Roanoke City School Board Meeting: March 10, 2026

001Oh, yeah. Okay. The March 10th, 2026 school board regular meeting is called to order. Ms. Tresky, please call the roll. Mr. Cherry. Here. Mr. Link. Here. Dr. Jameson. Here. Ms. Quintana. Here. Ms. Trigg. Here. Mrs. Watkins. Here. Mrs. Apel. Here. The board is asked to approve the request from Dr. Eli Jameson to participate in the meeting remotely by electronic communication means. Is there a motion to approve the request from Dr. Eli Jameson to participate in the meeting remotely by electronic communication for personal matters pursuant to Virginia Code 2.2-3708.3b4 means. Um, is there a motion to approve her request? >> So moved. Second. Moved by Ms. Watkins, seconded by Ms. Quintana. Um, is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed say no. Welcome to the meeting, Dr. Jameson. Thank

002you. Um, thank you to all of those attending the meeting um, via our RCPS YouTube channel and those who are here in person. We have a jam-packed house this evening and I'm very excited to um, meet a lot of the people who are here with us today and also thank you to our council members um, Hagen and Powers and Mayor Cobb who are with us this evening as well and some representatives from the fire department which we will get to later on in the agenda. Next is the approval of the agenda this evening. Is there a motion and a second to approve the agenda as presented? So moved. Second. Moved by Ms. Quintana, seconded by Ms. Trigg. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed say no. The

003motion carries and the agenda is approved. Please keep the following in your thoughts. Family, friends, and co-workers of Ms. Sarah Conner on the passing of her grandmother. Family, friends, and co-workers of Ms. Terry Lester on the passing of her mother-in-law. And family, friends, and co-workers of Deputy Labresca Whitaker on her passing. She served several of our elementary school communities. 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 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. Moving on to our recognitions. First, um March is VSBA Equity in Education Month. Mr. Link, will you please read the VSBA Board of

004directors proclamation. Yes, ma'am. Roanoke City Public Schools will celebrate and support the commitment to each child in our public education system receiving what they need and when they need it to advance positive student outcomes, the March the month of March has been designated as VSBA Equity in Education Month. Equity in education is a significant challenge nationwide. Whereas inequities in schools have become increased become an increasingly significant challenge in the United States and Virginia and whereas the majority of school-age students are children of color and over 50% of public school students qualify for subsidized meals and whereas we recognize that factors including but not limited to disability, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status have a demonstrated history of impacting the educational opportunities provided to a student and whereas the promise of public education is for every child

005to be successful in school and life and whereas it is important for Virginia families, students, teachers, and school administrators to be aware of the diverse needs of learners and to encourage discussion of the challenges as a school community and whereas the VSBA has established a task force on students and schools in challenging environments to make recommendations and to stay at the forefront of discussions on equity in Virginia schools and whereas we recognize that inequities in resources including educational settings, supplies, technology and buildings impede student learning now therefore be it resolved that Roanoke City Public Schools recognizes the month of March 2026 as VSBA Equity in Education Month with the intention that educational equity, best practices, and programming be discussed in Virginia schools, communities, and classrooms during that time. Thank you very much, Mr. Link. Um

006moving on to the fire prevention poster contest winners, Miss Claire Mitzel, could you please come forward and introduce our fire prevention contest winners? And Okay. Got it. You got it there. Good evening, Madam Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, Dr. White, members of the school board. It's a pleasure to fill in tonight for our fine arts supervisor, Mrs. Whitney Johnson. I know she's watching from home uh to help recognize our winners of the 20th annual fire prevention art contest. Roanoke City Public Schools was honored to partner with Roanoke Fire and EMS once again in this annual contest to help communicate the importance of fire prevention and safety month with this year's theme of charge into fire safety where more than 300 students participated. Again, we had 300 students from all of our schools participate. So, I would

007like to recognize and call forward Roanoke Fire EMS Deputy Chief Andy Foley. Yeah. And I'd like to thank the Deputy Chief and the entire Fire EMS team for your continued partnership with Roanoke City Public Schools. So, next we will introduce the winners of the 2025 Fire Prevention Art Contest as well as their art teachers. So, we have a lot of names to get through. So, when I call your name, both students and teachers, please come forward, go all the way around to receive your certificate and shake the school board and Dr. White's hands. And Deputy Chief, if you'd like to stand at the end there and also shake hands. So, for our elementary category, third place is Kate Green, a fourth-grader in Mr. Prim's art class at Highland Park Elementary School. Second place is Olive

008Hammer, a fifth grader in Ms. Leslie's art class at Monterey Elementary School. In first place is Christian Lipscomb, a fourth grader in Ms. Shammys art class at Roanoke Academy for math and science. Please give all of our elementary winners a round of applause. Next in our middle school category, all three winners are in Ms. Akroid's art class at Woodrow Wilson Middle School. So, in third place we have Hattie Martin, a seventh grader. Second place we have Gray Strong, a seventh grader. And first place we have Harper Angus, an eighth grader. Please give our middle school winners a round of applause. Next is our high school category and all three winners are in Ms. McNeal's art class at William Fleming High School. Woo! Third place we have Jaymir Clark, an 11th grader. Second place we have

009Sefira Milanese Matheny. And first place we have Jazari Jordan, a 10th grader. Please give our high school winners another round of applause. And give it up to Ms. McNeal, our amazing art teacher at William Fleming. And you thought I was done, but now we have our select award winners. So, again, please come to the front when your name is called. So, Fire Marshal's choice is Nala Davis, a third grader in Ms. Shamy's art class at Roanoke Academy for Math and Science. Buddy's choice is Ivy Prim, a fifth grader in Mr. Prim's art class at Highland Park Elementary School. Follow that up with Chief's choice, which is Macy Moore, a fourth grader also in Mr. Prim's art class at Highland Park Elementary School. Mr. Prim, you want another round of handshakes? And last, but certainly not

010least, the Community Risk Reduction Choice Award goes to Marley Ziwatsky, an eighth grader in Ms. Curry's art class at James Madison Middle School. So, again, congratulations all. Thank you to Roanoke Fire EMS, and if our winners will join me in the hallway for a group photo. Thank you. Thanks for today. Oh. It's always great um what our what seeing what our students can do. Um moving on to our featured school, Mr. Freeman, could you please come forward and introduce our March featured school. Good evening, Madam Chair, Vice Chair Cherry, members of the board, Dr. White. On tonight, we have our featured school with us being Westside Elementary School. Um and I know that the proud principal, Dr. English, is going to come and show her school pride. So, as she's coming forth, can we give

011her a hand? Good evening, Chairperson Apolo, Vice Chair Mr. Cherry, members of the board, Superintendent Dr. White, and distinguished guest. I am Kristen English, and it's an honor to serve as principal of Westside Elementary School. Tonight, I am grateful for the opportunity to share how Westside is living our vision and mission each day as we work to ensure students soar. Our shared vision is through continuous learning, collaboration, and community connection, Westside Elementary School will be a place of excellence where all students soar. Our mission grounds this work by fostering resilient learners. These statements are not only simple words on a wall. They guide our practice, drive our decisions, and shape the culture we commit to building for every eagle every day. We have a very diverse and vibrant community of learners. Westside is home to

012over 650 eagles and over 100 remarkable teachers and staff. More than 120 of our students speak English as a second language, representing 18 different countries and 12 different languages. We have four specialized programs for students with intensive supports and needs and three preschool programs. We embrace this diversity deeply. It is one of our greatest strengths. And if you've ever visited our campus, you know we take great pride in who we are as a school community. Nearly 5 years ago, I challenged staff to lean into change. Not because it is easy, but because it strengthens our school community. It enhances our communication about student learning and builds the capacity of our students need to soar. We have engaged in the school improvement process and embraced changes in our practice and approach to teaching and learning by

013way of the collaborative structures established and implemented, such as PLC meetings and ILT meetings with our school-based teams and central office school improvement team led by Dr. Wimbush. We meet regularly to analyze student work, seek promising practices during learning walks to make the necessary adjustments with instruction to ensure student success. Today, we continue to have a student-centered culture for learning where all students have access to high-quality tier one instruction. We continue to make academic gains and have increased student growth and achievement across demographic groups. We continue to strengthen our sense of community with our students by way of our NEST meetings, club days, and family engagement events. It matters to us that our community knows us, sees us, and believes in the powerful work that happens at West Odd every single day. We are so

014fortunate to have strong community relationships with our community partners through congregations and businesses in action that we call CIA Eagles. They help support our families in need during the holidays and throughout the school year with our Pack-A-Snack program. Through these partnerships, our students have also been able to receive enrichment opportunities and community mentoring through our Boys to Men program. Additionally, as authentic literacy continues to be a priority, we have an intentional focus on book access for all students. Our partners at Turn the Page supports this initiative and helps us offer a pathway to build home-side libraries while also strengthening the sense of community as we eat breakfast together on second Saturdays once a month at school. We now also have a free little library on campus that expands student opportunities for access to books even

015outside of the school day. At Westside, our teachers and support staff show up every single day with dedication, heart, and the opportunity to impact student learning. We are fortunate to serve our little Eagles and families and are grateful to be a part of the RCPS community and have the support from central office leadership, superintendent and school board members. We believe we are better together and together we make the difference. At this time, I would like to invite our little Eagles to come forward for a brief presentation about success. Go Eagles. >> Good evening. My name is Salia Washington Hodges and I'm in fourth grade. Hi, my name is Bronson Jeanette and I'm Good evening. No, not yet. Good evening. There you go. My name is Salia Washington Hodges and I'm in fourth grade. Good evening.

016My name is Bronson Jeanette and I'm in third grade. Good evening. I'm Jakai's Arrington and and I'm in third grade. Good evening. My name is Naveah Crowder and I'm in fifth grade. Good evening. My name is Kyrie O'Street and I'm in second grade. Good evening. My name is Faith Augustine and I'm in third grade. Good evening. My name is Brooklyn Bradley and I'm in fifth grade. We represent first to fifth grade students from the amazing Westside Elementary School where little eagle soar. We begin each day with our eagle rules and eagle pride pledge. They remind us of classroom and school-wide expectations and the importance of making good choices. And now our eagle rules. One, listen when others are talking. Two, follow directions in and on the bus. Three, keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

017Four, work quietly and do not disrupt others. Five, show respect for our school and personal pro- property. Six, work and play a safe manner. Seven, at lunchtime use good table manners and remember to use your inside voice. Eight, treat others the way you want to be treated. Being kind is what's up, Eagles. Let's work together and be all in for student success. And now the Eagle Pride Pledge. I will Westside Eagle learn to soar. I pledge to be quiet, kind and well walk through the door. I pledge to own my actions throughout the day, making sure to include others in every way. I am striving to be the best version of me. I will be the change for others to see. Eagle, eagle, what? Eagle Pride! When I say eagle, you say pride. Eagle. >>

018Pride! Eagle. Pride! Board members, Superintendent White, parents, teachers and community members, you are our village. You are the juice that pours into us the necessary nutrients for our success. >> What juice? And we call the nutrients the essential seven. S, support. Your support improves my academic performance and mental health. U, understanding. Your understanding helps me to feel valued and heard. C, caring. Your caring ways help me to believe in myself and my ability. C, compassion. Your compassion makes me feel safe and understood. E, encouragement. Thank you for sowing seeds of love rather than thorns of doubt. S, self-confidence. Your Your in me increases my self-confidence and motivates me to push through other challenges. S, security. Providing a safe space to talk and making sure we are physically safe builds trust and helps us to focus

019on being the best students we can be. Thank you for investing in us. Thank you for pouring your time and energy into us. Because of your example, as we continue to soar, we will remember the importance of helping others to to soar, too. Right here? Awesome job. Come on over so we can Oh, thank you. You did amazing. >> Thank you for coming. High five. You have a turn. Y'all did great. Did amazing. >> Where's mine? Thank you so much. You did amazing. Thank you for coming. Awesome. Thank you, guys. I loved it. I loved it, guys. Good job. Thank you, sweetheart. Great job. Thank you so much. If my arms were long enough, I would hug you. Thank you, Eagles. Yes, thank you. >> What's up, man? Big C. Okay. Okay. Um as we

020are done with recognitions, is there a motion and a second for the board to take a recess for the purpose of a transition to the next agenda item? So moved. Second. Moved by Ms. Quintana, seconded by Ms. Trejo. Is there any discussion? Okay. Um all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed say no. Okay, we'll just take a brief recess so you can get re-situated or whatnot, go to the bathroom, and we'll be back in just a couple minutes. >> Who has got a lot cooler? Yeah. Okay. Mr. Khan. Do I have to do a motion to reconvene? Yes. And we're back. That was a little too colloquial for you. 1 2 3 eyes on me. 1 2 eyes on you. I didn't skip a beat. When I say Eagles, you say Fly. Fly.

021Right? You going to eagle what? That was his favorite part. Yeah. You going to eagle what? She was cute. They were so precious. All right. Oh, and should I Done for the kids that um weren't here. Yes. Chris. Waiting for Mike. Okay. What's that? Want a t-shirt? Oh, I can get you one. Orange. Three. All right. How much are they? I don't know. They were sent the wrong ones. Oh, okay. You want me I almost wore the one we got at the VSBA. Ready to go? You want me to go with Alan? Okay. All right. We will move on to the personnel list. Is there a motion Um and thank you all for your patience during that recess. Um is there a motion and a second to approve the personnel list as presented? Second. I

022mean So moved. Moved by Ms. Trigg. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Ms. Quintana. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. Any opposed say no. And the motion passes. Thank you. Moving on to the consent agenda. Is there a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda as presented? So moved. Second. Moved by Ms. Watkins, seconded by Ms. Trigg. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed say no. Hearing none, the the motion passes. And Ms. Watkins, could you please tell us about the gifts that have been received by RCPS? Absolutely. The board accepts with gratitude the following donations. The Roanoke Ski and Adventure Club provided a donation of 108 new coats with an approximate value of $2,500. Roger

023O. Howell's LLC CPA in Concord, New Hampshire. We are famous in New Hampshire, y'all. Provided a donation of $1,000 to help the homeless fund. Um Second Presbyterian Church provided a donation of $1,750 to Highland Park Elementary School. Again, we want to thank our uh community partners. We can't do this without you. Um all of the gifts and donations are well received. Everything is put to great use. We appreciate your partnership and anyone else who is considering partnership with Roanoke City Public Schools, we welcome you. Thank you very much. Okay, and on to citizen participation on agenda and non-agenda items. Mr. Cherry, do we have any sign-ups this evening for agenda or non-agenda items? >> We have five sign-ups for agenda or non-agenda items. School Board values open communication and we look forward to receiving your

024comments. We encourage all participants to engage in civil discourse and 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 members. Staff present at the board meeting and whenever possible will assist you uh with your inquiry. When you get up here, please state your name for the

025record and state whether you reside in Roanoke City or not and we ask that you keep your comments to 3 minutes. All right, speakers may not cede their time to another individual. There's a light at the center of the podium. All right. Uh that light will turn yellow when you have about 1 minute left. All right, so when I call your name, you may come up to the podium and as soon as you begin speaking I'll start your time. So, do we have a George Dickinson? Mr. D. Good evening, uh Madam Chair, Dr. White, and members of the school board and central administration. Uh I have several topics that I'd like to speak on and I'm George Dickinson. I'm a Roanoke resident, a parent of Roanoke City students, and a teacher in the schools. Um

026firstly, while it's become apparent that the new middle school block rescheduling has been researched and even implemented at two middle schools, the wider dissemination to the remaining middle schools seems to leave something to be desired. Meetings were called with a single day's notice. Rising sixth graders were being called personally by their counselors because no notice at all was given to them. Outdated materials about the classes available were pulled off the website because no information had been given prior to the meeting. Then the meeting itself showed a process that from the outside appears to be building the airplane while it's flying. Uh rather than pulling students as their availability and desire for classes and then presenting them with classes available as is done in a regular school year, we're telling students to pick from classes that

027may or may not be available because the schedule of classes has not been made. Teachers were unaware of possible class choices after the meeting. When asked, it was the first time that they had responded those questions from parents. Um counselors are currently asking students to make a choice between electives if they're unable to provide transportation to a zero period. It seems as though this is a way to watch which classes are dropped and then be able to say this class isn't needed at this school and now we can share teachers between schools as is already being done with some course teachers and drop those who didn't get enough interest. Above all, availability is based on the ability to provide transportation for students, at least for with period. Transportation has become a buzzword in Roanoke City

028schools. We have the current schedule forcing students to wake before 6:00 a.m. and leave school after 4:00 p.m. because of transportation. Early schools must wait until their day's half done to take a field trip, again because of transportation and after school programs and zero periods become unavailable to all but the privileged because transportation. The Plato program has been brought up three separate times and every single time transportation is stated as one of the problems. It feels as though our system is working for the bus company rather than the other way around. I say again as I've said before, the current schedule was enacted. If the bus company can't do what we wanted it to, why do we continue to use it? At a time when teachers are stressed and worried and with home budgets tight

029due to the current move towards more limited summer offerings for teachers, I wanted to ask again for you to reconsider offering 12-month pay schedules for teachers. The current system of opening a new bank account to put money into could be made easier for teachers and pay could be assured over 12 months. It would give teachers peace of mind these difficult times and that seems entirely possible given what other districts have done. I want to say in closing that it's important for all voices that are impacted by the current budget to be heard. Perhaps meetings where teachers are unable to hear responses to their comments and questions and are just told they're being heard are not the best way to lead staff to think that their voices are being heard. Thank you very much. Thank you,

030Mr. D. >> Thank you. All right. Next we have Christian Burnett. Good evening, board. I am a resident of Roanoke City. My name is Christian Burnett, president of the Roanoke NAACP Youth Council, but more importantly tonight, I am a student at Patrick Henry High School. Roanoke City Public Schools is facing a 16.5 million dollar budget deficit due to changes in the city's funding formula, which reduced the students' share of tax revenue from 40% to 34%. While it may not be called a cut, our school division is still facing serious shortfall. And that shortfall means potential reductions in staffing, transportation, and student services. For students like me, this is not just policy, it's personal. Patrick Henry is already overcrowded. Our classrooms are full and our teachers are stretched thin. If staff positions go unfulfilled, class sizes

031will grow even larger. That means less That means less one-on-one support and fewer opportunities for students to fully understand the material. Cuts to staffing also mean fewer counselors. As a student preparing for college, I rely on my counselor for help with applications, transcripts, scholarships, and deadlines. Counselors also provide support for students facing stress and personal challenges. When they are overwhelmed, students will feel it. Transportation cuts, especially to after-school activity buses, will limit access to sports, clubs, and tutoring. These activities are not extras. They build leadership, discipline, and community. When access is reduced, involvement will decline. Funding reductions could also impact classroom resources and academic programs. As students competing for college and future careers, we need strong academic opportunities and competitive programs. This deficit affects more than just numbers. It affects opportunity. It affects morale. It

032affects whether students feel supported by their city. I appreciate discussions taking place, but I urge you to keep the students at the center of every decision. We are the ones who live with the consequences. Investing in our schools is investing in Roanoke's future. Thank you. I I apologize if I have mispronounced it. Nazir Jackson? Did I say it right? All right. Good evening, chair members. My name is Nazir Jackson. I am the second vice president of the Roanoke Youth Council. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak tonight. I come before you not only as a student and a community leader, but someone who deeply invested in the future of Roanoke's youth young people. Over the last several weeks, our community has watched with increasing concern as Roanoke City Public Schools confront a $16.5

033million budget deficit. A shortfall in a large part to change in the city's school funding formula, which reduced our share of new tax revenue from 40% to 34%. As a result, the this division the this division is now weighing on the potential elimination of about 150 positions, reductions to student programs, and cuts to essential operational services. These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. These are teachers who keep us engaged, the staff who keep our school safe, and the program that keeps students connected, motivated, and successful. We already heard that the proposed cuts could include eliminating after-school activity buses, a lifeline for students, especially those who rely on sports, tutoring, or clubs as a pathway to opportunity. Reducing or restructuring gifted services and elementary programs. We've also heard parents express the hard truth. Cuts like

034these don't just reduce services. They widen opportunity gaps. When transportation disappears, participation disappears. When tutoring is cut, achievement suffers. When staffing is slashed, students report support becomes stretched thin. I ask the board members to remember that these impacts fall heaviest on the students who already face the sleepiest the steepest barriers. But I also stand here tonight with hope because I know our district is not giving up. Superintendent White has shared creative strategies the division is exploring including public-private partnerships, endowments, and grant opportunities. Tonight I I urge you to continue pushing for solutions that protect students first even in the face even in the face of extremely difficult decisions. I ask City Council may whom I work with as a youth leader to fully recognize the long-term consequence of this deficit. As parents and community members

035have said the decision made this year will ripple ripple 1 5 10 even 20 years into Roanoke's future. We cannot afford to budget by sacrificing a generation. To the board, please continue to center your decision on student impact. To city leaders, please remember that schools are not simply another line item. They are the foundation of our city's economic future, civic health, and community stability. To my fellow students and advocates, let's please keep showing up. Our voices matter and tonight proves that. Roanoke cannot thrive if students cannot thrive. I urge every leader in this room to see this not as a financial crisis but as a moral movement, a chance to reaffirm that our children's future are non-negotiable. Thank you. Yes. All right, next Miss Paris Scott. Good evening board and good evening students and parents

036of Roanoke City Public Schools. My name is Paris Scott and I serve as the first vice president of the Roanoke NAACP Youth Council. But first and foremost, I am a student of William Fleming High School, Colonel Pride. Okay. School is more than just the textbooks and the academics. It's about our knowledge and what we're gaining. So tonight I'm here to talk about the budget on the behalf of William Fleming High School and schools for Roanoke City Public Schools. I also want to speak about, from my personal experience as a player for William Fleming High School girls program. We are already paying $100 to participate to play each year. I believe that if cuts are made, we won't be able to travel to certain type of tournaments in season and summer camps to provide for us

037and strategize our chemistry together as a basketball program. If you know, we went to the state championship last year and I'm proud to stand here today and say that we need those transportation and those cuts and those budgets for us to continue doing the work that we've already done for our program. But even now, we're already dealing with limiting funding. But if funding is cut even more, it could affect our ability. These students need to be motivated and we don't need these cuts. I believe that our textbooks still matter. I believe that these lunch meals that are free still matter. I believe that the after-school programs for as Plato and after-school programs to make sure that kids are passing their classes, IEPs, all those in categories are still matters so we can have that good

038education. I also believe that everybody deserves a diploma and is able to graduate with a full ride scholarship. So no no budget, no money, no scholarship. I also believe that with athletes besides the basketball club program for football, softball, any other sports should have some type of funding, too. And our teachers and our principal, Ms. Anderson, should be having equal funding. So please, students and staff and members of Roanoke City Public Schools, when it comes to these funding cuts and making these decisions, please think of us as students and not just us as students, but our teachers and our principals and and parents. Thank you. Last one on our list is, I hope I say it right, Dina Anderson. Hi, I'm Dina Anderson. I am a Roanoke City resident. This is my daughter, Hazel. Um

039I'm the PTA president at Highland Park Elementary School and most importantly a mother to my daughter Hazel, who's in the third grade Plato program. I know that the board is facing many difficult decisions, but I feel that it's not realized the full impact of cutting this program that has been in place for so long that it will have on the children, the community, and especially our school. This year has proven to me how important this program actually is. Let me tell you about my child. In previous years, she would come home dysregulated, emotional, and begging for me to home school her, which is not an option. My outgoing, smart, inquisitive, silly, and rule following daughter was slipping away. It was very difficult to send your child to school knowing that that's the outcome. This is

040in no way an absolutely no way meaning to disparage our teachers. We love them dearly. It is just to speak to the system that is in place. Teachers can only do so much when there are such varied needs in education and behaviors. While the teacher helped students with behavior issues or kids who were behind and needed more attention, Hazel seemed fine. She finished her work and many students recognized that she was able to help them. Um she would come home at the end of the day and melt down crying about how stressful her day had been. At 6 and 7 years old, crying about how stressed she was from helping others. This year has been a complete change. At the beginning of the year, my child thought she didn't belong in the program. It wasn't

041that she didn't fit. It was because for the first time she was actually learning. She had to learn how to learn. She was finally being met at her level and challenged. She is thriving now. She has many friends and she and her classmates feel like they belong. Her story is not unique. I've heard the same thing many times over from other parents. How do we as parents explain this and make our children go back? How does the school and the city make our children go back? Now I'll speak as a PTA president. Cutting Plato will hurt Highland Park tremendously. Plato makes up a third of Highland Park Elementary School and a third is huge. A school will not sit with a third of its classrooms vacant. There will be redistricting. It's inevitable. Losing Plato also

042means losing test scores from the Plato fourth and fifth grade and it will affect our overall scores, potentially even affect accreditation. This decision will continue to affect more than our students now. It will affect the neighborhood and communities everywhere for years to come. If Plato is cut, some parents may be able to send their child to a private school. Most cannot. Few students may get adequate education at their home school, but most did not. Highland Park, like many of our schools in our region, are lower income schools and when children aren't challenged, they act out. They create distractions, cause trouble, or give up and silently stop caring. Many Sorry. Um We advocate as PTA, we advocate for our school, our students, our teachers. We also work to raise money to help fill the gaps between

043the budget and the school needs. Without a Plato, I see that we will struggle and that will not exist. Cutting Plato may save a little money, but it is a drop in the bucket to its true cost. Thank you. >> On behalf of the school board, I want to thank everyone for taking the time to speak to us this evening and at other meetings and through many other channels. As we said earlier, we do value the feedback of our community. Public input is important as we make decisions on behalf of all all students in Roanoke City Public Schools. Um thank you. Dr. White, please provide the superintendent's updates. All right, thank you. Good evening, Madam Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, members of the school board, and student representatives. This evening, we're bringing forward several important items

044for your consideration and information, including an update on our professional learning program, approval of the addition of a teacher workday for the current 25-26 school year, and approval of the capital improvement plan and capital maintenance program, and approval of the 25-26 categorical budget. Uh before we move on to our agenda, I'd like to take a moment to highlight some exciting updates. We are so proud of our Lady Colonels girls basketball team for reaching the Class 5 State Semifinals. They played Princess Anne in Virginia Beach this past Friday, and while they narrowly lost 57-43, it was a close game. Princess Anne is the top team in the state and 16 in the country, and so we are proud of our Lady Colonels for representing RCPS at the highest levels this season. They have uh racked up

045some impressive and awards, including Region 5C champions, which you'll hear more about during our winter sports recognition this month. Let's give them another round of applause. Also, over the past week, I've had the pleasure of visiting uh classrooms at several of our schools to celebrate Reading Across the America Reading Across America Week. Our youngest learners are reading and writing and discussing relevant material in every classroom every day, and I want to thank our teachers for always leading with love and literacy. And our community members, I want to thank you as well. Many of our community leaders came out to read to classes as well. So, thank you for taking the time to connect with our students and to share your love of reading as well. And so, next I want you to mark your calendars.

046We are excited to share that Roanoke City Public Schools will be co-hosting a traffic safety event with the City of Roanoke's Transportation Department on Saturday, April 11th from 10:00 to 1:00 at Westside Elementary School's Traffic Garden. So, this is a great opportunity for our elementary families to receive free safety checks and as also to to to check the proper helmet fittings as well. And families um will have an opportunity to have their children practice walking and biking safely in a simulated environment. So, come on out. We'll be sharing more information about that pretty soon. I'm also excited to share that our fourth annual RCPS uh RCPS Works Student Job Fair and Transition Services Fair will be held from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 23rd at the Berglund Center. Now, as a reminder, this

047is our annual Student Job Fair and it's designed to connect students with summer jobs and long-term employment as well. So, the event will also feature a transition resources for students with disabilities and our Summer Connect resources for families with elementary and middle school students uh students and employers can visit our our our to register for that RCPS Works Student Job Fair. So, we're excited to continue that again this year. So, to begin our report tonight, I'd I'd like to ask our executive director of professional learning, Kerry Gates, to provide to provide a report on professional learning in Roanoke City Public Schools. So, Ms. Gates. All right, thank you, Dr. White. All right, good evening, uh Chairperson Apel, Vice Chair Cherry, Superintendent White, student representatives, and members of the school board. I'm excited to share the

048professional learning work happening across our division. You all have the 2025-26 professional learning catalog, which outlines professional learning opportunities for all staff, including our experienced and veteran employees, as well as our instructors, and of course, our alignment to our strategic plan. Tonight, I will focus on two areas. One, why professional learning matters to the organization and our employees. And three, I will share three growth opportunities from this year that support our strategic plan's professional growth pathway, specifically career advancement, mentoring, and leadership development. So, first, let's take a quick look at why professional learning and growth opportunities matter. So, from the organization's uh perspective, prof- professional learning strength is recruitment and retention. Employees constantly look for organizations that will invest in their growth, and research shows that 93% would stay longer if career development is supported.

049So, from the employee perspective, professional learning signals to them that their growth matters. People want relevant learning that helps them succeed in their role and adapt to changing expectations. Because professional learning matters, we've been very intentional and focused about where we invest our time and resources. So, in December during our HR staffing report, I shared a high-level overview of our professional learning work. Tonight, rather than revisiting everything, I'll I'd briefly take a look at three specific growth opportunities that support our professional growth pathway and strengthen our workforce pipeline. The Great Beginnings New Teacher Mentor Program, the Aspiring Principals Program, and the Southwest Virginia Teacher Apprenticeship Program. I'll begin with Great Beginnings, which supports early career teachers and plays an important role in strengthening retention. So, the Great Beginnings Mentor Program continues to grow. Since December,

050our mentee numbers have been increased from 266 to 288 teachers supported by 116 trained mentors. So far this year, mentors and mentees have logged over 4,350 meetings reflecting strong engagement and ongoing support. This program serves teachers new to Roanoke City, as well as second-year teachers, and this year we've expanded support to third-year teachers. So, one of the ways we monitor program effectiveness is through program surveys. From our mid-year surveys, mentors identified that I'm sorry, mentees identified that mentors were most helpful in supporting them in classroom management, instructional resources, student relationships, and we use that feedback to provide ongoing mentor support. From our mid-year survey, 89% of mentees reported that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with their mentor support. Mentors shared that mentors provided strong instructional support, guidance in their class with classroom management,

051and contributed to the sense of building our sense of belonging that they felt in their building. And I'd just like to share a brief reflection from one of our mentees, Jeff Love at William Fleming High School. I'm excited to be talking about the Great Men Great Beginning Mentorship Program. It has had a transformational impact on my first year of teaching. Uh it's rare to come into a school environment and just feel so supported, so welcomed, and to be given all the tools I needed to really succeed. Um I want to shout out my fantastic mentors in the science department in particular. Uh they have been an absolute godsend this first year. There's always a tremendous amount of learning as a first-year teacher, but with their expertise, I really felt comfortable and confident and like I

052knew I was doing from day one. So now we're going to kind of shift over to the mentor side of things. So it's equally as important that we support our mentors. In our mid-year survey, 94% of mentors rated the professional learning that they received as either highly effective or effective. Mentors shared that the learning was valuable because it allowed them to collaborate with one another and use practical tools to be more proactive in supporting new teachers' needs. And importantly, 93% indicated they plan to continue serving as a mentor next year. I'd also like to take a moment to thank all of our wonderful mentors for their time, their care, and their leadership that they bring to this work. They are a wonderful, dedicated group of people. I'd like to also thank our lead mentor teacher,

053April Coates, for her leadership and ongoing support of this program. So I'd like to share a brief reflection from one of our mentors, Melanie Potter at Grandin Court. It has really made me a better teacher all around. Even in my own classroom, it's helped me to tighten up. We as mentors get our own professional growth to make sure that we are prepared to be the best mentor we can be. And so it's helped me to tighten up in my own classroom and to look at some of the things that I've been doing to see where I can make adjustments and to help me be a better teacher as well. So, in addition to supporting new teachers, mentoring also helps us identify and develop future leaders, which brings me to our career advancement work. So, one

054key strategy in strengthening our workforce pipeline is preparing future leaders from within our own schools. The principalship is an increasingly complex role and we recognize the importance of strengthening a leadership pathway that intentionally prepares and supports future principals. This year, 13 of our leaders are participating in the Aspiring Principals program to build leadership readiness and to ensure they are well prepared prepared to support our students and schools. So, rather than walking through each individual session, I wanted to highlight what distinguishes this program. Participants develop essential leadership skills that are immediately applied in their current role. This is not a sit and get experience. Participants are expected to actively apply their learning in their learning to real-world instruction. So, that applied work culminates in measurable impact. During our final session on March 23rd, participants will present

055the impact of their work to peers and division leaders using data to demonstrate how their leadership has influenced instruction, including a teacher's ability to deliver strong tier one instruction and to share student performance. And to share what this looks like in practice, here's a brief reflection from one of our participants, Kiana Fields. It's really shaping me as a leader. Um specifically about being a systems builder within the building. How to build those systems that are going to promote student growth and staff growth as well. I would say yes, absolutely do it. You get to collaborate with colleagues who are like-minded, who love the city, who love our students. Absolutely do it. And kind of our third section is uh the um the teacher apprenticeship. And as I shared in December, we are now in our

056second cohort of the Southwest Virginia Teacher Apprenticeship Program, which is a regional consortium of six school across region and six, which each division supporting up to two apprentices. This year, we have two apprentices at Hurt Park. One is a former instructional assistant, and the other is a William Fleming graduate. The goal is to provide career advancement opportunities for classified staff and to grow future teachers from our own community. This apprenticeship model removes financial barriers to licensure and serves as a long-term workforce strategy that supports retention and strengthens our teacher pipeline. This model is powerful because apprentices learn to teach in the school division where they will ultimately work. They are full-time paid employees who receive tuition support through Radford University while completing extensive on-the-job training with a master teacher. This model blends class classroom practice

057and coursework, allowing apprentices to apply what they learned immediately. So, to highlight this program, here's a brief reflection from one of our apprentices, Heaven Campbell, and our school principal, Mrs. Danielle Allen. This opportunity is important to me because it allows me to get that real-world, hands-on experience before I go out into the field of my own. I think the apprenticeship program is very unique because it allows them to see every phase of the school year. Through the apprenticeship program, they get time to learn the school, learn the curriculum, meet the students, build those relationships, and ease into student teaching. And then that way, those relationships are really solid, and so they're able to put in better work. So, it's been my pleasure um and honor to share this report with you. This is a lot

058of good work being done by many across our division, and I just want to thank you for your ongoing support of professional learning in Roanoke City. Thank you very much, Ms. Gates. Um Does anyone on this side, Ms. Quintana or Mr. Link, have any questions or comments for Ms. Gates? Thank you for leading wonderful program. Thank you. Ms. Tray Ms. Watkins? Awesome job. Vice Chair Cherry? Thank you so much. This is necessary for our division. I don't think uh sometimes our community understands how much intentionality goes behind the scenes when it comes to investing, not just in our students, but also our workforce because our business is people, and we invest in students, but we also have to invest in quality staff. So, this work is important. Thank you. And um it's always been of

059note um to me, and I've I've mentioned it before, how there is a purposeful intentionality to support staff and give everyone at every level of staff in RCPS opportunities for growth. And it's also coupled with accountability and measurement. It's nice to have feel-good programs, but we have the numbers behind it, and I've seen numbers in previous years with retention both of new teachers or new to RCPS teachers cuz they get mentors too, whether it's their first year or not, but also for our mentors as well. And um so, I just hats off regarding that. Oh, and the voice in the sky, Dr. Jamison, any comments before we move on? No additional comments. Thank you for the very thorough report. Thank you, Ms. Gates. >> Thank you, Ms. Gates. All right, wonderful. Next, I'll ask our

060Chief Instructional and Administrative Officer, Archie Freeman, to provide an overview of a request that we're bringing forth for your consideration and approval to change April 21st, 2026 to a non-student teacher work day due to our schools being used as voting precincts for a statewide referendum. So, Mr. Freeman. Uh thank you, Dr. White. I promise you I'm going to be shorter than Mr. Perkins tonight. Uh the Commonwealth, as Dr. White has stated, Virginia has scheduled a statewide special referendum election for Tuesday, April the 21st. Nine of our school facilities within the division have been designated as official voting precincts for this election. Conducting normal instructional operations in these facilities while accommodating significant public access for voting presents logistical concerns regarding safety, parking, and of course, the capacity for our security and buildings. In order to minimize

061disruption to the instructional environment and ensure the safety and orderly operation of our schools, the administration recommends that Tuesday, April the 21st be designated designated as a non-student day and observed as a teacher work day. The school division will remain in compliance with all state-mandated instructional hour requirements. Upon the vote on tonight, we will move forward appropriate communication to notify all stakeholders. So, on tonight, we're asking that you all approve that April 21st, 2026 serve as a non-student day, but a teacher work day. Thank you, Mr. Freeman. Is there a motion and a second to approve the revision to the 2025-2026 academic calendar to establish April 21st as a non-student day and observed instead as a teacher service day. So moved. Moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Mr. Cherry. Is there any further discussion? Is

062there any discussion? All those Hearing none, all those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Say no. And the motion passes. April 21st will be a non-student day. Your vote didn't count, guys. Thank you for voting, but it did not count. Thank you. Very good. Thank you, Mr. Freeman. And starting tomorrow, we will begin to communicate this change with our families and staff to ensure that they are aware of this change. So, thanks again, Mr. Freeman, and thank you to the board. Next, I'll ask our Chief Operations Officer, Chris Perkins, to come forward and to prepare to to prepare prepare you for a vote on our capital improvement plan and our capital maintenance program. So, Mr. Perkins, on to you. Thank you, Dr. White, Madam Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, members of the board. Mr. Freeman,

063and it was forgotten that this is just an approval request for Mr. Perkins. I presented the capital improvement plan at your last meeting. You also have your capital development initiative, which includes our CIP and CMP in writing. And just as a reminder, we have submitted a 10-year plan at the request of City Council. Councilman Best pitch specifically asked that we uh put it out the 10 years. So, this is the first 5 years of our request, and this is the second 5 years of our request. I will note that uh there are columns missing from that this year because we no longer have a capital fund balance to where we can offset debt. Uh so, it is a debt request uh that we have planned out for 10 years. Uh if you have any questions,

064I'll be happy to answer those. Thank you, Mr. Perkins. Um Ms. Trigg, Ms. Watkins, any comments or questions for um Mr. Perkins? Mr. Link, Ms. Quintana? No, sir. Mr. Cherry? Thank you. Um I did want to just ask one quick question. I noted, you know, HVACs, roofs, playgrounds on here. Um do we have some mechanisms in place to make sure that, you know, 10 years from now when or 20 years from now or 30 years from now when, say, you're not the head of operations anymore, that we these things don't fall through the cracks, that they're not dependent on one person. Do we have checks and balances to make sure that we keep these things fresh and updated so we don't lose them 5 years from now? Absolutely. With the arrival of Dr. White and

065her vision uh and my appointment to this position, we created a capital development initiative standard operating procedure uh that has a uh needs assessment scorecard. Uh we have a committee that reviews all of those. It is laid out in the SOP, uh the responsibilities and uh of each individual who will uh address those going forward. Uh I hope I'm here 30 years, but I'm going to tell you I will not be. Remember, I've retired once already. So, um but uh we we have all of that in writing. Uh it is There is a process in place which we are very proud of. Uh the uh people who worked on that, Mr. Jeff Schalver, uh Mr. Don Richardson, Mr. Stan Robinson, Mr. Joey Campbell, uh and many others, but they all worked very diligently to make

066sure that we have it standardized in writing and available for future generations to come. Thank you very much. Appreciate that. Um and the work done. I remember you know about all the information on getting all the SOPs together through all the departments. So, um and voice in the sky, Dr. Jameson, any questions or comments for Mr. Perkins? No questions. Thank you. I should I have a chopper noise? You say I have >> not me. Don't worry, sister. Okay. I'm holding your baby up right here. Thank you, Mr. Perkins. All right. Is so, with all of that said, is there a motion and a second to approve the capital improvement plan for fiscal years 2027 through 2036 as presented? Second. Moved by Mr. Terry, seconded by Ms. Watkins. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those

067in favor say I. I. Any opposed say no. And the motion passes. All right, very good. Thank you to the board. Thank you, Mr. Perkins, also for all of your leadership and your your support and hats off to your team as well on a wonderful capital improvement plan and maintenance program. So, thank you for your leadership. Uh last uh but not least, I'll ask our chief financial officer, Kathleen Jackson, to come forward to provide an update on an overview of the 2026-2027 categorical budget for your consideration and approval tonight. But first, I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone from our students, our staff members, our families for engaging in the budget in the budget process with us. Uh so, whether you are in this room tonight or if you're watching online, I do

068want to thank you. I want you to also know that your voice does matter. So, it's important for us to um make sure that we hear from everyone. And so, I just want to say thank you for that. Thank you for your engagement, for your investment of time, talent, and energy, and support of the work that we do every day. It's important that you remain engaged throughout the next several weeks and next several months as we're getting closer to the the final budget. So, I'd ask you to stay engaged. And I also want to be clear because I know many of you are watching closely that no cuts are being announced tonight. Those decisions have not been made yet. What we are asking the school board to approve this evening is a categorical budget. It's

069the high-level budget. It's a broad framework, not a final line-by-line budget. We will continue to discuss and provide updates in the coming weeks as we learn more, but we're we're still waiting to on critical information, particularly from the state. State lawmakers are still negotiating between the Senate and House versions of the state budget. So, the out that outcome will affect how much funding we receive from the state. So, we do have to kind of hold for a minute until we see how that kind of shakes out. We're also still gathering information that we need to make the most thoughtful decisions possible, including surveys and feedback from families and from staff members about specific programs. So, again, still in the information gathering stage, but keep in mind that we did not arrive at this moment easily.

070As you know, I want to thank the board for your engagement. I know that we kept you for 3 hours at the last meeting. We'll try not to keep you that long tonight. But, we again, it was important for us to go through all of the various considerations and to provide the options and the information and to address the various questions that we've received through the budget town hall meetings and through um the the focus groups that we've had. Uh it's important for us to take all of those questions seriously and to outline all of the various um pathways, potential pathways as we move forward. So, we know that this has been a difficult budget season. It's a difficult time to navigate and even to discuss, quite frankly, but we we must adjust accordingly. So,

071uh the facts are the facts and so many uh people have asked uh time and time again, "Well, how did you get here?" And and and why is this? And how did you get here? And so, there were again, just so that we can make sure that everybody has a uh an understanding of where we are right now. Um we were level funded last year, so that had a $6.7 million impact. And then we had to return our fund balance uh to the city and now there's been a policy change taking us from 40% of actual revenues to 34% of growth. So, again, when you combine all of that together, that's how the $16 million deficit has come to be. So, I I just again, uh we've gotten lots of questions about that, so I

072just want to make sure that everyone is clear on uh why the budget deficit exists. So, there's no way around that and um particularly when we're in a people business. So, again, we're faced with these really hard decisions because because we are in a people uh business. But, I do want you to know that we we hear you and that what I can promise you is that we will continue to move forward carefully um and most importantly together because that's how we do our work. And so, again, it it's a tough time and we may not always, you know, um it the the discussions can be a little rough sometimes, but I believe if we stick together and we stay focused and we are committed to moving forward together, then we will find our way

073forward um in the most productive way that we can with keeping our students at the center of the conversation. So, with that, Mrs. Jackson, I'll turn it over to you. Okay, thank you very much. Good evening, Chair Mrs. Avel, Vice Chair Mr. Cherry, members of the board, and of course, um, Dr. White. Um, we will start off with kind of an update. As Dr. White said, there's still, um, not a final answer on state funding of education. So, um, just want to revisit. We shared this last meeting, but kind of high-level points of the differences between the Senate and House versions of the state budget. Um, the Senate version does have the state share of a 3% raise for standards of quality positions instead of 2%. The House sticks with the 2% that was in

074the introduced budget. Um, Senate version does increase at-risk add-on funding, which is very favorable for Roanoke City Public Schools. Um, makes a few sort of more longer-term adjustments. Sort of big difference in the House version, there's that $400 million one-time flexible funding supplement. Um, which is a big deal. That's a significant It makes that budget, um, uh, quite a bit more dollars, um, for Roanoke City Public Schools. And, um, so here is just kind of high-level. The Virginia Department of Education is not doing detailed calculation tools uh, until the General Assembly comes to one uh, final budget, but, um, based on sort of the high-level information that was part of those, uh, each house's budget, um, uh, the education committee reports, um, we can get a general sense of what this would mean for Roanoke

075City Public Schools. So, you see there that, um, the estimate is that the Senate version would add about $2 million above the introduced budget. Um, that's that's sticking with a 2%. We have not really had discussion about, uh, being able to afford going all the way to a 3%. So, that, um, would be sticking with a 2% raise. And, then, the House version, as you can see, about $6 million, um, of that is the estimate that would be Roanoke City Public Schools' share of that one-time money. Um, importantly, um, an important caveat of those funds is that you are required to do a two a 2% raise to access those monies. So, that's kind of two two pots of money in the state budget on that side that would we would not have access to

076if we did not do that raise. So, that is a significant, um, portion. I know we've had a lot of discussion about how the state only funds a portion of only a portion of the positions that are actually necessary to meet student needs. Um, so, that is about $1.6 million that we would be leaving on the table if we did not do that raise, but here is a a significantly larger number, um, that that we could use to help offset that, um, that the additional cost of doing that raise. So, that is something just to keep in mind that would be required, um, and then about 800,000, um, is related to that the House version doubling special the special education add-on. So, uh, a variance about additional 2 million versus an additional 6.8. So, um,

077here kind of just shows you what the the budgets, um, high level would be for Roanoke City Public Schools, the introduced budget in white about 158 million, um, Senate version brings that up to about 160 million, and then, um, a close to 165 million the House version. Um, I I will note, as I said, we don't have the the detailed, um, templates to use to, um, look at these numbers in detail. We are budgeting with an S based on an estimate of 12,700 as March funded average daily membership. Um, I will, just as a reminder, that's not total membership. Of course, we have many more students than 12,700, but, um, some of those student groups, such as preschoolers, for example, are funded separately by the Virginia Department of Ed, so are not included in funded

078ADM. So, um, I So, I just wanted to clarify that why I'm using that number. Um, currently, the estimates at the state level are based on a much lower number of 12,340. We think that's significantly too low. Um, but again, I can't adjust. It's We just have a spreadsheet um, that cannot be manipulated. At this point, once the calculation tool comes out, when the General Assembly has a final budget, we will be able to, um, go in and make those changes and see what that difference is. So, probably, long story short, probably that means these are sort of low estimates. Um, but wouldn't be changed significantly. So, looking at the revenue picture, um, so you see here the the current year budget compared to what is projected for next year. Um, that's using the Senate

079version. We always like to start with the more conservative option if they're, particularly when they're that far apart. Um, and so, and again, I I just I kept noted, we talked about this last meeting, but that we are reflecting the students with intensive support needs, um, both revenue and expenditures in the general fund. So, you see that there. Um, that all of that combined to a variance of about $9 million. Uh, if the Senate version is what passes. So, moving on to expenditures, just to highlight, um, very high level, some of the impacts, um, the the biggest cost drivers affecting our budget, of course, um, as Dr. White said, the vast majority of our budget is people, so employee raises are uh, and and personnel costs are the number one uh, piece of our budget.

080So, we are proposing to stick with a 2% raise, mostly because, um, of that House version of the budget, that that would if we did not have that in there, we would be foregoing quite a bit of state funding. Um So, in implementing that, how we would handle that is we would look at a combination of a scale and step increase. So, for example, our teacher scale already has 1.5% between steps. So, we would look at in that case moving the whole scale up half a percent and then everyone would move a step. So, that would combine to be a 2%. We do have some scales, primarily our classified scale, where there's already 2% between So, in that case we would just move folks up a step. So, we would do um adjust scales if

081needed um to make sure that we averaged out to that 2%. Um just some other that I know we've talked about this a lot, so I won't belabor the point, but um health benefits is another major cost driver. At this moment, we have we're estimating a 10% increase there. Um we have heard that that could be low, but um that that's based on a rolling average and we did have a high month uh that's incorporated in that that our uh health care consultant said possibly is not indicative of of where we'll land. So, we're we're watching that one. Um we did have a favorable change on Virginia Retirement System, so that helped our budget um that in everybody annual they update their rates and they did go down this by annual, so that was a

082a positive. Um and then other contractual obligations um that have increased based on inflation or or the service level such as transportation, equipment maintenance, um technology, and instructional resources. So, that's very high level. Um and then again under still under consideration, no final decisions on the cost reduction side that we've discussed are reductions or deferring um building and grounds maintenance, reducing our professional learning travel and special events, um reducing instructional resources and assessments, reducing or eliminating some special programs or services, reducing equipment and supply budgets, eliminating some positions where we would focus first on vacancies and furloughs at the division administration level. So, I'm going to show you this preliminary budget um based on both the Senate and House just to give you an idea. Um but again, we are asking you at this point

083in the process um to approve our preliminary budget that will be based on the Senate version because that is the more conservative option that's on the table at this point. So, what you see here um again, this first column is just for a comparative purposes, the current year uh adopted budget. Um our preliminary needs-based budget is the next column, so that's kind of where we started this process and we looked at um all of the needs that were identified. Then um the the third column shows you um the preliminary budget that we'll be asking you to approve this this evening um and where we landed based on the revenue projections that we have at this time. So, that's obviously a it's about a $14.6 million decrease because the Senate version added about $2 million to

084the budget. So, that's why that is slightly better than the $16 million we've been discussing. Um and then the House version just again for comparative purposes um as a possibility there, that adds quite a bit more. I will note um I've reflected only about half of that $6 million um in this year of the budget. That uh language in um the state budget does say that those funds are available for both years of the biennium. So, that if that ends up in the final state budget, that certainly will be an item for discussion um here of whether you want to do that. I've again tried to err on the side of the more conservative because if we use that to help fund a 2% raise, that's an ongoing cost. So, we'll have those costs in

085the second year of the biennium as well. So, that's partly why I I reflected it that way um just for your consideration, but again, that would be something we could discuss if that ends up in the final budget. So, again, as I mentioned, at this point, we're using the Senate version that is the more conservative of the two. Um General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn this weekend, so um sort of remains to be seen. Hopefully, we'll maybe have a He's not smiling at me. Maybe we'll have a budget Dr. Gruber. Uh He's like, "Eh." But, he does not have a crystal ball. Uh-uh. Uh-uh. He's like, Behind the curtain. It could go either way. So, we'll see if we have um some agreement um between the the conferees on uh a final General Assembly budget,

086hopefully sooner rather than later um that will obviously impact greatly our ultimate decisions as we continue through this process of finalizing the budget. Um we do also need to approve a preliminary budget for the food services fund. So, you see here our projected revenue and expenditures um comparing the the current year adopted budget and what we are predict- predicting and projecting at this point um on the food services fund. So, a bit of a reduction compared to the current year based on some sort of one-time uses of fund balance in that area uh for some professional learning and um some other um needs that we and one-time needs that we took care of in the current year or are taken care of that are not proposed to continue in the next year. Um so, we

087will ask you to approve our preliminary food service budget as well as our general operating fund budget here. So, you see those together um at this point. And again, um sort of And And this is This happens every year. This is This is the preliminary budget, but the one item that at this point in the process we want to make sure that uh is clear to the board and the public that is included in this budget is a 2% raise and so we do want to make sure that in approving this budget you are comfortable with us moving forward with a 2% raise because timing-wise we need to to be begin the process of getting contracts out sooner rather than later. So um that sort of separate timeline of contract renewal for next school year

088does push us to make sure that we have your approval before the final budget is available. So so that's the main piece of this budget that we want to make sure that we if you have any questions that we can address tonight. Make sure that you're comfortable with the fact that we've included that in the budget at this point. So I will pause there and well actually let me just go ahead and then we can come back to that if needed. The sort of next steps in the timeline and that sort of thing. So um Of course we are asking you to approve this preliminary high-level budget at this point because it is in our school board policy that we need to have a budget estimate to the city on or before the 15th of

089March and so that will allow us to meet that requirement and as I mentioned kind of work towards those personnel reemployments based on the timeline we've laid out for that. We will certainly continue to provide updates throughout April and May as we get more information particularly once we know where the city budget is what that's looking like in a more finalized manner all working towards ultimately a final detailed budget approval that we would bring to you on the June 9th meeting. So that's what I have for you this evening. I'll I'll jump back a slide in case you wanted to look that budget a little more and I'm happy to take questions. Thank you very much Ms. Jackson. So we will start with Dr. Jameson. Do you have any questions or inquiries or uh um

090things for for Ms. Jackson at this time? Thank you, Ms. Jackson. I really appreciate the report. I think this is quite clear. I think the only thing I would like to just simply say, it's not so much a question, is to re-emphasize something Dr. White mentioned, which is while we are not recommending specific cuts tonight, uh it is important for us all to recognize that we are going to need to make cuts to meet this budget proposal, and I would like to be sure that the public recognizes that we have begun conversations of what those cuts will be, but no decisions have been made as Dr. White said. Uh so, this is not a budget that is ill-considered by this body. I think that's the only thing that I would simply add. The discussions are

091ongoing. Thank you so much for all your hard work on this, Ms. Jackson. Thank you. And um I appreciate um that note, Dr. Jameson. And also, I want to um make sure to emphasize to um board members that if there is information that you feel like you need when between now and the line item budget, this is a good time as well to um to voice those questions or inquiries or research you would like to um to see. So, Ms. Trigg, we'll start with you. Do you have any questions or or comments for Ms. Jackson? I do. Um in reference to our activity bus, have we um surveyed or gotten any kind of data on the high usage, the high volume of when we have the most students on those buses, and which days they

092possibly are? Is there a possible research we have for that or can get? Ooh. Yes, we've done the counts by day, and uh we have an average between 154 daily and 173. Uh that depends on the time of year, the season, and the activities, but we have it broken down by day of the week. So, literally every day of the week is at least those numbers. >> Every day but Friday. Friday is a light day. So, right now we know four days we definitely need. Right now, four days are are used routinely between 153 daily 153 students daily to 174 students daily. And do we know the numbers as far as is it um after school programs, clubs, versus Athletics is the primary driver, uh but it includes clubs, it includes fine arts events, and

093and other activities. Uh we could dig a little deeper, I guess, and find out about more about the clubs, um to see how they're utilized and We have access to all of that. So, we can we can certainly do that. >> good. Thank you. Is there a another way like what I guess what I'm trying to say is not cutting it all together, if there's a possibility whether I wasn't expecting you to tell me all four of those days, though, but but I mean, at least save our three days, what it would look like, two days, what it would look like, just to have some kind of breakdown that we can at least >> the cost per day as well. Okay. We can We can provide all of that to the board. You know, I

094I really would like for us to look at it and make a decision based off of that because one of the things I would not want to see is I know as much as anyone else parents, we love our kids in athletics. I love to see my child participate as much as he's active in everything else, but I know that that's a drive where we drive all over the place to make sure we see our baby shoot basketball, play football, anything else. I'm going to pick him up, right? But then I think about those children that are in clubs. Those cannot go away. That's maybe athletics is not their thing, but we can't leave them out there to have nothing to do. But, we do need to have some kind of resources for them. If

095it's 2 days a week or 3 days a week that we have this activity bus running. We even take them home from the library some nights. Some of them go over to the library and spend time. I noticed that, too. I think sometimes my son goes over there and do extra activities with one of his counselors or something and I pick him up. So, yeah, I mean, that is really >> riding in the rally quarter holidays for the students. I I think if we can narrow down and kind of make a decision around that before cutting it out all together to see if what we can do. I just don't want to see that That's that That's the precious age group I call. We can We can keep kids in the right path or we

096can lose them. Keep in mind, we didn't want to make any of these cuts. I know. It's the position we're in. It was an abrupt decision and we have to, you know, react to that abruptness. Definitely understand. Thank you. And that also reminded me about I have seen feedback regarding really exploring logistically partnerships potentially even if it's just for the high school students with radar city buses or what not. So, I I think maybe some of I know there's been discussion. I know there's access to bus passes and I think it comes out to about $26 for the school year for a student to use the bus the city bus, but um Well, over 24,000 for the year. For her For if the school system funded partnership Valley Metro already has a partnership with us.

097In order for us to do that, it's about $28 per student for unlimited use 31 days or 30 days out of the month. When you look at our numbers, it's about 24 little north of 24,000 little under 27 25,000. Remember radar their cost was almost as much as it cost us to provide it through Zoom, so. All right, thank you very much. Um, Ms. Watkins. Um, I have I have two questions, um, but I I want to ask one clarifying question about the city bus. What's the last run of the city bus? I'll have to go back a little bit. I think it's 7:45. 8:15. Thank you. Okay, there you go. >> Yeah, 8:15. And our programs go longer than that, is that right? Yes. No, we we actually run two. We're usually done by

0987:00, 7:30 in the evening with our with our last drop-off. Uh, we pick up uh, twice at our high schools and once at our middle schools, so. Okay. Um, just to maybe add to that, I think our activity buses are not the same thing as the bus transportation that would take students to and from like an away game, for example. >> Right. That's not what we're talking about, so I just thought that might games will go. Right, right. Okay. Yeah, that Okay. I I thought about that, um, cuz if we were in this situation already, our girls would not have been able to make it to Virginia Beach. There you go. Is that right? Uh, no, that's a that's separate transportation, so we're not talking about transportation. We're just talking about the regular runs, the

099bus routes that run daily currently after school late to get kids home from their school to home from whatever activity might be happening at the school on that day. So, so transportation to from uh, games that are away is separately budgeted and that we're not talking about that. >> And we are still funding that. >> Correct. All right. Um, in your presentation, you we rightfully so, we are going with the most conservative or we are we're going to probably vote on the most conservative version of this budget. I noticed that, um, you talked about the house, um, you split the amount for the house because it indicated that that would be over two years, but you didn't split it on the Senate and Senate side. Is that because that one's not explicitly saying that that

100money needs to be used over two years? Correct. I only split the the portion of that $400 million that is flexible funding. That pot, which is the majority of the difference in the house version, um, that portion of money, which is about It estimated to be about $6 million for us, um, does specifically say that you can use that money over both years of the biennium. So, I just looked at that portion of it to say roughly, if excuse me, if we used about half or at least saved some of it into the year two of the biennium, that It makes sense. >> might be a smart That $6 million is not in the Senate version. Correct. >> Yeah, that makes sense. I just wanted to be clear that Yeah, good question. Thank you. >>

101supposed to be splitting that other pot, too. Um, and then, um, we've gotten a lot of emails from and conversations, calls, and things from, uh, Plato parents. Everybody and everybody and specifically, have we surveyed them or talked to them, anything, you know, around their ability to provide transportation or who was going to drop out if we can provide, uh, transportation? Have we gotten any of that data? Oh. Um, no, ma'am, Mrs. Watkins, we have not gotten any information, but we are able to, um, do that. We can also, um, do our fourth and our fifth grade and of course, um, those that may be seeking into the program to make sure we get to it who can provide transportation and who cannot provide transportation. We can look into that. >> I'd appreciate if you do

102that. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. We have gotten quite a few requests, so that is on our list to do for our current, um, Plato parents, so thank you. Yes, current. Yes. Active. Active. Yes. Thank you. Um thank you very much, Ms. Watkins. Were those your two questions? >> two questions. Thank you. Okay. Um great. Ms. Quintana. Um I have a question. And the part of of course the teaching positions that we have, have we discussed or have we found out um are these all part of our standards of quality? Are they half and half, the ones that we may have to cut? Um we have to retain those that are required by the standards of quality. So, that no position that would Okay. >> under the required standards of quality is being considered for elimination.

103Um so, what we might look at is if the standards of quality require, you know, 10 of a particular type of position and we currently have 15, that's where we might have to have some discussion about can we whittle that down and get closer to 10 um because we're not required to have the number that we have. Correct. Okay. Thank you. Um can I ask a follow-up on that? Um I know off the top of my head I can think of a handful of various positions like kindergarten aides is one that I have mentioned before cuz I remember you having a slide about it. Um I'm I'd be curious to know from staff perspective which of the positions that we have that's above the standard of quality cuz I know that's one of the things

104that we look at. Which of those they feel have the most impact on the quality of education we can provide. Is it the counselor to student ratio, which we know from Delegate Rasoul, um by state standards, the the standard of quality is very low compared to what our students particularly need. Is it the number of students per AP? Is it the number of students per aid um in various grade level classes, the number of students per classroom? So, I'd be curious again, regarding we know that standards of quality, we are beyond them because they also are the minimum level of an outdated education requirement. Um but what what at the staff level they feel would have the most impact since we know cuts are coming on what would have the most impact to keep. I

105would >> pull on that. That's a good question. >> It is a It is a great question. I I And and and we will certainly do that. Certainly, we've talked to a lot of folks uh and um I think it really depends on who you're you're talking to. Right. So. >> Of course. >> that I'm sure that our our kindergarten teachers would talk about the importance of having uh the kindergarten aids there to help and assist with with learning. I'm sure that our principals, and they have said as much to us about the help and support, the management of a schoolhouse, right? That they would need their assistance uh assistant principal's support. Uh and would be able to show the impact there. So, that's, you know, the the discussions are tough because we are in

106a people business, and it does take all of these positions to to make that the difference, right? In in a child's life. And so, we will continue to have these discussions. It's just difficult to prioritize in that way because every level has different needs. Every classroom has a has different needs. And when we we talk about um making sure that there's value um in the educational program, making sure that our students are graduating with a diploma and a resume. I'm making sure that we are um maintaining a robust program including the academics, the arts, the athletics. All of these positions are essential to that. So, that's why this is such a difficult time. Um but we will do our best to try to prioritize and to to rank, but it will be a difficult discussion

107and a different a difficult prioritization and to be able to do that because um I think that everyone has articulated the the importance of keeping all of these positions. You Thank you very much for your question, Ms. Quintana. Yes, you a follow-up? It's not even a follow-up. It's just Thank you. I just want to thank you cuz I know this has been hard. Um everybody knows it's hard on everybody. It's a hard on us. We have kids that are currently in the school system and it affects us, too. So, it's not something that we take lightly. It's not something that is easy. Um and I just want to say we've really had those hard discussions. Um and just we're trying to do the best we can. And I know you guys are and you guys

108rock. So, thank you. Thank you, Ms. Quintana. Mr. Link. You'll let me have three. Yeah. How many do you Yes. I was going to say you do Um my my first is a is a mechanism question. My second is a category question and my third is a minutia that ran across the screen a second ago. My first one is um so, we are looking at a preliminary categorical budget tonight. What happens if after tonight uh what we're finalizing on June 9th. What happens if between now and June 9th the city gets better than expected revenue forecast or or what if the state increases local funding to some optimistic level that we are not yet seeing here. What happens then? Well, well, that's why the budget that you approve in June is rarely exactly the same

109as what we're looking at right now cuz that's pretty common. You know, that's part of the reason why we certainly want to emphasize emphasize that this isn't this is a preliminary budget. It's an estimate based on the information we have at the time, but the city and the state are both still working through their budget processes just like we are. And so that does often happen as as new information comes to light that revenue forecasts get adjusted hopefully in a in a positive way. And then the the funding for our next city public schools might be changed a bit hopefully in a favorable light and then we'll take that into consideration and Adjust these categories. >> Adjust these accordingly. Yes, and and certainly in in this budget cycle that would reduce the number of things

110that we have to to set aside. So that would certainly be positive. >> And Mr. Link, I would say that again, we just want I just want to make sure that we are clear about the the board's priorities. It's it's my understanding and it's our understanding that the board wants to prioritize positions so that again because we're not we're not talking about just vacant positions. Right. We're we're going to be faced across the table from folks to say, "I'm sorry, your position has been eliminated." So it's our understanding that we're prioritizing positions. We're doing our level best to protect the classroom. And we're also looking at trying to protect key programs as well. So that's that's my understanding of the board's position, and so should that happen and and you know, we get funding that

111we didn't expect. That's the priority that that I will share with my staff so that we can put it in that order for the board's consideration. My second question and it it involves Mr. Perkins, I think. Um. Just give you time. Um. To to to use a super country phrase, um reduced maintenance and care of the facilities sticks in my craw a bit. I worry that we are creating a problem for next year's counselor or five years council. Um if there is a change in funding that allows us to change our funding to these categories. Do we have a mechanism by prioritizing um the reductions in maintenance we're currently identifying? So first, I understand country, you can tell from this accent. So I understand exactly what you're asking. Now the answer is yes, we have

112a needs assessment process that we have placed in a standard operating procedure. That process allows us to pull priorities that we have already scored and ranked by either level one, level two, or level three. We would pull those into the the capital maintenance or capital improvement depending on where the funding best fits. And we would bring those to you and that would help us. To further another question, anytime you defer maintenance, you are asking for larger costs potentially down the road. >> That's my concern. >> You're you're absolutely right. You know, the the city itself has dealt with that. If you remember, they deferred maintenance on elevators. So you know, we we don't want to be in that situation. >> So, anytime you defer maintenance, $3,000 could turn into 25, 250,000 could turn into a

113million before you know it. Okay, thank you. My third question doesn't involve you. And the the third one You had a line in in your budget planning, we are predicting on the advice of our consultant a 10% increase in benefits. If I remember last year, we had a jump in benefits to the tune of $5 million. Am I remembering that right? I think in the unexpected reimbursement cost at the end of the year, is that the one you're thinking of? At the end of the fiscal year? That was five. >> Yeah, that'd be good. Okay. Okay, so we had we had two unexpected increases. So, right. So, because we're self-funded, you know, we set our rates and and we use consultants and they use actuaries. So, to the best of our ability, based on our

114experience, they tell us what our rates should be. But ultimately, at the end of the day, our costs are whatever they are. You know, if people use the benefits more than those methods would predict, then at the end of the day, we have to pay those bills. And so, so we did have that at the end of last fiscal year when our our year-end costs were coming through post June 30, we did have a big adjustment to ensure that we had enough to cover that liability. So, that was about $5 million. So, that was a surprise. So, we are already working on trying to get better or earlier estimates from our our health care consultants to try to hopefully prevent that big of a an adjustment, particularly at year-end, from happening. But what I think

115Mr. McKee and I thought you were mentioning originally was also our rates were higher when it came time for renewal in the current year. >> Yeah. That renewal rate was higher than we had projected at this time a year ago when we were estimating what we needed to budget. So So my question being, I remember last year um when the unexpected change in reimbursements came back that had a magnitude of five five million dollars. Um and uh there was a bit of a scramble to make sure we could cover that. I know what we're talking about here, a 10% increase in benefits is different. What is what is what is 10% in magnitude? You You may not If you don't know I'm not trying to put you on the spot. Yeah, I can get that

116to you. I think I think it was in an an early presentation, but I don't want to misspeak and >> Okay. I don't have it in >> curious just to understand relative magnitude. I remember that was a stressor just in terms of dollars related to health care for employees. I'm curious what the the magnitude is of the 10%. Oh I'll get that to you in a Friday packet cuz I I do have it. I'm sorry. I just don't >> That's all right. It's no I It's fine. Thank you. Um and I think we've all asked for a I think there's been a number of questions up here that require extra follow-up. So of course we don't have You've given us You always give us a lot of information to to process. So of course we

117don't expect you to have every single number you've ever presented um off the top of your head. So but I do understand um the request when we're looking at relative magnitude of things. So thank you, Mr. Link. Vice Chair Cherry. Yes, few things. Uh Mr. Perkins, I do have a question. My God, Mr. Perkins. Yeah. Um just going back and circling back to the trailers. So that is an initial $4 million investment, correct? But that does not um mean it's going to cost $4 million. I'm a preacher, man. and I talk like that. >> No, I was saying there's a recurring cost. >> the recur- the recurring cost um is not $4,000,000. It'll be more than that, right? That is correct. And And we were appropriated $4.3 million for the startup. Uh it it may

118be between 4.1 and 4.5.1, but there's no guarantee for future funding with reoccurring cost of that. It could be as high as $3,000,000 and maintenance and staffing to put into those trailers. >> And something to just consider and look into is looking at the risk of not having the ongoing funding to continue those trailers. If that's the case, is it wise for us to consider putting that $4,000,000 back into our budget, but of course with the approval of City Council? That the $4.3 million that's been appropriated could be put to good use in us getting ahead of any future deferred maintenance. So, that would help with uh not only our CIP, but our CMP or our capital maintenance or capital improvement plan, yes. All right. Just wanted to put that out there uh to definitely

119look because I see the $13,000,000 and then the 14 between the House and the Senate. Uh that's encouraging. Uh we still got a long long way to go. Uh but I did want it to just make a few statements. One, I want to thank my colleagues for making and asking some incredible questions tonight, uh making sure that we address all of the concerns that we have. Uh this I definitely want to address um June 9th. Uh for those that know, we are adopting a finalized budget, but just because it's June 9th doesn't mean we're hiding from it today. It means that this board follows process. All right. So, I just want to make sure the community is aware of that. There's a process to the budget, and this is nothing new. I know I've been

120a part of this process since I was 28. So, um this is just how we do things when it comes to our process. All right. So, that's one. Then also, I want to readdress and kind of acknowledge uh want to thank uh the mayor, uh councilman Powers, uh He's on the other side of the Hey, Nick. I want want to acknowledge councilman Hagen, who's been following this consistently for a while, and even have a candidate here. So, good to see you, Rabbi, as well. Um then also, I want to acknowledge uh PTSA for continuing to engage our community, keep our community engaged with the facts with the information so that we're not blindsided by um misinformed information. One thing I wanted to just say is that uh we are doing the work. Uh please don't

121think uh we just show up here in our fancy clothes and just say I and second a motion. Uh there's a lot of work being done uh behind the scenes to make sure that funding and that our children have a future uh cuz we're not just planning to make it today. We're trying to make sure we plan for tomorrow. And my hope is that uh because city council's here, I really appreciate their presence here because I want to shift more from conver- And I've said this privately, I want to make sure I say it publicly. I want to shift from private conversation to movement. All right, at this point, we're in a pivotal time in our city, and we have to shift from just conversation. We need to move. All right, our kids are at

122stake. Our kids' future are at stake. We got parents that are concerned. We have staff that's concerned. And I know we're all feeling it on both sides, but my hope with your presence here tonight is uh it's a good start for us to start uh building that building that synergy and restrengthening our relationship. So, I've been saying it consistently that the greatest asset We see all these figures on the screen, and that's that's wonderful, but the greatest asset is not these figures, it's our relationships. So, uh if we strengthen those relationships, um we we may not be where we want to be, but the the hope and prayer is that we're not going to be where we used to be. So, um that's just my two cents. Again, thank you to our chair and all

123of our colleagues for your comments tonight. Thank you very much, Mr. Cherry. Um huh Yes, Ms. Watkins. Sorry, just one more. This is for you, um Mr. Perkins. On the um this day, yesterday Um in the past, our business partners have stepped forward, um stepped forward and provided assistance to us in things like building basketball courts or, you know, things like that. Have any of our business partners come forward that you know of and said, "Hey, I'd like to help. I've got a little bit of extra cash laying around. If you need a roof, we got you." You know, a little bit of plumbing. Our Our community is remarkable in that it is very giving. Um and we are blessed. And And one of the things that uh you know, one of the things I

124love about being in my 35th year in public service in the city is people jump to to service when service is needed. So, the answer is yes, we've had the offer of of access to a uh sports complex. Uh we've had access to um you know, many things. You every every board meeting you get the the the privilege of thanking folks for that. Uh we have not had the offer of long-term sustainable funding. Uh that would be an endowment that we would need for some of these things, but the but our community is is very giving and we're blessed to live in such a great place. So, um the answer is I'm sure there'll be offers coming forward. Uh I'm sure there'll be people stepping up saying, "I can do this. I can do that."

125Um we just got to make sure we follow the rules on how we accept and and and what we accept. Uh and uh but, you know, that's that's what I love about Rona. Thank you, sir. Thank you. >> One quick question. And if they do ask any of us, do we direct them directly to you? You can direct them to me and uh we'll we'll go go the process of getting the proper paperwork to you. Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Um so um for me, I do have I just want to clarify some things procedurally for people. One, I noted a new category, the contingency. So, that's new. That was not there last year. Oh, yeah. Correct. So, I presume um that that is at the discretion of, you know, the administration

126based on like when emergencies arise. So, um but I just had wanted to note that that is a new category that has not been there before and something that we'd be approving tonight. Yes, thank you for pointing that out. I know we mentioned that at a a prior meeting, but I appreciate you drawing attention to it. So, yes, that would be something that would be there um uh because we don't have sort of we we kind of formally used our fund balance in that manner to provide some cushion. Um we don't have that ability anymore, so uh well, then that it was important to build in a contingency just because it is um so difficult to um no one has a crystal ball to know exactly where expenses um or revenue for that matter will

127land. Um and so, we would we would certainly if we found that we had an unexpected thing come up in midyear, of course, we would bring that to the board if we needed to step into that. It's important to note though that that contingency is only half of what the recommendation is. I think it's about half of a percent of the budget, which, you know, when we researched that, I think between 1 and 5% was usually what was recommended. So, it's probably not as much as it should be, but we also want to be mindful of um you know, Things come up. >> the majority of funds to things we know are are coming. Got it. And then um I also wanted to note cuz I know um it's been very well shared a lot

128of the timeline that this was going to be the first vote that the board makes on the budget, but that it is at the categorical, not the line item level. And so, I just wanted to note that within these categories, part of the reason that we're asking for future or for further information is it can span different items can span categories and can have different impacts. So, some things will impact transportation and instruction or athletics and transportation, for example, or with technology and you know, like I'll report out from our technology committee, but later on, but that ultimately this is the buckets that things will be within and and that's also wherein we have to weigh you know, various impacts of positions and dollars and programs within those those buckets. So, I did want to

129also clarify procedurally if there's you know, there's always clarity with regards to you know, the revenue projections as we get closer to June. Um, do we have to is there an Do we have to be within Am I recalling properly that we have to be within a certain percent of our appropriated amount compared to what we could get at the end of the year or like once we know like in June, like at a certain point when will we know the state dollars that are coming to us compared to when we finalize our appropriation from the city level? Does that make sense? Cuz we try to be conservative cuz we have to be within cuz if we're too far off, it's too bad. Yeah, I I I was going to say Mrs. Jackson, I'd like

130Dr. Siebert if it I hate to put you on the spot. Can you talk about the importance of Thursday and those budget negotiations? I think maybe this could shed light on that. >> Sure. Uh Uh Madam Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, members, Dr. White, um again, if General Assembly norms hold, then the the conference committee for the budget between the House and Senate has to reach resolution by Thursday evening because they have to post the budget and it'll be visible for 2 days before they would vote on Saturday when they adjourn. So, we we really are at our kind of a crunch time right now. And it is a crunch because there's about 1.4 to 1.6 billion dollars difference between the House and Senate budgets and it's based not on uh spending, it's based on tax

131policy about whether or not there's going to continue to be incentive for um data centers or not. And so, they have to decide that tax policy decision first. That will then tell them how much money they have and then they can negotiate on where the money goes. So, it is a really big gap uh between the two budgets and if they if they can make compromise by Thursday, then they can vote on it before they adjourn on Saturday. If they don't, and again, if norms hold, then they would have to convene in a special session and this would all play out over a much longer period of time, which becomes immensely more difficult for all school divisions and localities. >> Which we've been faced with before. We've been faced with before. Uh but uh this

132is yeah, that's what we're Thank you, Dr. Sievers. So, for example, let's say the the the House budget ends up being the one that passes, but we've budgeted on the conservative one and they're off by $4 million. Um do we lose any of that just because of a conservative estimate or we're still we're still fine when we get to appropriation time and everything? >> I think we're still fine. Um I I mean, it would sort of depend on the time um and um you know, we have had that happen before where I know I say usually it's that the first meeting of the the main school board meeting in June when we ask you to approve the final budget, we have had to ask you to make the work session at the end of June

133a special meeting so that we could bring you the budget when the state was really late. Um, so hopefully we will not have that issue, but um, we will be working with um, city finance. I've already been in communication with them about the timelines of um, we we do need to make sure that we are um, advertising a do not exceed amount for example when they do their public hearing to make sure. Um, so we'll be we'll be talking with them to make sure that we're kind of within appropriate um, parameters for that. So hopefully we you know, ideally would not want to put anyone in a position where we have to kind of start over and have a new public hearing because something is significantly different than what we thought. So um, uh, we'll

134we'll be try to try to work within those parameters so we do have the leeway until we do have that final information. But hopefully we'll know it sooner rather than later and I the city usually works to have their budget finalized by mid-May. Um, so that all of that should be sort of clear and final before we ask you to approve a final budget. Right. Um, so um, I don't think I had any further questions. I just did want to reiterate some of the things that we've heard throughout the meeting tonight. Um, there has been a groundswell of engagement at all levels um, during this budget cycle well beyond any of the times any of the years that I've been on the board and I feel like the word engagement has been used a lot

135by me for um, I know for sure but I just want to impress upon like that it engagement requires paying attention, being informed and also caring and taking action. So it's not just sitting back and and listening to the meetings. It's it's a lot of steps in that process and it communicates that the whole community really does care. The engagement is because of the love of the community. And there's also been a general consensus about and discussion about belonging. And that really is the heart of a lot of the things you're hearing about, whether it's Plato or activity buses or our staff. And um that's the heart of the mission, which is to know every student by name, need and strength. We colloquially can call that belonging, but that's what it means to know somebody

136and to reach them where they are and to make sure that they have access to a high-quality education here in Roanoke. Um so, it's also especially pointed that March is equity and education month and we're talking about access to our students' education because that has lasting impacts to the future, but it's an investment and um you know, I think the Westside Eagle said it best tonight that they that your village equals your success. So, um So, thank you to everyone here, watching in the room in the room, who have spoken, who have contributed, who have sent emails or um tracked one of us down sometimes in a a grocery store or in a pickup line or or whatnot. Uh you know, in the car line or or something um because we know that investing in

137our schools is investing in the heart of our community. So, thank you everyone. Thank you and thank you, Mrs. Jackson, to you and your team. Um Ask for your and for the board's You got it. All right. So, is there a motion and a second to adopt the 2026-2027 categorical budget as presented for submission to the city of Roanoke? So, second. Moved by Ms. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Cherry. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. Any opposed say no. Thank you and the motion passes unanimously. Thank you very much, Ms. Jackson. Thank you, Ms. Jackson, and a thank you to the school board for your continued support and for your commitment um to our students and to our staff as well. Uh we do appreciate your hard

138work. I I'm not sure if people see it all that you do and the time commitment and the heart and care that you put into it. So, I just want to say thank you on behalf of our staff. I thank you so much for your engagement as well. And um And just as a side note, before I conclude my report, I want to say happy birthday to Dr. Seibert, who's celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday. Happy birthday. Happy birthday to Archie Freeman, who'll be celebrating tomorrow. Haley Poland, who will be celebrating on the 18th. This is a lot of birthdays. So, we have a lot of March babies here. And come on. That's enough. And, Madam Chair, that concludes my report. Thank you very much, Dr. White. All right, Ms. Jackson, let's take a look

139at the financial forecast and um the floor is back to you again. Thank you. All right. So, this is our monthly update um for our current year um status and this is reporting through the month of January. Um so, we'll jump in looking at revenue on the general fund side. Um when we compare against a 3-year average of where we were at that point in the year over the last 3 years, um and look at the current state budget. So, we are taking into consideration um the reduction in funded ADM uh in the current year compared to what we anticipated budgetarily. We are forecasted to be about 6 million below budget um on the revenue side in the general fund uh based on our experience through January. Fortunately, we are also um tracking favorably on

140the expenditure side and at this point, based on our experience through January, forecast to be about 7.4 million below budget. So, we look at that a couple of different ways. Um we always want to keep an eye on what we were appropriated um in the general operating fund, so that was 275. We are obviously forecast to come in um a fair amount under that um at this point through January, forecast to be about 10 million below that on the expenditure side, but um probably more importantly, we need to pay attention to that revenue and um make sure that we don't spend money that we don't have. So, um when we um compare that, we are still favorable based on our expenditures um being at this point more below budget than our revenue, fortunately, so we

141are forecast to be about 1.4 million um uh better than than revenue at this point in the process. I will note um that while that is favorable, that's only about a 0.5% difference from budget, which is a very slim margin, so we will be carefully watching that um you know, in the grand scheme of our budget, that's not a that's not a lot of margin to play with, so we will be carefully carefully watching that. Um excuse me, on the food service side, on the revenue, we are also forecast to be a bit below budget, about 204,000 uh based on our experience through January. Um similarly, we are also forecast to be a bit under budget on the expenditure side based on um the comparison against that three-year average and uh activity through January. So,

142that's forecast to be about 720,000 below budget on the expenditure side. So, um again, looking at our appropriation, which was 13.5 million in that fund, we are uh safely forecast to be under that, about 1.1 million. Um, we do maintain a fund balance in that fund. We are required to maintain those funds um, only for food service purposes because they are federal funds. Um, we did plan to use a portion of that fund balance, um, about 730,000 of that. So, with those variances based on our experience thus far, um, we would still be forecast to use some of that fund fund balance, but a smaller amount, only about 210,000, um, based on our experience thus far in food service. And lastly, um, just where we are in terms of our capital funds. So, we did

143have the uh, just under 17.9 million that was reappropriated to us for uh, capital projects that were in our capital improvement plan back in May. Um, we used almost 10 million of that last year and at this point in the year through January have used about 650,000 of that. So, have about 7.43 million of that remaining unspent. The, you know, all of that is committed for projects in our capital improvement plan, the majority of which, um, is going towards Preston Park Elementary, which is actively under construction as you know, um, at this point. So, that is where we are as of January and I'm happy to take questions. Ms. Quintana, Ms. Durellink, any questions? No, just thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right, down here, Ms. Trig, Ms. Watkins. Thank you. Vice Chair Chery.

144All right, thank you. I had I I had Dr. Jamison, are you still here? And Dr. Jamison, no questions. All right. Thank you very much, Ms. Jackson. Appreciate the information as always. And on to the financial statements. Ms. Jackson, is there anything unusual to report this month? Um, I don't have anything specific or uh to add uh on the detailed financial statements that support the the high-level overview we just shared, but I'm certainly happy to take questions or comments. Any from the board? All right. Um, no further questions about that. So, thank you. The statements will be received and filed. Thank you very much. Okay, on to um, committee reports and ongoing business. So, um, Ms. Trigg, do you have any committee reports for us? >> I do. Um, so, on Friday, February 27th, we

145hosted two informational sessions for rising seniors interested in serving as student school board representatives for 2026-2027 academic year. These meetings provided prospective candidates with a look at the role, responsibilities, and the impact of student representation and voice in RCPS. We saw a strong turnout at both high schools, signaling a high level of interest among the upcoming senior class. John and Steve both attended their respective school meetings, and they shared their experiences and valuable first-hand accounts of the process, from the initial interview to their experience of being on the school board. The sessions defined the balance between the honor of the position and the practical commitment required to be an effective representative. Currently, we have eight applications in from Patrick Henry High School. >> Come on. And we have five submissions from William Fleming. Woo! Keep

146in mind the application deadline is Friday, March 27th. A link to the application can be found on our RCPS main page, and there's also flyers posted in the main office at both high schools with a QR code. And for those that are listening and those that are here, if you have high school students, keep in mind this is a perfect way to step into a leadership role for your student, as well as they could be creative when they do fill out the application. They don't have to just fill out an application. They can do a video. They can use their creativity, what makes them stand out the most, and we look forward to seeing all those who apply. Thank you, Ms. Treg. Did you have any other committee reports? Um, you don't need Okay, got

147it. Um, Ms. Watkins, do you have anything to report for us? I have one um with me tonight, and that's the wellness subcommittee. Um, we met on uh March 5th and um Excuse me. Some of the information that was um reviewed was the average daily participation um and um what we determined was the daily breakfast partic- participation showed positive growth um despite fewer serving days. Lunch showed a slightly um per day decrease with um most uh total decline attributable to weather-related closures. Um there we went over um that uh the participation targets for this um this current uh year, and we're on track um with the 2025-26 goals. Um also, there was up there were updates on um which I think is so cute, the taste buddies um students taste testing menus and giving feedback

148for the program. really love that. I love the roving chef also. Talked about that um where they're giving hands-on um nutrition education, kitchen tours, and snack participation. Um there were some discussion around the IPS, which is um centered around the um eligibility, the community eligibility, and um just you know, some concerns about the possible impacts to um student meal access. Um there was a little bit of discussion around that. Um and um there's work uh going on with uh family outreach and support planning. Um especially for families with um SNAP and Medicaid um eligibility and enrollments. Um there was talk about the summer feeding program. Um and there was there was some concern um expressed about the um invitation-only summer school um because of budget restraints. Uh there you know those kids are also getting

149food. Right? So when we were open to er you know anybody that needed to be or desired to be in in the summer program, we were also providing meals to those kids. So by invitation only some won't have access. So that was a um a big concern. Um the next time we meet will be April 23rd. Thank you very much, Ms. Watkins. Was that the only committee to report? >> That's the only one that I have. I CTE met, but I don't have the notes. So I'm not here. All right. Um Ms. Quintana. I have none. Um one was one was trig had some Right. Right. Wonderful. Mr. Link. Uh I don't have notes, but the boundary and feasibility study committee met today about an hour and a half before uh we joined got together

150in here. Uh we looked at some of the proposed boundaries suggested by the outside consultant as an initial draft. Uh Mr. Perkins has given us some homework. We need to go pick our subcommittees. And over subsequent meetings we will start uh stress testing um some of the proposed boundaries and looking at transportation impacts and all sorts of other things. Wonderful. Thank you for that update. Um Vice Chair Cherry? No, but the um community engagement committee met on February 25th. So, want to make sure I get those notes um cuz Corey Alders is doing a wonderful job. Uh especially the work he's doing at the community retirement center. So, I'll be sure to give a robust report uh at our next meeting. Great. Thank you very much. Um the policy governance and legislative um committee will

151be meeting in April, but there was an update during the legislative commit committee that um meeting with City Council where I um Dr. Siebert was able to also present um regarding updates advocacy updates at the state um level. And so, on behalf of um board member Tregg, um Dr. White, Dr. Siebert, and myself, I'm pleased to report that the advocacy for RCPS priorities and positions has been largely successful this session. The 2026 General Assembly session is scheduled to adjourn a 60-day session on Saturday as Dr. Siebert notice noted. Um the city legislative commit committee meeting was back on March 2nd and um we um provided um a handout which is available um with an update regarding the board's legislative priorities and expected legislative outcomes at that time. Um and since that summary, we're pleased to

152report that another significant update our unfunded mandate which was House Bill 1345 requiring redundant testing of HVAC systems was continued until 2027. Um please also find attached um a copy of our recommendations for the budget conferees the House and Senate budgets are being reconciled. And um and Dr. Siebert noted um what would happen if a budget compromise is not reached by Thursday that it would require a special uh a special session of the General Assembly. Um and as noted, our PGNL committee will meet on April 15th and the agenda will include an analysis of the outcomes of the 26th General Assembly and review of the just received policy updates from VSBA. And um, if you have any further questions about, you know, the General Assembly or forthcoming routine review and updates to select policies, please

153let anyone from the PGNL committee or Dr. Wynder, Dr. Seebert know. Um, also the technology committee met and I forgot to print my notes um, from that meeting, but I have them from there. So, there was a significant discussion around one-to-one devices both regarding efficacy of delivering instruction and um, keeping in mind screen time and keeping in mind cost. So, um, that is still being researched. Um, the AI Ambassador cohort um, was there was an update there with some good one-pagers um, both for students and for um, teachers um, that were kind of presented and shared there. Um, the there was a quarterly security report um, as um, and Wesley Williams always does an excellent job with our um, techno- technology security and um, there were also some other tech updates. For example, um, a

154software review process reminder and um, printer accountability and security. Um, so, I think that is it for committee reports. And moving on to ongoing business, is there any ongoing business to share at this time from any other board members? Um, Dr. Wynder did note the um, Read Across America Day that happened at a number of schools across the division. My mother-in-law went and read at Fallon Park. So, um and my kids were like, "How did it go?" Um she read to kindergartners, but a lot of I saw a lot of you all, a lot of community members out there. >> kindergartners. Um and um also I wanted to note um about Senator Warner, we got a notification about um our division receiving um Oh, the NAMM. Yes, for for music education. Yes, yes. Um we

155did get an award again uh year over year um for um for music education. And so, um just proud Um best community for 2020 2025 best community for music education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. Um our CPS was recognized for that. Um also PH the PH Jazz Band, I believe, performed with the Virginia Tech Jazz Band at the Jefferson Center last week. And the Regional Science Fair is coming up this Saturday at Roanoke College. Did I miss anything? And spring sports have started and there's going to be And it's concert season will be upon us soon, as noted by future business. You'll note that it goes all the way to graduations on here. Um so, the most um It's time. The next time you'll see all of us together is actually in

156less than a week at the joint City Council meeting. And um something that I am looking forward to during that meeting is talking about the state of education and the an academic update on how our CPS is doing. We also have gotten some information about our mid-year um data reports. And um I'm very proud of the work that um of the education that our students are receiving in our CPS. Um we also have some upcoming meetings and workshops leading up to spring break and and now you can add to this calendar a future date April 21st is a non non-student day and that is it. So anything else that's missing off the calendar of note. Okay, hearing nothing further this meeting is adjourned. Thank you everyone.