to. They stay in those particles, which is really bad because then fish and other sea life ingest the oil and then it enters the food chain. So, new studies have come out using synthetic absorbents, which are modified or man-made absorbents. However, these absorbents are not easily recyclable and so once they're full of that oil, they're often taken and just thrown in landfills, which is also not good because then instead of the oil just being in the ocean, the oil is instead just in
021a landfill. So, new research has come out using natural absorbents, which are compounds found in nature that naturally absorb oil on their own, which led me to my research question, which was do if I use both the natural and a synthetic absorbent in to clean up an oil spill, will the natural absorbent work better? So, for my experiment, I had three trays that I filled with the 1/2 L solution of oil and water. So, I took 400 ml of water and then I put 100 ml of oil on top. And then I took three absorbents. I had two natural absorbents, which was sawdust and coconut coir fibers, and I tested them against a synthetic absorbent, which was Heron Neosorb, which is a really common chemical used in oil spill cleanup. And so, I weighed each
022absorbent and placed them in their individual tray and I left them to soak overnight for 24 hours so that they could absorb any oil and water that they would. And then when that 24 hours was up, I would take them out of the trays, weigh them a second time to determine how much oil and water had been absorbed. And then I would leave them out to dry for 48 hours because after 48 hours any excess water that had also been absorbed would have time to evaporate and I would be left with only the oil weight which I and then after 48 hours I would weigh them a third time and subtract their initial weight from this final weight to determine how much oil had been absorbed in grams. So at the end of my project
023I determined that it was not statistically significant. When I ran my statistics test at the end, on average it returned a p-value of 0.01 for my groups for the Huron Neosafe compared to the coconut coir fibers which is significant because it's lower than the alpha value I used. However, when I ran the test again for my sawdust and Huron Neosafe groups, it returned a p-value of 0.14 which is not significant because it's a lot higher than my alpha value which led me to only partially support my research hypothesis. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> And now we have Jacob Sorry, I'm going to mess his name up again. >> [laughter] >> Jacob is coming up to share his project. And you can just take this. So hello. Um my name is Jacob Kalish. I also
024attend Brookville High School in Central Virginia Governor School. And for my research project I examined the effect of applied forces on the energy harvested from piezoelectric materials. And so going into this research project, I had a personal interest in examining alternative forms of energy. And so uh the way piezoelectric materials work is when either mechanical stress or vibrational stress is applied to the material, it creates tiny fractures in the material surface. These fractures then create a potential difference with the material and its surrounding area. This potential difference can then be used and harnessed and used to power electrical devices. And so for my research project, I want to ask the question was it what is the effect of differing magnitudes of the applied force have on the potential difference created or just does the more
025you press on it or the more force is applied does it create a different potential? And so to examine this relationship, I had to compose a circuit that would allow me to simultaneously monitor the the force that was applied to the material and the potential difference created. And so I started with a single little piezoelectric disc. Mine was made out of quartz and I soldered this to an energy harvesting system. And for the purposes of mine my research, I connected a voltage probe directly to the energy harvesting module. And so when I interacted with the disc, I would be able to see the potential difference it created. I then took this disc and I attached it directly on top of a force plate which would allow me to transfer the force directly from the disc
026onto the plate and I would get a reading from the disc. And so I took this system and I started doing my data collection. I did a total of around 30 trials each lasting about 30 seconds and I collected a bunch of the voltage output based on the different magnitudes of force that was applied to the disc. And so from my 30 trials, I had a lot of voltage data and force data. And so I took the averages of each of these trials and I plotted them on a uh um potential versus uh force graph, which would then allow me to run a statistical test, which would um allow me to see if there was significance. And so, from my research, I found that there was a statistically significant relationship between the force that was
027applied to a disk and the potential difference it created. And so, um using my model, I was able to I one could predict the voltage output at specific forces. Now, um where this is implemented, the piezoelectric materials are really used in one of two areas. The first being in internal internal medical devices, where uh the use of a battery really isn't it's not capable of using a battery, such as like in cochlear implants, they use piezoelectric materials. And so, using the my predicted model, um you could uh predict the potential difference created at at varying degrees of pressure. And so, that could be used to create um specific voltage differences for specific specific medical devices. So, thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> And thank you guys for um listening to their wonderful projects. We have
028some amazing talent in Campbell County Public Schools, and you know, thank thank you all for coming and sharing your projects with the board. Um and that's it. THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> [applause] >> HEY, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR SHARING WITH US TONIGHT. THAT was very impressive. Thank you. Yep, I was hoping you were going to go into a little more detail. I'm sure the board understood every word that was described. Yeah, thanks a lot for coming out. So. All right, and then um Dr. Halverson, you're staying put. So, um recognition of the Brook Hill High School speech team. Yes, good evening again, chairman and members of the board. Um tonight we are honored to have Mrs. Megan Emmanuel, coaches Caden Ferguson, and Bobby Markey, um and the back-to-back state champion speech team from
029Brook Hill High School. They won the Class 3 state championship title on March 28th, and at this time I will turn it over to them. >> [applause] >> Thanks for letting us come. You all had expressed an interest last year in perhaps a little showcase. So, we thought we'd bring the showcase to you all. Um Dr. Stanley came and saw our showcase before we went to states, and we appreciated his support. And um we had seven different categories represented out of the 10, um and we took our biggest group yet to states, and we have They're going to all give you They're just going to do 30 seconds from their pieces. These are 10-minute pieces, so >> [snorts] >> we thought that would be the most appropriate thing to do just to give you all
030a little taste of each different category. They're going to introduce themselves, and some of the the content so ranges from um pretty heavy. Like, the first one's going to be a school shooting piece just to So, you all know we're going to do we we picked we tried to pick um Anyway, we thought it through. Um but anyway, so [laughter] you're going to have Sorry. You're going to see a variety of things, so just But the kids are going to introduce themselves, so you all go for it. Hello, I'm Alec Irving. And I'm Aubrey Pinsker, and we placed fourth at states for serious duo. >> And our piece is called 10 Minutes by Jonathan Dorr. The debate awards was held at the House of Peking. So, you're co-captain. Co-captain always gets to decide the place.
031If you don't like Chinese food, then why did you choose it? Figure it out, Simon. Oh. I'm sure that's not why he But what if I had said yes one stupid night, maybe I would have been bored, maybe I would have wished I was at home watching paint dry. Was that too much of a sacrifice to have stopped him from pulling out a rifle and How do you know that would not have changed anything? Look at Vietnam. Isn't it Vietnam? It sure feels like it. If there was no helicopter coming here to save us. Maybe there is. We're never going to know unless we open the door. Do you know what he said right before this all happened? He said he was not going to stop until he ran out of ammo or we were
032all dead. Okay. Even he was. I thought you said you couldn't I said I couldn't hear John. That's That was right before he emptied an automatic into the foosball table. I'm I'm not I'm I'm grateful. I'm not much of a jock. I thought you said maybe if we did something different >> That's always. You can't believe that. Well, look at us. Look where we are now. It doesn't even matter. We're going to have to do this. Every time I get near the door, the shooting just gets even worse. >> [applause] >> Hi, my name is Kyle Brown and I placed fourth in the category of prose. And this is Lexie by John C. Adams. Man, I can't imagine how you do your job every day dealing with those patients like Mr. Michaelson, that guy that
033was in with me in with me for a couple of days. He must be a real treat every day. Nurse! Nurse! DID YOU HEAR ME BEEPING? I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU'RE DOING. WHEN I BEEP, I EXPECT YOU TO COME. WHEN I'M ALL DONE IN HERE, SOMETHING. WHEN I BEEP, I expect you to come. NOW, GO GET MORE PUDDING. I'M JUST KIDDING. HUH. I sympathize with you. I do. There are some days where I'm like that, too. Stuck in the funk. Maybe I should borrow one of those Groucho tapes. Who knows? Besides, I don't know who this fellow Groucho is. >> [applause] >> Hello, I'm Ila Ferguson. >> Hi, my name is Adam Peters. We placed third in state for serious duo. >> And our piece and our piece is named My Brother and I by
034Lena Sherskeg. Anna, why am I in the hospital? I'm not even sick this time. Did you hear the doctors, Adam? They said they're going to switch our insides to make us feel better. Don't worry, you won't feel a thing. Just go to sleep. Anna, do you want to play cars with me? I stuck some in my pocket. >> Are you talking to me, the fire truck again? No, you can be the ambulance. I love the ambulance. Just stay put. The ambulance had to be there in case Adam got sick. But but now Anna's sick, so you can be the ambulance. Thank you, Adam. Anna, when we wake up tomorrow, will you play cars with me? Sure, when we wake up tomorrow, we'll play together. >> [applause] >> Hi, I'm Autumn Van Ruma and I was
035state runners-up in storytelling. My name is Julie Beatrice. The B stands for Beatrice, except I'm a lion. Just I just like B and that's all. I'm almost 6 years old. Almost 6 means you get to go to kindergarten. Kindergarten's where you go to meet new friends and not watch TV. Today was my first day of school. The bus came around the corner and It screeched very loudly that I had to hold my ears. Then the door opened and the bus driver said, "Hi, I'm Mr. Hop on." And so I got on the bus and guess what? It wasn't fun. >> [applause] >> My name is Emily Berglund and I was state runner-up in original oratory. The halo theory, often referred to as the physical attractiveness stereotype, is the the assumption that the perception of an
036individual's physical attractiveness is directly correlated to whether or not they're perceived as a good person. Basically, it's your brain saying, "They look kind. I like them." According to very well mind, teachers may interact with students differently based on perceptions of attractiveness. For example, in one study it was found that teachers had better expectations of students that they graded as more attractive. If that sounds unfair to you, that's probably because it is. But let's put it into perspective, shall we? Imagine you are an interviewer and your job is to hire someone for the company that you work at. Which would you be more likely to hire? The middle-aged man with dirty clothes and disheveled hair who looks like he hasn't slept in over a week, or the young spry man who's well-put-together and smells like pumpkin
037spice? It's a pretty obvious choice. Even though the middle-aged man could probably use the job more and would be just as qualified for it, it's often viewed as common sense to hire people who look like they put more effort into their appearance. >> [applause] >> Hello, my name is Lucy Sloan and I was state champion in dramatic interpretation and my piece is called multiple personality murder. Ugh! Who does he THINK HE IS? WHAT RIGHT DOES HE HAVE TO HURT SOMEONE LIKE THAT? PEOPLE AREN'T TOYS. PEOPLE AREN'T ANIMALS. People aren't stinking Some Some just don't care who they hurt. Ran into my mom's bedroom. I locked the door. I knew it was in here somewhere. I started pulling everything out of THE DRAWERS. I WAIT, THERE'S NO TOP BATTERY. NO TOP. [screaming] I COULD HEAR HIM
038POUNDING AT THE DOOR, YELLING. SOME PEOPLE WON'T BACK UP UNTIL YOU PUT SOME FEAR IN THEM, YOU KNOW. THE GUN. He was pounding that harder and harder. Babe, babe, babe. >> [screaming] >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> Hello, I'm Ethan Emmanuel. >> I'm Teagan Bowhan. And we are the state champions in humorous duo interpretation. And our piece is Action News Now 10% More Action by Jonathan Rand. SHOCKING NEWS IN THE WORLD OF RELIGION. A PRIEST, A RABBI, AND a minister WALK INTO A BAR AFTER REALIZING THE BAR IS CLOSED AT 10:00. SO, they just GO TO CHILI'S. WAIT, WAIT, WAIT. IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN, THAT'S THE WOMG dinner bell. Which means I have a question for all of our viewers out there. Who's hungry? Yikes. Does that question mean what I think it means? Probably
039not, Babs. You're probably thinking of something irrelevant and stupid since you only made it past the fourth grade. So did you, Jim. Third, actually. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Hi, I'm Taylor Green and I'm a two-time state champion in poetry. African-American history is filled with both deep pain and powerful resistance. From the horrors of lynchings turned into postcards to the cruelty of enslaved children used as bait for alligators. Racism has constantly tried to black suffering into entertainment or profit. In my selection of poems, each writer confronts the false image of America as the land of the free and equal. Together, they reveal the truth that until America faces its past with honesty, the promise of freedom will never be real. Mrs. Butterworth, Uncle Ben, and Aunt Jemima by Frank X. Walker. Mrs. Butterworth, Uncle Ben,
040and Aunt Jemima walk into a bar in America. Butterworth says, "I I'm being repackaged?" Ben says, "I'm being rebranded." Jemima says, "I remember when they branded my mama on her back." The bartender says, "I could stand in the middle of MAIN STREET AND KILL SOMEBODY, and I wouldn't lose any voters." Butterworth says, "Then I'll take eight bullets in my sleep." Ben says, "Choke me to death with your knee." Jemima says, "Lock me in a holding cell and say I decided to hang myself." Thank you. >> [applause] >> HELLO, I'M SARAH BEEKER, AND I'M STATE champion in storytelling, and my piece is Hugo and the Impossible Thing by Renée Watson Smith. At the edge of the forest toward the Impossible Thing, it was a jungle of nests of sharp thorns, giant boulders, and quicksand, oh, thorny
041mazes, raging rivers, and towering cliffs. The animals in the forest often wondered what was beyond the Impossible Thing, but no one knew, because getting through it would be impossible and because everyone said it was impossible no animal ever tried. Until one day the curious little dog named Hugo sat at the edge of the impossible thing and talked to himself. How do we know the impossible thing is impossible? No one has ever tried getting through it. >> [applause] [applause] >> Mr. Deacon, can you top that toy storytelling? [laughter] I don't know if you bring that kind of intensity or not. Thank you everybody. Thank you guys. Awesome job. Thank you. Wow. I'm scared, man. She thinks I'm making this stuff up. Yeah. I don't know if we can top that. All right, it's going to get
042a little more dull now. Matters from the floor, do we have any speakers tonight? And we have approval of the April 20th meeting minutes. Do we have a motion? I motion to approve. I need a second. >> Second. We got a motion and a second on the approval of meeting minutes. Any discussion about the meeting minutes? All right, but not all those in favor say I. I. Those opposed? Okay, motion carries. Uh payment of the bills. Need a motion for payment of the bills, please. >> Motion. Second. Okay, we have a motion and a second for payment of the bills. Any comment in regards to the bills for this past month? Just keep us out of jail. All right. We'll try. All right, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed? Motion carries. And
043the acceptance of donations. Ms. McLain Hand? Tonight you have 14 donations for approval. Unless you have any questions on those, I ask that you approve it as presented. Motion. Second. I got a motion and a second. Any discussion about the donations this past month? Just big thanks. My goodness. Yes. Thank you very much, Ms. >> Yep. All right. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed? Motion carries. Uh consideration of request for supplemental appropriations. Ms. McLain Hand? Tonight you have two appropriations for approval. I ask that you approve them as presented. Motion to approve. Second. Got a motion and a second. Any discussion about the appropriations? If not, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed? Motion carries. Uh personnel report. Ms. Hundley? Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. You have
044the personnel report in front of you tonight. Um we are still continuing to hire like crazy for next school year. This personnel report puts us at about 45 new hires for next school year already. Um we still have about 32 openings, but our principals are working very hard to fill those. Um no significant changes in our bus drivers. We did hire one that was replacing one that left us a couple weeks ago. So, unless you have any other questions, I'd ask that you approve it as written. Move for approval, Mr. Chairman. Second. I have a motion and a second. Any discussion about the personnel report? All right. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Those opposed? Motion carries. Thank you, gentlemen. And we got uh policy revisions, Dr. Hale. Hello again, chairman members of the
045board. Um, I apologize that this is not as exciting at the be as the beginning of the meeting. Um, but we are looking at our second reading of our policy revisions. I will highlight the ones that we would did not highlight at the last meeting, um, as well as updated the proposed revisions rationale statement sheet. Policy BBBA has been updated for clarity, minor changes with of the and the member, and then also as provided by law. BBBC, this is also updated for clarity and the highlighted paragraph adds the Virginia code requirements for a school board vacancy. Policy GBEB, staff weapons in school, brings this policy into legal compliance. It also makes it more clear that the superintendent cannot authorize weapons in violation of the law, which in the original version was awkwardly written. It also
046adds the requirement to report as well. Policy GBG, this is staff participation in political activities. It is again updated for clarity. There was a grammatical era error and assure to ensure, um, has been changed. Policy GCG is provi- professional staff probationary term and continuing contract. It also makes the code requirements more clear, changing he to the to the and shall to will. It also makes it more clear that it is automatic. Policy IEA is the pledge of allegiance. It changes shall to will and also changes to must not. Um so again, very minor changes. Policy IGBH is alternative school programs. It includes additional requirements from the Virginia code as well as the high school equivalence examination, which would be the GED program is included. Policy IHB is class size. Minor changes, but just just change
047will to will assign. Policy IICA, which is field trips. This is revised to reflect the required language from the VDOE and in particular, it also makes sure that it applies to instructional activity field trips. So not every single field trip, but those that are instructional meet those requirements. Um on on the back of the page, there's policy JGA. This is corporal punishment. Again, this makes it more clear and adds a cross-reference. Changes shall to will and he to the and it also makes sure that the policy does not prevent the use of reasonable and necessary force for safety purposes only, not punishment. And then the last policy that was not highlighted before is policy KK. This is for school visitors. It makes clear that visitors are to comply with our visitor registration process and also
048references our sex offender policy and extends to school buses and school sponsored events. It also adds unless restricted by law under parent visitation to be in legal compliance. So those were the ones that were not discussed at the last meeting. I'm happy to revisit any other ones that you need as well as answer any questions that you might have. Does KK cover property not owned by us, but we're using it? So, it includes school sponsored events. So, anything where there's an agreement that the school has. Great question. Absolutely. Prom, if you have a an agreement with that agency, yes. Thank you. All right, [snorts] any other Policy JFCD on weapons in school. How come there's the first bullet is application to all persons? Mhm. The second bullet is students with disabilities. Why is there Why
049is there a separate segment on that? So, under this policy, this has been updated again to bring that into legal compliance. And so, specifically for that policy, get to the right page. I mean, there were no changes made in the second one, students with disabilities. I just The first one says general application to all persons. Um so, it just it changed it from generally to generally application to all persons, meaning that it applies to everyone on school grounds. So, that was that change. Um and then no person, so they're moving the language of no person again to make that more clear may possess or use those weapons on school property. It also makes it, even though it said school vehicles, that is included there. And then again, it says functions or activities when such functions
050or activities are taking place at a school sponsored activity or any type of school bus, except as authorized by law. So, the the intent of saying general application to all persons means everyone um in legal speak. Great question. Mhm. Are there any other questions about any policies? Okay. Get a motion to Motion to approve. Second. Got a motion and a second. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Those opposed? Okay, motion carries. Thank Good afternoon. Thank you. All right, consideration for religious exemptions, Dr. Wilson. Yes, sir. Good evening, Chairman Dr. Stanley members of the board. I have one request for religious exemption for your consideration this evening. So, unless you have any questions, I request you approve as presented. Motion to approve. Second. Motion and a second. Any questions, comments for Dr. Wilson? Okay, all
051those in favor, say aye. Aye. Those opposed? Okay, motion carries. Thank you. And Dr. Stanley, report tonight? Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, I'm first I'd like to give you all an update on where we are with the Canvas cyber attack. Um as you know, last I think it was last Thursday, um I notified you that Canvas had um experienced a cyber attack and that we had shut down basically our access to Canvas and we decoupled. Thank you to the technology department. They quickly decoupled Canvas from any other programs that we had. Um so, no other um platforms were compromised. Um since then, you've probably seen it in the news that that attack impacted thousands of schools. I think what I heard was 9,000 colleges, universities, public schools. Um so, like I say, fortunately that was resolved
052and as we know, um right now, Canvas is up and running again. All the bright data seemed to be intact. We didn't lose any grades. We didn't lose anything. Um but we did notify parents that we believe that student names, um or user names, basically staff and students, um and their school email addresses may have been accessed. Um which we can prevent any phishing on their part from from bad actors. However, if parents put in their own personal email, we advise them to just kind of be on alert um for anybody looking to um scam them or take advantage of um what was released and what was put out there. So, anyway, as we know of right now, we're in we're in a good place. Things are secure. Um but I'll uh continue to update
053you as that unfolds. Second thing I want to update you on is the bonus. If you remember when the governor passed the bonus, he he allocated a certain amount of money, um basically $1,500 for um full-time employees um as a bonus that could be offered in FY26 or FY27. Um we did have some flexibility to adjust that amount depending on really what we could afford. Um we had every intention of offering that in June, but as we were coming down to the wire, um our our budget is very tight, okay? And and I alluded to that earlier in the school year when we had our joint meeting with uh meeting with supervisors. The loss of ADM, um increasing cost, and and just kind of big ticket items that we've purchased this year, you know, has
054made our budget extremely tight. Um some would call that extremely efficient. Um so, in some ways that's a good thing. However, it makes it hard to come up with $700,000 in the last hour to do a bonus. So, right now we've applied for the bonus, um and it pretty much indicated that we would be given that in FY27, um which would be September-ish. Um the one good thing about doing it then is we could possibly um afford to do a the entire $1,500 bonus for everybody as opposed to um reducing that just so we can do it in June. So, it's got its pros and cons. I'd prefer to do it in June, but at the same time I'd prefer to give everybody as much as we can. So, if that changes, I'll update you
055at our next meeting, uh but that's kind of where we stand with our bonus at the moment. Despite the fact that we do not have a a budget from the state, we are going to go ahead and issue contracts within the next couple of weeks. So, hopefully by the end of May all of our contracts are out there. If something comes back, um the only thing that I anticipate potentially changing is we've given a 2% a raise to our administrators, a 3% raise to all other employees. I expect the state, you know, or hope the state comes back with a 3% bonus, I mean a 3% raise to all employees. I'm anticipating that, but at the same time, you know, uh until we see it, we're we're not going to count on that. So, we're
056going to go ahead and do contracts as is, and if we have to make a revision later, um that will not be too hard to do um for our administrators. Just a reminder that tomorrow night we have a joint joint board meeting with our supervisors. That'll be at 6:00 at Altavista Combined School, and at that meeting the focus is going to be basically how we got to where we did with our capital improvements plan, how did Altavista become the next topic or or the next site to take a look at, um talk about what we did with our feasibility study with RR IMM, and then walk that building, um tour it, and see what kind of shape it's in, um with the hopes that when we finish that meeting, you know, we will make an
057impression and hopefully move forward with that renovation project. Um I do think there are a lot of different things that could come up, you know, so you all if you have any questions, feel free to give me a call tomorrow. Um we can talk through them. And uh and I want to thank Ms. Anderson. She'll be there with her staff to make sure that we can get where we need to get and to comment on the status of the building. Um What I say, you need to think of potentially come up, you know, before Mr. Tweedy came in and he talked to us about the emergency services building. He also talked to us about the animal shelter. So, when we're all at the table with the supervisors, you know, just be prepared that anything could
058potentially come up. Um and it's a good opportunity for us to to work with them, collaborate with them, and uh and take advantage of that opportunity. So, the technical center, uh Mr. Hardy and his staff get to kick off the awards season um on Friday of this week. We have our awards ceremony for um the Campbell County Tech Center. And that's at Tree of Life at 9:15, correct? Yes, sir. All right. And then next Tuesday, we have our CTE signing day. That will be right here in this room at 9:00 on Tuesday, um May the 19th. And I think right now, if I remember correctly, looking at uh Ms. Wilson's email, we got about 20 25 kids um right now. Last count, we we got some things pending that Ms. Wilson's working on one and
059everything like that. Looks like um about 27. Okay, great. Okay, last count I looked at. Um but uh we still got a lot of movement every single day and every single day there's an opportunity for a young person to be hired. Yeah. So, they can always check. So, what a great day. And we appreciate what you and your staff do. There, I mean we talk about graduation to me obviously graduation will always be the the best day of the year and watch those kids walk across the stage, but they walk across the stage for a reason and that's so we can make them or help them be life ready and and get them into their next phase of life and that will be what we see on on Tuesday. So super excited about that. Um
060and then the last thing I have for you tonight is before you leave Tracy has a folder for you which contains my end of the year evaluation something that we ask you all to take back. You've got a month to think about how you can shake me up and and and uh give some give some constructive criticism if needed and some and some praise if needed as well. So anyway, if you all would take those and then we've got an envelope in there for you to send them to Mr. Phillips. He'll compile compile all of those and then share that with me and then we can discuss it at our next meeting in June. All right. Any questions for me? All right, that's all I've got. Thank you Dr. Stanley. She has something. Uh matters
061from the board. Start with Mr. Parker. Well, thank you. Actually, I had an empty sheet for a little bit. It's only been a couple weeks since our last meeting and I'm just excited for all of the graduations and the award ceremonies and everything that's coming up. Really appreciate of course the bees have already left the building with exception of Bobby, but just big congratulations to our bees. I know that I mean Ms. Emanuel's just a blessing. I mean she my child my children had the blessing of starting with her very first um theater kids camp theater back in the day. It made a a complete difference in their lives to stand on a stage and have the confidence to speak especially in elementary school. So, I appreciate her all the time. I don't know how
062she does it. I truly She The woman must not sleep. But, the students were all fabulous and thank you, Bobby. Congratulations to you, too. Uh for everything and all that you do for the kids. You're just amazing presence in the building as well. Um and I'm looking forward to CTE signing on uh Tuesday. That's one of my favorites and I appreciate Mr. Hardy and Brian, everybody. And uh Will, shout out to Will. There's only few people here. And Christie, I didn't know she was retiring. My goodness. But, thank you for everything and Miss Hunley. But, uh no, just looking forward to the next couple of weeks. All right. Thank you, Miss Parker. Mr. Jones. Um first thing is I want to thank Miss Parker for allowing me to go to the student advisory meeting uh
063couple weeks ago. That was very very impressive and uh the students that represent our school was are really extraordinary young men and young women. And one of them from Rustburg, Gillian Jerkow, she was very impressive during the meeting and I think that next night or the following night got to see her in Mary Poppins. And, you know, I hate to brag on somebody, but she's truly talented in everything she does. And Mary Poppins was great. Uh my wife and the grandchildren went to see Little Mermaid and they said that was extraordinary for the Brookville Theater. Uh and so, thank you for letting me attend that advisory meeting. Miss Kindel, if I see you there. Thank you for what you've done for Rustburg Middle School. And I remember you with your hard hat and >> [laughter]
064>> making Rustburg Middle School happen and make it the showplace it is today. We just thank you for everything you've done and you continue to do. Uh the CVA At Virginia Governor's School those award winners Y'all listen to two of them. >> [laughter] >> On April 22nd, I was privy to go listen to six of them back-to-back-to-back. And and I would love to read you what they are. But honestly, I can't read the words. [laughter] Um I mean, I could I would love to read it, but I would embarrass myself trying to read the uh um titles. But the one that was really extraordinary to me was titled this, More than Meets the Eye, less the effects of application duration on microbial growth in cosmetics. And my two co-evaluators even and my wife went as
065well and they were they were blown away with what you all may be doing when you slap your makeup that lays in the car all day long and bacteria grow in it and you slap it on your eyes and your lips and But it just blows me away how talented these young men and women are. Huh? Splash your face. >> [laughter] >> But I Just sing your alphabet standard. I don't wear any I mean, I'm not You know what he He used to clay? >> [laughter] >> That'd be great. But it was a They're just They're so They're so talented. I mean, it's it's just like, where do they get this from? I mean, it's just Does it Does it start at Mr. Deacon? I mean, is that where it initiates at? I mean, it's
066it's just It's so extraordinary, but it it was it was certainly a wonderful evening. I think it's the third year in a row I've been doing it. And it's just it's just great. Um Brookfield speech team uh they're extraordinary. They're truly extraordinary what they do and it's uh compliment them for their successes. And certainly the donations, Chick-fil-A for that big donation for uh Mr. Womack Teacher of the Year. I mean, that's that's a big deal. So, that's that's all I got. All right. Thanks. Mr. Tanner, it's your turn to get your revenge. No, not today. I'm not going to take up much time cuz I took some time at the beginning to share um with Doug, but 14 days, like we can do it. 14 days for our teachers. I'm going to shout out to
067our teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week. Um that was last week. Um they all do such an exceptional job, and it was really cool to kind of see the things across the county that the schools were doing to recognize our teachers and and different organizations. Um so, shout out to all of them as we we make it through these last 14 days. Um part of the role of the vice chair is to keep up with legislative priorities. Um and so, VSBA, the time is coming to look at any of those if we want to put anything up. Um June 15th is our deadline. So, I've got a copy of just kind of the priorities that uh VSBA has listed. Um but I also am going to email you guys a link to the current page for
068just kind of the general ed legislative that's there to kind of see if there's anything. I think one thing that's kind of on when I talked to Dr. Stanley's mind is our collective bargaining, and that's going to become an effect for July 1st. And so, we're kind of looking at what that's going to look like with the school system um as we move forward. Um but I've got some just some just flip over through this, and I encourage you to click on the link that I email you tonight um just to kind of look over and see if there's anything that you think we need to bring to the table, and we can do that work prior to our meeting and and get that in place by the 15th. So, that's all I have. All
069right. Thank you. Ms. Faunce, who's next in the line? It's Ms. Faunce. Look, actually that's my big packet. Well, oh, I echo what Ms. Tanner said. Appreciate all the teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week. We got 14 days left. Wrapping up SOLs and the younger kids the Vowel testing, and everyone's gearing up for end-of-the-year activities um and graduations and award ceremonies, so buckle up. >> [laughter] >> Um I also uh chatted with some of you I wanted to bring up um as part of good governance, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public resources, I believe it is important that the board periodically review major professional service contracts. Given that the division has worked with the same legal counsel for approximately 40 years without issuing an RFP, I believe it is appropriate to review the market and ensure
070we are serving the best interests of our division and our community. With that, I move that the board direct the superintendent to draft a request for proposals for legal counsel services with the pres- and present the proposed RFP to the board for review with sufficient time for recommendations prior to being put out for bid. Okay. Do we have a second? >> On the motion. Second. We have a motion and a second, so we'll put the motion to a vote for pursuing an RFP for legal counsel. Um all those in favor say I. I. I. All those opposed? Opposed. Okay. The eyes have it. So, Dr. Stull, if you could pursue that and circle back with me and we can follow up at the next meeting with some details on that so I can All right.
071Anything else, Ms. Wall? That's it. Okay. Mr. Pierson. All right. Well, first of all, uh the meeting has been great to see uh the students from the Governor's School get up here and um talk about circumstances and scientific theorems that I had no idea about was fascinating. Uh and I will also say that wow, um to see that we have multiple state champions at Brookville is very obvious. Uh, they were absolutely awesome. So, it was good to see that. Uh, to talk about what I have going on in my little neck of the woods. Uh, first of all, we had a great, uh, student showcase uh, for our spring art show and the band concert that was last week. Uh, lots of creativity. You see the hard work and the dedication with they're doing everyday.
072So, I was very proud of that. It's a great to see, uh, the arts kind of coming back at William Campbell birth of the uh, theater coming along there. So, I love to see the expansion. Uh, our band got to go to King's Dominion and uh, they got to perform there for a second year in a row. So, that was great. Uh, we also would like to extend some appreciation to our maintenance department and Ms. Puckett who's our highlighted uh, teacher of the month. Uh, her agriculture students, they took down the old greenhouse. They're going to be uh, rebuilding the new greenhouse getting ready for that to be installed uh, this summer. That's going to be a great new learning opportunity. Uh, as far as uh, athletics, we've got uh, the softball uh, team is
073in second place currently. Baseball's in sixth, tennis is in fifth. Uh, so we've got a great quite impressive spring athletics uh, seasons going on. Uh, and we had two athletes who got to celebrate uh, today on their uh, signing of their colleges that they chose and they're going to continue their um, academic and their athletic career. Uh, Naisia Dues is going to going to be attending Virginia Military Institute uh, and Laurel Lee Spickard uh, she signed with Mary Washington University of Mary Washington. These are students first, folks. High GPA, high performing, um, very intelligent young ladies who are going to go far. Uh, they just happen to be athletic as heck, too. So, I I I can appreciate that. Uh, great job to those ladies. Uh, at Brookville Elementary, uh, we had teacher appreciation week
074at both schools that went well. Uh, SOL testing is going on. We all know that's going on in our world. Students are working very hard there on the elementary school and then we have a lot of end-of-year events coming up. We have a girls leadership breakfast on May 22nd and then our music teacher Miss Bailey has a concert at the Academy of Arts on May 22nd coming up. We got field day coming up of course at the end of the month 26th and 27th, a talent show on the 28th and then our promotion ceremony is coming up on the 29th. And our employee of the month uh down at Brook Neal Elementary is Elisa Blevins. She's a third grade teacher. So, congratulations Miss Blevins. Great leadership. She holds her students to high expectations and the
075kids love her. So, thank you so much. And and last but not least, I would like to thank uh Miss Cundiff for all of her service. And she's going to be leaving uh Resburg here pretty soon and retiring. Uh I think I think Miss Cundiff may have cut her teeth on me or cut them on her. I don't know cuz she was she was my uh advanced algebra trig teacher one of her first years I think at William Campbell. So, many moons ago. She she tried her best to teach me. >> [laughter] >> Tough class. Tough class. But no, I I thank you for your service. I appreciate you. That's all I have. >> at now, Mr. Pearman. Look where you're at. >> All due to you, Miss Cundiff. You steered me away from math.
076>> [laughter] >> I've done that myself. I've I've done that myself. All right, Mr. Maddox. I would just like to thank all the businesses and civic organizations and and individuals that supported our teachers during teacher appreciation week. I think we fed a lot of people. It's amazing. I know without the visit it was amazing anyway. And it's my understanding tomorrow night there's a talent show going on at the school. So, if any of y'all would like to participate while we're touring, I'll have to see if I can make that happen. Mr. Jones. >> [laughter] >> This looks great, comfortable. Are we judging? No, we're not judging. Do you have any talent? Oh my goodness. >> [clears throat] >> So the talent is this after we tour or is going on while we're touring? Be interesting.
077That's all I've got. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Gary. So real quick, at Rustburg High School as folks have mentioned there was a performance for Mary Poppins. It was absolutely fantastic according to Mr. Shields. Congratulations to Mr. Munson and his entire team for putting that performance on. We did have prom after prom this weekend and a big thanks to the PTSO and also all the organizations, Wood Branch Farms, Target, Chick-fil-A, Sugarbush Bakery, Equip FM, and Calvary Church for their donations, gift cards, and so forth to support that event. And Ms. Condiff, you mentioned you have your agricultural plant sale was a huge success and you guys have a course concert coming up next Tuesday the 19th at 6:00. So be sure to get out and support that. And I'm not going to let Mr.
078Deacon outdo you. I'll give you a standing round, Ms. Condiff. >> [applause] >> Thank you very much for all your hard work and enjoy your retirement. Yeah. >> [laughter] >> Come on. Barry, you can sit down now. >> [laughter] >> No, I'm kidding. Anybody else have anything before we make a motion to adjourn? Motion to adjourn. Second. All right. I second. All those in favor, don't oppose. Meeting adjourned. See you tomorrow.