School Board Meeting 12/11/2025

001Alawway County School Board's in session. >> Mr. Mr. Chair, I move that the closed meeting was conducted in conformity with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act as required by section 2.2-3712D of the code of Virginia and certify that only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements were discussed and only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered. >> Second with a motion and a second. Any discussion hearing? None. Madam clerk, >> Mr. Collic, >> yes. >> Mr. Cunningham, >> yes. >> Mrs. Perkins, >> yes. >> Mr. Worooster, >> yes. >> And Mr. Marsh, >> yes. Motion passes. >> Mr. Wooster. >> Would everyone please stand for a moment of silence and a pledge of allegiance? I

002pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. >> Evening. >> Come on. Good evening. >> All right, it's December 11th, 2025, and we are in Westside Elementary School for the last regular board meeting of 2025. >> Hurrah indeed, sir. Um, yeah, let's get to it. Miss Briggs, you're up, ma'am. I am ready and Dr. Coleman's going to join me. >> All right, we are going to do our Isisle of White Achievers. Uh the vision for Isle of White County Schools is to create a learning environment that will enable every child to discover his or her unique gifts and talents. And the Isle of White Achiever section of

003our board meeting gives us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our students and staff for their unique talents and gifts. Now, before I go any further, I'm going to ask that all of our board members come down on the floor. Dr. Kramer as well and our SC student liaison. And as we have our achievers come up, Dr. Coleman is going to hand you a pin. You will shake the hands of all of our uh members from the deis up here. Then we will have you stand in front of the backdrop for a photo. Mr. David Elliot will come get a photo. And that is the perfect time for any family members who are here to come on down as they say and uh join in to get a photo or be in the photo. So,

004looks like we got everybody down here. So, we are going to go ahead and get started and we've got a couple recognitions from Windsor High School. We are going to first start with cross country and we are going to recognize Bristol Stallings and Bristol's going to come on down. Dr. Dr. Coleman's got a pin for her. And let me tell you what Bristol is being recognized for. Bristol had an outstanding season for the Windsor High School girls cross country team, earning accolades and making her mark as only a sophomore. She finished fifth at the 25 region 2A championships in Williamsburg on October 31st, securing all region honors and advanced to compete at the VHSL class 2 state championship in Salem on November 8th, where she joined the top runners in Virginia. Guided by coaches and

005you come on down, coaches Cara Halawanganger and Holly Getats, Bristol's impressive achievements this year highlight her dedication, talent, and tremendous potential for an exceptional cross-country career. Got Miss Halinger. All right, very good. And I'm not sure if Miss Gets was able to join us tonight. Miss Holly gets. So, excellent work, Bristol. Excellent work, coach. And yeah, we are Yep. We're going to applaud. And Mr. Elliot's going to take a photo. I'm not sure Mr. Elliott is. >> Yeah. You good, Mr. Stallings? Yes. >> Always have a backup plan. >> All right, congratulations again, Bristol. We look forward to seeing you back for a couple more of these. [applause] All right, now moving on to theater. The Windsor High theater team had another outstanding season, winning the region 2A championship against five other schools. The team

006competed in the class 2 state championship on December 5th just this past weekend in Charlottesville. There the team placed fourth and we want to recognize the team and um and the team members. So team members include we're going to first start with Coach Virginia Batty Riffle. So come on up, Coach Riffle. Yep. [applause] And we have team members John Bishop, Grace Cox, come on. Austin Darden, Trel Duck, Alen Grainy, Kimberly Fidley, Diana Gonzalez, Lily, Lillian Griffin, Morgan Griffith, Lana Janice, Kendall Jones, Abigail Lad, Jason Langford, Paxton Langford, Nichollet Lozano Nau, Gabriel Markham, Savannah Maize, McKinley Moore, Ryan O'Neal, Emma Pierce, Mattie Flu, Zachary Sharp, David Sparrow, and Gracie Romach. And Gracie, I'm not sure. I think Gracie is at a basketball game tonight. Gracie received an honorable mention in the best actor category. And Treml

007Duck, hold your hand up, Trel. There's Trel. Treml earned a best actor award in the regional competition and also a best actor award in the state competition. She is the first person to receive this award at the class 2 state level for Windsor High. Good job, Terrell. Yay. [applause] We have a We are in the presence of a state champion. That is awesome. We're very proud of all of y'all. And I'm going to have Mr. Elliott uh arrange you guys for a photo. Can we see we got windows there? >> All right. Congratulations. Very good. [applause] All right. And one more recognition from Windsor High. Um, I love White County Schools is proud to announce that Windsor High School's nurse, Shea Pew, has been selected as the 2025 school nurse of the year by the

008Virginia Association of School Nurses. [applause] The prestigious honor was announced during the organization's statewide conference in November. Nurse Pew exemplifies excellence in every aspect of her work, embracing the unique role of bridging healthcare and education through student centered community informed care. Her impact extends far beyond the walls of the clinic. She has been recognized at the division level as a rise award nominee for exemplary service. collaborated with leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University to help Windsor High School's Windsor High School become Virginia's first hearts safe high school and co-developed the school nurses mental health toolkit 2024 edition a resource now used by school health professionals statewide. Her dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to student well-being make her an invaluable leader within Windsor High School and the greater is of White County Schools community. Isa White County

009Schools is honored to celebrate her outstanding achievements and the profound difference she makes every day in the lives of students, families, and staff. Congratulations, Nurse Shay, on this well-deserved recognition. Good job. [applause] And once again, this is a great time for families to come down, get a photo, or anybody else that wants to take a picture. Perfect time. Okay, good. >> Yep. Absolutely. [snorts] >> Family, friends, and co-workers. Yeah. Okay, congratulations. All right, now we're going to move to our seniors of the month. Um, the senior of the month for December from Windsor High is a name that you just heard. It's Treml Mel Duck. So, Trel, come on back up. [applause] So, Trel has demonstrated sustained academic excellence, impressive extracurricular involvement, and meaningful service to her school and community. While preparing for a future

010major in biology, she has successfully balanced a challenging course load with leadership roles and volunteer commitments, showing exceptional maturity and responsibility. Her achievements in public speaking and theater at the regional, super regional, and state levels highlight both her talent and her dedication to developing her craft. Mel's compassion for others is equally noteworthy. She has volunteered at multiple blood drives, delivered meals to families in need, supported educational programs for young children, and provided care and comfort to hospice and dementia patients within her family. Her reliability shines through her work as a babysitter and in organizing a church fundraiser, further demonstrating initiative and service-minded leadership. Quote, "Mel is one of the stars of the senior class. Not only is she gifted in the realm of academics, she has shown her impressive speech skills and joined the theater

011and forensics teams in state level competitions. Mel is also one of the kindest, friendliest, and most genuine young adults in the school. No matter where she goes in life, she will continue to represent Windsor High as a graduate, embodying the high qualities that we hope to instill in our students." And that's from Mr. Burgess, uh, history teacher. While Treml plans to study biology in college, she is still in the decision-making phase for selecting the school for which she will attend. Congratulations so much, Treml. We're very proud of you. [applause] And I know you have some family here if they would like to come up and join you. No, they're coming. Here we go. A congratulations once again. [applause] The December senior of the month from Smithfield High School is Jackson Young. [applause] Jackson is an

012exceptional student whose strong academic performance, leadership, and dedication to service make him an outstanding representative of Smithville High School. In addition to excelling in the classroom, Jackson is deeply involved in the school community through varsity soccer, the JOTC Raider team, the swim team, and the National Honor Society. As the JOTC battalion commander, he has earned the respect of his peers and instructors through his integrity, initiative, and ability to inspire others. Under Jackson's leadership, the Smith Ohio JOTC Raider team delivered top performances across multiple events at the fourth brigade best of best qualifier competition, including areas such as physical fitness, endurance challenges, and team strength events. Their hard work culminated in a first place finish in the mixed team division, securing a spot at the best of best competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in March.

013Lieutenant Colonel Bedo shared these words about Jackson. Jackson Young is an exceptional student athlete and a highly effective leader. As battalion commander, he leads by example, supporting his peers, accepting and applying feedback, and consistently demonstrating integrity and determination. His vision and drive were instrumental in establishing the co-ed raider team which earned a first place finish at its very first best of best qualifier. Jackson's character, work ethic, and leadership set the standard for our program and will serve him well in his future military career. After graduation, Jackson plans to attend either the Coast Guard Academy or Norwich University where he hopes to attend, excuse me, where he hopes to develop as a military officer while continuing to play collegiate soccer. Congratulations, Jackson. Yay. [applause] And families coming up, too. Yep. [laughter] We good. Congratulations once again.

014[applause] And we have one more senior of the month, but we're backtracking because we did not have our November one here. Actually, both of our November were not here, but one of them is here tonight, so please indulge me. Um, the senior of the month from Smithville High for November is Sydney Wells. So, Sydney's going to come up now. [applause] And let me tell you about Sydney. Sydney exemplifies academic excellence, strong leadership, and integrity. A dedicated and highly motivated student, she manages a rigorous academic load while serving as senior class president, where she fosters unity and school spirit. Her work organizing this year's homecoming events, coordinating logistics, collaborating with staff and students, and ensuring every detail came together highlighted her creativity, teamwork, and commitment to her peers. Her teacher, Allison Simon, shared these words about

015Sydney. Sydney Wells has been my student for only two months, but it is obvious to me that she is making the most of her educational experience while here. As a student, she is always attentive and engaged during instruction, and the quality of her work shows her depth of understanding. We spoke of her aspirations to pursue a degree in environmental engineering and I believe that this young lady will succeed at this and other future endeavors as well. So after graduation, Sydney plans to attend either Virginia Tech, yay, or Georgia Tech to pursue a degree in industrial or environmental engineering. Yay! Congratulations, Sydney. [applause] All right, Mr. Elliott's going to get a photo. And family members, please come on down. I know she's got some family here. Yeah. [laughter] All good. Congratulations once again, Sydney. And thank

016you board members. That is going to conclude Isle of White Achievers. Thanks to everybody who came out tonight for recognition or to support those that were being recognized. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Hello, we are students from Carolton and Hardy Elementary Schools representing the gifted programs at our schools. We are going to share how we have implemented the depth and complexity icons into our gifted classrooms this year and an AI research project that we completed to learn more about individuals with a significant connection to Virginia. This year in our gifted classrooms, we began using the depth and complexity icons to guide our learning and to enhance our highle critical thinking skills. The icons are used to describe lenses of thinking to guide our learning. These icons help us go beyond basic facts

017and understand ideas in a smarter, more thoughtful way. We use them in gifted classes to help us ask better questions and explain our thinking more clearly. The different icons are language of the discipline, details, patterns, rules, trends, unanswered questions, ethics, big idea, over time, multiple perspectives, and across disciplines. During our AI research project, we were all responsible for choosing a person with a significant connection to the state of Virginia. We chose individuals from a range of disciplines including historical figures, athletes, scientists, and past US presidents. We learned how to use AI technology along with other traditional research methods to gain knowledge about a person. The GE deaf and complexity icons that we focused on for this project were big idea, details, and unanswered questions. These helped us guide our research and think deeper about our

018person. During this project, our teachers introduced us to the concept of AI technology. AI technology stands for artificial intelligence. It's kind of like teaching a computer to think and learn the way people do. AI can look at lots of information, find patterns, and help us answer questions or solve problems. It doesn't know things on its own. It learns from examples that people give it. AI is a tool that helps us learn, not something that replaces our learning. This tool was a great research tool and allowed us to try something new. When using AI, it is always important to use it safely, just like we would when using a search engine on the internet. The AI technology we used was called a character chatbot on the platform Magic School. This tool allowed us to have a

019realtime conversation with our selected historical figure. We were able to ask real-time questions and have an interactive conversation with our person to gain insightful information to help guide our research. Here are a few examples of what those conversations looked like. For this example, the conversation was occuring with George Washington. We had the option to type our conversation or use microphone tool to create a responses to our questions. No. Oops. The AI technology used their online information database to construct real time responses to our questions. This is where the un This is where the depths and complexity icon of unanswered questions came into play. Our teachers helped us create gathering questions such as this person's how did this person's walk relate to larger historical events or movements to help conduct our conversation. We also had creative

020freedom to ask questions as it our conversation develops just like a conversation with a friend. We got sidetracked a time or two. This way of conducting research allowed us as students to explore AI technology in a safe and productive way while creating exposures to a research method we had never used before. We made sure to use digital etiquette like using initials instead of names and only discussing school appropriate topics of conversation. AI technology is changing how classrooms look and how we learn. And this project was an exciting way to incorporate something new. >> [applause] >> I have one question for the young lady that spoke last. What did you learn about digital etiquette? >> Digital etiquette. Instead, what did we do? >> Um, instead of digital etiquette, like we used initials instead of names. >>

021Got it. So that people wouldn't know who you were as a student. Correct. >> Yes. >> Very good. And for the young man with the bow tie, when you were using the chat box, was it easier to type your question or use the microphone? In my opinion, it is easier to use a microphone tool because you don't have to type in every single letter. >> I tend to agree with you. >> Anything else you'd like to add? What do you think about AI? I don't think it's going away. Anything else from the board? All right. Very good. Thank you all. [applause] All right, madam clerk, do we have someone signed up to speak? >> Yes. >> Excellent. >> In accordance to policy BDDH-E, presentation of information on any subject will be concluded at the discretion

022of the board. No person will be recognized to speak more than once. Citizens scheduled on the agenda to speak will be permitted four minutes maximum time for their presentation. Delegations will be requested to limit their speakers to two. Persons speaking are asked to be specific, state the issues for the board's consideration, and attach a copy of your prepared remarks. If you have prepared remarks, they should be given to the board clerk. Please do not approach the board members. Any matter relating to specific students will be heard by the school board only in a closed meeting. And first we have Greg Brown. I'm not I'm not touching that. All right. Thank you. [clears throat] Good evening, Dr. Kramer, board members, ladies and gentlemen. I'm here tonight not just on behalf of myself, but also representing the

023Hardy Elementary School PTA. and I am here to speak about the need for continued urgency in replacing the building we're in right now, Westside Elementary School. We've all seen the video that Principal Johnson and his staff put together documenting some of the many issues they are dealing with in this nearly hundred-year-old building. Um, I mean, my hat is off to the teachers and staff that are really going above and beyond working around leaky roofs, buckling floors, and plumbing issues to try to get the instruction to our students. But we as a community are doing a disservice to our children by asking them to try to learn in a building in this condition. To start with, I'd like to thank the board members, Dr. Kramer and the staff for beginning the process to replace Westside by

024starting the selection of the design firm. Uh I believe the due date for responses to the request for proposal was yesterday. So hopefully we got some strong proposals from prospective architects and I'm looking forward to hearing more about the process later and hopefully this meeting. Uh, I'd also like to thank you for taking the time last board meeting to explain the selection process for the architect and clear up some of the misrepresentations that have been put out by a few individuals that have their own agendas. The need to replace Westside Elementary is urgent. The building is well past its useful life, and continued band-aid fixes will result in diminishing returns. Rehabilitation of the existing building should not even be considered. Setting aside the fact that the layout of the building itself doesn't make any sense

025due to the repeated expansion over the years, a lot of the issues with the building are with the underlying structure and the utilities in and under the building. And a rehab wouldn't address any of those issues. I'm well aware that even with the best possible timeline for this project, my own children will not get to experience a new Westside Elementary School. They will have graduated out by that time. But personal benefit cannot be the lens through which we view projects like this. It is really easy for people to talk about how important children are and mouth homalies like our children are the future. But we need to put our money where our mouth is. Westside Elementary School should have been replaced years ago. It wasn't and we can't change the past. What we can do

026is take action right now and moving forward to pursue the replacement of Westside Elementary School with purpose, commitment, and urgency. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Brown. Lee Hanley. Good evening, board members and Dr. Kramer. I was here in November asking for a new Westside School. And just like my kids asking for the newest gaming system, I'm back again because I've learned anything as a parent, it's this. The ass doesn't go away just because the adults get tired. Last month, I talked about urgency. Tonight, I'd like to add a little Christmas spirit to it because at this point, even Santa is looking at Westside saying, "Wow, they really need a new building." And Santa, he's seen a few things. Our school is older than half the Christmas decorations in my attic. And trust

027me, that's saying something. If Westside were a Christmas present, it would be the one mysterious gift underneath the tree wrapped in that old newspaper because you ran out of the real wrapping paper. And you're just hoping no one notices. But our kids notice, our staff notice, and our parents definitely notice. And none of them should have to keep pretending everything is fine while the ceiling tile flirts with the idea of falling like a beautiful snowflake. I know funding a new school is a huge responsibility, but here is the thing. Our children's future doesn't fit down a chimney. It needs real budget line. The squeaky wheel gets to grease and tonight I'm back festively. Consider me the jingle bell you'll keep hearing until we make some real progress. I promise to be cheerful, but I won't

028be quiet. Our kids deserve a modern, safe, thriving school, not the educational equivalent of a fruitc cake that nobody wants. So, as we enter this season of giving, I'm asking you to give our students something far better than toys or tinsel. momentum, funding, and a commitment to move this project forward. And I thank you for everything you've done so far. We really appreciate our school board members. And we really, really do appreciate you, and we can't wait to celebrate you next month because next month is school board appreciation month, and we will be back. So, let's make next year the one where Westside's future doesn't depend on holiday magic, but on real action. Thank you and may your budgets and your spirits be merry and bright this holiday season. Westside Elementary PTA. >> Thank you,

029ma'am. >> Herb Dembers, Mr. Mr. Chairman and Dr. Kramer, her de district 5. Uh earlier tonight, I sent you my more detailed remarks by email, but November 25th, 2025's check register documents a $49,000 expenditure for the westside roof, the second roof related expense for WCS that I've seen. At the 7 October 25 joint board meetings, Dr. Coleman said he'd obtained a quote for a new westside roof 3 to four years ago at a cost of 1.75 million listed on the 11th September 2025 CIP priority list that this board approved and documented in minutes. However, I've never been able to locate that quote and Dr. Coleman has not responded when I ask about it. The earliest Westside roof repair cost I could find is documented in 22 April 21's board minutes 16 months before Dr. Kramer

030became superintendent in August of 22. [clears throat] Facts and board approved minutes conflict, in my opinion, with statements made by Miss Briggs in the 19 November Smithfield Times article where she claimed design services occurred two years before the Westside roof issue resurfaced. In fact, RRMM was paid in February of 23, almost two years after, but not before IDFC IWCS's board approved Westside's roof repair cost in April of 21. anyone on top of this ongoing problem effectively. Secondly, item 16.5 CIP amendment. The school board voted on 11th September to approve a CIP that included a priority list but lacked detailed construction cost estimates for Westside. Why? It had a question mark for the cost estimate. In my opinion, this violates policies FB and FBR which require detailed cost estimates. Noted the SCAP 25 applications and I

031have this for all items. The four December 2025 Smithville Times article daling our school systems 25 scap application to VDOE states that Westside was submitted with an estimated cost of 70 million. You all should note that this 17 million has never been shared in any board meeting or voted on that I can find hon or before Dr. Kramer's 19 November submission. Why? Each of you voted in September of 25 for the CIP with no cost estimate of Westside. I asked directly, did Dr. Kramer commit fraud of a public document by reviewing and approving a SCAP application to VDOE on the 19th of November this year, listing a $70 million cost for Westside without this board's vote during a public board meeting? And if the board amends the CIP tonight by public vote to align with

032that figure, would doing so constitute accessory defraud by those board members who vote yes? Please think and vote to table this item and get legal counsel first. Please. Collect 6 December 22 email to Marish had questions for Dr. Kramer and staff concerning policy FFA to be answered for the December 22 board meeting. >> Email warned that altering dates on public records could constitute a class 4 felony. He cited VA code 18.2-168 22-168 that states that forging a public record oring a record as true to or as true as a felony. So, I've asked two questions that may involve possible VA code violations here this evening. I ask for public answers by this board before any public vote is taken on the CIP amendment. I request that the board members consider that the most important thing

033pressing to this board is teacher salaries inequities. In my opinion, millions should go into teacher compensation rather than projects not board approved of 130 million in cool construction with continually K through2 declining enrollment. The compensation study proposed was due 31 July of this year, over four months ago, and still nothing has been presented. Why >> time? >> Thank you very much. >> That was our last speaker, Mr. Marsh. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, that takes us to 141, student liaison. Miss Cameron, would you like to lead, please? >> Okay. Um, good afternoon school board. I hope you all enjoyed Thanksgiving break as this is our first time seeing each other since the week that we had off thanks to the calendar that you all on the school board and Dr. Kramer approved. So,

034we at Smithfield High School, thank you and we appreciate that. Uh to start, I'll just go over the largest and most pressing topic that was brought up to me by a couple students over the past month, which is the removal of packer block or more specifically the limiting of packer block activity to just remediation. Uh I understand that this isn't inherently a schoolboard issue that it's much more widespread than that and there's only so much that the board can do. That being said, it has been brought up to me a number of times. uh concerns coming primarily from members of clubs who feel that this will force them to choose between their after-school sports and the clubs that they are a part of. Uh therefore hindering the number of activities that they're able to participate

035in and the amount of things that they can put on their college applications. Once again, I am aware that this is not an issue that is necessarily delegated to the school board and that there's only so much you can do about it, but I just thought that I would bring it up anyway on behalf of the students at Smithfield High School who have spoke to me if there are any steps, small as they may be, that you can take to remedies the situation, even little things, because I feel that that might help. Uh, other than that, we've had some snow days over the past few weeks and as of far as I've received from earlier this week, we still don't have a CTE nurse teacher. So, in our nurses aid program. So, that's all I

036wanted to bring up, but that's everything I have. >> Thanks, Cameron. Doc, you want to speak to some of that? >> Well, to a few of your points. One regarding uh Packer Block. that is a school uh issue. That's a matter that should be addressed by principal interim principal uh Williams. So, please have that discussion with him and I can certainly follow up as well. Regarding the uh nursing position, there is a solution. I'll ask Mrs. Gats when she's you don't have to come now, but later we can address that there is a solution. Uh perhaps uh all of you are not aware of that. We have shared that with the parents of the students in the program. So, we can speak to that as well. I think that those were your overarching uh concerns,

037but thank you very much for that. >> Thanks, Doc Kramer. Thanks, Cameron Cole. Good evening. Oh, I'm sorry, guys. Good evening, Chairman Marsh, Dr. Kramer, schoolboard members, and listeners at home. Tonight, I would like to start off by thanking Dr. Kramer for that terrific five-day weekend. I hope all of our students and staff caught up on sleep and especially schoolwork. I know everyone eagerly anticipates that call for Miss Briggs on a late evening night, right? Okay. Now, I would like to recognize Windsor High School's November student spotlights. Student spotlight is an amazing way for to make our Dukes feel seen and appreciated by our school and also inspire other students to get more involved. For 9th grade, we have Nicholas Slaba. 10th grade is Bristol Stallings. 11th grade is Jalia Hollowman. And 12th grade is

038Addison Maya. Congratulations to our outstanding Dukes this past month. The WHS basketball team has started their season and they're they're doing pretty well as I've heard. After winning first place at the regional 2A theater tournament under coach Batty, Windsor High School's theater team travel to Charlottesville on the six for states. Wor senior Chaml Duck earned her best actress award for the state competition, her second one of the season, and became the first Windsor High student to ever receive this honor at the state level with a score out of 93 up to 100. The the Dukes finished in fourth place. Great job, Dukes. Tonight, it would be my absolute pleasure to congratulate the top nurse in the state of Virginia, which I am proud to say is a Duke. Some people may think nurses are ju

039school nurses are just band-aids and ice packs, but they are far from that, especially nurse Sheay. She truly cares about the student body. She is a safe space for many of the students here at Windsor and we are so thankful to have a woman like Kurt to be there for us. Not to judge us but instead help us overcome huge obstacles in our young lives. Nurse Shay not only makes our lives personal lives better but takes it to the next level by celebrating our achievements with us. To speak on a more personal level. Thank you, Nurse Shay, for everything you have done, not just for the castle and the students inside, but the students also outside of it by advocating for mental health and access to help for those in need. You not only deserve

040this terrific and outstanding award, but you embody its principles and go above and beyond them. Thank you. Thank you guys. That's all I have for tonight. >> Thanks, young man. Well said. >> Yes. I would like to comment on Mr. Mumford's comment regarding the vacation, maybe a vacation for the students, but I do not get those same auditory comments from the parents. So, I will speak on that a little bit later in my comments. And thank you very much, uh, Cole for eloquently acknowledging the contributions of nurse. We appreciate you. So, thank you very much. It's great to hear that from the students perspective. Much appreciated. >> Thanks, sir. Okay. Anything else, board? All right. UT, use your discretion. It's school night. We'll just move on. When y'all get ready, we'll see you. Okay, Cole.

041All right, that takes us to our first action item of the night. Dr. Coleman CIP amendment. And I know all right for my fellow board and the listening audience I know Dr. Coleman uh has some prepared comments. Um and so I don't want to take any of his thunder because he he I've read his comments. They're going to articulate what we're doing and why. But I do want to say for the board and the listening audience and and the teachers, employees at Alawway County School, uh the proposal for action tonight is the end result of a very deliberate process. It's been going on for what, eight some odd months now? >> Yes. >> We we started this endeavor months [clears throat] ago. Mr. Wooster and I sat down with a couple members of the board

042of supervisors with some key members of Dr. Kramer's staff, you included, Mrs. Briggs um kind of looked at the student capacities versus program program capacities. We came up with uh regulation FBR. >> Yes. >> Um we did the Tishler Bice study which looked at projected student population growth as a result of the housing developments that are in Q. Um and that brings us tonight. And so what Dr. Dr. Coleman is going to present tonight is is effectively an amendment to our CIP. Um, what it does do is it affords the county, and when I say the county, the board of supervisors, it affords those folks the opportunity to take advantage of potential profers to support school construction. If they determine whether or not to pres approve housing projects, it does not guarantee that a housing

043project is going to be approved or disapproved. It does not guarantee us money and it does not guarantee that the project is going to take place. It merely establishes a vehicle, an opportunity if it arises for the county to take advantage of profiters. Um, and on that I will turn it over to you. We'll see how this unfolds. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair, school board members, Dr. Kramer. All right. [clears throat] This is a request to add Smithville High School renovation and capacity expansion uh to the school board CIP. Now, when we begin this facility's planning, of course, our immediate focus was based on need and timing and that was the Westside replacement project. Now, as we work through and revised, as the chair stated, FBR in detail, it became clear that Westside

044cannot be evaluated in isolation. FBR requires divisionwide capacity planning, grade alignment, and future enrollment impact analysis as Tishan Vice provided for us. Once the broader lens was applied, it was evident that without a Smithville High School expansion and renovation, we would have no available instructional space to transition sixth graders as required by the regulation. Leaving Smithville High School student school unressed would stall grade alignment and undermine the systemwide capacity study that we just uh completed. Including Smithville High School on the school board CIP now ensures full alignment with FB-R provides a complete picture of the visionwide needs. Now, additionally, after several meetings, we confirmed that a project must appear on the county's CI uh county's five-year CIP plan to be eligible for developer profers. I just want to go into more detail about this so

045everyone understand if if Smithville High School expansion is not added to our CIP first, we cannot request county replacement. the project uh becomes ineligible which results in the loss of potential developer contributions that reduce local taxpayer burden. Adding the project to RCIP does not and I repeat does not obligate the county for funding. It simply ensures accuracy, transparency, and compliance with the planning requirements governing school facilities. So once again, adding Smithville High School expansion does not obligate the county funding in any form of fashion, but it does allow the county to apply for profers for us when we do move forward with that project. It's not even um it's not even forcing the county's hand to a timeline of when it needs to be done. It opens up options for us and um with those

046extra funds and the profits overall. It's not taking away local funding. It is adding to local funding. Just FYI. I don't want anyone to get mixed up on that. With that stated, uh I'm requesting that Smithville High School renovation and capacity expansion uh be added to the school board CIP. With that, I am open for questions at this time. That's a lot to digest, especially if you haven't been following it. And and I think this is a it's a complicated process. I think uh two big takeaways, right? To what you said, in order for the county to potentially collect profers. Yes. >> It's got to affect school capacity. >> Yes. Based off Tishler Vice survey, we now know that because Smithfield High School today physically occupies 20 classrooms that are actually Smithfield Middle School. >>

047Right. That's correct. >> That that school is over capacity today. >> That is correct. >> Based on Tishler advice. So first requirement, your school or your your school facility has to be at capacity. Smithfield High School checks that box. >> It does. The second requirement per Virginia law is that it has to be identified on the county's five-year capital improvement plan. If we approve this tonight, that's the second check in the box. And again, we're not obligating. We're not we're not required to proceed. It merely gives the board of supervisors when they're presented with the housing development, if that developer says, "Hey, we're willing to offer you X number of dollars to proceed with this project because Smithfield High is at capacity. It affords them a legal opportunity to accept it. Without that, they cannot

048take it." >> That is correct. >> Um, Mr. K, you want to speak to this any I know you've been pretty ind depth with it with me the most recently. >> First thing, Dr. going is um you know I was I was concerned about this uh for quite a while because I I really thought with the amount of uh new houses being built that we were going to have uh have have to need another high school uh not just uh 20 or 30 classes. Um so my question was um if Tishler Bice if the study is wrong and they underestimated considerably and we needed to build another school and we had taken all these profers with the intent of adding on to Smithfield High School. Uh could we take those that money uh to build

049a new high school instead? if you could explain that. >> Right. Um I am once again I'm not an attorney in any form of fashion, but just based off of what we have done before the board of supervisors had profers from whatever projects they had at the time. The band room renovation was a project that was on the CIP. With that stated, I think we all know that the band room renovation was afforded by those profers. Now uh was the profers earmarked for ban room renovation? I do not believe that was. So in turn to your question I would say that profers are not earmarked to a certain project but once again I would like to refer to someone who knows a little bit more in depthly about that. If I may colle I just

050want to respond to that question. I think Dr. Coleman is absolutely correct. I think that's probably a question uh more appropriately uh uh asked of the county. I think um Mr. Robertson, the county administrator, and perhaps uh attorney Jones would probably be best suited to respond to that question. We want to get you an answer, but I don't think we are the experts in that area. Uh because Mr. Robertson did actually answer the question u at our meeting and it was basically as long as it's for the expansion, right? You know, it can be it doesn't have to be used solely for that project, but it's got to impact where these new houses are being built. >> That is correct. >> And it's got to be for an expansion both. So, if you know, God

051forbid we, you know, ended up growing more than we thought and we did need another school, we would be able to do that. Um, and that's what sold me on supporting this uh as a as a CIP item. Yes. Because I I'm I think Tishla Bice did a very good job with the methodology. >> But the numbers I'm, you know, I really want to see what the numbers are for the next two or three years, right? And I think putting this in a five-year SIP is the perfect vehicle to be able to like the chairman said, we would be able to obtain have a vehicle to obtain profers, but at the same time be watching what do we really need? Do we need to expand Smithfield High? Do we need another high school or or

052what? So, um, no, I I think this is great. I think it's the right thing to do and I think this is the right time to do it. >> Yes, sir. I think uh it's worth saying out loud that we're doing something that should have been done years ago. We're putting a plan in place. We're not just planning and talking about it, pontificating. We're putting in writing. As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. I think we find ourselves in a spot today where we wish we'd have made decisions years ago. Um, and I'm also very pleased to sit up here tonight and say that we've put forth a lot of effort. This board and the county board of supervisors and your staffs have spent a lot of time working closely to

053get to where we are tonight. And I think that's a huge improvement to where we've been in the recent past. So, I'm happy about that. >> Anybody else? programs. >> If we move um say the CTE programs to a different building, they're considered part of the high school. Would the profers be able to be used for renovating anything to do with maybe that specific aspect instead of the high school as a whole? >> Well, I have to fall back to what Mr. Collague stated a little earlier. uh where the profits are collected from in that uh particular vicinity the increase the overall expansion of that the uh I guess you can say the the overage of that that is where the profits needs to be used at so in the CT areas that you're speaking

054of if that's an area of Smithville High School or let's just say the Smithville Carlton area where the profers are coming from then yes can those profers be taken and used in area like Carsville I don't know about that that's when I I would go If the CT program stayed in the um area of growth >> and we moved it to a different building or something just as an example, >> it would probably be able to be used for that. >> Yes, for >> I think that was the specific analogy that was discussed. >> Yeah, that was >> it was if if and I think the band room is the the perfect example. So >> the reason that was used for profers is because our existing band room was too darn small. Mhm. >> So

055it the band room was at capacity. They had profers. They used those profers to turn a boiler room into a bigger band room. >> That is correct. >> I've just got one question for you. Um this is for my benefit as well as the public. >> Yes, sir. [clears throat] When we're sitting here talking about profers, I'm sure there's a lot of people that don't fully understand the meaning of profers. Um, I will freely admit I'm not well verssed in it myself, but when it comes to looking at profers, um, for situations like these, and this might not be a question you can answer at this point, but how is it generally calculated? Is it based on >> uh, population? Is it based on growth? buil buildings. Do you any idea how it's calculated? >>

056No, sir. I don't have the the calculation mythology behind that. Uh that's something I can seek from um from the uh county and try to find that answer for you and get back to you, but I do not have that um methodology behind that. >> Okay. I was I was just curious um again for myself and the public in general. If you can get an answer with me and get back at a later date, that'll be fine. >> I definitely will. >> Appreciate it. All right. Pending any other comments? Entertain a motion if someone would like to make it. >> Mr. Chair, I move to amend the capital improvement plan as presented. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. Any other discussion? Um, and just for the board, I do believe it's the desire of

057the board of supervisors to have Dr. Kramer or Dr. Coleman, whoever you decide to present in January. >> Yeah. >> What we're doing tonight. >> And again, it's it's about transparency and making sure the public understands what we're doing. >> Right. So, >> Madam Clerk, >> Mr. Collic, >> yes. >> Mr. Cunningham, >> yes. >> Mrs. Perkins, >> yes. Mr. Worster, >> yes. >> And Mr. Marsh, >> yes. Motion passes. >> Thanks, Doc. Next action item is 152 substitute pay increase Sullivan. Okay. Tonight um we are coming to you all. You might remember this time last year um there was an increase to the minimum wage in the state of Virginia. Um, and our lowest paid band of substitute pay rates is at an hourly rate that is at the minimum wage. Um, and in

058order for us to stay within compliance of that, we need to increase the lowest level base pay of our substitute rate. So, as of January 1st, 2026, um the minimum wage is going from 1241 an hour to 1277 an hour. Um, and so with that, we would need to increase our daily subpay rate from $95 even to $9578 in order to um stay in compliance with the minimum wage increase. >> Okay. Uh is it fair to say that as we move forward and we get I suspect next year when we start talking about compensation study >> that our substitute pay rates will be included in that discussion. >> Yes. So we've already started quite a bit of that conversation. Um and Dr. Kramer and Miss Dary will be bringing you more numbers um in the

059coming months uh January and February with looking at an increase um to our other subpay rates. that this is one that we need to make a change to and getting feedback from the company that we work with. We're talking like a $2,000 overall cost increase to our budget for this year for this change. Um, but we will be coming with numbers that would have a much greater change in our increase to a sub rates for other daily rates in the future. So to to restate what you just said, if we approve what you're presenting tonight, >> the impact on the remaining FY26 budget is approximately >> $2,000. Got it. >> Yeah. >> And I think to your point, Mr. Chair, some of the other larger concerns as it pertains to uh subs, some of the

060comments we've heard from our teachers, we are, as Mrs. Sullivan stated, prepared to address that. And just to clarify, when you say next year, you mean next uh this current fiscal year, but next calendar year like January. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> So, yes, we will certainly uh bring additional information back to the board prior to um or shortly thereafter winter break regarding subpay. >> Okay. Again, if someone's willing to make an motion, this is an action item. Mr. Chair, I move to approve the substitute pay increase as presented. >> Second. A >> motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> Madam clerk. >> Mr. Collic. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cunningham? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Perkins? >> Yes. >> Mr. Worster? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Marsh? >> Yes. Motion passes. Take a quick

061five. All right, we're back in section. >> Miss Cooper Rider, you've got it. Sir, that is a very hot mic. Uh this evening, I wanted to present our purchase request for the 2026 27 school year Chromebooks. Uh it is before you. It's 410,400 for two grades worth of Chromebooks, which is about 900 devices. Only question I got, sir, and it's a rhetorical question. I don't know the answer. This was all part of the budget discussions last year. We're just executing >> plans that were put in place when we did the budget. >> Yes, sir. No strays from those plans. Everything's going as >> there's always variances. Uh to give you an idea, the cost of devices have probably gone up 10% in the past four months. >> That's never good to hear. Not surprising, but

062it's not good to hear. >> I expect another round of increases to occur in January. So that's why I brought it a little early this year. >> Got it. Okay. Any questions, comments from the board? >> Yeah. Um, like Mr. Marsh said, this is on the budget. Um, but for when we start talking about this uh for next fiscal year, the the question I have is the same question I have every year. What is our return on investment? In other words, have we seen an increase in the proficiency levels at any of the benchmark grades for students in any of the subjects? You know, for example, our third graders um who are proficient in reading, has that increased over the past four years um with the use of technology? I I just want to find

063out um if this is having an impact, a positive impact on our kids given every one of them uh their own piece of technology if you will or would it be better to have the technology available for the students in a classroom? But again, um I'm I'm not asking you tonight, Mr. Coopright obviously, but this is something that I definitely want to address as we work the budget um coming in for the 26 27 budget. Um I I've read a lot over the past year. Um there's plus and minuses. You know, there's some people that are completely against having technology in the classroom, some people are 100% for it. Right now, I'm for the status quo until we can figure out how it's affecting our kids. >> Um, just to add to the discussion, and

064I'm not leaning one way or the other, but um, as an FYI, we already have them as classroom sets through K through four for the most part. Uh, we're discussing shifting fifth grade to a classroom set as well. Um, that has not been finalized yet. It's something me and Miss Getts have been talking about for the last several months. Um but to just to be aware uh during your discussion there are very there's a lot more intricacies with technology in the workplace today than there were just a few years ago. Um a great example I had um I was just talking to Miss Sullivan a little while ago actually about how her husband working on cars is working as much on the computer side as he is on the mechanical side. So during those discussions,

065make sure and include all the indepth importance that exposing children to technology, not necessarily all day long, but exposing and giving them the chance to be successful in life. >> Oh, absolutely. Uh there's no question about that. My concern is we'll have kids that are relying more on computers than on learning, you know, things they have to learn, you know, multiplication tables, learning how to spell, you know, >> common thing I hear is, "Oh, I'll get spell check." >> You know, um, you know, things like that. So, >> are we making sure the kids are learning before they're using the computer, you know, for the same thing? I can't necessarily answer that. That's an instructional question. >> Exactly. No, I don't expect you to answer that. That's >> I I will bring up a common

066thing I remember from my schooling though, which was um >> you won't have a calculator with you all the time. >> Right. >> It's not really accurate anymore. >> Exactly. >> So, >> okay. Thank you. That was that was my only comment, Mr. Chair. >> Thanks, sir. Anybody else? >> All right. It's another action item. Mr. Chair, I move to move to allow the purchase of student Chromebooks for the 2026 2027 school year as presented. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any other discussion? >> I thought you would do it. >> Hearing none, Madam Clerk. >> Mr. Collic. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cunningham? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Perkins? >> Yes. >> Mr. Worooster? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Marsh? >> Yes. Motion passes. And in concert with that one, it takes

067us to the next action item, sailor surplus equipment, the scoop rider. >> So every year we uh work very hard to make sure that we are uh expending our surplus equipment while it still might maintain some value. Um we work really hard making sure we rotate things out that are no longer in use. Uh and currently that list is included on board docs. It includes like 1,700 Chromebooks that we bought in 2020. and uh 700 Apple laptops that were brought before 2020, 2015 through 2019. Um as well as miscellaneous other items. >> Okay. Thank you. Over to you, sir. >> Mr. Chair, I move to approve the request to sell surplus items with data destruction guarantees as presented. >> Second. A >> motion and a second. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Madam clerk, >> Mr.

068Collic, >> yes. >> Mr. Cunningham, >> yes. >> Mrs. Perkins, >> yes. >> Mr. Worster, >> yes. >> And Mr. Marsh, >> yes. Motion passes. Thank you. Thank you, sir. 16.1 Accountability Update. This is loud. gets >> a little bit of enthusiasm, Mrs. Gets, I can see it on your face. There we go. [clears throat] >> Good evening, Mr. Chair, members of the board, Dr. Kramer um Miss Loud mainly and myself a little bit um will be sharing with you um the most recent and very recent just released this week um results of the new accountability framework. So I'm going to turn it over to Miss Loud. >> All right, great. Good evening. Uh so the first part of this is going to be a review of what we've talked about before. Uh so the

069components of the school performance and support framework are up on your slide. Um each level has three components. Elementary and middle have mastery, growth, and readiness. And then high school has mastery, readiness, and graduation. Oh, backwards. So the percentages that were on that first slide don't really apply to us because every one of our schools has missing indicators. Um, so this slide shows what happens when we're missing one of the indicators for a given component. So for example, when a school is missing science, so they don't have a fifth grade, uh, so Hardy and Carolton, that 10% that was going for science is then divided equally between reading and math. If a school which is all of our schools does has less than 15 English learners those that percentage is divided um among the other

070indicators and then if a school is missing growth so Carolton goes to third grade growth is only available for fourth grade and above. So, previously, the last time we talked about this, the information from VDOE was that Carolton would not get a category assigned. That has changed. Carolton is now being paired with Westside as their feeder school. So, Carolton is being judged on some of Westside's data, and I'll show you some of that later on. And let me just add this is a result of kind of the odd grade level configurations that exist in Isisle of White. If we had the K5 configuration, which is typical for an elementary school, um this would not be happening with the exception of our EEL students because we don't have a large enough population. But the growth and

071the science that would not be happening. It happens because of our grade configuration. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, the next three slides are pretty in-depth. I have them here for you to take a look at. Um, but they are the same ones from uh previous presentations, but what these show is the actual percentage for each component at elementary, middle, and high. and then what's included in each component. Um it's helpful to think of those top percentages. So on this slide, the 55, 35, and 10 as kind of the max score for each component. So when we get into the to the component scores, kind of think back to these slides. Okay, so elementary turns out to be 55% for mastery, 35 for growth, and 10% for readiness. middle 50% for mastery, 30% for growth, and

07220% from readiness. And then high school gets wonky. So it get we get into the the decimal points. So 44.5, 16.7 for graduation and 39 for readiness. Okay. All right. So these are the scores for each component for each school as well as their final framework score. It's important to note that these are not percentages. Okay, go back to that those last three slides that max of for elementary the max of the 55% for mastery. So Carolton Elementary for example got 52.49 49 points out of potentially 55. Okay, so it's really important to understand these are not percentages. These are scores. So the component scores in the first four columns are then added up to get an overall framework score. There's an asterisk there for Carolton. Uh their growth score, that's actually Westside's growth score.

073They get judged on that. Um, Westside Science is also included in Carolton's mastery score. Okay. >> For >> interrupt me, please. [laughter] >> Yes. In the future, could we just to make your point, could you put like where it says mastery score in parentheses, put zero to 55? >> Yes. >> Yeah. Absolutely not. Cuz if you hadn't said that, I'd have been assuming that's a percentage. >> Yeah. >> Thanks. >> Absolutely. >> And I I'm just going to assume that the framework the final score is what everybody up here understands is ABCDE E whatever. >> So there's four categories. Um so the framework score is up to 100, but you'll notice because we use index indices Windsor High has over a 100. So we're going to talk about that because we're really proud of that

074one. So think of the MA the framework score up to 100. Okay. Zero to 100 >> and explain the off track on track. >> Yep. >> So those framework scores translate into performance categories. So distinguished performance categories is 90 points or above. On track is 80 to 89 points. off track is 65 to 79 and then needs intensive support is below 65. Okay, so those framework scores in that last column translate to these performance categories. But schools can also be federally identified. There are three types of federal identification. There's comprehensive support and improvement, targeted support and improvement, and additional targeted support and improvement. Comprehensive support and improvement. CSI schools are the lowest performing 5% of title one schools across the state, please. >> And a school gets categorized by one of these based off the

075VDOE's framework score. based on the framework score. Yes. For the comprehensive support and improvement, it's based on the overall framework score. So that right hand column, well, it's my right hand. >> The last column for targeted support and improvement. What the VDOE does is it calculates subgroup framework scores. So for each student group within the school, it the VDOE calculates a framework score as if that those were the only kids in the school. So if a school has 45 students with disabilities, those the scores from those 45 students earns a framework score. That framework score is then compared against the CSI schools and if that framework score is lower than the CSI schools, then the school is identified as targeted support and improvement. Can can you try to explain again maybe in a different way

076what you're talking about with this this kid with disabilities? How how is that being separated? >> So each student group so there's eight um black, white, Asian, Hispanic, multiple races, uh English learners, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged. So those are the subgroups that the federal government looks at. So each of those groups gets its own framework score for each school >> and then that's somehow meshed into VDOE's overall framework. >> So that's in So we use the overall framework. >> This framework score is for all students in each building. >> Everyone regardless of subgroup >> regardless. >> Okay, >> that's their overall score. with targeted uh support and improvement for federal. They look at the subgroups. So each of those subgroups gets its own score and then those scores are compared and that's how

077schools would be identified as a targeted support and improvement school. >> So let's just say for example, and I'm making this up, uh I'll use Windsor Elementary because that's where my one of my kids are. I'm familiar with that. Perhaps the children in Windsor Elementary that are with special needs are not doing good at all. So the federal is going to pull those kids apart and that equates to what? Separate funding. >> It potentially Yes. Yes. So >> for the whole school or for the subgroups? uh it's it goes to the school but it's earmarked for targeted support and improvement for that specific subgroup that where they were identified. >> Really? >> Yes. And it's important to note that this information that was just shared, we don't know until the end when all test and

078framework scores are calculated. we then learn what the bottom lowest 5% of title one schools are by which we're going to be compared. So I don't know what it is every year. It's a moving target every year until all testing is completed and the framework is calculated and we know this is you know this is what we're explaining is the effort to be more transparent. That is what was changed to be more transparent. We are very well aware how complicated it is. We talk and talk and talk about it and it's still a lot to wrap your heads around. I can't imagine what a person who doesn't do this every day can even even thinks about this. >> It's complex. C >> can you go back to the the overall framework? [laughter] >> One slide

079forward. forward >> that one. So, >> this one >> makes sense to me. I mean, that's pretty basic. And I if I understand the spirit and intent of what the VDOE is doing, I I think in years past, if a school lost accreditation, everybody would freak out. The house was burning down. Oh my god, school lost accreditation. Uh, and I think I don't think I know that in years past every school division in the Commonwealth was accreditated. And I think some of the fear amongst school divisions is that now this is going to give a different picture of the reality perhaps. But I I if my understanding is correct, they're trying to make it so that if you're off track, it doesn't mean that you're it's supposed to produce more assistance. rather than, oh my

080god, the house is burning down. >> I don't know. It'll be interesting to see what the final outcome is. >> Yeah, that's I I do. >> Does that make sense? I mean, I'm kind of rambling, but I've I've spoke with some folks that are intertwined with the VDOE in this effort, and I think that's the spirit and intent. >> That is the intent. >> Yeah, >> that is the intent. I I mean I think most most people if they were honest would say if every school in the state is accredited something's not right. >> Oh of course. >> Yeah. >> But I don't know if every school in the state has ever been accredited. I would push back on that. I would say many probably more than so the state is trying to increase rigor.

081>> Right. >> There there's certainly probably more than there currently are now. But I just want to for the record state that every school has in the state has not been accredited. >> Okay. >> It's complicated. I'll give you that. >> It is >> very complicated. [laughter] >> It is. >> So, so, so you know, as we move forward and Mr. Collic wants to ask how are we doing? >> We can't use this as a benchmark. I mean, this is all over the place because this is new. So, we're looking specifically at so scores. what are we looking at? >> So, I think it can be used as a benchmark with a caveat. I think it doesn't it doesn't have the whole picture. Um, so actually, I'm I'm going to go on to my next

082slide and I'm going to show you why it I why I say that. So, any school that gets a federal identification status has their performance category lowered by one level. Okay? So these are the final performance categories. So you'll see the framework that's the overall student framework and then that middle column shows whether a school was identified federally. Hardy was identified for their students with disabilities group. Um so there's some additional uh supports that are that are needed for that subgroup. Um, so that's why their final performance category is off track. Even though they have the second highest framework score of any elementary school in this division, yet their final performance category is off track, whereas the others are on track. So that's why I say it it it does show kind of how we're

083doing but with some with some caveats because in general we are doing well at our elementary and middle schools. >> So keep in mind the 80 to 89 is on track. Mhm. >> So if you look at where Hardy fell 85, they're right in the middle of being on track, but because their students with disabilities in the comparison with the lowest 5% of title one schools, they achieved lower than that benchmark score. They are now off track because it drops you one level. So, if you're distinguished and you are federally identified, you're no longer distinguished. You're on track. If you're on track and you become federally identified, you're now off track. And so, that's the piece where I say it's a moving target. We could not have known. We actually thought our schools were going

084to all be on track until this literally just came out a couple days ago with this federally identified information because we didn't know that information until a couple of days ago. No division did >> because we don't have access to other school divisions data. >> So I don't know what the the bottom 5% is but across the state it is. Yes. And how many how many schools? 300 and some. >> There are 327 U targeted support and improvement schools, I believe. Don't quote me on that, but >> um a lot of schools got hit with this federally identifying piece. >> And to your question about funding, um the the federal pot stays the same, but now there are more schools identified, so that slice gets smaller. >> Yep. So, we're not necessarily getting additional funds

085because we're federally identified, but we do have to submit a plan to tell the state what are we going to do differently for Hardy to get them on track, but that's going to be locally funded probably >> in large part. >> It's one of those, you know, unfunded mandates that you like, Mr. Marsh. >> It's my favorite term. >> I know. So, I do want to call out our two high schools. Both high schools were distinguished and Windsor High with that 105.3 framework score. They are actually the second highest high school in our region. So, they they're they have a lot to celebrate. And I wish he hadn't left. I saw him leave at the break. Um but I wish uh the Windsor High delegate hadn't left. Um, but they they had the second highest

086overall framework score in the region and they had the highest 3E readiness score. So, Windsor High is doing a phenomenal job preparing our kids for the next step. And the only high school that was better in our region is a public charter school that has about 70 students in it. So it's not really comparable to what Windsor High School is. So they are really to be commended for their outstanding work. >> So you're going to package this up into something nice and neat and send it to Mr. Fleski at the newspaper, right? >> Absolutely. It's I mean it's a really big deal. >> Yeah. >> Both high schools super I mean both high schools really well, but even Windsor High to be the top in our region is very impressive. >> And if I may

087add, you ladies have stated this very well. I don't have much to add in addition to what you've already said, but I I don't think we can stress this enough. All of our schools have done extremely well. >> Yes. and our middle schools, our elementary schools, many are just a few percentage, a few points uh on the framework score below distinguished. And I think it is important to state that Hardy Hardy's overall framework score is second highest, slightly second highest in our division in all of the elementary schools. Certainly um we're been identified as a targeted support and improvement uh school in the one of the subgroups and that's the students with disabilities. So no question uh we will be addressing that but again it is important to I think stress that all of our

088schools are doing well and to all of our principles our teachers kudos and congratulations to you. We have seen some of the other data from some of the other districts broadly and we are one of the highest performing divisions in this region. No question about that and we have the data here to support that. So all of our schools are doing well and I commend our teachers, our students, our staff members for producing these um very laudable uh data sets. Absolutely. >> [applause] >> Do you all have any other questions? >> This is the final report for >> this is final. Yes, sir. >> And this is applicable not to this is the last school year. I mean that. >> Yeah. So it's based on data from last year. >> So how far behind are

089we? I guess that's the question. >> Months. Yeah. Um um almost a semester. >> Yeah. It should have we should have received this in September. >> Yeah. Typically we get um all of this data in in September. Um because this is the first year of implementation. What VDOE did was they partnered with actually with ODU for um data verification. Um so that's why there was a delay in the federal identification and the final framework scores and things like that. So we will be required to do an action plan for Hardy. Um right now that is due January 30th um on a template that has not yet been released. So once we get the form that we have to complete the plan on, we will complete it. It will be brought to you because it has

090to be approved by you >> by what date? >> January 30th, >> Senator, that's great. >> And we just learned this week and we don't have the template yet. It's not available. >> Okay. Let us know if you need us to ring any doors. >> That would [laughter] be great. But that's coming your way. I want you to know. >> I'm serious. If you want me to pick up the phone and start ringing doors, then >> maybe. It seems like it's it seems um the timeline seems um very aggressive um [clears throat] to get all of that done in the amount of time. And given that we are going to be on break as well for the holidays, it's it seems like it's a very short time frame. Okay, thanks. Let us know if you

091need any support. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> All right, Mr. very monthly finances. >> Good evening. >> I just have a couple things to bring to your attention. Um the health insurance fund is um doing well. Um even though it it shows that we are about 17.6% 6% um increase in claims since this time last year. The contributions that we are making to the fund are up 30 almost 35%. So um we have a a positive um year so far and am projecting it to continue that you know just from what we know from the first five months of this year. >> Mr. Chairman, you look >> No, I'm so I'm looking at the question that I asked you in the response and I don't want to sound like a complete idiot to be

092honest with you. So, the question was we're six months into the fiscal year and our current balance is at 2.3 million. What's the projected balance at the end of the fiscal year? And you you say that based off where we're at now, five months in, we have a projected surplus of 324,000. >> So you would add that on to the 2.3. So it' be 2.6 million. >> Okay. So if everything finished out at the end of the year based on where we're at, we'll have >> 324,000 on top of >> Correct. >> So we've still got that cushion. >> Yes. >> Okay. That's what I was trying to figure out. I didn't >> I apologize. >> Okay. >> Thank you. That's good. [clears throat] >> On the child nutrition fund, um you will see that

093year to date it is showing a deficit currently of about 371,000. But there are a couple of things to point out there. First of all, um our claims, the federal claims, we are a month in a rears. So like the November claims don't get placed until this month in December. So we're one month in a rears there. The other thing is with food services, you have a lot of upfront costs, a lot of upfront food costs that we have to spend at the beginning of the year. So, I'm tracking this closely with Mrs. Couch and she's, you know, pretty confident that everything is is going to level out and I would agree. Okay. Uh the compensation study that has um come up numerous times. Um, we have received some preliminary information that we are currently

094reviewing. However, we have gone ahead and scheduled the consultant to be at your January 15th board meeting to make a presentation. [snorts] >> Okay. Is it worthy of a separate meeting al together? >> I I don't know how much material is going to be presented. >> I'll leave that to Dr. Kramer. Yeah, I'm not sure that I I think we can have some perhaps 221 meetings with you all to sort of delve into that information and if you think it warrants a separate meeting, we can certainly have that discussion. I at this stage I don't think it would, but again, if if the board members have more questions, I think that's going to really pertain to how many questions you would have and how much additional information you might want to have. Excluding Mr. Cunningham

095is nodding over here like he doesn't care. He's already checked out, >> right? Uh but again, I I think that would be up to you. If you think it deserves an additional meeting, we can certainly uh look at that. >> So, we'll play it by ear. >> Okay. I'm looking forward to that. >> Um there was one question I asked about grant funds. Ma'am, you said that we're looking at a shortfall in the federal grant idea. >> Yes. Um well, the shortfall being that there were not sufficient funds to cover um the staffing that we normally cover with that. Um it's about uh 43 um FTE of a clerical position. It amounts to about $37,000. So that's going to have to be covered with local funds in the current fiscal year and then of course

096transferred um from the grant funds for this next year's budget. >> Okay. >> And there might be some with title one too, but as far as I know, we are not um expecting a shortfall there. >> And those are all estimates early on anyways. Correct. >> Got it. you know, they apply for those grants, you know, like right now or this time of the year, right? >> And then once you do salaries, benefits, that whole thing, I mean, it it's quite a time goes by, you know, with >> Sure. things change. >> Anybody else? >> Appreciate all your work. >> Okay. I think I'm on the the next item, too. If there aren't any other questions on the financials. >> You are. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. >> Um, yesterday um was the the deadline to

097submit a proposal for architectural and engineering services um to design for a new westside. Uh we received six proposals yesterday. So now staff will take those, we'll review them um and score them in accordance with the the RFP and then from there we will um interview and negotiate with top two or maybe three depending on how they are scored. Um so I don't think we have sufficient time to bring a recommendation back to you at your January 15th meeting because of the holidays. Um so we would intend to bring that hopefully in in February. comments, questions, [snorts] sounds good. And and again, if you think this is something that's worthy of a work session, then just let us know. >> Okay. >> Thank you. All right, we'll jump right into the operations update. All right,

098there was some conversation earlier concerning the SCAP, the school construction assistant program, and the items that were on the SCAP. All right. First of all, uh just to let everyone know, and this is more to the public. I know that the school board members are kind of aware of what's going on. Um now, uh we have submitted three projects for SCAP consideration. That's the Smithville High School band room expansion, new West Elementary School, and the Windsor High School HVAC replacement. Now, SCAP applications are submitted directly by the school to the VD DOE and do not require a separate or endorsement, a formal vote by the board of supervisors to be valid. It's submitted directly from the schools to the VDOE. The program asks for only twoformational questions related to the local governing body. First, whether

099the local governing body is committed to maintaining or increasing the percentage of local revenues for education over the financing period. and second the status of design site acquisition meaning how shovel ready the project is. Uh these questions are not award criteria and they do not trigger any new action by the board of supervisors. Those are the only two questions that are based to the board. Once again it is not part of the of the award criteria. All projects must meet the SCAP cost threshold and limits, including a minimum of $500,000 in total project costs for a single school project or $1 million for multi-school project works and a maximum of hund00 million in project costs for uh the grant calculations. So, we're looking at projects that were already on the CIP. That's what we look

100for. And all three of these projects were on the CIP and uh and very high in in the listed. So what we wanted to do was concentrate all of the efforts in the writing the grant for these three projects. Now uh based off of calculations if we do win anything for the SCAP uh program it will be 20% of the project. So all of that was submitted was submitted on time and of course uh the uh receipt of delivery was delivered to Dr. Kramer. Any questions concerning the SCAP construction assistant program? All right, just to I apologize. Um, >> one one question since this the Smithfield band room project that's already in motion. So, if we were to get awarded this grant, the money that we have allocated thanks to the county now for the

101ban project would go back to the county >> based off of the fact that once again I will let Mr. the very go into more detail concerning that, but based off of the fact that it's not local contributions but profers that those funds will go back, but I would definitely let Mr. Dary go into further detail if I'm way off subject there. And I I perhaps important for the people listening to understand that whether or not a locality is granted this depends on their ability to pay. And I think that ranges 3 to point 4. uh ranges from it was >> we're like 38. That's our composite 38. >> We're on the high end of the threshold. >> Very high end of the threshold. >> I'm not very optimistic. >> Right. Right. And uh that's

102it. If we're any questions concerning the SCAP, all these different projects that were submitted for SCAP. >> Appreciate the work that went into submitting that. >> No problem. >> On time. on time. >> I'm not sure we're optimistic either, Mr. Chair, but we are going after every dollar we can to mitigate cost uh to our county. >> That's right. If you don't ask to set yourself up for an opportunity, then you certainly won't get anything. >> Okay. All right. December projects. Now, over the Christmas break, of course, ABM will still be working and they'll be completing a series of priority projects across the division to improve safety and functionality. uh will be some of the work will include renovations to the job coaching classroom at Smithville High School. Uh progress on a athletics field fence.

103Um more on the ADA bleachers. Uh Windsor Elementary School working on the playground for safety and some trees that need to be removed out of there. And I know that uh Dr. Wilkins would be extremely happy concerning that. The second phase of the roof project will be completed. It was one phase of it was two phases of the roof project. The first phase initiated on west side was the uh the detrimental parts of the building and it was once again a patch job for this and there will be a second phase instituted over the Christmas break. Also the restrooms will be uh performed the work will be performed on the restrooms here at Westside. Also it will be broken down and uh moving the partitions sinks different things of that nature. So, it's a lot

104of work being done at uh the various schools. Uh now, Carolton EL Elementary School will also receive the classroom floors will be waxed and upgrading the hallway lighting to LEDs. Um Carolton is one of the final schools that we upgrading the cafeteria that. So, that final work is being done. Also, are there any and as you already know, there's a couple other things up there also. There'll be a lot of work going on during the holiday season. Any other questions concerning the projects moving on during that time period? All right. Next, I'd like to call uh nurse Abby so she will can go in depth concerning the nursing department status for uh the first three or four months of school. >> Hello. Good evening. >> And here I am. Um good evening. I first wanted

105to share with you guys just some numbers of um what our nursing department's been up to this year so far. Um as of last week, uh the nurses and the clinic assistants have seen nearly 11,000 uh clinic visits just across the nine schools. Um and almost 6,000 scheduled medication and treatment procedures. Um treatment procedures can include things like G tube feedings, um caizations, blood glucose testing. Um, one thing that's very exciting for us is that we just recently rolled out the SNAP health portal and this is for the elementary schools and it's kind of like a digital my chart um where parents and guardians can follow along with their students and see what their clinic visits are like. Um, they can upload immunizations, they can communicate back and forth with the nursing staff. Um, and

106it's just one layer that uh the families can participate in their students healthcare during the day. Thank you. And this other exciting thing that I wanted to share with you guys is we recently purchased two spot vision screeners. And what these are, they are handheld devices that you can see here in the picture um that allow our nursing staff to quickly and efficiently screen students. Um they are more ideal. The Lions Club will use them for mass screenings um when they have to pump out a bunch of them very quickly or if you have students with behavioral or attention challenges, non-verbal uh children who can't tell you what they see on a vision chart, this is great for them. And since we've had them, we've been able to screen over 200 students and identify nearly

10750 vision issues. So, we're pretty excited about that. >> Just last week, I got a a notification that there was going to be a screening. Is that what they used? Uh, yes. >> I just assume you're rolling a bus out there, like a medical bus. That's cool. >> Yep. And that's all I have for you tonight. >> How How many do you have on your team to screen? What was the first slide you had? 10,000. >> Say that one more time. >> Go back to the first slide. >> Almost,00 visits. How many are on your team? >> Less than 20. >> Yeah. >> We are fully staffed though, so I'm very excited about that. And I think a lot of that um has to do with the increase in substitute pay. So we are very

108grateful that we have that um support layer. >> That's good feedback. Y'all are busy for sure. >> Thank you. >> Moving right along. Dr. Kramer, I think you're up, sir. >> Yes, sir, Mr. Chair. and we are moving at a wonderful pace this evening. So I will hopefully keep that going. So as the slides are pulled up there, let's start as always with our Isle award recipients uh for the Inspire Isle Award. Our very own human resources director, Mrs. Laura Sullivan received the November Inspire Award. Yes. [applause] And Mrs. Sullivan, you inspire so many people in your work every day. We truly appreciate you. For the Isle Succeed Award, Miss Lori Taylor, one of our clinic assistants, received the November Succeed Award. And you see her there in the middle upper right. And for the

109Isle Lead Award, a few of our bus drivers, Mr. Chad Kutchen, Miss Tammy Wells, and Miss Betty Ward received the November lead award. Congratulations to all of our recipients. And let's extend them a well-deserved round of applause for all of our recipients. And it's such a pleasure to go out and present these. And we were actually out today presenting uh to our December recipients who will be recognized next month. Next we have our STEM professional development at Old Dominion University on our November 10th professional development day. Isle of White County Schools partnered with Old Dominion University Virginia modeling analysis and simulation center for a dynamic hands-on learning experience for STEM educators across the division. Teachers explored emerging technologies, problem based learning, and real world applications of modeling and simulation. All guided by university experts. The

110customized training gave educators new tools and strategies to strengthen instruction, foster creativity, and deepen STEM learning pathways for our students. And we extend a huge thank you to Old Deminion University for providing this opportunity and collaboration. Next, our Young Ladies of Excellence induction ceremony. On November 19th, the Young Ladies of Excellence held its annual induction ceremony, proudly welcoming 42 new members into this growing and inspiring organization. The Young Ladies of Excellence include chapters at Westside Elementary, Georgie Tyler Middle, and Hardy Elementary, now serving a total of 61 active members across the division. The mission is to foster leadership, character, confidence, and excellence in young women while strengthening and serving our community. Congratulations to our newest inductees and to the dedicated educators who continue to uplift and empower these future leaders. Next, we have our grade

111level teachers of the year. Congratulations to the IWCS grade level teachers of the year. These talented educators are as follows. Representing the elementary level, we have Miss Emily Bradshaw from Windsor Elementary. Representing the middle level, we have Miss Tally Willard from Smithfield Middle. And representing the high school level, we have Mr. Chris Johnson from Windsor High School. Uh the IWCS teacher of the year will be announced in January. Congratulations to these well-deserving educators on this prestigious award and acknowledgement. Next, our wellness workshops on and I'm very excited about this. Uh on our November 24th professional development day, Isa White County Schools proudly hosted our first wellness workshops at Windsor High School and the school administration office in partnership with the Western Tidewater Community Services Board Prevention Team. These sessions focused on compassion burnout and essential

112prevention techniques giving staff practical tools to protect their energy, strength, resilience or strength and resilience and continue serving students with purpose and balance. This marks the beginning of our ILB well well-being workshop series. Say that 10 times fast. Created to support the mental, emotional, and professional wellness of our staff. The next sessions will be held on January 5th and January 30th. The workshops offer practical tools, interactive learning, and time to connect with colleagues all as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting staff wellness. We encourage our team to take time for themselves and join us for one or more of these upcoming sessions. And I'd like to thank uh Weston Tidwater for their partnership. our very own Miss Lara Sullivan for leading this initiative and all involved for providing this very meaningful uh opportunity for

113our staff. Next, we have our Smithfield High JROTC Battalion Bash. I had an opportunity to join them on November 21st. Smithfield High Battalion Bash JLTC students held a successful day of learning, competing, and having lots of fun. Uh the event served as a a morale booster for the hardworking and dedicated students. Thank you for your leadership, Colonel Bedoan and First Sergeant Hunter, and for providing a wonderful leadership opportunity for our talented JLOTC students. So wonderful event that was held at Nike Park uh back in November. Uh next, our student advisory board. It is always a pleasure for me uh to meet with the superintendent student advisory board. On November 20th, we met at our school administration building. I always learned so much from these talented students. The students provide input and recommendations on the needs

114of our school division. And during the November meeting, we discussed the students leadership strengths as well. Uh thank you student advisory board members for sharing your valuable time and contributions. Also, I'd like to thank uh Mrs. Stacy Rogers for leading a portion of the presentation on the student strengths and our student liaison are also a part of this group and this uh ongoing effort. So Cameron and uh Cole are also in that photo and are a part of this group. Uh additionally had a chance to meet with our employee advisory committee on December 2nd. We met with our employee advisory committee who also shared their concerns and recommendations many of which I will be sharing with you. two members of the board and this is not the group, this is just an image because I

115failed to take pictures that evening. So, I apologize employee advisory committee uh council members uh but great meeting with them and again I I look forward to sharing uh their recommendations and some of their concerns with you as well. And last with the the advisories, our parent advisory. Uh so on December 4th, uh we met with our parent advisory committee uh who also shared their concerns and recommendations from the perspective of parents. Uh and one of our guests that evening or that morning rather uh was Mrs. Sullivan. Um actually Mrs. Sullivan spoke with the um with the staff advisory and discussed many of their concerns. Um so all of the concerns will be compiled uh from students, parents and staff and we will again be sharing that information with you members of the board as

116we go into budget season. Uh next we have our special education advisory committee. I had a chance to uh join our CAC meeting. Thank you Ms. uh Miss Ma Miss Wag Magner, pardon uh Miss Daly and the Special Education Advisory Committee board members for hosting the very informative and productive SEAK meeting which was held on December 3rd. Uh thank you for providing such a wonderful opportunity for parents and community. We all learned so much that evening and um if you hadn't had a chance to join one of those meetings, Miss Magner and Miss Daly and members of the special ed team along with the special education advisory uh board and that's who you see uh seated there uh do an excellent job of entertaining questions, concerns, and addressing those those questions and concerns in a

117very timely manner. So, uh kudos to our special education department and our SEAK board. Also, uh that very week, uh we had a chance uh to meet with our gifted education advisory committee, Gak is the acronym there. Thank you, Mrs. Stacy Rogers and Dr. Tiffany Truit, and our dedicated gifted coordinators. Uh and I'd like to uh highlight them as well. Uh Mrs. Jamie Ball from Carsville Elementary presented on the characteristics of a gifted child. Uh Mrs. Carrie Dong from Carolton Elementary presented on our pilot program, Ignite. Uh Mrs. Hannah Holland from Hardy Elementary presented on our new elementary model. And Mrs. Katherine Lancor presented or representing both George G. Thailand Middle School and Smithfield Middle School presented on the middle school electives. Uh thank you for an outstanding gifted education advisory committee meeting which was

118held again on December 4th. Uh the committee shared invaluable information with our parents and members of our community. Uh and it was also another opportunity to learn from uh one another as people were sharing different ideas and thoughts uh and also uh learning with one another. So these were two great events uh again led by uh this one our gifted education uh leaders. Next had a chance to uh attend this event and a few of you were there. I think uh you Mr. Worster and I think you Mr. Cunningham uh the ribbon cutting ceremony for our new Riverside Smithville Hospital. And you see uh many dignitaries were there. Governor Yncan was there. Uh uh I think uh Representative Jen Kiggins was there. Uh Senator, State Senator Jordan, uh Emily Jordan was there. So it was

119a wonderful event. Uh so congratulations to the Isa White community on the ribbon cutting ceremony for the unveiling of our new Riverside Smithfield Hospital. It was a pleasure to be in in attendance at this monumental event on December 4th. The hospital will be opening in January and Isa White County, I think, is making tremendous strides in so many areas and this is just another one of those major contributions uh to our county and to our community. Next, our Windsor Elementary Junior uh deputy event. just happened to be at uh Windsor Elementary for another event earlier today and I had the opportunity to uh witness the Windsor Elementary Junior Deputy Safety Patrol Program in action. A wonderful partnership led by school resource officer Deputy Sepa. Uh this program gives students the chance to develop leadership, responsibility,

120and citizenship while helping uh to create a safe and welcoming environment each morning. Uh during my visit, the newest student leaders were announced as well, and I'd like to acknowledge those young leaders. Grayson Seart is now lieutenant, was promoted. Reed Judkins uh was promoted to sergeant. And Camden Seart to corporal. So congratulations to these young people. Each of these students earned their promotion through strong character and throughout and and and thoughtful essays about uh why they were ready to lead. Uh again, I'd like to extend a thanks to Deputy Sepa uh to principal Dr. Wilkins and the entire Windsor community for supporting such a meaningful opportunity for our students. Programs like this truly strengthen our schools and help our young people shine. Did you want to chime in? Yes, sir. >> I I do I

121want to give a and echo a shout out to Deputy Sepa. So, every day, every evening when I go pick up my boy from Windsor Elementary, Miss Sepa sitting right up front and center directing traffic. She's always got a grin on her face. She's very pleasant. And as a parent, there's nothing more comforting to see an armed guard, a deputy sheriff right there front and center when I walk onto that complex. So, she's doing a bangup job up Absolutely. As are so many of other of our SRO's. But in this >> Yeah, I know they're all doing it, but I see her every day. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. That's right. And and so I had a chance to witness her great work this morning as well. And as I end here, our next uh and final

122slide, I think, our Christmas toy donation, and this occurred, I think as late as today, if I'm not mistaken, uh certainly this week, the Isisle of White County Schools, we're very grateful for the generosity of the Isisle of White County Sheriff's Office and representative, I see you smiling back there, uh Alex Johnson, thank you for being here. uh Santa Larry, I'm not sure who Santa Larry is, but it was mentioned that he contributed and the Zoo Nye Closet who partnered to support our students and families in need this holiday season. So, we can't thank you all enough. Uh so, huge yes, absolutely. A round of applause for all of these groups uh for helping our our all of our families and certainly our families in need. And last, uh Mr. chair. Um, as student liaison

123Cole mentioned, uh, he thanked me for a vacation, certainly not a vacation due to the weather. So, let me share some comments here. So, as we all know, we have had several weather events already, and we're not even in January yet. Uh so students, parents, and staff, please know that we work hard to make decisions as soon as possible with the best information available as it pertains to school closings. So when we need to close schools, delay openings, or release early, I know it is a hardship on many of our families with young students. But please know that our decisions are not made lightly. We will continue to make decisions that will keep our students and staff safe. So, thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding. And these are very difficult calls and we

124are working with county officials and our crews are on the roads in many cases. Uh but again, we understand that it's a very difficult situation for many of our family members. But in the end, we have to make decisions that are in the best interest of our students and staff and ensuring that we are going to keep our students and staff safe. So again, I thank our community and most importantly our parents uh for their patience and understanding. With that, Mr. Chair and members of the board, I would like to wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season. Happy holidays, everyone. And that concludes my superintendent's update. >> Thanks, Dr. Kramer, just for the sake of getting it off my chest, I'm glad you've got to make that decision and not the board because the

125way I see it, you're going to lose either way. >> So, appreciate you making those tough decisions and certainly recognize that there are going to be plenty of people that are happy and plenty that are not. >> Sometimes they live in the same house. >> Understood. Understood. All right. Uh 181 personnel report action item. >> Mr. Chair, I move to approve the personnel report is presented a copy of which can be obtained from the schoolboard clerk. >> Second motion and two seconds. Any comments? >> Thanks. >> Hearing none. Madam clerk, >> Mr. Collic, >> I will abstain. >> Mr. Cunningham? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Perkins? >> Yes. >> Mr. Worster? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Marsh? Yes. Motion passes. And then 182. >> Mr. Chair, I move to uphold the findings and conclusions of the

126third party investigator in personnel case number GBA and to authorize the chair to issue a decision letter on behalf of the board. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. Madame Clerk, >> Mr. Collic, >> yes. >> Mr. Cunningham, >> yes. >> Mrs. Perkins, >> yes. >> Mr. Worster, >> yes. >> And Mr. Marsh, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> 183. >> Mr. Chair, I move to approve the enrollment of exchange student 2526-03 to Smithfield High School for semester 2 of 2025 2026 school year. Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. Madame clerk. >> Mr. Collic. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cunningham? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Perkins? >> Yes. >> Mr. [clears throat] Worster? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Marsh? >> Yes. Motion passes. >> Moving right

127along. Consent agenda 19.1. >> Mr. Chair, I move to approve the consent agenda as attached and presented. >> Second. We have a motion and a second. Uh, I'd like to quick shout out on the December donation me donation. Tongue tied. The December donations. We had donation from Miss Wanda Roberts. Alawite food pantry. She gave some cookies to Georgie Tyler. Thank you, Miss Roberts. And Windsor Food Lion donated a hundred boxes of food for students in need to Windsor Elementary. Thank you both. Madam clerk, >> Mr. Collic, >> yes. >> Mr. Cunningham, >> yes. >> Mrs. Perkins, >> yes. >> Mr. Worster, >> yes. >> And Mr. Marsh, >> yes. Motion passes. Over there. I think we're getting close. Uh 20.1 January schoolboard meeting date. It's another action item. Mr. Chair, I move to approve January

12815, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. >> 2026 I apologize [laughter] at 4:30 p.m. as the date and time for the annual organizational school board meeting in January 15, at 5:00 p.m. as the date and time of the regular school board meeting. >> Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Hearing none. Madam clerk. >> Mr. Collic. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cunningham? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Perkins? >> Yes. >> Mr. Worster? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Marsh? >> Yes. And Madame Clerk, can you please confirm that with soon to be board member Ford? >> Yes. >> Thank you. 20.2 to action on new business. Not action, information regulations. >> Any comments or questions on the regulations presented? >> Okay. Miss Briggs, anything you want to add? No sir. >> Okay. Appreciate all your work

129on that. I know you spend lots of time on it. Uh 20.3 policies for second read. >> Mr. Chair, I move to approve the policies for second read as presented. >> Second. >> We have a moment. Motion and two seconds. Madame clerk. Mr. Collick, >> yes. >> Mr. Cunningham, >> yes. >> Mrs. Perkins, >> yes. >> Mr. Worster, >> yes. >> And Mr. Marsh, [clears throat] >> yes. Motion passes. And as we wrap this up, Mrs. Briggs, would you like to kick this off? >> I sure would. Thank you, chair. Um, I'm actually gonna ask if we can have all the board members and members of the deis, including Miss Whitlo, join us [clears throat] down here uh for a special presentation. Mr. Cunningham, [clears throat] we want to send you out with a celebration.

130[laughter] >> Bring a duct tape. >> Um, while they're coming down, in case you don't know, tonight is Mr. Cunningham's last school board meeting with us as a board member and we would like to recognize him. So, Dr. Kramer, I'm going to hand this to you. Okay? And let me read something while y'all stand there. This evening, we pause to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Michael Cunningham as he concludes his service as the aisle of White County Schoolboard representative for district 3. Elected in 2021, Mr. Cunningham has brought to this division a deep well of experience, a steadfast commitment to public education, and an unwavering belief that education is the key to success. A proud graduate of Virginia State University, a United States Marine Corps veteran, a retired US Army officer, and a retired

131Department of Defense civilian, Mr. Mr. Cunningham has dedicated his life to service, leadership, and community. He brought that same spirit to IWCS, always advocating for meaningful opportunities for students and supporting programs that prepare them for life beyond high school. As a former substitute teacher who taught nearly every school in the county, Mr. Cunningham has long understood the heart of our classrooms. His connection to IWCS is also deeply personal as both of his children have been part of Smithville High School's community. His support of our high schools and specifically of programs like golf and the stop thebleleed initiative led by the Smithville High JOTC has left a lasting positive impact. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Cunningham brought thoughtful insight, a collaborative spirit, and a genuine passion for helping every student thrive. He has consistently championed strategies that

132strengthen teaching, learning, and student well-being across all grade levels. Although he is stepping away from the board to spend more time with his family, we want Mr. Mr. Cunningham to know that he will always be a part of the IWCS family. He is forever welcome in our schools and we sincerely hope he won't be a stranger. Mr. Cunningham, thank you for your service, your integrity, and your dedication to the students and families of Olive White County Schools. It is our honor tonight to recognize you and present you with a plaque of appreciation created by the talented students in the Smithville High School maker space. Congratulations and we wish you the very best in this next chapter. [applause] on your They got to go. >> Oh, they got to go. >> Yeah. want to make a

133comment. >> Sure. Let's go to let's go around the table here. You want to >> I [clears throat] will certainly kick it off. Mr. Chair, not to belabor the point, but Mr. Cunningham, you are one of the members who was on the board when I started four almost four years ago now. Uh I personally would like to thank you, sir, for your kindness, for your dedication to not only our county, but you have served our country. Uh so for all that you've done for our country uh and since I've been here for our county, for this board, for our school division, I applaud you and I thank you tremendously, sir. We'll absolutely miss uh your service, your contributions, and again, you're always kind. You're always smiling and I appreciate that. So, thank you so very

134much. And uh although we'll miss you off the board, you still live in the community, so we'll still stay in touch. But thank you and uh we greatly appreciate all that you've done for Isa White County. >> Thank you. >> It has been a absolutely [clears throat] pleasure getting to know you and working with you. Um I love hearing your history. Um I know you have a passion for the schools and the community and it has shown in uh everything you've done on the board as we've been working with you. >> Thank you >> Mike. It's been a pleasure, man. I appreciate the fact that you've always made yourself available when I call. You keep me in balanced. Sometimes I get wound up and wrapped around the axle. You've been a voice of reason for

135me more times than not, and I appreciate it. And uh I'm a little bit envious. [laughter] So, I am Enjoy the time off, man. Thanks for everything. >> Thank you. Y'all are really making this a tough act to follow here. But Mr. Cunningham, I've enjoyed getting to know you. We have had differences of opinions. We have agreed with each other. Um, I've enjoyed every minute of it. Don't be a stranger. And maybe now you'll answer your phone. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> It won't be the school board. >> Well, Mike, it's been a pleasure. It's been a You're the longest serving school board member up here tonight. Um you've done a lot for the community, done a lot for the country, and uh I'm hoping that next year in November, you'll meet us at the uh

136Smithfield Inn, I believe, or Smithfield Station and uh to have have a drink and spend some time with some Marines. Congratulations. Good luck. Enjoy your retirement. >> I will. >> Floor is yours, sir. >> All right. >> No tears. [clears throat] >> Okay. Uh, I think everybody that knows me, uh, knows I have a passion for everything that I get into. And, uh, I knew it was time to end, uh, my time with the school board. uh I felt like I was uh no longer uh doing the things that I needed to do with my family. It was kind of taken away from time I had uh you know I'm not a spring chicken. So uh [clears throat] my daughter is uh working on her doctorates. Uh she's in Tennessee. My son is in college.

137uh North Carolina ENT. So, it's just my wife and I now. Uh unfortunately, uh our pet uh passed away after 13 years just before uh Thanksgiving and uh so it's just my wife and I now. Um and I want to spend time with her and do some things. I still want to do things for the county. I've got this thing I wrote out. Um, really, I'm not going to read all this. I just want to say thank you. Thank you for everything uh you've done to make this job not as hard as it can be. I know a lot of people think uh school board members, we just go to the meeting once a month and that's it. Oh, it's a lot more. I can tell you there is a lot to do. We can't

138come in here without reviewing what we're going to vote on or talking to parents, even talking to students, finding out where their minds are. We have to make decisions that are going to affect everybody. Teachers, I have a degree in education. I know how hard teachers work and I know we need to pay them more. Uh that was one of the biggest things I wanted to uh make sure happened. We're paying you, but we're not paying you enough. It's no way in the world we're paying you enough. Um but you know, the board's going to keep fighting for you, and that's what's important. Um we hear you, we see you, we respect you, and we love you just like we love all the students. I mean, I'm going to miss talking to the kids, graduation,

139being up on the stage, shaking hands, and hugging, the ones that would hug, cuz that's why we're here. It's all about the kids and making sure they get what they need to succeed in life. Uh yeah, I will miss that. Um [snorts] all right, so to close out, I want to give a quote from one of my [snorts] heroes. He's passed away now. The late co uh General Coen Powell. All work is honorable. Always [snorts] do your best because somebody's watching and they're watching us. >> All right. I want to thank the citizens of district 3 for trusting me and supporting me throughout my term and ask that you do the same for Mr. Ford. It has been an honor and a pleasure most of the time pleasure but definitely an honor serving this uh

140county. [snorts] Thank you. God bless and merry Christmas everyone. >> [applause] >> Thank you all. [applause] >> Good. >> We're good. >> Yeah, we're good. >> I think that's a good way to call it. Well said, Mike. >> We're [clears throat] adjourned.