001[music] away. Hello. Hey. >> [music] >> Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Looks like we don't have any electronic participation. requests as as I told him as what I know. Is there a motion to approve the agenda? Um there's a pledge of allegiance. Uh Mr. Connor, you want to say something? >> Yes. I wanted to say something before as part of the pledge of allegiance recognizing today as Veterans Day and I want to thank all veterans to make sure that we um if you know any to thank them for their service and thank those that are serving now for their um great service to this great country. Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with
002liberty and justice for all. [snorts] >> Thank you, Mr. Connor. Happy Veterans Day to all those who serve. Uh is there a motion to approve the agenda? >> Motion. >> Second. Madame clerk, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron, >> yes. >> Mr. Alen, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lowry, >> yes. >> Mr. Connor, >> yes. >> Dr. Gupta, >> yes. >> Mr. Depal, >> yes. >> Dr. Farmer, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. The chair comment. I just had one statement. I know I send an email and I'm snitching on the person on my left and the person on my right. I send you all an email today that this year I hope we'll have a target of minimum $20 for every hourly employee and minimum 53,000 for every so that
003was not my idea that was coming from both sides of the aisle sitting beside me. So I want not so thank you Dr. for caring for LCS personnel for just suggesting that it may not be uh feasible. It may be feasible. We'll work it out. But thank you for your advocacy for the members of our family. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Uh next one is uh student representative Dr. >> Yes. Good evening everyone. I'm very very excited to welcome our two representatives here tonight. Claire Ramsey from EC Glass High School and Malia Webb from Heritage High School who both have presentations for you all. All right, we'll start with you, Miss Claire. With athletics, um the Hill Toppers defeated Brookville this past Friday with a victory of 23-20. Additionally, the EC Glass varsity volleyball
004team won their game against Salem this past Wednesday with a score of three to zero in the regional quarterfinal. Also on Thursday, JV football played at Brookville. The fall season is going well with the varsity football team having a record of 5 to five and varsity volleyball has an amazing record of 16 to five. Nice. A new program at Glass is providing the opportunity for disabled students to play basketball competitively this year. >> For the first time, EC Glass is participating in the Medford League, a team that expands access to sports for special education students. >> On October 9th, the team had their first home game against Brookville High School. EC Glass won the inaugural home game with a score of 57-32 against Brookville. This season, the league will compete in a total of six
005games against Alta Vista Combined School, Brookville High School, and Russ High School. This is all leading up to the regional playoffs in November. >> [clears throat] >> EClass organizations such as the Beacon of Hope, LEA, SCA, GSA, National Honor Society, and Lynchburg Students Rise are collaborating in a food and clothing drive for the Thanksgiving season. All donated items will go to Parkview Community Mission. EClass Student Council has created a new hoodie design to give back to the community for this holiday season. 25% of the profits from the hoodie sales will be donated back into the community through share greater Lynchberg. And the amazing graphics you see on the screen were created by our SCA director of public relations, Juliet Dopp. The first of the month, EClass cheerleading hosted a trunk or treat event in the
006EClass student parking lot. Many clubs gathered together to decorate their chosen theme, to decorate vehicles based on their chosen theme, and children from the community got to come and trickor treat. EClass SCA was inside out themed at the Virginia Theater Competition, I'm sorry, Virginia Theater Association. EClass Theater students competed in late October. EC Glass was named one of the top competitors for their performance, Failure, a Love Story, which earned them a spot in the Southeastern Theater Conference. EC Glass was also awarded the following: Best Costumes, best ensemble, first place in high school monologue competition by 9th grader Rebecca Spitzer, honorable me, honorable mention in scenic design by 12th grader V. McAndrew, and honorable mention in props 12th grader Western England. >> Very nice. The EClass marching band also had a big win as they won
007the group three state championship at the Virginia marching band cooperative on October 25th. >> Very nice. [applause] >> The band also placed seventh overall at the Commonwealth Cup, the Commonwealth Cup and the performances entitled Deval. Virginia College Application Week. EClass High School students and Heritage High School students got the chance to apply and be accepted on site to Virginia colleges and universities free of charge. Students received guidance on completing applications, finding scholarships, and financial aid. This event was sponsored by Lynchber Beacon of Hope. At Linkorn Middle School, seventh grader Annie Richards was voted Art Zonia's National Artist of the Week in September. Her piece was titled Hot Air Balloon Stained Glass, and the piece received more than 600 votes, earning a first place spot. Also at Linkorn Middle School, seventh graders explored career pathways in
008late October as part of the Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo. The event was hosted by Lynchber Regional Business Alliance at Central Virginia Community College. The students had the opportunity to operate an excavator, use medical tools, experiment with static electricity, and practice hands-on construction techniques. Also, at Linkorn Middle School, the Linkorn Middle School girls and boys cross country teams both won their seminal district championship, and they're the city champions. At RS Payne Elementary School, it was celebrated the 100th anniversary of the building. Since 1925, the building has stood as a landmark in Lynchburg, which originally served as the Robert Ele Junior High School. RS Payne serves more than 400 students and also houses the gifted opportunities or go center. Also [clears throat] at RSpane, students in Lynchburg got a hands on lesson in aviation on Monday
009as Central One Central 1 helicopter touchdown at RSpane Elementary School. The event was part of the school's soar into your future aeronautics career day and students met Centra's flight crew and Liberty University aeronautics students which helped them learn about teamwork and technology behind emergency responses in aviation. [clears throat] >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> November pioneers in action. Okay, our pioneers outside the classroom. Um, this highlights a few of our moments where our pioneers have showed school spirit just beyond the classroom. On the left, we have a picture from senior sunrise, a few events where seniors gather early in the morning to celebrate their final years together. And on the right, you can see students at the tailgate event cheering on our football team and showing support to the players. Pioneers and the community. On
010September 19th, Lynburg City School started their first studentrun food truck, the Lynchburg Express. High school students will run the truck and learn about cooking, business, and money skills. Middle school students can also get involved. The truck is like a mobile classroom, helping students get real world experience and prepare for future jobs. Our student our seniors have been preparing for their next steps after high school during the Virginia College Application Week. You can see students attending SAT prep and getting ready for college senior night where students and families received guidance on the college application process. These events help our students feel more confident and prepared as they take important steps towards their future goals. Pioneers showing school spirit. This slide highlights how our pioneers have been showing their school spirit throughout the year. Students participate in
011creative spirit week activities and came out in full force to cheer on the football team. They brought amazing energy to pep rallies and student events and it's great to see so much pride and excitement in our pioneer community. Our Oh, I'm not sure why it looks like that on there, but for our fall sports, we have um volleyball and football. Cross country and competitions here weren't made very clear. Volleyball, they fell three to one to Lakeland Cavaliers and Heritage defeat dropped their score down to 122. And that's how they ended their season. Football is a 9 to1 seminal district champions and number one seed in regional playoffs. >> Very nice. >> Good job. >> Big >> uh our theater, they were the finalist in the Virginia Theater Association. Uh they were top six with multiple
012acting awards and overall performance awards. Paige Nalen, Coleman Bradner, and Olivia Gallian from Heritage High School all received acting awards. They also as a whole received best ensemble and best set design. Um recently they received top two at district champion at districts competition and they will be moving forward to regionals at Stanton this Saturday. The band recently earned all ones at their district assessment and at the Basset marching band competition. The ensemble achieved a fourth place overall finish and beat Heritage's previous score which had remained unbeaten for years. >> Very good. And a win for the Pioneers. The Pioneers celebrate a triumphant win over EC Glass in the annual Jug Bowl. Bringing [laughter] the jug back home. [laughter] And I'm not sure why it looks like that either on my screen. Sorry, it's it's RS
013Payne's um elementary celebrates their milestone this year. The 100th anniversary of the building and now calls home. And since 1922, the building at 1201 Floyd Street has stood as a landmark in Virginia and it was originally served as the Robert E. Lee Junior High School before becoming RSpane Elementary. and Sanduski Middle School won the Lynchber City Football Championship, defeating Linkhorn Middle with a score of 58 to zero. The championship game was held at the Lynburg City Stadium. Daryl Alexander was a key player, scoring four touchdowns in the championship game, and the Sanduski Middle School Spartans finished their season undefeated. Okay. Yes, that is my entire piece. Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you very much. Welcome. I hope it will be a productive year for you. Thank you very much for your service to
014the board. The next one is a closed meeting. Notice of closed meeting. The school board chair recommend the school board approve a motion to convene a closed meeting to discuss the following as permitted by the Virginia code 2.2-3711A 19. Discussion of reports or plans related to security of any governmental facility, building structure or safety of uh such facility, building or structure and superintendent evaluation. >> Yes. >> So is there a motion to approve that? >> Motion. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Madame clerk, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alen? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lowry? >> Yes. >> Mr. Connor? >> Yes. >> Dr. Ducha? >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Paul, >> yes. >> Dr. Farmer, >> yes. >> Mr. Poe, >> yes. >> Motion carries.
015>> We'll go upstairs and we'll be right back. Hey, hey. Hey, hey. Hey, hey. Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. N. Down. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. Hello. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. I'm doing Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Doney. Heat. Heat. Oh, Mr. Connor and Mrs. Lowry second. Madam clerk, would you please call the role to come up? [clears throat] >> Yes. >> Mr. Ali, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lowry, >> yes. >> Mr. Connor, >> yes. >> Dr. Gusta, >> yes. >> Mr. Depal, >> yes. >> Dr. Farmer, >> yes. >> Mr. Poe, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Next is certification. The board chair moves that the Lynchburg School Board certifies in closed meeting just concluded. Nothing was discussed except for the matter or matters number one specifically identified in the motion to
016convene in a closed meeting and two lawfully permitted to be so discussed under provisions of V Virginia Freedom of Information Act cited in that motion. Is there a motion to certify the closed meeting? >> Motion. >> Mrs. Lowry second. >> Second. >> Uh Mr. Pope, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron, >> yes. >> Mr. Alen, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lowry, >> yes. >> Mr. Connor, >> yes. >> Dr. Gupta, >> yes. >> Mr. Depal, >> yes. >> Dr. Farmer, >> yes. >> Mr. Poe, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Next is public comment, Mr. Connor. >> Um, we didn't have anybody sign up for public comments on today. >> Thank you. Next is consent agenda. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Mr. Connor, Mrs.
017Lowry. Madam Clerk, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron? Yes, >> Mr. Ali. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Lowry. >> Yes, >> Mr. Connor. >> Yes, >> Dr. Gupta. >> Yes, >> Mr. Depal. >> Yes, >> Dr. Farmer. >> Yes, >> Mr. Poe. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Next one is financial reports. Dr. >> All right. I'll turn over Miss Jamies for a monthly financial report. >> Thank good evening, Chairman Gupta, members of the school board, and Dr. Majette. I'll be brief in my comments tonight. Um on this chilly evening you have before you the October 31st 2025 month end financials as of October that marks the 33.3% of the fiscal year passing the percent of revenues collected versus our original appropriation sits at 25.01%. The amount of expenditures versus the
018original appropriation um is 29.66% 66% year to date. And our total expenditures that are inclusive of encumbrances, which are expenditures we expect to um process, equates to 88.56%. There are no new variances, no new notable variances um on this month's report from prior reports that we have not already discussed. However, October of last fiscal year, we had expended 27.15% year-to date, which is in line with our current expenses um that you are reviewing this evening. So, our statement of revenue, um, the total amount of revenue received year-to- date is 29,798,3716. Of the total state revenues that we've of the total revenues that we've collected, states equates to 26.83%, 83% federal equates to 23.58% and local revenue equates to 21.70%. Um we have received uh miscellaneous charges and miscellaneous and charges for services to the tune
019of 31.71% and 3450 respectively. um our monthly financial summaries um the third report that you received um as of October LCS has a year-to-day balance um in insurance at of uh negative763,595.77. As a reminder, um our health insurance summary is subject to change. that fund balance is subject to change based on the FY2025 audit completion. Um, which is a great segue to my otherformational items. Um, the audit update. The finance department has submitted all requested audit items to Brown Edwards who serve as our auditors. We're waiting on their final review of all of that documentation um before we can have a true number to append to our um insurance. Uh and then we are my final item. We are working through our final week of open enrollment for benefits for our staff. So that concludes
020my report. I'll be happy to answer any questions that you have. I just have one question. So when do you expect the audit to be complete? >> So we have given them everything. Um we are they have to work with the city on their piece and so as soon as they finalize the city's piece and include our piece into the city's piece um they'll get it back to us. I'm hoping um maybe late November um early December uh delivery date of the final polished document. >> The reason I'm asking because that will reset our insurance numbers. >> Um yes sir. We will have a truer um number of what we ended up with last year once they have calculated all that. Yes sir. >> Thank you very much. >> Absolutely sir. >> Sure thing. Uh
021next one is uh new business uh change order request Mr. Depal and Dr. comes to finance. Go ahead. >> I'm going to if it's okay with Mr. Depal, I was going to turn it over to Mr. Marshall to give a leadin for Mr. Eubank's presentation. >> Absolutely. So at our most recent finance and facility committee meeting, Mr. Jordan Eubank, who is our construction project manager, he brought forward a change order request for the access control project. Uh following his brief presentation, I do ask that there be a motion to approve this request. >> Make a motion to approve the request. [laughter] >> All right. So, um as Travis said, uh I'm here to talk about the access control upgrade um change order. This change order will allow us to move into the phase 2 schools
022um that are listed on the summary document that I believe all of you have. Um, the reason that we are talking about it at this meeting is because the change order amount is greater than 25% of the total contract value. Um, so it does have to be approved at this meeting. Um, so I guess if there's any questions, let me know. Happy to answer. If not >> question, >> um, if it's more than that, has city council given us that money? >> No. >> Or is it coming from another entity? I think what it it's a change. I believe the original budget was 4,638,000. That's correct. >> And the change is resulting in a contract amount of 4,572,000. So we're actually spending a little less than what was originally appropriated. >> All right. >> Yep.
023>> Is there a motion to It comes through a committee, so it doesn't require a second. Uh Mr. Paul already made a motion, right? Uh, any discussion on the motion? >> Madame clerk, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alien? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lowry? >> Yes. >> Mr. Connor? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gupta? >> Yes. >> Mr. Depal? >> Yes. >> Dr. Farmer? >> Yes. >> Mr. Poe? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Next is Crimestoppers also through finance committee. Mr. Depal and Dr. >> Yes. It's okay. I'd like for Mr. Marshall. Help us out with this. >> Absolutely. So, a few weeks ago, I was able to sit down and learn more about a program called Crimestoppers. After meeting with Sergeant Gibson and her team, I feel
024confident this program would be a great fit for the Lynchburg City Schools and am even more pleased to announce that it cost us nothing to implement this additional layer of safety and security in our schools. At the most [clears throat] recent finance and facilities committee meeting, Sergeant Gibson gave a presentation on Crimestoppers. I wanted to answer one of the questions that came up and note that this program can be implemented on the laptops. No use of cell phones required. >> Following the presentation from Sergeant Gibson, I would ask that there be a motion to approve this program within City Schools. >> Welcome. >> Good evening. >> Um, so how many of you have heard of Crimestoppers? >> Okay. All right. Well, that's good. So, Crimestoppers, of course, is a tip line for uh people to
025call in about crime, things that they know, um and they can remain anonymous and then they can receive a reward and still remain anonymous. Um and what we would like to propose, this is a regional, we Crimestoppers, Central Virginia Crimestoppers is regional. It's got seven different jurisdictions all the way up from Nelson County all the way down to uh Brook Neil, Alta Vista, Campbell County. Um what we're proposing is that we bring it into the city schools so that we can allow um our students and teachers to provide tips on things that they see going on in the school that we don't want going on in the school. Um as Mr. Marshall said uh uh during the last committee meeting um there was concern because the students do not have their um cell phones from
026uh first bell to last bell and so um he was able to work with it and get it so that they can put it onto the laptop so they can do the tips um through that. They can also use their cell phone, they can use an app um and they can text it. So there's multiple ways. Um >> yeah, I think I think it's really important to note that while they're in school, they will not be using their cell phones to do this. They would be through the laptop and um the the IT department is ready to get started on getting that on everybody's devices. And just so you guys know that the information comes in, I actually receive it on my phone every tip that comes in and then we're responsible for sending it
027to where it needs to go. Whether it needs to go to Campbell County or whether it needs to go into our school system. This would be the first school system in our region to do it. We wanted to give it a trial run here before we offer it to our others. Um should something come in that is not criminal in nature um we would just forward that to our SRO's our SRO would then get with their principles their staff and that would be handled that way >> questions >> just a statement just a comment this coming in from a committee um we could have just gone in and explained it to you but I don't think with this or the previous um um motion that uh we could have done as good a job as
028as um the crimes stoppers and the um um other fellow the other fellow was doing. >> Yes. Uh so this was this was uh the committee wanted to make sure that the full board heard and was aware of this because it's it's such a great program. We support it tremendously uh as a committee and that was really just for information p purposes. I don't think anyone on the committee could have done as good a job as you have done. I appreciate you. >> Thank you. >> Is there a committee makes a motion to approve? >> Yes. Committee brings it forth. So, it's just a vote. >> Madam Cler, would you please call the role? >> Sure. >> Mr. Baron? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alen? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lowry? >> Yes. >> Mr. Connor? >>
029Yes. >> Dr. Gupta? >> Yes. >> Mr. Depal? >> Yes. >> Dr. Farmer? >> Yes. >> Mr. Poe? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Next one is legislative priorities. Who is on LACR? I know Mr. Gil is not there else I'll leave it to Dr. to take the time [laughter] for legislative priorities they're coming from the city council they discussed these priorities >> I don't think we have done it on the school side yet and the clock is running pretty fast so uh Dr. MJ, go ahead. The floor is yours. >> Okay. All right. Well, good evening again. Um, as you see, uh, in your board docs, these are the Lynchburg City Council legislative agenda. You'll see where, um, under lifelong learning. Those are the ones that pertain directly to our K12
030environment. And then you see others about public safety um, from quality of life to economic development and infrastructure. And while I say the first group impacts K12, all of the things within the community as always impact us. We're a part of the greater community. So, I wanted to um well, I'd like to put these out here before you for you to discuss if you all feel like there are certain components that you want to support, if you want to support the entire legislative um agenda and align with the city. But it's really open for discussion and any action that you would like to take from there. Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So, the transitional because we've been trying to get transitional classes. So, would this be at every school? >> I think the premise and I
031had an opportunity to meet with the uh county administrators, excuse me, city administrators assistant and we had an opportunity to sort of talk through these and my understanding was these a lot of these were to provide an extra layer of support to what we already have in place. So we recognize we have the prek to three and four year old program and my understanding with this [clears throat] was um looking hey how can we provide some extra layer of support. So these are the legislative priorities. We're not sure what will carry. Um >> so you're not so if a child is finishes prek4 but they're not quite ready for kindergarten then what happens? >> So I can't speak to that intent. I don't think as I read this that that's the intent of this. Okay.
032Yeah. I to me as I read it and my discussion with them is that this would be something that would just sort of layer on what we already have. But it would not be that in between that you and I have talked about, hey, if you're not ready for kindergarten. >> Okay. >> Yes, ma'am. >> That's a great question. >> No, ma'am. I don't think that's the premise. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Somebody has to carry this as a legislation on the House or the Senate side in Richmond. >> Yes, sir. >> And it's vetted through different committees and subcommittees and the whole chamber. Both chambers have to approve it for it to become the law. >> Yes, sir. >> Right now, this is our wish list. >> Yes. >> On the city side. >> And
033the question is school, should we endorse that wish list or we want to amend that wish list? Right. That's what you're asking. >> Yes, sir. >> I I have just a few notes. I mean, I'm I'm heavily in favor of of continuing to to bolster our comprehensive prek and transitional kindergarten. I think that's uh as Miss Lowry mentioned before, that is where the the achievement gap starts, [clears throat] you know, is we can we can address those issues. So, I'm I'm big on that. The workforce development program, big on that. I would love to just hear some conversation from board members. Um I have some thoughts about school choice and that and how that plays in as we sit on the public, you know, the city schools board. um that I'm a little bit leerary
034of and I I I can make my comments first if you'd like, but I'd really like to open up and just hear what people's thoughts are in general. Uh sitting in the chair you're sitting in on school choice as a legislative priority. >> Now, this school choice you're talking about is for um >> they're specifically talking about like a voucher system is what what it looks like to me. >> Like a charter school or something? >> No, I mean a charter school is part of a school choice initiative, but not part of this one. And way the way it's written, it's talking about vouchers. the money follows the kid wherever they go. Yes. And so I have some issues with that particular not not school choice whole and I will say in some regards it
035doesn't matter because I think that LCS will be the number one choice anyway. So we're going to move that direction but uh there are some things I think are worth considering and again just would love to hear just opinions, ideas, thoughts about what's presented here as terms of the voucher system. >> Well for me I think a parent should always have their choice. I don't think you should force a parent to send their kid, you know, the parent should they're the ones raising them, so they should have a choice to [snorts] where their children. >> They do have a choice. >> You can you can send your kid to private. >> Yes. Exactly. Exactly. >> So, so that's that's not the issue. Um it's the idea of money following students to >> subsidize putting your
036student in a private school versus putting them in a public school, things like that. Uh, and and I guess I can just kind of speak to my my own um, obviously all my boys are in public school and they'll continue to go to public school. We believe in the public school system. Um, >> and uh, I'm not opposed to school choice as a whole. I mean, there's some models I think that are okay, but >> there is sort of this sentiment of an illusion of choice when it comes to a voucher system because there's going to be a certain demographic that doesn't matter how much money you give unless you pay in full tuition, which none of these systems do. there's some families that are just not going to have that choice, period. And so
037what you're ending up with in a lot of cases is uh some of our most vulnerable students and vulnerable families left with less funding in the public school system to be able to accomplish educating these students. And I struggle with that. Um I'm not saying we should like if if not everybody can have it, nobody should have it, but that's where my struggle is. And so as a legislative priority, I I I struggle a little bit with that one. Uh I'm just being honest. >> I think what we could do is if there is a consensus we can go priority one priority at a time and uh maybe there's a motion from the floor we approve that priority and move to the next one. How about that? >> Right. That way uh everybody's voice is
038counted and accounted [clears throat and cough] instead of you know clubbing it all. Is that >> reasonable? All of them are just the ones that directly if the first four >> education ones >> education. Okay. >> Right. We can go one at a time and then >> look at that. So the first one is comprehensive prek and transitional kindergarten. >> Is there a consensus to move forward? Is there a motion to approve and put that as part of legislative priorities? >> Yes. >> Is there a motion to approve? >> Motion. >> Second. Madame clerk, would you please call the role for comprehensive prek and transitional kindergarten? >> Legislative. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ali, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lowry, >> yes. >> Mr. Connor, >> yes. >> Dr. Gupta, >> yes. >> Mr. Depal, >> yes.
039>> Dr. Farmer, >> yes. >> Mr. [clears throat] Poe, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. Next one is full implementation and enhancement of Virginia Literacy Act. Is there a consensus to consider that? And then there's a motion to move forward. I consider we doing that. >> Just making sure I understand this. This is saying because a lot of what is in the um literacy act is unfunded mandates. Is this saying fully fund the mandated items in there? Is that what the way I'm reading it? >> That's what I understood it. >> Yeah. >> And carrying it on through middle school and high school, not just >> but funding it. A lot of times they'll throw something new on the school system and say do this and figure out a way >> figure out
040a way to um pay for it. though long as they were fully funded then >> SOQ faculty they give us 3% raise for non SOQ we got to figure out the salary that's unfunded mandate so there are a lot of mandates like that come down from Richmond and the city school districts are holding the back >> so is there a motion to include full implementation and enhancement of Virginia literacy act as part of >> to clarify you're saying these are unfunded as is or they say this This is to fund them. >> There's a sense that says the city further requests state support for >> Got Okay, that's what I was reading back. >> Yeah. >> Is there a motion to include them in make >> Mr. Pope? Mr. Po, who's the second? Mrs. Lowry.
041>> Madam Cler, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alien? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lowry? >> Yes. >> Mr. Connor? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gupta? >> Yes. >> Mr. Depal? >> Yes. >> Dr. Farmer? >> Yes. >> M Mr. Poe? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. Next one is reevaluation of the standards of quality funding formula. I think I jumped the gun on that one. [laughter] Is there a consensus to uh include that as our legislative priorities? >> Is there a motion? Go ahead. >> I don't think you know sometimes these funding formulas lock us into some some models that may not fit. I think we should continue to look at our budget on an annual basis. See the JL art last year uh [clears throat] proposed differential funding for
042um students with IEP and right now it's the same funding for IEP [clears throat] and nonIEP student >> and LCS has a um >> higher >> a higher number I I was going to use some more word we got about thousand students with IEP >> so if the differential funding comes all the behavior staffing you need will have funding right now it's unfunded unfunded Okay. >> So the JR committee report has not been adopted by the general assembly. Look at the 2023. It's been 2 years. >> Two years we're holding the bag and that that needs to happen. >> The the the the money needs to be appropriated uh on the differential funding. So LCS will come out ahead when that jail study is adopted by the general assembly. >> Okay. >> Is there a
043motion to include that as um Dr. Farmer? Is there a second? >> Second. >> Mrs. Lowry, Madam Clerk, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alen? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lowry? >> Yes. >> Mr. Connor? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gupta? >> Yes. >> Mr. Depal? >> Yes. >> Dr. Farmer? >> Yes. >> Mr. Poe? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. Uh, next one is school choice funding. Uh, you said you're Mrs. >> Yeah. Again, I'm not in favor of this particular model. School choice. Again, if there's an illusion of choice, uh it it I'm more in favor because I don't want to just, you know, identify problems without solutions, but I'm more in favor of initiatives that that are like we just talked we just voted on
044fully fund the public school system and let's make it as good as it can possibly be. And I believe that's possible, but if we have people now bailing and taking their kids elsewhere, it just makes it that much more difficult to to accomplish what we're trying to accomplish. and for all students including the most vulnerable in our city. So that's where I'm I'm opposed to this. I'll be [clears throat] >> Mrs. Lowry. >> Well, I will repeat that um for high quality system of free and appropriate education, it's under article um 8, section one of the constitution of Virginia, code of Virginia 22.1-253. um if all parents pay taxes. >> So if it's following the child, the parents have paid taxes into that. So whether they go to public, private, doesn't matter. They're here, they're
045paying taxes, so they should have that freedom to do that. The kids that come to us, we love on them and teach them. And the kids that go to private, the same is happening at their school. We also though serve kids that are go to private schools that that that private schools don't always um serve kids with IEPs and things like that. So then we're still so they're still coming to us. [clears throat] >> So to me it's like the money's in the pot and no matter where the kids go, the money is still in the pot. >> Yeah. I mean >> that's just how I see it. >> True. Two things though. I I think that what you're talking about is better accomplished with things like tax credits. So after the fact, you send
046your student to a public school or to a private school, you you get certain tax credits on your taxes that accommodate for the money that you've spent and invested in the school system. >> I'm I'm more for something like that. And I would just say in general, just the the research doesn't show very effective results from a school choice system. You look at states that implement it. I mean, it's a mixed bag. You can probably you can find all the information you want to find whatever conclusion you want to come to, but as a whole, I'm just not seeing anything that really makes this look like it's it's actually a good thing for students overall. So, >> and parents already do it. >> They do. >> I mean I mean they're already doing it. So,
047>> they do. They do. >> The issue is they're not pulling that money away from our school system when a parent chooses to thin their kid away. you know, >> yeah, I would say regardless, I'm speaking as a as a as a parent. Um, I I don't just want my kids to get a good education. I want the community I live in for kids to have a good education because it helps the community. It makes the community better. Makes better for all of us. >> So, I'm not just I I think that's part of my struggle with a lot of these uh uh these types of things is, you know, we're really just think we we really only care about our kids and you should care about your kids first, right? That's your first priority.
048But we can't just keep going. Well, those kids, we'll leave them over there and our kids will, you know, give them a good education. Um, like that you you pay now or you pay later. Like I really think we want to do something that's ultimately going to benefit all of the students in our community because they're going to be in our community for the next however long. Um, and so that's where I I just I struggle with that. >> Mr. Dal, >> first I really appreciate the way that you present because I really respect what you're saying and I agree with you. Um I'm good portion of that. We [clears throat] are 122 out of 131 and parents deserve the right to have their money put where they see it for in my opinion. >>
049Um so I'm in favor of this. I'm also in favor of tax credits and a better system. >> Correct. >> But at this point this is probably one of the better things that we we have available. So I may I really appreciate I love listening to you. I love talking with you. I love your point of view. Um I just um I'm I'm in favor of this right here and um in as much as I agree with what you're saying for the most part. >> So I just respect what you're saying. >> Well, thank you. I appreciate that. >> Yeah. >> And yeah, you know, when people come up, this is a very vital issue, very, >> you know, very controversial. And as far as my concern would be if it is not going to
050take monies away from the public institution [clears throat] and parents have that choice, I I think again I would agree that they should have that choice to be able to utilize the money gain coming from their tax base >> and some kids may benefit from that system if it is not going to take away from what we're trying to accomplish here. >> And that's what I'm saying. I think it does, right? Like like whether you've got three students on a bus or 50 students on a bus, you're still paying for the bus, right? Either way. And there's certain expenses that go to running a school system, it doesn't really matter if we have these students, you know, this number of students or more students uh when we pull that money out, we still have to
051find a way to pay those expenses, right? And that creates bottleneck, financial bottlenecks and issues. And so it does take from what we're trying to >> but here again if we're talking about students again you know whether we want to see them do well if they're able to function within the system school system. Yes. But then outside of that if we can benefit as well. Don't you think that would be a good thing? >> Sure. I I I don't think that that's the the only answer though. >> I want to can I um >> let's not have a debate. I don't have any children in the school system. All my children are grown. >> But I pay a big property tax on my property. >> That's what I was doing. >> I just wrote a
052huge check for my car tax that came in. I wanted just went ahead and paid it, but it it hurts. I don't have any kids in the school system and I'm not the only several thousand homeowners in the city of Lynchburg that are paying taxes that aren't directly benefiting. So the the argument that the taxpayer is the only one that's benefiting from the school system is not true. I'm paying for a school system for kids that for everybody else's kids. But I'm thinking as a public school board member, I'm responsible to see the public schools operate at the highest level. It is not my responsibility to see the local private school or parochial school. That's not my responsibility. I chose to be on the public school board. And I want to see the funds necessary
053for our public school board to run at the highest levels possible. We need to bring our academics up to to meet those goals. But I as a public school board member, I feel like I want to support public schools. >> Mr. Paul, >> uh I I was just wondering if if um we could, you know, um table this one this one vote and and allow the board to just really dive in and do more research. >> So, you're making a motion? >> I'm making a motion to table. >> Second to second. >> Second. Madame Cler, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron, >> yes. >> Mr. Ali, >> yes. >> Mr. Mrs. Lowry, >> yes. >> Mr. Connor, >> yes. >> Dr. Gupta, >> yes. >> Mr. Depal, >> yes. >> Dr. Farmer,
054>> yes. >> Mr. Poe, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Next one is Workforce Development Program >> like this. >> Yeah. Is there is there a motion to Everybody's in favor of this. >> Is there a Do I have a motion to move forward? >> I I motion move forward, >> Mr. Connor and Dr. Farmer. Madam Cler, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alen? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lowry? >> Yes. >> Mr. Connor? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gupta? >> Yes. >> Mr. Depal? >> Yes. >> Dr. Farmer? >> Yes. >> Mr. Poe? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Any other priorities the board would like to have? >> The only other one I had written down was uh regarding the uh it was on the health
055section. Sorry, I just put this down, closed it. Um anyway, the the initiative was about um holding parents accountable for smoking marijuana in the car and things like that. >> Um and I don't have necessarily a strong opinion about that either way. I think I'm I'm for it generally. Uh but I would like for consideration, we've talked about this, uh Mr. Poe, uh and and Mr. Connor and I um about cracking down on sales of THC vapes to and THC products to minor because we're seeing a lot of incidents, a lot of issues with with minors having access to THC products and somebody's got to hold somebody accountable for that and I I would love to see them address that in some sort of legislative measure. So just to two years ago, delegate Walker had
056a legislation in front of the general assembly on the house side on the same matter. U councilman Reed and I myself we were there in that subcommittee meeting. >> Uh but that bill died in the subcommittee. Died in the subcommittee means it was tabled >> and then never never came up. But >> do you know why? >> Uh general assembly votes are not with comments. uh you go make public comment and they say motion [clears throat] to table it, motion second and they move on. They spend hardly you know a little bit of time on each bill which comes in front of them. >> So that's the but that nothing stops in bringing that bill again to the general assembly but I'm just providing the context of what happened last time that bill came in
057front of the general assembly. >> Thank you. So, is there a motion to um is there is could you point to >> I mean I guess maybe the motion would be to add as a priority. >> It's part of the public safety, right? >> Yes. >> It's in the public safety tab. Um >> the second >> amendment to close gaps. No. Yeah. So, second one, amendments to close gaps around and the use of marijuana. Right. So, are you making a motion to include that as part of >> I would like to add that for consideration. Yes, >> that's your motion. >> Motion to add uh crackdown policies on on the sales of THC products to minor. >> So, the second one, the amendment to close gaps around the use of marijuana as of legislative priority,
058>> right? >> That's what you're looking at. >> Yes, sir. >> Is there a second to that motion? >> Second. >> Mr. P. Madame Cler, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alen? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lowry? Yes, >> Mr. Connor. >> Yes, >> Dr. Gupta. >> Yes, >> Mr. Depal. >> Yes, >> Dr. Farmer. >> Yes, >> Mr. Poe. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> There any other priorities? >> Uh, yes. I have one under the uh quality of life. I would like to make a motion um for the expanded access to mental health and wellness services. >> Is there a second to that motion? >> Dr. Farmer. >> Madame Clerk, would you please call the room? >> Mr. Baron? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alen? >> Yes. >>
059Mrs. Lowry? >> Yes. Mr. Connor, >> yes. >> Dr. Gupta, >> yes. >> Mr. Depal, >> yes. >> Dr. Farmer, >> yes. >> Mr. Poe, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. Others >> opposition to mandatory collective baron. >> We we're not >> if we are not voting on it, it means that's not part of our priority. So that's city's uh thing. You know, they have given us the whole list of priorities they are supporting and we are picking and choosing from them which ones we are supporting. We do not want to have teachers with collective bargaining. We do not want that on our on our financial. >> But if you look at the context again, 2 three years ago, it came for a vote through the transportation department for collective bargaining and the
060board uh majority was not in that favor at that point in time. So um but this is not right now the all list is not part of both our LCS priorities. The ones we have voted on will be the only ones which will be part of LCS priorities but we cannot tell city what to do. >> I get that but we're we're we're adding things in. >> Yeah. So you want to add something in there? >> Yes. Add well >> you wants to agree and I >> I want to agree on that. >> Which one is that? >> Opposition to mandatory [clears throat] collective bargaining. >> Point me to agreeing with it on page five. >> Quality of life. Okay. I I I I get it now. You're a right to work state and >>
061Okay. >> This would take the right to work out. >> I see. So, it's there. Okay. >> All right. Are you making a motion to [laughter] >> make a motion? >> All right. Is there a second to that motion? >> Second. >> All right. Madam clerk, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alen? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lowry? >> Yes. >> Mr. Connor? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gupta? >> Yes. >> Mr. Depal? [clears throat] >> Yes. >> Dr. Farmer? >> Yes. >> Mr. Poe? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> All right. Other priorities to be included. So madam cler would you be able to u kindly send the our legislative priorities you are coordinating with the city hall right >> and so that way we let them know what
062the school board has approved as our priorities >> so we support this city council in those priorities right we adopted them as it is >> yes do you want me to read over which ones they are good >> yeah I just want to be sure so what you're supporting is under lifelong learning comprehensive pre prek K and transitional kindergarten. Um the next one is full implementation and enhancement of the Virginia literacy act. Um [clears throat] the next is re-evaluation of the standards of quality school funding formula. You have decided to table and revisit school choice funding. So that wouldn't be one that we would send over. Under public safety, the amendments to close gaps around the use development. >> Oh, workforce development. Yes. And then um under public safety amendments to close gaps around the
063use of marijuana. And I know Mr. Baron had added in about concerns about the sales of THC vapes to minors. And then under quality of life, expanding access to mental health and wellness services and opposition to mandatory collective bargaining. Did I capture it? Yep. Thank you. Right. >> Thank you. Next one is the school board member reports. Uh Laurel, Mrs. Lowry. >> Um, our next meeting is December 3rd. >> Thank you. Academic success committee. Mrs. Lowry, >> we're working on the AI policy still. Mrs. L. >> Okay. This one will be a little longer. All right. The board is announcing the CBGS board is announcing new leadership starting July 1st, 2026. Dr. Douglas um has accepted the position. U Mrs. Dora Pervvis who stated she's the chair of the CVGS committee uh I mean board.
064We are very excited to welcome Dr. Scott Douglas as the new CVGS director starting on July 1st, 2026. Dr. Douglas has proven to our board that his qualifications fully encompass all that is expected as a of a CVGS director. His leadership experience, community outreach efforts, budgeting and finance work, and teaching skills are exceptional. These experiences um combined with his successful grant writing work with the CVGS Foundation and the innovative ideas and vision for the future make him the best candidate for the position. We look forward um to Dr. Douglas carrying on the tradition of excellence we have enjoyed in the Central Virginia Governor's School. Um Dr. Douglas brings over 25 years of educational experience to his new role, including 15 years of dedicated service to CVGs. Um, and the last part I wanted to include
065was um his his own quote at um and just him way his way of saying thank you. Come on computer. Um, let me see. There it is. He says, "I am proud. I am honored by the board's confidence and excited to continue serving the CVGS community in this new capacity. CVGS has been the centerpiece of my professional career and I look forward to building on the program's strong foundation. Our dedicated faculty and staff will continue to work with um all our stakeholders as we achieve our mission to develop leaders and possess the research and technical skills, the global perspective and the vision needed to address the challenges of a rapidly changing society. >> Thank you. >> Next one is finance and facilities. Mr. The most important part about the change order has already been addressed.
066Uh thanks very much for that. Two points that didn't get addressed uh were about the metal detectors. Uh conversations with Mr. Caputo um show this to be a program that is uh under his direction is going to be well managed and it's not going to be a deterrent uh to uh getting through school, getting into school. It's not going to be that much of a difficult process based on what they've been doing and what the research they have been um um um conducting and uh experiencing uh in real life situations. I think we're going to end up doing it a lot better than um other schools because Nick is Nick [clears throat] is heading heading this up. The other thing is our next meeting is going to be on the 18th, a week from today.
067And I'm encouraging everyone to get their priorities for the budget in so that we can discuss them and get uh and get a lot of our our focus going so that we can create a the budget that's going to be necessary to make sure Lynchberg continues to improve. >> Thank you. Next one. STEM Academy. Mr. P. >> Yeah, sure. So, um, we had a meeting earlier today and there was actually quite a bit of information. Um, they have their college success uh skills that took plate well that will take place on [snorts] uh November the 14th. Um, they'll be holding mock and u interviews. Um, they have about a total of 27 seniors that will be partaking in this. um they'll be working with uh CBCC. They have about um they're gonna have um mentors
068and different things of that um nature. Um and then on uh January 7th, they'll be engaging in uh internships um with local businesses. Uh October 17th was the end of uh midterms. Um and anyone with that was below a 2.0 0. Um they had a mandatory meeting with parents. Um of course there was only a handful of students um that was that were found to be um at a 2.0 or below. Um and most of the subject matter um was math and physics. Um and if a student happens to um uh be in this situation, they are required um to uh gain additional tutoring and classes in those subjects. Um January 12th, um the spring semester will begin. Um all of the fall semester grades will be reviewed and each uh student must have a
069C better in chemistry, math, biology, physics and English. Um [sighs] uh I spoke about internships. um these internships uh that um the seniors will be engaging in will be uh local companies that everything from u metriconics to um um health uh services and cyber security. Um I also spoke about the mock interviews. Um these students will gain access um to interviews from 20 different volunteers and the volunteers are actually from local businesses and different industries. Um the questioning will take place for about 15 to 20 minutes and then they'll also get feedback for about 15 to 20 minutes so they can uh engage in professional interviews. They've got to do the whole nine yards. Um come dress to impress and all that. So, and from what I hear, the students are have been pretty worked
070up about this. Um, so this gives them a chance to um be able to uh go through that process before they have to do it in real in the real world. Um, on October 5th, at 6 p.m. um there will be uh in-person information sess uh sessions and counselors will also be present. And this is um about you know what all the STEM program has to offer for anybody that would be interested um enrollment opportunities um for I think it's 10th grade um and I just wanted to concentrate on LCS. So, um, EC Glass would be on January 8th, 2026 and Heritage would be on January 9th, 2026. Uh, the application process for 2026 2027. Um, you have to go online uh to the uh STEM uh website um CBC website. Um uh also it's
071encouraged for students to um speak with their parents and a counselor at their school um and must apply outside of school because of the 2FA uh requirement online and they can't have their cell phones in school and I think it sends a 2FA um code to their phones. Um let's see. Is there anything else? Lynchberg will have seven seats available um coming up in the uh 2026 27 um the but there's also three at large seats and they are looking for a total of uh 30 30 students. um their financial report um the current revenue is at 389,100 um encumbers uh 635,000 um their year year-to- date expenses were 64,282 and the available funds as of now as of today was $214,182.19 19 cents. Um they also have fundraised a total of about 7,500 this
072year as of today. Um there was a review uh of their priorities and um there was interesting um um part that was omitted and that was the initiative um to gain um females and minorities um into the program. Um they've dropped that and only want to concentrate on and make it more of a merit-based program uh program. And our next meeting um will be January 27th, 2026. >> Thank you. >> Next one is Dr. >> I need to I got my I got schooled here just a couple seconds ago. Dr. Majette got my learning on for me. I need to apologize to Travis. I thought it was Nick Caputo who was doing uh the RAM heading up all these things and ends up being our our Mr. Marshall and I apologize to you. Um, I've
073only been talking to Nick Caputo and he was wearing your laurels there for a while. So, uh, again, thank you very much for doing that. I think you guys work well together and I'm really impressed with the work you're doing. I apologize for not including you in that >> the accolades. >> No problem. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next one is LACR. Uh, any members from LAR who have updates? Right. Hi, Mr. Alen or Dr. Farmer. I want you to mark your calendars, please, for our [cough and clears throat] partners in education breakfast on December the 18th. Okay, mark your calendars. Now, the next part, Reverend Nigel and I are getting hits. We might be out of our realm of what we're serving. Okay. So, you know, if somebody askked me something and if I
074can do it, I'mma do it. So, Robert S. campaign counselor wants to do 25 food boxes for his students or whoever. So I reached out to the nonprofits that owe me a favor like you and you baron and you owe me a favor. So I'll be hitting on different people to support Robert S. Payne in this project. Okay. And I checked with my superintendent to make sure that I wasn't breaking any rules and y'all won't gonna throw me off this board for doing what God would have me to do cuz I'm obey him first. Okay. So, we're getting hits to help the community. I'm getting hits from uh students because they are complaining about the cornbread. I had heard about this at the voters league meeting. Wherever I am, they come to me with their
075concerns and I'm going to always listen, but I know how far to go and who to bring it to. Okay. Also, we're working with one church, one community, one voice collecting coats, gloves, hats. So, we're doing that for the homeless students. I have a lot of nonprofits who wants to uh get involved and I told them I could not give them names. I can only give them the counselor's name and number for them to contact them about that. So if y'all see Reverend Nigel and out here me out doing things, we are doing them for the student, the parent, and the community. Okay? If I come to you and ask for a can of peas and string beans, please give it to me. [laughter] >> Thank you. >> Next one is Ed Foundation. Mr. Depal
076and Mr. Jal. >> Um, no updates at this moment. >> Thank you. Next one is Beacon of Hope. Mr. Baron, Mr. Paul. >> Yes. Sorry, I was on the wrong screen here. Beacon of hope, of course, always has great things going on. As our student representatives already brought up, we had the Virginia College Application Week. In just one week, y'all buckle up for some numbers. >> LCS students earned over $1.1 million in scholarships >> from colleges and universities. And that's up from last year uh at about 938,000 that they they were able to get scholarship. That says something about our students for one, but also says something about what the work that Deacon Hope is doing. So, I think that's really important. Uh 246 students received on the spot admissions to college and almost $30,000
077was saved in college application fees, including for my son. Thank you, Beacon of Hope. I appreciate that. Uh EC Glass had their FAFSA night last week that helped 30 families fill out the FAFSA form. Uh Heritage High School will have their FAFSA night this Thursday, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. I encourage any families that would like to participate in that. Make sure you mark your calendars. And [clears throat] then finally today, Vegan of Hope continues their commitment to uh just career emphasis and took a group of eighth graders to Aerofin for exposure to companies and careers in in that region. So uh again, continue to do really great work. I'm really proud of our [snorts] partnership with Beacon of Hope. >> Thank you. Next one is Student Discipline Committee. Mr. Connor, [clears throat] >> I don't
078have much um to say. We we have had so many active cases that we really haven't had a review. Uh we're scheduled for one this Thursday. Um and the two members other members have put in some requests of what specific um information. But one of the things that we have learned or discovered is that as um Mr. Baron has shared there's a serious problem with THC vapes >> in our schools right now and we recommended and we spoke to um the superintendent and I think she's working with the um communications department to get signage throughout the middle schools and high schools about the dangers of THC vapes and the potential penalties >> um if you come before the discipline committee. um have been found with a THC vape. So um that's a serious issue in
079our schools um right now and that's what the dis one of the things the discipline committee is trying to make sure that we make it right for all the students but um it's something that needs to be addressed on a serious basis. Um that's all I have. >> Thank you Mr. Po. You want to give your slogan for uh what you suggested? Go ahead. You got five seconds quickly. Uh I uh Mr. Connor um he he covered he covered his basic >> your slogan for putting on that across the school district. >> I I Hey, I don't really have one. >> All right. >> Thank you. [laughter] >> I appreciate it. >> Thank you. Next one is Dr. superintendent comments. >> All right. I will be brief. Uh first, I do also want to take
080a moment to recognize Veterans Day. Um we are deeply grateful to all of those who've served and the families who continue to support them. Um although we are still in November waiting for the final release of state data from the Department of Education, our schools um are already they're working through their preliminary results. And later this week, we plan to just take a deeper dive into that data as we review our processes and protocols to better understand our outcomes so we can make informed decisions to best support our students. In addition, uh, this week as well, a central office leadership team will participate in part two of a communication training. And this work for us is important because it'll help us continue building that right framework and the system so that we can streamline our
081overall processes here and better support the schools. So, it's a work in progress, but we have to we have to take care of home first and where we are here in central office and so that we can best support the schools. And then finally, a reminder, Lynchburg City Schools, uh, Miss Brown and her team will host a job fair this Saturday, November 15th, from 8:00 am to noon at EC Glass High School Gymnasium. We welcome anyone who's interested in joining our team to attend that job fair and find out the opportunities that we have um for you, all areas. I know Mr. Baron is saying, "Please come out and and be willing to drive our babies, but educators, uh, teachers, bus drivers, whomever." You're welcoming everyone. Correct, Miss Brown? >> Yes, ma'am. >> All right.
082And that's all my comments. >> Thank you. >> Next one is board comment. We'll start with Mr. Po. >> Again, um, you know, happy to be here and, um, you know, be in a position to to be able to serve the community. Um, off offside. Um, and one of the reasons that I'm here is, uh, a lot of my community activism. And, um, so, uh, I'd like to talk about an initiative, um, that hopefully, um, we can partner with, uh, Lynchburg City Schools. Um, I've spoke with the NAACP and they are going they've got actually and I've got the okay to >> to announce this >> um >> $25,000 >> uh grant uh to help with the achievement gap >> and um uh with you know the coalition and some of my other initiatives outside
083um we're going to be asking the community um to um help us engage with tutoring and different things of that nature. Um I'm assuming I think SOS are more in the spring or so. So hopefully at the first of the year we'll be able to put um put that together and um um I imagine that looks like maybe um offering some help on Saturdays to local families um and different things of that nature. um also wanting to lean on our faith-based institutions. Um uh to to also help because they have, you know, a lot of the different facilities in the community and different things of that nature. Um and you know, as we've all said, I you know, and what one thing that I advocate for is um it's not just a Lynchber city schools
084problem. It's a community problem and we're in this together. So, but we would like to help with some data and and pinpoint um the students that that need the help the most. Um I know uh Dr. Gupta says we're in the business of education. Um and so um I'm doing all I can outside of um my board membership, but also as a citizen um by pulling together as many resources and people and organizations so we can combat this together. So, um, just wanted to put that out there that's coming down the pipeline. We touched on the vape situation and, um, I I really, uh, it's not just the marijuana vape. Um, if you talk to, um, some of the administration at different schools, um, also the tobacco based vape. Um, you know, to see, uh,
085you know, what some of the vapes look like, they attract students, different things of that nature. I know that's probably not going to be in our wheelhouse because, you know, maybe more stringent federal laws and there are federal laws. Um I remember when they used to be Joe Camel was a cartoon character and different things and and it appealed um to to youth. Um but a lot of these vapes to me and to my eyes appealed to the youth. Um there there's a whole danger um that comes along with that. And if we're going to talk about um the fact that when they come before the disciplinary committee, they are facing um because of department of education regulations um certain minimums of time of out of school where they can't get the education that they
086need um because they made a bad choice. Um, and I and I find that highly problematic and and to see um kids shooting themselves in the foot is is um is um heartbreaking. So, um I I you know that's all I have. I just want to uh let everybody know that um the community is behind Lynburg City Schools and uh do all I can to to see what we can do to move forward. >> Thank you, Dr. Palmer. I just want to thank y'all for allowing me to be a part of this team. And I also would like to thank each and every one of you cuz I know y'all going to support me in these projects with the schools and the parents and the community. So the next time you see me, bring me
087a can of corn, can of be. [laughter] >> Yes, ma'am. >> Put me a box out here. so that we can support Robert S. Payne. >> Okay. >> And I thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Depal. >> Just a big thank you to all the veterans that have allowed us the blessings and the uh ability to come to a place like this and do the work that we are attempting to do and all the people that benefit from it and all the ones that uh uh the freedom of choice not to benefit from it. So, big thank you to veterans. >> Thank you, [snorts] Mr. gone. >> I've already >> Mrs. Lowry. >> Um I'm enjoying visiting the schools and saying hello to the teachers. Um I finished reading to all of them for the
088semester and I'm back at tutoring [clears throat] at Palman Monroe. Um I saw Legacy at Heritage High School encouraging students um in their CTE um choices. And I've also seen vape posters in the schools, you know, that say pretty much says this looks inviting, you don't want it, you know, try to stay away from it. So the schools are trying to advocate for the same thing. Um I want to say thank you to um I said thank you to three of my family members who are veterans as I grew up military and I hope everyone traveling for Thanksgiving is safe and all to have a wonderful Thanksgiving break. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> I want to thank you all as well for our time together. It's a wonderful thing to be able to help
089these young people. And again, I go back to this holistic approach, you know, not only the board members, the school, but also the community at large, especially faith-based churches and so on. And this year, I've stepped in to make a little bit of a, you know, sort of improvement to maybe what's going down with some of the kids, created a little after school program trying to help the kids. And it's amazing to see what has already been done with these kids just working together coming in from school and then we have a chance to work with them for another couple of hours and so we're trying to be a support system for them as well. I'm hoping this year when Christmas comes in we'll be able to extend some things to help them as well
090>> with toys and gifts and so on. some of the parents not able to provide a lot of these things and that's another way to support it summertime. We want to transition into helping them with summer programs and so forth. So those are some things outside of the RAM but what is already been done or being done that we would like to be able to continue to foster. >> Thank you Mr. Ben. >> I also want to just continue to echo gratitude for our veterans uh especially those that work in LCS. I mean, you have people that gave uh their service to our country and now continue to do so by educating our our children. So, I'm very grateful for those. Um, and you guys know I've got just three things by now. You should
091know my three T's. Uh, first being trust. And, and I I love uh Miss Lowry goes around the different schools and I know several members here go to different schools and I think it's a really great way to build trust is just to be present. And uh I just want to say this like I've met so many just incredible teachers, administrators, staff members who are so passionate about what they do and you get a lot of negative PR a lot of times pretty easily, but the the positive PR sometimes lags behind. One of my favorite things that I see at at multiple elementary schools in particular is is uh our um our uh janitorial staff is very involved with the kids and and loves working with the kids. Like that's so cool, y'all. Like this
092these the elite level uh people. So, I just want to I want to uh state that as we continue to to move forward, man. continue to communicate, continue to participate, and I think you're going to meet some really incredible people that that give their their all to these kids. The second is transition. Uh I'm really excited, looking forward to beginning our strategic planning process. And I just want to put this out for public uh just a public record. Um there is a heavy we were very adamant as a committee as part of the RFP uh committee uh about uh big engagement of the community. like we want to know what our [clears throat] community really thinks and wants and longs for in our in our school system. If you're part of the process, they're going
093to reach out and engage the community. Please participate. Uh if you're a parent, if you're a community member, a business owner, whatever you are, participate in the surveys they put out, participate in any kind of public forums that they do. Uh the the the strategic plan that we make is only as good as the information that we have. And so it's just really important for community to be involved in this process. and I think it can be a really good thing. And last certainly not least, transportation. Uh I do want to continue to advocate for higher pay for bus drivers and and especially for subbus drivers. I'm learning and talking to my friends over transportation department that uh they're getting like $14 an hour to sub a route and that's just that's pitifully off. That's
094that's something we we got to be able to do better. Um and uh I will say this about that team like no one no one works harder. I said we have people that work as hard, but no one works harder than the our transportation team. They get a lot of flack because there's so many logistical things and so many things I have to troubleshoot and figure out and they're working at high stress environment. It's difficult. It's tough that they're the first to show up and the last to leave most days. Uh I know Mr. Connor will attest to this. Um and so I just want to I just want to shout them out. And again, show up at the job fair. We need more drivers. Um by the way, we pay for training. you get
095your CDL uh training paid for. Uh and so that's a huge incentive. I don't think I've mentioned before um to anyone who's listening. And it's a flexible schedule. You don't have to drive every morning and every afternoon. If you can give us three afternoons a week, that's three afternoons, we have better, safer situation for transporting our students. So just want to uh again reiterate the importance of uh transportation and and how it it touches so many things across the school district. So >> thank you. And I think on behalf of board we can say happy Thanksgiving as Mrs. Lowry said thank you for all the staff faculty students and especially faculty and staff you work day in day out to make a difference in lives of our kids. So thank you thank you thank you
096very much. We'll not meet before Thanksgiving. So this is the Thanksgiving meeting. [laughter] Uh we'll have turkey afterwards in terms offormational items. Next board work session is December 2nd. Finance and facilities meeting here is listed December 9th at 3:30, but there is a special calledin meeting of finance and facilities on November 18th at 3:30 p.m. On top of that one, next school board meeting uh works is on December 16th at 5:00 p.m. LACR is on December 16th at 3:30. Discipline committee is December 11th at 3:30 and academic success committee is to be determined. It'll be December 16th at 3:30 to 4. It'll be shortened. >> December 16th from 3:30 to >> 4. Right. >> Nothing else. The meeting is agenda. Thank you.