001All right. All right. The October 14th, 2025 school board regular meeting is called to order. Miss Chesy, will you please call the role? >> Mr. Cherry, >> here. >> Mr. Link, >> here. >> Dr. Jameson. Miss Quintana >> here. >> Miss Trigg >> here. >> Mrs. Watkins >> here. >> Mrs. Apal >> here. All right. Thank you to all of those attending the meeting in person tonight and to those who are joining us via the RCPS YouTube channel. So mo let us transition to the approval of the agenda. Is there a motion and a second to approve the agenda as presented? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Mr. Cherry, seconded by Miss Trigg. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed say no. And
002the motion carries. The agenda is approved. Um please rise and join me in the pledge to the flag. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Thank you. Um we will move on to school board recognitions. Dr. White, would you like to um introduce the featured school for tonight? >> Absolutely. It is my pleasure to introduce uh our Rono Valley Governor's School where Mr. Mark Levy serves as the program director. So, Mr. Levy, over to you. Tell us all about the Governor School. >> Thank you so much, Chair Apel, board. Dr. White, I really appreciate the opportunity to be here this evening and talk about the Ronic Valley Governor School. We're
003a very special program. You may or may not be very familiar with our school. So, I'm glad to be able to have the opportunity to talk to you. I'm going to be brief because I want to allow for my students to talk to you about their experiences with us, but it is uh valuable for us to have the opportunity to do I have a slide up here? >> Yes. >> It'll give you a little overview about the program. So, we are an academic year governor school. Uh we are one of 19 academic year governor schools in the state. We're one of the original five. We're celebrating our 40th anniversary this year. >> We're excited about that. uh academic year governor schools operate under a joint regional board. So we're a collaboration of eight school divisions
004that work together. We have a member of each of the school boards that serve on the joint regional board. And we're really proud to be a a great example of of participation and uh collaboration in the region. Uh we focus on math, science, and research. So our students have math class, science class, and a research elective with us. They attend for half of their school day and they attend the other half of the day at their home school. Uh so rigorous instruction is a key part of what we do as well as at scientific research. So I'm going to step away and give our students an opportunity to talk a little bit about their uh research experience with us. Uh so we're going to have Claire talk to us about our laboratory research. Jamal is
005going to talk about engineering and Tammyy's going to talk to us about student life at RVGS. Good evening. My name is Claire Mahill and I'm a senior attending Patrick Henry High School and Rono Valley Governor School. I wanted to highlight the amazing research opportunities that RVGS has offered me throughout my four years there. At RVGS, students participate in interession, a month-long research block that allows students to gain hands on hands-on research and self and well hands-on experience in research and self-led experimentation. Last year, my research elective was biotechnology. And with the many resources available at Ronuk Valley Governor School, like the BA biosafety cabinets, plate readers, centrifuges, and incubators, I was able to synthesize gold nanop particles and deliver them to colon cancer cells. This year, my research elective is mentorship, a program that allows
006seniors to work offsite during the month of January with field with researchers in fields of their interest. Many students are being mentored by researchers at the Freilen Biomedical Research Institute. I'm conducting research in a lab at Krillian Clinic investigating bofilm formation within pediatric hospital rooms. Whether on-site or off-site, RVGS provides such a supportive environment with the help of outstanding teachers and mentors. Students are able to explore many areas of STEM and develop passions as well as future career aspirations. I'm so grateful to RVGS for allowing me to explore science in such an in-depth manner and directing me towards a future career path in healthcare. [Applause] >> Oh my. Good evening everyone. My name is Jamal Milner. I'm going to talk a little bit about the engineering program at RBGS. This will be my fourth year
007at Ronic Valley Governor School and this is my third year in the engineering program there. The governor school engineering program has three different classes to choose from. Engineering design and fabrication, project design, engineering, and Python coding. In these classes, we are provided with everything we could ever need for our projects in preparation for project forum. At Governor School, we have an industrial workshop, a supply closet chocked full with every component we could ever need, and a 3D printing room. Not only that, Gov School of Engineering promotes peer interactions, communication, and teamwork. I couldn't tell you how many times our entire class has been huddled around a single computer trying to work on problems, asking questions, and giving personal insights. However, it's not just the students. Spearheading the entire operation is the god school staff. Every
008teacher at Ronic Valley Governor School oversees every project, shows us different techniques and perspectives while also showing like how they do things cuz we don't know. Now, in all, being part of the Rona Valley Governor School engineering program was a great experience for me because I I learned valuable engineering skills while also sharing great memories with my friend. And I'll pass it to Tammy. >> Thank you. >> Cool. Testing, testing. Hi. So, my name is Tammy Fun. I'm a senior at Rono Valley Governor School and William Fleming High School. And so, this is my fourth year with Gov School. And I just want to say that when I go to college, GV school is going to be one of the things that I miss most. The staff, the people, just the rigor itself. And I
009also want to point out that GV school isn't just known for its rigor, but it's known for being unmatched in its care for its students. And without a shadow of a doubt, students at RVGS immediately feel welcomed by the sweetest faculty, staff, and the welcoming and outgoing peers. Every day students are warmly greeted when they enter Rono Valley Governor School and they're missed immensely when they leave. There's never a day where you really don't feel supported at gov school. And we have a wonderful counselor, Miss Kathy Seabolt, who goes above and beyond for us every day. Moreover, RVGS has many fun events if you will look at the lovely pictures over like on any of the TVs that you may see. Um, Gov School is unmatched in uplifting school spirit and making their students feel
010welcomed and excited. So, rigor and learning isn't the only thing that Gov School offers, but it offers excitement, and it offers a nice, friendly environment and community every day. The RVGS community is always inviting, always loving, and always open to hearing our ideas. We've had so many event fun events and opportunities throughout the years and everyone goes above and beyond to make it fun for everyone. And for some examples of these fun events include our gingerbread building contest which is als which also acts as a fundraiser gave Gala because because um our VGS lab rats we have it's after exams. So we have like a little nice little fun dance where we all just come together after school and just celebrate. Yes, we're done with our exams and it's some of the and it's some
011of the funnest things ever. And so, thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you for the opportunity for them to talk to you. And they have a some uh gov school swag for you if >> you don't mind me opening the curtain. >> I got a question. What's What's World Rat Day? >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Oh, okay. >> Okay. So, Oh, okay. So, World Rat Day is where basically somebody dresses up as a rat. So, we have So, they call us the lab rats because of our research, right? And so, we're known as the lab rats and like Oh. Oh, yeah. No, it's not a student. It's We have a rat that comes to visit us sometimes, maybe give out candy and just takes pictures with the students. And overall, it's super
012fun. Last year, we actually had a cheese maze where there's where students would complete a maze in the student lounge. And when you got to the end of it, there's a bunch of Cheezits. So, so that's fun for everyone. And >> I love it. >> Oh, and sorry, one last thing. I I can't go without >> Oh, sorry. >> This is the better than the rest of the meeting. >> I was going to say this is the fun part for us. So, please go ahead. >> Jesus at the end of the meeting. >> Yes. Well, not Jesus, but the equivalent of Jesus. So we I can't go out go without talking about the Squinox. So that's where um students and faculty can like bring in snacks and it's just kind of like a big potluck
013throughout the school. And so Mr. Mr. Levy and our counselor, Miss Seabolt, they give us popcorn and they give us cotton candy from a cotton candy maker that they rent out because they love us so much and that's shown every day. So I have to point that out. And and also we get no homework on the weekend. >> Yay. couldn't go without saying that. >> I love it. >> Now, time for your Jesus. >> Have to say that when you visit, if you get an opportunity to visit Project Forum or any of the events, you will see for yourself the excitement and enthusiasm. I have an opportunity to serve as the superintendent's representative. Dr. Jameson is the chair of the board and it's just a wonderful program. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. >>
014Thank you so much. >> Very good. >> I was going to say my top. >> Okay. What do we have to do to get one of those shirts? I like them shirts. >> I know. Like, see, look at those. >> Come on. >> All right. I'll start. >> Thank you, Mr. Levy. Thank you. >> Thank you. And before our students leave, I think Miss Mitsell may get a picture of you all. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you so much. We loved hearing about that. [Laughter] Stop it. >> Too long. Too long. Um, all right. >> I love their energy. >> I know. Um, October is designated, um, moving on. October is designated by the Virginia School Board Association or VSBA as bullying prevention month. I would like to ask board member, Mr. Cherry, vice chair
015to read the statement to reflect our position. >> Sure. The VSBA board of directors has designated October 2025 as VSBA bullying prevention month to promote awareness of school bullying. Childhood bullying is a significant problem nationwide and can contribute to increases in school absenteeism, mental and physical stress, poor school performance, low self-esteem, and in some cases, school violence. Statistics show that students who experience bullying are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, lower academic achievement, and dropping out of school. Uh Centers for Disease Control 2021. Schoolboard members, superintendent, school leaders, teachers, administrators, and parents play a critical role in creating a climate where bullying is not tolerated. It has been proven that when adults and children stand together, bullying ends. Bullying prevention month is a great time to consider how you can help raise
016awareness about bullying and take action to stop it. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Cherry. Okay, now moving on. Um, let's continue with the personnel list. Is there a motion and a second to approve the personnel list as presented? >> So move. >> Second. Moved by Miss Kintana, seconded by Miss Watkins. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. I. >> I. >> Those opposed say no. >> All right, the motion carries and the personnel list is approved. >> Um, next on the agenda is the consent agenda. Is there a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda as presented? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Miss Watkins, seconded by Miss Kintana. Is there any discussion? >> Nope. >> Hearing none. All those in favor say I. >>
017I. >> Any opposed say no. >> Hearing none. The motion carries. The consent agenda is approved. And Miss Watkins, one of our your favorite and our favorite parts of the meeting. Please tell us about the gifts that have been received by RCPS. >> Absolutely. Thank you. Thank you. The board accepts with gratitude the following donations. The RCPS Mckin Vento program recently received two contributions in support of students um experiencing housing instability. Anthem donated school supplies valued at approximately $1,548 and Shallow Baptist Church contributed a $1,000 monetary gift. Southern Refrigeration generously donated used HVAC equipment to the Daytech HVAC program, providing students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities. The donated equipment with an estimated value of over $8,000 will be used to help students gain practical knowledge of HVAC systems and compon components. The Community Empowerment Center
018at Booker T. Washington recently received two generous contributions in support of its mission to serve the community. Green standards, a national sustainability office decommissioning service, donated office furniture to enhance the center's workspace and resources. In addition, Superintendent Dr. Relita White contributed a wooden rocking chair, table, lamp, and rug to furnish the welcome center, creating a warm and inviting environment for all who wish to visit. Again, I want to always um thank our community partners for your donations, your contributions, your partnership. Um it's invaluable. In order to move our students forward, we know that it takes our entire village and that's our entire community. Um, and we we lead by example with this district in um, Dr. White donating personal items um, just to make sure that our guests at the Community Empowerment Center feel welcomed.
019Um, so thank you Dr. White. Thank you community partners. Anyone else who wants to jump on this train, we are ready and waiting for you. Thank you so much. And no gift or donation is too small. >> Thank you, Miss Watkins. And thank you, Dr. White and all those who gave towards RCPS and our families and students. On to citizen participation on agenda and non-aggenda items. Mr. Cherry, do we have any signups this evening for agenda or non-aggenda items? >> Yes, we have two. Um, so I'm going to read this and we'll call up our first. Is it two still? Okay, I'll read this and we'll go ahead and get started. Uh, the school board values open communication and we look forward to receiving your comments. We encourage all participants to engage in civil discourse
020and 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 materials 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 with your inquiry. Uh please state your name for the record and state whether you reside in Rono City or not. And we ask that
021you keep your comments to three minutes. speakers may not see their time to another individual. There is a light at the center of the podium right there. That light will turn yellow when you have about a minute left. All right. And we have our first speaker today is Misty Vickers. >> Good evening. >> My name is Misty Vickers. I live in the Grandon area. My daughter attends Virginia Heights Elementary. Uh while I have actually attended Renick City Schools way back in the day, I attended Hurt Park um a little bit and um I also was part of the magnet school program way back when. Um my daughter is currently attending Virginia Heights and we come from the county and so we all know that there are things that kind of differentiate between city and county.
022Um and my daughter was lucky to have two recesses. So, I'm going to give you this speech in light of understanding that today we're advocating that the school board ultimately does some research in u ensuring that every elementary student receives two recesses up to 20 minutes that are screenfree and unrestricted. Um, so please, this is something uh I'm reaching out with PTA. They're aware of this as well and so on. And I don't like reading. I usually fly by the seat of my pants, so be patient. This is titled double the recess, double the results. Uh, thank you for the opportunity for speaking with you today. I'm here to advocate for a change that costs nothing, fits into our existing school day, and has proven to improve behavioral and academic performances by implementing two 20-minute
023recesses per day for our elementary students instead of just one. Currently, most of our students receive a 20-minute recess. While that's better than none, the data shows that two breaks are significantly more effective not only for our student health, but also for learning and classroom behavior. Let me start with the data. In a study of elementary schools conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who had daily recess periods demonstrated 25% fewer disciplinary incidents, I think every teacher could appreciate that, than those with only one. Teachers reported the students return from the second recess more focused and ready to learn, especially in the afternoon classes when attention t uh typically dips. Further, a 2021 study from the University of Texas at Austin compared students with in schools with one 20-minute recess versus two. Students with
024two recesses scored 15% higher on reading and math assessments. We know we need to improve our our assessments. that this is a wonderful way that's free that doesn't tax teachers that we can add this to. Um that wouldn't just help our scores largely with the extra physical activity. It also improved executive functioning skills which includes attention control and working memory physically. Some of those those same students took 35% more steps in a day which and sorry and were more likely to meet the CDC activity guidelines reducing long-term risk for childhood obesity and related health issues. Let's also look at the school climate. In schools that shifted from one to two recesses, teachers reported a 30% decrease in offtension behavior uh off tension off task behaviors and fewer referrals to the office with behavioral issues. Why?
025because students had more opportunities to release energy, self-regulate, and socialize in positive ways. >> Thank you so much. >> Our next speaker, I want to say this right so bad. Is it Winnie? >> Hello there. My name is Winnie. I am I am in fifth grade. I go to Virginia Heights elementary school. This is my first year in Reno City Schools. I I was in Reno County Schools at Oakrove previously. While at While at Oakrove, I had the privilege of having two recesses. These recesses helped me in many ways, such as making friends, taking a break from learning, and it helped me be more active. I'm requesting that you, Rono City School Board, protect play for all children by giving us two recesses at least 20 minutes each. I know of teachers who cut recesses
026to do school work. To an adult, 5 minutes may not seem much, but it violates the code of Virginia. It doesn't matter if a teacher doesn't like recess. It is my pro protected time to allow my brain a break. I am a good student who makes good grades and getting breaks to play is necessary for me to learn for me to learn. Again, I am asking for you Rono City School Board to protect play for all children in Reno City schools by give giving us two minute recesses a day, >> two 20-minute recesses. >> Once again, I want to thank you all for your comments and wanted to remind everyone in the public that we do value all comments. uh we encourage you to come and and come and speak because again we are here
027for you and we're representing uh our children and our families of Ronok City. So again, thank you all so much. >> Thank you very much and thank you Mr. Cherry. Um moving on, Dr. White, if you would please provide the superintendent updates. >> Thank you and good evening, Madame Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, members of the school board and student representatives. This evening, we're bringing forward items for your information and consideration, including an update on the community builder pilot program, discussion of our TrueUP funding application, approval to initiate a boundary study, and adoption of RCPS's 2026 legislative priorities. Now, before we get uh to our before we begin and get to our agenda, I would like to highlight a few items for the board and for the public's information. First, October is National Principles Month. Can
028we just give it up for our principles and assistant principles? You know what I'm going to say? Leadership matters. And so, I want to take a moment to thank our principles for their dedication to our student, staff, and community. Leading a school is not easy. And uh so, we do want to acknowledge their hard work. Our principles put in long hours uh early mornings, late nights uh to truly know each student by name, need, and strength. Today and every day, we want to make sure that we they feel our gratitude. So again, we just thank them for all that they do. We celebrate them every day um for what they do and we celebrate them for their leadership. Also, October is cyber security awareness month. We encourage everyone to follow us on Facebook and social
029media uh where we will be sharing tips from our technology team on best practices for staying safe online. Also, as a reminder, all students have received their student ID badges from their schools. So, these IDs help keep our students safe by making it easy for school staff to identify them and are used for a variety of purposes, including checking out books at school and at the public library, picking up school meals, attending school sponsored events, and riding the bus. Now, beginning yesterday, students must have their ID to ride the bus as they scan it um to board the bus, which also allows parents and guardians to track their location through the Zoom app. And schools have been reminding students about this requirement, and we appreciate families support and making sure that students bring their IDs
030uh to school with them every day. Also at our September uh workshop, we reviewed the annual student performance data report and shared that we would be providing additional information once the student performance and support framework data had been released. Now, the Virginia Department of Education had initially pro projected a release of that data this week, but they have since informed us that that has now been postponed uh to a later date. So, we will continue to keep you updated and we'll share information with families as soon as we know more. Fi finally, we are proud to share that one of our own students has been named the Junior Achievement Southwest Virginia High School student of the year. Please join me in congratulating Andre Chapman, a senior at William Fleming High School. He's also a participant
031in Daytech's business and marketing program for and he's received this honor and we're just so proud of him. Andre will be recognized at the Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame awards in November. So, we are very, very proud of Andre. And now we're going to start with community builders. To begin our report this evening, I will ask our director of community engagement, Corey Alder, as well as our coordinator of youth development and intervention, Josh Johnson, to come forward to provide an update on our community builders pilot program. >> Thank you, Chair Apel, uh the board, Dr. White. Um we brought with you today some of our students that participated this summer and continue with our summer programming. And then you talk about leadership. Our two summer site leaders, Morgan Hill and Rosemary Ringcon, really took
032ownership of this program and did an incredible job. Um, in your packets, you may have a memo with some of the data. Very promising. We know we're showing that this program is working. So, you're going to hear from uh Rosemary and Morgan and some of our students about what they did this summer. Awesome. >> All right. I believe I have some slides prepared for you with a little bit of information on them. Awesome. Thank you. All right. So, and most of you aware, um, Community Builders was funded by the state legislature in May 2024. Um, Reno City Public Schools uh, received about $280,000 from that. >> Appreciate it. Um, and we've been awarded additional funding of $225,000 to be spent for this school year. Um, we have provided programming that aims to reduce gun violence,
033improves workforce de development skills, uh, CTE readiness, community engagement, and personal growth for our students. Um, Community Builders has a few core components. One of that is the summer programming that leads to ongoing school programming that leads to ongoing mentorship as our students and our builders enter high school. And then also we would like to be designated as a demonstration school for community builders for the rest of the state. Um our summer program, I'm going to have Rosemary, our other site leader, come up and talk a little bit about we did this summer and this is our second summer in community builders. >> Hi, good evening. We had over 100 students um that applied to our program. It was a four-week summer program. We had every middle school represented. Um we the students were referred
034and recruited by school staff and they were required to complete an application. The students were led by 16 RCPS staff members that included instructional coaches even had an administrator, counselors, teachers, and a college academic adviser. During the four weeks, the students completed um a variety of experiences experiences, excuse me, that included field trips and activities um career exploration programs. And so these are some of our community partners that our students worked with this summer. And here are some pictures um of different activities that we had uh with a cook off a cookout. We had um steam steam activities for them. We had the Rono Sheriff's Department and the Police Department come and um do bicycle safety with the children. Um we also went on various field trips to Virginia Western to Radford as well as
035the rescue mission where students volunteered. We went to Explore Park and um multiple opportunities for them. We're going to let the students speak about the rest. Hello, my name is Laya. I'm an eighth grader at James Breen Ridge Middle School. I joined Community Builders because I wanted to help the community and learn more about it. I have a lot of reasons of why I love Community Builders, but I'm only going to say one thing. Community builders have taught me how to help my community. Help my community. During the summertime, we got to visit colleges. We cleaned the rescue mission. That was that was one of my favorite things. And the reason why I come back every day is because of the people I met during this summer of community builders. So as the students, we
036urge you to support community builders cuz they're not just helping us today. They're building a stronger future for all of us. >> Yeah. >> Ma'am. >> Hi, my name is Jada. I am a freshman at William Fleman High School and I did community builders my eighth grade year and I really did love community builders because it taugh us how to take care our community and it was teaching us how we can help our community even more better and we got to plan different like things for the um on our calendars to help the community out everything and I really do wish we can do that at high school. So that's why I love that we could um do this that eighth graders can do this now if they can get like a little community service
037in. >> Yeah. >> Hello, my name is Harmony, a freshman at William Fleming. I joined Community Builders last summer to help out the community, meet new people, and explore the world a little more. Things I did in community builders was pick up trash in the community, make snack snack bags for literacy night and help the kids. Reasons I come back to community builders is because of the people I met and I enjoyed helping out the community and exploring and going on field trips. Miss Hill inspired me to join community builders and when I did I enjoyed it and want to come back and help the community more. We went on camping trips and it was fun getting to know new people from different schools, new activity and making friends. One thing I enjoyed was helping
038out cleaning up the chapel at the rescue mission. Helping others and giving the good when all will always come back to you. I once learn to always treat others how you want to be treated. >> Mhm. [Applause] >> Hi, my name is Liliana. I'm a eighth grader at Breen Ridge. I join Community Builders in the summer and during the school year. Um, I really enjoy community builders because I get to meet other people from schools, especially in the summer and in the school time. It just like it gives me something to do after school and I get to hang out with my friends and really like plan stuff for the school and I really enjoy that. And I keep coming back because I really love everybody that has to do with community builders and I
039love like talking to people and doing fun things. [Applause] All right. So, as you can see, um, our students have done a wonderful job building community, um, incorporating staff from across our district, from different roles. Um, I myself, I'm a targeted school improvement mentor at Breen Ridge. These are some of my my builders that I get to see every day. Um, and you did hear how much they want to keep moving forward with this program. Um, the summer programming with our rising eighth graders really gets them involved. A lot of my girls that are here today have come back and they've brought new friends to community builders this school year. So it goes from, oh, we've got 10 Breen Ridge kids to we've got 20 Breenri kids to we've got kids going to Fleming wanting
040to do it. Um, so we really hope that with the data, with our track record, with the involvement of our children, and with the enthusiasm of our builders that we can continue this program into the future. >> Awesome. Thank you. Thank you so much. >> And we're all available if anybody has any questions for us. I just have one if you don't mind. Go ahead. Just um so this past summer's program had 100 participants. The year before was how many? >> On paper we had >> 765. >> So double almost. That's fantastic. >> That was all the question. Thank you. >> Did anyone go ahead? And this is for the students. Um, with all that you have been exposed to in the program, have you guys started to think like what you would like to
041do when you grow up? >> Yeah, actually we do like like that. We had did that for activity Thursday actually and we had wrote on the little um paper what we wanted to do and stuff. >> That's good. Thank you. >> I don't have a question. One of our programs for community builders at Breen Ridge, they had done vision boards. You want to talk about that from girly group? >> Um, at Breen Ridge, we did girly. We had a girly group and we did vision boards just to get like ahead like a future how you how you want your future look. It didn't have to be like like in 20 years. It could have been like in five or 10 years. So, that's why I really like community builders, too. It gave us something to
042look out of. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um, Miss Troo, I think you wanted one more one more comment. >> Yes. >> You all are amazing. Keep doing what you're doing. Keep wanting to build your community because it's going to make everything better for you. I am actually just excited just to see how you all just came with so much courage to speak. So, I think that is very awesome. And you have some great mentors around you. So, keep up the great work. >> You over here. >> Um, what event was it this summer I went to? I was Oh, y'all remember I forgot what it was. >> Our end of the year award >> and Yes. And I wanted to say they got more energy than this. Okay. >> Talk in the car
043on the way here. We're keeping it professional. >> But but the key things I heard, but the key things I heard was I got something to do. And I'm glad you started earlier. So, just wanted to kind of highlight that that there there is power in giving our young people something to do after school when they're busy in the community with boots on the ground with mentors and some examples in the community. You don't know what you can expose these children to that may we may be looking at future principles and teachers. So, that's right. >> I just wanted to say that and tell you all thank you for what you all do and thank you all for actually being engaged. You can tell when kids don't want to do it. Y'all got smiles on
044your faces. Y'all are saying and being honest, and I really love that. So again, thank y'all again. I'm I love that. I'm I'm happy. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. And I actually like that uh planning to request designation for Ron Oak City Public Schools as a demonstration site for the rest of the state for community builders. So >> got some swag for us, too. >> Yes. Voices matter. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> Get some swag. >> And we love swag. We love swag. Bring it on down. >> Yay. We love swag. >> And afterwards, Miss Mitzell's going to make make sure you get a picture. >> You want them up here with the board? >> So, we'll come up with the board. >> Oh, right here. >> Thank you, baby.
045>> Thank you so much. We got your >> Come closer. >> She's not here, but >> we can give it to Miss Trusty. Thank you. >> So, in the future, I expect one of y'all to be a board member for Ron Oak City Schools. Thank you. our student rep. Yeah. >> Junior year. >> Thank you so much. >> Okay, we all getting >> Yep. >> Yes. >> Can you spread out a little? >> Spread out. There's a lot of us here. One, two, three. Perfect. >> So, as you know, we are very, very proud of our community builders. We're also proud of our leaders and our teacher leaders. And I just want to thank again Mr. Johnson, Mr. Alder, Dr. Poland, Dr. Seabird, everyone who is in has been involved in uh the creation of
046this program. Uh Delegate Rousul as well um for championing the the legislation for us. And so just just hats off again, it takes extraordinary people to build a community. And so we're just very very proud of our students uh for taking this on and for building up their community. So again, hats off to the team. So, next um I'll ask our chief financial officer, Kathleen Jackson, to come forward to provide an update on the current status of the city's true-up application process. Mrs. Jackson, >> thank you. Um Madam Chair, Mrs. Apel, um members of the school board, Dr. White, thank you for this opportunity today to continue the discussion of opportunities for um year-end funding and um how we can um best makes make use of those funds. I will say, I know we've talked
047about this at a couple of other meetings, and we're still in the the year-end close process. Our audit is coming to a close, and I know the city is in the same boat um working on finalizing um year-end um numbers for the 2425 school year that just ended. So, we do not have um information from the city as yet about what if any um revenue exceeded uh budget that might be available for us to apply for. Um so, we wanted to bring this to your attention and sort of talk through maybe some other opportunities and and get your feedback. um given the intro. So, of course, when we've talked about this in in the past, we've chiefly focused on um capital needs, particularly the overcrowding at our high schools and and the need for a
048a more immediate uh response to that, which would be in the form of of learning cottages um until something more permanent can be um uh planned and funded. Um so a that's something that really is time is of the ess's on that issue right so um if we're going that that's going to take some effort to u prepare the site to uh lease the uh learning cottages that sort of thing. So we really need to get started sooner rather than later um if we're going to take action um to address that issue. Um so the the unknown is is a factor in that. Also um just given how year-end numbers typically fall. Um I I think it's unlikely that any portion of year-end dollars that might be available for us to apply to um I
049it would be unlikely to be enough. Um, as we've talked in past meetings, we're estimating about four and a half million, could be as much as five, um, for the initial implementation of of learning cottages at both high schools. So, so that is a significant dollar amount. Typically, you're that year in dollars. Maybe there's a million dollars available. It's not usually that that amount. So that's a factor as well in um kind of coming to you today with some some thoughts and discussion on um maybe a plan B. What are some other options that we might be able to look at to move forward sooner rather than later. So, um, one thing we wanted to bring to your consideration, um, is capital funds that, of course, the school board has set aside over the last
050several years, um, in an effort to rely less on debt funding for maintaining our school facilities. And, of course, we have some changes in how those, um, year-end dollars and fund balances are are managed and, um, the intent at the city level of, um, funds staying on our books versus going back to the city. and that sort of thing. So, as you may recall, of those funds that uh accumulated in that capital fund, um the city council reappropriated 17.8 million of that this year for the projects that were already approved in our capital improvement plan. Um beyond that, there's about $8 million, a little over $8 million that is unappropriated um sitting in that fund. So, so that was one thought that perhaps we might consider um broaching that that subject with our council partners
051to see if those that would be amendable to reappropriate those funds for the purpose of uh implementing and and maintaining uh modular units at both high schools so that we could move forward sooner rather than later. So, um I wanted to bring that to you for thought and any discussion or or comments that you might have today. Thank you. Um so first I did want to um work backwards from first day of school July or August of what will be our first day of school. Mr. Freeman, what's our first day of school for 2026? It's earlier. It's a week earlier. >> August 14th. >> Sorry, I called you out. Um I was going to say, is it July? But no, it's like August 9th or 10th or something. August 10. >> Um, so working backwards
052from that date, >> when would they need to go when would modulars need to go in? Like what would be the start date for them to be online on August 11th? >> Oh, really? >> I don't know that that can be done, unfortunately. We we need to start now with permitting, site selection, utilities, hookups, safety and security, all of those things. If we don't start soon, we're not going to have it. >> Okay. So, it's So, this is also as soon as possible. >> Um that Okay. Um because I know that's something that was also playing into the the timeline of requesting from the true-up. You know, if we wait another month to request to make a true-up request for those dollars to go towards the modulars, for example, it that also still may be
053too late and possibly not enough as you mentioned. Um so on this side of the table, did anyone have any questions or comments for Miss Jackson at this time regarding the true-up or regarding the modulars? I just have it. I think it goes to Mr. Perkins. I'm like, so basically we are late right now. We are late. >> If we want the modulars in place for the first of school 2026 27 school year, we we've got to start today. And we've we've started the process, but we have permitting with the city, which is time consuming. We have site selection. We have all of those things that we have to start. So, having the funding allows us to to start that, >> move forward. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Link. >> I
054have a lot um but I'm trying to select them. Um the to revisit for the conversation in this room, the lifespan of the learning cottages is roughly the same as the amount of time we are trying to bridge until we get a new high school online. Is that a true statement? >> That's true. Yes. >> Okay. >> What is that timeline like? What is the lifespan of a trailer of a modular? about 10 years, which is why we're evaluating whether to lease or to buy them outright depending on where we go with the third high school. >> Okay. >> Got it. >> And then to revisit a very subtle word that Miss Jackson had, uh 4 and a.5 million initial cost, what is the total life cycle cost of these learning cottages? >> Um our
055estimate is that um there will be ongoing costs in the subsequent years of roughly around $1.5 million. So, if we look at that over expecting likely potentially 10 years of utilization, you know, that we're looking at close to $18 million um over the life of the the use of those facilities. >> Okay. But those $18 million do not count for inflation or anything. >> That's true. That's true. Okay. >> Good point. Yes. >> So, we can technically be looking upwards of $20 million. That's would that be a good >> I think that's accurate. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Um that that also is for the facilities. The um that does not include any staffing changes that might be um necessary. I I know we have some teachers that are on carts right now that of
056course would um go into these new classrooms, but um with efforts to reduce class sizes and that sort of thing, it could potentially require some additional classroom staffing. >> Thank you, Mr. Cherry, or Oh yeah. >> Um just again for community awareness and just for clarity these cottages, how sustainable is it? Like are we doing the cottages and that fixes the overcrowding um with the growth? We still need a third high school or we still need to evaluate that. Correct. >> That is correct, Mr. Cherry. The cottages should never be considered as a permanent solution to the overcrowding. uh they're they're temporary, they are problematic. Uh we there's a lot of things that go into the management of those, not just from operational perspective, but the student management and uh and that. So we should
057look at that as a temporary and you're you have a a board regulation that says we should limit the use of colleges and that is JC. Uh and in fact, I was going to mention that on a attended zone uh item coming up later. So >> and with Oh, go ahead. I was going to also mention that the I mean the learning cottages would help us of course in terms of content areas and to make sure that we're accounting for that but it still doesn't account for common spaces um like you know cafeterias and lunchtime uh when those spaces are still very crowded as well. So with the 10year span and the inflation dollars, we're still kind of butting heads and coming to a stalemate because we still need school and operationally that's going to
058be tough still even with the cottages. Correct. >> We're we're increasing we we're estimating today dollars one and today's dollars 1.5 million. As that goes and the det the cottages themselves start to deteriorate through use and damage and other things that happen. I mean that that could go up substantially just depending on the situation. So thank you. >> Thank you. Um Ms. Trigg or anyone on this side of the table any questions or comments regarding the trueup or the modulars. >> Y okay you're good. Um this is more this question is along the um about growth stu of student population um let's say we we get these cottages by opening schools near opening of schools I think we projected more growth so in the cottages are we anticipating are we factoring in in two years
059we'll be we'll have more students. Like are we are we fixing the the issue that we have right now or are the is the capacity for the cottages going to allow for increased um student population over the next um five years? >> So it it's doing both. We're trying to address the current overcrowding at the schools. Remember our September 30 number was 257 for Patrick Henry. Uh just over 1,900 for William Fleming, which is right on pace for what we estimated this time last year, >> right? >> Uh but we're also looking at uh the 5% increase that we expect, right? >> Uh we're trying to factor in uh the affordable housing initiatives of the city >> uh and uh the and and the idea of more people will be coming in, right? Uh so
060the the answer is that's why we're looking at 10 at a minimum 10 10 room or two room cottages at Patrick Henry and eight two- room cottages at William Fleming. So even though we should not look at them as a long term but as temporary uh we are prepared for growth by by looking at how we're look at at how we have planned that out at this point. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I have one more. >> Yes. >> Miss Kana. Yes, thank you. Um, just so I'm sure because um, the term um, learning cottages is new to me. Is this is what I would have called trailers when I was in high school? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Equivalent of double wide trailers. >> Exactly. No, I just want
061to make sure cuz when you say cottage, I'm thinking >> pretty, you know, so I want >> We will try to make them pretty. >> But >> I just want gingerbread trim. See you soon. >> Okay, great. >> It will not be a white picket fence around it though, right? It will probably be chain link. That's more affordable. >> Fair. That's fair. >> Um, thank you. Um, a couple things I wanted to note. Um so one if we you know go down the road of requesting say a reappropriation of funds from our capital fund um by my math that only gets us three years because that's four and a half for year one and one and a half plus inflation another two we that'll get us three years before we're still addressing this again and
062each year we would have to request that reappropriation in the budget. So, um, again, this is, as I'll speak, I'll be Dr. Jameson right now. We do not typically spend one-time monies on things that require sustainable expense. >> That's right. >> So, um, >> is there anything you want to add to that? >> Um, yeah, that's a very good point. So, it is something that, you know, that this use of funds is certainly an appropriate use of capital funds. It is absolutely a capital expense to establish and maintain these facilities. Um but you are right that it would not um it it would allow us to move forward and get things started but it is absolutely something that in two three years we would have to be prepared to incorporate th those ongoing costs into
063our operating budget. >> And then additionally there I don't know that we could also consider them assets. It's different than when we say use debt service to build Preston Park Elementary School. Um, and how we would, you know, mentally, you know, psychologically budget for something that is intended to be temporary. So, um, just something for us to keep in mind that we are still investing money in our students, but it we're investing a large amount of money in something that isn't intended to be a temporary fix. So, um, >> basically a band-aid. >> Yes. Yes. Um, okay. So, it sounds like and I do believe that, um, our next meeting in two weeks is going to be a special meeting. So, that means we'll have voting capabilities and live streaming at that meeting. So, it's,
064you know, we will, um, of course, the agenda will be posted as per usual, the days in advance. So, you know, if we we recognize that this needs to be, you know, taken care of, at least a decision needs to be made as soon as possible if we want to be online for fall of 2026. >> That that would sort of be the next steps to to get the approval of the school board for whatever we would then um present to city council and request their approval. And madam chair, I would only um al also offer for the board's consideration that the ongoing cost that 1.5 million for the uh ongoing costs would need to come from somewhere. Uh so again we need to keep that in mind as we're building out future budgets that
065that that one point and you know again with funding kind vulnerable federal, state, local. Um that's something that I would like for the to keep on the board's radar as you're making your decisions and and considering um the vote for next time that um again it's it's a reality and this not I'm not speaking against it. I'm just saying that we need to remember that that 1.5 million will need to be accounted for in future budgets. >> Thank you. And just to wrap up the the this section of our agenda was on true-up funding, that application. And so just for the public, we will continue to address that at future meetings um as we know what is available for us to apply for in advance of the board approving a request to the city. All
066right. Thank you, Miss Jackson. All right. >> All right. Thank very very good. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Mrs. Jackson and Mr. Perkins. Thank you so much. Next, I'll ask Mr. Perkins to come back up, our COO, uh, to request authorization to initiate a comprehensive boundary study. So, if you'll recall last year, our partners at Spectrum Design presented our completed feasibility study which identified several concerns related to overcrowding and the educational adequacy of a few of our elementary schools. So, Mr. Perkins will provide an update on this information and next steps to move forward. So, Mr. Perkins over. >> Yes, Madam Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, members of the board. Thank you, Dr. White. Uh ladies and gentlemen, uh we are asking for your approval tonight uh to begin an attendance zone or boundary
067review in accordance with board regulation JC. Uh this will allow us to engage an expert facilitator to provide a recommendation which we will take to an attendance zone boundary committee and engage the community and input. Uh this will serve uh there's two things. There's an initiating event with the uh new Preston Park Elementary coming online. This is part of a three P or three-phase recommendation we have made to the board. Uh phase one would allow us to balance the attendance zones or the boundaries on the north side of our city so that we can uh have smaller class sizes and improve the learning environment of those students. Uh the second part of this uh and there's three phases but really the second part is to establish in this first initiation to establish feeder patterns for
068potential third high school. Uh that is the long-term goal of these three things. The second phase is to address the three elementary schools identified in the feasibility study and the third phase is to address the overcrowding at Crystal Spring Elementary. And we hope to do this over we'd like to do this in three years, but we understand that it will take time uh to address this and move through it with community input and such, but we'd like to get the first phase kicked off, which we anticipate will be 90 to 120 days. >> Thank you, Mr. Perkins. Um, is there a motion and a second to approve authorizing the chief of operations, Mr. Chris Perkins to initiate the next steps necessary to conduct a comprehensive boundary study. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by
069Mr. Cherry. Seconded by Miss Trigg. All right. Is there any discussion? Okay. I'll just point out again this is just to initiate the next steps necessary to comp to to move on to um to conduct the comprehensive boundary study. So hearing no further discussion. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed say no. >> The motion carries. Mr. Perkins, you are authorized to proceed with the next steps of this boundary study. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. All right. Next, I'd like to ask our constituent services and government relations officer, Dr. Alan Sieber, to present the final draft of the 2026 General Assembly legislative priorities for your review and approval. >> Good evening, Madam Chair, Mr. Vice Chair. uh board members, student reps, Dr. White, and all attendance, good evening.
070On behalf of the superintendent, policy, governance, and legislative committee, I'm pleased to bring to you for your second review your uh for consideration for adoption your 26 2026 legislative priorities. I don't plan on doing a deep dive here unless you have questions because we did this at your workshop on September 23rd. But for your review, you have six areas of priority emphasis. local control because you as a board know and can serve your community best than the general assembly. Two, safety and security because that is a shared responsibility uh for the community, for the PA families, for the students and for our commonwealth. Third is our commitment to serving all students. Public schools public means everybody gets to come and if everybody gets to come, everybody has the opportunity to be served, be valued, and
071be safed. And and and so we we we want to serve all students. Fourth, governance and budget. You know, you just a lot of lot of money being talked about here tonight. The budget is the plan that funds all the other plans. So, we need to make sure that the Commonwealth has a budget plan in place that that supports public education. Related to that, very directly to that, but but on its own is employee compensation. As we discussed last uh work session, u our profession is moving backwards. Uh when we think about income for and pay for compensation for teachers in particular versus 15 years ago, they have lost buying power. And then six, assessment modernization. You've been dealing a lot and hearing a lot be hearing more about accountability. The accountability system is driven
072by the assessment system, which is still largely a 1990s approach to assessment in the Commonwealth. And so we look forward to seeing that assessment tools modernized. Hopefully with more modern tools, we can recoup some instructional time, have less testing, better testing, and and better um predictions coming out of it. So, those are your six areas that we're ask for adoption tonight. If adopted, I'll share with you a couple of steps that come next. We will communicate broadly and rapidly. Um Mr. Dresky has things ready to go for the grip cards. We have your your your event with your legislators coming up in November, but we will not be waiting to then to communicate and share. We've already had some preliminary conversations. In fact, I expect tomorrow if you adopt these tonight, your Dr. Weiss leadership
073team will consider up to six uh position papers. Just the first six position papers. And one of them is this one. It's called uh community builders demonstration site established. And so it would be an opportunity for us to take that to scale and help other communities in the way you've heard our young people serve tonight. Uh we have others that we'll be sharing with the leadership team. That'll just be the first batch as we try to bring your priorities into reality in the upcoming general assembly session. I'll go deeper if you like me to or I'll answer any questions you have, but we would ask for you to approve these positions, these priorities. >> Thank you, Dr. Sieber. So, is there a motion and a second to adopt the 2026 legislative priorities as presented and
074authorize the superintendent to direct the ongoing development of position papers that support and advance the board's legislative priorities? >> So, move. >> Second. Moved by Miss Kintana, seconded by Miss Watkins. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. Those opposed say no. And the motion carries. The 2026 legislative priorities are adopted and the superintendent is authorized to proceed with the development of supporting position papers and grip cards. >> Thank you, Dr. Seabird. And Madam Chair, that concludes my report. >> Thank you very much, Dr. White. It's time for the financial forecast. Mrs. Jackson, could you please come on back up and present the financial forecast and appropriation report? >> Thank you. Good evening again. So, as the presentation is coming up, um we are reporting to you this
075evening through uh the month of August. So, just two months of the fiscal year reporting. And we'll jump right in with um our experience through August for the general fund on the revenue side. Um based on our experience thus far and comparing against the three-year average of actual experience for the same period um in those three prior years, we're forecast to be um about half a million dollars above budget based on our revenue experience so far. So trending um positively on that side. Expenditures also trending positively. um forecast to be about $3 million below budget just based on two months of experience were we to end the year based on continued experience as we've we've had um at the beginning of the year thus far. So um we do have a a general fund appropriation
076um of $275 million for the year. So um we're the year to continue to track as the first two months have. Um we would be um under that limit by about $5.8 million by year end. Um moving on to the food services fund. Um we are forecast through August to be about 163,000 below budget on the revenue side. I will point out that um that is mostly a timing difference though um our revenue is a bit down because of course um with the changes in the funding requirements at the state level for our summer program. That program was a lot smaller this summer. So the summer uh meals associated with that um were smaller. But um we also had a delay in receiving a reimbursement um from the federal government for that. So that's the
077the main reason is um funding that we would have received in August didn't come until September. So that's um chiefly why you see an a variance of that size at this point in the year there. Um we are a little bit above budget um through August on the expenditure side by about $106,000. So, um, we do have an appropriation in that fund of 13.5 million. So, we would still be forecast to come in under that by about $300,000, uh, based on our experience so far. And, um, we do have a fund balance that has to be retained in that fund. That is federal funds, um, and must only be used for that purpose. So, we did adopt a budget in the food services fund that proposed using u about 730,000 of that. And um so
078were we to end the year based on our experience thus far, we would be closer to a million um dollars that we would be using um out of that fund balance by year end. Um lastly, our capital fund. Um as we just talked a little bit about, we had 17 almost 9 million appropriated last year of which um by year end we've used almost 10 million of that. So that leaves just over 8 million of the appropriated amount um remaining available for the continuation of those projects that were previously approved and that are ongoing. Preston Park being the the main one that is still ongoing. So that is the already appropriated portion. And that is where we are through August, but I'm happy to take questions or comments. Um, and just to clarify, the 8
079million that was left unspent, that was a distinct 8 million from the capital fund from what we discussed earlier with um, potentially correct >> requesting appropriation for it. Just happens that they were both in the $8 million range. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Um, any further questions from the board? >> Wonderful. Thank you very much much, Miss Jackson. Um, and moving on to the financial statements. Is there anything unusual to report this month? >> I have nothing further to add for the u detailed financials that um back up the summary that we just covered, but I'm certainly happy to take any questions. >> Any questions? >> Okay. Thank you, Miss Jackson. The statements will be received and filed. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um moving on to the appointment of the special education advisory
080committee. Um, we have the appointment of the individuals for the 2025 2026 special education advisory committee. Is there a motion and a second to approve the list of individuals for the 2025 2026 special education advisory committee? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Miss Kintana. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. >> Those opposed say no. >> And the motion carries. The 2025 2026 special education advisory committee is approved. Um, moving on to reports from committees. Um, as a heads up, something that we will be looking at in future schoolboard meetings is report outs from our student representatives um uh about um you know student government um meetings at their their local schools. So, we'll probably be looking at that for um for November.
081Yes, it's October. Um for November. So, that's something that will fall into this portion of our meetings going forward and that will be something that'll be brand new. So, thank you to our student representatives for representing your student bodies and sharing that with us as a board and um with the division and um all of our families. Um moving on, are there Let's see. I think it'll be easier to go down the line. Miss Cantana, do you have any committee reports for us this evening? >> No, Madam Chair. Thank you. Well, >> Mr. link. >> No, ma'am. >> All right, Mr. Cherry. >> All right. Um, Miss Trigg, >> I do. Superintendent's policy, Governance, and Legislative Priorities Committee report. The Superintendent Policy, Governance, and Legislative Committee has been active. During the PGL committee meeting on
082September 17th, 2025, Dr. receiver providing an update regarding the ongoing migration of the community feedback system from ethics point by Navx to a new solution from K through 12 insight by sharing how an umbus office in another school district uses the tool. In addition to being a better tool for our constituent services office, the change will apply the budgeted cost from the former system toward a new application that will ultimately serve multiple offices. A better return on investment. The community appreciates the collaboration that the communications, human resources, and technology teams have underway to support the transition and their plans to use the application more broadly in 2026. The community also worked to prepare the 2026 legislative priorities for adoption this evening along with the coordinating efforts with the city's council legislative committee. The city council
083legislative committee had meetings on both September 15th and immediately after the joint meeting on October 20, I'm sorry, October 6, I'm trying to get ahead of game. October 6, 2025, board chair Apel and I served as board representatives to the city legislative committee. And we look forward to the city council incorporating the board's legislative priorities into its own and working together before and during the 2026 general assembly sess session. Reminder, the board's annual Take Your Legislator to School Month will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the William Fleman High School Library on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025. As always, board members with policy policy and legislative priority ideas are welcome and encouraged to share them with the committee at any time. >> Thank you, Miss Trigg. Um, and Miss Trigg, did you have any other committee
084reports aside from PG&L? No, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Miss Watkins. >> Don't have a official committee report, but I do have um for um board um development. I do have one >> want to mention one thing. >> Yeah, please. >> You want to mention one thing? >> Um thought this one was timely from the board handbook. Just a reminder that um for board development, Dr. Jameson and I are choosing um information out of our schoolboard handbook to share publicly and to remind not only the community but our board members of our duties and responsibilities. Um the the um section that I looked at and thought was fitting was some of the principles of our board and I just want to um name one of them. Um with um the elections coming up um one
085of our uh principles is that our board is independent and apolitical. Um we need to be reminded of that from time to time. No matter what our personal beliefs or alliances are, as a board we are independent and apolitable. Apolitical. We are here for the best interest of the children in the city of Ron Oak. >> Okay. >> Thank Thank you for that reminder, Miss Watkins. Um so the technology committee did meet this month. Um it was our first um meeting, our first quarterly meeting. Um Dr. Dr. White provided a bit of an overview um with various implementations and um reviewed and provided feedback on AI and education, something that RCPS has been on the forefront of being involved in at the state level and um the implemented digital resource approval process. Um then the
086committee discussed technology pros and grows in the areas of devices and access, artificial intelligence, instructional tools and support, monitoring, safety and security as well as collaboration and communication and uh how those tie in with um technology. So the next steps of the committee um will be to um work on picking one or two probably two priorities um for the committee for um for its work this year. Also as noted it's cyber security awareness month um as well. So that wraps up the technology committee report. Um, additionally, just a note that the joint city council school board finance task force did have our second meeting um earlier today. Um, there was a theme of um mutual sustainability and success on behalf of the schools and the city. Um, sustainability is something that you've heard us mention
087time and again whenever we are budgeting. Um so RCPS we presented our initial impact study on on what um budget implications would do um what impact that would have on our school division. Um we do plan on meeting again hopefully in two weeks and um we also um want you know as a division recognize that RCPS is on an upward trajectory. We talked about initial student report findings um last month including also at the um at our schoolboard retreat we got a strategic plan update. We're halfway through the strategic plan and that strategic plan is not just lip service. It's things that we are on track in a lot of categories to meet six-year goals. So um and so our priority as a division is what we can do to ensure that the budgets that
088we have to work with keep the momentum going on behalf of our students and our and our staff and our division. Um so I believe that concludes committee reports. I see if there's anything else. Okay. So, is there any ongoing business to share at this time? Okay. So, some event reminders and dates. Um, as mentioned, um, in two weeks, October 28th, that's a schoolboard workshop, but it'll, uh, most likely be noticed as a special meeting because there may be voting and it will be, um, streamed live on our you RCPS YouTube page. Then November 11th is our next school board meeting um at 6:30. Um November 18th is the teacher of the year dinner. Those are excellent events where we get to really celebrate um our staff. Um then November 19th through 21st is the
089VSBA or Virginia School Board Association fall convention in Williamsburg. Um and as Dr. Sbert mentioned, take your legislators to school event is November 25th, right before Thanksgiving. um uh leading into that holiday break. So, and then if you want, you can mark your calendars. Breakfast with Santa is on there, too. Um so, and and that'll round out 2025, if you can believe it. So, um is there any >> any other ongoing dates that I miss or any upcoming events that I missed? >> Breakfast with Santa. >> Oh, yeah. Birthdays, huh? >> Breakfast with Santa makes you happy. >> Yes. >> Happy birthday. >> Miss Watkins. Who else? >> Mrs. Jackson. >> Oh, happy birthday. >> Happy birthday. Hey. Hey, >> Libra Nation. >> Libras are in the building. >> All right. Um, hearing no further
090business, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you.