001The time now is 5:30 p.m. and I call the Thursday, April 10th, 2025 meeting to order. Madam clerk, please call role. Dr. Williams, present. Mr. Here, pres here. Here. Next, we'll move to item 1.3, the approval of the agenda. So move. Um, Chair Graves, I'd like to make an amendment to the agenda. I'd like to move agenda item 7.2 to our April 24th meeting. Okay. Noted. Have a second. Second. Motion made by Miss Aver, second by Mr. Payne. Any discussion? Any discussion? Hearing none, madam clerk, please call. Yes. Mr. Yes. Yes. Cunningham. Yes. Yes. Yes. Now we'll have moment of silence and pledge of allegiance by Dr. Williams. As we begin tonight's meeting, I do want to take a moment and just to honor the legacy of Mrs. Mona Lisa Whittle. She played a huge
002role in my um um career as an educator and I know she's had a big impact on the DPS family. So, as we join in a moment, I want to recognize her family as well. Please join me in the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [Music] Thank you. Next, we'll move to item 2.1, approval of minutes. These are the minutes from the March 20th, 2025 regular meeting and the March 20th, 2025 work session. This is an action item. Some move. Second. Motion made by Mr. Payne, second by Miss A. Any discussion? Any discussion? Hearing none, madam clerk, please call. Dr. Williams, yes. Mr. Walker, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
003Next, we'll move to item 3.1, Arbor Day proclamation. This is a consent item. Do we have a motion? So move. Second. Motion made by Mr. Payne, second by Mr. Cunningham. Any discussion? Any discussion hearing? None. Madam clerk, please call the role. Dr. Williams. Yes. Mr. P. Yes. Miss Walker. Yes. Dr. Silverman. Yes. Cunningham. Yes. Yes. Yes. Next, we'll move to item 4.1, recognition, school library month. At this time, I'll turn it over to Dr. Williams and I'll ask if Miss Barnes will come. Danville Public Schools proclamation school library month April 2025. Whereas the month of April 2025 has been designated nationally as school library month by the American Association of School Librarians. And whereas the school library is a place of exploration, curiosity, and imagination, providing resources that enrich the minds and souls of our
004youth. And whereas the school librarian's role is to provide the leadership and expertise necessary to ensure that the school library is an integral part of the instructional program of the school. And whereas the board of education has entrusted the school librarian in each school to teach the skills of locating and using information through traditional resources and new technologies to provide literature appreciation activities and to guide and encourage content and recreational reading to every student. And whereas lifelong learning begins and is systematically developed through the school library curriculum of the elementary and secondary schools. And whereas the school library contributes to the individual growth and development of all students while fostering both excellence and equity in education. And whereas the school librarians of Danville public schools have dedicated themselves to working for quality school librarians for
005all students. Now therefore, there be resol resolved that the school board of Danville, Virginia does hereby proclaim April 2025 as school library month in all public schools of DPS and cause upon school administrators, teachers, students, and citizens of Danville to recognize and support this action and to participate throughout the month of April in celebration of school library month. Signed this adopted by the Danville school board on March 20th, 2025. Mr. Taquan Graves, school board chair and Dr. Angela Harrison, Superintendent. Uh, good evening, members of the board, Chairman Graves, and Dr. Harrison. Um, April is school library month, a time to celebrate the incredible impact our school libraries and librarians have on student success across our district. Librarians are more than just guardians of books. They are teachers, tech leaders, research guides, and champions of literacy.
006And if you Yeah. Um, as you can see, our libraries are inclusive learning environments. Um, and our librarians foster technology skills, promote collaboration, and create safe and welcoming spaces for our students. Research shows that students in schools with strong libraries um perform better academically, especially in reading and critical thinking. But beyond the data, we are so grateful for our librarians who inspire curiosity um and create those safe, welcoming spaces. So tonight, I'd like to recognize and thank our district's librarians for their dedication, creativity, and heart. Um unfortunately, I don't think we do. Oh, we do. We have Yay. Um, we had several other school activities happening tonight that um, made it so that not many of them could come, but I would like to recognize Melissa Berkeley um, from Activate. Um, James Stevens from Gibson
007is not able to be with us, nor is Lindsay Huxep and Cynthia Jeff. But we also have Lorie Hanks from Park Avenue. [Applause] Yes. And then um our other media specialists are Sarah Emerson, Sarah Wood, Gail Holmes, Kyle Jacowski, and Barbara Morfield. Sure. Thank you all. [Applause] Next, we'll move to item 4.2, Child Abuse Prevention Month. At this time, I'll turn it over to Miss Cunningham, and I ask Miss Walker to please come forward. [Music] Danville Public Schools Proclamation Child Abuse Prevention Month, April 2025. Whereas children are our nation's most vulnerable members as well as our nation's most valuable resources, helping to shape the future. And whereas we acknowledge that in order to solve the critical issues of abuse and neglect, we must work together to break down barriers, center the needs of families, and
008change hearts and mindsets. Whereas childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect, is a serious problem affecting every community in the United States. And finding solutions, requires action and input from everyone. And whereas positive childhood experiences like loving caregivers and safe, stable, and nurturing relationships can help mitigate trauma and the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences to promote the emotional, developmental, and social well-being of children. And whereas prevention is possible because of the partnerships created between businesses, child welfare professionals, educators, law enforcement agencies, and local, state, and national governments. And whereas we recognize the need to prioritize children and invest in more prevention initiatives like home visitation and family strengthening policies, economic supports, and community-based child abuse prevention programs at the national, state, and local levels. And whereas we are committed to advancing equitable and effective systems
009that ensure all children and families are healthy and thriving. And whereas the 2025 theme for child abuse prevention month, powered by hope, strengthened by prevention, encapsulates our collective commitment and responsibility to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for every child. Now, therefore, the school board of Danville public schools does hereby proclaim April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Let's continue to focus on building stronger communities and families where children are protected and safe. Adopted by the Danville School Board on March 20 of 2025. Mr. Taquan Graves, Chair, Dr. Angela Harrison, Superintendent. Good evening, Chairman Graves, Vice Chair Aver, members of the board, Superintendent Haristen. Thank you for allowing me and my colleague, Miss Sheree Walker to share this evening. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for us to pause and reflect on
010our shared responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us, our children. National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness about the importance of supporting children and families to ensure the safety, well-being, and healthy development of every child. Sadly, not every child experiences this type of security. As a school community, we recognize our vital role in creating safe, nurturing environments where students can learn and thrive. By acknowledging this month, we stand together as stakeholders to say that every child matters and we reaffirm our commitment to prevention, education, and advocacy in the lives of our students and families. At this time, I'd like to introduce student services coordinator, Miss Sheree Walker. Good evening. Um, as you can see, um, the theme for this year is going to be powered by hope strengthened by prevention.
011Um, it emphasizes our collective responsibility to protect our children and again to foster safe environments for them to continue to thrive. Noted is different ways that you can be a mandated reporter. I always like to note when we're in these type of meetings and settings that every one of us is a mandated reporter. It is our responsibility. Our roles include safeguarding the well-being of those who may not be able to protect themselves. Strategies that we can continue to reinforce as a community is to get involved, observe, and respond to warning signs of abuse, support, and value families. And in closing, let this month serve as a powerful reminder that even the smallest acts of care and compassion can change a child's life forever. Behind every smile in our school is a child who deserve to
012feel loved, protected, supported, and valued. Thank you. Next, we'll move to 4.3 Outstanding Chemistry Teacher of the Year. At this time, I'll turn it over to Miss Agnar. Good evening, Chair Graves, Vice Chair Averett, members of the board, and Dr. Haristen. Gives me great pleasure this evening to come to you with recognition of one of our fine teachers in Danville Public Schools. The Virginia Blue Ridge section of the American Chemical Society has selected Miss Tammy Saunders as an outstanding high school chemistry teacher for 2025. They were impressed with her background, her accomplishments, and continuing education in chemistry and science education. They received several nominations from fif the 15count area encompassed by our section and they found Miss Saunders accomplishments to be truly outstanding. Throughout her career she has taught a diverse range of subjects including
013honors chemistry, IB chemistry, physics, earth science, environmental science, physical science, anatomy and physiology and advanced biology. Her career is rooted in a strong academic foundation having earned an associate of science degree from Faren College, a bachelor of science and chemistry uh with an endorsement in secondary science from Longwood and she is currently pursuing a masterers of science and school counseling at Liberty University. Her journey into education was shaped by a lifelong fascination with science and a desire to make complex concepts accessible and engaging for young minds. Growing up in a small town, she was inspired by the dedication of her own chemistry teacher who nurtured her curiosity and instilled in her a belief in the transformative power of education. As a first generation college student, Tammy's achievements stand as a testament to her perseverance and
014the guidance of mentors who recognized her potential. These experiences planted the seed for her career as she resolved to give back to her community by becoming the kind of teacher who empowers students to pursue their dreams. So, please join me in recognizing and congratulating Miss Tammy Saunders. [Music] Thank you. Next, we'll move to item 4.4, 2025 Top Virginia Employers for Interns Award. That's you. Is that the stone? Is that the ball? [Music] So each year uh we grow um our CTE program and especially I want to pay attention to Dr. Barnes. I know Dr. Stone is our director, but Dr. Barnes is out uh every year uh working with our local employers to have them employ our students throughout the year under work-based learning. Um we have students coming and going all throughout the day.
015And we have risen to um over a hundred students that leave the high school to participate in work-based learning every day. And a lot of that is relationship building and ensuring that our students are learning from their experiences and and coaching all the way. And you know, Dr. Stone works closely with the summer internship program and each summer we have students participate in full uh work experiences 40 hours a week and they also are learning from these experiences and gaining credit through work-based learning. But I also would like Miss Kesha Aver to come forward because Miss Aver has worked tirelessly over the years to help launch this program uh and get it into a good place. And this collaboration has led to a recognition uh and accommodation from our state. And so the Virginia Talent
016and Opportunity Partnership recognizes Danville Public Schools as a recipient of the 2025 top Virginia Employers for Interns Award, which is a major a major award for our school district indicating that we are a top employer and we work with our students dayto-day. And so press release will be sent out by Laney. um probably was sent out earlier but she will ensure that the press release is sent so that people can be recognized. But I wanted to present you with this here and we'll let you hang on to that. Okay. And it says the Virginia intern day 2025. if you'd like to make a few comments about your program and or our program and all that's involved. [Applause] I want to thank you all for the recognition. Again, we couldn't do this without collaboration between the
017students, the parents, the community because it's a team effort. And again, we're just bringing relevancy to learning, letting students know, you know, what they can do, their full potential once they graduate and leave school. Thank you all. Next, we'll move to item 4.5, Lego competition winners. At this time, I'll turn it over to Dr. Barnes. Yes. Um, sorry. Two weeks ago on March the 28th on March the 28th we had a district level Lego competition and it involved all the elementary schools and it was at Glenwood auditorium and it was from 9:30 to 11:30. In the picture that you see those are all the participants that we had that day but u from grades level 3rd through the fifth grade what they did was they engaged in problem solving coding and Lego robotics. The robotics,
018the robots were able to perform missions in order to win. And to in my vision, everyone was a winner, but those who placed was first place Forest Hills, second place was Schoolfield Elementary, and then third place was Gibson Elementary. And Forest Hills brought their team today as far as to take a picture and be recognized. And we want to present them with a banner. And so Forest Hills, if y'all don't mind coming up, [Applause] We Next we'll move to item 5.1. Public may address the board. Any sign up? All right. Next we'll move to item 6.1. Cognney accreditation. This time call Miss Ponty. Oh, wow. That's awesome. Thank you. Good evening, Chair Taekwon Graves, Vice Chair Kesha A, Superintendent Dr. Haristen, and members of the board. I am honored and excited to share with you
019some wonderful news for Activate STEM Academy as well as Danville Public Schools. First, I would like to share an overview of understanding Cogna STEM accreditation and certification. Cogna is a globally recognized mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing excellence in education and providing accreditation and certification, assessment and improvement services, leadership and support to schools and learning organizations formed through the merger of three leading accrediting bodies. Advanced Ed, Measured Progress, North Central Association, and Commission of Accreditation and School Improvement. Cogna serves as a trusted partner to thousands of learning organizations in over 85 countries. Cognia accreditation is a comprehensive researchbased process that evaluates a school's performance across multiple domains to ensure it delivers high quality equitable learning experiences. It is a rigorous and multi-year cycle involving reflection, evidence gathering, and external peer review. This accreditation is not
020a onestamp time of approval. It is a commitment to excellence, equity, and evolution. When I first presented this um opportunity to Mr. Simmons, he embraced it. He did not hesitate at all. This is demonstration of his unwavering commitment to excellence because for him, anything that benefits students is worth doing. Cognia STEM accredit certification is a prestigious recognition awarded to schools and programs that demonstrate exceptional implementation of highquality STEM practices by engaging real world STEM learning using interp interdisciplinary instruction standards of innovation collaboration and problem solving. It goes beyond having STEM courses. It assesses how deeply STEM principles are embedded in the school's culture, instruction, and student experiences. This certification signals that a school is preparing students not just to consume knowledge, but to create, innovate, and lead in a rapidly changing world. We are proud
021to announce that activate STEM Academy has received both Cognney accreditation and STEM certification. These recognitions affirm activate commitment to high quality instruction, innovation, and student centered learning. Excellence in education is not a designation. It is a journey. Will you please join me in congratulating Activate STEM Academy on this achievement? [Applause] And we have a certificate for uh Mr. Simmons and his wonderful staff who joined him tonight and he will also have some words to share. Um this first um certificate is for a accredititation and the second certificate is for STEM certification process. And we also have banners for you to fly high at your school. Okay. And I'm pretty sure they're going to be on the outside of the school. Good evening, Chairman Graves, Vice Chair A, members of the board, Dr. Haristston and esteemed
022guest on behalf of activate STEM Academy family. Thank you. Thank you for believing in a vision that brought something new to Danville and for trusting me to lead this charge. Activate is not just a school. It's an idea born from the belief that our students could become engineers, designers, scientists, and leaders. And now to be recognized as Cognia accredited feels like a full circle moment. When I first learned I'd lead this program, I was both thrilled and terrified. The community uh hopes were so high and I knew the pressure was on, but I never had to face it alone. I want to thank Dr. Haristen for her unwavering support and mentorship. She's been our rock and the heart of our success. A special thank you to Dr. Tequi Babaloa whose high expectations and sharp insights
023made us better. and to Andrea Gillis for ensuring we had the funding and resources we needed to succeed. Uh your efforts helped make us um a reality. I'd also like to thank everyone at the central office team for their tireless support and answering my phone calls and my emails and their collaboration um for involvement in um being critical in helping us uh turn our vision into a reality. Uh none of this would be possible without the incredible teamwork at Activate. Our core values, collaboration, cultivation, curiosity. They're not just words on a wall. They live in every conversation, every decision, and every challenge that we face. It's in the way that our teachers work together, supporting one another, and how our staff members, whether new or experienced, bring their passion and dedication to everything that we
024do. A special thank you to Angela Morris, our STEM coach, and Anessa McCain, our academic specialist, who were instrumental in our cognate accredititation, ensuring that our practices were aligned with our mission and built to last. But truly, this success belongs to every team member at Activate. Grade level teams, attendance team, green team, family engagement team, every group working toward the common goal of student success. Their collaboration, energy, and tireless commitment are the backbone of everything that we have accomplished. But let me share one moment that perfectly captures the spirit of activate. During our Cogna site visit, things were going smoothly until, of course, the science lab decided to remind us that we are all indeed a STEM school. Uh, a mysterious cloud of smoke started to creep down the hallway. Uh, and before we knew
025it, we were evacuating the building. So imagine as the Cognia reviewer was standing outside unsure of what was happening, but we assured them that this is not part of the review um but rather the result of the students experimental hot chocolate. So yes, a STEM school evacuation over hot cocoa. But even in that chaos, our team stayed calm, uh solved the problem and kept moving forward. And that's who we are at Activate, resilient, solutionoriented, and always ready for anything. uh to our families. Thank you for your trust, your involvement, and for being partners in this journey. Your engagement, whether through STEM nights or supporting our students at home, has been crucial to our success and our students. Thank you for your curiosity, your enthusiasm, and inspiring us to create, grow, and challenge ourselves every day.
026You are truly the heart of everything that we do. This journey hasn't been without its challenges, but at Activate, we don't just talk about excellence, we build it together. Thank you for giving us the space to dream big and support uh to turn those dreams into reality. Thank [Applause] you. Okay. All right. I want you all to know um he gives us a checklist as well. Okay. my board members if we could um and this process took nearly the entire time they've been open nearly two years um of work hard work and dedication. We're so proud of you all Let's give Activate another round of applause. Next, we'll move to item 6.2, benchmark report. And I'll turn it over to Mr. McCra. Good evening, vice or excuse me, good evening, Chairman Graves, Vice Chair A,
027Dr. Haristen, and members of the board. I'm here tonight to present to you um our benchmark report update um as requested. This aligns to our strategic plan uh with our goal of student achievement to improve content mastery and monitor assessment data. At this point in the year, we have had four benchmark assessments. Uh we just completed our so simulation which was something new we did districtwide this year um the last week in March. Uh so this is a hot fresh data for you guys today. Um but similar to the last time we looked at data um we're still using our pass rate reports by subgroup, our SDBQ reports or student data by question reports and an example is linked here and then an analysis of high and low standards. So since we last discussed data,
028we've had two benchmarks, one being the mock so. So the first thing I have for you guys is a review of high and low standards by grade and by content. And what I want you to notice as we work through these slides is the number of high pass standards at 65% or above. Now remember third grade, we're still learning how to take standardized assessments, right? and third grade takes a lot of assessments to help prep them for those standardized tests. Uh but specifically looking at our benchmark data, uh you'll see the highest pass standards in reading here and then our least pass standards in in reading. And what I would also like to add, the majority of the least passed standards as measured um were standards that had been most recently taught for that benchmark.
029So students hadn't had as much time to develop those skills and practice. Okay. Um so these are the highest passed and least passed for third grade reading. These are the highest passed and then least passed for fourth grade. And you'll notice um we have more higher pass standards in fourth grade. These are the highest pass standards in fifth grade reading. These are sixth grade. Here we have seventh grade. And you may notice some themes here. Like we discussed last time, there are what we call heavy hitters in some of the content that we do seem to traditionally have a trouble with students especially vertically aligning as content gets more difficult. Uh so that means we identify this and adjust how we address those specific issues with students and often that just comes with more practice
030and exposure to reading um text in hand specifically. Um here we have the highest pass standards in eighth grade and then the least pass standards. And last but most certainly not least we have the highest pass standards for EOC or end of course reading which is high school the 11th grade test. And you'll notice there were several um highest pass topics here. This uh brings us to the math portion of the evening. Uh starting with third grade math, I'd like you to notice the number of 65% or higher highest pass standards in third grade math. Uh students are performing very well um on those specific topics. There were so many I asked Dr. Babalola if I could list them all and she said absolutely. Um so here they are. Um we do have least pass
031standards here. A a trend you'll see as we work through math data are different pieces of fractions and decimals as we look at vertical alignment. These are the highest pass standards for fourth grade. And then the lowest here is the fifth grade information. Here is the sixth grade information. And I'd like to note here that sixth grade is the first year where students are able to take um honors math versus u general sixth grade mathematics. So you do start to see a divide in the data. Um students who take general math and then students who take accelerated math. This is seventh grade and this is eighth grade. And the eighth grade data does include that accelerated 78 data because students who take accelerated math take the eighth grade math so this is algebra 1. You'll
032notice a large number of uh standards at 65% or higher. This is algebra 2. And this is geometry. This brings us to science. Uh science, as a reminder, is only tested on the so in grades 5, 8, and then biology. Uh so we'll have that data here. So this is fifth grade science. This is eighth grade science. And just as a reminder about eighth grade science, that test assesses three years worth of science standards. So, sixth grade science, life science, and physical science. And last but not least, we have the highest pass standards in biology along with the least pass standards. This brings us to our overall data. So you'll see here the benchmark one pass rate, the benchmark 2 pass rate, the benchmark 3 pass rate, and then the so simulation pass rate, which
033is preliminary because we this does not include retest numbers. Um, and none of these actually include retest numbers. Uh, so you could see the progression from that first test each time. We did introduce the retest with benchmark 3 and the rates went up significantly when students were allowed remediation and then a retest. Um we've seen the same thing with the so simulation data. Um but all of our schools have not completed retesting because they spaced it out differently which is why we did not include that data here. But what I would like you to notice is the growth from benchmark one to benchmark 4. um our students have performed much better across the board on our benchmarks. So our response to our data uh following benchmark 3, we had a district-wide professional development on February
03417th. The focus of that day was on rigor and data utilization. And so in front of you, you have two folders. The orange folder has the district uh provided information on that day uh with an emphasis on taking flights with hits our high impact teaching strategies. Uh so you'll have the PowerPoint from that day in the orange folder along with the note catcher and several handouts from that day. Um, additionally, something we did during uh we introduced during that PD and have released since our so questions of the day for every grade, every content that Miss Prunty and Miss Agnar and the curriculum team roll out on Sundays. Um, so they send out a district-wide email and teachers have the option to use the so question of the day in their instruction. It's, if I
035might say so myself, it's really cool and as a former teacher, I would have loved uh to receive that resource at this point in the year as we prep for so testing. Uh it's very good. We've had a lot of great positive feedback from that. Um and you'll see examples of those so questions of the day in here. Um additionally on that day, we had Vernon James Riley as a facilitator with an emphasis on you can't correct what you don't detect. And so in your blue folder labeled as you um can't detect what you don't detect, you'll see all of the resources that um Vern and James Riley shared with the division that day. You'll see different resources by content and so on um to see what was provided to the division uh during that
036district-wide PD day. Additionally, uh we're right in the middle of our all handson deck approach to support in schools. So, a number of district office staff are in all of our schools um on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays supporting different grade levels based on need requested by our principles. Um so, those supports are school specific and requested. Um and the feedback on that has been very positive as well. um if you haven't been able to see the co-eing going on and the just really great things happening on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays in addition to the great things that happen on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Saturdays as well in this division. Um, I really encourage you to go see um I personally have had the the luxury to see some really great teaching going on um this
037school year and in addition with our uh district level colleagues and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Um as I mentioned earlier, we also introduced retakes after our first data presentation at request of our schools. uh they wanted to give students a chance just like we have on the so uh to have a few days of remediation um to then sit down and retake the assessment. Uh so we did that with benchmark 3. It went very well. Um a lot of students passed the test on the second goround which was really great. Um and then we gave the opportunity to retake with our so simulation. Um several schools retested this week. It has gone well. We have a couple that wanted to wait till after spring break. Um, so I assume that that data will look
038just as good uh once they've had a couple of days to review after spring break and take those tests. Um, I thought I had a thank you slide, but I will verbally say thank you. Um, I would also like to take a moment and say thank you to my STC's that work with my team and work within our schools. Those are our school test coordinators. Uh they are assistant principles and amongst all of their duties, they help make testing go smoothly. Um they follow extensive procedures and create test plans and make sure all of our students have what they need. Um they ensure all of their staff are out monitoring and they are prepping for so well test season. Um and we just really are fortunate to have the brilliant team of those educators here
039in Danville. Um so thank you all and I will take any questions. Any questions? Any questions? Dr. S, I noticed that I think it was between maybe the eighth and ninth grade that there was a quite a shift between uh uh Latin and and Greek roots and one in one in the first grade there was it was the one of the least passed and then in the other it was among the highest pass. Does that have something to do with the instru? I think that really depends on the question type. Um when we dove into these benchmarks, uh one of the big differences we noticed is that uh the high school level questions were not technology enhanced questions. The eighth grade questions were. And so it's hard to say without multiple examples from that so
040category. Um if it was the technology enhanced as an issue or if it was the content itself that was an issue. um we seem to think that it is more of a test taking strategy than the um quality of instruction. Okay. Yes, sir. Thank you, Dr. Williams. Well, first, thank you so much for presenting this for us. I know it's the most wonderful time of year, so thank you for taking time to do this. What are your predictions for um science scores this year? Just from like the jump from last year, do you think we're going to jump over some of those hoops and stuff that we saw last year? I think that our schools have worked incredibly hard to focus on science in those tested areas. Um, our students did perform better on the
041so simulation. Um, I don't have a specific prediction for you at this time with pass rates. Um, because we are still in that transition period with those 2018 standards. Um if you didn't know the way that test banks roll out um when a a set of standards come in uh they will field test questions for several years and then when they release new standards they use most of those field test questions that passed um as their primary questions. But it does take several years to kind of integrate that and get those types of questions out to teachers. So we're still kind of combating that piece. However, our students have performed better in science. We are seeing um so many more hands-on activities and a lot more hands-on learning. So, we do anticipate that they will
042perform well. Thank you. And if science is your baby te? Yes, sir. Any other questions? Miss Cunningham. Um the benchmark I'll say scores um as well as the SO simulation scores are they accumulated in to the students overall classroom grade? That depends on the school. Um that is a school-based decision to determine how their um scores are put in. Generally schools use them as what we call a gold grade, which is a test grade. Um but that is a sitebased decision. So it's possible for schools to differentiate between whether or not they want it the actual percentage that it is accumulated. It's up to that individual school. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Any others? Any others? Thank you. Thank you. Next, we'll move to item 7.1, finance committee report. Turn over to Dr. Silverman. Sure. Uh we
043held our last finance committee report on March 20th starting at 4:30. Uh uh the main topic was the effect of what's been occurring on a federal level in terms of funding on on on our local funding. And uh Miss Gillis reported that while there might be some some things we have to deal with that we did not feel that it was going to be overwhelming and and that uh we can make sufficient adjustments to continue with the level of funding that we now have. Is that is that fair? Yes, sir. Okay. All right. Any questions? Any questions? Thank you, Dr. Silverman. Next, we'll move to item 8.1, personnel recommendations. At this time, I'll turn it over to Miss Wimberly. Good evening, Chairman Graves, Vice Chair Aid, Dr. Harrison, and members of the board. You've been
044presented with the personnel recommendations for your review, consideration, and approval. I'll take any questions if you have them. Any questions? Any questions? This is an action item. So move, sir. Second motion made by Mr. Payne, second by Dr. Williams. Any discussion? Any discussion? Madam clerk, please call for a vote. Dr. Williams, yes. Mr. Yes. Walker. Dr. Silverman. Yes. I abain. Yes. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Next, we'll move to item 9.1. Excuse me. Superintendent budget requests. I'll turn it over to Miss Dillis. Good evening, Chairman Graves, Vice Chair Avery, and Dr. Hson, members of the board. I have before you today for your approval of the superintendent's budget request. Um, we're going to review this budget presentation. Again, just in case refresh everyone's memory on what's in our budget. So we start with our theory
045of change which includes our culture and climate, stakeholder community engagement, staff learning and growth, operations and internal processes and our student achievement which guides our goals. Next we have our mission, vision and beliefs of the public schools. And then we have our budget priorities. And so our budget priorities for 2526 include improved achievement, safe school environments, support services for learning, improved facilities, invest and investing in employees. So as far as improved student achievement is concerned, we are um our budget includes lots of investments in the classroom. We have our high quality instructional materials. We have instructional pair professionals that got that help our teachers in the classroom. We try to maintain a smaller class size with our K3 class size initiative. We um have literacy and math instructional coaches. We have we're improving on our
046science curriculum resources for training and micro credentiing. And we have re um resources for exceptional children. And additional funds hopefully will be added to our budget um by this house and senate versions of the legislative budget. We also um are investing in reading on um grade level. We have professional learning investments for the science of reading. We have reading teachers in elementary schools for small groupoup reading instruction. and we have our afterchool and Saturday school programs. We also are increasing our career lessons and career pathways. We increased our college and career readiness for all students through the increased CTE courses. And we also have our innovate academy for middle schools. For safe school environments, we are um we have our safe routes to school because we want kids to be safe not only at school
047but on their ride to school. So, we've improved our video camera systems for surveillance. We have increased our bus assistance to support bus drivers. We added 10 bus assistance. I think it was last year. And then we als I mean a couple years ago that funds that were permanently funded through the city and then we're going to ask for 10 additional bus assistance in this year's budget. We are using ID badges to board the school buses. We have a pilot going on at Park Avenue to do that so kids can swipe to get on the bus so we'll know who's on the bus at all times. And we have provided administrative support for discipline referrals and parental um parent communication. As far as our tier one school safety is concerned, we have we're going to
048enhance our data entry mean our entry detection um with an addition of the evolved metal detectors. We al already have our 911 informed for um immediate emergency response. We have cameras on our classrooms at middle school and high schools and um also we're enhancing we enhanced our hall monitoring. We have a security analyst who monitors the cameras in all our facilities. Um, we have increased the training for security guards at the pre-K, elementary, middle, and high school levels. We have improved our video camera systems for surveillance. And we have improvements in administrative schools safety. In addition to that, we also have enhancements on our school safety plan submitted to the uh VDOE and the Department of Justice. Next, we have our student support services, access to learning. for for student support services. Um we have
049um increased our uh social workers focused on attendance and community access to resources for families. We have added our faith specialists to improve family engagement. We improved support for appropriate behavior. We have um added a mental health leaison to connect schools to community um mental health resources and mentoring. And we have increased our support for nurses to provide um health and wellness for students and families. As far as our support for graduation, we have a graduation coach and a transition specialist for EC students. We have our adult ed um program which has our GED and night courses. And then also we increased our access to career pathway courses such as cyber security, engineering, aviation studies, automotive, precision, machining, cosmetology, culinary arts, nursing, dentistry, and business entrepreneurship. Improving facilities. So everybody's aware of all the um
050wonderful renovations that we have going on now and um facility improvements thanks to our 1% sales tax. George Washington High School is um in the process is you know we reopened some of the school but we'll fully reopen GW High School this fall. We we opened up the IW Taylor campus for our activate academy. We uh are renovating the Langston campus to house Galileo and the central office as well as our innovate um program. We reopened the Glenwood campus. Uh we are in the process of uh um getting Forest Hills up and running. We have had we have our architect in place and they've already submitted plans and we're in the process of getting a contractor. Um we did a feasibility study for Woodbury to see how feasible that prog um that program would be
051construct program there would be. We have improved facilities at um Bonner, Westwood, Schoolfield, Gibson, and Park Avenue. And then we have our brand new facility which is Arna Hills Elementary School which is going to open in the fall. So investments in employees. So this year we are requesting an 8% salary increase and $1,000 bonus for teachers. For non-teing employees we're going to we're requesting a 4% salary increase and a $1,000 bonus. And this is this is um also as a note that the state anticipates 3% and a onetime bonus. So we're asking for an additional 5% for teachers and 1% for other employees. We're also trying to red reduce the cost um for health care premiums for anyone on the family plan and we're also um increasing our access to the employee assistance program for
052our employees and we're going to continue the IT teach program to get teacher certifications. As far as culture and climate is concerned, we are continuing our secret shopper for customer service measurements. We're um increasing our climate surveys. We're improving our um employee recognition programs and we're going to we have met with our um certified staff to talk to them about distributing their distributing their pay such that they get paid over the breaks of for um the holiday break at Christmas time as well as spring break. So here is a um five-year history of our salary increases. So in 25 fiscal year 25 there was a 3% child increase across the board. In fiscal year 24, there was a 7% salary increase, and that was originally a 5% increase, but then the general assembly approved an
053additional 2% that was effective January of 24. We also got a 5% increase in fiscal years 23 and 22. And in 2021, there was only a step increase because there was no increase from the state. So, we just provided a step increase to our employees. So, one of the other reasons why um there's a difference in the uh salary increase for teachers um as opposed to the rest of the staff is because teachers are going to have to do a lot more work with the new accountability framework that's that's in place um from the BOE. There's going to be microcredentiing and there'll be additional data analysis, HQIM and interventions, implementing required reading plans, participating in BDOB required science of reading PD and then training to develop DK2 and three assessments. So in addition to the
054in addition to the investing in our employees, we have a few more um budgetary um increases. One is utilities. Utilities are going up, you know, all over because of inflation. So we're asking for an additional $252,000 for utilities. Same thing for transportation. the cost of parts for bus trans for um for buses is increasing. That cost us 195,000. We talked about the bus aids. We're adding 10 additional bus aids. That's $255,000. And then our security enhancements that we mentioned prior is going to cost us $100,000 for a total of $83,497. And then we have our total proposed budget as compared to the the current year um adopted budget. The Commonwealth of Virginia budget is going to go to $71.8 million is a $2.8 $8 million increase over the prior year. The city of Danville request
055is 32.5 million, which is a $4.6 million increase over the prior year. Our federal grants um and other grants is going to go up $1.7 million. And our other revenue projected to stay the same. Our textbook budget is going to go up slightly due to salary and benefit increases. And the same for our school nutrition program. And this is a snapshot of our budget, proposed budget by object code. And here you can see um it broken down by the salaries, benefits, contracted services, other charges, material supplies, payments to other agencies, capital outlay, and other uses of funds. So the biggest two um pieces of the pie, so to speak, are the 57% for salaries and 22% for benefits, which is a total of 79% which is, you know, nearly 80% of our budget is people.
056And here's a breakout of our proposed budget by function. We have our instructional services which is 80 $80 million. Um instructional and I mean administration and attendance and health is 10.5 million. Transportation is 5 million. Operations and maintenance is 14 million. School food services 6.2 million and other uses of funds is 528,000. And then our technology is 5 million for a grand total of $121,886 $886,837. And as you can see, the majority of our budget is spent on instruction. And then we go back to our strategic plan, five goal areas. Once again, we have our climate and culture, which leads to stakeholder engagement and communication, which leads to staff learning and growth, which leads to operations and internal processes. And finally, our main goal of student achievement. And then the next steps will be for
057um tonight we're going to be approve asking the board to approve the request. Um there will be a public hearing at the at the city council meeting on our budget on May 6. On May 20th, the city council is scheduled to approve our budget request. And then on June 26, we will bring our final budget back to the board for adoption once we get all of our um final information from the state on the state adopted budget. Are there any questions? Any questions? Any questions? Mr. Mr. P, thank you for this report. Um, do you know how much revenue we will be saving with the transitions of Galileo and the maintenance department and everybody saving money as far as like the rent? Yes. Um, as our rent is is very minimal at for for the
058transport for the uh maintenance department, but I think our lease here is probably the bus biggest expense and that's probably about $286,000. Okay. So that would go back and I think well I don't I don't think we pay rent at for the Galileo building. We do not. Yeah. Okay. Back to the city. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? I just have maybe one or two. Um in tier one school safety improvements and administrative school safety. What does that mean? We're adding a position to help deal with the discipline. Gotcha. Okay. And then and I appreciate this report. It looks great. um for uh 8% for teachers and then 4% for non-teer positions. How do we come up with the 4% just that that number? We were trying to make it fit within our budget request.
059We, you know, we wanted to go we wanted to go higher, but we're trying to make it fit within our budget request that we would think, you know, that the city would, you know, approve. But absolutely. I'm sure everybody appreciates that. So, thank you. Yeah. Thank you. Good job. This is an action item. So move, Mr. Graves. Second. Motion made by Mr. Payne, second by Miss Aver. Any discussion? Any discussion? Hearing none, madam clerk, please call the role. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Thank you. Next, we'll move to item 10.1, Perkins V. Grant and JBG grant. At this time, I'll turn it over to Dr. Stone. Chairman Graves, board members, and Dr. Haristen. Good evening. I come before you this evening seeking approval for the 2526 Perkins Grant submission um to the VDOE. The Perkins
060Grant assist and develop the academic knowledge, technical, and employment employability skills of students who participate in CTE. The premillinary allocations is $253,000. Um, the usage will be for the state-of-the-art equipment purchases for our programs, work-based learning, transportation, professional development, staff salary, and curriculum needs. Are there any questions? Yes, Mr. Curtis. Um, first of all, I don't think any of the board members will have a problem approving this for I mean, you did an outstanding job at the regional uh conference and I mean, you and your son just just laid the foundation and explained everything. So, I would like to say uh I'd like to approve this, Mr. Gra. Thank you. Thank you. Get easy. Any questions? Any questions? All right. Do we have a second? I'll second that. Motion made by Mr. Payne. Second by
061Dr. Silverman. Any discussion here? None. Madam clerk, please call roll. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Thank you. Did you have anything else before he cut you off? Thank you. Additionally, I come before you seeking approval for the Jobs for Virginia graduates grant um affectionately known as JBG. Uh this grant provides opportunities for marginalized students toward graduation and college and career opportunities. Um the pre preliminary allocations for this grant is $30,000. The usage is for a continued school-based enterprise called the Eagle Press. I'll be excited to roll that out next year for you guys. College tours, community service projects, and of course, the continued usage for work-based learning opportunities. Any questions? Any questions? Any questions? Mr. Payne, you have any questions? Not at this time, sir. This is an action item. So move, sir. Second. Motion
062made by Mr. Payne, second by Miss Cunningham. Any discussion hearing? None. Madam clerk, please call roll. Dr. Williams. Yes. Yes. Walker. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Thank you. Next, we'll move to item 11.1. Board requests for information for future agenda items. Did you raise your hand? No. Did you raise your hand? I did. So just a couple things. So the first thing a lot of times in a lot of our presentations um we talk about our preparation for our testing. So I think it would be if all possible Harrison would give us like maybe a presentation of what actually is going on with the preparation. I know we talked about all hands on deck but I think a lot of times parents and community really don't understand what that concept is. So with all the
063work that I think goes in the district maybe next time we can give like a presentation of the actual work that's going on in schools like some of the programs that are going on because I Sometimes um the community does not know the work that is going in in regards to testing and different initiatives that we're using for them to be tested. Absolutely. Um and then this is something that um you can get in our Maya and then the last thing up. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Walker. Any others? Any others? All right, we have no closed meeting tonight, so I'm sure all y'all are happy. Meet