LCS School Board Meeting: March 31, 2026

001Meeting is called to order. Uh Item B1, electronic participation. I don't think we have anything. Uh Mr. Connor, pledge of allegiance, please. Stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Mr. Connor. I don't have any chair comments. Uh next one is support person of the year recognition, Dr. Michet. Motion Approve agenda. Oh, I'm sorry. Um what am I doing? Approval of agenda. Is there a motion to approve the agenda? >> Motion. Second. Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll? Mr. Barron? Yes. Mr. Allen? Yes. Mrs. Lowry? >> Yes. Mr. Connor? >> Yes. Dr. Gupta? >> Yes. Mr. DePaul? >> Yes. Mr. Gilliam? >>

002Yes. Dr. Farmer? >> Yes. >> Mr. Poe? Yes. Motion passes. All right, thank you. Uh next one is I don't have any chair comments. Next one is support person of the year recognition, Dr. Michet. All right. Well, good evening, everyone. Um tonight we have very special recognition. Ms. Brown is going to take us through that process. If you remember last month, we had the teachers of the year, and this month we have the support um the support person of the year recognition. So, Dr. Gupta, Mr. Connor, if you can join me up there, and Ms. Brown will take us through this process. Good evening, board chair, vice chair, members of the school board, Dr. Michet, members of our community. Tonight, we are proud to present to the board the school level support person of the

003year. A support staff who exemplifies excellence in service, professionalism, and dedication to the mission and vision of Lynchburg City Schools. These individuals represent the best of our support and operational teams, those who go above and beyond to ensure that our schools are safe, efficient, welcoming, and conducive to learning. Each school support person of the year was nominated by their peers and evaluated against the RISE Award recognizing inspiring school employees criteria established by the VDOE. I will call each person's name by the school or department level and ask that they please come forward to receive a certificate of recognition and take a photo with Dr. Gupta, Mr. Connor, and Dr. Michet. Now, just so you'll know, my wonderful support team members um are sitting a little bit differently in the order that I will call, so

004bear along with me. >> [laughter] >> So, first we have Ms. Donna Thompson. Thomas >> [applause] >> from Hutcherson Heroes. >> [applause] [applause] >> Next, we have Ms. Vicky Waller. >> [applause] >> R.S. Payne >> [crying] [applause] >> Next, Ms. Mia Reese from Bedford Hills Elementary School. >> [applause] [clears throat] [applause] >> Next, Ms. Sarah Pringle from Perrymont Elementary School. >> [applause] [laughter] [applause] >> Next, we have Ms. Sheila Hughes from Paul Monroe Elementary School. >> [applause] [applause] >> Next, we have Ms. West-White from Linkhorne Elementary School. >> [applause] [applause] >> Next, we have Ms. Margaret Ford, but I do not believe she was able to attend tonight. So, WE'LL FROM E.C. GLASS >> [applause] >> THANK YOU. AGAIN, WE HAVE MS. MERRELL Burton from Heritage High School. >> [applause] [applause] >> Next, Ms. Cassandra

005Newman from Fort Hill Community School. >> [applause] [laughter] [applause] >> Next, we have Ms. Jan Penn from Facilities and Maintenance. >> [applause] [applause] >> Next, Ms. Lillian Cardwell from Rodeo Adult Learning Center. >> [applause] [applause] >> Next, Mr. Rob Wooders from the LCS Administrative Building. >> [applause and cheering] [laughter] [applause] >> NEXT, MR. STEVEN BROWN Dunbar Middle School. >> [applause] [clears throat] [laughter] [applause] >> Next, we have Ms. Darica Jones from Laurel Regional School. >> [applause] [applause] >> NEXT, MR. RODNEY Early from Dearington Elementary School. >> [applause] [clears throat] [applause] >> Next, we have Mr. Zafar Hussain from Heritage Elementary School. >> [applause] [applause] >> NEXT, MS. JUTA PATTERSON. >> [applause] >> MS. Patterson is from William W.M. Bass. >> [applause] >> Um the other Do I have anyone that showed up that wasn't checked

006in? Okay. So, the other support staff who were not able to attend tonight were Zakia Scott from Turning Point. >> [applause] >> Nasia Slaughter from Sandusky Middle School. >> [applause] >> Jessica Moreno from Linkhorne Middle School. >> [applause] >> Sherry Mueller from Sheffield Elementary School. >> [applause] >> Evelyn Godsey from Sandusky Elementary School. >> [applause] >> Cindy Duncan from T.C. Miller Academy. >> [applause] >> Shamika Lovelace from trans- the Transportation Department. >> [applause] >> Sarah Birch from the Technology Department. >> [applause] >> Now, at this time, I would like to ask all of the board members to come forward as we present [clears throat] the Lynchburg City Schools Division Support Person of the Year. So, tonight we present this formal award of flowers and a plaque on behalf of the board and Lynchburg City Schools

007to our recipient, Ms. Mia Reeves from Bedford Hills >> [applause] >> Elementary School. >> [applause] [clears throat] [applause] >> Once again, we thank you and we congratulate all of the support persons of the year. Your dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence inspires us all and reflect the best of Lynchburg City Schools. Again, CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL. >> [applause] >> ALL RIGHT, NEXT ONE IS THE SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE COMMITTEE. Um with our student representatives, we have Oh. >> I missed What What am I doing tonight? Public comments, Mr. Oh, sorry. I'll jump right in. Yeah, I'm comments. My agenda was all off. That's all right. In accordance with policy BDDH, public participation, members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend meetings of the Lynchburg City School Board to observe its deliberations. Any member of the

008community may address the board on matters related to the Lynchburg [clears throat] City Public Schools at any regular meeting. Persons or groups wishing to address the school board may do so by choosing one of the following. Leave a voice message on the school board clerk's phone line at 434-515-5077. Messages will be played during the public comment section of the school board meeting. Address the board in person during the school board meeting. Persons desiring to address the school board by voicemail message shall submit the voicemail to the school board clerk no later than 3:30 p.m. on the day of the board meeting. Persons desiring to address the school board in person shall contact the clerk of the school board no later than 3:30 p.m. on the day of the board meeting or by signing the public

009comment form, which shall be available to the public 15 minutes before the meeting starts. Each person requesting to speak shall identify the subject they want to address, and if the speaker represents a group, the speaker must identify the group. Persons appearing before the school board will not be allowed to campaign for public office or promote private business ventures, and should not use profanity, or vulgar language, or gestures, make comments about a public official or an employee that are not related to the public official or employees official duties, engage in behavior that disrupts the meeting or intimidates others, or address the school board on issues that do not concern the services, policies, role, and or responsibilities of the school board. Individual speakers shall limit their comments to 3 minutes. A speaker representing a group shall limit

010their comments to 5 minutes. The representative shall identify the group at the beginning of their presentation. A group may have no more than one spokesperson. The total allotted time for public comments at school board meetings is 30 minutes. Voicemail messages to be played are also limited to 3 minutes for individuals and 5 minutes for speakers representing a group. Priority will be given to in-person comments before voicemail messages in the following order. One, students. Two, staff. Three, parents/guardians. And four, community [clears throat] members. Public comments are reserved for the public to provide input. The board does not respond to comments, answer questions, or otherwise engage in discussion at this time. The chair is responsible for the orderly conduct of the meeting and rules on such matters as the appropriateness of the subject being presented, and the

011length of time for such presentation. No one will be allowed to make additional presentations until everyone who wishes to speak has had an opportunity to make an initial presentation. So, tonight we have Carl Luce, a staff member, who will be first to speak, followed by Bernard Mitchell, Robert Flood, Danny McCain, and Jessica Webb. Carl Luce, staff member. Good evening to all of you. I'm Carl Luce, I'm president of Lynchburg Education Association, and I would like to thank each of you for your service to the students and staff of Lynchburg City Schools. I'm going to cut right to the heart of it. Lynchburg City Schools isn't much fun right now. Not for the students, and not for the staff. Now, don't get me wrong. I completely understand that our job is to educate, not to entertain,

012and that our jobs are for work, not for play. I also concede that there are moments of fun and joy for students and staff from time to time throughout the division. I know these things. But, here are some other things that I know. I know that when we look at the accreditation status of our schools, we see issues with attendance across the board. I know that when we look at the HR reports month after month, we continue to see high turnover. I know that our kids are over-tested and underwhelmed with the opportunities they have beyond the classroom setting. I know that our staff is overworked and >> [clears throat] >> underpaid. Since LEA Vice President Aaron Reed stood before you all in August, we've known that testing is an issue. Kindergartners take a BALs assessment

013three times a year, take VKRP twice a year, a reading series, benchmark, and unit assessments given. There's a Foundations assessment, ESGI tests, and nine-weeks assessments. In middle school English, our students take four different IXL diagnostic tests, four textbook unit tests, and have four BALs testing days, have selection tests after each story read, and end-of-course SOL tests. At the high school level, we already have mandated state testing three times a year in English. And keep in mind, this is all for a single subject area. When you add in the other three core classes, you can imagine the amount of testing and assessments our students are seeing. What they aren't getting to see nearly enough is the fun. The things about public school experience that bring them joy and make them well-rounded students. They aren't seeing the

014same number of assemblies, field trips, special activities, or hands-on presentations. I challenge you to go to any school in the division and pick up a yearbook from 20 years ago, when every school in the division was fully accredited. What you'll see there are programs, clubs, intramural sports, and opportunities that we simply don't offer anymore. These programs weren't frivolous. They weren't They were not only educational, they were motivational. They allowed students and staff to interact in a completely different way in a completely different environment. They built relationships. They brought kids into the building each and every day who might have opted to stay home otherwise. They improved classroom behaviors. And when the city council stopped properly funding its school division, they were the first things to go. Today, we're left with a shell of these offerings

015and a whole lot of testing. And we wonder why we can't seem to get the kids motivated to come to school. As for the staff, we're utterly and completely burnt out. We've been given duties that are far and away beyond what the intent of duties were. Hallway duty is a duty. Bus duty is a duty. Substituting is a job. School security is a job. And you know how I know this? Because these are things our division hires people to do. Yet, day after day after day, we're expected to give up what little staff time we have to do these jobs without compensation. Many buildings have kids in the classroom from the time they arrive at school to the time they leave in the afternoon. There's no respite to begin the day and get organized, and

016no time at the end of the day to prepare for the next. There's no time allotted to work with our departments and our grade levels. There's certainly no time to grade assignments, provide meaningful feedback to students, and properly communicate with parents. And there's no time to just sit and chat with colleagues to build those relationships with one another that are so important to being creative, being supportive, and creating an atmosphere that makes staff members want to stay in Lynchburg City Schools. The easiest way to alleviate the stress on the staff is to provide them with the appropriate professional time, is to properly staff our buildings. We have to have substitutes to reduce reduce the need for coverage. We have to have bus drivers to reduce the need for multiple runs. We have to have proper

017staffing to reinvigorate a lot of the programs that bring our children to school. Dr. [snorts] Somerville Majette has been touting a five-point plan for success in LCS. I was thrilled to see that at the top of that list were the words student-driven. She's exactly right. So, let's reduce the testing, bring back programs that data shows were successful in bringing kids to school and making them well-rounded students. Let's create new programs to interest even more kids, and let's remove the weight from the backs of our employees by making sure we're properly staffed. In other words, let's make LCS fun. Because kids will show up to schools that have something that interests them, and nobody quits a job they love. And as far as our lack of funding goes, we invite all of you to join us

018in wearing red for Ed this Friday to show our support for public education and encouraging council to fully fund the budget LCS has presented. Thank you. Next, we have Mr. Bernard Mitchell speaking on the achievement gap. Education is the most powerful tool that we have. Education is the most powerful tool that we have. Education is the most powerful tool that we have in having to where we can be successful. I think everybody in here can agree with that. Um, Mr. Chairman, and the board members, thank you for allowing me to speak here today. My name is Bernard Mitchell. I'm a member of the Concerned Citizens. Concerned Citizens are makeup of professionals, former superintendents, former school teachers, parents of students that in the in the system right now, in the school system, uh, other citizens of

019Lynchburg and surrounding counties. Our chairman is Mr. Danny McCain. Mr. Chairman, we are We have before come before the school board on many occasions to talk about the achievement gap. We are concerned about what has been put in place and what actions have been taken to deal with the achievement gap. Our chairman, Mr. McCain, came before the school board in last in last June of last year. Mr. McCain asked the school board for a meeting. Um, so we could sit down and talk about some issues dealing with the achievement gap. We have not heard from the school board as of yet. Mr. Chairman, I I am asking on behalf of the Concerned Citizens in this in that the school board grant an opportunity for us to meet. We are asking the school board to respond

020back to us by April the 10th with dates times that we can meet. Please contact me and at my um email address is swollen [email protected] or text me at 434-610-4410. Mr. Chairman, we [clears throat] understand that a new superintendent has been put in place and achievement gap a committee has been put in place as well as a academic committee to deal with the achievement gap. We have already met with the superintendent on several on on two occasions. We have sit in several meetings with the academic committee as well. In hopes that we would hear some changes. Something different that's going to make a difference. And for right now, thank you. Our next speaker is uh Mr. Robert Flood. Remember when you begin your speak, um identify the group at the beginning with your presentation. My

021name is Robert Flood. Group that I If I go, I'll stop. Stop. >> [laughter] >> We want to give you all your time, so make sure You got a clock right there. Uh the group that I'm identified with is Rescues of the Youth. My name is Robert Flood again. Three topics I would like to talk about, discuss. One of them I brought to y'all's attention, I think a couple weeks ago. >> [clears throat] >> About assistant coaches being paid some kind of incentive because they become head coaches when head coaches are not there. Assistant coaches are like father figures to a lot of kids >> [cough] >> that don't have [clears throat] fathers. Head coaches like father figures ones that don't have fathers. >> [snorts] >> We know we love our kids. That's what we

022say. And we want the best for them. And I think the best for them is, you know, to have things in place if they get hurt on a football field, basketball court. It's easy to twist an ankle, break a knee when you're playing sports. I've been playing sports off and on all my life, football and basketball. And I seen a situation happen when I think it was Buffalo and somebody. This guy was on defense and hit a guy on offense and he is lucky and blessed to be alive today. It was just crazy. And he couldn't even walk. He couldn't do nothing. He was just laying there. Later on, they gave a report about his condition. He is so lucky to be alive. That's pros that get paid. They have the money to take care

023of people. When you got young people playing sports today, some of the parents have money. They can take care of them if they get hurt or something, some don't. Kids love sports. Sports is something that you can pull kids into and you can implement all the programs. I don't care what it is, basketball, volleyball, football. If you get a kid's attention, something he loved to do, you can take them out of those streets. You can take them around from them negative people. I have seen that. And it's funny that I'm talking about it because it was a young man that I seen at this program they had over at the academy. I hadn't seen him in 26 years. And when I worked at Job Corps, I coached this kid. He was a kid then, but

024he's a grown man now. And he was telling me, said, "Man, my daughter's performing in this program." I didn't know who his daughter was, but I seen her perform. We had a conversation after that. And he said, "I was just glad to know that you picked me on the team." Through sports, this is my wife, both of them went to Job Corps. They got married and, you know, they had a beautiful daughter with a beautiful talent. That's one of the things I just wanted to address and two other things before my time run out. Open these gyms like they used to do on weekends, weekdays. Kids got nothing to do. And the gentleman that was just talking, when he said intramurals, why can't we bring intramurals back to the schools? Some of them kids that

025can't play sports, they like to get in the gym and act like they can play. They might not be as good as some of the guys, but they get together and they they whatever when they're young. And you never know what they might become later on if they work hard with it. And how can we sit down with city council and get a chance to at least talk about opening these gyms on the weekends like they used to do without charging them a dollar? Kids ain't got no money to pay to go in no gym. $2 or whatever they started charging at one time. The city, the school board, the community, and the police station, all of y'all come together when there's situations you have to deal with. Why can't we come together and get

026these kids what they need? What they deserve. We got some beautiful kids out there. Unless you give them a chance, you'll never know. Just cuz they don't come from a certain area, you know, they don't have a rich father or rich mother, rich parents, they still are beautiful kids. And they have talent. Lots of talent. And once you get to know them, some I've been doing off and on for 30 years. I love my kids. Kids ain't bad, not all of them. They're mischievous. If you don't pay attention to them, you think they ain't listening, they might be smarter than you. You'd be surprised. When a kid trust you and you have a conversation with them, they open up about a lot of things. Thank you. At least think about it. Let's open these gyms

027up for these kids. Thank you, Mr. Flood. >> [clears throat] >> Our next speaker is Danny McCain. Remember to state your name and identify the group at the beginning of your presentation. Yes. My name is Danny McCain. I'm here for the Concerned Citizens. And I'm going to be honest, I don't know why I'm here. I've been here so many times over the 27 years. Mostly talking about the same issues that I'm going to address tonight. And when I looked at some of the numbers from last year, I couldn't believe it. I knew I just had to come here and and address the board. Let me just go over some of these numbers. SOLs reading of all black students in the city, only 46% pass. 16% below the average black in the state of Virginia. Last

028year math of all black students in the city, only 40% pass. 18% below the state average for black students. And I picked one school and I picked Robert S. Payne because some of the numbers I saw, I thought it must be a mistake. Reading for all students on only black students, only 20% of all black students at Robert S. Payne last year passed reading. Third grade reading, 16% pass. How is that possible? 16% of the entire third grade class of black students. Fourth grade reading, 24% pass. 24%. Fifth grade reading, 22% pass. What are we doing? What are we putting in place to help these kids? Math. Here we are. Third grade math, 29% of the total black students in the third grade class passed. Fourth grade math, 6%. 6% of all black students in

029the fourth grade math at Robert S. Robert S. Payne passed. And I looked at these numbers and I said, "Definitely something's wrong." Either there have been a mistake or we have a serious problem in our school division. Fifth grade math, 15%. This is unacceptable. I don't know what we need to do, but we definitely need to do something. Of the 15 Lynchburg City Schools, we have one that was outstanding, Paul Monroe. We have three on track. We have seven off track. We have four need intensive support. Just think, 11 of 15 schools are in in deep trouble. In deep trouble. About 40 About 74% of Lynchburg City Schools identified as off-track or in need of intensive support. Lynchburg City Schools, in October last year, we were notified by the state of Virginia as State Department

030of Education that we ranked 122 out of 131 school divisions in the state of Virginia. There was no public comment from the city manager, the mayor, city council, not even school board. Not even school board. How that How is that possible? Is either they didn't know what to say or you don't care. I mean, how else can we take it? That's a smack in the face to all blacks uh citizens of this city as well as other people. And we sit here like nothing is happening, everything is good. And we have our little kids out here. What about them? What kind of life are they going to have with numbers like this and you're not even willing to do anything about it? A school board member made in February of last February this year made

031a motion at least you would put this on the agenda, the achievement gap, so that you would be able to discuss it as a agenda item at all your meetings. There was only one yes vote. The rest of you voted no. How can you vote no and with these kind of numbers? How can you do that? This should be one of the This should be one of the main things that we talk about. We want to join in and help. We know we need to help. These kids need us. This is not about us. This is about these kids. We asked for a meeting. You don't want to do that. But when you were talking about TC Miller, you had several special meetings. So, you're saying it's more important to sell a school than talk

032about kids? Evidently. Because you Thank you, Mr. McCauley. Next, we have Ms. Jessica Webb. Remember to your name and state the group that you're representing. Good evening. My name is Jessica Webb, and I'm the president of the Greater Lynchburg Chapter of AACY, the Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children. I know that's a mouthful. It's the professional organization for early childhood education. I'm here tonight to highlight a national event. April 11th through April 17th is Week of the Young Child. This event celebrates the importance of high-quality early childhood education and the many professionals that make it all happen. We talk about early childhood education being a patchwork of services and providers, and it is. From our pediatricians to our public schools to Head Start and Early Head Start to Early Intervention and Healthy Families,

033from our [clears throat] community preschool and child care programs to private therapies and mental health agencies, it takes a village to serve the needs of our youngest learners. Professionals from so many disciplines step up each and every day dedicated to one purpose, serving children and families in the Lynchburg community, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to access high-quality early childhood education. Why such the concerted effort? Because decades of research continue to support that access to high-quality programs focused on developmentally appropriate practices, warm, responsive educators, integrated family supports, and ongoing professional development leads to long-term positive outcomes for cognitive and social-emotional development, particularly for our most vulnerable populations, children from low-income households, children with disabilities, and language dual language learners. You guys heard some hard numbers from previous presenters. Early childhood education is a place

034that can make a difference. I am privileged and honored to be a part of Lynchburg City Schools Early Childhood Program that serves nearly 400 children through the VPI and Early Childhood Special Education Program. The Lynchburg City School Board and the division have made our early childhood programs a priority in recent years. Many children and families have benefited from that commitment, and yet every year there are children on waitlist, not just for LCS, but across the Lynchburg community. We also see rising numbers of children facing trauma and mental health issues with insufficient resources across the community to meet that need. LCS Early Childhood Program is often the place families turn to when seeking support for the behavioral and social-emotional needs of their children. We are a hub for that service and for that need. When many

035places do not have the resources, we say yes. Therefore, it is critical that we provide the necessary supports for children and families to address these needs early when our intervention can have the greatest impact. For our families of young children listening tonight, I encourage you to apply to our Pre-K program on the LCS website and join us for the Week of the Young Child events being held at community centers across the city April 13th through April 17th. That's the week right after spring break. You can find more information on the Lynchburg Parks and Rec um site. We have many um great activities happening all across the community. Um Kumba dancing at Templeton on Monday, um STEM challenges at the Daniel Hills Community Center, Families Are the First Teacher activities to help support families as as

036teachers as well at the Miller Center on Friday. There's many more, so please check it out. Thanks. Thank you. Madam Clerk, do we have any voicemails? >> No, sir. Any emails? No, sir. That concludes our public comment section. Thank [clears throat] you, Mr. Conner. Next one is student representative, Dr. Majette. Yes. Um I am excited, as always, to have Ms. Claire Ramsey here from EC Glass, and immediately following her, Malia Webb from Heritage High School. Oh, start with Malia. I apologize. Thank you. Okay. We're going to figure this out. Don't put glasses up there. So, Claire and then Malia. Go ahead, Claire. Okay, hello everyone. You're having a good evening. Yep. I'll first start with athletics for this past month. EC Glass girls varsity basketball team finished the 2019-2020 season with a 14 [snorts] to

0378 overall record and a 10 to 4 record in the Seminole District. The boys varsity baseball team is also having a strong start to their spring season with a 9 to 1 win over Altavista High School on March 20th, and then the team also defeated Martinsville 10 to 1 on March 11th. The boys JV soccer team beat Spotswood 5 to 4. Kai Klein led the Hilltoppers with three goals and an assist, and Austin Friedman had seven saves in goal. The boys varsity team followed the JV win with a 5 to 0 win against Spotswood. Next, Career and Technical Education. EC Glass students placed in the HOSA [clears throat] competition and represented our school with excellence. Debbie Annean and Jade Bugayong earned second place in Creative Problem Solving, while Alyssa Johnson also earned second place in

038Job Seeking Skills. These students have qualified for Nationals, and their next stop will be in Indiana for the HOSA International Leadership Conference. Next is Cultural Arts. Shrek the Musical is going on. We had opening night Friday, March 27th. The following performances are April 2nd and 3rd at 7:00 p.m. and the matinee on Saturday, April 4th at 2:00 p.m. You won't want to miss this show. Next, the BWXT Youth Gallery. LCS students' art was featured in the Academy Center of the Arts in the BWXT Youth Gallery. The gallery featured artwork from students all across LCS, as you can see in some of the pictures. Next, the RS Payne Elementary Dragon Drummers performed at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Walk on Saturday, February 21st. The event brought residents together in support of unity, service,

039and civic awareness. At Elementary Career Day, LCS fifth graders explored various occupations with the help of local community partners and high school Career and Technical Education students. The students explored careers in medicine, architecture, and transportation. During the Read-A-Thon, students from eight elementary schools read a total of 1,127,177 minutes and raised $51,372 for their PTOs at this year's Read-A-Thon. The students celebrated their accomplishments with prizes, mascots, and local sports teams. Our superintendent, Dr. Summer W. Majette, is on a mission to visit every single classroom in Lynchburg City Schools. Dr. Majette recently visited Paul Munro Elementary School, where she helped students learn about various units of measurements through hands-on activities. For the past nine years at Bedford Hills Elementary School, students have shadowed Principal Sherry Steele as the school's principal for a day. This year, Bedford Hills

040student Margaret Soyka received the opportunity in December, and James Lane received the opportunity in January. We've also had our presentation for the support persons of the year. >> [snorts] >> They have each been selected and the following staff members go above and beyond to foster environments where all students can thrive. At our elementary schools, at Bass Elementary, Ms. Juta Patterson. At Bedford Hills, Ms. Mia Reeves, who's also the LCSD and support person of the year. At Dearington, Mr. Rodney Early. At Linkhorne, Ms. Shantel West White. At Paul Munro, Ms. Sheila Hewist. At Perrymont Elementary, Ms. Sarah Pringle. At R.S. Payne Elementary, Ms. Vicky Waller. At Linkhorne Middle School, Ms. Jessica Merino. And at high school, at E.C. Glass High School, Ms. Margaretta Ford. Thank you. Very nice. Thank you. Um good evening, everyone. Um these

041are our recent Pioneers in action. So first, Heritage High School celebrates the completion of the new athletic field upgrades. The new field proudly showcases Heritage's Pioneer mascot embedded directly in the turf turf. The upgraded surface is built to withstand years of use, providing not only durability, but a safer playing environment for athletes. Next up, we have volunteering. Um D.I. T.C. students have gave Sandusky Middle School a visit to help promote their program and find potential recruits for the future. Our sports stats. Um our boy's soccer 0 to 1. Girl's soccer 1 to 4. Boy's baseball 4 to 0, undefeated so far. Um softball 0 to 4. Girl's tennis 3 to [clears throat] 1. And boy's tennis is not available. Um we have a big accomplishment for one of our athletes, Taylor Coles. Um congratulations to

042her for reaching 1,000 career points in girl's basketball. Um Pioneer Theatre and Orchestra and Band. Um Pioneer Theatre has just finished up The Wiz and is now gearing up for the upcoming production of Charlotte's Web from April 23rd to the 25th at 7:00 p.m. and two. And our Orchestra and Band both were rated superiors at their annual state assessment. Um we have our All American champions. Um congratulations to Breonna Toone, Jayla Benjamin, Ayanna Johnson, and Eliana Bradner. Um the girl's track and field team made history by winning the 2026 Nike Indoor Nationals 4 by 55 shuttle hurdle relay. Eliana Bradner earned All American honors by placing sixth in the championship long jump at the Nike Indoor Nationals following a 2026 3A state champion win in the triple jump. Um in other news, R.S. Payne Elementary

043just finished up with their production of Willy Wonka Kids. And E.C. Glass has four students qualified for the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. Sawyer Ness, Tyler Turnbow, Kendall Patterson, and Ezra Mancier. Thank you. Thank you, ladies. Just wanted to say Dr. Majette winning that national award was a wonderful thing. I know Mr. B.D. sitting there. >> [laughter] >> That's a great achievement. So please convey our congratulations to those young ladies. >> [cough] [clears throat] >> Next is the consent agenda. Is there a Before I go to the motion to approve, I'll give Dr. Majette a few minutes to talk about one of the items. Okay. So I want to be clear. I know that the board has this information, but I want it for clarity for the public. So um my husband, Antonio

044Majette, is on here as a recommendation for a health and P.E. teacher. And I just want to read my certification of non-involvement publicly and um Dr. Davis handled the the whole process, but I wanted to read this so that it's for the record publicly. So I, Christie N. Somerville Majette, uh superintendent Lynchburg City, um do hereby certify that I had no involvement whatsoever in the hiring decision regarding the employment of my spouse, Antonio Majette, for the position of health and physical education teacher within Lynchburg City Schools. And this was in accordance with subsection F 2.2-3119 Code of Virginia School Board Policy BBFA. And I just wanted to make sure that I did this because this is to ensure compliance with all legal requirements regarding the employment of any relative um by the school board. And

045when I say school board, I represent the school board for the day-to-day operations myself, including conflict of interest and nepotism rules. So this is within BoardDocs, but I did want to make sure that I publicly certified this. And Dr. Davis. Good evening, Board Chair, Vice Chair, and Board members. This is my certification of the merit-based recommendation. I, Jennifer Davis, Deputy Superintendent of Lynchburg City Schools, do hereby certify that the recommendation to hire Antonio Majette, spouse of Superintendent Christie N. Somerville Majette, for the position of health and physical education teacher was made based solely on merit and fitness and following a competitive evaluation of the qualifications of all candidates. I further certify that Superintendent Christie N. Somerville Majette was not involved whatsoever in the hiring process in accordance with the subsection F of 2.2-3119 of the

046Code of Virginia and School Board Policy BBFA. This certification is intended to ensure full compliance with all legal requirements concerning the employment of relatives by the school board. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? Motion. Second. Madam Clerk, could you please call the roll? Mr. Barrett. Yes. Mr. Allen. Yes. Mrs. Lawhorn. Yes. Mr. Connor. Yes. Dr. Gupta. Yes. Mr. Depauw. Yes. Mr. Gilliam. Yes. Dr. Palmer. Yes. Mr. Powell. Yes. Thank you. [clears throat] Next one is finance report, Dr. Majette. All right. Ms. James. Good evening, Chairman Gupta, members of the school board, and Dr. Majette. Thank you for the opportunity to address you. You have before you the February 28, 2026 month-end financials. As of February, um it marks the 66.67% of the fiscal year passing. So we're

047moving on along. So the re the percent of revenues collected versus original appropriation sits at 61.57% just shy of where we are in the fiscal year passing. The amount of expenditures versus original appropriation is at 63.91% year-to-date. Our total expenditures, inclusive of encumbrances, equates to 97.55% which is where you want it, below that 100% mark. Um notable expense variances uh for this month actually mirror last month's. Um they were for attendance services, health services, and psychological services. Those um variances greater than 100% were as a result of encumbrances on on items that are set aside to purchase for those. Uh those encumbrances will equalize out further on we get in the fiscal year. So on our statement of revenue, the total amount of revenue received year-to-date is 73 million 360,290.22. Of that total, state revenues

048equated to 59.37%. Our federal revenues equated to 41.70% and our local revenues equated to 66.44%. So we had additional miscellaneous and charges for services that were collected, and those rates were 48.80% and 45.77% respectively. Moving on to the monthly summary report, in February, LCS experienced another very high claim month totaling 1 million $865,048.76. This year's high cost claims have contributed to pushing the year-to-date balance to a negative 2 million $695,751.60. So as of February, claims that were processed towards the end of the calendar year when our employees went and um got all of their medical [snorts] things uh and all of their medical procedures um taken care of because their deductibles were about to turn over, those bills are still processing through the system, which is why um that we are continuing to have that

049high claim month total. Um as we move on into the fiscal year, we anticipate those claims to to equalize out. So um that is the conclusion of my report. I will entertain any questions that you have at this time. Questions for Ms. James? I had one and you answered it. Right. Yes, ma'am. Yeah, I so I'm you already addressed it just now with health [clears throat] I mean I'm sorry health insurance in-house. Um just continues to climb in the negative and I think you know obviously that's a concern uh going all the way back to the beginning of last year. I'm trying to remember I had all these numbers written down at last but it was you know I think we started January 2025 with 335,000 in the hole. And it's just steady climb since

050then. So uh June of 2025 we're at 857,000 in the hole. Uh December of 2025 we finished the year uh just under 2 million in the hole. January [clears throat] 2026 2.2 million. February 2.69. Uh two to you know what you just just reported. So I'm just looking at this as a trend I'm going what are the what what are the assurances that we're going to reverse this trend at some point and what are what are some of the perhaps conversations about how we do that? Um you know obviously there's uncomfortable conversations have we don't have enough coming in to cover costs. That means we have to take uh more from the benefits package and I don't we don't like having that conversation but I'm just wondering is there any way to uh reverse [snorts]

051this trend that we've seen over the last year and a half? Yes, sir. So finance and facilities committee they keep their finger on the pulse of our health insurance. I'll begin by saying that. Um unfortunately the way to reduce a trend like that is for our high cost claimants to move off of our medical insurance and that's not always a good thing for us. Um we would prefer them to get better and everybody be healthy. Um but the fact of the matter is um medical [clears throat] uh procedures and things are astronomical in in their charges now. So un- until there's some regulation at [clears throat] a different level that's way above my pay grade um I I'm I'm we are doing the best we can to um increment- incrementally increasing um our premiums so

052as not to adversely affect our employee base but still trying to do it enough to offset the really high medical procedures that's happening. Um I will say that at the end of this year we will be going out for RFP on a a different insurance vendor. Um we may stay with this one. We may get a better one. I don't know what that looks like at this point. Um so there are there are also some strategies that the finance and facilities committee is looking at for equalizing those monthly variable rates and we had a presentation from our insurance company at the last finance and facilities committee whereby we petitioned Anthem to give us more of a non-variable rate during the month and set it high enough that we can adjust it to what our intake

053is our premium intake is. So there are some strategies we're looking at. Unfortunately there's not really anything any school division can do for everyone wanting to get all their medical stuff done by the end of the calendar year before their deductible rolls back over. And so that's what we're seeing in these bills because everyone ran and had their medical procedures done so that it when their their deductible rolled back over in January they wouldn't have to pay that beyond. So >> Yeah and I I understand that that's why I went back and checked kind of throughout the year. I understood the end you know we're still at the turn of the year numbers that that's in play but still looking even throughout the year it's just continuing to go down. So it's it is that

054now but it's not just that throughout the year and that's what I'm trying to get a beat on do we have some measures in place? >> [clears throat] >> As as you already addressed so. Yes, sir. If you look at the time series data for last eight years it's the same trend. The the problem is we are self-funded insured. Uh as somebody has pointed out that you cannot give money from one hand and raise it and take it out from the other hand increase in premiums. Every school [snorts] district um goes through is going through that. Consortiums and other options have been looked at before. But the problem is to how to manage it then you create more bureaucracy on that. It's not a rocket science to cut it either you increase premium or you

055reduce benefits. We I for one just ended you the school board member that's not a good option. Uh because you cannot undercut those people who are already underpaid. So uh that's something that misery we have to carry it on. And Anthem did come to finance and facilities [cough] [clears throat] and they were using the word gatekeeper. Gatekeeper to me is I'm going to gatekeep what you do. But you benefits as the population is aging we talk about supporting veteran teachers. Uh the benefits are being consumed. That's the reality of life. So Thank you, Ms. James. Any other questions? All right. Thank you. Thank you. Which one I got to go back to my agenda. Remember member member reports. I know capital improvement plan. Dr. Midway. All right. Capital improvement updates Mr. Marshall and Mr. Jordan

056Newbank. Good evening members of the board. During the February 10th finance and facilities committee meeting Mr. Jordan Newbank construction project manager for Lynchburg City Schools delivered an overview [snorts] of our capital improvement plan. His presentation outlined the strategic use of the current 10 million dollars as well as our our planned approach for the upcoming 30 million dollars. Following his presentation the committee expressed strong support for sharing this information with the full board. With that being said it is my pleasure to invite Mr. Newbank back to the podium to present this important update. Hello there. As Travis said my name is Jordan Newbank construction project manager and I've got a little presentation for you guys about what's been going on here at LCS. Uh as recent completed projects also what what's currently going on. So uh

057so first off we've got the roofing projects. So um these would include Laurel Regional, Linkhorne Elementary, Perrymont Elementary, Bedford Hills Elementary and Fort Hill Community Schools. Uh at this time all of those have been bid out and award has been posted. We actually have our um pre-construction meeting set up for next week and this work is uh scheduled to be completed over the summer break. Um and then next we've got the Heritage High School turf and track replacement who uh I'm sure all of you have seen at this point. Uh we did have the ribbon cutting uh back on March 3rd um and then what's left over there is the track resurfacing. So that is temperature dependent. So basically as soon as spring sports are over they will get in there and um replace the

058track surface as well. There's the baseball field [clears throat] with the biggest logo in in Lynchburg. And then there's the football and soccer field as well. And then next we've got the EC Glass turf and track replacement. So this one is also scheduled to be completed this summer. Um this project is a little more complicated than what Heritage was. So we had to get some geotechnical borings done um to review some of the subsurface conditions um for this project. Um as of right now we do have a PO in place with Keystone Sports uh which is the same company that did uh the Heritage fields. Um and right now we're planning to start basically as soon as spring sports are over we'll get in there and and start work on that field as well. Uh

059the RS Payne and EC Glass building envelope projects. So we're currently working at RS Payne and EC Glass. Uh continuing with the exterior mortar joint repair starting to replace and re-coat lintels, re-caulking of exterior windows, doors, coping stones and flashing repairs are also ongoing. Um unfortunately most of this work is temperature dependent. Uh so the January and February were were a a slow time for those but as we warm up we should see um increased workforce and productivity uh at those schools. Um here we've got the Laurel Regional modular addition. So on January 6th uh we held the ribbon cutting ceremony um to open the new 2600 square foot modular unit at Laurel Regional School which is being used as offices offices and instructional space for LCS WTI, OT and PT departments uh for the

060Laurel Regional program. Uh CTE upgrades. So uh the technology lab completion we were able to get uh the new um can't think of what they're called but the new modules. There you go. The new modules for the um CTE lab at Sandusky uh for the culinary arts. Uh we are still working with video video H to set up the required inspections for these spaces, which will basically help us determine the scope of improvements needed. Um that is something that we do have planned for this summer. Uh and then the middle schools uh we are working with a local architect and consultants to develop a new layout for some of these spaces as well as looking at upgraded appliances for all three middle schools. And then the automotive program um we have applied for the ASC

061accreditation inspection for this program as of early January, and I believe at this time we are still waiting to hear back on that. Um basically the same thing as above, the inspection will sort of help us or guide us as far as what improvements are required for the accreditation, and uh that is also something that we'd like to get done this summer. Uh playground upgrades. So, we did have several playground upgrades uh completed over the last 6 or 8 months. Um just noted notably some Sandusky Elementary, TC Miller Elementary, Darington and Darington Elementary. And I believe that photo is at TC Miller. Uh and then we've got the ongoing access control upgrades. So, up there is a list of the phase one schools. Um so, we're very close to being completed at RS Payne and

062Heritage High School. Um EC Glass is also uh well on its way at this point, and then the middle schools are um flowing right behind those. Um we we did have some issues with some integration uh between softwares with this, which slowed us down a little bit, but we've gotten past that now and are are well on our way to get some of these schools knocked out. Um we've also got the Dunbar Community Schoolyard phase one project that just started up uh earlier this month. So, LCS and the Department of Community Development for the City of Lynchburg have partnered together as part of the Diamond Hill Neighborhood Plan to begin a multi-phase project at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation. This project will include enhance enhancements to public access to the more than 16

063acres that compromise the Dunbar Schoolyard and is the first of the multi-phase project. Construction began for this project back on March 9th and is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2026. And then this is just an overview of the um proposed projects for FY 27. So, um we are working on scope development and um putting together uh the projects for those A plus MEP projects as well as um some of the CTE funding as well. I believe that is the end of the presentation, so any questions, feel free. Mr. Gillean. Who is the contact person in the department that you're waiting for to receive certification prerequisites or just in general certification to do those upgrades? CTE upgrades, is that what you're referring to? To be honest, I'm not sure. I know that

064our CTE director is han- was is or was handling that. Um I was going to say Yes, Mr. Gillean. I'll I'll step in and dig into that. That's That's one of those things that when when Robbie's been out that that I would I would step in and take over. Okay. Yes, sir. I'd like to know, you know, when their deadline is to get back with you Yeah. Thank you. Other questions, Beth? Just a clarification under roofing projects on that slide, it says that once these current ones get done, the next would be 2030 at Sandusky Middle School, but then under the proposed projects for 2027, it lists roof replacement at Sandusky Elementary School. So, the Sandusky So, yes, the Sandusky will still need a roof replacement. Um I guess that is Sandusky is part of

065a architectural plus MEP project as well, so we're doing it all under one project. Okay. If that makes sense. So, was it just left off the list on the first slide or No, it's it's we So, it's we we would get a better price if we do it all together with Yeah. Like if we do the architectural plus MEP, and that's mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and we do that if we do the roof at the same time, you get a better price out of that. That makes sense. So, it's a Yeah, I got you. I got you. Yep. And what can you tell us about the Dunbar Schoolyard project? What What is that exactly? So, basically it it's a we're adding um it's it's more or less trying to connect the s- uh school with the

066community, make it more accessible to the community. Um this This is the first phase, so it's it's more or less focused on the bottom fields, the soccer field, and the the space over next to it. Um we're putting a a nice walk path that goes all the way through there. Um and then also doing some fencing uh replacements. There's uh creating some landing spaces, some benches to sit. Um also adding some seating at the soccer field. Um and then that that is the land- and also landscaping um a big goal is to try to you know, Dunbar's a difficult uh school to maintain due to the topographical features there. Um so, upgrading some landscaping to hope hopefully help with that. Um but this is the first phase, and the the idea is that we continue

067up through the school um in the next two phases to sort of connect the whole thing. Excellent. When's the timeline on that? Uh the first phase uh is scheduled to be completed at the end of June. And then phase two, we actually had our uh design kickoff meeting uh this week. So, we're well on our way. Thank you. I appreciate it. Yep. Other questions? Mr. Uh so, what is it about EC Glass's track that makes it more difficult? So, EC Glass's track is for one, the the we are doing a full asphalt replacement. At At Heritage, we're just taking the top layer of the track off and replacing it. So, um some of the issue with that, if you remember from the meetings, the asphalt is a good 6 or 8 inches higher than the

068field itself. So, in order to get the everything back at the right elevation, not only have to take off the top layer of asphalt, but we've got to go down below that. And so, um just not having, you know, the older you go, that track's been there for 70 years or whatever, you know, you you go you don't have the record documentation of what the soil or what's underneath of it. So, we had to get our topographic helped us out um to do that, and then also we are um the alignment on that field is not exactly how we think it should be. Um if you notice, the lights are not centered to the center of the field. And so, it's also part of that project, we're going to shift the field um which will

069help the lighting overall, and then also um if you notice in the corners where they do their corner kicks on the soccer field, they're they're stepping right off the field onto the the track. So, there were just some things we had to figure out before we could put it out for bid, basically. Um to to identify the actual scope of the project. And if I can add that, um Paul went over and looked at it last year, and he said it was just dangerous. The edges were just falling apart. Yeah, and we we did do some um initial concrete repairs on some of those bad spots last summer, I think, but yes, that the ultimate goal is to get everything back down to the same level, so it's a safer area for the kids. Yeah.

070Thank you. And I thank you for seeing Paul Monroe's gym on there. I started teaching in 1990, and they're still haven't gotten a gym. So, I'm like, "Oh, there it is." So, they'll be happy to know that. >> [laughter] >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Mr. [clears throat] Eubank. Thank you, Mr. Marshall. Thank you. >> Nice to talk to meet you. Next to school board member report, Laurel, Mrs. Lowry. Okay. Um the Laurel prom is Friday at 9:30, and the theme is Hollywood. So, if anybody wants to stop by, please go. The kids would love to see you. Um and uh [clears throat] the budget is is an approved and we're getting an audit that we got from Ms. Jamie's um an email about, and that'll be presented at the next meeting. And then Ms. Lewis

071is going to go to the VKC conference in May. Next to the high school, Mrs. Lowry. Okay. Um the budget is at 87 85.76% for this year, which is good. Um there's no tuition increase for the next 5 years, which is also good. There's a new math count teacher who was hired, who will be a long-time employee. And the the students have done 31 internships with DWXT, Framatome, Centra, and businesses. Reports have been favorable from these businesses on professionalism and the quality of questions the kids are asking them. And our next meeting is in May, and the next um uh Laurel is in April, so. Okay. Thank you. Uh next one is academic success Yeah, I know. That's why I was just waiting for you [laughter] to say it. Okay. Um I I know museums

072were mentioned. We talked about that in the academic success committee, so I'm only bringing that up because um uh Louis Louis brought that up about museums, but actually the cuz there are so many museums in DC area, but there are some students going to museums, but teachers just have to ask. So, their their principals and and then they can go to these museums. So, there's all these museums, anybody listening and watching, you know, use match up with your SOLs. Um also, um we talked about the jump start well our July jump start, so they're still gathering feedback and they're going to get feedback from the state getting ahead of the school year and identifying federal um federally and uh and vast as well school students with programs for 2-week period. So, they're going it's going

073to we're going to get regular updates on that until July. Um summer schools high recovery high end need students high school will be from June 8th to 12th, 15th 18th, 22nd 25th, 28th to July 2nd. So, senior intensives will be um summer schools have to do all once they start if they have to do all the weeks, so. Um we talked about chronic truancy policy. Um Dr. Sumner will get involved with our next meeting and give us some data on that. Um also, the case screening in in prep for the full year, yeah, I think for the fall, I'm sorry. After spring break um teachers and desserts will be um screening and then they'll be in the school still the literary teacher literary teacher literacy teacher, so they can also do for kids to come

074in November, January, you know, they just show. So, so they can know what their needs are. Um and also, pedal and math in the new equip with the new equip math accreditation, they overlap, so to avoid confusion, we're just going to stick to the math accreditation policy that needs to be looked at and um and we won't have pedal anymore because they're the same thing. So, we're just going to stick with the math accreditation. And that's it. Thank you. >> in April. Finance and facilities, Mr. Conner. You know, you're skipping the accelerate STEM Or STEM Academy, Mr. Poore. Yeah, so uh all of the well uh E.C. Glass and high school, but you know, all the other regional high schools have uh visited the STEM Academy uh so far this year, so got past that

075um in February, um there was a information session, had about 150 people attend. Um student applications for the 2026-2027 uh year set at about 123 applicants. Last year was about 94. Um 28 of those applications uh were from Lynchburg City Schools with only seven seats available. Um and there are two extra at large seats. Um so definitely getting a little competitive there. Uh the applications are being reviewed currently this month. Um must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and have uh taken algebra two. Um as far as the financial report, current revenue sits at about $389,100. Income sits $152, uh $760.60. The year-to-date expenses top about $224,825,089. With uh that leaves an available funds of about 11 11,513.51. Um some upcoming events, uh of course the the STEM applications are were due by March 1st, so

076that has already um actually passed. Um and again, um application meetings to review uh the applications were about on the 23rd, 24th. Um the internship presentations will be on April 29th of this year and then there'll be a commencement on May 9th, 2026. And then the senior dinner and awards will be on uh May 12th, 2026. Uh unlike uh the other report, CVCC tuition will from what I'm hearing will be going up anywhere between 3 to 5%. So, that's going to affect the tuition. Um right now the tuition currently sits at 6200 bucks. So, there's a potential cost of about $6700. And the um next board member meeting [clears throat] um will be held on May in May at the end of May. So. It's all I got. Thank you. Next one is finance and

077facilities, Mr. Conner. On um believe it was March the 10th, we had a finance and facility committee meeting where we took a presentation from our current insurance um provider or servicer. Um and we have in discussions and looking at um looking at a future RFP. Um seeing if there's anything we can do. Is there anything out in the market that's better for our team? We also had a metal detectors update and I think at the time we were still in the process of but getting Heritage done, Glass went smooth. Heritage done. So, both high schools are now fully taken and it sounds as though the process is is very smooth. Well, I'm getting I haven't heard any, you know. And then the third thing we talked about was the turf updates. We also dealt with

078um and I think our operations staff um gave us a the update that we just saw as far as a facility our CIP expenditures. Looking forward to exciting 2027. Got a lot of stuff done with that $30 million. Thank you. Next is LEC and Mr. Jalil. Yes, thank you. We have a number of bills that we wanted to comment on and read a little bit about and let you know what we decided we would support and wouldn't support. Limits placed on non-academic teacher training under HB 1626, school boards may no longer require teachers to undergo endless [snorts] rounds of non-academic training. The law strictly limits how often such training can occur can occur and how many cumulative cumulative hours may be required. Teachers can only be required to complete non-academic training once within the first

0796 months of being hired and once every 5 years thereafter. Additionally, the total amount of required non-academic training cannot exceed 25 hours in a 5-year period. The only exception is when a division determines additional test and security training is necessary. We talked about it, we're in favor of that overall as long as they get the correct training while they're going through our process. Artificial food dyes banned in school meals under HB 1910, schools may no longer serve meals or competitive foods containing seven specified artificial color additives. The Virginia Board of Education is now required to update nutritional guidelines to align with the ban. This move follows years of research and debate over chemical dyes and the potential impact on student behavior and health. And I would add also grade grades because I've read that a

080number of times. Um even though that's not in this particular summary. So, we are in support of that as well. We believe that nutritional efficiency will help students to just think better and take test better. The major overhaul of the SOL assessment system. Once >> [clears throat] >> one of the most sweeping changes comes with HB 1957 which reforms Virginia's assessment system beginning July 1st this year. This law directs the state to reduce lost instructional time during testing, update how SOL tests are structured, clarify and modernize retake eligibility, require that assessments be scored on a 100-point scale. This is going to be quite different. It also requires teachers who assist with scoring to receive professional development credits and mandates the state provide school divisions with assessment templates and scoring guidance. [clears throat] The General Assembly

081carved out an exception allowing competency-based assessments to occur [clears throat] earlier than the traditional end-of-year testing window preserving flexibility for divisions pursuing innovative instructional models. If we don't if we do what we've always done, we'll get what we've always gotten and the committee supported this one, so as well. Bell-to-bell cell phone restrictions required. HB 1961, I think we all know that. We we passed that one here early. We're ahead of the ball. Mandatory parental notification following student overdoses. In response to rising concerns about fentanyl and opioid exposure among youth, approved it [clears throat] was approved HB 222774 requiring principals to notify parents within 24 hours if there is a confirmed or suspected school connected student overdose. This requirement applies to both public and private schools and aims to increase transparency, ensure parents are properly informed,

082and improve community awareness of substance risks. We are were in favor of that one. New requirements for student athletic physicals. Under SB 1320, student athletes face a clarified and stricter medical requirement for sports participation. Middle and high school students may not try out or participate in athletics unless they provide a signed pre-participation physical evaluation completed by an approved medical professional within the last 14 months. Lawmakers say the law strengthens student safety by ensuring more current medical evaluations. Our committee was in support of that one as well. We have a potential crossover with the effect on education through this referendum that has come to pass. Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the Point of order. Not relevant to school board.

083May I explain how relevant it is if it's not? >> Point of order. We did discuss that point. We did discuss whether or not it was. >> We did discuss that. We We talked about that issue right there. Is it relevant? >> Continue quickly. Let me just make one point. All these bills your committee is supporting General Assembly session is over. They're gone home. It's like couples have gone to honeymoon. We are saying I'm not going to approve the wedding or approve or not approve the wedding. So, is the purpose to for the future if this comes or for the governor to not sign those bills? I don't understand the reasoning at this point in time to support or not support for this board. The legislation The legislative session is over and the governor has

084yet to sign certain bills. We're not going to go against the ones that we are in favor of, of course. It won't make any difference if the governor decides to support a particular legislative bill that we oppose, we would like as a committee to put a a letter to the board and the board approves a letter that we can send to Richmond. But at this time, we're not going to make any actions without the board's approval. All right. Thank you. Keep going. Can I speak to my point of order? >> Yes, go ahead. >> The re- the redistricting legislation has no impact on us as a school district. So, us to discuss it or even address it at one of our meetings is [clears throat] out of order. My thoughts? Mhm. Okay, cuz we did

085discuss it as a group. Uh I will I will What is the called when you Is your report is complete? Almost. Not quite. >> So, thank you very much. >> I didn't finish reading that one, but I don't want to [snorts] make it a big deal. We did talk about how it is contentious at this time and it's in such It has The court has ordered that it's not damaged to If it If it's passed, right? So, we're >> to You're not going to go there in court system. Thank you. No problem. Next one is by uh I'm not finished with the rest of that. That was That was That was near the end, but not quite. Not quite the end. >> [clears throat] >> Let me find the place so we don't go out

086of what we wanted to pass I mean to what we wanted to um cover here. 1 2 3 4 Okay. >> [snorts] >> I'll have to do this out of order now. >> [clears throat] >> The Department of Education updates guidance to strengthen religious liberty in public schools. US Department of Education issued new guidance for K-12 students and staff to engage in constant who that may engage in constantly constitutionally protected religious expression such as visible personal prayer while reaffirming that schools may not sponsor or coerce religious activity in line with recent Supreme Court rulings including Kennedy versus Bremerton School District and Mahmoud versus Taylor. The guidance also requires school divisions to annually certify compliance to receive ESEA funds with Secretary Linda McMahon stating the policy is meant to vigorously protect free exercise rights in public

087schools. Today, everyone on the board should receive a an aid to this no-cost professional development trusted by school district leaders across the United States, the Respect Project Classroom Management Tool. It's a 30-minute self-paced online training. Mr. Jalil, I got to stop you, sir. This is a board comment. You're reading This is a committee report. You're reading like a board comment. No. And the detail you can put it for the board clerk. She'll put it file or your detailed statement. It needs to be precise cuz other people need to speak. So, I Thank you very much for all you [snorts] have done. Next one is by Mr. Aileen and Dr. Palmer. Thank you. Reverend Nadolny asked that you make an our sales available to listen and pass on to correct personnel to address the issues and

088concerns. We have been receiving concerns about the Chromebook, attendance, bullying, and the foster parent. Um also, we have to thank Travis for repairing the door on the uh Robert E. Payne Pantry. And I would like to um have the permission of the board to send a special thank you to Sister Pam Gardner and her husband. Pam is a resident at the senior facilities at the Lynchburg Rehab and her and her husband went out and purchased two uh big boxes of food to stock that pantry. She gave us uh I didn't write them all down. She gave us tuna, salmon, bread, peanut butter, jelly, packs, cocoa, pudding, vegetables, and then them all ramen noodles that they like. And I would like y'all's permission to send her a thank you from the board for that. As long

089as you can keep it brief. >> my lane, y'all can tell me, but I believe in giving thanks and that was one of my sermons that I did over there on a lesson on kindness. And I tried to tell them although they're in Walkers, uh they have limbs missing, missing, they still can be a blessing to other people. And I thought that was really nice that uh Sister Pam went out and got that, okay? So, if y'all don't want to send a thank you, I'm going to send it out anyway. And I'll just put LCS board members. And Tina, you part of us, okay? And you, Travis, and you too. >> [laughter] >> Okay. All right. Um also, I would like for the board to consider uh this came up Saturday. The end of LCP

090unit 7088 [clears throat] has $25,000. Dr. Palmer, is it part of the PIE report or is it >> Yeah, it's part of it. They want y'all to assist us in this achievement gap. And I don't know if Dr. Dr. Have you talked to anybody about that? Mhm. I went to their meeting. Okay, cuz they they brought it up Saturday. Yes, I went to their meeting and gave some some general ideas and they said they were going to continue working on it and come back, you know, my understanding was some different thoughts, but we did discuss some thoughts. >> Okay, that's all I need to know. I'll stay in my lane. And we met last night and we we we're going to be reaching back out to the to the schools. Thank you. That's the end

091of our report. Thank you. Next one is Ed Foundation, Mr. DePaul and Mr. Jalil. I have nothing to report. Thank you for your report. Thank you. Beacon of Hope, Mr. Barron and Mr. Paul. Absolutely. Uh first of all, uh just this past weekend had amazing Hope X. If you've never been to one of those, you really make sure you get to one. Uh they're really really special. And this one actually featured one of our faculty members, uh Mr. Casey Wood, teaches music or teaches music classes in English over at EC Glass. He put on quite a show. So, it was it was exciting and and uh highly recommended if you've not been to one before to make sure you put that on your calendar next year. Um over 3 days in March, every eighth grader

092in the city Beacon's eighth grade College and Career Symposium. So, every eighth grade student uh did that and toured Randolph College's campus, went through future focus sessions led by Beacon staff and partners including Centra, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, Virginia Career Works, Randolph College, and Southern Air. Um Also, I have 28 seniors from EC Glass and Heritage High School who are interviewing this week for Beacon's Commonwealth Scholarship. Uh up to $5,000 scholarship for use at two- or four-year accredited colleges across Virginia. Uh And then finally, one of the things I'm most excited about that Beacon does is their summer internship. The application window closed mid-March and over 130 rising 11th and 12th graders [snorts] from EC Glass and Heritage moving on to interview with host businesses in April. It's a GPA blind internship program that

093provides over 80 LCS students with a paid paid exploratory internship over the month of June. Love that program. Thank you. Next one is the um Superintendent comment. No, student discipline committee, Mr. Conner. Um the only thing I have to report is, um, we've been we have been extremely extremely busy. Um we had 17 [snorts] cases. How many cases did y'all have? You had 16 or 17. So, we have been our focus, once again, I want the public to hear this, is we want the complete elimination of weapons in school. Any type of weapon, a similar a look-alike weapon, toy weapons, BB guns, they are not going [snorts] to be tolerated on school grounds. Um, and we we have several cases that we've had to deal with. The second thing we're dealing with is, and I'm

094glad somebody brought up something about, um, drug addiction, but um, not just opioid, but THC and THC um, variants that are affecting students in a very negative level, and we're dealing very seriously with, um, possession and use of, um, substances on school grounds. And the third thing is we're trying to eliminate violence on school property. Um, [snorts] fights, um, and and and just violent behavior, um, and we're taking every case that that, um, is coming up. We've asked the principals to bring them to us so that we can nip that because we have to make our schools a safe place for our students. So, um, I don't have any data the next next month data. Thank God this week um, we were able to have a week without a actual discipline hearing. So, um it

095looks like we're starting to make some impact in our schools, especially for safety. Thank you. Next one is Dr. Mijares, superintendent comments. All right. Well, good evening again. Um, just a few brief comments. Just to speak to there's been a lot of meaningful work that's been happening across the division, and so I just want to highlight a few things. Um, there's been a lot of strong movement particularly around our strategic planning efforts. Um, the strategic plan is an extremely important process, and it just we've all said it, it serves as a road map, a guide, I even said a GPS. It helps us navigate where we're going. Um, so there's still more work ahead, but we will be providing additional updates on that process soon. Our communications team has been hard at work with developing

096some draft logos, um, to to first share with our strategic plan committee, and then, of course, with you all, um, to get your, uh, feedback and approval along with the mission and vision statements. I thank you again for that for that work. So, we've been working through that. So, you'll begin to see those soon so that you can start, um, deciding what works best and for you all. I also, as part of my heart of the work tour, um, I'm nearing the completion of my visits to every classroom. I have Bass Elementary coming up, uh, tomorrow. That's my final regular school site, and then I'll wrap up other visits this week with our alternative settings, and then, of course, after spring break, I'll transition to spending more time in departments like transportation, maintenance, technology, and

097others. It really has been such a joy. I had a special, um, guest along with me last week at one of the schools. Um, he was there to do something else, and I said, "Well, hello. You're you're going to join me on this. Do you mind?" Um and it just has allowed me to just see just teaching and learning in action, um, to see what's happening with students, what's happening for students and to students, um, connecting faces with names, hearing directly from students, and they will tell you they share some of the most interesting things when you come into the room. And it it but it's great. It's great to hear from them. Um, so just grateful for this opportunity to get that feedback and just to be out there with with kids. That's what

098we're here for. We're here for students. So, it really has been, um, I've had people thanking me, and I'm like, "No, thank you for letting me come." Because it it really is just a joy to focus on that most important thing, which is our students. Um joint budget meeting with city council April 14th, 4:00 p.m. ITC. I know it's on everybody's calendar, but I'm just saying for the public to to come out. And then, as we approach spring break, I just want to uh um wish everybody a safe and relaxing week. Uh, remember that our schools and offices are closed for the entire week. Be safe. Enjoy yourselves. Um and that's all I have to share tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next is board member comments. Let's start with Mr. Poe. Uh, thank you,

099uh, Dr. Gupta. Uh, I just want to, you know, uh, remind the >> [clears throat] >> uh, public, especially if you have, uh if you're a parent, um, that has Lynchburg City, uh, school students, just like I do, um, to to encourage you to, um, not just show up at the sporting events, but to, um, also come to things like the strategic planning, um, to come to the parent-teacher conferences, and to, uh, reach out to to the schools, [clears throat] and, [snorts] um, and be available, and, um, and to remember to look at into Infinite Campus and check on your students' grades and different things of that nature that, um, you know, we we have to take this uh, education as a team sport, so to speak. And if we're not doing those things, um,

100it's it's just, you know, not going to be advantageous for for our students, and, uh, hopefully, and remind them about their behavior so we don't have weeks where we have, uh, 17 cases, um, at the disciplinary meetings because that's just, uh, ridiculous, um, to have those type behavior issues, and that, um, you know, to stay on on on your kids, to check on to see what they're doing, and and and and continue to, um, help them learn more. Thank you. Dr. Farmer. I just want to thank my, um, school board members for your love and support and us moving forward and dragging the past behind us, but it's not going to stagnate it. We're going to move forward in love. Thank you. Mr. Gilliam. Yes. I'd like to give my second [snorts] to the, uh,

101statement of the, public speaker today about making LCS fun again. I thought that was a good, um, overall overarching attitude to have, uh, and recreate in our public schools. I think it will make, uh culture eat strategy for breakfast better because that's part of it. Uh There is the subject of telehealth in, uh, public schools that is forthcoming. As school divisions in Virginia allow [clears throat] outside providers to deliver medical and mental health services on campus, boards must understand what's really happening behind the scenes. >> [clears throat] >> We must learn how in-school telehealth can bypass parental consent, weaken board oversight, expose divisions to legal risk, and blur the line between education and medical decision-making. [snorts] I urge us to study this subject. Part of making LCS fun again also could be to have those

102open gyms as the other speaker said, to have interim rules >> [cough] [clears throat] >> God bless you. And let's remember the suggestion to have Dunbar Middle School's gym named after Coach Waters and his grandfather. Thank you. Mr. DePaul. Nothing at this time. Mr. Connor. Nothing. Ms. Lowry. [clears throat] I'm going to say thank you to all the elementary schools that allowed me to read, um, for the first week of, uh, March was reading week, and then, um, Dr. Seuss books. So, it was fun visiting all the elementary schools. And I went to Sandusky Middle School and did Edgar Allan Poe, I had brought my own book cuz I love Edgar Allan Poe. But anyways, and I enjoyed the Willie Wonka that the kids did at R.S. Payne. They did a fantastic job. And I

103toured CVGS, [clears throat] you know, I'm on the board there, but I actually took a tour, and the kids are doing projects that are just in science and math that are just amazingly over the top. So, I highly recommend doing a tour over there. Um, I wore I'm I'm wore VR, and I couldn't walk up. I went in the elevator, and I could I knew I was in a room with a flat floor, and they was a board in front of me over a sky skyscraper, and I could not walk forward. Anyways, I just couldn't do it, but it was fun. Um, it was my first time going to Hope Ex at the Academy, and that was a lot of fun, and they also raised $33,000. So, it was very good. They met more than

104[clears throat] their goal. And, um, the SOLs are coming up soon, so I'm wishing everyone their best. Um, we also, uh, members of the school board toured the LPD, and Officer Merritt did a fabulous job, and other officers, they all gave us great information. The facilities are top notch, and they're even doing some things that are ahead of the norm. So, our LPD is on point. Enjoy your spring break, everyone. That includes students, faculty, staff, and office administration. Yep. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Gilliam. Yeah, I'll just be brief. Just going back to our strategic plan, I'm trusting that we can stay right there because there's still a little bit of a darkness in terms of what people are thinking about the school board and the work that we're doing. And, as we said, we

105don't want to go back into the past, but you know, I'm a little bit concerned even with some of the stats that were brought up here tonight. I don't know if those things are accurate in terms of where black students are failing to that degree. But if they are, those are great concern at least to me, and I would like us to be able to at least address those at some level. Because those are very tough things that were said here tonight, and if they are accurate, we we have to at least address them at some point. So, that's all I got to say. Thank you. Mr. Barron. Yeah, I first just want to thank all the teachers and staff administration. Um education is hard, man. I mean, I get in the schools every week,

106and I'm talking with teachers, and and as you mentioned today, you know, a lot of a lot of teachers this time of year, getting into the fourth quarter, it's like that final turn, and you're just I know. hanging on for your life some days. And it's it I recognize that. I've been in education. I know what that feels like. So, I just want to uh just thank all teachers and staff and and everyone who who contributes to the education of our students. Um and as hard as this field is already, it's even harder when you're in a transition period, you know, where you're you've got all you're just getting into new leadership, you're assessing new curriculums, and you're adapting to a new strategic plan, and all of that. It's just a lot. It's a lot.

107And so, I hope uh to teachers and staff that you hear me just my heartfelt thanks. Um but also to the community, like understand that there's people that are working in really really hard. It's very talented people working really really hard on all of the issues that we all care about. Um and so, thanks to those people. Uh spring break's coming. Rest hard. All right? Um I also want to just real quick just express, I think, the idea of trust. Um trust always comes with truth. Truth and trust run hand in hand. And so, I want to speak a little bit on the trust first, but that everyone wants the schools to be better. Like we just need to trust that that's true about each other. Like so, let's start there. We might have different

108ideas about how we do that, but we want schools to be better. Um we want our students to to truly achieve across the board. Um uh and and have uh strong outcomes. Um I always appreciate people coming to share concerns because I think it gives us great perspective. I'm always I always value perspective, especially when it's people who think differently than I do. Um I appreciate even more people who actually enact solutions, but here's the truth part I think that needs to also be said on occasion as a reminder that there's there's a process to how we plug resources, community resources into the schools. Um you can't just come in and say, "What do you guys need? You know, what's your background? What is your expertise? What do you actually have that you can contribute

109so we can put you in a strategic place?" We don't need warm bodies. We truly need people who are gifted in certain ways uh to plug them in the right places. So, there's a process, and that's an important thing to understand. And the the second thing, this is the last thing, is if you really want to see our students succeed, sometimes that requires us to set aside our preference and do what is actually needed. This is This is rampant in in in charity world because people love to go into communities and say, "Well, this is what you guys need." And they bring all this stuff, and it's really not what the community needs. And guess who knows what the community needs? The community. Listen to them. And sometimes it means you don't get to tutor.

110Everybody wants to come in and tutor cuz you get to do the tutoring, and it looks nice, and it sounds good. Maybe we need somebody to drive a bus. Right? So, I hear people's concerns. I I trust that our community genuinely cares about our kids. I hope you trust that we genuinely care about our kids. There are ample opportunities for community to plug in and help, and and and sometimes it's not the most convenient one. Sometimes it requires you to study, get a CDL, and drive a bus. Um but that's what our kids need. So, I just want to encourage community, whoever's listening, uh uh ask you to consider the processes that are in place, the things that are actually needed in the school district, and find ways to plug in. Thank you. Thank you.

111Next is informational items. Uh discipline data review on April 2nd 3:30 is canceled, so it's not on the Monday, April 6th through 10th, all LCS offices will be closed for spring break. Joint City Council School Board meeting April 14th 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at ITC building on Young Place. It's at ITC building at Young Place at 4:00 p.m. >> [snorts] >> Finance and Facilities Wednesday, April 15th at 3:30. Discipline Committee data review meeting April 16th at 3:30. LACR on April 21st at 3:30. Uh next School Board meeting on April 21st at 5:00 p.m. here in the boardroom. Academic Success on April 29th at 3:30. Discipline Committee again on April 23rd at 3:30. Discipline Committee on April 30th at 3:30. Excuse me. Yes. We're going to cancel April 24th. I That's got me out of order.

112We're going to cancel the LACR April 21st cuz that is election. This is special election. And I don't think two of us will be here. All right. Let the Board Clerk know, and she'll take care of that. Thank you. The next one is a closed meeting. The School Board uh Chair recommends School Board approve a motion to convene in closed meeting to discuss the following as permitted by the Virginia Code 2.2-3711A8, consultation with legal counsel or input on employee grievance, Virginia Code 2.2-3711A8, uh 29, consultation with legal counsel on public contract on legal services involving expenditure of public funds where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, and Virginia Code 2.2-3711A1, discussion of assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salary, discipline, or resignation of specific

113LCS position. Is there a motion to go into the closed session? >> So Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll? Mr. Barron? Yes. Mr. Alane? Yes. Mrs. Zoran? Yes. Mr. Connor? Yes. Dr. Johnson? Yes. Mr. Powell? Yes. Mr. Gillian? Yes. Dr. Palmer? Yes. Mr. Powell? Yes. Mr. Max? Thank you. Are we going upstairs or staying? Yes, sir. Upstairs. Upstairs, we're going upstairs.