Roanoke City School Board Meeting: April 14, 2026

001The April 14th, 2026 school board regular meeting is called to order. Miss Tresky, please call the roll. Mr. Cherry. Here. Mr. Link. Here. Dr. Jamison. Here. Ms. Quintana. Here. Ms. Trigg. Mrs. Watkins. >> Here. Mrs. Apel. Here. The board is asked to approve the request from Dr. Eli Jamison to participate in the meeting remotely by electronic communication means. Is there a motion to approve the request from Dr. Eli Jamison to participate in the meeting remotely due to personal matters by electronic communication means? Move. Second. Moved by Mr. Cherry, seconded by Ms. Quintana. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all in favor say I. >> I. I. Any opposed, say no. And the motion passes. Um, so, Dr. Jamison, thank you for joining us. Thank you to all of those also attending the meeting in person

002and those that are joining us via the RCPS YouTube channel. Next is the approval of the agenda. Is there a motion and a second to approve the agenda as presented? >> Second. Moved by Ms. Watkins, seconded by Ms. Quintana. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed, say no. And the motion carries and the agenda is approved. Please keep the following in your thoughts. Family and friends of Ms. Peggy Frith Wade, retired school counselor, on her passing. Family, friends, and co-workers of Michael Bowling on the passing of his father. Family and friends of Ms. Sarah Hodges, retired teacher, on her passing. Please join me in a moment of silence. Thank you. Please rise and join me in the pledge to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag

003of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I now And it is beautiful to hear all those voices with us during our meeting and remind us why we're here. So, um recognitions are next on our agenda for tonight, packed house. So, we will begin with our winter athletic recognitions. Mrs. Patty Atkinson, director of athletics, health, and physical education, could you please come forward and introduce our athletes and coaches for these recognitions? Thank you very much. Um chairwoman Apel, school board members, Superintendent White, and student advisory, I'm excited to be here to recognize our high school successes during the winter season. All of our programs had a great season and we are extremely proud of their accomplishments. I will

004start with the Patrick Henry wrestling. Coach Jesse Anderson could not be here tonight as he is coaching a baseball game. So, if uh Teagan could please come on up. >> [applause] >> Teagan Bowen is a multi-sport athlete at PH and has been a member of the wrestling team for the last 2 years. Teagan was the first female wrestler to win a regional championship in Roanoke City. This year she placed third in the state meet. This meet included all six categories. We don't have six, five, four, they're all combined, so it's across the entire state and she came in third. And she will continue her wrestling career at Bethany College. >> [cheering and applause] [applause] >> Congratulations. >> [laughter] >> Well done and this is for you. >> [laughter] >> Next I would like to invite

005Jack Azwarhy to the podium. >> [applause] >> Coach Azwarhy is the head uh varsity boys basketball coach. This year's team was the River Ridge district champions and he was selected the River Ridge district coach of the year. Congratulations, Coach Azwarhy. >> [applause] >> CONGRATULATIONS. WELL DONE, COACH. >> [laughter] >> THAT'S OKAY. NO, we cannot. Congratulations, sir. >> [applause] >> Now I'd like to invite Coach Anthony Drakeford and any other track coaches to the podium. >> [applause] >> First we'll do from the boys track team. We have Cameron Hairston Taylor. Cam was the Region 5 long jump champion and followed that up with a state championship in the long jump. Cameron will attend Syracuse in the fall to play football. >> [applause] >> From the girls track team, Tamatha Sorry. Tamasha Nique Phillips was the Region

0065 shot put champion and followed that up with a state championship in the shot. She will continue her track career at VMI. Congratulations. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Congratulations. Congratulations. Well done. Congratulations. Proud of you. >> [applause] >> And our third um track athlete is Nieve Murphy. >> [applause] >> She was all-state finisher, finishing third in the 3200 m and will continue her track career at the University of Vermont. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Got one. Yep. Congratulations. Good job. Good job, coach. >> [clears throat] >> Congratulations to all the Patrick Henry athletes and coaches on a great season this year. >> [applause] >> And now I ask Jamie Bednarik to join me to recognize the coaches and athletes from William Fleming. Thank you. And And before we go, um just PH athletes, you can go on

007out. Ms. Mitchell will make sure to get pictures and that will go the same for anyone who's brought up for the recognitions. You can't get away without a photo, okay? >> [laughter] [laughter] >> All right. Uh Chairman Ms. Apel, school board members, Superintendent Dr. White, and the student advisory, uh I'm excited to be here to recognize William Fleming's success during the winter season. All of our programs had great seasons and I we should all be very proud of their accomplishments. We had two teams and several individuals that excelled at another level. Uh first we had our boys basketball. Unfortunately, neither uh Coach Kirchman, who was the Blue Ridge district uh coach of the year, led our team to the Blue Ridge district title uh first time in in in several years. And then uh Kamari

008Steelman, okay, he was our Blue Ridge district player of the year and he also received uh first team all region for basketball for Region 5C. So, unfortunately, they could not be here this evening, but I did want to make sure that they were recognized. >> [applause] >> Now I would like for uh basketball coach um I mean our girls basketball coach, Richard Wilson, to come up and join me. >> [applause] >> Uh and we're going to start by recognizing a couple of our uh individual um team members first. Uh first up is going to be Amari Worsham. >> [applause] >> Amari was the Blue Ridge district player of the year. She was first team all district. She was first team all region. She was first team all uh she was the Region 5C player of

009the year and she was first team all state this year. SO, CONGRATULATIONS. >> [applause] >> UH SHE WAS ALSO AN ALL McDonald nomination this year. >> [cheering] [applause] >> ALL RIGHT. UH NEXT UP, WE'RE GOING TO UH INTRODUCE Signe Houston. >> [applause] >> Signe was first team all district and she was first team all region and she was second team all state. Congratulations. >> [applause] [snorts] [laughter] >> All right. Congratulations. [applause] All right. Now we're going to recognize Zakiyah King. >> [applause] >> Zakiyah was first team all district, first team all region this year. Congratulations, Zakiyah. >> [applause] >> And And the man that led them this year was uh Coach Wilson and he was the Blue Ridge district coach of the year as well as the Region 5 coach of the year. So, congratulations,

010Coach Wilson. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. >> [laughter] >> I was going to say. Coach, well deserved. Well done. Congrats. Congrats. >> [laughter] [applause] >> And now we would like to the rest of the coaching staff and the rest of the girls basketball team to come join us. Come on up. >> [applause] >> UH OUR GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM IS ONE OF THE hardest working programs we have in the school. They do a lot of work in the off-season and and they grind it during the season. Uh they finished this season 22 and five. They were 10 and 0 in the district. They were the Blue Ridge District champions, the Region 5 champions, and they were uh state semifinalists. So, congratulations. >> [applause] [applause] >> Excuse me, I'm going to go off the record a little bit.

011First, I just want to thank everybody. Thank you all for having us here. Um I just wanted to give these four young ladies their flowers. These ladies have been in our program since honestly since the sixth grade, but you know, they started playing varsity in ninth grade year. And when I tell you they showed up every single day. Um between the four of them, I promise you they probably just missed maybe three games, but you know, it was due to some other issues or what not, but they came to every single practice. They pushed one another and they pushed myself. And all I know I'm proud to say that all four of these young ladies will be attending college next year on a full um academic and athletic scholarship. >> [applause] >> Zakiyah King will

012be um attending Virginia Union. Signe Houston will be attending Concord University. Amari Watson will be attending Liberty University. And the Cheyenne in the back, Cheyenne Tate, she will be attending Bluefield State University. So. >> [applause] >> Now, I know everybody's schedule is busy, but we're having our signing day tomorrow and we have plenty more ladies that's being signed um tomorrow. So, if you can make it tomorrow at 4:00 at William Fleming High School for our signing, we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you all. >> [applause] >> All right, I'd like for uh Coach Reynolds, our head wrestling coach, to come on up. >> [applause] >> Uh we had several of our wrestlers who uh excelled this year. And first up, uh we're going to introduce Auronde Phillips. So, Auronde was a 132-pounder, uh and he

013placed uh third in the region, uh and then uh that also allowed him to be on the all-region team this year. So, congratulations. >> [applause] >> All right. While he's going through, I'm going to go ahead and call up Jaylen Clary. All right, uh Clary wrestled at 175 lb. Uh he placed he was a region champion, uh which also allowed him to be all-region this year. So, congratulations. >> [applause] >> Next we have Giovanni Gonzalez. >> [applause] >> Giovanni wrestled 190 lb for us. Uh he was first place in the region, which allowed him to be all-region. He placed second in the state tournament, which also allowed him to be all-state this year. So, congratulations, Giovanni. >> [applause] >> All right, next up we have Zion Baskerville. Uh Zion wrestled 250 lb for us. Uh

014he was first place Region 5C, which allowed him to be all-region. He also placed second place in the uh [applause] >> [applause] >> All right, so now while she's going through, um Kristana, make sure you stay up here, okay? Uh Ariana Lynch, Anaya Hicks, and Taylen Johnson, come on up. >> [applause and cheering] >> So, these four ladies um in in the Region 5C tournament, they placed first place in the 4 by 200-m relay, which also allowed them to be all-region this year. So, congratulations, ladies. >> [applause] [applause] >> All right, so um real quick, that's We have three of these young ladies who are going off to run in college. Anaya Hicks is going to be going TO CHICAGO STATE. >> [applause] >> ARIANA'S GOING TO BE RUNNING AT RADFORD UNIVERSITY. >> [applause] >>

015Kristana's going to be running at Norfolk State. >> [cheering] [applause] >> And while Coach Vineyard is running through, I'm going to go ahead and ask our head coach of our cheerleading team, Coach McCoy, and her coaching staff and cheerleaders to come on in. >> [applause] >> All right, our cheer program is one of the hardest working programs we have in the school. Our cheerleaders uh you know, they mentor and work alongside our mini colonels, which are ages 5 to 10. Uh and each cheerleader has to complete over 20 hours of community service. Not only do they cheer the sidelines for multiple sports, but they also compete in the VHSL cheer competitions and stomp and shake competitions. Here's a list of their accomplishments for this year. In the VHSL competitions, they placed first place in the

016Viking Voyage, first place in the Battle of the Birds. Um at the Stomp and Shake competitions, they placed first place in the Winston-Salem Cupid Cup, first place in Grand Champions at King Fork High School in Suffolk, Virginia, and for the fourth year in a row, they placed first place at the National Stomp and Shake Cheerleading Competition. Congratulations, ladies. [applause] >> [laughter] >> And as you're walking through, I will also note that we have three of our young cheerleaders here who will be cheering at the college level next year. >> [applause] [cheering] >> All right. >> [applause] >> Okay, I would like to thank the school board administration, all of our coaches, player players, parents, and fans for supporting our athletic teams. We are very proud of all their accomplishment accomplishments and how they represent William

017Fleming High School and the Roanoke City Public Schools. So, thank you very much for your time. >> [applause] >> Thank you so much, and this is what shows you what wonderful things that are happening in Roanoke City Schools. And on a side note, Patrick Henry will do their signing on April 27th at 2:00. So, um hope to see you all there tomorrow night, and again that Monday. And >> because this is part of what athletics does is it allows kids to have opportunities they may not have otherwise. So thank you so much for everything you do for us for athletics. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you very much. Um our next recognition um each April the Virginia School Boards Association or VSBA spotlights how public education is preparing students for success beyond graduation. >>

018[clears throat] >> Um through VSBA Workforce Readiness Month work that is firmly rooted in public education. Um I made sure to wear my CTE squad shirt this evening. >> [laughter] >> Yes. Um Workforce Readiness is um April is VSBA Workforce Readiness Month. Workforce Readiness is more than preparation for a job. It's about creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and ensuring every student has a chance to thrive through public education. Um Ms. Watkins, will you please read the VSBA Board of Directors proclamation? My pleasure, Madam Chair. Whereas Workforce Readiness is essential to developing skill sets for students in Virginia's public schools to be successful beyond high school graduation and whereas the demand for highly skilled jobs over the next decade in Virginia will continue to increase and can be filled by qualified public school students. And whereas we

019recognize increased in collaboration with business and industry, the community college system, and the core school setting is necessary. And whereas the promise of public education is for every child to be successful in school and life. And whereas it is important for Virginia families, students, teachers, and school administrators to be actively engaged in supporting the importance of workforce readiness as a part of the educational experience. And >> [clears throat] >> whereas we recognize that limited funding resources, facilities, partnerships, and qualified CTE staff impede students success to workforce readiness opportunities. And whereas the VSBA has established a task force on workforce readiness to make recommendations and to stay at the forefront of these discussions in Virginia schools. And now therefore, be it resolved the Roanoke City School Board joins the Virginia School Boards Association in recognizing the

020month of April 2026 as VSBA Workforce Readiness Month and April 16th, 2026 as VSBA Workforce Readiness Day with the intention to advocate and increase awareness about the supports necessary to promote promote workforce development opportunities that enable students to be prepared to succeed in a global economy. Thank you very much, Ms. Watkins. >> [applause] >> And I am on that task force, by the way. So Uh-huh. >> I know firsthand of the work that's being done. At VSBA? At VSBA statewide. Yes, ma'am. Um all right. And onto our featured school. Mr. Freeman, could you please come forward and introduce the April featured school? Good evening, Madam Chair, Vice Chair Cherry, to all our school board members, student representatives, and Dr. White. Tonight we have Virginia Heights Elementary School who will be joining us here at the

021podium. They are the principal, Ms. Dana Witt, and some of her students and staff to present to you on Virginia Heights Elementary School. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Freeman. Good evening, Madam Chair Apel, Vice Chair Cherry, members of the school board, student representatives, and Dr. White. My name is Dana Witt and I have the privilege of serving as principal of Virginia Heights. I'm excited to share just a small glimpse of what makes our school such a special place. Our location in the heart of the Grandin Village gives us the unique opportunity to take walking field trips to the many businesses around us because as we know, it truly does take a village. Currently, we have a total enrollment of 260 students spread over 18 classrooms, which includes two classrooms that serve not only students

022with hearing impairments from Roanoke City, but also three surrounding school divisions. Approximately 18% of our students are English language learners speaking seven different languages. As our school serves a diverse group of learners, we continue to focus on strong instructional supports so all students can fully access grade level content while continuing to grow. Based on our 2025 spring SOL data, we began the year with a strong focus on improving reading instruction. From fall to winter, our MAP assessment data showed steady growth and our youngest Cardinals assessed using VALS demonstrated significant progress. All grade levels from kindergarten through second grade increased the number of students in the low risk band. Our second graders showed the greatest gains with a 20% increase in students in the low risk band. Our simulation data also reflected strong momentum with a

02324% improvement in fourth grade reading scores and a 9% improvement in fifth grade reading scores. Our third graders are holding steady. Additionally, insights from our instructional learning walks have enabled our leadership team to refine instruction and enhance available resources. We are well on our way to keeping students moving forward throughout these final 9 weeks. Our Cardinals with Character program helps to reinforce behavior expectations and provide consistency schoolwide. Students earn Cardinal Cash for coming to school, making good choices, and staying in school all day, assisting in improving our overall attendance rate and discipline incidents, which have decreased in comparison to the 2024-25 school year. After paying rent each week, practicing responsibility, money earned can be used for incentives throughout the school year. Two of our student favorites are our fall glow party and our winter snowball

024fight. This program has helped strengthen attendance, behavior, and school pride. Students caught exemplifying extraordinary positive behavior are recognized as Kind Cardinals. These students have a day taking care of their classroom Cardinal and then paint a kindness rock which is placed in our Cardinal Rock Garden. Tonight, I have with me just a few of our Kindest Cardinals to share with you a little bit about kindness at Virginia Heights. K is for kind kids respecting one another. I is for including each other. Oh. It is N is for noticing individual differences and welcoming them. D is for displaying positive attitudes. N is for um nurturing one another's needs. E is for empathizing with others around us. S is for success at building long-term relationships. Yeah. S is for sensitivity to what others are going through. This is

025what we think makes a Kind Cardinal. A Cardinal's red, as you may see, red as a heart, kind as can be. A Cardinal is kind, a beautiful song to provoke you and me to be kind and be strong. Oh. >> [applause] >> That last poem, Jolene wrote that poem by herself. Overall, we are seeing strong instruction, a positive school culture, and with the help of our PTA, growing family involvement. We're in a good position to keep moving forward in supporting all students in developing respect, responsibility, and learning that at Virginia Heights kindness really does rock. >> [applause] >> Our Kind Cardinals have just a little bit of our kindness to share [applause] with you. one of those K is Is orange fifth grade? >> [laughter] >> I totally Thank you, my darling. What grade are

026you in? >> So sweet. I'm a first grade teacher. Thank you. My shirt is for Are you a first grader? Got $10. Yeah. You got some on first. What? Thank you. Cute. Oh, I can get that card now. Thank you. Oh, thank you. My word, he's cute. >> [music] >> We put some kind cardinal cash on there. Not quite enough to help with the budget, but we thought every LITTLE BIT COUNTS. >> [laughter] [applause] >> EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS. THANK YOU. >> [laughter] [laughter] [applause] [clears throat] [laughter] >> Thank you. Thank you everyone. Thank you. [applause] Um So if there is no objection, the meeting will stand in recess for 5 minutes. Give everyone a break to resettle at a 7:04. So hearing no objection, the meeting is in recess for 5 minutes until 7:09

027p.m. The meeting is now back in order at 7:09 p.m. Um we are now at the personnel list. Is there a motion and a second to approve the personnel list as presented? So moved. Second. Moved by Ms. Quintana, seconded by Mr. Cherry. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed say no. The motion carries. The personnel list is approved. On to the consent agenda. Is there a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda as presented? Moved. Second. Moved by Mr. Cherry, seconded by Ms. Watkins. Is there any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed say no. Um and the motion carries. The consent agenda items are approved. Ms. Watkins, please tell us some more good news about the gifts that have been received

028by RCPS. I have some great news. The board accepts with gratitude the following donation. Second Presbyterian Church provided a donation of $4,000 to Highland Park Elementary School to provide supplemental resources and support for after-school tutoring. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much to Second Presbyterian Church and all of our community partners for um doing you know, doing this work with us. It it it it takes a village and you guys are part of our village and we just thank you so much. Yes, thank you. >> Thank you very much, Ms. Watkins, and thank you to Second Presbyterian and all of our community partners. On to citizen participation on agenda and non-agenda items. Mr. Cherry, do we have any sign-ups for agenda or non-agenda items this evening? >> Yes. Uh Madam Chair, we have one.

029And I'll go ahead and read our spiel and we'll go ahead and get started. School Board values open communication and we look forward to receiving your comments. We encourage all participants to engage in civil discourse. And we ask that you keep your comments respectful in helping us achieve this goal. To ensure regular opportunities to address the board are available and that the board has time to conduct its business. Up to 30 minutes is allowed for public comment at regular board meetings. Citizen comments offer an opportunity for the public to inform the board. The board and superintendent generally do not respond to comments made or questions posed. All individuals are urged to provide written copies of their comments or other material supporting their views to the clerk of the board who will ensure dissemination to board

030members. Staff present at the board meeting and whenever possible will assist you with your inquiry. Please state your name for the record and state whether you reside in Roanoke City or not. We do ask that you keep your comments to 3 minutes. Speakers may not cede their time to another individual. There is a light at the center of the podium and that light will turn yellow when you have about 1 minute left. We have one Mr. D. George Dickinson. If you would step to the podium. Good to see you, sir. Spell, sir. Good evening, Madam Chair, Dr. White and members of the School Board and Central Administration. My name is George Dickinson. I'm a teacher, parent, and city resident. I have several topics I'd like to speak on. Firstly, I'm concerned about the fine arts

031program. I do not believe I would have found my career path or love of music without former RCPS band teachers like Mr. Bill Carr and Ms. Sharon Johnson. Many students have found an outlet, a home away from home in a fine arts classroom and it appears that some of these classes will no longer even be available at certain middle schools and that many of our students will be unable to attend zero period or after-school rehearsals due to a lack of activity buses. These students will likely be those who are already disadvantaged, those who most need this outlet. These programs thrive when diverse students come together to create a beautiful song, a wonderful picture. Students thrive when we educate the whole child, the whole self. It has taken a long time to build these programs, but

032they will take heavy losses and perhaps take even longer to rebuild after this year. Surely we can do more to continue these wonderful programs and support the excellence and equity therein. I know that the City Council and City Schools are working towards a better relationship. And in the same way, I believe that Central Office and the teachers and staff in the schools need to make strides to repair a trust that has often been broken. There's a divide between Central Administration and teachers that is seen in ways both large and small. It is seen when teachers are told in the beginning or middle of the day that they're being reassigned from jobs they have put years of care and work, of sweat and tears, of love and caring into, and then expected to go back into

033the classroom in tears and teach students in the classroom for the rest of the day, a classroom that they may not see in the next year, like nothing is wrong. It is seen through an expectation that teachers complete hours of courses, trainings, and plannings outside of their contract hours. It is seen in a lack of support through growing behavior issues. It is seen through a visible lack of transparency because when it appears that many teachers are left wondering through a through their placements and teaching positions, which are left unfilled with work to be picked up by those staying, the consequences for Central Office employees have been stated as either position or 5 days of unpaid leave. Perhaps there are losses, but I cannot say as we have not been told. Perhaps this is an unfair

034or untrue characterization, but to be told by the ones who make the decisions that after more than 3 months of deliberations, the answers to the questions that have been asked is we don't know, does not feel transparent. I apologize if I overstep, but I believe it's important for you to hear the perspective from teachers. Finally, I know that the Plato program is still in consideration. In the 13 years I've worked at Highland Park, I've watched a diverse group of students from across the district come together to learn and grow. Some of this program may have made these gains regardless, but many have only made these strides because of the program. It seems unlikely that should the program be discontinued, the nine classes in two schools would remain empty. And these schools would positions would need

035to be filled by teachers, the classrooms by students from outside of these districts. Thank you very much. I In closing, I do hope that the program will continue and that the teachers who have enriched the lives of these students should be allowed to continue, but I hope for transparency should it not be. Thank you for your time and consideration. Madam Chair, that is all of the speakers for tonight. Thank you, Mr. Cherry. And on behalf of the school board, I do want to thank everyone for taking the time to speak with us tonight and other nights. As we said earlier, we do value the feedback of our community. Public input is important as we make decisions on behalf of all students in Roanoke City Public Schools. Um on to the Superintendent's reports. Dr. White. Thank

036you and good evening, Madam Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, members of the School Board and student representatives. This evening we're bringing forward several important items for your consideration and information, including approval of the VSBA Showcasing Innovation Award submission, approval of the annual Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Plan, approval of the annual Special Education Plan, an update on the Strategic Plan, and an update on the 2026-2027 budget. Before we move to our agenda items, I'd like to take a moment to highlight some exciting updates with you. Last week was National Assistant Principals Week and I want to take a moment to recognize our amazing APs for their work to support our students, our teachers, our schools, and our community. They're often behind the scenes, but having served in that role, I can tell you that

037they they work extremely hard and they contribute a great deal to the overall school environment. So, please join me in thanking them for their dedication and commitment to RCPS. Also, congratulations to Day Tech's automotive teacher, Derek Ray, on achieving the National Institute for automo- automotive services excellence world-class technician status. >> [laughter] [applause] >> ONLY 2,000 automotive workers in the whole world have achieved since this status since 1986. Mr. Ray is also only one of three Virginians to achieve the credential this year. He has received national recognition for this achievement and states that this recognition ultimately benefits students by showcasing Day Tech to the community. So, let's give Mr. Ray again another round of applause. [applause] Also, next Thursday is our fifth annual RCPS Works student job fair. I want to encourage our high school students

038and their families to come out to the Berglund Center from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. to meet with over 70 businesses and community partners who will participate this year. Our Special Education Department will host a transition fair for our students with disabilities, and we will also host Roanoke Summer Summer Connect for our elementary and middle school families to discover free and low-cost summer programs. A special thank you to Jess Trueax, our work-based learning coordinator, and our Communications and Marketing team for spearheading this event. So, come on out next Thursday, 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. All right. So, to begin our report this evening, I'll ask our Director of Communications and Public Relations, Claire Mitzel, to present an overview of a submission for the VSBA Showcasing Innovation Award for your approval. So, Ms. Mitzel. Good evening, Madam Chair,

039Mr. Vice Chair, members of the Board and student representatives, and Dr. White. Um it's an honor to be here this evening to present for your consideration our application for the 2026 Virginia School Boards Association um annual Showcasing Innovation Award. Um this does require a majority vote from the School Board to submit it as well as the School Board Chair and Superintendent signature. Um VSBA introduced this award last year to recognize {quote} exemplary programs that embody innovation, measurable impact, and meaningful collaborations. As you know, we submitted Community Builders last year, which actually received the runner-up award for school divisions in the category of over 10,000 students. And so, this year we believe we have an equally strong submission in the Community Empowerment Center at Booker T. Washington. Um which as you know, opened in July of

0402025 as really a one-stop shop because we believe that when families succeed, students succeed. And so, we have a welcome center with enrollment resources, a family resource center, parenting classes, multilingual support, um more than two dozen community partnerships, and more, which in less than a year has already received 1,600 visitors and has received state recognition um through the Community Schools Grant and being only one of three community hubs statewide. So, it has already received statewide recognition in less than a year. We believe this is a replicable, innovative model that other school divisions can replicate, and so it is an honor to present this program for your consideration for approval. You have that full application before you, and I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have. Thank you very much, Ms. Mitzel. Um does

041the board have any comments or questions? And I'm going to ask Dr. Jameson first. No comments or questions. Thank you. Thank you. Um Mr. Lopez-Ortiz. Um Mr. Wade. Okay. Ms. Watkins. Very, very proud of this. And Ms. Quintana. Just so excited to see what this has turned into, everything that we had visioned that has come to fruition. So, this is super exciting. Thank you. Mr. Link. Equally proud. Dr. White, good job. Vice Chair Cherry. I echo. >> [laughter] >> Enough said. Thank you very much, everyone. And so, with all of that said, is there a motion and a second to approve the participation of RCPS in the Virginia School Board Association or VSBA Showcasing Innovation Award along with the required signatures? So moved. Second. Moved by Ms. Watkins, seconded by Ms. Quintana. Is there any

042discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any chatter. And >> [laughter] >> any opposed say no. And the motion carries. The Virginia School Board Association Showcasing Innovation Award along with the required signatures is approved. Thank you, Ms. Mitzel. You all very much. Appreciate it. Ms. Mitzel. Next, I'll ask our Director of Career and Technical Education, um Kathy Duncan, to come forward to present the annual Carl D. Perkins Plan for your consideration. Ms. Duncan. Good evening, Madam Chair, Ms. A Pell, school board members, student representatives, Superintendent White, and executive staff, and folks that are present with us both here and online. My name is Kathleen Duncan, and I'm here tonight to present for your approval the 2026-2027 Carl D. Perkins federal grant application. Oh, hello. There it is. >> There we are.

043Is this this this? There it is. All right. Career and technical education is a critical component of a student's education and helps to prepare students to graduate with a diploma and a resume rich with skills and experiences. This plan provides large portion of the funding needed to help career and technical education programs remain successful and for our students to thrive in the career choices post graduation. The allocation in this plan is $465,025.09, which is the exact allocation we received in 2025-2026. The new allocation amounts typically are published by the VDOE in June. We look to have this amount increase when the new allocations are published. As you can see from the middle slide, from this slide, most funds are spent on teacher professional development, a requirement of the grant, as well as funds for special

044population students to attend conferences, competitions, field trips. Additionally, we must annually ensure that our software packages and equipment are updated, so that we offer students relevant real-world skill attainment in their chosen careers. This is an expensive endeavor, as we offer 16 programs between Ro-Tech and Day Tech. Finally, we have funds set aside for student recruitment and promotion to continue to increase enrollment and promote all that CTE has to offer in Roanoke City Public Schools. This slide is a very brief overview of the CTE accomplishments for this year. Again, number one, we continue to have a 100% graduation rate for any student that completes 2 years. [applause] Students are excelling and doing so well, and I could not be more proud. We're proud of the students, staff, and teachers that have worked so hard to help

045these students be successful. Again, the three-year national CareerZ work-based learning challenge culminated this past fall, and we were one of only nine educational institutions to earn this award and recognition. We were the only district in Virginia to win this honor, and want to publicly thank Jess Trueax, work-based learning coordinator, for his hard work and dedication that made this possible. We were awarded $187,000 to assist with work-based learning efforts. So, this goes right along with the VSBA workforce um month of April. So, it's going to continue to grow, which is absolutely phenomenal. The CTE Foundation board continues to raise funds for student needs and for scholarships. We will be giving $33,000 in scholarships to William Fleming and PH seniors at our annual extravaganza May 21st at Day Tech. Woo. Please mark your calendars to attend, and

046just as a point of reference, the CTE Extravaganza has raised just since 2018. Now, it's been going on since 2008, but since 2018, $164,000 for scholarships and student needs, with $103,000 to date going to 61 students graduating from CTE. Wowzers. >> [applause] >> Awesome. Please come and join us that evening. Our enrollment numbers continue to increase with the flourishing of Day Tech. We had over 500 additional students taking CTE classes, and 95 additional students completing the 2-year sequence of courses and graduating. Finally, this year, we're doing a tremendous job at their Students are doing a tremendous job at their programmatic student organization competitions like DECA, FBLA, SkillsUSA, HOSA, and Teachers for Tomorrow. Teachers for Tomorrow is really excelling. We've had 42 students qualify to compete at the state level, and nine so far to compete

047nationally. This has been a great year for CTE in Roanoke City, and it's growing thanks to the support of this school board. Dr. White, as Dr. White would say, it's happening. Oh, it's definitely happening. It's definitely happening. So, our extrava Oops. Our extravaganza is May 21st, and I just messed that up. Sorry to tell you. Yeah, I'm in charge of technology, don't you know? >> [laughter] >> It's your last one. It doesn't want to let you go. >> to go. >> [laughter] >> I had to go with a flourish, evidently. So, May 21st from 5:00 to 7:00 is our extravaganza. Oh my goodness gracious. Um from 5:00 to 7:00 at Day Tech. Let me show you the QR code. Cuz yeah, Claire put it together. Thank you, Claire, for doing that. I don't know where

048I'm po- You had it there. >> There. There it is. Take out your cameras and take a little picture of the QR code. That'll take you directly to Givebutter if you would like to make a donation. You can also see that we're starting to get sponsorships coming in. We're going to have a fabulous online si- uh silent auction. All of the carpentry students are building raised garden beds and all kinds of Adirondack chairs and fabulosity. So, please make an appointment to attend. Mark your calendars. So, in summary, I was ahead of myself. We are requesting that the board please approve the 2026-2027 Carl D. Perkins federal grant application for career and technical education. Please. >> [laughter] >> Please. Thank you very much, Ms. Duncan. Does the board have any comments or questions? Dr. Jameson. I

049just like to say that it's always nice to get this report and a real feather in your retiring cap for how great this consistently has been. Thank you for all your hard work. It has really made a difference in this division. This is one of our crowning jewels. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um our student reps, Mr. Lopez-Ortiz. No questions, but great work. Thank you. >> Amen. Mr. Wade. No. Um Ms. Quintana. I just wanted to say, you know, look how you're leaving this place. Like, it's amazing. Like, kudos to you. Kudos to the staff. Your passion and love shows. So, thank you. Thank you. Mr. Link. 100% graduation rate is incredible. Thank you. For your gift to the city. Ms. Watkins. Dr. D- Nah. >> [laughter] >> I absolutely love you. I always have.

050Um I could see in this program on forever. I love you. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Watkins. Vice Chair Cherry. Can you um go back to that slide with the >> [laughter] >> QR code one? >> graduation uh Oh. Let me see if I can turn it on. >> Yeah, well, yeah. Yeah, well, yeah. Hold on. Give the community a few more minutes with that QR code, too. >> There it is. There it is. So, [laughter] and since It's actually been 4 years, not 3. >> If anybody ever wants to know why, that's why. Mhm. Right there, so. >> Yeah. Thank you so much, and um I echo again everything my colleagues have said. Um what we've done so far and what you've done when your leadership is just remarkable. And uh we are grateful

051that we have you. Even after this, we still are grateful to have you. So, thank you. I'm not going far. I'm not even. >> [laughter] >> very much. And also, I um I want to say we don't just celebrate athletic signing days here. We have our CTE signing day, too. So, and I got it from Ms. Trueax from Mr. Trueax just the other day by Yeah, I'm sure we'll make sure that we have a lot >> make sure that you have everything that you need in terms of all those dates. We will happily be there making sure students get uh employment opportunities next Thursday at the Berglund Center for the RCPS works and things of this nature. So, and we can't wait to celebrate students that are getting scholarships. And again, this year, Kiwanis is

052giving us funds so that we can provide students to work with things that they need to start their jobs off successfully um and and with great passion. Well, um so, with all of that said, is [snorts] there a motion and a second to approve the local I'm not done yet. To to Is there a motion and a second to approve the local plan and budget for use of the Carl D. Perkins funds for career and technical education for the 2026-2027 school year and authorize signatures of the school board chair and superintendent on all certifications and assurances for submission to the Virginia Department of Education? So moved. >> [laughter] >> Second. Moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Ms. Watkins. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. I. >> I. Any

053opposed? Oh, got Dr. Jameson. Any opposed say no. And the motion carries. The local plan and budget for use of the Carl D. Perkins funds for career and technical education for the 2026-2027 school year, along with signatures, is approved. Thank you. >> [applause] >> And on behalf of the students, teachers, staff, both current and in the past, thank you for your support. If it wasn't for the vision of Dr. White, this would not be happening. And like I said, it's definitely happening. And I could not have been more proud, and I am more proud now than ever to be a small part of that. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Thank [applause] you for everything, Ms. Duncan. And we can't You know, we're not going to let you get away that that easily. You

054know, we're going to pull you back in any kind of way that we can. And thank you for dreaming with us. So, I appreciate you. All right. And so, thank you again, Ms. Duncan. And each year we also bring to the school board the special education plan for your consideration. And so, with that, I'll ask Dr. Nick Pontius, our executive director of special education and exceptional learners, to come forward for this presentation. Dr. Pontius. Thank you. Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board. I'm Nick Pontius, your special education director. So, let me see if I can work this thing. >> [laughter] >> Am I pointing over here for some reason? At the wall? She said, "Uh-huh." Okay, we'll work through it. >> [laughter] >> Well, good evening, everybody. Uh this is your annual plan.

055This is the federal um special education grant that we um apply for or submit to receive um funds for special education. Um pretty similar to last year, but I'll work through it with you. Oh, wait, I was pointing that way. Got a bing. [snorts] >> [clears throat] >> Another one. >> [music] [laughter] >> Oh, power. Okay. All right, there we go. It's the other button. Thank you, sir. >> [laughter] >> We're to go over the child count. On December 1, we take a snapshot. It becomes the official number of special education students uh in the division receiving services. And then we'll get into the annual plan. But for some background purposes, um just what is the purpose of the federal grant? Why do we have it and why do we have to have to fill

056it out every year? Uh the federal grant is our assurances that we will receive federal funds to educate students with disabilities and make sure they have a um available to them a free appropriate public education. Um it also assures the rights of students uh with disabilities and their parents are protected. It also they also assess the effectiveness of special education. Nothing is more measured and um more data is then in special education. We have many indicators that we submit to the federal government uh on a yearly basis. And then it's also to support states and localities um for the education of students with disabilities. These are usually through the grant and technical assistance and monitoring that happens through the state level. So, here's a child count um over the past 10 years. Um the child

057count number on your left-hand column is the number of students with IEPs in special education. Your fall count is your total student population. And then the percentage is what percent of our student body has a um is a student with an IEP. So, as you can see, the trend is increasing over the years. Um partially this year is due to a slight reduction in um the general population students. This is the um and that could be that could change on any given day. This is just where it was at that point in time. Um but we're up about 5% of students with disabilities in the division. We break that down by disability categories. There are 14 disability categories, so this does not represent them all. Some of the numbers are too small for reporting purposes.

058But overall, you'll see the trends over the past uh four 10 years with an increase in autism uh from last year to this year of about 12%, an increase in the students with other health impairments at 7%, and students with a speech language impairment at um 29%. So, we're seeing a trend of increasing in certain disability categories. So, onto the annual plan. This This fiscal year we uh we received uh $3.9 million. Last year was 3.8. Uh we hope to break 4 million when we get the award notification that comes out like the Perkins grant in the summertime. What do we do with the federal grant? Uh we hire people. Um this doesn't cover all of the special education needs. It's only a small amount. Um but it also provides for set-aside services for students

059that are private schooled and home-schooled that are eligible for special education services. Uh for early childhood special education, ages 2 through 5, uh we receive uh $139,000, and that helps us uh have a supervisor to our program and support some salaries of teachers. Again, this does not cover all of the staff. It's just a small sliver of it. We use set-aside funds for children in home school or private school. Uh it's roughly about 35,000. We get notified of what that official amount will be uh in August. And we engage in a meaningful consultation with private school uh representative about how we will provide those services. And just as a snapshot, um I'm often asked uh how special education is funded. Uh the bulk funding for special education comes from the locality. Um over 70% of

060the funds supporting special education is from the locality. The feds is about 11%, and the state kicks in about another 20%. So, it places a a significant burden on localities. And we would like to see that change over the year. This was the JLARC study um analyzing this issue um about 2 years ago, maybe three at this point. But um we're concerned in special education with the lack with the decrease in special education funding from the state level. It's dropped about 16%. Um and we're asking the state to try to rectify that, to get back to that. Again, this is um a federal and state kind of mandate, and we would like to shift some of that to the localities federal level instead of the localities handling all that burden, as you guys are well

061aware. Uh and so, that's it. I'll take any questions, and if not, we're requesting your approval for the annual plan and with all the signatures that go with it. Thank you very much, Dr. Pontius. Does the board have any comments or questions? We'll start with this side. None, but thank you for the data. This is this is interesting to see the growth in disabilities. Um on this side of the dais? Questions? All right. Vice Chair Cherry? No questions. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, sir. All right, thank you very much, Dr. Pontius. And um with that said, oh. I used to I moved her post. I don't have any questions. Okay. >> [laughter] >> I think Ms. Quintana was trying to remind me. Yes. [clears throat] And I did it just went poof. >>

062[laughter] >> Um so, with that said, is there a motion and a second to approve the 2026-2027 special education plan as presented? >> Moved. Second. Uh moved by Mr. Cherry, seconded by Ms. Quintana. Is there any further discus- discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed say no. And the motion carries. The 2026-2027 special education plan is approved. Thank you, Dr. Pontius. >> Thank you, Dr. Pontius. Next, I'll ask Dr. Jonathan Scholtz, our executive director of accountability and strategic initiatives, to present an update on the strategic plan. So, Dr. Scholtz. Thank you, Dr. White. Good evening, Madam Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, uh members of the board. I'm excited to be here to talk about the >> [laughter] >> strategic plan. Um uh tonight [clears throat] um what we're really going

063to focus on is um not so much the details of the plan itself, but how we have worked really hard to communicate the plan to the public and to you um since we completed the revision last year. So, as a reminder, we spent the 2024-2025 school year uh through a lengthy revision process uh that involved um uh pulling multiple folks back together to to sort of uh uh re-envision the plan, trim it trim it, make sure that it was still doing exactly what we wanted it to at the halfway point um of the length of the of the strategic plan. That resulted in us trimming the pathways down so that we ended up with uh five pathways. Um and we uh you all approved the final revision of that plan back in June of 2025.

064Um we uh you provided some updates in October of 2025 related to the structure of the plan itself, and I'm here again tonight to to do the same do uh some similar updates. Um I'll provide a brief refresher on the uh plan's pathways. I'll remind us of the presentations that you've received since June related to the most important pieces of the work in the pathways. And we'll then we'll also look ahead to um the new strategic plan website that we'll be working on that should be come out this summer. So, our first pathway, academic and post-secondary success, focuses on literacy, academic growth, and academic mastery um leading all the way up to uh graduation as the as that final focus. So, this is kind of the the meat and potatoes of what we do every

065day. Um it's one of our largest uh pathways. And um on the right-hand side, you can see the various presentations that you've received since June related to pathway one. So, um my team has been here to talk to you about student performance data three times, back in September and February and then again in March. Uh you had the literacy plan presented in November. Um we've spent a lot of time talking about the school performance and support framework, maybe more than we've all cared to. Um but we've been here several times for that. Uh and you had an update on uh targeted school improvement in those schools and the supports that they were receiving in their their plans. Um throughout those presentations, some of the highlights that you heard included the fact that our VA SOL

066data and our and our um SOL data in general are heading in the right direction. We've talked about that multiple times. Pathway two is uh the how we're taking care of the kids um not just so that they are able to learn. It's our overall uh well-being and sense of community. Um this focuses on our environment. This is what's it like to be a kid in in uh Roanoke City. So, uh, as you can see since June, uh, you've had updates on, uh, from uh, student health services specifically related to the changing in the nursing. Um, updates uh, in August from Dr. Pollan on our mental health services. You've heard uh, about the Community Builders program. You've had the gifted education uh, plan in front of you. And uh, the high some of the highlights

067that you've heard over those presentations included uh, multiple times where we've talked about our attendance and our discipline data are both heading uh, showing a lot of positive uh, trends. >> [clears throat] >> Pathway three, communications and community engagement. Um, this is about partnering with uh, our community to as as uh, Ms. Watkins had said, this is about sharing this work. It's about doing this work together, right? Um, so in August you had an update on the Community Empowerment Center. In January you had an update on the uh, on just on community engagement in general. Um, and that's on top of the uh, continued updates that you receive from Dr. Seibert related to constituent services in uh, government relations every quarterly every quarter and also um, keeping abreast of our legislative priorities. Um, big highlight

068from that is last week Governor Spanberger signing the Community Builders uh, into making it permanent, right? Uh, so that's that's a big piece that fits hits us in pathway two and Pathway four is the teachers. We know that those are our most important uh, asset. Those are the folks that do the work every day uh, with all of our um, so focusing on recruitment, retention and professional growth. Um, so you've had updates on benefits. You've had the major staffing report that you get every December um, and then you also had an update on the professional development program back in March. Um, key highlights that you heard from this, you heard that we have uh, you heard about the success of our mentoring program and our teacher apprenticeship programs. Um, you also heard that we were

069um, uh, through Mr. McKee and uh, Jennifer Bailey uh, being able to offer a a different personalized benefits enrollment process which included offering five new voluntary benefits which resulted in 1,300 enrollments just in those new uh, benefits alone. So, those are those are some of the key highlights from pathway four that you've uh, we've talked about. Pathway five um, is kind of the nuts and bolts of uh, taking you know, taking care of of all the operations pieces in the background. Um, but you can really sum up pathway five kind of in one word and that's stewardship. Right? So, it's responsibly managing all of our assets [snorts] whether it's uh, you know, especially the the the fiscal human capital resources. Are we good stewards of the budget? Are we good stewards of our environment or

070you know, how do we run the division as a whole? So, with that said, uh, a key piece of pathway five is being transparent and being accountable for the work that we do and how the money is spent and taken care of uh, which means that um, your operations folks have been in front of you all the time, right? So, you've had uh, three updates on capital improvements since June. Um, the boundary study you get to hear about every month since it's inception basically. Um, you had a an update on cybersecurity in August. Uh, you've heard about solar panels. And then budget and finance. Um, I gave up counting at 15 presentations. Um, that's just since June. That doesn't count the standing item [clears throat] that's in every board meeting. Um, so uh, uh, highlights

071that we you've heard from the uh, the operations pathway uh, includes uh, Kathleen Jackson and her team receiving the Meritorious Budget Award for the eighth year in a row. I'll I'll uh, think in terms of transparency that that slide says a lot to me. Uh, we are constantly in front of the public, in front of the board saying, this is what we do. This is why we do it. This is how we do it. Look and see that we have our eyes dotted and our T's crossed. Um, so while most of our performance targets in the strategic plan have more of a long-term focus, um, we do have many. Uh, we actually have two that we have already knocked off the the list. So, uh, under pathway three in the community engagement section, we have

072a uh, a uh, an objective related to community voice and partnership and we had a performance target with which was to establish and sustain the Community Empowerment Center which um, uh, you all got to do back in August and celebrate that. Um, major accomplishment and we've already heard multiple times tonight about the success of that. >> [laughter] >> What a face. We [laughter] have a we have a second We have a we also had a second performance target under operations under stewardship related to ethical governance um, and this was uh, to earn the Trusted Learning Environment Seal from the Consortium for School Networking. So, you got to hear uh, from Wesley Williams and his team back in February about having uh, completed that fairly arduous process a year ahead of schedule um, to knock that

073one off of the list. So, um, so kind of the point of of what I wanted to share tonight is that um, we our plan I think successfully puts the focuses on the most important work that we do um, and we uh, as a as a leadership team I think we um, have have been committed to being in front of the board, being in front of the public basically every meeting uh, with something about the most important work that we do. So, looking forward um, we have a lot of data points um, related to the strategic plan that we do want to share and make public. So, um, uh, the Oasis team has been working with um, Claire and the communications team to focus on a new as new design for part of the website

074that will focus on the strategic plan. So, we're just going to give you a little sneak peek tonight. Um, and this should be up and running in the summer. Oh, I'm sorry. Co- there's the co- citizens. Sorry. >> [laughter] >> So, uh, this is uh, kind of a modified version of what our strategic plan website uh, is going to look like. This this is very similar to to what it is uh, now. Um, so the top link would take you to the plan where it says roadmap to student success. But if you click [clears throat] on any of the pathways, so for example, if you click on academics and post-secondary success, it'll take you to a layout of the pathway. Um, I'm sure Claire will add pictures to this at some point. Well, we're we're

075we're all in the draft phase. She I want to thank Claire for letting me show it in draft form. She's not a fan of putting things out there that are not ready for prime time yet. So, >> [laughter] >> I I appreciate that. But so this will lay out the overview of the plan uh, and each goal within the plan. Then if you click on a plan if you click on one of the goals, it'll take you to the goal itself and then uh, give you the performance targets with that which will then allow you to say for example, click on the third grade reading goal and then be able to have a pop-up uh, piece of data that represents each one of those pieces. So, as we go through, we will uh, try to

076make sure that on each one of the each one of the performance targets, we're talking about what's being measured, how it's being measured, when it's being measured and you know, when it'll update next basically is is how we'll make that work. Um, and so as I said, this is kind of our next phase of putting the strategic strategic plan data in front of the public. Um, that is all I have. Do you have any questions? Doctor Thank you very much, Dr. Schultz. Dr. Jamison. I don't have any questions. No questions at this time. Thanks for the hard work on this. I know it's a constant uh, vigilance to keep up with all of this. Thanks. Yeah. Um, on this side of the dais, any questions or comments for Dr. Schultz? Over here? Questions, but keeping

077it updated is going to be have some tricks Uh, it we have we have some work to do to figure out exactly how we're going to measure some of the things that we want to measure, but I have I have a great team. So, I think we can get it done. Thank you. Mr. Cherry. Thank you so much. Um, yeah, this is again like you said earlier in the presentation, this is the what and the why and some of the how of what we do and uh, I'm just grateful that we continue to be transparent in making sure that we get these things out to the public cuz it is necessary. Um, if there ever any questions about what and why we do what we do, it's right here and um, I just want to

078say thank you for the work cuz we've done a lot of pivoting uh, with this strategic plan and just the way we pivot, the way we move uh, speaks to you all's leadership. So, again, thank you. I appreciate that. Um, I also appreciate um, how you outlined the communication that um, from the division to the board and to the public about how we're saying in line with and accountable to our own strategic plan and um, and if anyone's ever hunted and pecked around trying to learn about a school or a division and trying to figure out is this new data, old data, when was this last updated, things like that. Um, I'm very appreciative that it is at our fingertips and I look forward to I've got on my to-do list to go check it

079out summer of 2026. So, um, so thank you very much for all of that work and for the dedication to keeping it updated cuz that means we're holding ourselves accountable continuously >> Right. um, with the data and things that go behind the strategic plan. So, thank you very much, Dr. Schultz. Thank you, Dr. Schultz and thank you to your team as well. Great job. Thank you. So, finally I'll ask our Chief Financial Officer Kathleen Jackson to come forward to present an update on the 2026-2027 budget. And before she does, I I want to say I know that um, you see that that we are um, smiling tonight, that we're all smiles, but make no mistake, we've had to have some pretty tough conversations over the last few weeks. We are um, smiling because we're committed

080to staying focused and moving forward because children are at the center of every conversation and so we have to stay positive. We have to keep our heads up and we have to move forward. And so I just want to thank our team for staying focused because it we have had some incredibly difficult conversations especially when we're talking about a reduction in force. So I I don't want anyone to think that we're taking that lightly but we are doing our level best to stay positive and stay focused and stay committed to to our students because they're watching how we handle the day in and day out. It's important that we serve as a role models for them to say, all right, how we're taking something that's hard and difficult and how we're going to stay focused

081and band together for them. So I'm just I'm proud of our team. I'm proud of our teachers and our administrators for moving forward collaboratively. So our human resources team has been meeting individually with any employees who have been affected by the reduction in force and contracts went out to returning staff and our recall list is active should we receive additional funding as part of the state and city's budget and to our again to our families to our staff members our community members I just want to again thank you for your continued support. We still have work to do. We still have work ahead of us. The state budget remains in negotiation and Mrs. Jackson will tell you a little bit more about that. So we are watching things closely and we will keep the public

082informed as we always do so that you we can let you know where we are at every given moment. So with that I'll turn it over to you Mrs. Jackson. Okay, thank you. Yeah, this will be I don't have a formal presentation for you this evening. There's not a substantive amount of new information to bring to it this time but we certainly wanted to keep the budget at the forefront and just just bring you an update of the bit that we do have and and take a moment to talk about next steps. So the only update we have on the revenue side is is at the local level. The city has increased their projected revenue for next year a bit. So we are the portion that that comes to the schools is about 400,000 more

083dollars. So that increases our projected increase compared to the current year budget to about 1.1 million dollars in local funds. So as Dr. White mentioned we still don't have a final answer on the state budget. So the General Assembly reconvenes on the 22nd. Um The the hope was that we would have that there are some negotiations happening and by the 23rd we would have a decision on a budget. So that remains to be seen whether I know there's still a lot of things being debated at the state level. So fingers crossed that sooner rather than later we will have that final information. Just as a reminder there's a fairly significant difference in terms of the the level of funding of public education between the House and Senate version. So the Senate version increases compared to

084the introduced budget funding for Roanoke City Schools by about 2 million dollars. The House version increases that by almost seven. So very very big variance there. So at the moment as you probably recall we've been looking at the more conservative of the two factoring that into our budget. So um We certainly hope that perhaps the final budget might be a little bit kinder to public education and perhaps there maybe a little bit more coming from the state level. So our our next steps in terms of tackling the budget will be at your workshop in two weeks that we will intend to focus back on the the tough choices that we're having to make. You as Dr. White mentioned of course and and you well know you tackled a big piece of that two weeks ago

085looking more on the personnel side. So we'll be bringing back for conversation some of the other areas of reduction that have been discussed and are are under consideration at your work session on the 28th and again hopefully we might have a little bit more firm information on the revenue side that will help guide that conversation at the 28th but we'll certainly be prepared to to update you on whatever we do have on the revenue side at that time. So I will leave it there but I'm happy to take any questions. >> [clears throat] >> Dr. Jamison any questions? I don't think I have any questions. I think I just like to say thank you for your ongoing updates and reminding us where we are in the process. I wish we could give everybody more information

086but this is been a really quick and dramatic change for all of us and perhaps none of us more than the function of what you're trying to keep up with Miss Jackson. So thanks for all your hard work. Thank you. This side anyone? I just have a thank you. I know it's tough um not having solid answers yet because realistically we probably won't hear nothing April 23rd. So thank you for keeping up. Thank you. Thank you. On this side Miss Watkins or Mr. Wade? Jerry? No questions. Thank you so much. Yep [clears throat] and thank you again Miss Jackson as always for keeping us in the loop and on point with our budget development process. Thank you Mrs. Jackson and Madam Chair that concludes my report. Thank you very much Dr. White and on to

087the financial forecast and appropriation report. I'm right there. Yeah. Okay. So Miss Jackson could you please present the financial forecast for us? Yes ma'am. Thank you. Good evening again. So this monthly report is reflecting our financial forecast based on information we have through the month of February. So I will jump right in looking at our revenue forecast for the general operating budget based on our experience through February. We are forecast to be about 6.1 million below budget on the revenue side. As you know we are anticipating that our March 31 funded ADM will be a bit less than we had anticipated and our state funding is primarily tied to that. So that is the chief reason along with the anticipated reduction in interest income from bank balances. So We are carefully watching that coming in

088lower than we anticipated. Fortunately so far we are coming in under budget on the expenditure side too forecast to be about 8.5 million below budget on the expenditure side based on our experience through February and that's comparing against a three year average of of the past three years. So um kind of just to put that in perspective we always want to keep track of the funding that was appropriated to us. So we are forecast to be well below that. So no no danger there of being above our appropriation but of course we have to pay attention as I mentioned on that revenue side of having the revenue to to cover those expenditures, right? We don't want to spend up to an appropriation that we might not have the revenue coming in to fund. So as

089I noted we are projected at this point to be about about 6 million below what we budgeted on the revenue side but fortunately still below further below budget on the expenditure side. So we would be projected to be under by about 2.4 million when we make that comparison on the revenue and expenditure side at this point. I will make I I put a little note on there that this does not take into account bonus funds which were included in the caboose bill for the current year state budget. So there there are expenditures that are not currently factored in that we will need to take into consideration in our budget. So that's just something to to have in the back of your mind that we will be bringing to you probably at the May meeting to

090look at amendments to our current year budget to make sure we have funding in the appropriate categories to ensure that we can follow through with that bonus that was added in the state budget. So moving on to the food services fund. Excuse [clears throat] me in this fund as well on the revenue side we are forecast to be a bit below budget about 355,000 below what we budgeted compared to the three year average of prior years through February but again also below budget on the expenditure side by almost a million dollars based on our experience through February. So here again looking at that appropriation amount of 13.5 million we are forecast to be well below that. So no danger there by about 1.4 million based on our expenditures thus far and we did adopt a

091budget to utilize some of the fund balance that is restricted just for use for food service functions. We we budgeted to use about 730,000 dollars out of that fund. So based on that experience we still would be using some of that just less because at this point our expenditures are are significantly below what we budgeted. So we don't only be ending the year forecast at this point to use about 130,000 dollars out of fund balance in that fund. And lastly just the kind of the update of where we are through February in our capital fund. Of course we had just under 18 million dollars reappropriated to us for our capital projects that were approved in the capital improvement plan. Almost 10 of that was utilized last fiscal year. As of February we'd used almost 700,000

092of that. So, we have about 7.4 million remaining and that is that is all committed for things that were approved in our capital plan. The primary one, of course, being Preston Park, which is actively under construction. So, the the majority of what is remaining there will be spent in the coming months as we complete that. That's what I have for you on the current year right now, but I'll happily take questions. All right, Dr. Jamison, any questions regarding the financial forecast and appropriation report? No questions. Thank you. Very much. Um Ms. Watkins or Mr. Wade? On this side? Anyone from this side, Mr. Link included? This may be a question for Mr. Perkins. Um may not, I don't know. I'm curious. How are we tracking so How are we tracking so low in our food

093expenditures? >> [laughter] >> I you know, I did look at that um and the it's chiefly in our food costs. Okay. >> So, so there was not a major difference. Um so, we are down about 400,000 compared to the same month prior year um in our food expenditures. So, I I think that is just based on our our usage. Um but do you have anything to add or Um we've also worked with our vendor and our vendor has tightened uh some costs and that's helped out tremendously. Uh they've been very responsive to some of our inquiries and such. So, we're we're very pleased with how that's going. Thank you. All right. Mr. Cherry? Um the only um item I'll note as we're getting towards the close of our fiscal year is you know, this was

094the first year where we were looking not just at our financial forecast, but we stopped looking at fund balance for our you know, general um budget, but we started looking at appropriations as well because we're under a new um funding policy. And so, as we near the end of our fiscal year, I know it's something that we will all keep in mind and something that we'll be looking at discussing is what will we do with unspent but appropriated funds at year end since we cannot since we will not no longer carry forward unspent appropriated funds in a fund balance um capacity. So, just keep that in mind um board members is something that um will be that it will be new this year and that we'll be discussing at future meetings. Uh-huh. But food services

095is special. Um I was talking generally, but food services is we that one is >> Correct. We do >> do have to retain that that fund balance cuz those funds must be they're restricted for only use as for food service. So, you are correct. Um but I think you were referring more to the general operating budget. Yes, absolutely. So, that is something that we are working on with our kind of first focus on because there is state money for a bonus um that the local match requirement is kind of our our number one focus of um you know, ideally we want to to get up to that uh the the state budget is is based on an average of about a $1,500 bonus, but of course, the state only funds a portion of that cost

096for a portion of the positions we actually have. So, um you know, that's something that we're really paying close attention to wanting to be able to hopefully um get up to that full amount ideally by the end of this year. So, we're looking at that, but as you mentioned um other areas of need um that perhaps you know, being conservatively at the beginning of the year, we weren't able to follow through on um but that we would like to to put forward such as um maintenance needs and that sort of thing. So, you're absolutely right. We are looking carefully at all of that. All right, thank you. And thank you for clarifying that. Yes, go ahead, Ms. Watkins. question about the appropriations. Do we have it laid out and maybe we do and I don't

097I'm misremembering, but do we have it laid out like the timeline of when we can submit appropriation requests and how long we can expect that process to take before we get a response? Do we have that in writing? >> you mean expenditure requests, not another appropriation request? I was thinking appropriation requests. Like if we need to re-appropriate funds, do we know the the the process timeline from asking to getting from city? For unspent appropriated funds at the end of the year? >> Right. Um since this is the first year, my understanding it with how it has opera is how it's intended to operate is that they will all revert back to the locality um as opposed to our fund balance account and and then that's it. So, but if that's something that the board, you

098know, wants to discuss further and what those options are, I know that Dr. Steever, I think it was at our coffee and conversations event that we had last week again restated state code that the locality for example, the unspent appropriated funds, the locality has the authority to re-appropriate them into a capital fund that has certain restrictions on it. I think is how the technical code is is read. >> Right, that part I I understand, but if we wanted to ask for something to be re-appropriated before it's taken back or if it's you know, if the process is you have to give it back to us first and then ask for it back. Do we know officially what that process is and what the timeline looks like? Um we don't. I mean, certainly we we certainly

099can make that request and and that would be up to council whether they would um approve that or not. I mean, I I will note that this year we did have the the sort of true up amount of at revenue exceeding expenditures that we were allowed to apply for a portion of. I believe it was January when a decision was made on that. So, you know, I don't want to speculate that that that same timeline would be in effect in this coming year, but um I I don't think it's totally unreasonable to to look to that experience um just taking into consideration the amount of time that the city would need to close their books and understand um total how much money is is left available from prior year before they would make a decision.

100That makes sense. Have we um have we moved any further on maybe it's in our maybe the ball is in our court. Have we moved any further on the appropriation for the trailers that we don't believe that we're going to that funds that we As a board, we have not discussed it any further than we have discussed, I believe, two meetings ago. So, that is something that >> right? To make a decision. Okay. Okay, that's kind of where I what I was thinking about is that we have some appropriated funds that we need to make a decision on and then once we make the decision, what does that look like for being able to submit it and and get a response and use it again for something else. Like I don't know what that timeline

101is, but I feel like we should know. It's hard to know. I mean, those funds were appropriated for a particular purpose for school use. Um so, uh that amount is known. Um but that would certainly be at the discretion of of council as to how much deliberation they would Right. need to take if we were to come to them and ask to use it in a different manner. >> Okay, thank you. Sorry to wrap all of that up into one good question long question, but >> [laughter] >> No. Thank you very much, Ms. Watkins. Any further inquiries at this time, Mr. Link? I have one for um when we were having more in-depth discussions on the development of our current proposed budget uh in the absence of a fund balance we were looking at >>

102[clears throat] >> some industry best practices for having a contingency built into the budget. And that was the neighborhood of five 1 to 3% 5%? What was that number? >> The recommended is 1 to 5% and our contingency budgeted amount right now is half a percent of like 1.something million. Correct. Okay. Uh so, right. Okay, that's it. So, we should be shooting for 1 to 5% of contingency. And 5% of a $200 million budget is $10 million. Uh yeah, $10 million. Right. And and I think I didn't ask it at the time, but when um Ms. Jackson was going through and showing where we were in our revenues versus expenditures that the discrepancy right now is 2.4 million, which is right about the low end of industry standard of contingency funding. So, um so, and

103that's what a 1%ish, you know, so um that's where, you know, she's saying it might look like we're we're not spending as much as we're bringing in, but we're still pretty close. 100% 100%. Okay. comparatively. Absolutely. We built in a half percent. >> Correct. for the next to this point. That's what we're at. Yep. Thank you. About a million dollars. Correct. Okay. Thank you very much, everyone. All right. Um and I think I got Dr. Jamison at the front end. So, um so, we're good. Thank you very much, Ms. Jackson. Um and looking at the financial statements, Ms. Jackson, are there Is there anything unusual to report this month? I I don't have any further details to share um other than you know, what we covered in the sort of high level um forecast, but

104I'm certainly happy to take questions or comments. Any questions or comments on behalf of the board? No, thank you very much, Ms. Jackson. Thank you. >> Um the statements will be received and filed. Okay, on to um the reports from committees. So, um does anyone We'll start on this side. Does anyone have any committee reports from this side? I don't know what um has happened since cuz we had spring break as well a couple weeks ago. All right, and then from the standing committee reports? Anyone? Mr. Link? >> do. Um >> [clears throat] >> I have a some notes have been hanging around since February. This is from the curriculum committee meeting from February 18th. Um the RCPS curriculum committee met on Wednesday, February 18th of this year to review important academic updates and upcoming

105initiatives to support student success due to the recent snow days. Adjustments were made to the division testing calendar while making sure we were still within state requirements. Uh the committee leaders reviewed mid-year data snapshots to assess student progress and identify focus areas at a spring testing. Um schools are continued continuing their targeted intervention planning, small group instruction, data review sessions to ensure students stay well prepared. Um planning is also underway for summer programming to include academic recovery, intervention, and enrichment opportunities with additional information for families hopefully in the upcoming weeks. Um some [clears throat] current registration trends were discussed. Outreach efforts remain ongoing. Additionally, uh we talked about a kindergarten transition planning that is in process to support families and ensure a smooth start for incoming students. Um committee also reviewed several instructional program updates.

106A recent EL Imagine Learning Walk Through initiative uh highlighted positive student engagement with continued professional learning plan to strengthen implementation. Textbook adoption processes for elementary math, secondary social studies are progressing with materials under review for standards alignment, and stakeholder feedback being gathered. If I need to slow down for you to take notes, I'll um glad [clears throat] instructional strategies continue to show positive impact with ongoing coaching support. Grant funds will expand implementation into the three middle schools. Uh finally, we proposed middle school scheduling adjustments were discussed uh to maximize instructional time and strengthen intervention opportunities. Uh RCPS remains committed to strong instructional practices, thoughtful planning, and ensuring every student is prepared for success. Thank you for holding it down on the curriculum and instruction committee. Um all right, Mr. Chair, did you have any committee

107reports? Um Dr. Jamison, if you want to report out on the audit committee, please. Yeah, I actually have two reports tonight, but I'll do audit first. Um yes, we met on April 13th. No, we did not meet on April 13th. That I I have the wrong report in front of me. Uh we met on March 18th. And um the committee received the federal single audit report for the 2024-25 from Brown Edwards. Um the long and the short of that uh we were reviewed as a board the comprehensive financial report in December, but the federal government shut down delayed a whole lot of other things. So, we didn't get this final report, the single audit report, until February 19th. Um you all have that uh for your reference. Um the audit included three programs, individuals with

108Disabilities Education Act or uh IDEA uh part B funding and IDEA preschool funding and Title 1A funding. Uh we were determined to be low risk, which is good. And there were no questions or uh findings uh related to this federal audit. Um we also received an update on the status of the municipals audit auditors audit on special education that was focused on regional billings and Medicaid reimbursement. That audit was actually uh concluded without a complete audit being done. Therefore, this topic will like this function will likely come up again in a couple of years. Um through this process, we identified some things that we want to improve in terms of communication process going forward. So, that uh and ended up in a productive discussion for us. Um and our next meeting of the audit committee

109will be May 28th at 11:00 a.m. Um and then we'll receive the audit plan from Brown Edwards uh for their financial audit of the 25-26 fiscal year and recommendations from the municipal auditor for next year's audit plan. And we wanted to take a moment to actually share with the board uh Frannie and I serve on this committee together. Um to remind all our board members that every year and this will happen in May, we are uh programs within RCPS are recommended to us to be audited. And we then um agree with the auditors' recommendation. This is based on when was the last time they were audited, is there something new and urgent or emerging? Normally, I do this report and can see Ms. Jackson's face, so I'm assuming you all will make a face if

110she says I'm off base. Uh-huh. >> [clears throat and laughter] >> Thumbs up. Um but she uh but but but I say all this to say, if there is a program or a question you ever have about um a program that we have at RCPS in terms of when was the last time it was audited, should it be audited again? Um I know that in years past, we've made recommendations to have certain divisions or programs audited because it seemed like there was a lot of change or a lot of questions emerging around them. So, that is within the board's purview. Um and I recommend that you all think about that. Um we will come out of the May meeting with recommendations for next year. So, if you have any things you'd like us to send

111forward, please send it to um one of us, uh Ms. Apel, myself, or Ms. Jackson, and we'll put it forward. Um Uh and I would also commend this to you. Next year, there'll be an open seat on the audit committee, and what I will tell you, it is a very informative process. You don't have to crunch a lot of numbers, but it is an interesting it is an interesting um committee to sit upon. So, I throw that out there for you. Anything you would add, Ms. Apel, about the audit committee? Um that um it has been informative being the second board member on that committee, and it is something that um Dr. Jamison has definitely highlighted during our committee work this year that there is institutional knowledge and historical knowledge that will be encapsulated by

112being a part of that committee. And when things cycle through, it will be important for us as a board and board development to continue to have people sit multiple people sit on that committee so that as one rolls off of that particular committee, um there is consistency um from year to year. Um such as um you know, if there's an audit that we're making sure that we follow up on in 2 years' time, or we always revisit the findings of an audit um the next year if there were some other, you know, recommendations for efficiencies and things. So, um that is a very good um committee to know some of the, you know, the inner workings and how we evaluate ourselves and look for efficiencies and improvements to continue to do the work um that

113needs to be done as well as good as as good as possible for the division. So. Um I will be brief with my second report. Last night, the Roanoke Valley Governor's School committee met. Um We are they continued to be doing quite well. They are very well-run operate operation. Um from we had a we've had representation at every level of competition coming out of the Gov School to include state level state level science and engineering fairs. And we are sending um four projects and five students to the international um science and engineering fair. Uh now, they are from, of course, all over the region, but we do have a couple of folks from PH that have performed quite well this year. Um so, that's that's a nice success. The uh next year's enrollment is looking

114to hold steady. They may go up by one over at the Gov School. Their recruitment plan seemed to have been quite successful this year. And additionally, they uh we approved the budget last night, and they have not in- increased the budget since 20 I think the number was 2019. Don Winterwear could probably confirm that for me. So, that is something that is quite remarkable. They're doing quite a lot, and their fundraisers are successful, but probably a a little note in the head and it was noted last night from the superintendent's report that they appreciate the tuition has not gone gone up, but as everything else has gone up, I I don't know that we could count on that forever, but um the successes at the Gov School are quite remarkable, and they continue, and it

115seems to be quite a well-run program. The one of the things they reported out last night is that uh our Gov School had more representation at some of the state and international programs than some of the biggest Gov Schools in the state. And um I mean like other Gov Schools that are quadruple the size of our Gov School here. So, it is a nice resource to have for our students. And I think that concludes that report. Thank you, Dr. Jamison. Were there any other committees for you to report out on? You want me to make one up >> you. No, no, you know, you don't need to make it up a committee now. >> [laughter] >> Um so, and then um, the policy governance and legislative committee will be meeting tomorrow. Um, so, no other

116reports from me at this time. And the technology committee, um, that uh, meeting that was scheduled for last week has has to be rescheduled. So, um, on to ongoing business. Is there any ongoing business to share at this time? Okay. Hearing none, um, on to future business. Um, reminders for upcoming months. Um, so, we do have next week is a closed meeting for school board student interviews. Um, then the following week is the board workshop, um, for the end of April. We have our support staff of the year recognition at Hotel Roanoke at the end of April. Um, and then other items of note aside from our normal, um, bi-monthly meetings for, um, is the retirement dinner on May 18th and CT Extravaganza, I think was May 21st. Um, and then the graduations are on

117there, um, for June 5th and they are both on the same day this year. So, um, any other calendar items? Okay. Well, hearing no further business, this meeting is adjourned.