001I'd like to call to order the King George County School Board meeting. Um, and we're going to have invitation led by uh, Pastor Micah Mir. Ladies and gentlemen of the school board, if I may briefly before I give the invocation, just thank you on behalf of King George County uh for your dedication, for your sacrifice, and I know a little bit about that myself and I know you're taking time away from your families, from your jobs and so forth. So, thank you all for what you do. I appreciate you. Let me pray. God, we're grateful. We're thankful for these our elected leaders. We're thankful for the opportunity to elect leaders and have them serve us. And so Lord, we do on their behalf pray for their safety. Lord, we pray for their wisdom as they
002make decisions uh oftentimes difficult. And so Lord, we pray for their wisdom. We pray for their courage and boldness to do what is right. And God, we do pray for our students in King George County that you would use our school board members to make decisions that would be best for them and for our teachers and for those that help facilitate the education of our kids. And God, we thank you for each one that has uh chosen to give the next two years, four years of their life to serve in that capacity. So Lord, thank you for them. And now, Lord, we ask for tonight's uh meeting that you would help them, strengthen them. Uh Lord, help those that are tired. They've worked all day and now they've come to this meeting. And so, Lord,
003we just pray you'd help those that are weary and need your strength. We do pray for a wisdom as they make decisions tonight that will affect the rest of the year. And now, Lord, we bless them with all that you have. We pray this in your name. Amen. >> Amen. Thank you, Micah. Right. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance and then a moment of silence. Pledge >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay, thank you. And now we are opening uh public hearing. I mean public comment for the 20 27 budget. And I think we do have somebody signed up, Mrs. Samantha Saunders. Hi, how are you guys doing? I'm Samantha
004Saunders and I currently reside in the Shiloh District. I am also um an employee of the county and I just want to start by thanking the board. I know that your job is often thankless and so um I acknowledge that it's a huge sacrifice and lots of decisions to be made. I was coming out tonight to express my gratitude to Dr. Boyd for the budget that he presented um with the staff increase and raise and the coverage of the full amount of the insurance uh possible increases. The difficulty in retaining quality teachers is [sighs and gasps] something that as we are surrounded by bigger counties is not going unnoticed. Um, I think back to my time at PTOIC when I was a student and when I returned as an employee, there were many teachers there
005that had either taught there during my time there or were coming there as I was graduating fifth grade. So, um, and I sometimes think that that's what keeps PTOIC's hometown feel is that we have retained a lot of the same teachers over time. Um, and that's cuz they really want to be there. So, um, when I looked at it, we for some divisions at the 10-year mark are around $11,000 less a year and at the 20-year mark are about $20,000 less a year. And so, it's really easy to talk about getting quality teachers here. But when we talk about retention, the people who want to work here forever are also thinking about their own retirement um, and what that's going to look like for them. And so when we talk about VRS, that really looks
006at the last three years of what you're making. And so we're losing a lot of good teachers who have been here for a long time who have shown that what they do works. So I think it's important to note that. And so I really appreciate that Dr. Boyd has really made that a priority. It aligns with our strategic plan which I sat on the committee for. Um and that was a huge conversation that we had at that time. So I thank you for that. Um, in addition to that, I know there's been a lot of talk about 12-month positions. So, my current position is an 11-month position that I often work 12 months. Um, Dr. Howard is amazing. I cannot say enough good things about how she has supported us in that transition. But when
007we're talking about student who who receive special education service and the legal timelines, when we recommend them for testing or different things, there are just timelines that we're legally bound to. and I can't imagine what it looks like for my counterparts at the secondary level. Luckily, Miss Teague has a lot of special education experience and is often able to step in. Um, but there are timelines that we have to meet even in the summer. And so, I understand that we have a lot of 12-month employees, but I do and as much as I don't want to be a 12-month employee because I like to travel, um, I do think it's something that we have to really have an authentic conversation about. Thanks. >> Thank you. Okay, now we we will close for the budget and
008[clears throat] move forward. So, we're King George County Council Art Reflections Contest. Mrs. Lamb. Hi, my name is Melissa Lamb. I am the current um King George County Look, I'm just council president. See, she should be it. >> [laughter] >> Um and so each year um Virginia State PTA puts on an art contest and it's reflections and then so it goes from the school to our county, county to district, district to state, first place winners in every c each category goes to the next level and that's how we go. So we have um dance, music, photography, visual arts, film, literature, and [snorts] all grade divisions, even accessible arts. Um this year's theme was I belong. Um so here are our county winners. So as a county, the winners, I received the first place winners from
009each of our schools. So, first place um high school first place literature was Brian Hollis. I don't believe he's here right now. Middle school first place, uh Luca Davis, you can come on up and get it. And you want them to stand in the front. Do you want them to stand in the front? Yeah. You just go up and hold your certificate. >> Um, first place intermediate literature, Bin Lewis. High School first place music composition. Brian Hollis. First place um dance choreography, Mckenley Norris. First place, photography, Brian Hollis High School. So, as you can see, you can register in every single category. You're not limited. Um, first place high school visual arts, Ava Pley. First place visual arts uh, for primary is Jason Eli Fitzgerald. second place um intermediate. Second place visual arts um Dylan
010Arden. First place intermediate visual arts, Kenley Hornbeck. Second place primary visual arts, Leila Yates. And the accessible first place visual arts is Kylie Boyd. So those are our 2025 202 26 county council winners. Thank you. Congratulations, guys. All right, good job. That's awesome. Now, we're going to open to public comment um for this meeting. >> One more. >> Oh, we do. I'm sorry. I totally skipped. I'm sorry, Dr. Howard. Sorry. Um I am determined youth leader Dr. Howard. Thank you. >> Good evening. I'm Kate Howard. I'm the supervisor of special services and I am here is a really really proud moment for us here in King Jorge County Schools because the I'm determined project is a statewide initiative that really be uh has found its way here to King George County through a lot of
011passion through a lot of love for all students. However, really focusing on students with special needs who and teaching them the power of being determined within themselves and self- advocacy. So, I received this letter a couple weeks ago from the I'm Determined Project and it says, "Dear King George County public educators, we are reaching out because your division has an I'm determined youth leader, Ella Naimi. These trained student leaders play an important statewide role statewide role across Virginia by educating peers, parents, educators about self-determination and the I'm determined center which is IMD. They shared personal experiences, present at school and community events and serve as positive role models for students with and without disabilities. So what is I'm determined? IMD is a state project that was started in 2006 and became a dedicated center just
012in May of 2025. Funded by the Virginia Department of Education and housed at James Madison University, the IMD center teaches and models self-determination skills, we empower youth, especially students with disabilities, to move from being passenger passengers in their education to leaders in their own journey. Our research-based approach focuses on competence, autonomy, and relatedness to promote self-determination and well-being. The I'm determined elements build skills and beliefs that are reinforced both at home and at school. So, that's just sort of a background of what I'm the I'm determined project is. So, we put this out to the community. We put it in our newsletters. We really try to filter this concept within our schools. And then youth between the ages of 14 to 21 are able to and their families are able to apply to go to
013a week-long event at James Madison University and participate and learn skills as families and the student to become uh a person that is filled with determination regardless of their disability. And the reason I'm here and I'm so proud tonight is as a parent I've been able to participate but I've also worked handinand with Miss Naim as you know she's our CAC chair and so involved and I'm so proud to say that Ella has been chosen as a leader a panel leader for the state representing King George schools. That is tremendous. So I want to give her a hand. I'm just so proud of her. Mhm. >> So, she's going to come up and tell us a little bit about from her perspective, and she's actually going tomorrow to Richmond a little bit. Go ahead. >>
014Good evening, members of the school board, administrators, and educators and guests. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today. My name is Ellen Neimi, and I am a youth leader with the I'm Determined program. As a youth leader, I've seen firsthand the impact this program can have. The I'm deter determined gives students opportunities to practice self- advocacy, set personal goals, and learn how to make decisions for themselves. These skills, these skills that many students struggle to develop, but for students with disabilities are especially critical when students are taught to express their needs and and advocate for appropriate support. They are more engaged with their education and more prepared for life after graduation. Once the one of the most powerful parts of the I'm determined program is the it that it is centered about
015youth voice. Youth are not just participants. They are leaders through conferences, leadership training and schoolbased activities. Students learn that their opport their opinions matter [snorts] and that they have an ability to influence their own educational experience. This sense of ownership often leads to increased commun confidence and improved communication skills and stronger relationships with teachers and peers. The program also supports schools and educators by reinforcing goals already present in special education such as transition planning, collaboration, and student engagement. I'm determined does not replace what schools are doing. It magnifies it by giving students the tools and the mindset to take more active roles in their education. As someone involved in this program, I can confidently say that the I'm determined changes the way students see themselves. It helps them. It helps them feel more like feels
016more like move feels more like they're making decisions for themselves. That shift can be life-changing. Thank you for your time today and thank you for continued commitment to supporting programs that empower all students. I hope you continue to recognize the value of the I'm Determined program and the positive impact it has on students, schools, and communities. Thank you, Ella. Thank you. Okay. Uh, thank you Ella again and N Miss Naami. Moving on to public comment. I'm going to remember to read the disclaimer in case somebody like Pastor Davis. So, if you would like to speak during public comment but have not signed up yet, please see the clerk now, which is right over there. Hi, you guys. Public comment is an opportunity for community members to share matters they believe deserve the board's attention. It
017is time for a one-way communication to the board, not a forum or a dialogue or debate. What is it? >> All speakers are treated equally and comments should be curious, respectful and related to the school's division services or policies. Audience members are expected to maintain proper decorum. Speakers will be recognized by the chair and asked to state their name, their connection to the school division and their district. Each speaker has up to three minutes to comment. Our first speaker this evening, just a second roll call. Mrs. Susan Park. >> Good evening, members of the school board and Dr. Boyd. My name is Susan Park and I'm the parent of two students who attend King George schools. I want to begin by acknowledging something. I don't expect that anything I say tonight is going to change
018your minds. You've banned a gay straight alliance club at the middle school and you've approved and implemented a policy that singles out transgender students. So, I'm not speaking to persuade you. I'm speaking for the students and families who are listening and who have been negatively affected by your decisions. And I'm speaking for the record. Across history, progress progress has almost never come from the people in power having a sudden change of heart. It has become because ordinary people kept showing up. To the students and families, if you're feeling hopeless and helpless, remember that's what they want. They want you to feel so hopeless that you'll give up. They want to silence you and make you think you're powerless. But don't believe them. This board's actions banning a GSA and passing policy JBB do not erase
019LGBTQ students. To the LGBTQ and questioning students who may be listening tonight, you're not broken. You're not a problem to be managed and you're not alone. Even though at times the struggle seems impossible, just know that there are adults in this community and across Virginia who see you, who respect you, and who will continue to fight for your right to learn in dignity and safety. To the educators and staff who quietly support these students, often at great personal risk, thank you. Your courage and kindness matter. We don't know the future. They want us to think the future is settled and things will never change. But they're wrong. We don't know what action, large or small, will turn the tide. Right now, the General Assembly is discussing several bills, including anti-discrimination and public school anti-bullying bills
020that could help us. We have the power to influence the future. What we do matters. We may not know how or when things will change, and we may not see the impact of our work, but it matters anyway. History is full of people who worked for justice, but weren't able to witness the results. All that's required of us is to do what we can and pass the baton to whoever comes after us. To this board, whether or not you recognize it, these decisions will be remembered. This is your legacy. They'll know that you aligned yourselves with fear and exclusion over dignity, fairness, and care for all students. We won't give up. We'll keep showing up and working to build a future where every student is treated as fully human and deserving of respect and dignity.
021Thank you. >> Thank you, Mrs. Spark. Can I have Artemis Park? Um, >> hello. My name is Arnor Park and I'm a student at Kingbridgeidge Middle School. Um, January the 15th I was featured in an article from Advocate along with my mom, others who spoke up and people of the Trevor Project. The headline in this article was, "Virginia school board adopts anti-transgender policy and blocks LGBTQ plus club." February the 2nd, I went to lobby day in Richmond to tell my story to the representatives right in their offices. I told them my school completely turned down the idea of a GSA and is now seeking to target LGBTQ plus kids right in their own schools. How I used to enjoy attending school whereas now I have to come here to beg you people to care about
022us. I had a meeting with Octto board. He said some some interesting things and such as um that he suggested we may take our club somewhere else or change the name to something that has nothing to do with the LGBTQ plus. Where do you think we should take our club? This is this is our school if you haven't forgotten. The whole point of this club is to bring community to kids who feel alone. He's so married to the idea of sides and now he can't pick one unless there are those who disapprove. I spoke out at these schoolboard meetings and now my school has taken away my right to a name. Well, like at least in their system, they think I don't have the right to change my name, but they do. I guess I
023find it interesting that no kids who are against a GSA have spoken up because why would they? You're not taking away their voice or name or club, but you're taking away everything from us. I don't think you're a lost cause, though. And I don't think this club is a lost cause because I know that hate is a learned behavior. And I think that people are always changing. Uh Sherman Davis My name is Sherman Davis. I vote in the Dow district. And the first thing I want to do is apologize to the board for last week going over. I didn't realize I'd gone over and the uh supervisor meeting and have a buzzer. It goes off when you're over, but I didn't know. So, I apologize. Anyway, uh I uh know that most teachers don't let
024their students grade their own papers. If you grade your own paper, you usually do better. And uh there's a fellow here in Luke chapter 23 who graded his own paper and come up with some truth. The scripture says in Luke 23, but uh the other answering talking about the other thief on the cross, "And we indeed justly will we receive a due reward of our deeds. This man have done nothing a miss, nothing wrong." And he said unto Jesus,"Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." And Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto thee, today thou shalt be with me in paradise." Uh this man realized that he was a sinner. In verse number 41, he realized and he admits that he was guilty. Yeah, I'm getting what I deserved. He deserved capital
025punishment. That's what he was getting. Nobody, it wasn't because somebody hated him. He was getting what he deserved. He sees justice in his punishment. He said, "I receive my due reward." And he uh proclaimed the righteousness of Christ. He looked at the man on the cross, the center cross, and he said, "Lord," he called Jesus Lord. Man was dying on the cross, but he recognized who he was. He also realized that there was a life after this. Remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. We're just passing through. this is not it and don't get too attached in this world because you're not going to be here that long. And so he realized there was something after this a kingdom. And the other fella, he was he all he wanted to get out was with
026the consequences of what he' done out get us off the cross and uh save yourself and save us. He wasn't interested in redemption. He was interested in getting away what he got caught for. But today when you uh uh pass through this life, one of these days you're going to go into the next. And um both these men were guilty. Both deserved uh execution. Both deserved judgment. But one recognized he was a sinner, realized he was lost, admitted his guilt, and uh asked the dear Lord. He didn't pray the sinner's prayer. Uh, this guy is probably one of the greatest illustrations of repentance in the Bible. All he did was change his mind about who Jesus was. Both men cursed him in the beginning, but in the end, he realized he changed his mind about
027who Jesus was. Amen. Two, one. I'm out of here. Thank you. God bless. >> Thank you. Um, Leah Circle. >> Good afternoon, King George School Board. I want to start this off by saying that I am very grateful to have a um a school board like you because you really do take our opinions into consideration. I came from a school board in Spennsylvania that did not care much about the students because I had a bad experience there. [snorts] But my main idea of coming here today was to talk about the math program status. I am very disappointed in how it's turning out right now because I feel as if there's no creativity. Last year, there were many ways that my teacher taught me how to learn. Miss Gentry. She's an amazing math teacher, and I'm
028very, very grateful to have her. This year, it's not the same. It is learning the learning off of the same slideshows almost every day and taking the same lesson quizzes. They don't have the same problems, but they're in the same format. It gets boring. Feels like there's no creativity in math. Personally, I love math and science. When I'm older, I want to become a trauma surgeon and I want to study them in college and I want to go to UVA. I want to do really big things in the math and science field. But right now, I'm starting to lose that love in that subject because it seems boring, like there's no creativity. And to back this up, I know that at the elementary school, it might be doing better because they're starting off with it
029and it's newer to them. But at the middle school, we learned different last year and it is different for a lot of middle schoolers. Me and a few of my friends have discussed about it and we both agree that it's getting boring and it's very very different from last year. It might progress in the future, but right now I know as a middle school student at King George that it's not working for me. Thank you. >> Thank you, Leah. And then I have Mr. John Wheeler. >> [laughter] >> John Wheeler. I'm in the Shiloh district. I'm the parent of Zoe Jane Wheeler who tried to start the GSA club. Um I'm here to speak in favor of it again. Uh to be honest, I almost I almost didn't come tonight cuz I don't feel like
030this um serves any purpose. I feel like a decision has already been made. Um but I'm still I'm still here and I'm still going to talk about things. Um, last time I was here, um, bunch of students talked about, and not just students, adults talked about, uh, statistics and concerns about, um, not being heard, not being recognized, being suppressed, um, and, uh, suicide being a a result of that. And, uh, Jesse, you you heard that and I don't know I don't know what or how how you misheard what they were saying, but it seemed as though you were talking about or you heard that they were wanted to talk about that in the club and that's not what they heard. Everybody that walked out of here after you spoke and I I had only seen
031a couple of these people before. Every one of them felt the exact same way like you were deaf to what everybody had said. Um, I appreciate that you took the time to talk with uh Zoe Jane and the other student. Um, but I'm I'm I'm left with feeling like your concern I don't I don't it's I'm not trying to be a jerk. I don't trust your concern because one of your suggestions to them was maybe start the club outside. If you were concerned about outside of school, if you were concerned about them talking about the stuff that you were concerned about at the last meeting, why would you suggest that they start the club outside of school? I just it doesn't make sense to me. I wasn't there at the meeting with the kids, so
032I don't I don't know everything that was said. I only can uh speak to what was relayed to me by a 13-year-old. But speaking of that 13-year-old, I'm sure that you're aware that maybe the rest of the board isn't aware. you know that she's had struggles. She's trying to figure out who she is and she followed the rules to try to determine her own path, but she was going to do it within the rules. And then this board changed the rules. And then this board said, well, a member of the board said, "Ah, the teachers, they just don't have time. They don't have time. So that's why we had to change the rule." That wasn't the reason. There was already a volunteer. Um, I I I don't I don't understand. I I feel like I
033do understand, but that's just guessing. That's conjecture, but I don't I truly don't understand why there is so much uh push back against this. I just I don't get it. Thank you. I'll be here next month. >> Thank you, Mr. Willer. >> Okay. All right. I want to again always say thank you guys before you take off. Thank you for coming out tonight. Before you leave, I certainly I think we all appreciate what you're saying about the math curriculum and it's certainly something we'll take back to the schoolboard office and discuss in greater detail. So, thank you so much for coming out tonight to express those concerns. It takes a lot of strength and courage to do that and I I thought you did a wonderful job. So, thank you so much and uh thanks
034for the compliments to the school board. We appreciate it. Thank you. you too. Uh, Pastor Davis, as always, thank you so much for coming out and, uh, providing us with your wisdom. And then, uh, our our three folks that spoke about the GSA, I know we, uh, have spoken about this for months now, and I do appreciate you continuing to come out to public comment. I'll continue to express what I've expressed to you all, either individually, via email, phone calls, or whatever it may be. My door is open and and you can come by. Uh I had the opportunity to meet with the students. I haven't met with any of the adults yet. Uh what I keep hearing is um miscommunication and it's very difficult to express an open dialogue, have a critical conversation, uh
035when I know you're limited to 3 minutes and and very little discourse can occur. So, please know that I'm available if you want to come by and speak and and have an open conversation that doesn't include, like you said, teenagers in the middle or or maybe a misinterpretation along the way. So, I'm available to speak uh not going to speak on behalf of the board. I can certainly speak on behalf of what I know of the situation uh because I think an open dialogue is is healthy in this situation. So, please uh let me know when you're available to to come by. I'd be happy to have that conversation with you. Madam Chair, >> thank you, Dr. Boy. Madam Chair, I just want to say that it was said that the school board uh wants
036students to feel powerless and I can say that that is 100% not true. So I just want that to be for the record. That is not how the school board feels. >> Thank you. All right. Anybody else? Sorry. change any changes to the agenda? No. All right. Thank you. We have the student representative comment. Hi. I didn't even see her sit down. She snuck in. Good. Good. Good evening. I hope everyone is doing good. My name is Sultana and I'm one of the student representatives for our middle school. Right now, we don't have much going on due to the fact that we're just getting back to our normal routine from the snow days that we had. But before the snow days, uh we had the chance to see the high school's different clubs and what
037they had to offer every single student and we explored that. But currently, our library is doing the second annual tiny art show. Students can pick up a canvas in the library from February 10th through March 6th to create at home. All student canvases will be due by March 9th. And this month's find it in the library is life's very good when we're kind to others. Students can keep tiny little bears or exchange it for a small prize from prize from the librarians. And our leadership class at the middle school has been working on spreading the word about this week's spirit week of kindness is timeless. And this week, a couple of students who are in Beta Club will be competing at the National Beta State Convention. Prior to going there, there were academic tests students
038could take. One of our teams for for musicology came to be in the top eight and will be competing at the convention. And to promote coming to school, everyday matters, we have an attendance challenge. If you come to school every day for the month of February, for example, your name will be entered into a prize wheel and you can win a free candy bar, a sheets gift card, or a lunch on the principal. Thank you. Awesome. Thank you. >> And good evening. My name is Brett Hayden and I'm one of the student representatives for the high school. Looking ahead, there are several key dates coming up. The sweetheart dance will be held February 21st, giving students an opportunity to come together and the girls will be asking the guys to the dance. On that same
039evening, the fine arts department will be hosting their annual variety show which highlights the talent, creativity, and dedication of our students. In addition, the anatomy class will be supporting a blood drive on February 13th. Signups are still currently open for the Special Olympics FET meet and we really encourage students to sign up. In addition, the Y Street Youth Leadership Team and President will attend Healthy Youth Day in Richmond February 21st through 23rd meeting with legislators to improve school qualities. And I know the past four years that I have attended, so much change has happened within the public schools across the state. Deca states will be held February 27th through March 1st in Virginia Beach and King George High School will bring a total of 48 students who compete with 11 adults chaperoning. Athletics also play
040a key role in the high school. Spring sports triyouts will be happening at the end of the month and leading into March. A pep rally is currently in the works for the first or second week of March which will recognize both our winter and spring athletes to celebrate their hard work and achievements. Additionally, I would like to remind students that the AP test registration is due by March 6. That is a very important date if you're in AP classes. And finally, the high school student representatives are working on an initiative to strengthen students voices. We are currently in the process of creating an anonymous form for King George High School students to submit questions, concerns, or topics that they would like the students representatives to bring to the schoolboard meetings. This would allow more students
041to be heard and ensure that there is a right wider range of perspective and represented to be allowed. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, superintendent. No, sorry. Consent agenda meeting minutes January 29th. Do we have a motion to approve these? I move that we approve the meeting minutes from January 29th regular meeting as submitted. >> Second. >> Uh any discussion? All those in favor? >> I chair votes I. Motion carries. [clears throat] >> Okay. Action items? Acceptance of funds middle school math acceleration grant. >> Madam chair, King George County Schools has been awarded funds in the amount of $7,535.50 50 cents from the VDOE to support mathematics accreditation. If you remember last year, the general assembly passed House Bill 26.86, which required school boards to set criteria for moving our students into more advanced math
042classes, particularly on the middle school level. So, if you remember, we as a school board adopted policy IGBJ on July uh 7th. And as a result, what this has created is the need for uh increased professional development and certifications for our math teachers. So these funds uh will be used for that purpose. Uh my recommendation this evening is to accept the grant funds in the amount of $7,535.50 from the Virginia Department of Education for the mathematics accreditation grant. >> All right. Madame Chair, I move that we accept grant funds in the amount of $7,535.50 from the Department of Education. >> Any second? >> You have second. >> Any discussion? Have a question? Okay. All those in favor? I >> I votes eye. Motion carries to accept the fund of $7,535. >> Dr. Ward, do we
043have 10 math teachers at the middle school? Not 10 total. What's our total number of math teachers at the high school? Do you recall off top of your >> high school is nine, but how about at the middle school? >> 11 total at the middle school. Okay. >> Okay. And then moving on to the VSBA business honor role. We'd like to uh recommend that these two businesses below um to the VSBA business honor role. And you want to read those? >> Yes. So, we have a resolution this evening. I'll just go through one resolution and uh mention all three businesses. So, the 2026 Virginia Schoolboard Association business honor role. Whereas public schools and local businesses are an integral part of this community and whereas many local businesses play a critical role in supporting our schools
044and whereas the economic health of our community, state and nation, depend on a strong public school system. And whereas collaboration between local public schools and local businesses strengthens schools and business and the business community alike by providing a well-trained and highly educated workforce. And whereas an excellent public school system is vital to the quality of life in the community and fundamental to preserving a strong democratic society now and in the future. Therefore, be it resolved that the King George County School Board names Four Elements Electric, IECC, and King George or excuse me, Rapahhanic Goodwill, uh to the 2026 Virginia School Board Association Business Honor, showing appreciation for the ongoing support of this community's public schools. Your hard work has aided this community in focusing on the goal of providing the best public schools we can
045for every child who attends them. So, this is a resolution for each one of those businesses that we would like to recommend. Uh we have those resolutions for the school board to sign and we would like to invite those businesses to a future school board meeting to be recognized. >> All right. Thank you. Then moving on to the Is that it or do we have to make a Yeah. >> No. Okay. As long as we're as the board's comfortable with those three businesses, we'll invite them to a future meeting. >> Yes. Moving on to Snow Days conversation that everybody's waiting on. >> Yes, Madam Chair. Uh, so a few developments since last we met. We had a pretty open and honest conversation about where we stood in terms of snow days. Uh, thank goodness right
046now the snow is behind us and I think we're going to hit I've heard as high as 50 degrees tomorrow. So, I'm hoping that it all melts uh as as of right now. And again, keep in mind we're at the beginning of February, so snow is not out of the forecast for the remainder of this season. We have lost nine instructional days, uh, two in December, and then in this most recent storm, a total of seven. Uh, we did have an asynchronous day on Wednesday of last week. We were in person on Thursday with a delay and then fully in person on Friday. Uh, Monday of this week was an asynchronous day. what that where that leaves us right now. If you remember, we want to be at that magic number of seven. So, uh
047we are at -1 right now, meaning that we need to make up one day in order to be uh in good standings with the state in terms of instructional hours and seat time. Uh since we last met, uh I've had the opportunity to meet with our principles and our instructional team. I've also had the opportunity to meet with our supervisors and coordinators at the schoolboard office to discuss their their specific departments and where we are with instructional time. And then furthermore, uh Friday of last week, I had the opportunity to to uh correspond with VDOE and get some guidance on uh waiverss and and really just overall guidance with where we stood with uh makeup days and snow days. The guidance we received from the state uh is is pretty cut and dry. In order
048to apply for a waiver, the first criteria you have to meet is that you've done everything you c you possibly can do in terms of making up days before you can before you can request that waiver uh for any instructional hours below the 990. Uh with all that said, uh we discussed a few days in terms of makeup. The days on our existing or our remaining calendar for this year uh that could be used for makeup is February 16th which is President's Day. March 13th is a teacher work day. April 6th is the Monday after Easter. And then uh I'll I'll talk about this here moving up moving forward, but we brought it up last time. April 24th we now know is is most certainly a special election. We received official notification today uh from
049our registar in the county >> 21st >> April 21st I'm sorry did I say 24th April 21st. So, uh, this evening, Madam Chair, uh, with board approval, uh, and and following the conversations I've had with our instructional staff and our school administrators, uh, we think it would be most appropriate right now, given what we've heard from the Virginia Department of Education on doing everything we can to make up days prior to asking for a waiver. Uh, I would request that President's Day, February 16th, be an in-person school day. We can hold right now on March 13th and April 6. We do not need to make those days up yet unless we get additional snow in and or miss additional days of school. And then this evening, I would like to request that April 21st, the
050day of the special election, we change from an in-person day to a teacher work day and an asynchronous day for students. So, the motion this evening from the board, um, my request for a motion would be to make President's Day an in-person school day, February 16th, and April 21st, the day of the special election, would be changed from an in-person day to a teacher work day and an asynchronous day for teachers. I'll pause there for any questions, Madam Chair. >> I'm just taking a peek real quick. All right. Question. [laughter] Sorry. >> Okay. So, is that what we're going with? >> Well, if that's >> Oh, you're suggesting taking President's Day so we don't have to worry about moving any other day at this moment. President's Day would be the only change in terms of
051>> negative one >> uh that would get us back from the negative one. And then we now know that April 21st is the special election. So we would ask for a motion this evening to change the April 21st date from a school day to a teacher work day and an asynchronous day for students. And again, I I know I do want to say this. I I did receive a few emails uh from teachers uh and other folks. I think some board members did as well. Uh, in terms of President's Day, as Mr. Frank just mentioned, it's our our hands are really tied when it comes to what the state is requiring. The state is saying, and you'll see some school divisions around us, Caroline included, has already changed President's Day uh to a school day.
052The the guidance in in the Virginia code is very clear. it's that if you have a day available to make up, you have to do so prior to soliciting a waiver. So, as I mentioned earlier, it's the second week of February. We can get another snowstorm easily all the way up through really through March, possibly April. I think we've had it in April before. Um, if we get into a situation where we lose a lot a lot of instructional time moving forward in the next month and a half and we haven't used the day that was available to us and it comes and goes, it really puts us in a difficult Well, it really puts us in a position not to be able to request a waiver. >> Okay. So, for can we get a
053motion for February 15, 2026 to be an in-person school day? >> 16th. >> February 16th. Oh, I'm looking at 27. I'm sorry. Thank you, Rachel. Mrs. um Scott, so February 16, 2026 to inerson school day and April 21st from school day to teacher work day and asynchronous day. So moved. Can I get a second? Second. Any discussion? Yes. I just want to say that I also got many emails and I decided to go and actually speak to speak to some people involved, staff, teachers, whatever. And um you know given the op the options of taking away spring break or extending the school year, unfortunately the majority of people would choose to lose a a cold day in February as opposed to uh you know spring break or ending the school year. So I did actually
054speak to probably two dozen people and I did my due diligence. So sorry for those of you who have plans or whatever, but we just have to have to do what we have to do at this point in time. So just want to say that. >> Thank you, Mr. Frank. >> I have read all of what VDOE says that's there and you know we we don't have a choice. We have to we have to take our own days before we can ask them for a waiver. So >> yes, >> some not much we can do, >> right? Okay. All those in favor? >> I I >> I >> chair votes eye. Motion carries. [clears throat] All right. Now we are moving on to committee reports. Um Mr. Frank, >> I don't have any. >> I
055went to the first ATI meeting of the year last week and I had not been in that building and I was I want to go to school there. I was super impressed. I don't know when the last time you were there. if you've been there since the school year started, but they have new uh lights and it's it's a it's a very warm learning environment and um we've voted in a chairman and a vice chairman and they're going to remain the same. Those people are doing a great job. So I didn't get volunteered um and uh have great outcome results of of grades and students and I think [sighs] since we've had students there there's only been one across the whole you know of all the um participants that have have withdrawn. So that's that's
056pretty good too. Um, so I understand that applications were due last week and the uh students will receive notification early next week or maybe I think it's the 20th that they'll find out, but I'm super impressed. I'm excited I'm on that committee. >> Thank you, Mrs. Hoover. Mrs. Scott, >> No reports for me either. Um, superintendent report. >> Uh, thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanted to remind the board that tomorrow night is the uh meeting between the planning commission and the school board or excuse me the planning commission and the board of supervisors. Anyone that's uh interested in going will certainly be there. This is when they're taking a look at uh priorities in terms of new facilities across the division. Uh as we move forward uh our next school board meeting will need
057to approve the budget after our work session this evening. And we've also got, I believe, on the books right now, two visits to our CTE center. So, we've got Caroline CTE coming up. Uh, and we scheduled C uh Smithfield today. So, take a look at your emails. Uh, let's see who's available to go to Smithfield. I think we've got Caroline booked already. And then we're hoping to get Spoty before the end of the month. And once we have all three of those, we'll pull together that ad hoc committee to talk about programming moving forward with the vocational center. that that should all be within good time uh to deliver to hopefully the procured architect uh that's ready to build the vocational center moving forward. Uh the last thing I'll mention is that on the calendar
058right now the 10th of March is tenatively the joint session between the school board and board of supervisors. I need to make sure that again that's tenative. >> What day was that? >> Uh March 10th. Uh and I and again I think that was according to Mr. Smallnik's calendar. >> Okay. >> So um I would imagine at their next meeting they may discuss it as well and I I'll reach out to Mr. Smallnick but uh as is customary that's usually the meet the the first meeting or the first week of the uh of March where we get together and we talk about budget and and things of that nature. So we could probably talk about budget and CIP and vocational center and all of those things. So, uh, with the permission of the board, I'll
059continue to have that conversation with Mr. Smallnick and we'll move forward with that joint session if if everybody's on board with having that. >> Yes. So, that's a Tuesday. >> Do we have any more 2 by twos coming up? >> Any more >> 2 by twos? >> We have uh one that we're working on scheduling a location for, but we have a date and time. >> And we had one last week with you. >> Had one last week. Yes. Well, Kathy and the board of supervisor, um, Bill Davis met at my shop, >> right? >> And then I'm or and then who is it? Brian, we're trying to reschedle. >> I was going to ask you, um, the the 20th, you have a your visit on the 20th and then again on the 26th. Is
060that correct? >> Um, let's see where we're looking. We're talking about February. >> Yes. >> So, we're going to Caroline on the 20th and then the 26 is Smithfield. >> Okay. Um, I had given you information to contact Mr. Matz on the for the next one. So, if you could see if he's available for the 26th cuz he can't go on the 20th >> for Smithfield. >> Correct. >> Okay. We'll reach out to Mr. M. >> Thank you. >> All right. >> Are you done? Sorry. Yes, I'm sorry, but we interrupted you a couple times. >> That's okay. Thank you so much, Madam Chair. >> Thank you. Um, board comment, Mrs. Scott. Thank you for everyone who came out tonight. You guys have done a very good job in all the presentations and um all
061the students who um submitted for the art contests and the literature. Um very proud of all the work you guys did there. >> Thank you. >> Uh Mrs. Hoover. Um, I also want to thank everybody for all their efforts this past couple weeks with the snow days, the parking, the packets, the meals. I don't think anybody realizes how much work that went into that. Everybody was scrambling. So, we appreciate everybody [gasps] that helped and uh that is still helping. Also, congratulations to all the artwork winners. I was amazed at some of the artwork I saw by first and second graders. Love it. we're going to be going they're going to be recognized at a higher level >> uh next month and I look forward to that and thank you to Mrs. Nami and Mrs. Howard
062for getting that 20 years worth of work to get finally something in place and a huge congratulations to Ella. That's that's an honor. So, um we've got a lot of really awesome students here and I'm grateful that they're all doing so well. As always, I want to thank staff and teachers for all that you do. Uh, I want to thank everyone who came out tonight and spoke. U, and for those who who did the presentations, all great. Um, as we mentioned just a little bit, um, Miss Scott and I and Dr. Boyd and Kathy Bender and Sully met on Wednesday u to talk about the vote building. very and the budget very productive meeting. Uh so I think that is really is rolling along really well. Uh we just need to get some more some
063more meetings done. So but thank you for all you do. >> Thank you. Um the only thing I can think of right now is just like shake it off. I feel everybody feels a little bit heavy. Um, I'm so thankful that we live in a country where we're allowed to have public comment and speak how we feel and but I know um like when you have a board and staff that works so hard and sometimes it seems like it's never good enough no matter what you do. You guys do a great job. this board, everybody on this board and everybody sitting out there that we can look at who deal with it a lot more than we do probably. Um, often feel like what we do doesn't matter or it's all [snorts] you hear is
064the negative and sometimes lies, write out lies because a lot of what was said tonight was not true. Um, and [clears throat] we we love our students. We love our staff. You know, Dr. Boy, talk about leadership. Some people don't like him, but what I know about him is he was one of the guys outside shoveling the sidewalks as a superintendent out there doing that. teachers were doing it and and that's leadership and I've I trust him. I'm I'm hard on him, too. Like I I hold you to it. Do we not? We the board does, but I do know that he does his best for this uh county and this school. So, I do apologize for the disrespect that was shown to you today. It's a freedom. It's a right that each person has
065to do, but I'm sorry that you've had to deal with that and and for my board as well because I know that each one of you give all you have extra for very very little pay. And so, um, I just [clears throat] want to say that and just shake it off because listen to what this student said and listen to the one student and then look at their staff right here and look at all the good that's going on in our schools and just focus on that. Um, because and and focus on the whatever, you know, it's not a bad thing, but where we can do and be better. But, but anyway, so all right, back to what I was going to say. Um, so thank you for all who came out to shovel like
066Miss Mrs. Hoover said, and all the food that's provided. U, Mrs. Saunders, thank you for your public comment. Um, we we heard you and thank you for that. Miss Melissa Lamb, she is all over the place many times doing many many things. Some of y'all might not know, but she does a lot of the proms and different things like that for the high school. For all the students that um for the art that got um rewards or certificates, good job. Um Mrs. Howard, Dr. Howard, she's wonderful. Does big big things for our community. Ella, congratulations. Um, let me see what else did I have? Sorry. Oh, the one thing I would like to ask Dr. Boyd for you to maybe speak with um your staff is on how we can work on changing the way
067we accept transfer credits. I'm making it official. [laughter] >> Um maybe speak with Mrs. Hawk too because she did do it. I was hearing some things of the way that the we used to do it. Maybe we can take a look and see if we can still do it that way or not or similar ways. I know you've super busy and you got a lot on your plate right now. I just want to keep that in your somewhere in your mind. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Please. And that's it. I hope Yeah. Okay. Anybody else? And thank you for our um student reps coming out. It's good seeing you guys gals and be safe out there. Okay, Madam Chair. >> Yes. First went to state code section 2.2-3712A of the code of Virginia. I move that
068the board convene in the closed meeting to review hires substitutes, resignations, reassignments, and statements as per stipens as permitted under 2.2-3711A number one of the code of Virginia. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I I >> I chair vote. We are now in close session. Thank you, staff. Good morning. May school board return to open session and certify that pursuent to state code section 2.2-3712D 2-3712D. Only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under this chapter and only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened or heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by the public body. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Oh, certify. >> Certify. >> Did you certify? Yeah, certify. Any discussion? All those in favor? I
069>> I We are now in open session. Now we have to do this. Uh >> I make a motion. >> Make a motion we adjourn. >> Oh, don't we have to Oh, did you already approve the actions resulting from the clos Yeah. Go ahead. >> I make a motion that we accept the actions resulting from closed sessions. >> I second. Any discussion? All those in favor? I >> I chair. Motion carries. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> No. Got to make a motion. >> I make a motion we adjourn. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. We are now adjourned. It was you Dead cat.