001Tonight's a little different. I don't see that they start with the gaff. We'll get to that in a minute. Um, >> do I hear Oh, see this is why I don't do this. Uh, do I hear a motion to come out of close session? >> So move. >> Mr. Pagano with the motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Mr. Rhymer with a second. You guys have some ties going on. Um, Miss I'm much better superintendent than I am on the board. Go ahead, >> Mr. Fagano. >> I'm for the motion. >> Yes. >> Hi, >> Miss Jun. >> Hi, >> Mr. Droski. >> Hi, >> Mr. Bad. >> Hi. >> And Mr. Rhymer. >> I >> Mr. Rhymer, could you please read the certification of close session? Whereas the new Kent County School
002Board has convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative reported vote and in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. And whereas section 2.2-3711 2-3711 of the code of Virginia requires the certification by the new Kent County School Board that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law. Now, therefore, be it result that the new Kent County School Board hereby certifies that to the best of each member's knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirement by Virginia law were discussed in closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies and only such public vision matters as were identified in the motion convening closed meeting were discussed or considered by the new county school board. >> Mr. Robert, you never let me down with that.
003Um, do I hear a motion to approve the certification of the closed session? >> So moved. >> Mr. with the motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. Miss Dumbroski, Miss Davis, >> Mr. Kagano. >> I, >> Miss Gun. >> I, >> Mr. Tumbroski. >> I, >> Mr. B. >> I, >> and Mr. Rhymer. Right. If you please join me as we rise for the 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 liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. May be seated. This is the school board's reorganization meeting. So that's where we'll start, which is why I'm running the first part of this show, which I will gladly give up in just
004a second. Um, so board members, it is time for the reorganization of school board/appointments. Uh, we'll start with the chair. Uh, upon election, the chair will take over the meeting. So, do I hear a motion to nominate a chair? >> I nominate Keith Vagono. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> Second. We have a second. Are there any other nominations? Okay. Hearing none, we'll take a vote uh for the chair. >> Miss, >> Mr. Pagano, >> I miss Kuno. >> I >> Mr. Rosski. >> I >> Mr. B. >> I >> and Mr. >> I 5 Z. We have a chair. >> Congratulations, Mr. Pano. >> Thank you. Gladly yours. Yeah. >> All right. So, we're moving on to taking nominations for vice chair. Do I hear a motion to nominate a vice chair? >>
005I nominate Heather May Dumbrossski. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Do I have any other nominations? All right, Miss Davis. Nominations being closed. Please pull the board. >> Mr. Pagano, >> I. >> Miss Kuna. >> Hi, >> Mr. Hi, >> Mr. Ba. >> I >> and Mr. Rhymer. >> Hi. >> Motion passes unanimously. We have a new vice chair, Madame Dumbrosski. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> And we now move on to the appointment of clerk and deputy clerk. My fellow board members, do I have a motion to reappoint Miss Johanna Davis as clerk and Dr. Brian Nichols as deputy clerk of the new county school board? >> So moved. >> Mr. Rhymer has the motion. Do I have a second? Second has the second. Miss Davis, please pull the board. >> Mr.
006Vagano, >> I. >> Miss Junior, >> I. >> Mr. Broki, >> I. >> Mr. Bet. >> I. >> And Mr. Ryder. >> I. >> Motion passes unanimously. Moving on to the adoption of the code of conduct. Do I have a motion to adopt the code of conduct for the school board members and the school board clerks? >> Mr. Droski has the motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Miss Kuna has a second. Miss Davis, please pull the board. Mr. Kagano. >> Hi, >> Miss Kuna. >> Hi, >> Mr. Dumbroski. >> Hi, >> Mr. Ba. >> Hi. >> And Mr. Rhymer. >> Hi. >> Motion passes unanimously. The code of conduct has been adopted. >> All right, Dr. Nichols, back at you, sir. >> All right. Yes, sir. It is time for recognitions, and
007that is what most of people are here for. Um, so our first recognition, it is principles appreciation week. Technically, that was last week, but our board meeting did not fall uh with it. So we have five fantastic principles that really drive team new. When we talk about all the work we've done and what graduates are doing, it's because we have great leadership. Um and somebody once told me that leadership matters and I could not agree more. Um so Miss Davis, I would say we, but it's not really we. Miss Davis worked really hard to put together a thank you from us. Uh, it includes some of the favorite snacks. But I think the coolest thing is we got letters or your students wrote letters to you talking about the impact that you've made at their
008school. So, uh, you want to keep those in your drawer for those hard moments and those times where it gets tough. Uh, because, uh, they wrote some beautiful, very true things about you. So, we do want to celebrate those and give those to you. So, >> this is Yeah, we got make sure we don't mix this up. Uh, so, Mr. Derek, we have yours. We did read them ahead of time so they should we have Dr. OJ. All >> right, Mr. Fudge. >> Kids, they write funny stuff. >> I got >> And last but not least, >> you could have little bags for your assistant principles as well, too. if you want to grab those on the break because I forgot to do it while you come out. All right, so that's pretzel appreciation. So
009next up, we're moving too. >> You're good. >> You're fine. So each year we get to um recognize teachers of the year and it's probably the hardest thing we do because we have so many fantastic teachers um in this organization. So we do want to celebrate them again tonight. we were able to surprise them in their classroom. Um, we interrupt math tests, we interrupt whatever's going on. Um, and we had a great time doing it. We'll also celebrate them again at the end of the year with team new night. So, uh, we have special gifts for you and a one of a kind. Actually, not one of a kind because there's five of them. Most people don't get this special pin. You know, we love our pins. Um, and so we have a special pin
010for you. So, we're going to start at the high school and we're going to recognize history teacher extraordinaire, student council, group magician, uh, and also swim dive coach and 9,000, uh, other things. And very few people can outshoe me, but when you see him come up, I think he did it tonight. So, that's is Mr. Josh Bell. I think he did get you with us. >> I lost you. I have I don't have that spark. >> We're going to work on that. >> Okay. >> So, uh, our amazing teacher of the year at New Middle School, uh, teaches seventh grade. He's also our English lead. Um, and that doesn't even do justice to all of the things that he does to impact the culture in that building. So, uh, and he's also a William Mary
011alum, so we have a soft spot for that, too. So, go try. And that's no none other than Patrick K. >> All right, our next teacher of the year, when we surprised her, she's going to love this. Uh she was in a full Grinch outfit. So imagine the superintendent and the whole team coming into your classroom and you are dressed as a Grinch. Uh it was absolutely amazing. I miss but she does incredible job teaching second grade. Um and if you go in your classroom, you feel seen. Um and you're definitely going to learn a whole lot. So congratulations to Katie Brill. So, and words cannot describe our next teacher of the year because she really does it all. So, to say teacher, I don't know that it does it justice uh to the impact
012that Sabrina Dunn has on UK Elementary. So in our database, she's a special education teacher, but the impact she has on kids just far u outreaches any title that we could put on. So I don't know how we do what we do without Sabrina. So congratulations, Sabrina. So, last but not least, uh we have our George Watkins teacher of the year. Um she also happens to be our division teacher of the year. So, when you think about how hard it is to pick a teacher, imagine how hard it is to pick the division teacher of the year because we have five of them um in this room. Um I got to sit down with her today. We recorded our team UK talks podcast and we really just uh I don't know that I've laughed that
013much. Um if you want to feel good about education and what's right with the world uh just have a conversation with Amy Leonard. So she has over 31 years of teaching experience in New Kent. Um so there is a teacher of the year in this room who was taught by her. So, sparkling to shine. Credit goes to Amy Glenn. >> So, we interrupted her class twice. Once for teacher of the year, which they were taking a math test. Um, and then we came back again. Um, and she's just an incredible presence. Um, not only does she do a great job teaching her students, but now she's teaching teachers to teach. Um and we have um a teacher with us that's now a Quinton uh who was just her teacher in residence. So she is grown
014teachers uh literally and figuratively because her daughter is a future teacher um who today uh she may not know it yet but got an unofficial offer uh to teach. So she's hired. So congratulations Amy Leonard. I love that. >> So Amy gets a couple extra things. So she gets the teacher of the year piece. So she gets that and she gets the pen, but there's also a division teacher of the year pen which has three stars on it. And she gets this really cool >> thing. Trophy trophy stars. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> And family members, when we uh do our recess, you'll have time to take pictures and do all those kind of things. We can do that then. Um so um it's just a big award night. So before the holidays came,
015we received word that one of our own was being uh given an incredible award that I don't know that anybody here has received before. Um and that makes sense because I don't know we've ever seen anybody like her before. Uh so Melissa George is at Quinton Elementary. Um it says teacher, but she's wow so much more. Um so she received the gamecher award from the council of exceptional children um for her outstanding work serving new kent. Uh she works with our county's highest need students um in her classroom. She's constantly thinking creatively. The work that she does with students and where they start and where they end is nothing short of phenomenal. So, uh, when they say game changer, I think that almost adequately describes what she does every day because she changes the game
016for kids, she changes games for family, and she also coaches and supports other teachers. So, uh, we're incredibly lucky to have a game changer among us, and I know she makes us better, she makes me better. Um, and you learn anytime you're with her about what is possible uh, with students and some of our toughest students. So, want to say congratulations and thank you to Melissa George. >> Just to tie it together, Melissa George is also a former >> teacher of the year. >> Our next recognition because we don't have a slide for it. Okay. Uh so our next recognition is coming uh from another team new member. Um and that is the uh coming from SSC. So uh >> okay John, you gonna help me out with this one? Sure. >> Okay. I thought
017I had a pinch hitter on this one. So you always defer to expert. So Mr. John Smith leads um SSC which is our custodial department. They have a gem award which is I'm stealing your show. >> Yes. Okay. >> Okay. I'm good. >> I turn it over to Mr. John Smith and John. Floor is yours. >> Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I we are so glad to be here with you guys and to all of the teachers and the principles who have won your awards. Congratulations on behalf of SSC as well as myself. and and appreciation is is greatly something that's very important because I think every person needs to be appreciated for what they do. I have an employee uh well I have many employees that that do well uh but part of our
018appreciation is we have an employee that every single month I award someone as what's called gym of the month and the gym stands for great employees make magic and what that stands for is that we want to let those employees who are not just coming to work punching in going back home but somebody who can take that extra step in owning that building owning your school that where if they do what they do, then these teachers and these students can have a what we call a great learning environment, a safe, clean working environment. Uh, and so Mr. William Brown is is an employee of ours who has been working with SFC for 5 years here and he's been working at he works at George Watkins Elementary School and uh this year um he had gotten
019a couple awards but he came every month we then award someone a gym of the year um and so he was selected by me um as being the gym of the year and this was partly part of um my observation of him how he owns a school at George Watkins Elementary and his principal at that school who uh just rave about him all the time uh saying I better not let him leave. >> Yes. Mr. K said you better not let him leave. I'm going to have to pay the price if he ever leaves. So, but uh he's done a great job. He owns the school. Um and I think George Watkins Elementary is probably one of the oldest if not oldest schools in our district here. >> Uh but it's one of the schools
020that shows the best um for being at his age. He he he always owns it and anytime there's been some of the things that I've noticed that um and you know in in our industry there there are call shoes and anytime that I've had a call out in his school and I will call him up and said, "Well, um I'm going to send you so and so to help you out." He says, "No, Mr. Smith, I got it. I mean, he has never let me send anybody to cover for him. He's always ensured that his school would be clean and that Miss K would be taken care of and that she's always happy. So, as a result of him winning that uh gym of the year, um Mr. Whim was awarded $250 that came from
021my um and then as a result of Mr. win that gym of the year from me. His name went into a hat for regional gym of the award uh with my RDO. She placed his name into that hat and then out of quite a few custodians throughout the region. Um he won that. Uh so his name came up that he won the regional which uh he was awarded $500 uh for for being the great employee that he was. And as a result of that um his name went into another hat uh for the uh gym award of the district. I mean we have many districts uh throughout SSC uh in in you know K12 schools and as a result of his name going into that hat um he won that. >> Um so he was
022awarded $1,000. So he had a very nice Christmas. Help me congratulate William for all of his awards. And then I've done as a result of William winning the gym of the district award. SSC also would like to award New County School $1,000. I would like to say I want to thank you for your partnership and allowing SFC to be your custodial services. We greatly appreciate that and we don't take that lightly. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So Jeb is great employees make magic. >> Yes. And and William makes magic all he has poor choice in football teams. He makes magic at school. I mean he truly does like when he's there. U so if it's great employees make magic. Let's make a little more magic tonight. Uh New County Public Schools is going to
023give you William this $1,000. William, the bank won't take this one, but we're we'll connect with you after. The work you do is absolutely unbelievable. So, I can't thank you enough. Can >> Can they put his name in a national award? >> William, let's talk about the playoffs and since either of our teams are in it. There we go. Thank you. I I believe that concludes. >> All right. Thank you, Dr. Nicholas. Everybody, we are going to take a recess for a few minutes. For those who want to take pictures and or depart, now's your time. Thank you. Bye. >> All right, everybody. We are back in session. The next item on the agenda is our consent agenda. Board members, you have had the opportunity to review the items listed on that agenda, including meeting
024minutes from the December 25th regular meeting, monthly financials for November 2025, as well as the superintendent's recommendations earlier in the closed session regarding approximately 10 personnel matters. Do I hear a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented? >> So moved. >> Miss Kuna has the motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Misski has the second. >> Mr. Davis I >> Miss Kuna. >> Hi, >> Mr. Sowski. >> I >> Mr. Blet. >> I >> and Mr. Ryer. >> Hi. >> All right. Moving on to new business. Dr. Nichols. Appointment of school board members to various committees and external boards. Sir. >> Yes, sir. Board members. Um, in your packets, you have received um your current uh committees and boards that you belong to. Um, so we want to verify those tonight. Um,
025and if there are any changes, please let us know and uh we'll make those changes before you uh approve them. So, I open the floors of discussion if there anything that you'd like to see. Should >> any board member have a conflict or want to make a change? Shabbat. >> Yeah. I um I think it's a good idea that uh even for the PTO's um representation to uh to change representatives just to become more familiar with that school andor the folks there. So, um, of course, this move would require that fellow board members would be in agreement with that, but I would like to see us do that as opposed to leaving it as it is. Uh, I also um want to publicly apologize for not being able to be more proactive and involved in
026um the organizations that I was assigned last year due to uh obvious medical issues. And um um that being said, if there is one that I'm on that one of you would like to serve, um I welcome that as well. >> Mr. Chair, >> please. I am uh a mom of a a senior at New High School and serve on the PTO as the teacher appreciation pair. So I will not be giving up my position if I can stay for one more year. That would be great. Maybe next year I'd be willing to do something different. >> Forget it. It's not this year. Okay, that's one down. >> Mr. Vaude, I don't know that I would necessarily want to take your position, but perhaps I would join you on bridging communities. I have a keen
027interest in a couple of programs and how that's developing. >> Um, yes, and I I welcome that. So if that's, you know, if that's something that you have an interest in, um, I've served on that actually the last two years. Yes, sir. >> So, um, I'd be more than happy. It's a a a brilliant organization and situation there. So, yeah. >> All right. Anyone else? >> Uh, Mr. Chair, just just as a just as as an observation, I just want to point out that both the Quinton Elementary School PTO meetings and George Watkins are on the third Tuesday at 6:00, well 5 6 and 5:30 and when we have usually a work session, it's it conflicts. So, we can't attend those meetings um because we are at the work session. So, just something to keep
028in mind. >> Absolutely. Thank you. >> All right. Any other board member have any input, changes, suggestions? >> Mr. Ryber, would you be interested in changing your position on the um middle school PTO? >> Sure. >> For what? >> But right now, you're on two, I believe, Mr. R. Yeah. So, >> why don't you uh Well, I would I would like to uh I would like to move to the uh as a represent a representative to the New Kent Middle School PTO. >> Okay. >> If that's if you're good with that. >> Fine. And are we exchanging? >> Yeah, that would open up George Watkins. >> Yes, m >> Mr. Chair, I don't mind being on two PTO committees if if no one else was to. It's really >> it's really a problem. Well, >>
029those are the ones that >> I know it's the same day and it's the same day. So, I can't be at two places three places. >> Yeah. >> Well, I can tell you what's not available. The high school. >> Yes. >> That's been made that's been made abundantly clear. Well, I don't particularly want to go to Clinton because it's a long drive for me. Uh >> yeah. >> So, I'm good with what I have, you know, with if unless you want to do another PTO, you do uh New Kent Elementary School. Although I kind of like that group. >> I'd be happy to do that. No, I mean I was talking to >> Oh, Helena. >> Yeah, >> she was asking about swapping and >> I'm just offering, you know, I >> I I'm good
030with what I've got. >> Right. I'm okay. If Mr. uh VA, if you'd like to switch, you and I could switch. >> Yeah. You want to do that? >> You want to switch >> Quinton and GW? >> Sure. >> Okay, let's do that. >> Okay. >> Then that fills the >> Yeah. >> Fills the void. That's awesome. Thank you. Sure. >> All right. So, all open issues resolved, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Just so I can clarify, are you and Mr. Vault going to stay on bridging? >> Yes. >> And then I have Mr. VA's going to be a Clinton PTO, Miss Kuna at George Watkins PTO, and Mr. VA at New Middle School PTO. Yes. >> Leaves elementary Newton Elementary for Mr. Ryber and Newan High School for Mr. Drosski. That's correct.
031>> All right. Sounds like we got that squared away. Next up is Miss Morgheim. Fiscal year 27 budget update, please. Mr. Chair, members of the board, Dr. Nichols. Uh, here we are again. I feel like we don't ever stop talking about budget. So, um, just a couple quick points on things we do know at this time. Um, we did receive a Cal tool from the state based on the governor's recommended budget. Our local composite index, our LCI increased from 4391 to4550. our ADM this year, if you remember, we budgeted in the current year 3500, which was conservative on purpose. Um, next year I'm looking at potentially budgeting 3,620, which hopefully is also a little conservative. Um, but we'll kind of see how that goes over the next couple months um before we really settle into
032that number. >> State revenue increase. >> Can I jump in just for clarification? So our LCI going up, just remember when your LCI goes up, you receive less state funding because the locality has been deemed able to offset more. So that is not good news. >> No. And this comes when with news that New Kent County is getting less revenue next year. >> So yeah, so the the LCI going up puts us in a hole to stop. It's great news that by that calculation the county is doing better, but it's not good news for a school that uh depends on on state funding. So, it's not a ton um but it is not u ideal for us. So, sorry, Miss Moh. >> No, that's perfect. >> Sometimes you think something going up is good. This
033is the inverse. >> Yeah, it's the local ability to pay. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um our state revenue increase with those two figures if if they stay the same, the ADM is about 1.6 million. So, that's new dollars coming in from the state. Um, that may seem like a lot, but that also, um, includes a proposed 2% adjustment. Here we go again. We've had this conversation before. You know how this works for SOQ funded positions. And there's a match for that locally that we need to provide. Um, the 2% adjustment from the state of that 1.6 that we received is about $359,000. Um, if we were using last year's budget, it would cost about 700,000 for that same 2%. So, you figure that that's a big portion of the 1.6. Um, also, we have been
034having some preliminary conversations with our health healthcare consultants and like a lot of other localities, we are going to see an increase. Um, the first number I received was 15%. I do believe that we will get that down. I will most likely budget around 7%. Um hopefully we'll get even a little bit lower than that. Um that's a timing thing and when we're running our projections, we had a change in our plan year. Uh so the health of the plan is still really good. It's just a um a little bit of adjusting that we need. Um VRS rates are going down. So that will help to offset a little bit of the um healthcare increase with that rate going down. that will save us a little bit of money. Um, we have had budget forums.
035We hosted one in each school. We hosted one up here for all staff at Nestal and transportation employees. We did have a community budget forum. Thank you all for some of you attending. Um, we are still finalizing position requests and we will continue to work through that process and when we come back in February, we'll have a little bit more detail just around um kind of our recommendation to you and and moving forward with our ask the county. Um, one other thing to note, there is a proposal in the caboose budget for a 2% onetime bonus. Um, that's something that we're watching. There is a local match requirement for that as well. Again, you know, hundreds of thousands of dollars. Um, so we just would need to consider where would that funding come from locally
036in the current year. >> And that's in the current year that we've been that out. So that's not even a forecast. Uh >> um I will say just throwing out there, you know, when we hear about a community tax increase that that figure that was presented the other day is around $630,000 um coming into the operating budget. So, just for folks at home, you know, hearing talk of that type of an increase, um hopefully there's some folks out there that would support that type of an increase for schools. Um that just wanted everyone kind of to know what that dollar amount would be. >> And as we went through a deposition request, what you'll see board members when we we get into that in the next uh meeting session, those come from the people working
037directly on the front line. And I will tell you, if we were to put all those budget requests in front of you, it would be far more than the 1.7 million we've got for the state u just in terms of growth in need, growth in uh uh teachers and and the different support positions related to it. So, um I don't know that we ever sit here and go, "This is going to be a great budget year." Um, but this is probably not going to be the best uh budget year, but we'll find out uh when House and Senate crossovers at crossover, we'll have a good idea of what our state revenue will be. Right now, this is the governor's budget. Um, I think we're setting records at the general assembly now with bills. Um, so
038we anticipate that budget being very different. Um, hopefully it'll be net positive for us. We'll bring that to you as soon as we can, Mr. Mr. R. >> Yes. uh pressure on classroom sizes. Uh are we getting uh any pressure that would uh you would impact our uh evaluation from the state in terms of quality? I missed the first part. Classroom sizes. >> Classroom sizes I think are still fairly well. Mr. Miller, I'm looking um to him. I know that we we have um tried to keep that. No, I I >> that's a high tool. So, we're definitely committed to that 100 or so. >> Good, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes. >> Um I'm sure you'll be sharing with us um the costs associated with improving student outcomes and I I'd be curious to know
039where the focus is going to be this year as far as it relates to students uh needs. I know we talk a lot about building needs and staff needs, but um hopefully we'll be getting from you specifics on what our students need to continue to excel um and opportunities that maybe we can offer them um as they're exploring their pathways in the E3 goals. >> Absolutely. That's something we're always focused on. I will remind the board that, you know, the current year budget is at about 85% salary and benefits. >> Yes. >> Um I'm not saying there's not room for other things. We would obviously um just need to make sure that we're prioritizing those things. Um and a staff is a big part of what drives our student needs. And um so I would
040definitely advocate for that of course and increasing our 3DS and anything we do. I think it's just advocating for that additional funding. >> And just to clarify, Miss K, when I say staff needs, I mean staff needs to open up student pathways, right? Not so that's that's really we have a couple of examples of open up new pathways for kids, but you got to have that staff member. So, >> sure. >> Sometimes shifting that person over to be able to do those things, >> right? >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> All right. Anyone else? >> Thank you, Morgan. continue. >> Speaking of opening up paths, Mr. Miller, course requests, first reading. >> Yes, Mr. Chair, members of the board, Dr. Nichols. Um, speaking of opportunity, um, towards the end of the fall, we had a
041meeting at the high school regarding mathematics and our math pathways. And in that discussion, we were talking through what are different options for students as far as getting into dual enrollment coursework at the high school. So that's course work where they're getting getting both high school and college credits and what's the best pathway we could make for them. And one of the things we were running up against was the course the pathway that we currently had really to before you got into dual enrollment you needed to have an extra prerequisite of of basically a course trigonometry and um which puts it off for basically another semester before you start getting those courses. And in working with Rapahhanic Community College, we identified that we could actually um subsume the the trigonometry content into two credit two
042courses they already offered. And so what we're doing is here is we're splitting a current course that we have into a year-long two courses which will get more college credits for the students and embeds the trigonometry um content into it. And so it gets them into dual enrollment faster, gets them more college credits, and gives them a a longer sort of time frame to work through that content, which is going to give them a better base uh as we move forward. So what I'm bringing to you today is two requests. And so basically, first is a dual enrollment pre-calculus um with with math analysis and then a dual enrollment pre-calculus trade um and for approval. I think tonight is first uh first first read. Um but happy to answer any questions that you may have.
043>> Thank you, Mr. Miller. >> Yep. >> Any questions? >> No, I I just want to applaud you. Thank you for figuring that out. Yeah. Um so that they can take advantage of that. >> And I just have one out of curiosity. What if we offer any other calculus courses at this time? >> Yeah. So currently we offer um the dual enrollment freakout um that we currently offer which um which is we're splitting and then above that we have uh dual enrollment calculus and currently this year we're doing statistics. Um some years we also are and that's a dual enrollment statistics. Some years we also offer dual enrollment data uh data analysis and it doesn't have as much of a sort of student draw as the others and so we really look at sort of
044our student request as to which one we're going to operate any one year but usually calculus and statistics with them. >> Thank you Mr. Miller. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next item on the agenda Dr. Nichols is the Cox easement request. >> Yes sir. This came to us uh so this came to us through the county um and is permission asking permission for an easement. Uh the county owns potentially 100% of this land but we may own u a small portion of it um at New Kent Elementary cutting across the parking lot with parent pickup. Um it is to get to the station uh that is back in the woods. Um, so it would cause no issues with our daily operations and I think the most important thing it would also cause no issues
045with future new Kent elementary school construction. So we worked with that with our architect on that to make sure um with the county the county approved their portion of it at their last board meeting. Um, our attorneys are working together on this to make sure that everything uh lines up. So we do easements uh quite often. Um, this is one that is coming that has to come before you. >> This is something the county wants us to do. >> Yes, sir. I think they would be favored. >> We can get more money out of them if we defer to you on that one. So, but this this is um like I said, it does not cause any interruption to us. Um, >> but Dr. N, when you say interruption, can you just clarify? So, this
046would the easement would not be in the footprint of any proposed project that we have? >> No, sir. at at best it is it would be under um a potential parking lot or playground but where we any way we situate the building as we've done on the current property it does not run it runs closer to the permanent softball field uh than anything which is out of our >> and they're looking for a perpetual easement to get to their substation. >> Yes. >> All right. Anyone have any questions or concerns? All right. Thank you, Dr. Nichols. Mr. Toby Davis, you are up, sir. Student school board representative presentation, the pillar project. >> Good evening. Good evening, members of the school board, administration, and guests. Thank you for the opportunity to share my presentation with you
047tonight. The Pillar Project is a student- centered framework designed to strengthen our school culture by connecting academics, activities, community service, and leadership under a shared vision rather than creating something entirely new. This project builds on what already exists at Buchanan High School and aligns it around a clear set of values that support every student. Pillars are important because they give us a common language and direction. At a public high school, students participate in many different activities, clubs, and programs. The pillar project helps ensure that regardless of where students are involved, they are all working towards shared goals that reflect who we are as a school. These pillars provide consistency, reinforce expectations, and help students understand that academics, character, inclusivity, and service are not separate ideas, but connected parts of their overall high school experience. The
048pillar project is built around four core pillars which we refer to as Rick that is readiness, inclusivity, character and community outreach. Together these pillars represent the skills, values and experiences we believe every new high school student graduate should leave with. So these are the four uh pillars. So postc career readiness that's preparing uh each and every student to excel after graduation and to take on one of the three E which is en enroll enlist or employ. And then there's embracing inclusivity which is creating environments where everyone can feel valued, respected and able to participate fully. And then there's community outreach which is an uh encourage sorry encouraging community outreach means creating opportunities for students to engage with and support the local community and that strengthens the school's connection to those it serves. And lastly improving
049character developing the values and behaviors that guide students to make responsible, respectful, and ethical choices. It includes traits like integrity, empathy, resilience, and accountability. Many of the things we already do at Newan High School already align with these pillars. For example, the new Kent Christmas Mother program reflects community outreach by uniting students to support local families during the holidays. It also creates opportunities for the inter club collaboration which groups like DECA and SGAA organizes drives promoting participation and coordinating events together. This type of collaboration strengthens both inclusivity and community by bringing students together around a shared purpose. Interub collaboration is a key piece of the pillar project. When clubs work together towards shared goals, every organization has a voice and students feel more connected across groups. Similarly, combining academic, athletic, and arts awards in the
050same ceremonies reinforces inclusivity by recognizing all forms of student achievement equally. It sends a clear message that every talent contri contribution matters and that success looks different for every student. Another readiness opportunity is the idea of diploma seals. Diploma seals encourage students to pursue advanced skills, be higher standards, and build strong portfolios for life after high school. Earning a seal demonstrates preparation of per for college careers or other post-secary pathways. I recognize that diploma seals may be unfamiliar to some and I would welcome the opportunity to work with Principal Strickland or Dr. Nichols to explore how existing seals are earned and whether a pillar aligned seal could be a future possibility. You also see Trojan navigators which align with both community and character. These students support teachers and peers through hands-on classroom assistance, helping create
051a positive learning environment while building responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills. Looking ahead, we have several future ideas that could help expand the pillar project. First, we have Trojan helpers. The children helpers would act like um basically like line helpers at the middle school. Uh they would provide classrooms with both within both the elementary school and middle school. Students could also help with tasks around the building like making copies or cutting out things for teachers, whatever they may need. Um, another idea is a new high school exclusive internship. New high school exclusive internships would give students an opportunity uh to internship places without having to be part of other school programs like bridging through RCC. The internship would provide valuable experience for those parting uh partaking in the internship. And then there's also the superintendent seal
052which is a seal created by Dr. Nichols to recognize excellent excellence in all categories to unite groups of exemplary students over common achievement. As this project moves forward, we envision a thoughtful roll out introducing the pillars to students, building excitement through clubs and student leaders and gathering input along the way. We also recognize potential challenges. For example, ensuring inclusivity requires us to address barriers such as bullying or unequal access to opportunities. Being intentional about these conversations is essential to the success project. At this stage, we are seeking guidance, feedback, and support from the board as we continue refining the pillar project and exploring the next steps. Thank you for your time and your continued support of new high school and its students. I appreciate the opportunity to share the pillar project. I would be happy
053to answer any questions or give your feedback. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Davis, board members. I would just like to commend this board on their choice of Mr. Davis to do what he's doing. Uh he's obviously um the right choice and uh I'd like to commend you. I I am assuming that the three of you pulled this together. Is that correct? >> Yes. This this was not just me. This was two other people, two great SGA students, Landon Evson, Marley Monroe. Yeah. We all worked together and created this. I I think it's um amazing. It really um I like seriously commend you on on pulling this together and the thought and the creativity that goes in and the inclusivity. Um a lot of times as we well know athletes are recognized for their accolades
054which well they should be uh but not so much the academic successes >> and it's good to see that that whole realm of success at every facet of school is included. So thank you. >> Yes of course >> please board I want to let you remind you that this is completely studentled and driven. There are adults in the room sometimes, but we're just there as sort of guard rails. And um you give our incredible students like Toby uh Landon and Marley runway and they're going to come up with something that you couldn't even dream of. Yeah. Um so I've gotten to see several versions of this and it was amazing the first time. It just keeps getting better. Um, so I just want to say thank you, uh, because I know a lot of fun
055work went in and also say thank you because it's not easy to stand up there >> and, uh, you got an applause and Ross Miller never has some fault. >> So I just want to, you know, you're already ahead of of Ross. So congratulations. >> Thank you. And if I'm just going to add real quick, I had the opportunity to attend when they presented to the teachers and it was phenomenal and just extremely impressed. Could never imagine a million years doing that. So, keep up the great work. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Chair. Please, >> just quickly, I I want to say that Landon and Marley were two other amazing candidates that we had for this position and we has a such a difficult job selecting. Obviously, Toby, you were a great choice, but I
056just want to say that we knew that Landon and Marley would do great things uh at the high school and they're proving that right here. So, thank you. >> Great job. Thank you, Mr. Davis. We look forward to hearing next steps. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next item on the agenda is unfinished business. Mr. Rhyr, civics's followup. Sir, >> may I move to table this item to the next subject? >> You most certainly can. I have a motion to table this item to the next work session which I believe is a February date. Do I have a second? >> A second. >> Miss Kuna has the second. Miss Davis, please pull the board. >> Mr. Vano, >> I. >> Miss Kuna, >> I. >> Mr. Stumbroski, >> I. >> Mr. Blet, >> I. >>
057And Mr. Rhymer. >> I. All right. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you, Mr. Rhymer. >> Citizen comments are next. We have had no signups. Is that correct? All right. Moving on to our action items. board one of two action items. The first one is do I have a motion to approve the school board members appointments to the various committees as discussed earlier? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Mr. Drosky has the motion. Mr. Rymer has the second. Miss Davis, please pull the board. >> Mr. Pano >> I. >> Miss Puna. >> I. >> Mr. Broski. >> I. >> Mr. Bad. >> I. >> Mr. Ryer. >> I. All right. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you. And then our final action item is our do I have a motion rather to approve the Cox easement request as presented.
058>> So moved Kuna has the motion. Do I have a second? >> All right. Without a second, we won't move forward on this item. Does anybody have any further discussion or questions >> with regard to this, Mr. Chair, or anything else? >> No. this this particular item. All right. Without a second, there's no action taken on this item tonight. >> Mr. Chair. >> Sure. If I may, um, would it be possible with the permission of Mr. Miller or would there be any interest in moving the course request from a first read to an action item tonight that we won't have to revisit that at a later date? I don't think there's any issues or concerns. So, if that's uh feasible and possible, I make a motion that we move that I I had the same
059thought earlier. Mr. Vault, go ahead and make your motion, sir. >> Yeah, I I make a motion that uh we move the course requests um from new business to the consent or action items to be voted on tonight for approval. >> I I second that motion. Miss Davis, please pull the board. >> Mr. Pano, >> I. >> Miss Kuna, >> I. >> Miss Dumbroski, >> I. >> Mr. Bod, >> I. >> And Mr. Riner, >> I All right. That m uh motion passes unanimously which means that is now an action item. So do I hear a motion to approve the course request as presented by Mr. Miller? >> So moved. >> All right. Mr. Rhymer has the motion. Miss Kuna has the second. Miss Davis pull the board please. >> Mr. Mcano >> I. >>
060Miss Kuna. >> I. >> Mr. Trosky. >> I. >> Mr. B. >> I. >> Mr. Ry. >> I. Motion passes unanimously. Mr. Miller. All right, everybody. Moving on to our comment section. Mr. Rhyr is as it turns out, third term that I've been beginning of the third year that I've been on this board. I'm humbled by the job and grateful for privilege of being able to represent my um constituents in my community. Um, as we go forward this year, I want to commend the superintendent for the great job that he has done. Uh, our school is the students are achieving um, as much as I can expect frankly given the money that we have to spend um, resources we have available to us. Actually, that's not entirely true. I expect us to be number one
061superintendent. >> But that being said, uh we've done a lot with very little and I really appreciate that. Thanks. >> You're welcome. >> I'm sorry. Are you finished? >> Not quite. >> My apologies. Mr. Rhymer still has the floor >> and and I won't be long. >> He was taking a breath. Um, with that being said, we do need more resources. This is going to be a difficult year as uh Amy has pointed out and we need to focus on trying to do all we can to maintain the level of excellence we've achieved and move things forward. And that still requires a new elementary school. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. R. Mr. V. >> Yeah. Um, I concur with Mr. Rhymer. Um, I could not be any more proud of the teachers, staff, uh, superintendent,
062administration that we have here in New Kent County. Um we are a shining star and continue to enhance that. We I started this journey um on a quest for excellence and we are well on our way and to be a part of that is an honor and I'm grateful. Um it does mean however that needs have to be met i.e. the new Kent Elementary School. Um I don't know exactly why Mr. Thomas Evelyn, Mr. Ron Spears, and Miss Amy Pearson um decided that it wasn't the right decision at this point in time. Um, but let it be known that I adamantly disagree with their decision and New Kent Elementary School is not a want for this board or for this school board or school district. It's a desperate need and I hope that through the
063the constituency for each of these representatives, Miss Pearson in district three, Mr. Steers in district 4 and Mr. Evelyn in district one that the county residents will let them know and make them aware of what we already know and what we have diligently sought to have approved. So, um, my prayer is that this will happen sooner rather than later. And I pledge, as I believe I speak for this board, to continue the push and the campaign for New Kent Elementary School. We will not stop until this is done, even if we face delay after delay. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. G. Mr. Broski. It was very, very disappointing to hear the decision that was made. And I try to be an understanding person and I understand that there's a variety of needs throughout the
064county, but in my opinion, children come first every time. And I want to thank the board for the opportunity to serve with with you and enjoy the journey and looking forward to the rest of the school year. >> Thank you, Mr. Kun. >> I concur with everything my fellow board members have said. I I want to say that Mr. Drosky and I had an opportunity to represent the board at the recent board of supervisors meeting and I I felt the love in that room. So many people came out from our community in support. So many people actually signed up to speak and I think that keep doing that. I I think that you own this, right? It's your children, your community, our community. Uh and all of us have to do our part. So I
065couldn't have been prouder. uh my you know my heart felt so big and I know that a lot you know there was this big sigh of disappointment we when we walked out but I think that there's momentum here and I I'm I I'm a positive person and I I know that it's difficult when we're told no time and time again and it just seems like uh when are we going to get this going? But I really believe that um God has a plan and we don't always get the yes. Sometimes we have to wait on his timing. But I really believe that uh this will happen soon um with the help of of of everyone and just keep pushing and I think that with God's timing and his plan uh we're going to have an
066amazing project and an amazing school. So thank you for all you're doing and just keep pushing. >> Thank you, Miss Kun. It's hard to follow these four and not say the same exact thing. Uh, but as always, I commend our teachers, staff, administration, and superintendent for doing the great job they do daily. And I think, as you've heard from my colleagues here, it is without equivocation that myself and this board support a new New Kent Elementary School. I would like to thank my colleagues for trusting me to be your chair. Again, I'm honored. And then more important and more dear to my heart right now, I need to thank all of you, my colleagues and fellow board members, uh, for your thoughts, prayers, support, and accommodations during this difficult time and loss for my family.
067I very, very much appreciate it. Thank you, >> Mr. Davis. >> Yes, because they're not here, I just wanted to commend Landon and Marley. They really helped a lot on that project that it couldn't have looked anything like it had. Dr. H. >> Very good. Thank you, sir. And Dr. Nicholson. >> All right. Good evening again. What an incredible reorganization when we celebrate a room uh full of such immense talent. Uh so love that we got to do that tonight. Uh we are already in the second semester. So that is uh full speed ahead. Uh it's been an incredible start. People don't realize at the high school second semester is like the first day of school again because we're on a full platform. So, we really opened up twice at the high school. So, thank
068you high school for turning that on a day um and making it a positive experience for our students. Uh teacher of the year, uh you could have 50 more of those in this room easily without blanking. So, we continue to uh have the best teachers. That's why we get the results we get. It's not you hire well and you let them do what they need to do and you support them along the way. Um, I do want to say thank you to our community. Um, I have the opportunity to stand at podiums often. I've never stood at a podium and felt what I felt um, last week. I may have been 60 of us in the room, but it felt like 6,000. And that is team new. Um, and if you weren't there, I know
069you watched, if you didn't watch, you emailed me. And, um, you know, we pouted for a minute. Um, but then we got right back to work. So, if you were in this office 7:30, 8 o'clock the second morning, we were back working again on how do we move this bowl. So, it's a setback, but you know, that's a setup for a comeback, I think they say. So, we're we're ready for the comeback. Um, and we'll get that moving. Uh, lastly, um, I do know about the weather that is coming. So, anywhere I've gone today, that's all people want to talk me about. Yes, I do know there is weather in the forecast. It looks pretty big. Um we know it too. We work side by side with um emergency management chops specifically uh to make
070sure we have the best plan forward. So families, we plan to share some information about that plan later this week. Um if we do have the weather that we think we're going to have and we do have to be out uh for a period of time. So we will communicate that directly to you. Um, and we'll also share it on our website, our official Facebook page, and anywhere else. So, you'll hear it from us first. I am hopeful that it all goes away and uh warmer weather comes forward, but I'm not in charge of the weather, so we'll see. But, uh, thank you board members. Uh, it's an honor and privilege. I did calculations. I've gone over 100 board meetings and work sessions uh in UKAT. So, that's not something that many superintendents get to
071say to get the triple digits. So, uh, just honored to be able to do this. So, thank you for the opportunity. >> Thank you, Dr. >> Thank you. >> All right, ladies and gentlemen. The next meeting of the school board is a work session on Tuesday, February 3rd, here in the historic courthouse. >> Sure. >> Sorry, that's my >> typo. >> It's a regular session on Tuesday, February 3rd to be held here in the historic boardroom at 5:30. With that, our meeting is adjourned at 7:13 p.m. Thank you. >> Thank you, everybody. That's