March 19, 2026 School Board Meeting

001Good evening everyone. I call this meeting to order. At 6 PM on March 19th, 2026, we have a quorum present. Let's proceed. Before we do proceed, I'd like for everyone to know that tonight with all of our citizens times, they have three minutes and the clock, Miss B, will start and the clock will end. Out of respect for one another, while someone is speaking, can we please out of respect have silence? If not, you will be asked to be removed. Can we stand for the pledge of allegiance, please? I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Roll call. Miss B. >> Good evening everybody. >> Good evening. >> Miss Boon >> present. >> Miss Bailey >> present.

002>> Mr. Als Brook. >> Mr. Grant >> present. >> Dr. Harrison >> here. >> Mr. Hold >> here. >> Miss Parker here. Dr. Carter >> here. >> Thank you. >> Madam Chair, I move that we approve the agenda. >> Second it. >> We have a motion and a second. Do we have any discussions? We will go ahead and vote. Mr. Grant. >> Yay. >> Miss Parker. >> Yay. >> Miss Bailey. >> Nay. >> Mr. Holt. >> Yes. >> Dr. Harrison. >> Yes. >> Miss Boon? Yes. Moving right along. Superintendence report. Dr. Walters. Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board, Dr. Carter. Uh this evening I'm uh excited to share some information and um discuss some options that we have moving forward uh as it relates to the Charles Street gym, the uh instructional calendar

003for next school year, and just some updates on what the operations team has undertaken over the past several weeks. So this evening, I'm going to begin with the Charles Street gym refurbishment. Um, in July of 2026, uh, as we've discussed, um, Franklin City Public Schools received access to 2.835 million, um, in a school construction assistance program grant. Uh, this particular grant opportunity will help to cover up to 30% of construction or renovated cost. The way the grant was written, this project is specific to the Charles Street gym. And um ultimately our goal is to uh revitalize the gym so that it becomes uh a an instructional learning space uh that houses classrooms supporting robotics and engineering programming. Uh Franklin City Public Schools has partnered with ESG to help us organize and manage this project. And

004so I have with me this evening Micher Midkiff um from ESG just to help uh explain some of the the uh components of this project when considering how to tackle a project of this magnitude. Um what we've done is we have looked at a couple of different options. The first is a turnkey option that would take care of all necessary uh improvements to that space. uh it would immediately provide us with those classrooms and with lab space um for both of those programs. It would also cover the cost of furnishings and significant contingency uh just not knowing where we are with the economy right now there there could be some fluctuations um and so that has definitely been considered for the turnkey project. The modified turnkey uh still provides us with immediate classroom space and

005lab space. Um it does not cover the cost of furnishings and it minimizes the contingencies that we have for this project. The shell option um assumes further construction down the road. What the the shell option provides is really just u some of the components that we would need in order to uh get the certificate of occupancy for the building. Um several of you were on the board uh as I came into operations and and unfortunately that was one of the first um difficult decisions that that we had to make. The building had gotten to a point where it wasn't safe for people to be in the building. Um and so this shell option will uh allow us to address those issues. Um for instance, it will uh have us demo the existing locker rooms uh

006boiler and heating system. Um we will be able to reuse the existing HVAC air handler um and condenser. Um it helps us to also ensure a complete envelope of the building. Um, so addressing any uh water penetration concerns that we have, it will place a new roof on the rear portion of the gym and um improvements at the corners inside the gym itself. We've seen that that that's really where we have some water penetrating the building. Um it will include the placement of uh industrial electric heaters uh as freeze protection and it will uh include plumbing for a functional restroom within that space. Now when we look at the overall cost of this project um the original grant was written with that turnkey component in mind. So the the total project cost for for the

007turnkey option is $9.43 million and uh if we utilize the full scap funding which is 30% of that total cost then we would need to address uh 659 million in the remaining cost. the modified turnkey again that removes furnishings and it minimizes contingencies. Um gets uh the total project cost to 8.7 million. So again, SCAP caps us at 30% of whatever the total project is. Um so the grant funding that we use would be 2.61 61 million, which means that 225,000 of that scap would be returned to the state. Um, and at that point, we're looking at uh having to finance about $6 million of the overall project. Uh, lastly, the Shell option um is estimated to cost approximately $7 million. 30% of that is 2.1 million. That's what SCAP will cover. And uh so

008the grant funding returned to the state would total about $735,000. With that option, we would be financing about $4.9 million um on the project. So the the path forward that uh we would like to pursue is entering into a tax exempt leasing plan um to fund this project. with this particular option. Uh this would require that the school division assume cost uh associated with this work and it doesn't put the uh the capital price on city council. So the the annual cost would be absorbed in our operating budget and the current plan would be for us to finance this work over a 15-year period. And what we're looking to do is have monthly payments so we're paying on the principal more frequently. And um unfortunately uh when we look at the total costs of the

009project those total costs uh are are in stone. Uh we we know that that those are really the limits that that we have. Um, in terms of the monthly cost, that monthly cost, uh, we have estimates, but it's it's not anything that is, uh, in stone at this point. In order for us to get those concrete figures, um, we would need to begin formalizing contracts with, uh, ESG for the work and with the financial institution uh, to cover the cost. Uh but again in in terms of looking at uh how to move forward, we know that there's a lot of work that needs to be done at the Charles Street Gym, particularly if we're uh creating that as a space for our students to be able to use again. Um, so I'm happy to entertain

010questions that you have, but this evening, um, I am requesting permission to proceed with ESG in formalizing a contract for the work, uh, and pursuing the shell option, which would mean that we would, uh, have to have further construction down the road. So my first question really is, so do we need the space? Is it necessary that we have that for those? We don't have anywhere else to put robotics or engineering. I mean, these are not full-time classes. These are more after school projects. Correct. >> Well, the plan is for us to incorporate that into our CTE programming. One of the things that we have run into with robotics and trying to find them a a full-time space is that they require uh a space that is higher than typical classrooms. Um and so that

011does provide us with the space uh if we're able to reimagine the Charles Street gym. That's what we don't have any other space in the district. >> Back to what um Dr. Reed said, do we really need this space though? We have four other schools. From the last information I saw, we're only going to get three or four classrooms. That is a very very high ticket just for three or four classrooms and we have four other schools. So, do we need to space to go in debt with that amount on a monthly payment? Because right now we're paying a huge monthly payment on that other contract that we can't seem to get out of that another board made an agreement on and we've all been questioning why, how, what. We don't want to grip another

012board like that 10 or 15 years from now. and to carry two you I remember you used an analogy about a mortgage. Yes, ma'am. >> You're carrying a $3,000 small number compared to we're talking about but we're carrying a 3,000 mortgage for our house and another $3,000 for a house. >> So, I kind of agree with Dr. Reid. We we may need to find somewhere else to house this. And is that the only bid we have is with ESG. ESGA uh ESG became a partner with us as we went through um the PPE process and and we've um opened up for unsolicited bids to help us with this uh with this work. Um, going back um to to what you said about the gym, one of the things that I'll say is we we've kind

013of reached the point with the Charles Street gym that um unfortunately we haven't had capital funding available in order to make any improvements on the space. And for for any programs to utilize that space, it's going to take some significant funding for us to to be able to address the issues in that building. Unfortunately, there there haven't been um really an emphasis on addressing the issues since the the uh previous contract that that we've discussed before. So, um it is it's a difficult choice to make, but I I believe that that is something that we need to consider. Um it it won't be any less expensive um for us to address the needs of that building as we move down the road. >> No, it may not be less expensive to address that, but we

014won't we may pay this one off. How many years do we have left on this that we're paying every month currently? >> Tracy, correct me if I'm wrong. I think we finished paying December of 28. >> Yes, we we won't have that down a year if we complete this one. Again, back to the two large mortgages. And the reason I asked about a second bid because a couple of months ago when we went to the um conference, >> there were different contractors who did the same thing and they said they would love a chance to bid at it because I was discussing it with them because the number was so high, right? And we were going over contingencies and all those other things when you build like I said a house uh re, you know,

015redoing something. So, I just think it's things to consider before we do that. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I have a question. Can you go back to the numbers >> with the shell 4.9 million financing? I'm going to piggy back off of Miss Bailey. And the reason why I am is because that um project that we have that we're paying so much money for, that's half of it is broken down, half of it we can't use, half of it we don't have a warranty. Um, everything has gone out. You're asking us 4.9 million over 15 years. Over 15 years, what is our guarantee on a warranty? Because you're letting me know that the roofs are not being done. They're being skim coated. So, we're not getting new roofs. We're just getting skim coats. With a skim

016coat, that's three, maybe five years that it'll last. What are our warranties on this? >> Sure. Can you speak to that? on any of the work being done. What are our warranties? >> Well, any of the work that's new that's coming in, like we're put talking about a new roof on the back part of the building >> because the roof on the other part was was done >> not too terribly long ago. Um, where that just may need some patchwork, but a new roof on the back. So, that would be guaranteed for 25 years or whatever the the roofing is with the company that we we used to do that. >> New roof in the back. And you said patching in the front. Patching is new. What is our warranty? >> Well, any any type

017of roofer will give you a warranty with what they're the work that they're doing. So, that will be determined by the work that's done on that existing part. >> The reason why I'm asking that is because I won't be sitting in this chair in 15 years and I don't want to put that burden on someone else. 4.9 million. When I think of that, I also think about trailers. And when I think about trailers, we have some classrooms that don't have heat, some classrooms that don't have air. We have split units in the back that our warranty has ran out. No one has gone behind and tried to get an extended warranty or any of that. So, we're coming more out of pocket. And you're asking us to proceed with this with ESG. Am I correct?

018>> Tonight? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Yeah. I again I've been in the wrestling team. That's not a continual thing. So if if engineering and us other project that means that's not a full-time wrestling gym because we had to share it. You had to pull up the mat. The the second thing is that's concerning me is I mean I've taught in the schools. We've got huge improvements in need for other things. I mean only one of my air conditioners worked when I taught, right? And it was constantly being needing to be repaired. So again, yeah, it'd be nice to have a facility, but when you're putting us down, like you said, 5 million, what we're only teaching two classes there versus we've got places in the high school that need a lot of repairs. I mean,

019none of I don't know. I've just put my hand on it because it's not like are we going to be using it for what's its value and I know the Charles Street Dream has a lot of meaning to our community. There's a lot of people that I think Kent saying he played basketball there and that's great but at the same time is that worth that five plus million that we're going to put into it. Are we going to get that return in educating and and helping our students really what they need on other areas? I mean, I as a science teacher, I would have liked to have a science lab. There's no science lab in the high school, okay? Not one that works. So, again, that's I'm just having a hard time because I don't

020see what its value. It's a big project. Would a rebuild or a renew? I mean what other options can we think about possibly so it board the question the the 2.83 if you don't want to move forward with that the 2.83 83 will go back to the state >> and we will still be struggling with trying to find a wrestling facility, volleyball, um all the other extra activities that we have poured over. So, uh it it is up to you. It's just it was just at the time what we could do to try to uh provide renovated space because we also don't have enough money for new construction. So this is this is what we proposed and what we have to work with. So if it is in a shell type space, it could be

021used all year round for anything else you want because a shell type space is not a classroom. It's just a completed gym that can be used for whatever we need. But I understand your concerns. >> Uh just a quick question. If um if we did say yes tonight, what would be the estimated time that the gym would be ready for use? Sure. >> Well, what you would be saying yes to is is basically the um permission to move forward and with a contract that is a not to exceed number. So then once we do that, then we'll get into final determination of what we actually bid out all the work, get the lowest bids for the work to be done, determine what the space is going to be used for so that we can get

022the right things in there for that. Um and then from that we would proceed with construction. That construction we would um we would try to aim for at least a year to be done in a year. Um there's still some to be determined based off the structural basis of the building. There's a lot of uh cracks in the brick and that sort of thing. Some of those things were in the contingency that we actually still have in there to make sure that those things are addressed. So timing, we would aim for a year construction um and try to our best to hit that. So I I can't guarantee you an actual time frame, but that would be our goal is to get it done within a year or sooner. >> Educated guess year and a

023half with the uh with the the part that's up front of the bidding and the you know the planning and >> depending on how long it takes us. it will take us, you know, if it takes us three months to get through that process, then yeah, that's that's stretching it out a little bit further. But, um, yeah, as far as construction beginning to end, we would try to hit that 12-month period. as >> Yes, ma'am. We can bring this back. April 2nd, but before April 2nd, we can't do it together because it be considered a meeting, but each one of us gets something showing us something other than what this is because I know um we were looking at another bill, but we don't have the capital for that. big difference in numbers. >> Yes,

024we don't have the capital um as of today and I know we're not voting but My answer would be no only because I need more information than what I have right now because from my understandings and I'm sorry. >> Sure. I'll be the kid. >> I'm sorry because I wasn't speaking into the mic. The mic was off. Um I understand the bidding and everything would take time and we're financing 4.9 >> for the show. >> That's for the show minimum, not the 3.8. And it actually grant funding used 2.1. >> If we do the show, >> we're doing the show. There's a possibility we may go over that 4.9 because we're going out and getting estimates. I mean, is 4.9 the cap? These are questions that I do have. Is that the cap? We're not

025going no higher. >> Yes, ma'am. So what we would pursue is a a contract of not to exceed um and and then ESG helps to organize the bidding process um ensuring that we don't exceed that $4.9 million limit >> because when you say the shell I'm going to piggy back to before you guys were even on the board we had um individuals go in and there was mold. I'm not not sure remember whether it was black mold or how it was. When you say shell, everything's being gutted out. Correct. >> The shell is >> the outside. >> Basically ensuring that the envelope is complete. Um that that we're addressing any water issues um penetrating the building. >> It is um >> demoing some of the space that's currently uh locker room space. um taking care

026of uh plumbing under the building. It these these are pieces that we would be addressing um and for us to get to classroom space um admittedly there's additional construction that would be necessary. And so I I don't want to paint the picture that if if we move forward with a shell option >> that that is the end period. um this the scap funding would at least allow us to get to a point where we can reenter the building. Um and so to Dr. Carter's point, um once the once we have that certificate of occupancy, we can then utilize that space for what whatever purpose until we're ultimately able to realize the vision of that being um additional CTE programming space for something like robotics and engineering. What is our time frame with the scap funding?

027What is the last day or a week before the last day that we lose it because the state takes it back? >> What is that? >> Yeah, you have to do something before July 1. So, it just has to be in motion. >> Okay. >> As long as something is in motion, they're fine. But if there's no activity whatsoever, they take it back. And you and you may consider it just as a shell and leave it as a gym. I mean, you got time to think about it and just be allpurpose for everything so that so that it can be so it can be used every day, all day, year round. It can leave it just like it is. It doesn't necessarily have to uh visualize itself into a CTE space. It just could be

028just revitalized and we just use it for all the other athletics and sports that we've been been suffering trying to find a home for. >> No, I understand that. And I understand we need a home. Wrestling has been thrown around. Cheerleading doesn't have a home. I understand that robotics definitely doesn't have a home. None of these have homes. And I understand that the children need a home for these activities. And I get that part. You said July 1st. Can you please bring us something back? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um even even with that July 1 date at 6.59 for turnkey 6.09 09 for modified, 4.9 for f for shell. Still a lot of money. We're still carrying that huge note every month when we still have our teachers um and being told our teachers are

029getting paid a little less than some of the average and other things that needs addressing. To do that at the same time until 228, it may be worse than the situation we're in. And even if we do lose that because we don't move forward by July or 1st or June 1st, whatever the date was, another one may come available. God makes things happen and it surely can. >> But um put that big figure while we have another hang out right now is a lot to consider. >> Understood. >> All right, Dr. W. Next. >> All right. Next presentation. >> Thank you. So the next item on my agenda um is to share again the proposed school calendar. So there was feedback that was received um following our initial presentation of the calendar um and we

030have uh taken some of that feedback into consideration. Um the I've attached the uh second draft calendar to board docs for your review. Um some of the highlights of that include um removing the wellness and professional development days in November and December. Um and the the thought about that was both of those months have an extended break. Um and so we wanted to be sure we were maximizing our instructional time um during those two months. Um the other piece that we have considered um based on feedback that we received was actually the addition of a teacher workday as we come back from spring break. um again for teachers to be able to organize plans for for that week and then moving forward with the adjustments um that we're proposing in this calendar and really opening

031up more Fridays uh than we have had with previous calendars. Um, we were able to take another look at the schedules for for both Franklin High School and SP Morton Elementary and based on the increased number of days that we would be in session, um, we are able to adjust the the time at Franklin High School uh, to begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 300 PM. Um, and at SP Morton, the the school day would be the same. Uh right now it's 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Um but what we're looking at uh is an enrichment period um on some Fridays. And uh Dr. Ricks, could you speak to that uh kind of the the plan for that time? >> Good evening. Um with the enrichment time the students will have a extra block

032and in that enrichment time we will um target specific remediation needs. There may be a math group, there may be a reading group. Um we may have our all western tide water. We have our different organizations that'll come in and host groups as well. We may have art enrichment and get back to having like a club where the students are focused in at the end of the day. And this will also um support um at the end of the day with the major pickups that we have from parents at the end of the day as well. So we will make sure they get that core instruction throughout the day and with that extra time give them an enrichment block, give them a choice as well, but also a sign where they may need um specific

033supports. So that's just kind of the ideal of it. We still have to plan out, but that's kind of our kind of an overview of our approach as we, you know, have that time from 9:00 to 4:00 at the elementary school. >> But would those enrichment periods only be on Fridays? >> Is that how that is currently being set up, but we're still >> No, it may not. Well, it may it may be additional days. We just haven't put the plan out there together because each day they have they they're still going to be in school from 9:00 to 4. So it may just be built into the master schedule as we work with the administration team, you know, and see how that's going to flow and where kids may need the most support. We

034may have a site word, you know, a site word group, a phonics um club, you know, just whatever the students need and then give them a choice in a club that they they pick like the dean of students may focus on discipline, social emotional learning. So we just want to make it an enrichment, give them what they need and then let them have a choice as well. One of the things that we would be able to add at the elementary school um with this adjustment is an extended PLC period for our teachers and and essentially that is going to allow us to take some of the time that we have built in through some of the professional development days and provide some more job embedded training for teachers uh where they're able to work shoulder-to-shoulder

035with our curriculum specialist to be very intentional about the lessons that they're planning um and dive into the data just a little bit more. So that's that's another byproduct of shifting the the calendar to more of a model like what we're describing this evening. >> Acronyms. >> Have you gotten any feedback from the teachers about this yet or it has not been presented to them as of yet? Not yet. >> Good question. No, we haven't presented a survey out to teachers yet. It's just a discussion once we were planning out. So we still have to go through all those channels and get support feedback from the parents. >> Okay. So, Miss Boon to your question about PLC that is professional learning community. >> Okay. >> Um it it goes beyond the typical um grade level

036or departmental meeting. It really is about intentional for for the team to be learning together. Um taking a look at student work, uh identifying how they're going to target some of the gaps that students might have. So, it it's it really digs in a little bit more than just calling it a grade level meeting or a planning period. So, uh, Miss Bailey, to your point, um, I'm happy to share this with, uh, staff and stakeholders, uh, to gather more information, and we can bring this, uh, calendar back once we have that, um, for, uh, presentation and approval, uh, hopefully at the next meeting. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And that for me, it's it's the parents. We already know at SP Morton, something like 20 30% of them are picking their kids up early on

037those, so they're not even staying for the full instructional day. Nope. >> So if we're not providing adequate I mean why are we keeping people there? Teachers were paying when there's not students. I mean the other thing that I found is that most sports coaches can't start doing it until 4:00 4:30. So what do the kids do from 3 to 4:30? Then we have to provide some sort of instruction or something at the school because the kids can't go home and come back. I mean there's just that's why yeah let's get the the stakeholders involved and see all involved and I know you have I know you've had multiple meetings and I just again I'm just looking at it. See, for me, I wouldn't put a high school kid in school till 9:00. The data

038is there. California did an amazing study. And when they put kids starting at 9, 30% improvement in scores and retention. So, there's good data on that. Let the younger kids get there earlier if that's easier for their parents and the older kids get there later because they don't sleep until 12:00 and those. So, getting there earlier was actually causing less improvement. So, I mean, there's a lot of data there that you could follow. >> Sure. All right. So, we'll we'll bring that back for your review at an upcoming meeting. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um, want to share just some progress uh that the maintenance team uh has been making on on a couple of projects. Um, here I've got some pictures of the updated FHS greenhouse. Again, thank you to our partners with

039Virginia State University uh who have helped to fund this work. Um, you'll see I'll go back to the the envelope. You see the new plastic over the existing frame uh of that long house. Um, and you'll also see in some of these pictures that there are materials that have been delivered. Um, we do have a maintenance tech who is really serving as a point person for the more uh technical mechanical side of things uh related to to this uh greenhouse. And um Miss Tommpkins will be sharing some of the the work that's being done on the instructional side. um with with using this structure. But again, huge thank you to Virginia State University and and their partnership helping us to move this forward, opening this opportunity for our students. Um happy to report that the

040awning is completed connecting ModC to uh SP Morton. Um and of course, we had some opportunity to test that awning out recently. Uh that did very well. Uh so again, very thankful uh for our maintenance supervisor who has vetted the work that was completed by the contractor. Um and and you'll see I believe it is the the uh final payment that was made uh in the the vouchers later on this evening during Miss Morrison's uh presentation. Um progress report on our prek and kindergarten uh playground. Uh you'll see several pictures here of the new equipment that has been installed. Uh I was just on the phone with the installer today. Um the holes that you see in the ground uh have been filled. He is waiting on a few pieces that weren't shipped with the

041majority of the equipment. Uh so that'll be one of the last things that needs to be done. Uh but he is scheduling the delivery of the mulch. So we are going with a u a wood fiber like a composite uh that is truly a soft surface for our students. Um, so that is going to be coming in. Uh, again, if weather continues to cooperate with us, uh, we should be able to complete this in the very near future. Um, and lastly, uh, very, very happy to report about the SP Morton Spring Fling. Uh, that was held this past Saturday. Um, excellent turnout. Uh, we had approximately 400 people. Um, we had 20 vendors. Um, huge thank you to Aiden Now, uh, a nonprofit that helped us to organize this and make sure information got out.

042Um, they helped to coordinate with ODU Community Care. Um, and so when when participants came in, they all entered in through ODU, they were able to have some screenings if they chose. Um, Food Lion helped by providing meals for families who were present. So, every family left with a a bag full of groceries. uh to be able to fix a spaghetti dinner. Thank you to our JJV cheerleading squad who performed during the lunch period uh of the event. Um thank you to uh student services team members who were instrumental at check-in helping to keep track of of who was here and provide some direction. Um and also want to say thank you again to the Obese Healthcare Foundation for providing $5,000 for the purchase of new school supplies. So every child u who was present

043was able to get supplies to finish the year strong. So >> and I will be happy to answer any other questions that you might have. >> All right, folks. I'll see. >> You tried it. So um Okay. So when is the greenhouse going to be like completely done? because we used to be in there all the time when I don't do that when I was in school because I felt like you were going to look at me sideways, >> but we used to be in the greenhouse all the time. Yes. Um especially in science class with the teacher that we had growing plants and doing different things. So, at what point do we expect to be able to actually utilize the greenhouse for us veterans and the students? >> Sure. So, I'll say that we

044are still waiting on some materials. you in in that image you'll you'll remember seeing uh some materials have been delivered. We are still waiting uh for the remainder of those items to arrive. Uh but we do hope to be able to begin moving in and utilizing that space prior to the end of this school year. Several of our students um in clear choice are already starting to uh go through some of the practices that are going to be necessary for when they are able to use that space. Um so so that's what we're looking at. We're we're going to be able to pilot a few things prior to the end of this school year and then really kick things off at the beginning of next year. >> All right. Thank you all. >> Thank you,

045Dr. Walters. >> Dr. Carter, Madam Chair, school board members, and those assembled. Good evening. Good evening. Um I'm going to start out today by um presenting some more detail about the special revenue funds budget for next year and then I'll go into my normal monthly financial report. Uh my goal here is to provide clear picture of where we stand and what does that mean. First slide please. Last um board meeting I presented this slide and it um in response to board requests I'm prepared to provide additional detail on our special revenue funds. Next slide. Okay. So the expected uh special revenue fund for cafeteria um the expected revenue is $861,693 from all sources. So this slide presents a breakdown um of each of the expenditures and how they're allocated. Um we have compensation, salaries and

046benefits by each position, cafeteria bank charges, miscellaneous cafeteria materials, and then we have supplies and food cost for each school. Right, next slide. The other special revenue fund we have is a textbook fund and according to VDOE we can expect 161,527 and um there's literally one line item in that fund and that is textbook expenditures. So those two special revenue funds are self- sustaining. um we are able to roll that from one year to the next for continued use and there one thing we cannot do is use that to ease operational pressures. I'd be glad to entertain any questions on the special revenue. >> So just quickly on the cafeteria fund. So that's not based upon number of students. >> It is based on number of meals served. >> So it's number of meals served.

047I'm just surprised because again if our numbers I mean last year I mean we're down about it 40 students from last year. >> Is that correct? >> 58. Okay. >> So again just looking for next year's budget we're going up but that that's not based upon I mean still number of students would be the number of meals served right. >> Yes. >> So I mean again I'm just that's why I was just trying to understand if we're going up but our students are staying the same. Where is that extra cost coming from? And I can see your numbers. Is that just inflation? Is that why we're looking for that increased 15,000 >> on the salaries and benefits side? Um, you know, we we have to remain competitive. And on the supplies and materials side, we

048do have costs constantly increasing. Um, those costs just don't decline dollar for dollar with enrollment. >> Okay. Next, >> I have a question. >> Oh, back up. >> Wait, go back. Go back again. for the cafeteria. Is this also, this is just a question, um, didn't our freezers or something break down in our cafeterias and everything? >> So, there are some capital pieces that that we're addressing. Um, our cafeteria has actually done very well in terms of recouping reimbursement. Okay. Because the meals that we're serving are reimburseable meals like Mr. shared. Um there there are other projects that we're looking uh at implementing. For instance, uh this this summer we are looking to be able to send meals home to children. Those meals are also going to be reimbursable. Um we're going to be on

049a spending plan. We are addressing some capital needs including the chiller at FHS that is being replaced. Demo starts tomorrow. The new one is being placed on Monday. So there there are pieces that we are are addressing on the capital side relates to cafeteria. >> Okay. >> Thank you sir. >> Okay. Next slide. Um now we'll switch gears and go into the normal monthly financial report. Um this is our operating fund which um contains general fund and grant funds. And um I've presented fiscal year 24 and 25 results for comparison. Um when we look at our current year uh results, uh the FE fiscal year 26 budget is based on the city ordinance plus two budget amendments that have been approved both by the school board and by the city council. The actual numbers come

050directly out of our financial reporting system without modification. Uh we will be bringing two future budget amendments um to the school board and city council for consideration. One will be to reduce the state funding down to what we anticipate receiving based on our decline in enrollment and the other will be to increase the budget for our existing grants as well as our current year grants. This is our textbook fund. Um, our budget is 169,389 and we've spent 46,540 on that. For the nutrition fund, um, as Dr. Walters mentioned, um, we do continue to run a surplus in that account. Um, we do have that cash in the bank and VDOE only allows us to keep three months um, on hand at any one time. We have about four and a half right now. So part

051of that spending plan will be to address some of the capital needs and um capital needs. Next slide. And this is this brings us to this is what our overall total looks like. Um now many divisions are experiencing the same kind of financial result due to enrollment is declining statewide. Um each division will respond differently to that based on their um local priorities and funding capacity, but our primary concern will be to maintain um the program quality and operational stability uh during the times when we're having to manage limited resources. This is mainly a reflection of recurring costs versus recurring revenue. When will we get the final audit for 25? Is that going to come through? Do we have any understanding? >> The audit hasn't begun. >> Okay. >> So, I imagine it will be

052approximately 3 months after after it begins. >> Oh, it's a usually a year later than the actual time. So, 26, correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. Next, we'll go into our cash position. This month, in February, our inflows were 1.8 million. We spent 2 million. So, in February, we added to our $969,000 deficit by $132,9442. And this does coincide exactly with the treasur's office um calculations. Um we are working with city finance and appropriate people at the city to uh collaborative collaboratively work on ways we can address this issue and um financial projections of course come become more accurate the closer we get to year end. Um but I will be prepared to report on that progress in a future meeting. >> So you work closely with Dina with all these figures? >> Yes ma'am to

053the penny. Okay. So, what does this all mean? What is this telling us? Our expenses continue to outpace our revenues and that's going to require ongoing attention and probably strategic decisions. It is driven by fixed costs that do not decline proportionately with declining enrollment. There are also timing differences in state funding we have to spend before we get the funding and we do have ongoing operational uh commitments that we will have to honor. But we will continue to update the board transparently each month um and that way hopefully we can inform um better bud better board decisions. So something I know in past you've been able to show us is similar years like so last year we were able to see where we were last year this same period of time. >> Do we still

054have those numbers? I mean I'd love to see February's numbers from last year so I can compare and say are we way off or are we close to where we were? >> Um we know in in 24 we had a positive. We were okay. We did our budget fine. We ended up catching up at the end of the year. I I still would ask for that that we can seed those guidelines so we can say where were we last year, where were we the year before, are we similar or not? Because then that kind of gives more urgency to the problem. I mean, if we're we're 1.1 million right now in deficit, were we similar? Do you know last year? Was that similar to what we are this year? >> It's less than what we

055were last year. Okay. >> Um and we have some >> ongoing unreimbured expenditures that we are still working with the city to resolve. Um >> hopefully budgets are coming through. I understand we maybe got that coming this Monday. We'll hear about that that where we sit with those numbers, those un unreimbured. But yeah, in the future we could do that. That would help me just feel more comfortable about saying, "Oh yeah, well last year we were this way or we're better." Then maybe we're doing better. >> So I'll publish the fin the February result and I and moving forward I'll include that slide. >> Thank you. Appreciate that. >> I'll be happy to entertain any other questions. Thank you, Miss Morrison. >> Thank you. >> All right, Dr. Johnson, Madame Chair, >> uh to the

056board, to Dr. Carter to the citizens. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> I stand before you to talk about two things briefly and that is love and compassion. And that is we need love and compassion in our school system. and the staff is working with that for our students. It's something that it's needed. Without that love and compassion, we would have events like uh ODU experienced basically because basically we are dealing with delicate minds to develop them and our students need our help. I speak as an advocate, a community a advocate basically. They need our help with growth and development. For instance, uh the program spring fling is a very good program. This was my third year attending. Several of the board members attended. But what actually um gave me a serious reflection was that

057same stage that I sat on. I stood on that stage some years ago graduating from SP Mortyn Elementary School. Same stage, same same cafeteria, same environment. But then and even now, love and compassion was implemented for our students. And I know we talked about we talk about technical programs, CT programs, educational programs, title one programs, but without that intimate part that we all share, the board as well as the staff. That's the thing that gets us over to make the school system of the city of Franklin great because we need those programs. It was as it was stated over 400 people came out uh with with that program and it served the students well and I got a chance to share with them and talk with the students that were there and tell them I

058went to the same school that you're attending now and they looked at me in amazement as you as you can imagine but it's something to say I went there you and and and they're attending now. So basically it's a great situation if you look at that if you go back and it takes you down memory lane. Those are the things that help us to move the school system forward as well as the city forward. I expect great things out of the school system. I expect great things out of out of the city as well because now is the time to move forward to lay everything else aside and realize with the schools, it's not about us. It's about the students. With the city, it's not about us. It's about helping our community. Those things is

059what we need. to move our city forward. And and with the part of the school system, there are some programs that we'll be developing that I'm I'm not going to speak about now, but in the very near future that the school system will be a part of that program to help drive our city to where it needs to be. Growth and development. Growth and development is very important. for for us. And we are all learning. That's the thing. None of us are geniuses. None of us We're all learning. So, we make mistakes, but we learn from our mistakes. We move forward and we get the job done for our children. And I would just like to say that Dr. Carter, bringing the programs in uh to our system is very important that we embrace them,

060work together to make this a great atmosphere in the city of Franklin. And I would ask the board that you would consider and and we need you to extend this contract uh to move forward because without without that doing something else would only put us years behind. uh one of the programs and some of the programs that are doing uh I looked at um in Germany because I'm on the board the workforce council board and with the workforce council board we went out uh to Germany and and looked at some of the same programs and some of the same programs that we're implementing and doing here has been successful and that's what we need. So I ask and I ask those are in support of Dr. Carter to please stand at this time for the

061extension of his contract. >> Thank you. >> Dr. Johnson, can I ask you a quick question? >> Yes. >> I've been told we put our money where our mouth is at. >> Correct. Um, we as a division have the lowest in our area from our locality paying for our schools. We have the lowest percentage in our area. >> Yes. >> How can we as a board and as a community help our city council change that percentage? Is there anything we can do? >> Um, yes. I think by we have a meeting, we sat down and we iron out our problems, differences because I'm in support I I know you were funded the minimum. That was not my decision. I would if it was just me. I would I would give it more. But it it's

062coming back because if you if you do the minimum part, we cannot be successful. We need to address the situation. We need to sit down together and and just uh have a meeting, iron everything out, and you present your side and and we'll we'll listen because one of one of my things is the schools and the and the council must work together. They must work together to have a good relationship to build a a situation with the city that is that is successful. Without that, we're missing some parts. I I agree with you. We need to put our money where where our mouths is because um you should have more. It it takes that economically to grow anything now and to be successful. And without those funds, there's a lack in growth. So, uh, I

063I get it. I understand where you're coming from. I'm I'm glad you point that out. And anything I can do, just let me know. Do you feel the community understands where we sit as a school division at school division and the level of funding we're having to work with? Do you think the community understands how limited we are, how our hands are being tied? >> Uh, no. >> So, how do we help the community see that? So they're filling this up or they're filling up the city chambers at city council meetings to say look our kids are not being funded in their education not like other divisions are >> right I I think it's it's an educational process that we uh for instance um one of the programs that Dr. kind of did was boots

064on the ground basically which I was a part of that. We need more of that basically to touch bases with our community as well as not only the school division but the council as well. Uh, I would be in favor of formulating a meeting like a town hall meeting and just meet with our citizens to let them know what the situation is and how important it is and and money is needed uh to move forward because we live in a in a situation now economically that is tough. I I talked with some people uh this evening, constituents and where they get limited amounts of funding and they still have to pay their bills. And I'm not going to go into that tonight, but I'm working on some things that I've been to Washington um and

065the Senate building and talked to some of the senators and so forth a and some more uh Congress people uh to get some funding for Franklin and some help. So, we're working to get um help on the way to help our situation because we don't realize the severity of the need and and that's why I say meeting the need of of of our people citizens. It's important without that uh we we get in a bad situation and we don't want that. It's not only the schools, but it's some things that have to be done and and I I'll address that later in at another time, but there's some things in place that will be done to revitalize uh our community because it's important. There's just some things, transportation is one. I bought in the food

066bank um to meet that need, but transportation is one 5311 program. People need to get to the doctors. People are are being are not going to the doctor and becoming more ill. Um that's a problem. We don't have the facilities here to meet the needs of our We have a hospital, but it doesn't do everything. So, individuals have to go to Virginia Beach, uh, Smithfield, Suffuk, and other areas. And that's one of my goals is to push uh to develop transportation uh to get them there. And and I'll I'll get into more of that before city council. I can speak some on it. Uh the city council before we approved that, but it fell through the cracks. So, We're picking that back up to make that the priority uh for for our citizens. But that

067um I agree with you. I understand where you're coming from. That that's a good question. We we need to meet that challenge without that. Uh and it's our responsibility because at the end of the day, it it affects our students as well as our citizens. So, let's work together hand in hand to make and create what we need uh to make this community what it needs to be. I thank you. Any other questions? >> Dr. Johnson, you're one of our biggest advocates and have been for many years. Uh and we certainly appreciate that. But to support what Dr. Harrison just said, I I keep those numbers in my head all the time. Franklin sends 13% of their budget to the school system. Southampton County 32%. Alawite 28%. Even Greensville County 21%. >> And Franklin is

06813%. >> Yes, >> we have a lot of work to do with that. >> I agree. Um That was a thing even when we did the budget before and when it came up with that I I said it should be more uh it has to be more and I will still fight for you basically uh to make it more because that's one of the reasons we are where we are now because of that it takes finance and I was just listening to the reports that you were talking about and and the vice chair what you brought out in Miss Bailey about uh you had one bill and another with more finance we can do more things but uh it's it's still escalating but we need to figure out a way to get that uh back

069in place because if not um we'll all have some problems and we don't need There are ways there there are government grants. There are things to reach out for to get it done. We just need to work together. Uh when I went to Washington and and and some more places, I talked to some people that are reassured that we can get some things. We just need to uh put it together. And so working together, we can make that happen. But not working together, we can't do a thing. A house divided >> cannot stand. >> Will not stand. >> But together we stand. Divided we fall. And we're we're not going to fall. We didn't come this far for failure. We are we are successful and and we can move forward. This I know. I trust

070the citizens. I love the citizens. I trust them. I know they will come together and support us on this as well as looking at the board as well as council. That's what we need to do. That's what we must do. We have to do that. Without that is nothing but failure. And and we don't need that. We are too intelligent to fail. Thank you. >> I just want to um address something that you had not you Dr. Car, not you Dr. Johnson. No, praise God. No, you're fine. Um just something that you had asked Reed about the citizens u the community. Do they understand where we at? We have a lot of smart, educated, intelligent citizens. Some of them a lot a lot of people do understand. So I don't want to leave here discounting

071what our community understands. We have people who are in the teaching field and every other field there are and I don't want to discount it. They do understand what a lot of them do. Especially in my ward I get calls from my ward and other people's wards and they do understand exactly where we're at. They're just in dis they're not in agreement with everything. Something like what Dr. Johnson said. They understand they are not in agreement where where this p piece of money is going or that piece of money is going old term my grandmother used. So they do understand they're in disagreement with certain things and yes uh meeting of the mind so forth does need to happen but I don't want to discount our community on their understanding. Believe me this community uh

072this group right here understands quite quite quite well what what is going on. >> Dr. Ricky. >> Right. Good evening again. >> This evening, we are pleased to recognize a group of students with the prestigious blue and gold award tonight. And as you can look around, you will see some of their art that the students have been working on displayed. And also, we have a picture um of their work as well. Their pieces reflect creativity, effort, and a willingness to express themselves in a meaningful way. We also recognize them for their commitment to themselves and also to their artwork in general. We also want to recognize their teacher, Miss Daisy Edwards. Can you stand, Miss Edwards? This is Miss Edward's first year teaching and we thank her for opening up a a space where her

073students feel encouraged and and willingness to share their work. We also want to I also want to give Miss Edwards another special thank you because she also hosted a um paint paint night with cocoa hot cocoa for staff and we had an excellent time with her leading us in that moment as well. So we want to thank you. So we thank her for her commitment to Franklin City Public Schools. She's going to come forward and she has something to share and we also going to be presenting her student her students with awards. >> Okay. Good evening. I am Daisy Edwards. I'm not a public speaker, so this is going to be quick. I am one of the art teachers at Franklin High School and it is truly an honor to recognize a few of my

074incredibly talented and creative students. Students I've had the pleasure of teaching and guiding over the past couple of months. Each of these students consistently goes above and beyond demonstrating dedication, growth, and a genuine passion for their work. Their creativity shines through everything they create, and it has been inspiring watching them develop their artistic voices. The artwork they are sharing today is a wonderful mix of pieces they each selected themselves. Some have created drawings using charcoal and graphite and one student chose to bring in a beautiful painting of a candle. Each piece reflects their unique perspective and creativity. I also want to thank everyone in this room for coming to support the students and for showing your encouragement of their passion for creating. Finally, I want to express how proud I am not only of their

075accomplishments in art, but of the thing of the thoughtful, hardworking, and remarkable young people they are becoming. Thank you, Shay. Unfortunately, some of our students aren't here for sports events, but Christian Taylor is also not here. Crockett. A little bit fun. All right. Wow. stand. I'm going to ask the teacher's name again. >> Dr. Ricks, before you go any further, we have um the vice chair has presented a question. She'd like to know with each one of the students, can can we actually frame their pictures? >> Yes. >> And have them framed and then present it to them? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> That would be nice. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> At this time, we're going to have Mr. Creekmer. He's going to come forward and he's going to share our grand opening

076of the JP King Beauty and Skills Academy. >> Greetings, Madame Chair, school board members, >> Superintendent Dr. Carter. Hello >> FCPS staffs, community members, and families. My name is Jonathan Creekmer, director of Joseph P. King Career and Technical Academy, and I'm with my cosmetology teacher, Mrs. Lawrence. Um, it's my pleasure to present a qualitative report on a major milestone in the JPK cosmetology and barbering program. the grand opening of a cosmetology lab where students can obtain the necessary work-based learning experiences that will lead to effective practice to pass the state board exam and potentially launch them into a career in the field of barbering and or cosmetology. This project began in July of 2025. We searched the entire city originally looking for an existing salon to partner with us so that students will be able

077to obtain the work hours necessary to earn certification. After weeks of searching and not being successful, we decided to pivot in search for spaces that were not being utilized and rebrand them for purposes of providing realworld experiences for our students. Mr. Murphy, my league custodian, provided me with a reference name of someone he knew in the community. Her name was Mrs. Rosa Lawrence. When I met Mrs. Lawrence, she immediately expressed the desire to give back to the city of Franklin and to the youth of the city. She, her daughter, and her husband worked diligently to ensure renovations and improvements were made, and Franklin City Public Schools maintenance crew was very dedicated to this process. This was a collaborative effort between the public school system and residents with a history of devotion to the progress and

078development of Franklin City. The grand opening was centered on community building, community mentorship, and student pride. The community showed up for us to offer their unwavering support of our students and programs. Mrs. Rosa Lawrence has done a phenomenal job, not only with teaching the content of cosmetology and barbering, but with grooming our students to speak and interact in a professional manner. I would now like to bring forth Mrs. Lawrence to expand on the grand opening event. Good afternoon, >> Dr. Carter, Dr. Rex, and our esteemed school board members. Thank you so much for participating at our grand opening. >> Yes, ma'am. >> JP King Vocational Center has had a significant milestone to all of us here at our cosmetology and Barbin Vocational Lab in Franklin, Virginia. As we gather to celebrate our new facility, I

079want to take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought us. This school is this lab is not just a building. It's a community, a hub of creativity and a large a land a launch pad for future professionalism in the beauty and barbering industry. Each one of us of you has chosen a path that is vibrant and ever involving. You are stepping into a world where artistry meets skill. Where your hands were sharp not ju shape not just hair and beauty but also confidence and self-expression in others. Our dedicated facility faculty is here to guide you, sharing your knowledge and experience to help you horn your craft. The tools and resources availability to you in this new facility are designed to foster your growth and inspire your creativity. We believe in your potential

080and are committed to providing you with a rich learning environment where you can thrive. As you embark on the journey, remember the beauty industry is about more than just appearance. It's about making connections, uplifting others, and contributing to the community. Embrace every opportunity, learn from every challenge, and most importantly, support one another. Let's make this lab a place where innovation flourish, friendship, and for and dreams and realize together we will shop, shape the future of beauty and barbering in Franklin and beyond. Thank you so much for your participation. Thank you for encouraging our students. They are beginning to see the light. Thank you everyone that have done donations to the um to the program. Thank you, Miss Murphy, for donating your products back to the program. Just send your love to these students so they

081can achieve a great goal by going out and learning their skills and going back to earn their degree at state board. Thank you. >> And if we could progress through the slides, um this was a sign produced by a local vendor. We're keeping everything in Franklin City. Vic signs made the sign that's outside of the cosmetology lab. Next slide. This is um a dedication to our maintenance and operations employees. We they put together equipment. They hooked up uh the wash bowls and um the electrical equipment. And so it was a team effort and we wanted to um honor the the maintenance staff for all the hard work that they did. This is Mrs. Rosa Lawrence, our fabulous cosmetology teacher who has really revamped the program and she came in. It's a larger story that I

082won't tell today, but it was really a connection that we made when I came to just look at the space and then ended up reaching back to her to see if she would be interested in taking over the program and she really has um shaped the program in a mighty way. Next slide. This is Mrs. Lawrence with um two of our barbaran students, Jaquin Williams and Rousan Ricks. And then Miss Lawrence with her cousins who came out to support the event that day. Dr. Carter delivered a brief speech on the initial vision of the CTE Academy and then where we are now. And one of the quotes he said is that this is what it's all about just about our students and about the pride that the students exhibited on that day and also about

083the amount of community support that we had. >> Mrs. Lawrence was present presented with the Franklin City Public Schools prestigious blue gold award that day that was presented um with alongside assistant superintendent Dr. Ricks and school board chairperson Mrs. Boone. This is a picture of the cosmetology students with Dr. Carter, myself, Dr. Ricks in front at the grand opening and you can just see the pride on their faces. the the grand opening was also covered by the Tidewater News in which we were on the front page of the Tidewater News >> and this is success because uh we were trying to decide who was going to actually cut the ribbon and one of our students very mildly she's a not very mild in terms of her demeanor very outspoken young lady >> but in that

084moment we heard her in the back say can I do it and we said sir Certainly. And look at the pride on her face just being the one to cut the ribbon for the grand opening. So that is a successful moment for our CT Academy and our program, our cosmetology and barbering program. And so what does the future hold? The future holds workbased learning in the cosmetology lab which the students are there two days a week and studying for the state board exam. We are excited to expand our work-based learning experiences for the students. We encourage all in the community to support our students and schedule a live a visit to our lab for service. We do charge a nominal fee to cover cost of materials and supplies. Ultimately, the goal is for our students

085to become proficient in their techniques to gain the necessary knowledge to pass the state board exam and earn their industry certification in the field of barbering or cosmetology. This is yet another example of the hard work that our teachers, our staff, and the community has put forth um under the banner of the JPKTE Academy. We would like to present the school board with a copy of the program and the backstory to Mrs. Lawrence and her father as a qualitative example of the connection between community and the school division. Thank you so much for your attention and have a good night. >> Thank you. Um, madam madam chair. >> Yes. >> So, I'm liking looking at this. Um, I didn't get to make the grand opening on Thursday, >> but I went by there on Wednesday

086as the students were getting their stations prepped and um they were very, very, very excited about their grand opening. Um, I talked to the guys a little bit. Then I went to the salon side and I got to talk to the ladies and um I know I have probably three appointments already scheduled. Eyelashes, uh hair wash, uh some braids times two. Um and you know what though, to see the to see the joy that they had on their faces, right? To do something that they love cuz I talked to them to find out what their specialties were. What do you like to do? Right? Um, and you know, on my head I'm like, okay, I got to figure out how I'm going to make this thing work, right? But I completely believe in supporting what

087it is that they're doing. I like that is not something to take lightly by any means, especially partnering with such a staple in our community. This that family business goes back generations. I was a little little girl going in there with my grandmother to get her hair done. Um, so it hits home a lot and then to see that business partnering with us to give those kids what it is that they need and just to give them a spark, to give them something different, like I'm really happy and I'm excited. So, I'm going to um I'm going to give I'm going to go get some some things done. Like, yeah, I'm going to go get some things done. But, you know what? But it's also one of those things where they learn that how they

088going to learn if there's nobody in their chair to cut. How are they going to learn there's nobody there for them to to And she didn't say, "Uh, can I wash your hair?" She didn't say that to me. She said, "Can I shampoo your hair?" I said, "Okay, correct terminology, right? But how else are they going to learn if people don't pour into them or give them that opportunity?" So, just for the love of the kids, period, take advantage of what it is that they have and what they're offering. So when y'all see me with my braids, you know what I mean? Just know that's one of them babies at the CTE center that did it for me. >> Just quick question. Do they perform miracles? Because I could really use some help. >> I

089mean, if they can do something here, some semi miracles, Dr. Harrison, we can't regrow hair, but we can we we can we can tighten you up a little bit. Okay, we got you. Just come on down. We'll do I'll come down. We do analysis and we um >> we'll see in the next schoolboard meeting what y'all do. >> We do a consultation. You can be one of our We did have some clients came in today and we had some clients on Tuesday. So, come on down. The kids are trained to do a consultation with you to find out what your needs are and then we take it from there. Um, >> and we also want to just share as well that these are our level two cosmetology students because first they have to go through

090the book the book component pass that that level one before they get the lab experience which is level two. And we honored to have kids that committed and completed one. Now they're working on two leading to that certification. And that's what it's about. So once again, let's give our CTE team a hand. appreciate their work. And at this time, we have another special presentation. Last board meeting, we shared um a video from the capital with our board and community. And tonight, we have Dr. Wilkins here and his lovely wife, Miss Wilkins, who's going to have a have a presentation to share with you of how they're going to be partnering with the Franklin City Public Schools. >> Good evening. I'm coming in on the the back end of celebrating the CTE program. When I saw

091them up here presenting, it hit my heart as well because I serve as the uh barber instructor for the city of Portsmith. So to celebrate the CTE program for the city of of Franklin, it just really really, you know, hit my heart. Um but but good evening. Good evening to Dr. Carter. >> Good evening. >> Um Madame Chair, uh the distinguished members of the school board, the administrators, and the staff who are here. My name is Carl Wilkins and I am the pastor of the mount at suffuk. I am also the co-founder and the founder of cutting his image ministry. To date, our organization proudly serves the seven cities of Hampton Roads as well as Alawite County and Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Our mission is to positively impact youth and families through mentorship, exposure, education,

092and community building initiatives. Currently, we facilitate four major initiatives each year. One, promise, uniquely special. Promise is a prom experience specifically designed for special need population of students across Hampton Roads. Recognizing that many local schools are unable to fully accommodate th these students at traditional proms, we created a space where they can experience this important right of passage. We provide formal attire at no cost to the student and ensure they enjoy a safe, celebratory, and affirming evening designed just for them. Two, sneakers from a preacher. This initiative partners with local pastors with students from alternatives and title one schools throughout Hampton Roads. This event centers around mentorship, relationship building through a community basketball game where pastors and students engage together. Each participating student receives a brand new pair of sneakers reinforcing the message that they

093are valued, supported, and seen. Three professional development trips. This trip is specifically designed for school students and focuses on professional growth and life skills. Each year, students travel to a new location where they are taught essential tools such as professional dress, job interviewing skills, communication, etiquets, and professional hygiene. Every student receives a full professional outfit, including shoes and grooming services at no cost throughout the experience. Professionalism and motivational speakers empower and encourage them to envision a future filled with opportunity. Number four, yearly exposure trips. This init initiative targets special specific groups of students such as athletic teams, trade school students, and other focused population and expose them to opportunities beyond the Commonwealth of Virginia. Whether related to their sport, trade or academic interest, the goal is to broaden their perspective. By stepping outside of the

094current environment, students are encouraged to dream bigger, employe possibilities, and recognize their potential beyond what they see daily. In addition, these core programs will maintain smaller but impactful initiatives. We partner with local school districts to provide food, clothing, and school supplies to students and teachers. We collaborate with community and city organizations to serve special needs and homeless population. We also work to help strengthen relationship between young people and law enforcements by creating opportunities for positive, healthy interactions. In all of our efforts, our overarching goal is to develop young people and help reduce the combat violence within our communities. We firmly believe that mentorship, exposure, and consistent positivity reinforces our foundational steps in helping young people shift their thinking and make healthier choices. Furthermore, we are committed to fostering constructive relationships between youth and law enforcement

095to ease tension, build trust, and ultimately help keep our children and community safe. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to share the work that we're doing and the heart behind it. We look forward to continue to serve this community and support the students and families of this community. In conclusion, if you would allow me, I have submitted two prepared videos for your review. Another great day, y'all. I want to thank those in our community who responded to the call. As you can see, we touched the lives there. This is just the beginning. We just don't want to put these guys at night without being particular. Exposure is everything. You can go only as far as you can see. >> Yeah, man. I love stuff like this, man. Seeing people give back to the community

096and what Pastor Carl is doing is just it's a true test, you know. It's close and dear to my heart. Just, you know, giving back to kids in general is just what it's all about. You know, seeing things like this and having the kids being able to experience it being something different happened in this city and it's because of what's happening in this room. Y'all leave out this this locker room and y'all going to win games and all that. Next year, man, y'all going to set a standard because you going to be walking in looking different. And when you look different and you feel different, it shows on the basketball court. You're getting what it is at the next level. So what we're doing is we're putting the jacket on the manage setting standard for

097everything that comes after wearing he take the jacket off and charge the person that comes with that's the legacy of what you guys want to thank everybody superintendent staff speaker of the house John Scott his team uh delegate and all the the partners in the community who made this movie happen. >> It was just another opportunity to show our young people that there is great >> them to be back together as a team and experience this together. >> This is a beautiful moment to celebrate the boys. I think it's really good to put teams in spaces for those that deserve to see and get honored in places like this. Just makes them even more motivated to keep going. It keeps the drive up. It keeps the passion alive. And so I think this is a

098very special event that they're more and welldeserved. If you ever been to Franklin, Virginia, you would understand how important this is for them. >> This is such a moment. We did it again. something different. for being here for the rest of our lives. >> Look, we always say church is supposed to change and again without you. We'll see y'all on another A great friend once told me, "If you don't know where you're going in life, every path you take will get you there." Many didn't think it was possible. >> It wasn't going to change anything. Well, We got you. You made it. Guess what? They lied. There was a change that took place. It changed my community. I think it's great for schools in that car. You see today I realize that there are people

099who believe therefore Today I saw that many. I saw >> and now I want nothing. Nothing will stop me from having you see dreams are possible. The only dream that does not manifest are the ones you do not have. I was exposed to something different today. Therefore, because I want something instead of looking over the horizon, I stood in the horizon. Oh, what a beautiful place to be. They show me that they can. It takes great dedication, great commitment. You got to be relentless, determined to overcome determined to face any challenge or any obstacle or any advers you have to dream. You have to keep pushing. You have to keep every step in the right direction. So make every step count. I'm standing up. I'm sorry. I'd like to say thank you. Thank you. Thank

100you very much. I appreciate you. Thank you. >> Yes, that was amazing. That was amazing. I would love for the board to consider an outsider just coming in trying to help. I just believe it's going to take all of us to change the direction of the of the next generation. >> Yes. >> Now, as I always say, y'all, we can't save them all. >> Let's save the ones we can. Sometimes just changing one, saving one >> is a lot. >> That's all it take is one. So, thank you all for giving me the opportunity to share my heart. Not only that, but the work that I'm doing. I would love to continue the partnership with >> the city of Franklin, Dr. Carter, school board, and any way that I can be a help and an

101assistant, I I I'm here. So, again, thank you all for your time. >> Thank you. Thank you. Madam chair, that concludes my report. >> Okay, >> next we have the consent agenda. >> Madame Chair, I move that we approve the work session minutes for February 5th, 2026. Second reading. >> I'll second it. >> With that motion and that second, do we have a discussion? with that motion and that second. We did have an absentee that day if I'm correct. Miss Bailey was not here. I remember you saying something about the fence. Were you here? You here? Okay. I knew it was something. I didn't know what. With that being said, Mr. Grant, >> yay. >> Miss Barker, >> I. >> Miss Bailey, >> I. >> Miss Boon, I >> I >> Dr. Harrison, >> can

102I say I even though I missed most of it? I can approve the minutes. >> Yes. Okay, I did. So, yeah. I >> Madam Chair, I also request approval of the regular meeting minutes for February 19th, second reading, 2026. >> I'll second that. >> F that motion and that second. Do we have any discussion? >> Mr. Grant? >> I. Miss Parker. >> I >> Miss Bailey. >> Hi, >> Miss Boon. I >> I >> Dr. Harrison. >> Hi. >> 3.3 school board session meeting minutes for March 5th is the first reading. So, we will come back for that one. Now, we will be entering into close session. In accordance with 2.2-3711 of the code of Virginia, I move that the Franklin City School Board enter into a close session to discuss and evaluate matters related

103to supplemental employment, promotion, resignation, termination, and superintendent evaluation pursuant to Virginia Code section 2.2 3711 Alpha 1. >> Second. with that motion. Any discussion? Motion and a second. Mr. Grant >> I. >> Miss Parker. >> I. >> Miss Bailey. >> I. >> Miss Boon. I >> Mr. >> Hi. >> Dr. Harrison. >> Hi. >> Close session. There it is. The closed session has concluded. We are now returning to open session. I would like to entertain a motion to come out of close session. >> I so move. >> I'll second that. >> With the motion and the second, we'll now vote. Mr. Grant. >> Yay. >> Parker. I >> Bailey >> I >> Boon I Halt >> I >> Dr. Harrison >> yes >> certification by >> where is the Franklin City School Board has convened

104a close meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and where is section 2.2-3712 2-3712 point delta of the code of Virginia requires a certification by this school board that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law and now therefore be it resolved that the Franklin City School Board hereby certifies that to the best of each member's knowledge one only public business matters lawfully exempted by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which the certification applies and two only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered. >> A second >> with that motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Mr. Grant. >> I. >> Miss Parker.

105>> I. >> Miss Bailey. >> I. >> Boone. I. Mr. Holt. >> I. >> Dr. Harrison. >> Yes. >> Madame Chair, I move that we approve the personnel agenda as presented. >> I'll second that. >> With the motion. and the second of the of the what any discussion with the motion and the second of the personal agenda. Mr. Grant >> I >> Parker >> I >> Bailey >> I >> Boon I hope >> I >> Dr. Harrison. We now move into school board um citizens time this evening for citizens time. Can Miss Carolyn Lawrence please come? Good evening. >> Good evening. I think >> um at the last meeting I'm going to touch on some things that was said and it really touched me 67 years in my community. Carter calling the community members cheesy

106is a significant red flag indicating a lack of respect, cultural misalignment and poor leadership which this behavior creates a lack of trust and you wonder why the community is not involved as much as they are. People see things, people talk like we talk. Favoritism and exclusion. You have a preferred circle and not treating the rest of the community. You're treating the rest of the community as outsiders. Micromanagement, overcontrolling the staff, poor communication, withholding information, or failing to engage in honest, open dialogue with stakeholders. condescending and disrespectful language referring to the community with the demissive label cheesy, smallminded. I'm whaleminded. Uh why not you engage professionally? Um I want to talk about u Dr. Man last schoolboard meeting. I was not informed of the investigation of the allegation. I got accused of no email, no phone

107call, no footage, no nothing. I haven't done anything that some of these people sitting here have done. Nothing in my record. But again, I got treated like a criminal. But now I'm going become a small operator because I'm doing some things on my own and I've got some things in place and I'm going continue to push continue to push and I just want you all what I have in this folder is very powerful and as of tomorrow I'm going to continue to do my research and my homework. Thank you. Can we now hear from Miss Chelsea Chewing? Did I say her name right? >> Hi, I'm Chelsea Chuning, as I'm sure you guys are already aware. Um, my only purpose here today is for documentation purposes. Um, I have prepared a statement. Uh, I'm a

108parent in this district and I'm placing on the public record serious concerns about systemic failures and how this district handles the safety, rights, and education of students with disabilities. As I'm sure you're aware, OCR sent a notice to the district to investigate today and BDOE found the district out of compliance for all of my allegations except for one, which I appealed. This is not just about one child or one classroom. This is about patterns. Failure to notify parents, failure to investigate incidents, lack of transparency, and lack of accountability when concerns are raised. We are talking about preschool age children in early childhood special education. Children who are non-verbal or minimally verbal, children who cannot tell their parents what happened to them. Those are the most vulnerable students in this district. I'm aware of ongoing concerns

109involving that classroom, including reports from multiple families and actions involving staff. And yet parents were not notified in a timely or transparent way. That is not a small failure. That is a breakdown of trust and responsibility. This is not just a procedural. This raises serious civil rights concerns. When disabled children are in environments where incidents are not reported and parents are not informed, that raises concerns about safety, access, and equal protection. I am also aware of concerns from families who feel discouraged from speaking up after raising concerns. Parents should not feel afraid to advocate for their children. Approximately one in six children has developmental uh disability. That is a significant portion of your student population. A lack of training in autism behavior and communication leads to misinterpretation, inappropriate responses, and potential harm. My son has

110now been out of school for three days, not by choice, but because a district has not provided a clear plan to ensure his safety or response to the state under idea. He has a right to a free appropriate public education. That is fake. A program cannot be appropriate if a parent cannot safely send their child. At this point, this reflects a failure to ensure safety, communicate transparently, and provide a plan moving forward. I am asking for clear documented uh answers. What occurred in that classroom? Why were parents not notified? What actions have been taken? and what changes will be implemented to ensure this does not happen again anywhere in this district. This is not limited to one classroom. This requires districtwide accountability. The ADA was passed 30 years ago on March 13th and required people

111to throw themselves out of their wheelchairs and climb up the Capitol steps to show people what equal access looks like. And these are the challenges that we face every single day. Thank you. There is time. All right. I want to say good evening to uh Mr. Chair, uh Vice Chair, Miss Bailey, and the rest of the council. Um I am I thought it was bad enough. I was getting ready to say, you know, I'm really appalled by the fact that our children are started coming out of these schools not being able to read, write, and do arithmetic. You know, that was bad. But I've just heard this young lady and I saw on TV today where her child was possibly restrained in a chair that was out loud outlawed in the state of Virginia. And

112I've talked to other couple other parents who have the same allegations. So, this is really disturbing. And I was at a meeting not too long ago when I had a a parent to come up and say that her child had been abused. And I think Dr. Carter signal somebody out here to take note and find out what was going on when she said that she had already reported it and nobody had gotten back with her. I want to know what's the purpose of the school board. If y'all are not going to follow up on what you're supposed to be doing, then we have a problem. Dr. Carter is not the board. He's the superintendent. Y'all have responsibility for his actions. You can get rid of him or keep him, but let me tell you, the

113blood is on y'all. You know, I wondered a while back cuz I was planning on getting a lawyer and suing y'all, but my law my God told me to stand down because that's funny. I was going to have to waste. You know what? Y'all getting rid of yourselves. I don't have to do a thing. Actually, these people that's been coming out here week after I mean month after month, week after week, whatever. We had a meeting that's been advocating for these children. You know what? They might they can just stop because y'all are doing what you have to do to get rid of yourselves and Dr. Carter, I'm appalled at you. You said earlier that the we had been uh embarrassing and talking ugly to the board. Well, let me tell you that my respect

114is given to people who give respect. And outside of that, forget it. Good evening members of the board. Uh Dr. Carter, uh per the VDOE website, Franklin now ranks last in the state for math. second to the last in the state for reading and second to last in the state for science. When those assessments are averaged together, Franklin actually ranks last in the state. Would love to see a rebuttal, though. Dr. Carter made statements that the division was in distress prior to arriving. I checked the VTO the other day for accreditation and accountability. All three schools were accredited just prior to the pandemic when he arrived. While the pandemic brought challenges, FCPS was one of the few schools that did not recovery like the majority of the others in the state. Franklin was met with

115adversity, just didn't have the light right leader at the helm to actually address it. When asked whether student perform uh whether student performance declined by Mr. Kent, uh Dr. Carter stated it had not. However, state data indicates reading and math have declined for three consecutive years. I want to remind the board and central office that they continue misrepresenting data in lying because you all allow it. And by allowing it, you have endorsed it. Now, let's talk about the improvement plan from last meeting. You reference high quality instructional materials and evidence-based strategies. Those are vague buzzwords that have no meaning when you didn't define them. It emphasizes tier one instruction for students with disabilities, but we've seen already how you treat them. Um, those students require tier 2 and three interventions in the MTmss system. So,

116it's clear central office doesn't actually understand MTSS. Um, by approving that improvement plan, you are saying you have no intention to provide small groupoup instruction and no intention to make individualized uh interventions for students. You are only going to improve whole group instruction because that is the what you approved whether you want to or not. Now FCPS ranks last in the state for math. Your solution I literally had to control my laughter when I heard that. That is an embarrassment to every one of you up there and you should all resign for actually signing off on it because it shows you know nothing about educational policy. Saying you're going to fix a 29% ranking in math when you're last in the state with which is a supplement is the most laughable thing. my educational experience

117has ever encountered. All right, I'm guessing this plan was only created to check a box for compliance because there is no way you actually intend to use it and get any results. Shame on the board for approving it. And I demand you guys go back and make a proper plan that may actually produce results. When can the board expect um the to review of current benchmark data? By the way, you provided around this time last year. We haven't seen it yet. You're doing so well. Show us. Um why did you not include science improvement on your improvement plan? Um they're tanking second last in the state. We don't know anything about that. Um lastly, four board members shared recently that the superintendent um gave you gave the superintendent your endorsement. You said you've been in

118the schools, you've seen the good work, you know everything going on. Dr. Johnson gave us a glo glow endorsement with Dr. Carter. Um apparently he gets unlimited time to speak with the mayor camp. Um by the way, he's going to probably run for mayor. That's why he's so pre prevalent lately. Y'all catch the 5:00 PM news. By the way, um with a legal cost coming, I suggest you craft a letter to the um city council because you're going to need a lot more funding to pay that lawsuit. Thank you. I have one, Madame Chair. Um, I've corresponded with one me member of city council uh who frequently votes against funding of our schools. Most recently, that person voted against a $75,000 gift from a foundation to do some work at our middle elementary school. That

119person voted against $152,000 VDO grant to provide extra tutoring for students in math. The city of Franklin, we learned earlier tonight, gives the school system 13% of its budget to the school system compared to 32% at Southampton, 28% Na White, 21% in Greensville. I I think it's it's sad that we have someone on our city council who says this. I promise myself and my colleagues I will not vote for another dollar going to a dysfunctional school system. >> Sad. >> Shouldn't all of this be said at a city council meeting, not a schoolboard meeting? Tell city council themselves. We need to say this to city council, not a school board meeting. >> I've communicated that to the city manager. >> This is still not the forum. >> Uh yes. Um is this comment time, Christina?

120Is this our comment time? >> Everyone's comments didn't fall on deaf ears from the beginning from what Dr. Johnson said right down to the last person. There was a lot of love. There was a lot of concern. Everything did not fall on death ears. No matter what you may or may not believe. I am well informed of this community and I love this community. It takes a village to raise a child. In this village raised my child. It takes a village to to to work, to do everything. So, I thank God for each person in this room. I'm going to say it again. We have smart, articulate, hardworking tradesmen, businessmen, um doctors, lawyers, uh everything in this room, military. So, I thank God for our whole community. One of the things I do believe in

121is fairness. Dr. Johnson did ask for everyone who supported Dr. Carter to stand up. At the same time, someone should have said everybody who doesn't support Dr. Carter and want a new regime to stand up. What you do on one hand, you must do on the other for this community. We cannot be one-sided. All of us have personal opinions. You can't change a personal personal opinions. You cannot change a person's personal opinion. Excuse me. But facts don't change what the facts are. The facts are. So when we say one one group stand up, if you support Dr. Carter, okay, you stood up. If you didn't support Dr. Carter, you needed that opportunity to stand as well. I am not the chair. I'm just a vice chair. So, I do have to state that I am

122not the parliamentarian in control of this meeting, but that should have got stated from someone. You all have a blessed night. I I do have another announcement. When we were going through over what our city council gives the school board and what they don't, we have to be comp care careful when we compare them. Comparing them to Olive White, they have way more students than we do. Comparing them to Southampton, they have way more students than we do. Could we at least when we're in these meetings, go ahead and present things equally, not just one-sided. Whether it's from this board, whether it's from somebody who works for central office, whether it's from the community, whether it's from city council, any of us who present, can we present both sides of things? Let's keep things equal

123at this point. Again, good night. Don't get up. A motion. I move that we adjourn. >> Second discussion. with any discussion with the motion. All in favor? Kent >> I. >> Parker. >> Hi. >> Bailey. >> I >> Boon. I >> I >> Dr. Harrison. >> Meeting adjourned.