00118th 2025 meeting to order. Madam clerk, please call roll. >> Dr. Williams, >> present. >> Mr. >> Here, >> present. >> Here. >> Mr. >> Here. Next, we'll move to item 1.3. Approval of the agenda. >> Yes, Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion to approve the agenda as printed. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Payne, second by Miss Cunningham. Any discussion on the motion? Any discussion >> hear? None. Madam clerk, please call roam. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. Next, we'll move to item 1.4, moment of silence and pledge, led by Mr. Terry. Stand for a moment of silence. Then we'll do a pledge of allegiance. I pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under
002God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Next, we'll move to our consent items. We'll approve all together. Item 3.1, Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month 2025. 3.2, Bullying Prevention Month, October 2025. Virginia Disability History and Awareness Month October 2025. and form to school month October 2025. This is an action item. >> Mr. Chair, I move that we approve the uh resolutions for suicide awareness month, bully and prevention month, Virginia disability history and awareness month, and form to school month. >> Second. >> Motion made by Dr. Williams, second by Mr. Terry. Any discussion on the motion? Any discussion? Hear none. Madam clerk, >> I'm sorry. We'll approve this and go back. Any discussion? Any discussion hearing? None. Madam clerk, please call roll. >> Dr. Williams. >> Yes. Mr. >> Yes. I'll jump back
003to 2.1 approval of minutes. These are the minutes from September 4th, 2025 regular meeting and September 4th, 2025 work session. This is an action item. >> Mr. Chairman, I move that we approve the minutes as presented. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Terry second by Miss A. Any discussion on the motion? Any discussion hearing? None. Madam clerk, please call roll. >> Miss A. >> Yes. >> Mr. P. >> Yes. >> Williams. >> Yes. >> Walder. >> Yes. Next, we'll move to recognitions. 4.1 recognition for Coach Nick Anderson. At this time, I'll turn it over to Dr. Harrison. >> Come on, man. Coach Anderson and team. Mr. Grace, where would he rather be? >> On the field. >> But we are thankful that his principal y'all come on up. Karen, y'all come on up. Yeah.
004Coach Richard Nick Anderson was hired May 28, 2013. Upon joining Danville public schools, Coach Anderson shared his philosophy. Nick Anderson doesn't believe in coincidences. He believes everything happens for a reason. The life of a coach is one of many sacrifices, countless hours spent away from family, long nights of planning and preparation, and unwavering commitment to growth and success of the players, some of who are represented here tonight, both on and off the field. We know that Sundays are spent looking at film and coaching all year round. And certainly when someone's ride is not there at 10:00 at night, you're hanging out there trying to make sure that they get home safely. We wanted to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for the patience and support first of his wife Lorianne because we know
005mama's not happy. Wife is not happy. It's a problem. and their children Carr and Johnny. Thank them a hand because they really are amazing. Their understanding and encouragement makes it a hard it makes the hard work possible. joining Coach Anderson tonight. We have here and I hope this have the ones that were listed. Tony Batas, uh Donovan Reeves, Christopher Law, >> and our our record uh kicker here, Cam Stevens, breaking the school record. Yes. >> Throughout his career, Coach Anderson has led seven district championships, and we're here to celebrate. Actually, it's 100 wins since 100 wins since he uh they beat EC Glass, but Amherst marked 100 wins uh for his time here in the Damma public schools. So, let's honor and and give praise to Coach Anderson's dedication, leadership, and the profound impact you've
006had on our team and our community. We do appreciate you so much. Um, I've been at GW for two years. Uh, three years if you count the year I was AP. And, uh, Coach Anderson has, uh, been worrying me since the day I step through the door. Um, he always makes sure that his guys have what they need. Um, he always lobbies for his team, but he always makes sure that he holds that team accountable for their actions, make sure grades are good, make sure that they're going to classes, and all I have to do is say, "OB," and all the all the boys know that they're in trouble if they they made a mistake. So, the accountability piece is there and you can see that on the field. We had almost a flawless game
007against EC Glass penalty-wise, and that just shows all the commitment they have to excellence. And we really do appreciate Coach Anderson and his coaching staff for what they do for George Washington High School and the young men that they're producing every day. And um [Music] >> and would you like to say anything to our community and to the >> I was I was ready just >> I'm not much on uh speaking um you know I like to talk to the teenagers adults I don't like to talk to in front of or in front of much I should say but you know when I look at this this award, you know, what it resembles to me is is hard work. Um, that's something that we try to teach our guys um in our program on the
008field. That work uh the hard work pays off. If you work hard in a game, you play hard and give great effort, you're guaranteed that you got a chance to win any Friday night. But hard work doesn't just happen in games, right? It happens in practice. It happens in the classroom and it happens in the wait room. No matter what your setting is, if you're working hard, you have a chance to succeed no matter where you're at. I've worked extremely hard for this program and I feel I have I have to thank a number of people. I've been blessed to have a great coaching staff here that works tirelessly to put a great product on the field every Friday night and to take care of our men and help them mature to grow into young
009men. I want to thank our administration uh for allowing me to run the program the way that I see fit and supporting me and in that. But most importantly, uh Dr. Harrison took my thunder. All right. I want to thank my wife. Uh she's the backbone to our family. She works extremely hard to allow me to coach and spend as much time with these young men as I do. And I want to thank you guys for tonight and opportunity to be your head coach. >> Absolutely. Um, can you hear me? I'm good. As you all know, I am a four-year varsity starter. Um, I've been under coach Anderson for a very long time now. And one thing I can say is coach Anderson is one of the best coaches I've had ever in my life.
010Not only because of what he does for us on the field, but he does for us off the field. Coach Anderson is a great man. He knows the game. Um, if it wasn't for Coach Anderson, I can definitely say it was some times where I didn't think I would be able to keep going on football, but now I stand here as a student athlete who's currently on full ride scholarship. >> Yeah. I just want to thank my coach and uh, congratulations coach. I love you. [Applause] You open. Awesome. >> Next, we'll move to item 4.2, suicide awareness and prevention month 2025. At this time, I'll turn it over to uh Miss Casey Cunningham. >> Proclamation Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month Proclamation September 2025. Whereas suicide is a leading cause of death among youth and young
011adults in the United States and its impact is felt deeply within families, schools, and communities. And whereas every life lost to suicide is one too many. And it is our collective responsibility to promote mental health, provide hope, and create safe environments for all students. And whereas education and awareness are vital in preventing suicide, reducing stigma around mental health, and ensuring that individuals in crisis know where to turn for help. And whereas by working together, students, educators, families, and community partners, we can strengthen protective factors, promote resilience, and ensure that no one feels alone in their struggles. And whereas Danville Public Schools is committed to fostering a culture of care and understanding where students feel supported, valued, connected, and changed the narrative on suicide. And now therefore, the Danville public schools hereby proclaims the month of
012September 2025 as suicide awareness and prevention month in all schools within the district. Be it further resolved that during this month and throughout the year, Danville public schools will promote educational programs and resources for students, staff, and families about suicide prevention and mental wellness. Encourage open, compassionate conversations that break the stigma surrounding mental health. Provide training and support to school staff to identify and assist individuals at risk. Collaborate with local mental health agencies and organizations to expand access to help and crisis intervention services. Be it finally resolved that Danville public schools reaffirms its commitment to the safety, well-being, and success of every student, and to ensure that every individual in need knows you matter. You are not alone, and help is available. Adopted by the Danville School Board on September 18th, 2025. Signed, Taquan Graves,
013school board chair, Dr. Angela Harrison, Superintendent Thank you. Good evening, board. Dr. Harrison, >> September is suicide awareness and prevention month, a time for us to come together and raise awareness to reduce stigma and strengthen our communities and students well-being. On the screen, you'll see statistics. Sku suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst adolesccents. We know it's also preventable. By recognizing the signs and symptoms, opening conversations, providing a timely support, we can save lives. Here at Danville Public Schools, we are dedicated to making mental health a priority. Our schools are often the first place where students see signs of where students are show signs of distress and our educators and staff play a vital role in connecting them with supports. As you see on the screen, these are the services that are available
014to our students. We have one-on-one counseling, intensive inhome therapeutic day treatment, crisis stabilization, psychiatric service, substance use counseling, mentoring, family, and in the crisis center. As of today, the current number of students we have receiving professional counseling is 149 students. We have 71 students receiving therapeutic day treatment. We hope these numbers will increase throughout this school year as students and staff become more aware of what mental health services are available to them. On Wednesday, September 10th, we hosted a yellow day in recognition of suicide awareness. Yellow is the color of hope in youth. It was worn. This was worn on the district by staff and students to show their support to raise awareness. As we observe mental health awareness prevention month, I encourage us staff, family, community to remain vigilant, supportive, and proactive in connecting
015our students to the help they need. If you all get a chance, please go by Arnet Heels. Miss Johnson has created a board for suicide awareness month. So, if you guys get a chance, please stop by there. Any questions? >> Any questions? Any questions? >> Mr. P. >> Yes. Thank you for this great uh presentation. Um, I wanted to uh since Councilman Hood was here on today, we was at a uh a church function with the teens and um it was two districts there. It was our school district and another district. And I asked the question, how many of our scholars knew about the different uh uh mental health support systems that we have in our district? And it kind of shocked me, but I was happy. Um, council hooded to tell you that one
016whole side raised their hand and the other side didn't know anything about it. >> Okay. >> And I was like, "Wow." So, it had me nervous at first because I thought it was DPS and I said, "So, where's the DPS students?" And those were the ones that raised their hand. So I whatever you all are doing inside the schools um is it's impacting them is very impactful um and showing what we are doing inside the school. Um it was very very uh uh it it it was I I can't describe what it was because they some of the things that they was talking about >> is some of the things that we actually offer and the question that some of the other scholars had. They need this help and I'm I'm very thankful that DPS
017have this. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> And I'd like to let's give Miss Carter a hand because um I'd like to to thank you. Um you know uh she's a department of one. Uh and uh most often when I attend parent conferences or conferences where children are in crisis, she's right there. She's always right there and uh works um diligently with the community to Now, of course, we can't always pay for resources, but we can connect families to resources to help them uh with their families and their lives. And you have just been an asset to our community and to our school district and helping us understand mental health because we didn't quite have a good understanding either. So, thank you so very much. >> Thank you. And I I think
018she deserves a picture with you all. Is that okay? She does. Next we'll move to item 5.1. Public may address the board. We have any. >> Madam clerk, if you'll read the guidelines, please. The public comments agenda item offers an opportunity for the board to hear directly from Danville citizens on matters of school interest. The board's responsibility is to hear a speaker's item of interest, make any clarification necessary for board understanding, and then assign school staff to investigate and report back to the board. Individual presentations shall be limited to three minutes or less. >> Thank you, Mr. Pippen. Good evening school board members and Dr. Harrison. Thank you for allowing me to speak today. My name is Donald Pippen and I am an adult education teacher, teen GED teacher doing various things for the city
019schools. I was recently elected as co-president of the Danville Education Association. We want to introduce our offices today and we want to have a great collaboration with you all to help and support the wonderful kids and teachers in Danville public schools. I'm very fortunate to be a member of Danville public schools. I've only been here three years, but the wonderful things I've seen uh has been amazing and the growth that it's taking. And we want to represent our students and the teachers and work with you. We have an opportunity through the uh the education association, the national education association for some grants up to $25,000 to help with some student activities and things in the school. So, I would like we'd like to work with you closely to try to get that money so we
020can help our students succeed. I would like to introduce my officers or the co-president Anne Anderson. She is a English teacher at George Washington High School. Philip Stamps, he is a social studies teacher at George Washington High School. And when I first come to Danville, I took over the day before school started at Bonner teaching sixth grade math. I never taught sixth grade. He kept me going for nine days till they rolled me out and I realized I couldn't teach sixth graders anymore. And then we have Miss Veronica Carter. She's an astronomy teacher. Philip is our vice executive vice president and Veronica is our vice president of government relations. We I love Damel Public Schools. I love the students, the people that we work with. We're going to dedicate oursel for the next two years
021to work closely with you to help you. I feel like I have a lot invested in Danville public schools. I'm very proud. If you look here, I taught Miss Bass at algebra at Danville at DCC and got her through math. Matt, where's Matt? Math was in my three-hour math class at night. He hated math and he come up with the phrase, "Mr. Pippen, you've got to let us go. I am math out." So that's the second. So and I found out as of right now there are 13 teachers in Damble public schools that I taught math to at dcc and some of them are still teaching. So I feel like I have an investment to the teachers and the students as well as the school board in Danville public schools. Thank you very much. >>
022Thank you Miss Pippen. Next, we'll move to item 6.1, CTE pathway update, health and medical science. And I'll turn it over to Dr. Stone. >> Good evening, Chairman Graves, Vice Chair Aver, school board members, and Dr. Haristen. I'm honored to present this evening highlighting one of our pathways in CTE. As a reflection, Danville public schools offers eight STEM and career pathways designed to prepare students for success in both college and the workforce. These include international business and culture, building and manufacturing technology, health and human services, law and leadership, advanced technology, environmental science, hospitality and tourism, and aviation sciences. Among those options, the Health and Human Services Pathway stands out as a vital program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for meaningful careers in the healthc care field. The Health and Humanis um
023services pathway offers two focus tracks, nurse aid and dental. Both programs emphasize hands-on training, technical skill development, and preparation for state credentiing tests. This approach ensures that students not only learn the theory of health care, but also the um real skills that need them to tr transition to college or directly in the workforce. Students may begin taking introductory courses as early as the 9th and 10th grade um with advanced courses offered in the 11th and 12th grades. The upper level classes provide opportunities for certification eligibility and credentiing equipping students with competitive edge for their futures. The intro classes are intro to medical health and sciences and medical term terminology and then you enter into your specialized track. Work-based learning is also um a cornerstone of these pathways providing students with clinical rotations in hospitals, nursing
024and homes and dental offices as well as opportunities for job shadowing and externships with local healthc care partners. These experiences help students build professional skills and confidence while also earning industry recognized credentials such as certified nurse aid which is a CNA license or dental assisting. On this slide you will see enrollment in the program which reflects strong student interest and commitment. This year, 40 students are enrolled in intro to health and medical sciences, 23 students in medical terminology, 22 in our dental program, and 55 in our nurse aid program. These numbers highlight the significant impact that Pathways is already having on preparing the next generation of health care professionals. The success of this program is supported by strong community partnerships. Clinical rotations are made possible through collaborations with agencies such as SOA hospital, Roman Eagle
025Nursing Home, Strafford Healthc Care Center, and Ponty Forest Healthc Care Establishment. Dental partnerships include River Dental, Danville Dental Associations, VSSP Dental, and Perfect Smiles. In addition, the Southern Virginia Partnership for Health Sciences provides regional support to strengthen opportunities for students in health care professions with whom Dr. Harrison and I are intrinsically involved by combining rigorous academics, hands-on and clinical um training and strong community partnerships. The health and human services pathways equip students with skills, experiences, and credentials they need to step confidently in healthcare careers and pursue further educational goals. This pathway not only meets the growing demand for health care workers in our community, but it empowers students to make lasting impact in their communities. Um, in addition to some of the information that was shared this evening, we would also like to share a
026featured video spotlighting our health and careers medical sciences courses at Danville public schools. The dental pathway provides students with knowledge and skills needed to pursue careers in dentistry, beginning with an introduction to health and medical science. In ninth grade, students learn healthcare basics, terminology, anatomy, and professional skills. In 10th grade, they expand their foundation through medical terminology, gaining the language needed for patient care. By 11th grade, dental careers one introduces students to dental professions and entry- level skills. In 12th grade, dental careers 2 advances training with topics such as dental radiology, oral pathology, pharmarmacology, and advanced lab techniques. Students also complete internships in dental offices or public health settings and are eligible to sit for national certification exams, preparing them for careers as dental assistants or further study in dentistry. The nurse aid pathway prepares
027our students for healthcare careers through a 4-year progression of courses beginning with an introduction to health and medical science. In ninth grade, our students explore healthc care careers, terminology, anatomy, emergency care, and professional skills. In 10th grade, they build a strong foundation in medical terminology, learning the language of patient care. By the 11th grade, students enter nurse aid 1, gaining handson training in patient care, vital signs, CPR, infection prevention, and professional nursing skills under the Virginia Board of Nursing guidelines. In the 12th grade, nurse Aid 2 advances clinical skills and real world healthcare experiences, preparing students to care for surgically, chronically ill, and elderly patients. Completion of the pathway qualifies our students to take the National Nurse Aid Assessment Program, opening the door to careers in nursing and other health professions. HOSA is one of
028our career and technical student organizations that is curriculum driven. It's studentled, but there is also a piece of teacher advising. One of the missions in HOSA is to empower our future health care professionals through the developing their leadership skills, developing their technical skills by engaging them in their core core values to lead, to learn, to serve and to motivate. We serve our community through volunteer hours. We have participated in areas such as the crop wall. We have done fundraisers for our local American Cancer Association here in Danville. We have walked and volunteered at the bridgeto bridge. Our goal here at George Washington High School's nurse aid chapter and dental chapter HOSA is to provide our students both in the dental and the nurse aid program with the opportunities to become HOSA leaders and to learn,
029lead, and serve and continue to motivate them to be better leaders within our community. About a year ago, our region received some funding to establish something called the Southern Virginia Partnership for Health Sciences Careers. This is a collaborative model where we're bringing together employers. We're bringing together our education partners to think about career pathways that would support health sciences careers. We want to be very clear with students about if they're interested in a healthc care career, how can how they can start that with Damble Public Schools through their career and technical education programs. They are work ready once they leave Danville public schools. But if they're interested in continuing their education, we want to be very clear with them about that pathway. So how they then continue on if they're interested in registered nursing or
030being a dental hygienist uh where they can go from that education and those certifications could then articulate and move into a bachelor's in nursing how they could come to a or other organizations where they might be able to get that higher education or industry certification if they are interested in those pathways. Thank you all for allowing me to share one of the pathways at Gambleville Public Schools Health and Human Services. Are there any questions? >> Thank you. Any questions? Miss Walker, >> thank you so much um Dr. Stone for all you've done with the CTE program because I know you have worked so hard with the collaboration of Dr. Harrison. But just a question just to make sure that we are making sure we're reaching all students in regards to like um I guess it
031would be a middle school. I know we have the um school choice pamphlet. What other options do a student would have to even know about the CTE programs? >> Thank you for asking that. There are several ways that we introduce all pathways to all students. One is coming up in December that we're excited about. We showcase all of our pathways at our eighth grade tour. So, all upcoming freshmen go over to the high school because it's one thing to share what a course is on paper, but to see it gives you um physical and um paper knowledge of what that course entails. So, we do that first. We give all eighth graders a tour of all the pathways and courses that we offer with each elementary as well as middle school student. We make sure
032all students have career exploration opportunities whether that's professional lunch and learn or career affairs. So everyone is afforded the opportunity to learn about the different careers. And when it comes specifically to what we offer in Danville public schools, those happen in the eighth grade and fifth grade now because we just in opened up innovate academy which offers cyber security, engineering exploration, um aviation exploration and gotech. So now we're going to embed that all fifth graders go see those elective opportunities too. >> Thank you. >> So I hope I answered your question. >> Oh, you did. Thank you so much. >> Awesome, Miss Aver. Um, and I just want to say awesome job Dr. Stone and your team. Um, great. I enjoyed the video. Love that video. It was great. Um, and just want to say
033when I went over to tour the new nursing and dental areas. I mean, I felt like I was in an actual doctor's office, actual dentist office. And just watching the video, I know the students are excited every day to go in and get that hands-on learning. So, um, great job to you guys and what you're offering our students the opportunity to leave high school, um, ready to either go to work or to continue their studies. So, thank you again for that great presentation. >> Thank you. And I applaud our team because it's the entire curriculum instruction teams under the leadership of Dr. Harrison's vision, but I'm a team of two, so it it takes all of us to ensure that students have career exploration. >> Let's give them a hand. Let's give them a hand.
034>> Thank you, Dr. Stone. Next, we'll move to item 7.1, accounts payable warrants. Accounts payable. I'll turn it over to Miss Gillis. Good evening, Chairman Graves, Vice Chair Aver, and Superintendent Harrison, and members of the board. This evening, you have before you accounts payable warrant number 33 in the amount of 5,152,371.34. Warrant number 40 in the amount of $1,615,35,959. Number 44 in the amount of $5,850. Number 45 in the amount of 3,00 3 million I'm sorry 16790 and then number 52 in the amount of 3 million934,89622 if anyone has any questions concerning these expenditures I'd be happy to try to answer them. >> Any questions Miss Walker? >> Yes. For check number 10460. >> Can you tell me which one that is on? >> Um I took it down. Um one4 690 >> 690 >>
035is in regards to the yonder package >> I just Is that that we ordered some more or was that the cleaning process of them? >> We ordered more. >> Oh, okay. And then the other one would be 1047204720 >> and that one would be in are we um Dr. Harrison may are we still doing professional development with Hampton schools? That was that was for We are okay. I was just wondering. I didn't know if you were. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Hall. Any other questions? Any other questions? >> Thank you. >> Next, we'll move the 8.1 update on class sizes. I'll turn it over to Miss Hilton. >> Good evening, Chairman Graves, Vice Chair AI, board members, Dr. Harrison. Wanted to take a few minutes of your time to just report um on
036our class sizes. At this time, we will be continuing to look at our class sizes throughout the month of September as we come to the end of September report that has to be um calculated for the state. So, just some uh you can go to the next slide. It this information is important to know for our kindergarten classes, you can have a maximum class size of 29 students. Uh but they ask that you maintain a 24 to1 student toteer ratio. um all of our kindergarten classes are are meeting that ratio and each kindergarten class does have a pair professional. If you went over 24 students, that's when they require that you have um an additional staff person in the classroom and and we we meet that qualification. Um and we're under the 24. For our
037first, second, and third grade classes, the maximum class size could be 30. Um the state asked that we maintain a 24 to1 ratio as we do. and our fourth and fifth grade classes could have up to 35 students and to maintain a 25 to1 student teacher ratio. So if you go what you see before you um is that you have our kindergarten average size at each school, the average size of their classes and then you have the SOQ which is the standard of quality which was the number that I presented to you that could be the maximum number for those classes. Um you can see that Arnett Hills kindergarten average again is one over but they do have a pair professional but we are um we are hiring a kindergarten teacher for that area. Um
038Forest Hills you can see has a number in second grade at 23. Again, um Forest Hills accountability um for their numbers is a little different than the other schools with the um SOQ funding formula that we have to use for Forest Hill. So, that's why they're at 23 and we're not adding a teacher at that at this time, but they're within their ratio. Um any questions about the elementary numbers? Those are the K3. And if you go to the next slide, fourth and fifth grade, again, you can see that our numbers are well under what the um SOQ um allows for those grades at fourth and fifth grade. Any questions about fourth and fifth grade? Okay. All right. We'll go to middle school. So when you get to middle school, one of the things in
039high school, one of the things that they um require is that we try to maintain a 24 to1 ratio, studenttoteer ratio for our English classes. Um as you can see um we are meeting that requirement. We did have to work with Westwood and Bonner Middle School. We're working with those principles to make sure that they're within. Although the average is lower than that, they did have some classes that uh exceeded that amount. So we work with them to reduce to get within under the ratio that they needed to be on. Um and then also at um Bonner, we work with them on their um science classes to make sure that all of those classes are well under the number that they should be. anything there. Okay. And then if you go over to the CTE,
040those numbers are coming in um lower than I think what they actually are. Um when we are looking at our um averages, we're excluding our um student EC students that are in self-contained classes. So that changes the averages. Um but we know that our innovate numbers are are well up um at this time and um so we think that is a little under where we currently are at this time for average size classes as they're spread among all the different exploratory options that middle school students have. If you go to high school, um, for high school, we gave you the average class size and then what the largest class is at this time. Um, if you look at GW High School, we actually have um some history classes that are now at 35. We have
041um an English class that is at 26, but Miss Wimberly and I have worked with Mr. Crestle to get those classes under um we want all of our high school classes under 30. So we are working with Mr. Crestle to um provide support in all of those classes to make sure that we meet that ratio for studenttoteer ratios. Um and we will continue to be looking at those numbers as we move forward. And then you can see Galileo and Rise are um are under the requirement that we would have to be at. Any questions about class sizes for high school? And as I said, we will continue throughout the month of September. Miss Wimberly and I will continue to look at our numbers at each content area and each grade level. >> Awesome. Awesome. Any
042questions? Any questions? Thank you. Next, we'll move to item 9.1, public notice, October 2025. Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, 4:30 p.m. policy committee meeting here in the Danville room. On Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, 5:30 p.m. regular board meeting followed by a work session. October the 13th, teacher professional day. On Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m., there's a regular board meeting here in the Damble room. And on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 at 5:30 p.m., student achievement committee meeting here in the Danville room. Next, we'll move to item 10.1, personnel recommendations. And at this time, I'll turn it over to Miss Wimberly. >> Good evening, Chairman Graves, Vice Chair Ait, Dr. Harrison and members of the board, you've been presented with the personnel recommendations for your review, consideration, and approval. I'm happy to answer any questions that
043you may have. >> Any questions? Miss Walker? >> I would like to pull 09182515 for close and then um >> could you repeat that, Miss >> 15? >> 091825 or 15 >> 15 >> and then 10. Cases 15 and 10. 15 and 10. Any others? Any others? This is an action item. >> I move that we approve the personnel recommendation except item number 10 and 15. >> Motion made by Miss A, second by Mr. Payne. Any discussion? Any discussion? Hearing none, madam clerk, please call roll. >> Dr. Williams. Yes, >> M. >> Yes, >> Mr. Payne. >> Yes, >> Mr. Terry. >> Yes, >> Miss Favor. >> Yes, >> Miss W. >> I abstain. >> Mr. Graves. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Miss Wler. >> Next, I'll move to item 11.1, student representatives to the
044school board. And I have the opportunity to uh introduce two amazing students, two amazing 11th grade students. First student is Miss Kaylee O'Brien from Galileo. You'll come join us. >> I'm sorry, GW. I'm sorry. I looked right at it and said the wrong school. We have We must have some Eagles in the house. That's what I'm talking about. Okay. Okay. Okay. All right. All right. Miss Kaylee O'Brien from George Washington High School. I'm excited to have you. The board is excited to have you. They get the chance to meet you tonight. I had the opportunity to meet you in an interview and let me tell you how amazing. She's small, but I'm telling you, if you listen to her talk, she's simply amazing. She came, she presented a plan. Miss Hilton and I had the
045opportunity to interview her and she just talked about how she had planned to address the student body. So, Mr. Crestle is here. Your principal's here tonight. So, we're going to hold you to that, Mr. Crestell. She's amazing. Um, so welcome. We're excited. um looking forward to the work that you're going to bring. And one thing that was impressive about this student, I looked so hard to find a B in her academic reports. and I failed one. But she's had amazing academic success, you know, and she's had A's all through high school and it's just extremely exciting, you know, and and she talked about, you know, just the the perspective that the community has on George Washington High School and how she wants to change that and talk about the positive things and the good things
046that's coming out of high school. So, let's give her a round of applause. My parents are here. >> Awesome. >> Thank you. >> And next I have the opportunity to introduce Miss Mr. Patel. He's also another amazing student. I'm going to get it right this time. From Galileo High School and we're excited to have you. He was just like Kaylee. They were both amazing. They they came in and just simply rocked the interview. They are prepared. I mean, they truly talk like, you know, grown grown adults. And I mean, it was just simply amazing to to hear your plans for your high school. They're excited about the move, the transition over to Langston. So, that's exciting. Y'all have a lot more space, so that's going to be another level to to grow. So, we're excited
047about that. And, um, let's let's give him a round of applause. And we have some pens for you guys. So, we'll pin you. I'm gonna pass my pen to Mr. Payne. >> All right. You want to join us? We're going to pin them and then we going to vote because they already approved. >> Yeah. We'll we'll take one after we vote. We'll take a picture. We'll take a picture. Absolutely. um the two students to be a part of the student representatives to the school board. >> Second. >> Motion made by Miss Walker. Second by Miss Cunningham. Any discussion on the motion? Any discussion? Hearing none, madam clerk, please call role. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Miss Avery. >> Yes. >> Dr. Williams. >> Yes. >> Mr. Terry? >> Yes. >> Miss Cunningham? >> Yes. >>
048Miss Walker? >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. Thank you. Let's give them another round of applause. You want to do it now? Picture. Next, we'll move to item 12.1, finance report. And at this time, I'll turn it over to Miss Gillis. >> Good evening once again. You have before you this evening the revenue and expenditure statements for the month ending August 31st, 2025. In addition, you also have the expenditure um um and income report for the textbook budget as well as the school nutrition budget. >> If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to try to answer them. >> Any questions? Any questions? This is an action item. I move that we approve the finance report as stated. >> Second. >> Motion made by Miss Walker, second by Mr. Terry. Any discussion on the motion?
049Any discussion hearing? None. Madam clerk, please call role. >> Mr. Payne, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Dr. William, >> yes. >> Mr. Terry, >> yes. >> M. Cuttingham. >> Yes. >> M. Walker. >> Yes. >> Mr. G. >> Yes. Thank you. Next, we'll move to item 12.2, to 2627 budget process calendar. >> I am here this evening seeking approval of the 20 2627 budget development calendar. Yes, it's that time of year already. >> This is an action item. >> Mr. Chair, I move that we approve the budget approval calendar is presented. >> Second. >> Motion made by Dr. Williams, second by Miss Avery. Any discussion? I will note that Councilman Hood is here for the record. Councilman Hood is here for the record. Madam clerk, please call roll. >> Dr. Williams, >> yes.
050>> Miss Cunningham, >> yes. >> Mr. Payne, >> yes. >> Mr. Perry, >> yes. >> Miss A? >> Yes. >> Miss Walker? >> Yes. >> Mr. G? >> Yes. Thank you, Miss Gillis. >> Next, we'll move to item 13.1, board request for information for future agenda items. We have any any items? Any items hearing? None. Next, we'll move to item 14.1, city attorney. Uh, I don't have any comments. >> Superintendent, >> I'd like to thank our strategic planning committee members yesterday that it was a great day. Um, I especially am appreciative of our students here this evening who participated and you know yesterday was a uh teacher work day. So they I think uh maybe governor school for a little bit but they could have been home but they chose to spend time with the
051strategic planning committee setting the goals for the future. We also had our parents, teachers, and administrators and our schoolboard members um who were a part of the excuse me strategic planning process. And as we um go through that process, I'm just so very proud that we have the input that we have and the feedback we have to develop good goals and great plans for the future. Also want to thank our um GW High School Mr. Crestle school nutrition staff. I've just fallen in love with them. >> I usually um select a place for lunch and that's where I go 20 minutes every day and uh I tell you the setup, the uh the attitude, the kindness, the food is delicious. And so um I know as we spread to our other schools those same menus
052um they will have enjoyment uh as I have had as well. So, please thank them because they are they work so hard and um and we have last year I think we had about 500 children eating on a regular basis and now we're about at 800 a day. So, I I do get in line. I I don't break line. I get in line. But please thank them. They are just wonderful. Thank you. >> Please call roll. >> Dr. Williams. >> Yes. Thank you, madam. Um good evening everyone. So, just a few things. Um first to our teachers, staffs, and students um that are celebrating. I know we approved the resolution last time, but happy Hispanic Heritage Month. I want to thank you all for the incredible cultures and history that you bring to our schools
053and to our communities. Um, I want to congratulate Coach Anderson again on 100 career wins. I've worked with him. He is a very hardworking man and he lives and breathes that field. So, kudos to him again. Um, I want to welcome our student reps, uh, Kaylee O'Brien and Kung Patel. I'm looking forward to working with both of you all. And this is just a plug that early voting does begin for Virginia tomorrow. So get out. It's a big year for us to get out and vote. Thank you. >> Good evening. Um, of course I first have to acknowledge um, City Councilman Brian Hood um, for being here at the meeting this evening. Um, of course his support, his commitment to the city as well as its people and its students, its youth goes unnoticed. So
054we do thank you for being here. Um, I'm going to try not to say anything that's already been said. Dr. Williams did um hit with coach Anderson and his 100 wins. Um we've already hit also the student representatives. Welcome. We are excited to have you to hear your ideas and your perspectives as students as high school representatives. Um today in the mail, I got my 2026 2027 school choice guide. I'll say this, my mother also got a 2026 2027 school choice guide and I know I graduated some years ago. So, if you have not received yours, you should be receiving yours soon in the mail. Um, it I cannot stress enough, it's very important for our parents, our community when you get this guide so that you can be informed of everything that DPS has
055to offer with school choice, with your sixth grade academy, with everything that is offered for from preK all the way to high school. Please take heed to the school choice of God. Take heed to the dates of when you can start enrolling for next year's school academic. um get ahead of the game. Parents, start talking to your children about what they're wanting to do, their career paths, what they're seeing in their future so that we can be better equipped um to help them succeed. Um today has been an amazing day. I hope y'all have had one. I'm good. >> Mr. Terry, >> yes. Uh I'll be very brief here. Uh first, uh to the principles and teachers, you guys are doing an amazing job. An amazing job. So, I just wanted to thank you uh
056for all the kids that uh we serve in the community. Uh again, uh Mr. Brian Hood is here. I want to say hello, too. And you're accompanied by my good friend uh Pat Daniels, who is the uh CEO of Big Brothers and Big Sisters. So, thank you for showing up. Uh again, congratulations to Coach Anderson. Uh you're doing a great job. I don't remember having those big kids when I played football. So, so you're doing a great job. And you know, I was particularly um impressed with Dr. Stone and uh uh Dr. Harrison in the uh uh creation of the CTE. Uh I know it was hard to put it together, but I think what's more impressive is that the kids are very interested in it. I know in my job I hear kids here
057kids talking about it and I know I went over and I visited the um uh one on the uh I guess aeronautics and I was really impressed with the setup there. So thank you uh for uh putting this together and uh looking out for our kids and helping them prepare for their future. So thank you >> Mer. >> Yes. Um, not to, you know, re redundant, but just one thing. Um, I was glad that we do bring a awareness to our district in regards to um, suicide, cuz sometimes we certain communities think we're not affected by it, but we're affected in so many ways. Um, and then also in regards to um, what Dr. Harrison had um, discussed in regards to our strategic planning meeting yesterday. Like she said, that was a very engaging meeting.
058Um it was very good and a good feeling to see a lot of community um out stakeholders um our student representatives were out and just our administration on a day that um they probably could have set home they decided to come in and um help with the betterment of the district. So um just thankful for a lot and then um just a little just ditto. A lot of times things go on behind the scenes that a lot of times um the community don't know about, but um how they're solved and how they're worked out. I must say thank you, Dr. Harrison, because a lot of times I do know I email you a whole lot on different situations, but um it's good to know that you do get an answer in return and trying to
059um some through some of the emails and different things that as a board member that you are um privy to. So thank you for your work in some of the things that some people may not know about but thank you for that work. >> So I'll be very short tonight. Um today uh this week is national security officer week and um we have some great security team players but sometime that I feel like they are overlooked. So, I want to take time to recognize our security officers and our schools that keep our kids safe. Are we where we want to be? No. But I thank them for what they do. Get up every day and come and support our students and our administration. So, I want to make sure we thank them this week and
060do something nice for them. Councilman Hood, we appreciate you being here. Um, it's always a pleasure to see you in the building. and Coach Nick. Coach Nick is uh outstanding guy. Um my my brother played football up under Coach Nick and my brother went to be went on to be successful at Bluefield because of coach Coach Nick and I believe in his work and I I feel that we going to continue to grow and probably win a state championship under coach Nick if we keep going in the right direction like we are now. So once again, thank the board, thank the superintendent for all her hard work and dedication, and I'm looking forward to what's next to come. Thank you. >> Um, okay, this comment now. Um, one thing I do like about the Zville
061School Board is like the recognition we get from or at least from what I see from every time I see people come in here. Like we get recognition to see firsthand what's like seeing the football captains, soccer captains, the marching band which I'm part of. And we get to see recognition from every school like UW. We get to see the progress is made especially after it's construction renovations and everything and being part of that is feels special and seeing it here being record and everything it feels even more special and having student representation in our school gives like a certain level of like appreciation for represented schools cuz for high schools it's going to be like the last level or the highest level we're going to have for be going into college and seeing representatives
062of those schools make other people go, "Oh, this is a pretty good school to go with because these are the people that we're going to first look at." And this I just find like a really nice opportunity to have. And for new school board members, you are going to learn a lot about your prospective school, GW or Galo. You're going to learn a lot. You're going to learn things that you wouldn't normally think that you would learn and it's going to be like an opening experience for you. That's all I'm going to say. >> Yes. Um, thank you, Miss Jones. Um, I I couldn't have said it any better, Franklin. So, thank you for that. Um, and not I won't go around and echo everything that was already said. Um, I will just agree with
063everything that was said. Um, but I I think we see every meeting uh the greatness that is in Danville public schools. Um, as Franklin mentioned, the students are watching. They are watching. They are paying attention. which this is a nice segue into reannouncing um the Danville Public Schools Hall of Fame that will be happening next month and the theme is where greatness lives on and I think it is the perfect theme because as we are seeing greatness has come through Danville public schools and greatness is continuing to come through Danville public schools. So, um, just a quick plug that is happening. Um, it is George Washington High School's homecoming weekend. So, the homecoming game will be that Friday night against I'm not sure. >> I don't know. >> I'm not sure who they playing. >>
064Basset. Basset. Okay. >> Basketball. >> Okay. So, a game is Friday night against Basset and then on Saturday at noon um at George Washington High School in the new gymnasium will be the induction ceremony. There is over 30 inductees in including the 1985 girls basketball team. Um so if you have not gotten your ticket or table, please visit DPS Hall of Fame 2025.vent eventbrite.com and do so today. >> Thank you. Just real quickly, I want to highlight again our student representatives. We have Franklin Lee, uh, Co Patel, Kaylee O'Brien, and Sophia Lee. Let's give them a round of applause for music. Um, when I took this spot, I had Ron request is that we always recognize our students and staff always. So, it's great to see, like, you know, Franklin said, it's amazing to see
065our our students be recognized in the boardroom. This is our driving force. This is our why. Um, so we appreciate you for being amazing. Like I told you all, it's okay to be different. You know, it's okay to make good grades. It's okay to do the right thing. And it's good to see that we have students coming right out of Danville public schools doing that. Um, to Mr. Hood, thank you for your support and your dedication to our students first. uh city council made education their number one priority and they've stood behind it. Um and we do appreciate that work that you guys are doing. Um it is uh National Security Officer Appreciation Week and uh we appreciate all they do in making our schools safe. They work extremely hard uh for our students and
066um not only are their security officers but they're everything else and we do recognize that. So we appreciate you for that. Um to our CTE director who's amazing, Dr. stone. I always mess with her. Um, but you know, uh, Mr. Hood always talks about the village and and I I call these village opportunities because we are part of their village and we're offering them amazing opportunities. And for a team of two, they are doing an amazing job. So, let's give them a round of applause. [Applause] Um, and to Miss Carter who I think she left. Um, she's doing an amazing job as a team of one. But I also want to recognize our teachers who are here and Mr. Pippen and and the group that you brought with with you guys. Um we appreciate what
067you what you come with, what you bring to us. Um and one of the things you said that you know stuck in my mind was collaboration. You know, it's not often that we hear from teachers and typically when we do is something bad. But to hear you come up here and say we're willing to work with you. You we're not here to complain. We're not here to whine. We're here to work with you. So, we appreciate that and we're excited to work with you guys because we're not in the schools. So, it's good to sometimes hear the things that are happening and the needs because we serve you guys. So, don't I don't want that to get twisted. Students first. Students first, but our staff, we want to make sure that we get them taken
068care of. And lastly, I just want to recognize Coach Nick Anderson. Coach Nick Anderson, let's give him a round of applause. and also um his amazing kicker on a 49yard field goal. That's amazing. I don't think many uh NFL kickers can can wrap that up. So, for him to do that, I mean, that's amazing. Um and he's definitely a walking scholarship and to his family and his son Johnny who's the star quarterback on the middle school team who will be rising and taking over. So, we're excited about that. I know Mr. Crestle is excited. So, uh we're going to get out of here. I appreciate you guys, staff, students, everybody. We want to we want you to know how much we appreciate what you guys are doing. And next I'll move to item 14.4 clarify
069school board request. >> That's awesome to hear. >> And next we'll move to 15.1 recess. We have a motion to recess. >> Yes, Mr. Chair. We like to make the motion to recess for seven minutes. Please second motion.