001Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, hey. [Music] U we have a member joining us electronically and uh is there a motion to approve electronic participation by school? >> Motion. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Madame clerk, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alain. >> Mr. Connor? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gupta? >> Yes. >> Mr. Depal? Yes, >> Mr. Gillio. >> Yes, >> Mr. Po. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you, Mr. Lowry. >> Join us. I can see her on. >> You got pledge of >> please. Thank you. Pledge of the >> I aliance 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. [Music] >> Is there a
002motion to approve the agenda? >> Can I ask? >> Motion second. you want to say something? >> I I just wanted to ask a question before you approve the agenda. Um I was asked going to ask tonight, could we remove the policy approval under consent agenda? The reason why I asked there are large number of policies and I know that there were some questions. So I want to make sure that board members have ample time to go and review those policies prior to approval if that's okay. So >> thank you. >> You made a motion. You were amended to take the >> motion to amend the consent agenda or the >> no to motion to approve the agenda with the amendment of taking that >> policy item out. >> Okay. So my motion is to
003approve the agenda with a subtext of removing one of the items from the consent agenda. >> That's the policy discussion. Is there a second to that motion? >> Second. >> Madam clerk, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lori. >> Yes. Mr. Connor, >> yes. >> Dr. Gupta, >> yes. >> Mr. Depal, >> yes. >> Mr. Galileo, >> yes. >> Mr. Poe, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. Uh, next one is chair comment. I don't have anything uh public comments. Uh, Mr. Connor, >> I have three people um signed up, but I want to give the guidelines for um public comments. In accordance with polity policy BDDH, public participation, members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend meetings of the Lynchburg City School Board to
004observe its deliberations. Any member of the community may address the board on matters related to the Lynchburg City Schools at any regular meeting. Persons or group wishing to address the board must do so may do so by choosing one of the following. Leave a voice message on the schoolboard close line. Messages will be played during the public comment section of the schoolboard meeting. Address the board in person during the public meeting. Persons desiring to address the school board by voicemail message shall submit the voicemail message 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
005public comment 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. 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 concern the services, policies, role, and or responsibilities of the school board. Individual speaker shall limit their comments to three minutes. A speaker representing a group shall
006limit their comments to five 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 schoolboard meetings is 30 minutes. Voicemail messages to be played are also limited to three minutes for individuals and five 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. Four, community 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 orderly conduct of the meeting and rules on such matters such as appropriateness of the subject being presented and the length of time
007for such presentation. No one will be allowed to make additional presentations until everyone who wishes to speak has an opportunity to make an initial presentation. Upon recognition by the chair, the speaker shall clearly state name, address, and subject of the speaker's remarks. The speaker shall address the chair and if at the conclusion of the speaker's remark any school board member desires further information said member addresses the speaker only with permission of the chair. The courtesy of the school board shall be extended to the speaker and the speaker shall respect the privilege extended by the school board or be ruled out of order by the chair. So tonight we have three speakers all parents. First, we'll have um Justin Hensley um followed by Christianana Stafford and then followed by Kathleen Stafford. Justin Hensley. Good evening, members
008of the board and superintendent. My name is Dr. Justin Hensley, and my spouse and I are parents of four children in Lynchburg City Schools. Uh, two of our children have IEPs and one of them has significant special needs. I want to begin by saying thank you this evening. Thank you for the work that deeply matters to families like ours. We understand the challenges that come uh with leading a large and diverse school division and we genuinely appreciate your commitment to serving every student in this community. As you know, the division is in the process of hiring a new director of special education. For families like ours, this position is not just an administrative role. directly shapes the day-to-day experiences of our children, their progress, and their sense of belonging in school. We've lived through two
009very different chapters under two very different directors since our time here. Under the one before Miss Burks, we faced confusion, inconsistency, and barriers that created unnecessary hardship both academically and emotionally. But when Miss Burks stepped into the role, uh everything changed. She brought professionalism, empathy, and a collaborative spirit that re rebuilt trust and created stability. For the first time, we felt like we were working with the school system instead of constantly struggling to be heard. That shift made a tangible difference for our children and for us as parents. And that's why this next hire is so critically important. The leadership of this department sets the tone for families and schools partnered together to meet the needs of students with disabilities across the division. Earlier this month on two October, I sent an email to the
010superintendent sharing these same thoughts and offering to assist in any way during the hiring process. Although I haven't yet received response, I wanted to come tonight and reiterate our willingness and our hope that families perspectives will be included in this important decision. Parents of children with disabilities see the impact of these leadership choices every single day. Uh we see it when a child with dyslexia comes home in tears because testing accommodations in their IEP weren't followed that day. uh when a student with communication challenges is disciplined for behaviors that are really frustration or sensory overload. When a child with complex or cognitive needs is placed in a setting that just doesn't fit. And these aren't isolated experiences. These are realities that families quietly carry. And the difference between a responsive, compassionate special education director and
011an inconsistent one can literally determine whether a child grows or withdraws, whether a parent trusts the school system or feels forced to fight it. That's why including famil family's voices in this hiring process matters so deeply. Families don't expect perfection. But we do expect partnership. Even something as simple as a listening session, a parent advisory council for the hire or feedback panel before the hire would be send a significant and powerful signal that LCS is committed to learning from those living those experiences every day. Our family stands ready to serve in any capacity that would be helpful. So, thank you first of all for your leadership, also for your continuing progress that began under Miss Burks, and for your dedication to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has access to appropriate and meaningful education.
012Thank you. >> Thank you. Now, we have Miss Christristiana Stafford. Good evening, members of the school board, superintendent, and members of the community. My name is Cristiana Stafford, and I'm both a parent in Lynburg City Schools and an educator with a master's degree in trauma-informed education. I'm here tonight to speak about um the proposed update to the volunteer policy and to share my deep concern about how a recent failure to enforce the current existing policy has affected my family. Earlier this year, my child was involved in an incident where an adult volunteer coach in a position of authority verbally threatened and physically intimidated my child. This incident has significantly impacted my son's academics as well as his mental health. In the weeks since, I have done everything I can to understand how this was ever
013allowed to happen. Through a Freedom of Information Act request, I learned that this volunteers's background check was completed, signed, and approved by human resources, the assistant director of HR. um her signature is on that background check and that background check showed uh felony convictions for violent crimes and that should have disqualified him from volunteering under the current existing policy for volunteers. I reached out directly to both the superintendent and the school board to share my concerns and request accountability. The superintendent responded that she would investigate and get back to me, but it has now been weeks and I've heard nothing further other than the responses from the departments processing my furpa and foyer requests. No one in leadership has yet to personally address the underlying issue or the harm that this incident has caused my
014family. To me, the proposed policy change feels incredibly performative. It doesn't address my real concern, which is how this individual was ever allowed to coach children in the first place. I've tried to be patient and trust that the review process would bring resolution, but at this point, I am deeply discouraged. No one appears to be held accountable for the failures that led to this incident. And now, I'm spending even more time trying to ensure that others are not punished for the mistakes that were made within the division. This is not a policy problem. This is an accountability problem. The safeguards that could have prevented this already existed within the current policy. They just were not enforced. I'm also deeply concerned that these proposed revisions would undo years of thoughtful work by an equity task force
015which developed a balanced policy that protected students while still allowing rehabilitated non-violent individuals to volunteer in their children's schools. Rolling back that progress would be a serious step backwards, one that would disproportionately harm minority families who are already over represented in the criminal justice system and have long faced barriers to engagement in public education. I urge you not to let this incident become the justification for regressive change. Do not make it harder for good people to be involved in their children's education. Instead, please hold accountable the people who failed to uphold the safeguards that were already in place and commit to stronger oversight, transparency, and integrity moving forward. Our community deserves both fairness and safety. And we can achieve both of these through accountability, not overcorrection. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Next
016we have Kathleen Stafford, also a parent. >> I'm here today on my child's birthday speaking as a concerned community member and LCS parent to call for transparency, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the children of Lynchburg City Schools. First, I must acknowledge I'm disheartened, concerned, and honestly truly disturbed that the policy review and surrounding information have not been acknowledged within the LCS community, especially to parents that deserve to know what has happened. Our community's trust in the school system depends on clear communication, ethical leadership, and the assurance that the well-being of students always come first. When safety concerns or misconduct arise, family deserves families deserve honesty, acknowledgement, and meaningful action, not silence or policy shifts that deflect responsibility. Rather than implementing new or potentially limiting policies, I urge the board and administration to enforce
017the policies already in place and ensure they are applied they are applied consistent consistently and transparently. Unfortunately, consistency and transparently are in here so many times that it's hard to, you know, not mess this up. Accountability is not achieved through distraction or bureaucracy, but through integrity and follow-through. Specifically, I'm asking for transparency, clear communication with families about incidents affecting students safety and the district's response. Parents deserve to know who is and who has worked with their children, even if and especially when the district has failed to keep children safe. Accountability. Consistent enforcement of existing policies and fair consequences when violations occur. Acknowledgement. Open recognition when harm or procedural failure happens rather than minimizing or rebranding the issue. Commitment to child protection. Number one, continued evaluation of staff practices, background checks, and reporting systems to ensure
018every student's safety. These are not unreasonable demands or requests. They are the bare minimum required for a public school system or any system that deals with children or people at all, that values children over image, and honesty over convenience. I respectfully request a public response outlining how Lynchburg City Schools will uphold its duty to protect students, ensure transparency, and rebuild community trust through real accountability, not new policies that obscure the issue. And I'll end with this reflection. When you proclaim every child by name and by need to graduation and beyond, which children are we really referring to here? Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and for your commitment to the students and family you serve. >> Thank you. Do we have any voicemails? >> No, sir. >> Any emails? >> No, sir.
019That concludes our public comment portion. >> Thank you, Mr. Connor. Uh, next one is consent agenda. Uh, is there a motion to approve with the with in mind that item three has been pulled out? >> Is there a motion? >> Sorry. Go ahead. >> That would have been my motion. So, >> is there is there a second to approve the consent agenda? >> So, move. >> So, madame clerk, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alain? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Larry. >> Yes. >> Mr. Connor. >> Yes. >> Dr. Gupta. >> Yes. >> Mr. Depal. >> Yes. >> Mr. Julio. >> Yes. >> Mr. Poe. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. Next one is finance report. Dr. >> All right. >> Mr. James Amy's. >> Good evening,
020Chairman, Dr. Gupta, members of the school board, and Dr. Majette. You have before you the September 30th, 2025 month in financials. As of September, it marks the 20 uh five% of the fiscal year passing. Um the percent of revenues collected versus original appropriation was at 17.05%. I will note that that is ahead of collections prior to last year. Um the amount of expenditures versus original appropriation is at 21.33% year-to date. and the total expenditures inclusive of incumbrances equates to 83 um 0%. There were no new notable variances from last month's report um to let you know about. So on the statement of revenues, the total amount of revenues collected was 20 million 311,985 96 year to date. Of the total state revenues equated to 19.35% federal revenues equated to 18.45% and local revenues equated to
02112.67%. Our miscellaneous and charges for services collection rates are 19.81% and 33.27% respectively. Um, so on the monthly summary summary report as far as health insurance, as of September, LCS has a year-to-ate balance of negative 674,595.78. I expect that amount to uh come up as soon as we have completed our 2025 annual audit. So if there are any questions, if there are no questions, then that concludes my report. >> Questions for Mus. >> I have few questions. >> Yes sir. >> So I think compared to 2024 in 2025 everything has gone up. >> Yes sir. >> And uh the revenues are up the expenditures are disproportionately up. >> Yes. >> Health insurance is in negative. I'm just the reason I'm asking this question is uh by you know if you do a home budget management
022if you're spending more money you're looking at the end of the month saying do will I have will I have enough money to sustain so my question is will we have enough money when June 30th comes to pay our bills because we are 7 billion up in expenditure compared to last year >> so currently we're projecting including inclusive of encumbrances about an 83% spend. Now, of course, there will be additional expenditures as the year processes, but right now, I think we are uh where we are, it is to be expected. >> So, what's the reason for like expenditures to be 7 million higher compared to last year? >> So, >> is there an anomaly in the >> So, I think you're referring to the revenues. >> I'm sorry. No, the expenditure is 25 million and
02324 September was $18 million. >> So there are some contracts in there that have processed earlier in September that processed later in October um according to last year. But even with those contracts and those incumbrances, we're still only at a projection of 83.03%. >> You see my concern? The city gives us flat money, barely surviving, and we got $7 million more. So, what I'm hearing from you is we there's nothing to be alarmed about. >> I I am comfortable with where we are currently. Um, barring any unusual expenses coming down the pike. Um, I'm comfortable with where we are. So, >> thank you. Yes, sir. >> Is this really just a timing issue? >> It is a timing issue. So your revenues are always reimbursed later because it's an expense lag. So >> and that's
024the reason why you're not concerned. >> Uh potentially I mean there are some things outside of our control going on right now where revenues are concerned. So that um that plays into that as well. >> Thanks so much. >> Yes sir. >> Thank you. Thank you. Next one is the unfinished business question. >> Oh, go ahead. I'm sorry. I didn't see the bag. >> Go ahead. Um, Miss James. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Is any of that due to the money we're supposed to get from city council? >> Actually, we have received more as of September the 30th from city council than we did this time last year. So, um there is hasn't been a delay in the delivery of their funding. >> Okay. It was mainly for the collaboration that we had that committee collaboration
025where we're supposed to get funds for getting things done in the construction part that we needed like the track and things like that. That's what I was wondering maybe that's part of the contracts you were talking about. >> So this is fund one. It's our local operating fund. You're referring to our capital improvement program. those funds have already been received um and are in the queue waiting to be spent for this year. >> I think u I'm not speaking for her. Maybe the lag is because of the federal government closure. Is that that's what you >> are we getting the funding for last 21 days or is it >> there is a lot of um things going on at the state and the federal level. There are some VDOE has some staff shortages um and
026they are the ones that I kind of process our revenues. So it it I think it's a culmination of things. If I were concerned about it, I would alert you immediately. Um but I I don't have any concerns at this point in the fiscal year. >> Thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> Next one is unfinished business entry plan feedback presentation. Dr. M. Okay. >> Good evening. Perfect. Oh, >> you got slides. >> Yeah, it it's slides. I I won't keep you all night. Um, good evening everyone. Um, first I just want to say thank you for the opportunity to share my findings from my first uh little bit over 90 days here as superintendent for Lynchburg City Schools. This presentation tonight is going to summarize what I've learned through the meetings, the school visits, uh,
027community conversations, of course, data analysis here. Uh the goal has been to listen, to learn, and to understand where we are. I'm not on that slide yet. Okay, thank you. Um to learn where we are as uh a division, understand where we're going to go so that we can plan together for where we want to go. Although I am in phase two of the entry plan, the process of listening learning doesn't stop here. Three months is not enough to know everything I need to know about Lynchburg City Schools. However, with the number of challenges that we face, I would be remiss if I did not understand the necess the necessity to act and move forward. So, before I get to my presentation, I do want to thank you all, school board, my central office, um,
028and building leadership teams, the teachers, the staff for the honesty and the cander throughout this process. The openness has helped me to shape a clear picture of both our strengths and our opportunities for growth. and the honesty has truly been invaluable as we determine what must come next. So the next slide. All right. So the entry plan has sh served as a roadmap for my transition. So we're now in phase two that's going to focus on analyzing the planning, the reporting and leading. Uh this phase is about taking what I've heard and what I've observed and and identifying those areas that we need alignment using that insight to guide our work together. And I will say the process has been very collaborative from the beginning. It emphasizes our partnership, shared ownership, collective responsibility for moving
029the division forward. And just letting you know, my intent is not only to observe, but to begin leading with clarity and structure, building on what already works well in Lynburg City Schools. And you'll see as I'm going along, I'm not reading the slides. I know everybody here can read. So, but I just wanted to give a summation of what my thoughts are. So, I I just wanted to provide that clarity in case you're like, what she's saying doesn't match there. It's just a summation. I know that you all have read this. So, on to the next. There were um to guide the process, I asked the following questions of everyone that um I had the opportunity to interview. What do you see as the biggest strengths for LCS? What challenges do you believe LCS is
030currently facing? What expanded opportunities or new ideas could help make LCS even stronger in the future? How can you best support student learning and success? And then, how do other aspects of the Lynchberg community impact our schools and students? So the these questions frame my conversations um in school visits. They guided discussions with teachers, admin, students, family, uh several community members and then they helped to ensure that their observations and their insights um that were collected were meaningful and grounded in real experiences. So to give you some of the next slide. So to give you some of the the highlights in terms of when you look at those questions and the strengths of LCS. So one of the most consistent themes that emerged throughout these conversations was the dedication of people here. Lynchberg city schools
031is filled with educators and staff who want the best for students and the dedication to teaching and learning and overall well-being as student of students was not excuse me was noted as a strength of the division based on those interviews. We also have several community partners who enrich opportunities for our students programs. Um, we received a lot of compliments about the programs in terms of Korean technical education, the strings, athletics, and then the arts. And they highlight the wide range of experiences that were available to students. And what I discovered here is a strength that there was a clear sense of pride in the community. And that sense of connection and support gives a strong foundation for the work ahead. Things that were noted as challenges. And so I always want to be clear, every
032school division has areas for improvement. and it's important that we discuss them honestly. So throughout this process there were several challenges that were identified or emerged. Uh teacher retention and recruitment continue to be a pressing issue. Um compensation, workload and morale were significant factors that um teachers and staff indicated that had to be addressed to ensure stability in the classrooms. Communication and trust were recurring themes. Um there was reports of inconsistent messaging, delayed timelines, unclear expectations that create confusion and frustration for staff and families. Additionally, persistent achievement gaps among students and ongoing needs in terms of facilities affect morale and perception. And so by acknowledging, and these are all snapshots, by acknowledging these challenges openly, it gives us opportunity to develop solutions. And so alongside the challenges, there were tremendous opportunities here. And this was
033that question where I asked what expanded opportunities or new ideas could help LCS make make us even stronger in the future. So um some of the recurring themes were strengthen teacher development and leadership, expanding professional learning opportunities, improving our onboarding pro processes. Um there were recommendations for compensation adjustments um to help better support hard to fill positions and reward leadership at the various levels. Um there was a lot of opportunity for revisiting alternative education programs to ensure that we're meeting the needs of students who require different pathways. And then also for those same students um strengthening strengthening intervention services and expanding career and technical opportunities so that students although in an alternative setting are ready to enter the world and then also partnerships with parents, universities, local organizations, community partners to create deeper engagement. I
034know in um I I say it all the time uh to several people but in one of my uh interviews and I'm not going to say with whom but the individual said we are resourcerich and allocation poor and that was one of the recurring themes and that stuck with me but that was one of the recurring themes as I interviewed people was hey we have all the partnerships and we appreciate all the partnerships but how do we collectively wrap this around students to ensure success and so that leads to the next piece in terms of best supporting students. Uh when I asked how can we best support student learning and success, the responseful responses were thoughtful and they were consistent. One of the first things that came up that communication must be clear, proactive, and
035consistent. I received some great feedback from one of the principles that said to me, and she was like, I'm going to be honest. And that's why I say I thank people for the cander. She said, 'I want to see that central office is ahead of where we need to be as principles, you know, and it stings when you hear it, but you can only get better if you hear, you know, if you hear um feedback. And so, she gave some really good feedback with that. And those things, they help us as a team to ensure that, hey, how do we make sure we're proactive and consistent? People want to know what's happening and why decisions are made. And then consistency builds trust and um confidence and trust. Second, looking at teachers needing strong support, providing
036resources, training um so that they can focus their time on instruction. I've heard a lot about how teachers and we know this supporting teachers directly impacts students. And then looking at classrooms, uh making sure that we have engaging, structured, and safe environments. Students feeling challenged and supported by teachers who are equipped to meet their needs. And then overall just ensuring that operations is always flowing in a way that it runs smoothly. So teachers can focus on the main thing teaching students can focus on learning. So the question about community impact um our schools are reflection of the community around us. A lot of the information I received um was and it was very plain it was consistent. They were saying that you know poverty sometimes housing instability trauma and other social factors can directly influence
037student learning. And that was some of the things that I wanted to share because that's what I heard from some teachers saying, "Hey, these are impacts and we have to be aware of these impacts." Um, and then from there, uh, the notion that we need to really focus on wraparound supports and community partnerships and how partner how important they are and just continuing to work closely with all of our local partners. Another piece that theme that came up consistently was that we need to tell our story more intentionally. uh celebrating the achievements of all our students, staff and schools help shape positive perception to build community pride. And when you look at that, I think sometimes we get the only the negative narrative, but we have some students that are doing really amazing things. We
038have teachers who are doing really amazing things, but I think it's easy to focus in on, hey, these are one or two things that didn't go well, but they may have been 20 that went very well that day. And so being more intentional about showcasing our people and then when families and communities um family community members just wanting to be informed, respected and connected and building that trust. So I always like to look at where we are. So understanding our starting point. There we go. Um so it's important to recognize where we stand today. I know I shared at the last meeting um where we rank 122 out of 131. um that represents where we are currently, but it doesn't represent our potential and where we're going. We do have dedicated staff, community partners, but
039one of the things I've noticed, the lack of consistent systems and communication, it slows our process. It call the minutia. We get stuck in the loop of stuff. And so, moving forward, just focus on creating clarity and structure across the division. accountability at every level and from leadership to teachers to students, parents and families because we're all responsible for the success of these students. And so acknowledging where we are allows us to build a realistic and focused plan on where we plan on going. And so you heard me talk a lot about it the last meeting about strengthening processes and systems. But our next major focus is strengthening how we can operate, how we operate as division. And so I'll repeat it again. When I refer to systems and processes, I'm talking about creating consistency
040in how we do the work. How do we do the work that we do every day? And right now procedures vary from school to school, from one office to another. And we can be in the same building and those procedures vary. And that's not good because if we have a lot of confusion, if the adults have confusion and things aren't clear, the kids are going to be confused and they and we're here to serve them. And so that lack of alignment um it you'll have things that often duplicated and then everybody's frustrated. So strong systems in place will ensure that everyone knows what what's expected, communication can move smoothly and the staff can have the tools they need uh to move forward. And so I'm going to touch on accountability again. And so it's not
041about blame, not blaming anyone, but it truly is about ownership and responsibility. So I look at every person in the division has a role in ensuring that success. Me as superintendent, I do um board because you you you making big decisions and policy decisions for our school division um administrators, teachers, staff, family and students. We're all accountable for moving um supporting students. And so once we can build into those systems and that accountability at every level, then we build that level of credibility with everyone. we can build that level of trust, but we're going to have to make those steps first. There's no quick fix to this. So, I want to be very clear. You don't go from 75 to 122 over that course of time and then you're going to shoot right up, but
042we have to get orders and structure and processes in place as to this is how we're going to do the work that we're going to do. Um, so next with that centering around our students because that's our main thing. the main focus should be kids. Like what are we going to do for kids? We recognize that we have a lot of stipulations that things that say, "Hey, the DOE, VDOE, the Department of Ed says we have to do these things. The law says we have to do it in certain ways." But are there ways that we can simplify things and processes so that we can be at a place where the center of all of our decisions are about kids? And so whether it's an initiative, a staffing decision, a policy discussion, but just how
043can we best support children. Um, one of the things also that came up just looking at strengthening academic and behavioral supports, looking at those additional pathways for those students. I know I mentioned alternative ed um earlier and really just moving forward with intentionality. Have a purpose. say what we're gonna do, actually do it, and and move forward. But keeping it simple and keeping kids at the center. So, lastly, I told you I wasn't going to keep you all night, but I do want to say this piece. Um, I know that I said last time that we had hoped that the accountability and accreditation ratings would be here by this point so that we could tell you everything that's happening in terms of where we rate and instructionally. The Department of Education is not done yet.
044It's my understanding that they're still working through I had a the regional sup super superintendent meeting earlier today and we don't have a clear indication as to when we will get that. I doubt it will not that I doubt that it'll be this week. It's supposed to be about a oneweek window between when they'll let us see it as far as the superintendent and and deputy superintendent and then before it gets released to the public. So that was the last communication that we have. But with that, once we have it and it's available, we'll share it with the board and the community and along with any instructional insights and next steps. Um but I I just want to say a few things and as we move forward our focus is going to continue to remain
045on both listening um and action because we I continue to listen but we you know I have to lead and we have to move forward and and every shift is not going to be um I always look at it every shift isn't may not be the fan favorite but it's going to be made with kids in mind and what's going to be in the best interest of those students. and to best serve kids. So, I always want to uh put that out there. Uh accountability will continue to guide our efforts. It's not it will not rest only on schools or principles. I think sometimes it's easy to say. Now, principles are responsible for what happens in their building. But we're also at central office responsible for making sure principles have what they need to effectively
046lead. And I always say and the team has heard me say many times, kids don't choose us, but we get paid twice a month. So, we're obligated to do what we're supposed to do for kids. Have I not said that a million times? Okay. But, you know, we're we're we have a level of accountability and, you know, we have choices, but many of our kids don't have choices to be here. So, I just want to make sure that we do everything we can to best support them. And I know, you know, I'm not normally a quote person, but I did like this. Uh, excellence is not achieved by chance, is built through structure, consistency, and people working together. But that is the quick version of my first 90 days. Um, that is not everything. That
047is not everything. But I definitely just wanted to give you all just a broad overview of what my findings were. Um, and just thanking the community and you all everyone for just your honesty and working through this process and answering my many questions that I have. So, >> are you open for questions? >> Oh, absolutely. Thank you. >> Questions for Dr. Mitch's comments. I appreciate this. I read through it earlier and I just I so much resonates and it's a lot of what I'm hearing as I talk to people. I think you hit it on the nose and have a clear picture. Um and you know, one of the things I came on board to say I'm going to speak to these three things and one of those things is this idea of leading and
048transition. This is just a different way of moving like transition leadership is is very difficult and you're you're handling a lot of things that people don't see and don't understand. So, I I just want to express support for your findings and the way that you've you've led to this point. um and acknowledge that, you know, it's difficult to catch everything and sometimes it things get dropped along the way, but I can speak to at least my experience that you guys are working really hard to uh uh make positive progress and I'm excited to continue diving into like our strategic uh planning process and and get that on. Um I I just want to emphasize the support for you leading in transition. It's just a tough It's a tough thing to do. >> Thank you. >>
049Other comments? >> It's a good summary. U What do you think that you are going to focus on in two maybe two or three things and what you'd like to see by the spring or summer next year? >> I I'm going to be honest with you. I would love to say there would be two or three things that I I could focus on. Um, we have so many areas of crisis to be honest with you that it's probably our hands, our feet, everything is touching a little bit of everything at once. Um, so I would say just it of course we've we've moved through. Um, I can tell you the things that we we have revamped some. Um, I am very thankful for some of the the changes in terms of HR and personnel and
050the responsiveness and response time to staffing and working towards that. Are we 100% where we need to be? No. No. People just got on board, but at the same time cleaning up those processes. And I've been very thankful, Miss Brown and that crew for just kind of moving that along. um operations of closing all those multiple maintenance tickets and things like that. Sonia just for always keeping us financially afloat. Um Dr. Davis for and and everyone else. So if I don't say your name, don't worry. You know, I'm not leaving you out. Dr. Davis for just uh being that right hand and riding that ride. So, when I think about it, um, and everything she's pouring into instruction daily, I would love to say two or three things, but instruction um, is extremely important, but
051we got to take make sure operations continues to flow, kids are at school on time, they're picked up on time, um, that we're retaining teachers, we're following up on lure. So, honestly, I would tell you all of it. I I mean I I wish that there were just one or two things at this point, but but all of it working with the communication structures I've had um you know trying to I I will say I'm appreciative of teachers who've come forward, those who are part of LEA and those who are not a part of LEA. But it's been um helpful just getting that feedback of what they need right now, getting supports in the hands of them, making sure that we look at alternative ed and how we can expand that so that we can
052make sure that we're serving kids appropriately um in their appropriate settings. So, I know that's a long answer, but it by hands are touching so much at one time. I wish that it was one of two things, but we really are um at a at a point of crisis. So, it's a lot all at once. >> I can see how you have to balance a lot because there's so many aspects that need to improve. I I still believe that if you focus on two or three items. >> I wish we could, you know, a full year. >> This is a big ship to turn. >> I agree. I mean, I wish I could, >> but it it's it's a bit more than than two to three, unfortunately. >> It is. I have >> Mrs. Lowry.
053Go ahead. Then Mr. >> Um I just want to say to everyone that is watching the school board meeting especially that are faculty and staff um as I go to visit schools I want people to understand that this administration I like what um you said Dr. Jet about canandoandor and clarity because I feel like people are still a little admin shy um because of the past. So everyone I keep um emphasizing please email your superintendent. She will listen. So I thank you for the cander and the clarity piece because I feel like people may start to branch up out a little bit if they feel like you're a safe space and I feel like you are. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. P. >> Uh, yeah. Uh, thanks for uh for the detailed summary.
054Um, you know, definitely have a lot of a lot of work to do um as a community and as a a school system. Uh, I wanted to ask about the the rank the ranking. um you know, it's uh more out in public now and different things of that nature. And we know we didn't get to that rank just in the last year or whatever. This this goes all the way back to 2006. Um, and um, one thing that I was thinking about and wanting to know just as as I speak with different people in the public and uh, in the community is, you know, the rank is the rank, but what actually encompasses that rank? Is there something that the community and the public can can can actually see the actual context of how that
055ranking actually came about instead of just the number, >> but exactly what categories make up that ranking. >> And I think that would be helpful because I don't think it's just a LCS issue. I think it's a community issue personally. and and if the community can actually see the categories in which we are ranked, um I think that also helps give us something to be able to work towards. Um so it's a twofold so they can see what actually is causing um our issues and how we can um can can can pick that up. So maybe um some type of communication to the public about how we got to that rank and what the categories are would probably be helpful. Yes, absolutely. And we um we hope maybe when we come back to the November
05611th board meeting that the Department of Ed would have released that information. So that'll be great because we could do the accountability accredititation and provide the ranking in terms of what were those components that got us there. So yes, sir, we'll absolutely do that. >> I wasn't going to say anything because like you didn't want to keep us here all night, but here I am extending that. I just want you to know I you have my full support and every day I learn how much more is on your plate. From macroeconomic view, we need to have this out there because when we're at 122 out of 131, Bedford is at 36 out of 12 131. Camel County is about 50 or 55 out of 131. We have people looking to come here to be uh
057professionals coming here and uh to or considering coming here for jobs. And one thing that we need to do is like what you just said. Um this is a community issue because we're going to fall behind the eightball so quickly because people are not going to be moving into this community. They're going to move to Bedford. They're going to move to uh Campbell County. And we need to get ahead of this. And with the cander that you have made mention about uh there's only one way to do it and that's be with total transparency total cander uh and and to be as direct as we possibly can with all the thing with all the information we have available to us. So I I know you're the person to do it and you have my support
058and I just want you to know that um of all the things I've asked you I I don't really mean to make your job more difficult but I appreciate you very much. >> Thank you. Yeah, Dr. Um, you know, kind of piggy banking off what the other board members have said. You know, I I think if there's one issue maybe that we can hone in on, it might possibly be trying to see if we can change the ranking because, you know, people out here in the community just to hear that number uh the perception is is sort of, you know, puts us in a very very ugly position being frank. So, I know we got a lot going on and we're talking about students and their performances and all of that. So, if at all
059possible we could just sort of separate select that one issue and see if we can change the trajectory >> and the perception of that in the community. >> I think that might be helpful to all of us as a board. >> Yeah. >> Again, we don't want to put extra burden on you. >> Oh, no. the the students that's the main thing >> right >> yeah we just stuff >> I I I'm speaking just for myself I think uh to me the key focus is academics >> and we are in business of teaching students and that should be our focus 122 ranking uh we are in company of Petersburg and city of Richmond that's not a bad company but we don't want to be where we are at the bottom of the pile and understand
060the your question is right on dot but to me mostly is academics you know the so scores they go and make up this ranking cuz as you look at the counties and the cities if you look at the ranking bottom is mostly what's the common word among the bottom 10 on that pile is all the word city they're all urban school districts so that's an issue which needs to be resolved as a community uh that all the cities why are they ending up at the bottom of this pile so to me Dr. your only job for next 9 months is to focus on academics and keep away from every distraction. We as school board and as community should keep you away from any and every distraction and focus is as you said to take care
061of the child and their academic progress and success and that should be the sole focus. no drama uh no distractions solely focusing on making the the child's life better academically socially we do it as a community as Mr. PO said, but academically that's our moral and legal responsibility. But thank you for what you do. Uh thank you for being very honest and truthful in all these rankings. I've been on this board for a long time. This is the first time I heard whatever the ranking and however it came about to be. Uh so it's an eye openener. Uh but hopefully we'll we'll we'll resolve this issue uh going forward and this step has to be going up. As Mr. The Paul said Bedford is in 30s, Campbell is in 70s and Ammerst is in 100.
062Uh even three digits are not good but we cannot go to two digits in overnight. It'll take some time. Uh but I think that we know where we are going. The direction the goal is very clear. >> So thank you very much and I appreciate everything you're doing. >> Thank you. >> What's the next item on the agenda? School board member report. Uh >> I was going to say something. >> Go ahead. We've heard our ranking, but not exactly how we've got to that ranking uh other other than it is declined. So, I'd like to learn that. Additionally, I'd like to learn if we're going to have to wait one year to learn what our ranking is again or if they do this quarterly, periodically. I'd like to know when they do that. That's all.
063Thank you. >> Thank you. Next one is uh school board member report. Uh Laurel, uh Mrs. Mrs. Lowry, >> no reported. >> Thank you. Uh, go school. Mrs. Lowry, again, >> we are in the process of >> interviewing for a new director and we will be doing observations next week. >> Next one is academic success committee. Mrs. Lowry, again, >> we have a meeting next Tuesday, so no report as of yet. >> Thank you. Uh next one is uh man the ad hoc achievement gap committee Mrs. Lowry again >> uh the meetings have concluded and uh have been um collected and the next thing on the agenda which I have emailed Dr. Mette and Dr. Davis is a meeting that we need to have to see what we can realistically um look at for the
064solutions to apply to the school system so that we can close the gap for the children in the gap >> in the gap. So you basically taking the committee recommendations to Mrs. Dr. and Dr. Davis and then bring it back to the board. >> Yes. Because we want to work together. We're not coming at the at the uh administration. We want to work together with what's realistic. We have a lot of solutions that we've put down there, but um you've got to do what you can only you're able to do that's realistic. So, um, we're going to remember we're working with the kids in the gap. This is not all parents. It's just the kids in the gap that are struggling the most. How do we close that gap? And that's the focus. But we
065want to do it um without putting a huge burden on the administration and we want to do things that are realistic that can be attained especially those things that can be attained um sooner than others. >> Uh, next one is the STEM Academy. Mr. P. Yeah, thank you. Uh, so the STEM Academy um on November 14th will be holding mock interviews for their students. Um, currently the enrollment is um about 27 seniors, uh, 29 juniors. Uh, seven of those seniors are from Lynchburg. Nine um are juniors from Lynchburg. um those numbers do make up a re a regional um statistic. Um let's see what other updates. Um they'll be having fall break uh October 20 through 21st. So um they're just now getting over that. Um ending their first nine weeks on October 17th that
066just ended. Um I just spoke about the mock interviews and um as far as a financial report, their current revenue is uh $389,100 um encumbered funds of $127 uh,38 um with an available balance of about 222,938,000. Um, that's pretty much uh all we have. We'll have another meeting coming up on November the 11th. Uh um so more to come. >> Thank you. Financing facilities, Mr. Depal. >> Uh we had an update on the CIP project um and its progress. Uh things are going according to plan. Um, we also were it was requested of the board to approve a um uh the ability to seek a change order for some of the things that were being um um um they had to be reorganized. And uh I'm not sure if the full board needs to vote
067on that, but is Travis still okay. Um basically what we did was we we approved his ability to uh uh create a change order. I believe you've done that already. >> So we actually have to revisit that. I I'd sent an email. >> Yes. >> Friday. >> Okay. So, it's I just want to make sure uh you still have the permission to do it, but we need I believe we need the full board's permission to to grant that, but the it came from committee that we approved his ability to go after change orders, go after this particular change order, but it's not in the works yet. So, we still have a little more work to do on it. >> Yeah, we want to revisit that. >> Okay, fair enough. Uh we were updated on access
068control measures as well as metal detectors and uh they creating a a committee of that will include stakeholders in the community as well as they want a board representative to be on this committee to uh with regards to the finance and specifics about uh the security and I was asked to be on it. So to bring that to the board, if anyone else that I will accept that as a nomination, but if anyone else is interested in being on that board or if they need more board members to attend, it should come up to the board for a vote. >> Thank you. Next one is LACR. Mr. Jal. >> Uh yes, we're um looking at the different schedules of our local elected and appointed um officials for a legislative breakfast. But we think that the
069the current election season is needing to be over for any focus to happen. So we're just getting through that right now. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next one is partners in education, Mr. Leen and Dr. Farmer. >> Yeah, I don't have a report. >> You got more to say? >> Same thing. Uh I'm with him on this one. >> It's Dr. Palmer, but go ahead. >> He's on it. Ed education foundation. This is partners. Are you on partners as well? >> No partners. >> Yes, it's partners. It's pi. Go ahead. >> No report. >> Now we have >> now the education foundation, Mr. Depal and Mr. Dil. >> Just that uh the LCS classroom innovation grant application I believe is open uh on the website. There's no other information. Um there is something with partners
070in education though and I if I if I come across it I'll mention it later but uh just the it's something about safety school safety week or mental health month and um maybe we'll bring it up later on. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next one is Beacon of Hope. Uh Mr. Baron and Mr. Paul. >> Yes. So, beacon of hope, continuing to do amazing things. And so, this just got four updates for you guys. This next week is Virginia College Application Week. I'm hearing a lot about this because my son is a senior and getting all his applications and college essay and everything written. So, uh they're actually uh hosting uh this week. It's a statewide initiative that helps seniors complete and submit their college applications with hands-on support from counselors, teachers, and Beacon of
071Hope staff. Uh the week will culminate with on-site admissions day on October 30th when college representatives will meet with students and offer admission on the spot. And last year, as a result of this week, uh LCS students saved more than $40,000 in application fees. That's huge. Um the second thing is campus visits. This month, they've offered college trips to Longwood University and Virginia Tech, providing hands-on exposure to college campuses. Uh and these trips are available for both Heritage and EC Glass students. Thirdly is our hashtag future Fridays. Uh members of define fog realators spoke with students about the real estate industry and the same each month they continue to give students a firsthand look at how classroom learning connects to these real real world careers. So uh really appreciate that. Lastly, we got FAFSA Nights.
072This is uh hosted at EC Glass on November 6th and at Heritage High School November 13th. really important to get the word out about this to be from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. to help support seniors and their families with completing the free application for federal student aid. Uh in addition to their staff that partner with local colleges to provide financial aid representatives who will be available to answer questions and assist throughout the event. So again, great work being done by Beacon of Hope. >> Thank you. Uh next is Student Discipline Committee, Mr. Connor. >> Thank you. Um Mr. chair. Um, we have not had a data review recently because we have had a massive case load. Every Thursday we are averaging between eight, seven, eight cases every Thursday evening. So, um, we've put off the
073data review part. Um, but we are working diligently. Um and we're going to be working with the finance committee looking at some solutions that we need in our alt ed the whole alt ed department. Um but um I want to commend um m Dr. Sumner who is doing an excellent job um putting together the cases are coming together and um I want to also thank um Mr. Baron and Mr. Poe um and Mr. Eileen and Dr. farmer who has um stood in for their support. Um we're really trying to make the our schools a safe environment so that learning um is the priority, but also um finding ways to help those children that also need some additional um disciplinary support. So, um it's probably my busiest committee right now and um I thank I'm thankful
074for operating in it. >> You know, >> yeah, >> I I I'm going out of line, but I thank you for what you do. It's not an easy and Dr. Davis, thank you. >> Uh because uh people on the camera are watching, Mr. Connor is here 4 days a week this week to the admin building for four or five hours at a stretch and uh this is not compensated position but thank you for everything what you do every day taking care of these kids and doing the best what is good for them. So thank you sir. We appreciate everything you do. You know we thank everybody and uh eight cases means you are there for 30 minutes a piece 4 hours uh minimum >> and u so but you fulfill that responsibility uh admirably. So
075thank you very much. >> Uh next one is superintendent comment. Dr. image it >> I will be brief but um that just that just made me giggle in terms of the Mr. Connor piece because I am part of um Mr. Connor and taking some more time for Mr. Connor and Mr. Baron this week >> and I know because I I want to just provide a brief update on strategic plan and they will correct me if I'm wrong but vendor interviews um do begin this week. We have two days of vendor interviews. We had 28 people to uh submit proposals which is huge I think and we're interviewing eight I believe if I'm correct. Um so it's just important work. I just wanted to thank Mr. Connor, Mr. Baron, Miss Jaimes for the countless hours and
076days that you've dedicated and will continue to dedicate to this process of selecting a vendor. Um and it really is a such a critical process. So I I just appreciate all of that because it's going to help and define that roadmap for us for the next five years for Lynburg City Schools. So just wanted to put that out there. And one last piece, I look forward to the start of our student um liaison to the school board next month that we're going to start um tonight and I apologize for the I appreciate everybody's patience I guess for the as this process begins because this is new to me and working with those young ladies. So they will be here beginning next month and really excited dynamic uh ladies from heritage and EC glass. So that's
077all my com comments. >> Thank you. Next one is board comment. Miss Po, I'll come to you, but I'll give it to Mrs. Lowry so I don't forget her. >> ladies first. >> Thank you. I'm enjoying time with my uh mother-in-law here who's got Alzheimer's in Illinois and we're having a good time. My daughter joined me, but um I've been keeping up with things on email and I've been visiting schools, enjoying reading the kids um Halloween books and things like that. So, um, just very thankful to be part of this board and especially going in this new direction with Dr. Majette and all that she's done and her new staff and and those that are still here and just all working together and a I feel like a very upbeat atmosphere. So, thank you for
078everything. >> Thank you, Miss Li, Mr. B. >> Uh, let's see here. Uh, so today is my grandmother's 95th birthday. >> Happy birthday. >> She retired from paying school a while ago. So, happy birthday to her. We'll start it off like that. Um, again, just um going off the heels of uh Mr. Connor that disciplinary committee is is a little rough. Um we were in here at almost 8:00 and started at 3:30 uh last Thursday. So, um but it's meaningful. Um, I actually like being on that committee um and being able to uh connect um you know with with the students and the parents and and um you know I I wish we did not have as many cases and hopefully one day we won't. Um, and it just, you know, really lets me know
079that, um, you know, as you said, we're here in the education business, but unfortunately, um, there there are some other, um, needs, um, that need to be met. And um hopefully um we can figure out a way to give us some more tools to use um um because you know some some of of the issues that we face um uh you know could be coming from from from learning styles from environments and different things of that nature. um class sizes, all different a whole array of issues and um that just you know it's it's it's a front row seat to a eye opener um to to to needs that need to be met for for students. So you know as we work through things um as Dr. Majette said there's so many um things that
080need attention. We can't just focus on one. Uh I appreciate you know um her leadership along with the rest of admin and um what what what's being done and also uh fellow school board members and um just looking forward to um you know it's that that score >> um is what it is but at least we can go up now. So, um, and have a positive attitude and, um, just connect with the community more. Um, even if that means, um, maybe there was a a request for more transparency. Um, so maybe having like a little newsletter that comes out um, you know, once a month or every two weeks to kind of highlight what the board has talked about and you know what what admin has going on um, just so we can be more
081transparent with um, the LCS community as a whole. Um, but I appreciate everybody and can keep up the good work. >> Thank you, Mr. Julie. >> Uh, yes. This is National School Bus Safety Week, so I hope we can grow in our ability to make good reports on that. Uh, it's also the VSBA bullying prevention month and I'd like to read a brief portion of the website on this issue which says VSBA will publicize bullying prevention month in our newsletter on the VSBA website and through social media and will send out a statewide news release urging news organizations to provide coverage of local activities. School divisions are encouraged to issue their own news releases, and it would be helpful if divisions would apprise the VSBA of any related activities taking place in their division. Potential
082activities include adopting a proclamation, utilizing social media, implementing schoolwide activities, or hosting educational workshops. And there's some more there on their website. Also, uh this is the week before the Virginia Association of School Superintendent gathering. So, we can uh just pray for them. I'm not involved with that. It is my mother's birthday today. So, I u >> I'm just appreciative to her and I hope and hope and pray that one day we can celebrate it together again. Um, briefly, visiting schools, the the policy that changed where the board members visit schools and have to report the day before at 12 has not been working out for me in particular. I've had an a handful or two of opportunities to go to schools where I didn't remember the location of the policy and I wanted to
083read it before going and etc etc. And uh I've missed a number of opportunities where I could have gone easily and not having it on my phone uh ready to go. Uh but also uh I have a yearbook that I need to return to place in the library of Dunar Middle School and I don't want to ask the superintendent for permission to take a that's all I need to do is take this yearbook too but to remember the day before when I know a particular day I can go but then I have to remember the day before that I need to report it to go to into the school. It's just not been working out for me. So, I still have the yearbook that I need to take to the library. Um, only members who
084approved or voted in the positive on a motion may bring the issue up again for a vote later on. So, I won't be involved in trying to edit or change this policy, but I just wanted the new board members to know that only you guys who approved it can uh make a change or rescend it in the future. And uh finally, I want to reemphasize that our students need to learn how to learn if they're going to grow and if they're going to get in the groove of educating themselves. They need to learn those details of learning. They need to learn how to store information, how to read, read effectively, do mind mapping. uh they need to have great nutrition, healthy mind, healthy body works together for getting these academics up. And many just a
085little tidbit out there, if you somehow make it a fun day of dressing to impress, they will it will improve their tests. I heard this a couple times where if you have all the students dress up in their best whatever that is on a testing day it will bring the score up automatically across the board uh to a degree it will collectively come across the board as increasing our test for that one simple action probably because of the attention that it brings to to testing and uh and we need to bring LCO LCS ownership to students The students need to feel like they own not only their mascot or their school or their class uh grade, but also the division. If we can somehow get that in their hearts and minds and then exercise and
086minutes off their chairs and outside matters, I think that's a valuable thing to remember as we try to get these students to increase their academics. The last word is would to God that all our students turned out to be as entrepreneurial, as magnaminous, as uh caring and sharing as Charlie Kirk was. So, if anyone continues to bash or slander that name, it's ridiculous. It's unnecessary. And it's actually an ideal name to promote privately, publicly as uh to to students as someone to look up to and to follow in principle many things that uh was publicly shared by his life. So I just wanted to bring that up as as something I'd like to promote uh publicize. Thank you Mr. Depal. Just to reiterate, the main goal of us uh this this organization is education, academics,
087and um it's not going to be achieved without discipline in the classroom and having our students and teachers safe. So, um that's definitely something that needs to occur and I just want to keep it at the forefront uh because we need to educate these these children. >> Thank you, Mr. Conor >> um discuss this um the possibility of having one meeting combined meeting in November on the 11th. They have a lot of people out of town and different things on the 18th. They have one meeting on the 11th that are coming right back on one week later. Um I don't know if we need to bring if I can get a second on that. We can get a vote on that. You're suggesting that in November instead of fourth is an election day. >> Yes.
088>> So normally we have a meeting on the first Tuesday of each month. So there will not be a meeting on 4th of November. In place we'll have a meeting on 11th and third Tuesday is the second meeting which is right back to back. So what you're saying is and then comes to Thanksgiving. >> Yes. >> To combine the two meetings to 11. >> Yes. That's what I would like to make a motion. I don't know if I'm not a parliamentarian. Is this the place to make a motion or we just consensus? Is the is one meeting okay with everybody? >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> Would we do both meetings in different ways or we just going to combine it all? >> Just combine just there'll be just one meeting 18 there will not be.
089So we'll just technically cancel the meeting on 18th >> on theformational item and that's it. >> We'll have public comment and all those things. >> Okay. As long as we I communicate with the public that that's when public comment is going to happen. >> Everything will structure-wise will stay same. >> Okay. >> We have a consensus. Madame clerk, >> would you >> I'm okay with that. >> Mrs. Lowry, would you do we do we need a vote on this thing? >> No, I mean everybody said there was a forward. >> We're good with that. >> Do you want to move the board meeting up to the 11th? >> Yes. >> We combined we cancel the 18th meeting and the board meeting will stay on 11th. Oh, I I see what you're saying. Yes, >> the
090board meeting is moved to 11. >> Okay. >> So, it'll be a bigger meeting. >> That way, we will have the public comments on >> Yes, ma'am. Yeah. Yeah, you're right. Yeah, you just her verbage is correct. >> Yeah, it it will have the whole public comments and everything else. 11th was a work session. >> Anything else? >> Will be it for me. >> Thank you. >> I call you Pastor Nigel. Forgive me for saying that, but go ahead. It's okay. I'm just going to be brief. You know, before we got onto this board, I didn't realize the enormous responsibility that the school board has. And I'm enjoying it because I see that we have an opportunity to make a tremendous impact on the kids. I realize everybody's pitching in, feel the heavy lifting sometimes
091on the superintendent. And all of us are trying to work to the good of these kids. And so I'm I'm hoping and I'm excited that we steer on course and we keep it going. And I you know one of the things as I said early on you know parents they have a perception of maybe what it was in the past and they want to see progress. They want to see that we're making you know progress in this traction. So, I I just again hope that we as a team can put some things on the radar that would signal and indicate that we're making positive uh progress. And I want to thank all of you, the members of the team upstairs. You guys are doing a great job as well. So, let it let us kind
092of keep working together so we can help these young people. >> Thank you, pastor. >> That's all I got. Okay, Mr. B. I've got three things like I do every time. You guys will have them all memorized by the time we're done, but just want to hit them very quickly. First is trust. I just want to commend the level of transparency and communication that has been continually uh asked for, requested, uh talked about. Um and I would just say, you know, if I I know sometimes we're going to get it right, sometimes we're going to get it wrong. It's just kind of the the nature of moving something this big the way we're trying to. And so, uh, if if there's a community member who feels there's a, uh, lack of communication or lack of
093transparency, I just ask for patience and want you to know there's not for lack of desire, but there's a lot going on. Uh, but I really believe uh, we'll see what what's being um, stated is that there's going to be a higher level of transparency and communication and accountability across the board. Um, and I'm all for that. So, uh, second is transition. And that leads into the from from what we just talked about. I want to emphasize and appreciate the report you put together. Uh I just highlight one thing that you put on there was this shared responsibility. When we talk about transition, a lot to do to figure out how to move things the way they need to move. And it's not just a superintendent's responsibility. It's not just a school board's responsibility. Uh
094in fact I would argue in a lot of ways more of the responsibility falls on uh community stakeholders uh because there's so much that you guys can do that the community can do that we're just nine nine people in a board and an administrative cabinet right so I just really want to emphasize that you said shared responsibility emphasize that schools are part of the larger Lynchburg community and long-term success requires collective ownership and investment from all stakeholders parents students community members members, business members, you know, all of it. And so on those lines, that leads me to my last one. Transportation. Um, I'm just going to put it back on the community again. We need bus drivers. And I know it sounds like it's a silly thing to keep coming back to, but you don't
095I don't think people realize. I don't have time to get into it now. How many things are connected to this issue? Issues of trust, issues of of uh uh attendance and truency, uh so many things. Okay. Okay. And I live in a neighborhood where transportation is not there's not choice. I don't the kids in my neighborhood don't have a choice to get to school another way. Parents don't have transportation. Their parents are working. Whatever it is. So it it's not something we can just abide. Like we have people in this community that have freedom of schedule, that have the ability to to to drive. We need people to step up and do it. You can sit and look at the school board and look at the administration and criticize all day long. If you have
096the ability to drive a bus, you should be doing it. That's what I'm going to say to the community as a whole. I did it second. I would I know there's lots of people that would second that. But we need we lost two more this week. The two more that that that uh uh were we're on HR board that that we no longer have. And that's already with a shortage. We need bus drivers. We need people who will willing to step up and say, I'll do something that's not convenient. This is not convenient. so that we can do some things specifically to address uh major issues with our community. So uh please give that more considerate thought and I hope that the applications spike uh every time I say something about this. Thank you. Thank
097you. Um I just have a couple of comments. Uh first comment is just my personal comment. Uh I speak as an individual school board member. Uh the politics has no space in the school system. The kid doesn't care whether which party you belong to, what the color of your skin is. They come and they're everybody's friend and they eat meal with everybody, you know, and that's the they look up to us as being their role model. So, we need to portray uh that uh aptitude, attitude and in our day-to-day functioning uh that we are not biased or opinionated by anything. Having said that, I see Miss Beth is there and I want to yield rest of my time to you. Would you please come to the podium? You did something special last week and you
098need to be recognized. Please do come and could share with the community. You got the camera time now. Uh what you you and your team and the kids did. You know, we talk about kids. Um I asked I permission for Dr. before I recognized you. So go ahead. >> Well, thank you very much. I was here um just as a observer tonight and a supporter of of of all things LCS. Um this month is um uh farmtoschool month and this past week was uh national school lunch week and so in um support of that and in recognition of that we had our first community dinner and thank you um to Dr. Gupta, to Dr. Mette, to Dr. Davis, um to Mr. um uh um Marshall for and to Miss Brown for showing up for what
099I hope was a delicious meal. um and that highlighted um food that was prepared by uh my staff um some volunteers within the community uh and served um featuring local uh produce uh local poultry um and I just think it was an amazing evening that also highlighted some of the talent that is going um from our students. We had a quartet um from uh Heritage High School played. Um we had uh some of the classes at Bedford Hills provided centerpieces that were just beautiful. I think they were more um caught more attention than some of the meals that um people were eating. It was just a really fun evening. Um it's one of three community dinners that um we'll be having uh this year. um a an encore of what we did last year uh
100to highlight the good things that are going on in Lynchburg City Schools and uh the importance of nutrition to the academic and um overall well-being of our students. Um our next community dinner will be on February 12th. Um if you have a loved one, um it will be a romantic evening um centered around a a Valentine's theme, so make it a date night. Um and then we will have our um our uh final uh uh event on May 15th and that will be a picnic style. Um we'll be asking some of you around the table to be u manning the grill stations as we did this past year um to provide a picnic um to just uh celebrate the the uh the end of the year and it's another successful year. Um it's a pleasure,
101it's an honor to um direct our school nutrition program. We are here to partner with the um the academic instructional um team uh the school um uh school uh um uh support systems for our students. Um and I truly truly do believe that nutrition is at the heart of um and the foundation of our children's success. So thank you Dr. Gupta. I really was not prepared for this tonight. Um but thank you. Thank you very much for your support. I just may add uh you for everybody who's watching it and I saw it and I'm going to snitch on you Dr. Um we were eating dinner and three four young men were trying to collect you know in young days we used to do you got a dollar you got 50 cents let's put money
102together so we can eat and buy a meal and somebody sitting beside me saw that and their hand went into their purse and pretty soon those young men and women were buying food. So thank you for doing that. Appreciate everything you do. That's remarkable. That needs to be acknowledged and told to people. Thank you. Thank you. >> Next one is the close session. Um pursuant to Virginia Code 2.2-3711A1, the school board needs to convene a closed meeting for the purpose of discussing the following specific matters. The superintendent evaluation goal setting. Is there a motion to go into close session? >> Motion. Second. >> Madame clerk, would you please call the role? >> Mr. Baron? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alain? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Li. >> Mr. Lowry. >> She may have already. >> Yes. >>
103Mr. Connor. >> Yes. >> Dr. Gupta. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Depal. >> Yes. >> Julio. >> Yes. >> Mr. Poe. >> Yes. Motion passes. >> Thank you. We'll go upstairs for the close session. We'll come back.