001All right. At this time, we would like to welcome everyone to our Monday, December 15th, 2025 Greensville County School Board meeting uh to order. Clerk, if you can call the role. >> Board Chair Jesse >> Pier. Vice Chair Pearson >> here. >> Mrs. Roberts >> here. >> Mrs. Reed Moore >> here. >> A quorum has been established. >> Thank you. Um, next up, we're seeking a motion to approve our agenda. >> So, move. >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly second. All those in favor make a note by saying I. >> I. I. >> Opposed. The eyes have it. That motion carries. Next up is our um invocation. If everybody would please bow. Uh dear Lord, thank you so much for bringing these wonderful people together this evening. Um we are so grateful for
002the season. We are so grateful for the reason. Uh and we hope that you stay monitoring us Lord to make sure that we keep the kids and every decision that not only that we make but our community makes. In your name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. Um, next up, we're seeking a motion to move into close session um to discuss student hearings for student number 2025-17, uh, student number 2025-8, student number 2025-9, and student number 2025-20 as authorized by section 2.2-3711. 2-3711 A2 and to discuss consider prospective candidates for employment assignment appointment promotion performance demotion salaries discipline or resignation of specific public officers appointees or employees of the school board Virginia code 2 uh 222-3711 A1 >> so move second >> it's been moved and properly second any discussion all those in favor Make a
003note by saying I >> I >> oppose. Eyes have it. We now move in the close session. All right. Again, we would like to uh welcome everybody this evening um to our Monday, December 15th, Greensville County School Board um hearing. I would now seek a motion to go back into open session. >> So move second. >> It's been moved and properly second. All those in favor make a note by saying I. >> Opposed. The eyes have it. We now move back into our open session. Um next up is our certification of closed session. Whereas the Greensville County School Board convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. And whereas 2.2-3712D 2-3712D of the Code of Virginia requires the
004certification by this board that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Greensville County School Board hereby certifies to the best of each member's knowledge one that that only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom Information Act were discussed in the closed meeting to which the certification resolution applies. and two that only such public business matters as identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed, or considered. Now I'll call a certification vote. Board Chair Jesse, >> yes. >> Vice Chair Pearson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Roberts, >> yes. >> Mrs. Reed Moore, >> yes. >> Thank you. Um, next up is our action resulting from close session. I'm asking approval of the student recommendations as presented in close
005session. >> Seeking a motion. >> So move second. >> It's been moved and properly second. Any further discussion? >> Hearing none. All those in favor make a note by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. That as have it. That motion carries. Um next up is our public hearing. Uh so at this time um we are seeking a motion to go into a special public comment session um for a public hearing in regard to our superintendent search. >> So move >> second. >> It's been moved and properly second. All those in favor make a known by saying I. >> I oppose. The eyes have it. That motion carries. Um everybody take a deep breath. Oh, I heard three people. Um, at at this time we are going to take a pivot away from our normal um
006schoolboard meeting. Um, and we are now into a public hearing. Um, so once again, we welcome everybody. We thank you so much for taking your time to come with us this evening. Uh, but we wanted to intentionally take this time uh to do a public hearing in regards to our superintendent search. Um, we are uh very grateful that we have an acting superintendent and Dr. Fogersonson, but we do have to meet state mandates and state requirements to not only interview but then um approve or recommend a permanent superintendent. Uh so this is one of the steps of that. Um so I I thank you guys for allowing us to to do this process as well. Um so at this time I would like to uh make a call to order for our public hearing um
007by approving the role for the public hearing. Please Miss Els. >> Board Chair Jesse >> here. >> Vice Chair Pearson >> here. >> Mrs. Roberts >> here. >> Mrs. Reed Moore >> here. A quorum has been established. >> Uh thank you. Next we're seeking a motion to approve that agenda. >> So move. >> Second. >> It's been approved and properly second. All those in favor make a note by saying I. I >> I oppose. The eyes have it. That motion carries. Um, next up is the topic of our public hearing for our superintendent search. Um, at this time I would just like to share with you all uh our superintendent search timeline. Um, so our first official meeting was November 21st, 2025 uh for the announcement uh to the public for our superintendent search. Um,
008and at December 8th, um, we were trying to address a public hearing. Um, unfortunately, the weather got the best of us and said it we needed to all enjoy some snow, whereas uh, we had to amend that and move that to today to December the 15th. um we were able to meet as a board uh to um establish the qualifications and provide that on December 9th. We did provide that to the VSBA which is our partner uh in this search. Um and then starting on December 10th through January 11th, 2026, we are receiving applications uh for our superintendent search. Um, and then on January the 15, 2026 is when our school board will meet with the VSBA representatives again to go over those uh candidates and next steps. Um, in the month of January and
009February, we will interview uh all candidates um that meet those requirements. And then in March uh is our anticipated announcement of the person to lead us um to the the uh next school year in regards to our superintendent search. Um, so tonight, uh, this is our official public hearing, which just allows our community the time to come to us and just kind of speak to what you look for in a superintendent or ways that we can continue to improve as a community uh, to make sure these kids are not only kept first, but um, you know, are led by the people of the community. So, at this time, I'll turn it over to um Miss Phelps for anybody that has uh reached out to make sure they speak at this public hearing. Um before they
010do speak, I will say we treat this like our normal public hearing, which means each person that not only signed up, but anybody that might be here tonight that wants to speak will have a maximum of three minutes uh to speak on those qualifications. And while you may ask us questions, um we're not at liberty to answer those questions directly tonight, but we will be sure to follow up with you uh in a timely manner. >> Okay. Board Chair Jesse, we have three names who would like to speak. Dr. Pamela Jones, Miss Molen Wall, and Mr. Bernard. So, we'll start with Dr. Jones. >> Okay. Is Miss Jones here this evening? Good evening. >> Good evening. Superintendent. >> Good evening. >> My name is Dr. Pamela Jones. My address is 1242 Brickyard Road. I am
011speaking tonight as a member of the Greensville County community, an employee of this school division, and a parent and a grandparent. Thank you for allowing me to share a few thoughts as you begin the search for our next superintendent. Because I both live here and work directly within our schools, I see every day how leadership impacts our students, our families, and the staff who serve them. With that perspective, I'd like to highlight several qualities that I hope you will prioritize in this important decision. First, strong communication, collaboration, and inclusivity. We need a superintendent who communicates clearly and consistently, but just as importantly, someone who listens. A leader who values the contributions of teachers, staff, families, students, and community members. Someone who ensures the diverse voices are invited into the conversations and reflected and respected in
012the decision-making. When people feel included and heard, trust grows and our entire division benefits. Second, integrity and e ethics. Our next superintendent, I believe, should prioritize integrity and ethics. Our next superintendent should be a steady, principled leader. Someone who is transparent, honest, and willing to make thoughtful decisions rooted in what is best for students. Integrity creates a foundation of respect across the division and it signals to employees, families, and community that they can have confidence in the direction of our schools. Finally, someone who is a strong community fit. As someone who calls this community, this county, and this community home, I believe it is essential that our next superintendent understand the heart of this community, our history, our values, and our hopes for all our children. We need a leader who will be visible, engaged,
013and truly invested in Greensville County. Someone who doesn't just work here, but chooses to be a part of this community. In closing, I want to thank you for the thoughtful work you're doing. Selecting a superintendent is one of the most important responsibilities you hold. And I am hopeful that the end result will be a leader who communicates inclusivity, leads with integrity, and embraces our community with genuine commitment. Thank you for your time. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Dr. Jones. And for the record, you had 11 seconds left, so you did awesome. This helps. Miss Wall. >> Good evening. My name is Molen Wall. I'm a proud GCPS graduate, class of 2012, and the founder of 101 Poodles for Healing. I'm here tonight not only as a former student, but as a mother, an aunt, and
014a guardian to children who currently attend this school system. When I think about the qualities I hope for in a superintendent, there's three things that come to mind. Transparency, open communication, and creative problem solving. I want to acknowledge that I've seen those qualities in our new, newly appointed temporary superintendent, Dr. F. I don't want to mispronounce your name. Seeing her visiting the school, sitting in the classroom, engaging with the students, and creating opportunities that highlight kids beyond test scores. That's the kind of visibility that matters, and it's exactly the energy that we need. But no one can do it alone. Not the superintendent, not the school board, not the teachers or staff. This has to be a community effort, and it shouldn't require a popular name, a loud voice, or a big checkbook for good
015ideas to be considered. That's why I felt it important to come to you not with a host of problems, but a brainstorming solutions. If we're serious about Virginia literacy, student morale, and mental health, I want to ask a simple question. Have we considered animal assisted therapy in our schools? A lot of times when we hear pet therapy, we immediately think of hospitals and nursing homes. And those places absolutely need it. But we often forget about the kids inside of our schools. kids carrying big emotions, everyday stress, anxiety, grief, and challenges that don't just pause because the school bells ring. Let me be clear, LifeWise is an incredible outside of the box program to incorporate the Bible during school hours. I have my own children enrolled and it shows that someone is listening. In my opinion,
016it's one of the strongest initiatives that this district has implemented. Nothing tops it, but the next best thing, animal assisted therapy. Unlike most programs, they aren't entirely on relying on human intervention. With pet therapy, the animals provide the calm, the motivation, and the emotional safety. Animals don't judge. They don't label. They don't bring expectations into the room. Sports and extra extracurricular activities are great incentives for kids who love them. But what about the kids who don't? The kids who aren't athletic, the quiet kids, the anxious kids, the kids who connect more deeply with animals than competition. And what about the kids who love animals but can't have one because of financial barriers, housing restrictions, time constraints, or family responsibilities? This program gives students the emotional benefits of having a pet without the heavy responsibilities of
017ownership, the training, the cleanup, and the cost. I want to be very clear about this. This program is completely free to the school system. No added financial burden, no hidden fees, just another resource made available to support our students. Before the official roll out, each dog is required to go through extensive training and multiple certifications to become a therapy dog. No chaos, no barking, no mess. Their role is to help create a safe, calm, judgment-free learning environment. So, what does that look like in schools? A child reading aloud while holding a therapy dog because it's easier to read to someone who won't judge. A student with an IEP finding emotional regulation during a tough transition. Classrooms with reduced stress and increased focus. older students earning real volunteer hours while participating in meaningful community service. Will
018it work for every child? No. No program ever does. But it's another tool, another bridge, another way to reach all of the kids, including the ones who fall in the middle. The ones who don't get the extra attention for staying out of trouble. The C student that isn't failing but doesn't get recognized because it's not all A's or AB honor road. The quietly unseen. This past month, I was able to survey 32 people within our community. 21 of those families were actually surveyed today in the carpool line at GES. 66% of those people already pet owners and 34 are not. And although they had different reasons why they did or did not own pets, there was 100% vote for either agree or strongly agree to see pet therapy events in the school system and community.
019Not one single person disagreed. Other school systems like Henriiko are already doing it and the students look forward to it. So my question is simple. if it's working for them, what's stopping us? Because it takes a village, different tools, different approaches, different ways to say to every child, you matter. We see you, and we're willing to meet you where you are. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss W. You only went over 11 seconds. I'm just >> All right, Mr. Z. and passionate. >> I know, right? Before I begin, I want to wish each of you a merry Christmas. I probably won't see you before then. >> And I think it's also very fitting that we're here on the second day of the celebration of Hanukkah, which is a time of dedication or rededication. So I
020think that's very fitting for today. So board chairman Jesse, Vice Chair Pearson, board members Roberts, and Reed Moore. As you begin your search for a superintendent, I'm sure that you're going to find many candidates that have impressive resumes. There will be many that have advanced degrees, diverse work histories, and all of those things are important and necessary. But I respectfully suggest that there are intangibles that are even more important. Their leadership style, their interpersonal skills, and their ability to actively listen are key indicators of how well they can effectively support our team. My first career, I was in retail management for 22 years. I was an area sales manager for a large department store. I worked for many store managers, regional managers, senior vice presidents. I'm currently in my 20th year in education. I've worked
021for numerous principles and superintendent. I've completed all my coursework for my doctorate in organizational leadership. I'm ABD, but we won't talk about that today. But I share all this because I believe I know a little bit about leadership both from my educational experience and from a practical hands-on experience. I've worked for some dynamic visionary leaders and I've also worked for some toxic leaders and many in between. I've learned about numerous leadership models, but I'd like to highlight and suggest just one, and that's servant leadership. Servant leadership is a model in which leaders begin first with the desire to serve and that desire to serve then drives their desire to lead. A servant leader strives to help all stakeholders to reach their full potential. Ken Blanchard once wrote, "Servant leadership is about getting people to a
022higher level by leading people at a higher level." Robert Greenleaf, who was the first to write about servant leadership, once wrote, "The servant leader is driven by these questions." And I think these are important to think of when you're looking for your superintendent. Do those served grow as persons? Do they while they're being served become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants? I think that's an important question to cons consider when you're choosing your superintendent. We want our students all to reach their maximum potential and become all of those things. But the same applies to our teachers and staff members. We have some experienced dedicated educators in our district. A servant leader will listen to them. There are 10 characteristics of a servant leader. And listening is at top of the
023list. They would give their educators the time and the space and the resources that they need to serve the needs of their students. The servant leader will not place obstacles and unnecessary tasks in front of them. Rather, they would empower them to innovate and grow and refine their practice. Now, we also have educators that may have less experience or may struggle in certain areas. The servant leader will listen with their eyes and their ears, identify areas of opportunity, and serve their needs by providing the support necessary to move them to that higher level. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss different leadership with you in more detail. I know a lot about it. I've seen it in action. I know it works and I'm confident that our students, our staff, and our community would benefit
024from having our next superintendent be a servant leader. I'd like to leave you just with a quote from a leader that I once worked for. And he used to always preach to me, go with your strengths, but strengthen your weaknesses. Go with your strengths, strengthen your weaknesses. We have many strengths in our district, and we must recognize those and encourage those and let them know that they are valued. And yes, we do have some weaknesses and we can and should do everything possible to support and strengthen them. And I believe a servant leader can make that happen. I thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts. Thank you. >> I didn't say how long. You're good. Um, is there is there anybody else uh in the room this evening that would like to speak
025in regards to the public hearing for our superintendent sess Dr. Parkerson members of the school board employees and all who are present. Good evening. Good evening >> to the board. Thank you for pro providing this opportunity for us to speak. My name is Marva J. Dunn and I reside at 709 Street. Over the past 21 years, I've had the privilege of being connected to the Greensville County School Division in several roles, including a surrogate parent to two teenage boys, grandparent, a substitute teacher, school board member, and now unitive justice and education project manager. Because of these experiences, I can share insight from the many roles roles I've had and the people I have met along the way through my conversation with teachers, staff, parents, students, and community members. I've heard thoughtful reflections on the kind
026of leadership they hope for. While expressed in different ways, there is a shared desire for fairness, consistency, accountability, and leaders who will listen with care. Leadership is at its heart. It's about service. I recently heard it described as service from the heart. service from the heart and that really stuck with me. Griezer County would benefit from a superintendent who leads with loving kindness who values a unive rather than a punitive approach. Unity teaches the students, administrators, and all of the staff how to accept responsibility for their behavior. Acknowledge it and ways to change their behavior and learn how to get along and work together regardless to their differences. Punitive is just about punishment. We need a superintendent who seeks to bring people together while still honoring responsibility and expectations. While leadership is grounded in care
027and respect, trust grows, morale is strengthened, students are better supported, and the community feels more connected to the schools with a unitive approach. As you move forward with this very important decision, I respectfully encourage you to choose a leader whose values align with our community and whose service reflects both experience and accountability and compassion. Thank you for your time and service and your commitment to Greenley County Public School System. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. and we'd be dismissed not to say congratulations on being the grand marshall in the most warmest Christmas parade we've ever had. >> Is there anybody? >> You did fine. Is there anybody else that would like to speak in regards to the public uh hearing for the superintendent search? Good evening. >> Good evening. >> My name is Janelle Robinson. Thank
028you for the opportunity to provide input as the school board begins search for the next superintendent of Greensville County Public Schools. I stand before you as a former employee and a resident of the county. As the board considers leadership qualities for this role, it is important that the next superintendent demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to lead objectively. Strong superintendent rely on data, best practices and collaboration, not personal perspectives to guide decision making. They trust and empower the experienced credential leaders within a division and avoid unnecessary micromanagement so schools and departments can function effectively. We are also looking for a superintendent who values authentic stakeholder engagement. Someone who listens to parents, staff, students, and community partners, and who communicates openly and honestly with the school board and the public. Visibility, approachability, and accountability should
029be core expectations of this role. Greensville County deserves a superintendent who can provide steady leadership, restore confidence in the division, and lead with integrity, vision, and a clear focus on what is best for students. Thank you for your time and for inviting the community input during this important process. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> We'll make sure nobody comes up before you come. >> Good evening. My name is Sandra Sibornne. I am the grandmother and legal guardian of a 16-year-old at the high school. Um, first and foremost, I would surely hope that the superintendent have a love and a heart for the people. I also expect the school superintendent to serve as the chief advocate for the students, family, and educators while leading in the district. Someone who can be honest and
030truthful even when no one is watching. One that has strong moral principles. Who will stand on what is right even when it get challenging or unpopular meaning holding school leaders, parents and the staff accountable for the performance, professionalism and student outcome. To remember your role as super as a as the superintendent is not to make friends or to have a buddy circle. to be honest in their words and actions, to be transparent and a clear vision for success. I expect the superintendent to prioritize the safety and well-being of every student and staff member. This includes maintaining secure school environments, addressing bullying, harassment properly, and ensuring that ensuring, excuse me, that students have access to appropriate mental health support. I expect the superintendent to recruit, support, and retain highly qualified teachers, principles, and staff. There should
031be fairness, equality, and inclusion for all students. Regardless to their background, their neighborhood, the ability, their abilities, their circumstance, they still deserve the same equal access to highquality education. parents should be informed, heard, and treated as true partners in in the education. I also expect the superintendent to manage my tax dollars wisely, ethically, and in a way that prioritize classroom instructions, student services, long-term district stability, and not for personal gain. Finally, I expect the superintendent to demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and sound judgment always. And in summary, this role is very demanding and should not be taken lightly. The expectations are set high. So therefore, whoever is selected for this position should be started out carefully, selectively, and prayerfully. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. >> And I'm I might be biased, but I love
032your shirt. >> Is there anybody else this evening that would like to speak? All right. Um, in in closing again, just wanted to recap that our next steps are those applications are now open and live. um they will be in partnership with VSBA, which is the Virginia School Board Associations um that we meet with and go over these qualifications. Um however, VSBA will not participate in the interviews. Those will be specifically with our school board um in the best interest of our community. So, we will be sure to give you any updates that we can um during that time. Um, at this time, uh, those applications can be, um, accessed through contacting Miss Phelps, as well as, if they're not already, they will eventually be on our website. If you know of anybody that meets
033those qualifications um, and we will just continue to to do the work of the people that spoke um, this evening. Um, and and thank each and every one of you for coming forward and speaking. Um at this time um I'm seeking a motion of adjournment of our public hearing to move back to our general session. >> So moved second. >> It's been moved and properly second. All those in favor make a known by saying I. >> I >> oppose. The eyes have it. We now move back into our general session. So once again we thank everybody for coming uh this evening. Uh we most importantly thank you for participating in that event. We understand um our role as a school board. We do not take that lightly. Uh and we appreciate not only the ones
034that spoke, but the ones that were here tonight to actively listen. Um because the kids the first and that's how we're going to leave it without getting longwinded with that. Uh item seven for this evening is our consent agenda. So I'm seeking a motion for approval of the minutes. >> So move second. >> It's been moved and properly second. Any discussion hearing? None. All those in favor make it known by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. The eyes have it. Item B, the approval of the warrants. Seeking a motion. >> Move. >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly second. All those in favor make it known by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. The eyes have it. That motion carries. Our next section is our awards and recognitions. Um, and if y'all couldn't tell
035by the smiling faces of those little kids walking in, they are >> graciously waiting patiently for this. All right, >> whoever their teachers are during the day are doing a great job because they have been very quiet during this time. And we'll pass it over to Dr. Farcus for our awards. >> And Miss Simmons is already at the mic. >> Good evening to our chair, board members, Dr. Farcus, our staff, student, families, and community members. Thank you for being here this evening to celebrate with us as we spotlight what is going on in Greensville County Public Schools. First up for honores on this evening, we have the Wyatt Middle School football team. Would you all come forward, please? We're going to ask them to come forward. Miss Per, Miss Pson, if you will join your
036team and any other administrator from Wyatt Middle School. >> How you smile six days a week? >> Yes, ma'am. This year, Wyatt Middle School had the privilege of reinstating its football program, making the school's fir marking the school's first session season, excuse me, since 1983. Due to the short timeline following approval, the team was unable to compete in conference play. However, they successfully completed a ninegame non-conference schedule and finished the season with an impressive 9 to0 record, winning the majority of their games in decisive fashion. We extend our sincere appreciation to the players, coaches, parents, staff, fans, and community members whose dedication and support made this season a success. We look forward to continued growth and a promising future for Panthers football. Let's give it up for EW Wyatt Middle School. Congratulations and we look
037forward to what's coming next. Thank you. This the first time coach Pat get to be in the >> back. Thank you. One more time for the Panthers. >> Next, let's bring up those Emporia Renegades minor football team >> as they are coming. The Emporia Renegades minor football team completed an extraordinary season, finishing with an an outstanding 9 to1 record in the regular season. Through hard work, good job. Through hard work, discipline, and consistency, they earned the titles of regular season champions, Southside playoff champions, and Super BOWL CHAMPIONS. THIS REMARKABLE group of young men, ages eight and nine, represented the city of Emporia and Greensville County with pride, sportsmanship, and dedication. Throughout the season, they demonstrated maturity beyond their years, consistently upholding the values of teamwork, respect, and perseverance. We would also like to recognize head
038coach Joshua Gallamore, if I pronounced that correctly, along with assistant coaches Taquan Odum and Kiwan Harding. All three coaches grew up playing in the EG program themselves, and their commitment to giving back to this community has played a significant role in the team success. Their leadership has shaped not only skilled athletes, but confident and responsible young men. Today we proudly acknowledge the accomp accomplishments of the Emporia Renegades minor football team and commend them for representing our community with excellence. >> Ready? Smile. >> Good job. Let's give them another round of applause. To continue with our spotlight series, we are now going to recognize our students and staff of the month. If the principal with GES would come on up to recognize her students. Our prek student of the month is Uritzi Deluna Hawkins. I hope
039I pronounced that right. >> Kindergarten student of the month, Riley Bell. Our first grade student of the month, La Queen Hakaday. >> I like that outfit. >> Second grade student of the month, Kenna Alexander. Third grade student of the month. I hope I pronounced this right. Jakari Smith. Fourth grade student of the month, Elena Lucas. Fifth grade student of the month, Kristen Mason. Let's give Greensville Elementary Students of the Month a round of applause. >> Great job. Now, we're going to ask Miss Pson if she would come for Wyatt Middle School. >> Oh, wait. Oh, I'm sorry. staff of the month. >> My apologies. The GES staff of the month, Zair Binham, >> newly licensed, >> we good, Miss H. All right. NOW, Wyatt Middle School and Miss Pson, our sixth grade student of the
040month, Aaliyah Palm. Seventh grade student of the month, Rakan Salah SA. And our eighth grade student of the month, London Roper. AND WYATT MIDDLE SCHOOL staff of the month, Mr. Victor Finner, >> eighth grade administrator. Let's give it up for Wyatt Middle School. And now Dr. PJ would come for Greenswood County High School. Our ninth grade student of the month, Bryson Pope. Our 10th grade student of the month, Tequia Jones. 11th grade student of the month, Amaria Nicholson. And our 12th grade senior of the month, uh, Allison Wells. And our Greensville County High School staff of the month couldn't be with us tonight. Miss Gloria Wilkins, nurse Gloria Wilkins. Let's give it up for the Eagles. Now, our division staff of the month presented by Dr. Ferguson is Mr. Thomas Redmond. >> Somebody else got
041to take a picture. Mr. Rodriguez, that's a great picture. All right. We have a certificate of recognition presented by the Virginia School Board Association to Mr. Ranell Pearson for serving as a delegate in the 2025 BSBA Delegate Assembly. Mr. Re, he wore his tie. >> All right. At this time, everyone knows that every year we have a teacher of the year from from all of our schools. And this year, our GES teacher of the year is Christina Dickens. And we announced that Oh, go ahead. Our Wyatt teacher of the year is Miss Bonnie Hawkins. And our GCPS teacher of the year is Mr. Philip Dean. So, these fabulous people were nominated by their co-workers and colleagues. So, what an honor. Absolutely. But what everybody wants to know is who is the Greensville County Public Schools
042teacher of the year? That's what everybody wants to know. >> Okay. All right. So, All right, they are all winners. >> Our GCPS division teacher of the year is awarded to Mr. Philip Dean. in recognition of distinguished teaching practices, professional leadership and advocacy that advances student achievement and upholds the mission of Greensville County Public Schools. We are so pleased to have you to serve as our division teacher of the year for this for this school year. And the plaque reads, hold on, wait. Greensville County Public Schools, in recognition of Mr. Philip Deans, Division Teacher of the Year 2526, Outstanding Contributions to the Education of Children, presented this December 15, 2025. block my ear. You can give it to me. All right. At this time, it's trophy time. >> Uhhuh. Yes. Our clean school award goes
043to GES. All right, our student attendance trophy goes to GES. YES. >> How about Miss High Jones? I usually don't interrupt. Is that a first? >> Okay. And our staff attendance trophy goes to Wyatt Middle School who had everybody at school on whatever that that is right. All right. Uh, next up is our umformational items. Item eight. >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> Next up. Go ahead, Miss Carson. Uh, >> oh, >> Good evening >> for uh school board members. Um, you know, every year, well, since Mr. Ford has been our aggra science teacher. He has done a wonderful job at making sure that we have um nice plants during Christmas time, our poinsettas. And we just wanted to bring one with you guys. They're so beautiful. He did an excellent job and um we
044were able to have a little store going on and we were able to sell um I think he did a hundred this year and they're all gone. But we made sure we had one for each one of you. So, might want to put it in the back Tell you what, take everything I said. >> Thank you, sir. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. grown at Wyatt in the greenhouse and they are even bigger than they were last year. >> We like surprises anymore. I mean, anything else somehow. >> All right. Uh, thank you all. That that is definitely the most uh one of the most exciting times to recognize not only young people but also the staff and division leaders going on in our division. So, next is ourformational items.
045Item eight is our security grant update. >> And Mr. Winningham, if you would come and give us a update on the security grant. Just seeing if it will come up. >> Uh good evening board. Uh chair Jesse. Um we wrote our security grant this year. Uh every year we uh try to get the maximum amount that they will allow. Uh each year they uh you can get up a division can get up to $250,000. Uh this year we almost got it all. We got $248,800 for the security grant. Uh our local match is 62,200. Uh so which brings our total uh just over 300,000 about $310,000 to be used for security upgrades at Wyatt Middle School and Greensville Elementary School. Uh those security updates will be with cameras. Um there's several things on there. Cameras
046and I think it's maybe another slide. Yeah, here you go. uh surveillance cameras, security lighting systems, intruder resistant window film, security door hardware and access control, uh UPS backup systems for all of our security software, uh technology and software uh for the security. Also on our school buses, we purchased some additional interior bus security cameras and we're looking into getting passenger ID card readers so the parents will know when their students get on the bus and when their student gets off the bus. So they won't have to make that call, did my student get on the bus, where's my student at? It will track where they are on the bus when they get on and when they get off. And we also purchased um 30 uh new handheld radios for the division. Um like I
047said, this is a ongoing every year we put in for this grant and we just hope to try to do this every year. So it's just a continuation. Uh because everybody knows security, especially with what's happened in the last couple days, security is a big deal. So we take it very serious and we want to continue to upgrade every chance we get. >> Are there any questions? >> Do you have a time frame when everything will be completed? >> Uh it has to be completed within six months of receiving it. We are already started on uh a lot of it. U there you know as it goes through when everything gets in we've already or started ordering different things for it. Um the but it all has to be done within the six months of
048getting the grant. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Item B is our pupil teacher ratios. >> That's me. The standards of quality certifications. Standard two requires that the school division present to the school board annually on or before December 31 a report to the public on our actual puper teacher ratio. Oh, maybe I need to get up. Somebody Thank you. >> So it is separated by elementary, middle, and high. I will do a a high level overview. I will not read each grade level, but you can see from preK to 5. Our ratios range from a ratio of 1 to 14 up to 1 to 20 in kindergarten. We have a ratio in um in our middle school from 6th to 8th grade including our electives from a 1 to1
049ratio up to a 1 to 18 ratio. In our high school, we have including our elective teachers as well, a 1 to13 ratio up to a 1 to 18 ratio. And then divisionwide, elementary, middle, high, our district totals is an aggregate of a ratio of 1 to 16. >> Any questions? >> Any comments or questions on that? Thank you. Um, item C is the draft, I'll say it again, the draft of the 2627 calendar for GCPS. >> That is me as well. >> All right. So, we have a draft of our 2627 calendar. All of our staff members um either virtually well virtually had an opportunity to give feedback on the calendar, but we also had representatives from each school who came and gave feedback on the calendar. How is a calendar developed? Well, first
050of all, it has to align with VDO and state law. We are permitted to start no more than 14 days before Labor Day. And there are some mandated closings, which is Friday, the Friday before Labor Day and Labor Day. Our calendar has a teacher our teacher contract days are 200 but our calendar in only includes 187 reporting days. How our calendar is developed additionally includes 90 instructional days in each semester. It includes 45 instructional days in each nine weeks. In development of the calendar, we place our holidays in first and then our PD and work days and we work to end the semester before winter break whenever possible, whenever the the regular calendar permits that to be a thing. Our first day of school is August 10th. Our last day is May 21 of 2027.
051Our last day for staff is the 24th and the the 24th of 2027. Our spring our winter break this year. I'm sorry, let me go back up to um to November. So this year, election day was a regular day. We did not get to it was a a it wasn't a regular day for students, so we did not get to count it. But for the 2627 school year, election day, which is November 3rd, will be a remote learning day. And one of the things that staff asked for was to have a full day off before Thanksgiving. So making that day a remote learning day allows us to have a full day on November 2026 the 25th. So that's a full day. We do have a half day built in in October. That was one of
052the asks that October just seemed really long and they asked could we have an adjusted dismissal for everyone and the calendar permitted that to take place. We have a half day December n I'm sorry December 18th of 2026 so people can and that is an adjusted dismissal for everyone. Our um in March 2027 because Good Friday and Easter Monday fall in March. our staff will get a Friday and a Monday off and then in April still a full week off for for Easter break or for spring break. And those are the highlights of the 26 27 calendar. >> Any questions? >> Um just one just confirming that with this draft we will still be able to finish our first semester um December of 2026. >> That is correct. We will finish December 18th. >> All
053right. Moving along to um section 10, our superintendence report. As always, our first few pages of our CAP update our background on our comprehensive and strategic plan and our corrective action plan. We outline theou and cap key priorities. We also include the comprehensive strategic plan goals. And for this month, for this month, under goal one, student learning and academic excellence, SPO1.15.1, we developed the school-based nine-week instructional planning guide to support improvement efforts. The plan outlines instructional priorities, action steps, and systems for ongoing progress monitoring. SPO 1.1 and essential action 1.6 Six provided an operational definition of progress monitoring to ensure instructional staff share a common understanding of GCPS expectations for determining how well students are learning specific skills or standards over time by using common assessments administered after each st I'm sorry after each standard
054or strand. And goal two, high quality, committed, and diverse workforce. SPO2.3 essential action 2.35 demonstrated a continued commitment to professional growth and development through participation in a variety of professional organizations and attendance at leadership conferences meetings to include the 2025 VASA annual conference November 2025 VAS fall conference October and the Virginia Transformational Leaders Academy that takes place every other month. Goal three, staff and student well-being. SPO 2.13.1 essential action 4.29 29 supported HR department's initiative to recognize outstanding students and staff at monthly schoolboard meetings and goal four communication and community engagement. SPO4.1 EA2.13 facilitated the development of a board policy to add a student representative to the board and the selection of our first student representative was at our table tonight to support GCPS's student center core value SPO4.3 EA 5.5 develop process to monitor
055implementation and impact ofou with communities and schools. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any questions? >> All right. Um, next up is our action items. Item A, uh, Wyatt Middle School Beta overnight field trip. >> Good evening. My name is Demetri Scott and I would like permission to take the eighth grade baby club members to our state convention in Hampton, Virginia on February 11 through February 12th. >> Thank you. >> Any questions? >> All right. Seeking a motion. So move second. >> It's been moved and properly second. Any more conversation? Hear none. All those in favor make a number by saying I. >> Opposed. >> The eyes have it. That motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. Item B are GCPS policies. Second read the summary of the policies. >> Nope. you just I'd like
056to um recommend approval for the um six policy and the two policy to be deleted in your handout. >> These are policies that were presented at the um November I'm sorry for first read at the November school board meeting. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Any questions? Seeking a motion. >> So move. >> Second. It's been moved and properly second. Any further discussion? All those in favor make a note by saying I. I. >> Oppose. The eyes have it. That motion carries. Thank you. Next up, the most important one of the evening. Not trying to make a blush, just letting her know. This is the first ever that I know of. I think our policy states different, but I don't know that they had the technology that we have these days. So, I will always challenge it.
057Um, is our section 12 our student school board member update? >> Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> On November 19th, I attended the Virginia School Board Association Conference. The conference taught me the qualities, requirements, and goals of a student representative. The event presented multiple guest speakers who spoke about a variety of topics such as how to be a successful school board member, what student leaders think about the use of AI in the classroom, how to create effective policies. The experience also included a mock schoolboard meeting with the other student representatives who attended. Overall, the experience was insightful and inform informative for understanding the roles and responsibilities of being a student representative. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any questions? I have one. I mean, y'all can't let her off the bed either. Did you enjoy
058the time up there? >> Yes. >> Thank you for taking time to to make that trip. Um, I know sitting in that car ride with I'm not going to say any names, but their initials with Dr. Farson might have been challenging. Uh, item 13 is our board member reports. I'll tell them myself since everybody's being so quiet. This was the first um strategic forum that I had to miss. Um but Mr. Pearson um did an amazing job leading that meeting in my absence um as well as the unified group of the board. Uh so all is well and we were able to again approve some some uh policy updates slowly but surely each month um that we go along. Uh item 14 is our public comments. Um Miss Phelps, has anybody signed up? >> No.
059>> Okay. Is there anybody in the room that would like to speak in our normal public comment section? All right. As you're walking up, if I can't read this, you're fine to keep walking. Um, any any citizen may address the board at any regular meeting. Persons wishing to appear before the school board are requested to contact the superintendent, school board chairman, or their design for placement on the agenda. Uh the chairman is responsible for the orderly conduct of the meeting and shall rule on such matters as the appropriateness of the subject being presented and length of time for such presentation. No one will be allowed to make additional presentations until everyone has an opportunity to make initial presentation. Um a reasonable period of time as determined by the school board will be allocated at each
060regular meeting for citizens to present matters of concern. Um, and this will be the same as it was for the public hearing in three minutes. Yes, ma'am. Go ahead. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, again, my name is Sandra Seaborn. I'm the grandmother of a 16-year-old granddaughter who is currently in the 11th grade at high school. Um, I have a few concerns. This is our second year with this school system. Previously, we homeschooled until the 10th grade and at that at which point I made I made the decision to enroll her in public school. And I'mma be real and unfortunately I do feel like it was the worst mistake that I made. I'm just going to be real. Um, there are numerous issues that I can address, but a couple in particular that I do
061want to address. And I'm not saying that my granddaughter has been perfect. That's not what I'm saying. Um, we've had uh I don't know if I want to call it bullying or I don't know if it's bullying. I'll say picking. She played a role in some things and some things just went on a little too far. Now, I'm not saying that I appreciate everything that the staff and everybody did. I do appreciate it. Um, but I as a disciplinary, I was brought up a disciplinary. No, everybody is not. Um, uh, I'm nervous, y'all. Um, so I decided, okay, because she does have a plan. She has a 504 medical. She has some things. Not trying to put her out there, but um, she has some things in place. So, I decided I was like, "Okay,
062I'm a substitute. If I substitute, I can, you know, probably heer or whatever." um that didn't go where not here. So I substituted here two days twice. The first day it was all right. The second time I had an incident with a student. It did not go where I don't like how administrator hand I don't like how they handled it. It's almost as if the student um you listen to the student but not the adult. Um that's how I feel. Uh the student was talked to for for a while. Nobody called me in the office. I took it upon myself to come and talk to administration who I talked to and it was told to me. Now this student cursed me in front of an adult teacher inside the teacher's classroom sitting in the teacher's
063chest chair spinning around cursed me out. They call administration on me but I don't know. Um, I did say to this student, I don't play. You don't you're not going to disrespect me. That's that's what I said. Um, we are neighbors. Had no problems. I was told that they think it would be best if I didn't sub here because we're neighbors. Never heard that. Okay, I let that go. I tried. Um, which is fine. But I just don't feel like that a student should have that place over an adult or um we shouldn't have a you I should have been called in as an adult. Um I feel like the lack of support from you know as an adult and I'm going just put it out there. My other concern is the vaping, the weed
064pins, the um it's crazy here. I've seen it. I've confiscated about six myself. We don't have I don't smoke. We don't have weed pins at home. It's here. And I'm not trying to put nobody out there. I'm just trying to make you aware of what our students are dealing with. um somebody child is bringing them here and they're freely giving them to our children or selling them or whatever. And we got to do better. It's it's all I'm asking. Um uh I'm not going to say they don't care, but I do know because I do have a s child here. They hide them in their private areas. They hide them in their bra. things go in the bathrooms and that's where they are. So, I'm just making you aware. Um, and that's my concern. Um,
065I did write down a lot, but I have not said anything hardly on this paper. I'm sorry. Um, I've heard, you know, I heard I heard people say that, um, we're not babysitting. We're responsible for your child, but we're not a babysitter. So, that's just like you saying, "Bring your child to my house." I said, "Bring a child in my house, but I'm not going to watch it. My child is here five, six, seven hours. You are actually babysitting. You're actually supposed to know what my child is doing. You're actually supposed to be concerned or however. If you got to go in the bathroom and see, go and tell you, when my granddaughter does something, I'm here." And like two minutes, two, five minutes, I'm here. I don't ever take up for it. If she's
066wrong, she's wrong. Whatever the consequence is, give it to her. So, I wanted to be like that across the board. >> Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. >> Good evening to everyone. >> I just want to address a concern that was addressed last week about um school start time. Um, I would like the board to consider moving the high school back to the start time of 7 to three and the elementary time back from 8 to 3. Um, we have a lot of high school students that are suffering right now because of that. Um, you have students that are losing out on instruction time because they have to leave school early to play basketball or to play football, whatever the sport is. They're losing instruction time. Other schools did not change theirs. Time greens
067will change theirs and it's affecting our children and I just want the board to consider to moving the time back to the way it used to be. Have the older kids going morning and have the younger babies go the hour later. We shouldn't allow our children to suffer um because they want to play a sport or not play a sport because they feel like they can't accomplish what they need to accomplish in the classroom. Yeah. So, just please consider that. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Anybody else? >> All right, seeing nobody else walk up to the podium. Um, we're seeking a motion to go into our second close session um to discuss, consider, or interview prospective candidates for employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees
068of the school board pertaining to Virginia Code uh 2.2-3771A1. So move >> second. >> It's been moved and properly second. All those in favor make it known by saying I. I >> oppose. The eyes have it. We now move into our second um close session. All right. Um, at this time during our Monday, December 15th, Greensville County School Board meeting, um, we are now seeking a motion to return to our open session. >> So, move second. It's been moved and properly second. All those in favor making a known by saying I >> opposed. The eyes have it. We now move back into open session. Um clerk, can you certify? >> All right. Board chair Jesse. >> Yes. >> Vice Chair Pearson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Roberts. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Reedmore. >> Yes. >> Now
069read the statement. Whereas, the Greensville County School Board convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. And whereas 2.2-3712D of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by this school board that such a closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Greensville County School Board hereby certifies to the best of each member's knowledge one, that only public businesses business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act were discussed in the closed meeting to which the certification resolution applies and that only such public business matters were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard. discussed and considered certification vote. Board Chair Jesse, >>
070yes. >> Vice Chair Pearson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Roberts, >> yes. >> Mrs. Reed Moore, >> yes. >> Thank you. Next is the action resulting from our closed session. >> I recommend the approval of all personnel matters discussed in close session. >> Seeking a motion. >> So move. >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly second. All those in favor make a known by saying I. >> Opposed. The eyes have it. That motion carries. Our last item this evening is seeking a motion for adjournment. >> So move >> second. >> It's been moved and properly second. All those in favor make a known by saying I. Opposed. That have it. The meeting is now adjourned.