001Great. All in favor? All right. This meeting is in session for the evaluation. >> I'm glad we're doing this first two for your sake. There it is. Madam Chair, I motion that pursuant to section 2.2-3712 of the code of Virginia uh the closed meeting held by the school board on June 9th, 2026 be certified by adopting the following resolution. Now therefore be it resolved that the school board of Stafford hereby certifies that to the best of each member's knowledge one only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies and two only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard discussed or considered by the board. Second. >> All in favor? Oh, no. That's right.
002You got to roll. >> Sorry. Blackwell >> here. >> No, you affirm. You agree that we only talked about what we were supposed to talk about. >> I affirm. >> Okay. Dr. Chase, >> agree. >> Miss Fingerholes, >> agree. >> Miss Hilly, >> yes. >> Miss Randall, >> yes. >> Miss Mr. Rian, >> yep. >> Dr. Warner, >> yes. >> Mad Chair, the motion passes. >> Thank you. Okay. >> And we have no action coming out of this, >> right? And we're going to just take a five minute break. >> Five minute break and then be back. Consolidation discussion. You >> recall back at the at our retreat this past November, you did ask me to go back and take a look at our advisories. We have 11. you have 11 schoolboard advisory committees and
003just to see is there an opportunity to consolidate to uh bring those down. We took a look at some data which we'll share with you in just a minute in terms of how often that committee has met uh the membership on that committee uh and the work of those committees. So really looking at it from the a data driven approach there uh also taking a look at your priorities and then also we took a look at the the policy and regulation as it pertains to ad hoc. So your policy does allow you to have ad hoc committees. So um we also looked at some of the the pros and cons around this in terms of uh you know obviously with the more committees it did you do have uh less likelihood of having quorum in
004terms of the total number of positions to to fill. uh with the to with the number of committees, it does also require staff time and board member time and um also looked at how we can enhance potentially the charge that you're giving to some of the committees and so there's alignment and support there. Um in terms of also looking at some of the potential cons you, you know, obviously if you decide to decrease committees, that's less slots for community members to fill. Um you may not have one on a specific focus area or specific topic. So looking at where those might fall and the only other item is that uh any changes you may have we'll go back and take a look at our policy and regulation and make those changes accordingly. And then finally
005we also looked at our strategic plan to make sure that this does really support the work of our strategic plan. That is our guiding guiding document that we work towards and so want to make sure that we are being purposeful and efficient with the work. Um, all right. So, um, taking a look at this, I've talked through a lot of this already in terms of some of the data that we looked at. Um, you asked me to go back and take a look at this and bring it to you. So, this this chart, it's a little bit busy, but let me try to explain it to you. Um, we list the committees on the left hand side. So, those are the 11 advisory committees that you currently have. We also listed the year in which
006that committee started. Um, or to the best, well, we can go back and look in some of the documents. Um I'm going to pause on the first the middle two column staff recommendations and governance committees and I'm going to go to the last two uh meetings with quorum over the past three years. So if you look at that we were able to tabulate how many of the times did that committee meet over the past three years with quorum. Um highlighted in red the lower numbers. So you see 11 13 15 17 um you have the high end you have 23 24 and then also looked at the number of vacancies current vacancies on that committee which obviously with the vacancies um that impacts the number of folks that are able to be a part of
007that and so some of the some of the quorum issues there too. So, um, so you'll see those. We I highlighted those in red, so you could see the committees with the high number of vacancies as of May 29th. And then in the middle, so you you asked me to come up with some recommendations. I worked with our team to try to see what might make some sense from our perspective. And so did provide you with some recommendations there in the staff recommendations uh column. This did go to the governance committee. Um, and I stress with them and I'll stress with you now, these are your committees and so you need to do what you feel is best for you. these these really serve you and your role. Um we are happy to support as
008staff liaison to those but these are really your committees and so um brought it to governance and the column with the governance committee recommendations is there in the middle and so uh governance committee did recommend uh to combine CBAC and CIP advisory uh to continue as is with um CTE advisory. There was a lot of good discussion around the DEI committee, the gifted advisory, and the military families advisory. Um, part of my recommendation thought we could probably bring those together around student achievement governance committee uh has said they'd like to keep those as is after receiving some feedback. Um, we talked a lot about Shaq is the school health and the special education uh committees um what should happen there. The governance committee suggested to bring those together. Uh, SEAK is required by state code,
009but as long as you're still meeting the requirements there in the state code, they can can be combined um with with another committee and have other topics. Um, technology um was recommended to consider as ad hoc. The governance committee is recommending to continue as is. And transportation, you'll see both had the recommendation to shift transportation to ad hoc, understanding that that was really created due to some transportation issues, some things that were going on at that time. And then finally with the visual and performing arts, uh we do have a an AMP advisory, a staff advisory that weighs in on visual and performing arts. And so the recommendation there was to combine that with a staff advisory there. So >> and when you say staff advisory, you're also alluding to the fact that the public
010u that there's public representation on there as well. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So we go from 7 to 11. >> Goes from 11 to 7 is what governance committee is recommending. And I'll come back to this slide in just a minute because I think it's probably most important. But based on your decisions, you know, obviously we would go back and and make some uh recommendation. We would change the policy and bring that back to you uh when you'd like and we would have to potentially make some amendments to some of those bylaws and work on this. This is not recommended to start until January 2027. The reason we have the conversation now is because as we start getting into the fall, we start to really make that push to for
011nominations and really try to get folks out there. So the thought was you would have this start to have this conversation. This conversation could go into the fall, but we would hold off on the application process um until you made a decision. >> Transportation would still make their presentation in February. Is that right? >> Yeah, we had looked at the dates with those. >> That's the board presentation date. Yeah. >> Which is basically a question mark. >> Oh, board presentation dates. We would need to work through that in terms of those exact. Yeah. And I know we talked about the suggested dates of those. So >> any discussion when >> Y when you have a break I just wanted to have a discussion. >> Absolutely. >> Um the C CPAC and the CBAC I've been
012on both of those committees and they have pretty distinct um focuses but they do work together. So, I can see the advantage of combining them, but um I don't want to dilute what they're able to accomplish because when when when I was on the CPAC, they were just delving into and I think Mr. Teller, you know, you were the advisory. Um you know, they they were looking into, oh my gosh, you don't have this and you don't have this and Jason said, we're working on it. But so I don't know if they've gotten to a point where they've, you know, worked through a lot of the issues and everything because they had a really big agenda and a very important role. So I I have been off it for a while and I I know
013the CBAC um or what do you >> Yeah. the budget advisory committee um >> they have you know they do a lot with the um with the school um you know PTO's and PTAs and things. So how could we increase potentially the the numbers on those committees because they have subcommittees that would do certain things. >> That's a good idea. Um, I don't if if we combine them and I would like to get some impact from the, you know, the the the chairs of those committees because I know those two work together a lot and they may think that's a great idea. But before I would want to make a vote on it, I would like to, you know, get that input from the the two um committee chairs. >> But and isn't this this
014is what we're going to be talking about over the next couple of months, right? Because I for similar reasons to why she thinks those should be combined. I pretty much don't think that Zack should be combined with X. But again, we'll talk about that as we go. >> I don't mean to interrupt, but I'm not saying we should combine. >> No, no, no. I know, but you were just >> I'm saying I can see some advantage. I'm trying to be openminded here >> because we've got a recommendation for it. If you ask me my opinion, it might be different, but but I want to make sure that we don't make a decision before getting input from the real stakeholders or the the committees themselves. >> Right. So over the next couple of months we'll be
015gathering >> but we need to I don't think I don't think we have thinking was several months. I think he was saying we need that in the fall they start to advertise for people to join these committees. So by the end of this summer >> into August >> but we don't meet in July. So >> Oh >> I do think the other thing that I'll add that that governance did discuss and I think for the board to discuss is to look at some of the requirements that we put on committees in terms of how often they meet. also looking at the number of folks on the committee, but then how often they meet because then you know some burden, right? They might not need to meet monthly. They but some may if you have a
016lot of things to talk about, you might need to meet monthly, some might need to meet quarterly. So there could be some more flexibility there in terms of for the >> it'll be a little bit more friendly for board member for community and staff. I think if if we let them know there's that flexibility that it doesn't have to be every month. >> So the governance committee asked you to just check in with Dr. Bush about combining SEAK and Shaq and did that happen? >> We did talk to Dr. Bush. Dr. Bush does have some concerns with that in terms of working with both of those. Um there she is. In terms of that, I think in terms of some of the things with with CAK and Shaq, I think they they can be combined.
017I think we could see where the topics could be, but I think they are very different. I'll defer to Dr. Bush. Yeah, they are very um different and both of those committees are very active and passionate about the various topics that they review and discuss. Um special ed advisory committee is we are jam-packed the whole year with topics and feedback and um she which you'll hear from the health advisory tonight is also the same way. Uh so they're very active. >> I mean I just a couple of times I've been there we've barely made quorum or we've had to cancel meetings because we haven't made quorum. So that's my concern. So yeah. >> Okay. So um eliminating a committee doesn't really help the quorum issue or reducing the number of these does not help the
018quorum issue. So what if we um kind of like the meeting dates if you said can we well first of all can we make different rules for each one? >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> So you can also do different numbers than different committee member numbers. >> They do their charters. So they review their charters every year. They couldn't set their own rules. Well, I know like for meeting dates, so like if we did, you have to do at least four meeting dates, right? So, some of them might be able to to frontload those, get it done, and be done and over with it. Some might need more, but if you just have that, you just have to meet four times throughout the year, that might be more feasible. Reducing it down to maybe seven members,
019so one for each of us makes it easier to to reach for them that way might be an option. And then maybe also giving the committees a little bit more flexibility in what they do want to work on and present to us. I know that some people have joined a committee thinking they were going to be able to give more input and then we give kind of a task and they're like, well, that's not really what we're concerned about, but okay. And then they start kind of, you know, they don't really have that buy in at that point. >> So maybe some some additional flexibility there as well. I'd also like to talk about the seak and the the shack. I was on the shack for ever until Alissa came in. >> I gave gave
020it up for her and that that was such a great committee. I mean, and it was like mental health before mental health become, you know, talking at the point. Um and but and I know the the SEAK is is primarily you know people who are engaged and and you know have an active role in you know in the the schools and either as parents or you know professionals in the community. I I want to get some more information before I would combine those two. I think it might dilute um at least for if I were on the SEAK as a a parent, you know, a special ed student, I would say like, wait a minute, I'm here for special ed. This is the law requires a special ed committee and you're talking about, you know,
021the policy something. So I I would suggest we consider having this conversation this time next summer with an advance and and making it effective for you know when we do the next appointments because if we're going to appoint in August right when August the advertisement goes out. >> Yeah. Well it's for for that year. I mean that would at least give us a little more time unless we talk to these committee chairs and the committee chairs say this is a great idea. you know, I think we can we can really get this done. Um, that's who I would rely on because I think they know more about, you know, their membership and and and what they're doing. And this is no reflection on governance because, you know, when you look at it, you know, objectively,
022that's one thing, but a lens of a person who has an interest in it and and face it, that's why people get on these committees because they're passionate, you know, about about these areas. But we we I mean our board as a whole in November tked staff to do this. And so if we're going to just punt it to next year, it it's it's work for staff to pull this together. So I I'm reluctant to say the work you did was all well and good and we're just going to ask you to do it again in a year. Um but in addition to that um I think we need to realistically think about how many people are up for being on two committees because if we have seven then we do need people who are
023willing to do two committees in addition to their standing committees. >> So just just throwing that out there. >> Yeah. And it's it creates a burden for staff. I think some of these things could be consolidated. I think C um CBAC and CIP work together frequently. I can understand separating student health and special ed because they're really two divergent things, but I also think we can go ahead and change the rules about meeting schedules and what their tasks are and see if that doesn't improve quorum and other things as well. So, so that they're so that they have more autonomy and and so instead of being told you have to meet once a month, which is burdensome for some of them, they can meet quarterly or they could meet, you know, okay, we can get
024this done in six meetings or four meetings and and then present our stuff. >> I think they have the flexibility. They don't have >> They do, but I don't think they realize it. So, they're just kind of doing it >> and then we'd run into troubles with the quorums. >> Yeah. Well, I just I mean the CPAC and and the C back CPAC CPAC whatever the finance and the and the CIP I mean they're they do such an amazing you know job and and the range is you know is is wide and if we combine them with the same number of people they're not going to be able to end up with the same result. So, I think if we do that, we're going to have to look at our expectations and what we're asking
025them to do. >> If I hadn't been on the committees, I probably would have no clue. >> Yeah. >> Um, I don't know that we're going to get to AI. Maybe we could um put this in the bulletin or can you give a quick overview and and what do we want to do about the committees? Do we want to still consider our options and um make a decision? >> I think out of all of them, I'm okay with even though I'm on visual performing arts and those folks really do care. I think if they're combined and they're not lost, but they're combined with another group, I think that that one could be reduced down, it's also the lowest performing one, and then maybe making the adjustments on the meeting requirement, making sure we're clear on
026that meeting requirement. >> Yeah. Adjust the policy. And and how do we feel about transportation moving to >> I feel a little this is my only thing I would say about it. Two things once before I got on the board there was all this uproar about bus drivers and their salaries and all of that and that had to be taken care of separately and then we had transportation challenges and that had to be taken care of and then we developed this as an ad hoc and then now permanent. But like I have a I have a person on there and she's got special needs kid and it is a perspective for transportation that even the folks in transportation find immensely valuable. So I I'm a remiss because I love that committee. I understand what you
027what we're trying to do here. Um but I do you know there's not another place to go. Is there a way to put it under transportation so that there's not a quorum requirement because with us appointing them there's different rules where if it's um I mean I know it kind of takes >> requirement on on all of our committees though that won't go away saying if it wasn't a school >> if it wasn't a school board still do the work >> Mr. Will Cott about that and um we both he finds value in that committee um but thinks it can thrive just as a if we're reporting up directly. He wants to hear from the parents and and some of them especially that are on the committee that are vocal and he thinks he can
028have a lot of success not being kind of restricted to some of the requirements that we have with the advisory committees now but develop his own committee that he still invites the parents that are vocal to come in >> parents and drivers on there which has always been again it's the driver perspective when the parent has a concern that sometimes can be because it's a different department but if you would do that I would love that. Okay. >> Yeah, I I think that's a good idea. And then that gets that that >> that's a solution to that that may be even more effective. >> Um, so we will bring this back. So we'll bring this back for action or for more discussion. What's the plan? >> Can we get input from the committee chairs or
029do we not want to bother getting input from the committees that we're talking about consolidating? I I mean to me that's really important and they have I agree. So the next meeting we'll have are all of will we have all the advisory or >> I'm having mine >> I think I've got one >> I have both of mine before the next >> you like us to reach out to those folks is something you want to do an email >> I think the staff leaison reach out to the chair and say you know these are the considerations >> this is this is a recommendation from the the govern board has requested your your feedback >> and then then we'll make a decision >> and if they say sounds great to me then Um, >> yeah. Okay.
030But if they have concerns, then I'm going to be more hesitant. >> We are out of time. The artificial intelligence day, >> I'll take the memo. >> Yeah, there is in the tomorrow is the artificial intelligence um region 3 conference at Stanford. I >> thank you. If we combine these, how would the student repuss You have to he just >> Oh, okay. She went to grab the sign and she All right. I'm going to call this meeting to order. We have no color guard tonight, but I will request everyone stand for the pledge of >> allegiance. United States of America, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Um, Missy, would you please call roll? >> Yes, ma'am. Miss Blackwell, >> here. >> Dr. Chase, >> here. >> Miss Davis, >> here. >> Miss Finger
031Holtz, >> here. >> Miss Healey, >> here. Mr. Careshi >> here. >> Miss Randall >> here. >> Mr. Regan >> here. >> And Dr. Warner >> here. Madam Chair, you have a quorum. >> Thank you. Okay. Can I get a motion to approve the agenda, please? Motion to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> Please cast your vote. Passes. Passes unanimously. Um, can I get a motion for the consent items? >> Motion. >> Second. Please cast your vote. >> Passes unanimously. Okay, moving right along to announcements. Administrative personnel. >> Thank you, Chair Warner. We have three announcements I'd like to share with you this evening for individuals that are here. Um, first I'd like to recognize our new assistant director of school improvement and accountability in the department of research evaluation and strategic improvement, Miss Cara
032Fredell. Miss Fidell has extensive experience working with our ESOL community and her currently serves as an ESOL coordinator for secondary schools. Prior to her time with Stafford schools, Miss Fidell was an ESL ESL teacher and secondary support specialist with Chesterfield County Public Schools for 12 years. She also brings extensive experience in developing, implementing, and monitor school improvement plans at the division and school levels. She has a proven track record for coordinating federal grant compliance, designing and facilitating professional learning, and applying datadriven decision-making to advance student outcomes and state accountability ratings. Miss Fidel ear earned her bachelor's of science degree from Virginia Tech and her master of education in administration and student supervision from the University of Virginia. She was also recognized as a Miles E. Kerry endowment fellowship recipient from the University of Virginia in
0332023. Re also recognized as the teacher of the year in 2018 and the new teacher of the year in 2012. Congratulations Miss Fredo. Thank you so Thank you so much. Um I'm so grateful for the opportunity, Dr. Smith, and I look forward to getting to work. Thank you. Next, I'd like to introduce Miss Ryan Espinosa Gray, who will be joining the administrative team at Margaret Brent Elementary School as the school's new assistant principal. Joining us from Fairfax County Public Schools, Miss Espinosa Gray most recently served as a dean of students and interim assistant principal following her tenure as a classroom teacher. While serving as the dean of students, she directed the in-person flexible instruction time program where she targeted absenteeism by establishing a nurturing afterchool space for enrichment and academic recovery. As the administrator supporting
034behavioral interventions, she advocated for a schoolwide framework that successfully decreased disciplinary incidents. Miss Espinosa Gray is a dedicated to partnering with her school principal to foster academic excellence and social well-being for all students. She holds a bachelor's arts degree in early childhood education, a master's of education degree in curriculum instruction from Grand Canyon University, and a master's of education and educational leadership from JMU. Welcome, Miss Espinosa Gray. >> Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. My husband and I moved here four years ago. I'm super excited for the opportunity to work in my community and it's going to be a great school year. Thank you. >> And our final introduction this evening is to recognize and introduce Dr. Deshawn Turner, who will serve as the new director of academic pathways and programs in the department of
035academic programs. Dr. Turner served as the principal of North Stafford High School where he was named the 2024 2025 this past year principal of the year as he led the school to double-digit gains in reading and science so pass rates. He also is responsible for reducing the school's chronic absenteeism and achieving a 91% ontime graduation rate. His extensive administrative background also includes serving as an assistant superintendent in human resources for Arlington public schools and superintendent of Colonial Beach Public Schools. His earlier leadership roles include serving as a director administrative services in King George County, director of schools for Petersburg City, uh director of student services, testing and transportation for Essex County Public Schools, and building level principalship at both the elementary and high school levels. Dr. Turner believes in lifelong learning. He is a has
036a record of increasing student achievement by being a change agent, a good communicator, a team builder, and a practitioner of collaborative process in the school environment. He has then earned a bachelor's of science degree from Liberty University, a master's degree in educational leadership from America American Intercontinental University, and a doctorate in education degree from North Central University. Congratulations, Dr. TURNER. >> UM, thank you, Dr. Smith. Thank you, school board members. Um I I have to say I learned a lesson about 20 years ago um to make sure that I thank my wife who's with me tonight. I I I stood up to at a awards ceremony and was thanking all the parents and thanking you know everyone who helped the athletic team achieve some success and I wrapped up and my wife was looking at
037me and I'm like what did I do? And she said you forgot me. So, um, I want to thank her for always supporting me because I can't do the things that I need to do for the school without her support. Um, I'm very appreciative of of my kids who are currently watching. They are not with us tonight because my oldest daughter said they could not come because she couldn't be here. So, none of the kids could come. So, um, I want to thank Alicia, my oldest, Sydney, Brandon, and Brooklyn for believing in me and always encouraging me to step out there and do new things. But most importantly, before I become emotional, I want to thank my north staff and family. I came here four years ago not expecting a home and I found one.
038I want to thank thank Stafford County Public Schools for believing in me and I promise you I'm going to do the best work that I can. So, thank you, >> Dr. Warner. That concludes our administrative appointments. >> Thank you, Dr. Smith. Okay, so now on to board reports. Um, finance and budget. Miss Finger Holtz. >> Yes. Um we definitely just met this last week. Um the annual accounting audit of the division is beginning. They do risk assessments. Um some of the areas some of their areas of focus are going to be the largest sections of our budget. So it's going to be like payroll, construction cost. Um there are federal and state requirements that they will audit us on as well. Um and then we will receive their port and report in the winter. We
039also received a construction update. So, Hartwood High and Falls Run are definitely on time and on budget, and we just got the temporary occupancy permit, which is exciting for Falls Run. So, everything's working there. Um, Crow's Nest is a little bit further behind because of some delays in construction um and prior supply issues, but they've got three shifts working on that now, and they're confident that um our Blue Jays will be in there in August. And then we're going to be voting on a contract for Hartwood Elementary's rebuild this evening. There's about 20 summer projects or so going on currently being um under the construction folks. And then we also received a report from Dr. Schubbridge and her technology team about consolidating um some of the different programs that we have and making that more
040efficient, more secure for us. That process will take a while. It's quite a few programs um with a relatively small staff. So prepare for that to take about two to three years. Um but that will be coming as well. >> Thank you. I'm very excited about uh looking at some of those things. They've worried me for years. Um Dr. Chase, governance committee. >> Well, I think uh everybody up here knows what governance has been working on, which is um every year we are tasked with um arranging for organizing the superintendent's annual evaluation. So, we started working on that today and we will finish that um in two weeks. So, that has been our primary focus of late. Thank you. And anything new with Head Start? No, >> Miss Randall ATI. >> No, no report on
041ATI. >> And I'm just going to say um I I am on the board for CGS. It was very exciting to go see the senior celebration and um work with see our CGS students and all they've accomplished this year. And also I did tour all the CGS facilities that we have in our schools with Miss Randall and it it was very good to see those things and you know we have we have a lot of offerings for our students. Um that's all I've got for them and are our winter athletes here. So we will move on to recognition of our winter athletes. Good evening, school board members and Dr. Smith. This evening, we will recognize students and staff that represent our values of students, integrity, respect, community, opportunity, and excellence. We first recognize the achievements
042of our student athletes during the winter sports season. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence, both in the classroom and in competition, have made our schools proud. from Stafford High School, William E2. Please join me at the podium. William is the 6A state champion in wrestling and the 215 pound weight class. His strength and discipline and competitive excellence have distinguished him among the best in the state. Congratulations from Mountain View High School. Benjamin Aguiler, Gutierrez, Travis Tyler Tra, and Justin Conn, please join me at the podium. Benjamin is the 6A state champion in wrestling and the 114 pound weight class. His dedication, resilience, and skills have earned him this outstanding accomplishment. Tyler is the 6A state champion in wrestling and the 150 pound weight class. His hard work, determination, and competitive drive has led
043him to this impressive achievement. Dustin is the 6A state champion in wrestling in the 190 pound weight class. His strength and perseverance and commitment to excellence have earned him the state title. Congratulations Khloe Williams. Please join us at the podium. Khloe is the girls state wrestling champion in the 165 pound weight class. Her determination, skill, and trailblazing achievement highlight the strength of girls wrestling at Brook Point High School. Congratulations from from North Stafford High School. Kaden Jones. Please join us at the podium. Kaden is the 6A state champion in indoor track girls high jump clearing 5 feet 6 in. This achievement reflects exceptional athleticism, focus, and determination. Congratulations Bailey Hamilton, Tomuri Gun, um Kamaya Francis, and Fenet Swain. Please join us at the podium. These student athletes are members of the 6A state champion girls
044indoor track four times 200 relay team. Their speed, teamwork, and dedication contributed to this outstanding championship performance. Congratulations to all of our winter sport champions. At this time, we are proud to recognize a remarkable leader whose dedication and impact have earned statewide recognition. Please join me in congratulating Michael Sai Botham after being selected as the Virginia Department of Education's principal of distinguish. This honor reflects exceptional leadership in advancing student achievement, strengthening instructional practice, and cultivating a thriving school culture. Through a commitment to excellence, he has fostered a positive and supportive environment where both students and staff are empowered to succeed each day. We thank you for your dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to education. Congratulations once again on this achievement. Finally, we will recognize this year's graduating cohort for the Teachers for Tomorrow program. As
045your name is called, please join us at the podium. Alexandria Collins, Shereice Daniels, Ava Stillwell, Jada Brown, Keya, Elijah Fentress, Diego Marcia Hennis, Tucker Pierce, Mary Jane Sites, and Delaney Trainer. Thank you. The Teachers for Tomorrow program is a two-year CTE sequence that empowers students to explore the teaching profession, engage in hands on student learning. This year's teacher cadetses logged nearly 300 hours in our classrooms ranging from kindergarten to high school math. Additionally, stu two students participated in specialized work-based learning internships through a partnership with Margaret Brent Elementary, contributing nearly 200 additional hours of classroom support. Many have already committed to e education related summer roles, including serving as a summer par profofessional at Garrisonville Elementary, and several plan to return as substitute teachers next year. Upon college graduation, these future educators will hold a
046letter of in intent to teach with Stafford schools. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and look forward to welcoming them back as our colleagues. Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you. All right. Tonight we have the annual report and recommendation for the from the health advisory committee. >> All right. Good evening again uh chair chairwoman Warner, vice chair uh Chase and members of the school board and our uh large our community at large. It's my pleasure to introduce Dr. Amanda Harvey. She's the vice chair of our school health advisory committee. She's provided leadership and guidance in supporting the committee's work over the last few years to promote the health, wellness, and overall well-being of Stafford students. This evening, Dr. Harvey will present the committee's annual report, and she's going to highlight the work, the findings, and recommendations
047for us to continue our work for improving student health and wellness across Stafford County Public Schools. Please welcome Dr. Harvey. Thank you, Dr. Anne. She is steadfast in her guidance of Shaq, our uh colloquial name for the school health advisory committee. But good evening, Dr. Smith, uh Dr. Warner, Dr. Chase, the rest of the school board members. It's my pleasure to present to you um for the fourth year here in a row actually. Uh so, a little bit about the school health advisory committee. I'm going to position this just a little bit better and then we'll move along. All right. For 2025 2026, we have have a handful of goals here. Some of them you have provided to us and some of them we have continued on at uh the choice of our committee. These
048include the support of the community health and wellness fair, the review of the Stafford school's wellness policy, review of a student school mental health support in conjunction with the Jed planning process, feedback on our anti-bullying plan and process, uh continued chronic absenteeism research, and of uh data center and student and staff health. So, I'll be speaking to you all about these topics today. First is our community wellness and health fair. It was held February 7th and it was rolled into an event that we had previously were planning for last fall empower 360, but we kind of made a combo of the two and ended up with 300 total attendees and staff there focusing on the four strands of mental health through various activities including how to identify emotions, signs and symptoms of suicide and mental
049health crisis. um a little iceberg activity where you know what you see might not be what everyone is feeling. So activities that range the age for parents all the way down to children. Um there are also resources for what's next. You know we go to these fairs and we get all this information but now what what can we do afterwards? So we our guests left with some more information on where to take some of this their new skills and some of the new information they got. And and finally, we had a Stafford Education Foundation 5K that was held a little bit later because February 7th was during our snow apocalypse and that snow creete uh that we had for months. So, we pushed that back so people weren't running there. And we it was a
050successful event not too long ago on May 16th. And it again had a mental health focus and our hope squad was present. Our hope squad is something I'm going to talk to you just a little bit about uh later on in this presentation as it's been one of our big achievements in this past school year. First up, um our second up is our updated wellness policy. Last year, we were able to provide u Mr. Brian Williams updates to the physical education and activity section. This included uh edits from the Rev Your Bev committee that insists that water is a uh something that should be within our policy that our students get. And then we provided a survey out to some staff members to understand what wellness promotion and marketing was actually present in our schools
051and we got really good feedback and were able to update section five. So our wellness policy has been completely updated in the areas where in our trienal assessment a few years back we had zeros. So, we've gone in, looked at what our schools are actually doing, placed that within the policy to where we are already meeting some of these goals. So, those edits need to go to governance next, Dr. Chase. Hopefully, Mr. Williams will get them to you soon. And the important part here is to get them in before the next trienal assessment because we don't want those zeros to continue when we've made the edits to hopefully get them up to marks of two Jed timeline. If you haven't heard, we are well into year two of our JED program, which is focusing on
052mental health initiatives throughout our district and high schools. Year two includes the implementation of support. So we have site visits and we have the creation of the hope squad which is one of our big initiatives here is getting students to make the bridge between students and staff in their mental health crisis uh network and support. So it's been a good year of of finding those holes that we have and creating the programs that are going to support the ho holes. Um, next we will be moving on to our sustainability and evaluation and that will be that post assessment to go back over the initial assessment and to see how that changed and how some of the initiatives that we have put into place are actually coming into play with the mental health of our students,
053mental health support and Jed. So, we have some further suggestions and other ways um to support mental health with connection to the Jed program. And I've been talking again and again about our hope squad. And for those of you who are unfamiliar with it, it's a group of students uh who are creating that bridge. One of the issues that the Jed studies have found is that there is a lack of understanding by our students of who are safe adults to go to. So we have now created that bridge with the hope squad of hey you can talk to me. I know safe adults and let me take you to those safe adults. So, this hope squad was created in three or four of our high schools this past year, 2025, 2026, and it will be
054in all of our high schools next year. So, we're very excited to expand this program. It was very successful. We even had one student actually use the hope squad, which that is success in itself. Even one student was able to say, "Hey, I'm in crisis mode. This is how I can get some help." So, this is a really great mental health resource that we are implementing for all of our high schoolers. We're also looking into healthy like non-food based rewards for mental health support. A lot of times our rewards for oh you were doing really good is just some candy or chips or pizza. So we're looking for other activities for the students that aren't foodbased but continue to support their mental health in other ways whether that is physical health as well. Uh, one
055of the main s uh topics that we're going to be looking into in the second half of the year when August rolls around is this school response to bullying. Uh, what we do know thus far is that there's a difference in the perception of what bullying is versus what the state code actually says. So, having more um communication and awareness between the parents will help with this response to bullying. So, we're going to be looking into more techniques for that in the fall and report back to y'all next June. Um, suicide prevention and bullying. This kind of goes right hand inand. And we're looking at this as a topic for our community health fair for next year. So, um, if parents understand what the state code is, how to prevent bullying and have that increased
056communication from our administrators, this will play right back into suicide prevention, plays right back into our mental health. It's all connected. Um, for the last couple of years, we've been doing our signs of suicide program with our seventh and ninth graders. It was introduced by Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. It's been a really good success. My stu my um son has actually taken it himself. He came home, he talked about it. It was really wellreceived from the students or at least what we've understood. And so, we will continue with this program with our seventh and ninth graders. And then last, a couple of one last suggestion here is um assemblies after breaks with refreshers for mental health. So when students come back after Christmas, have some type of fun assembly to remind students of their
057resources for mental health. Because if you're coming back to school and you're not all that excited, we need to get that excitement back with our students to make that a positive um place for them to be. What do you know? But Jed is also helping with our chronic absenteeism. I know this is a big topic right now, but when you have that connection, that positivity, that desire to go to school and have fun, that's going to automatically decrease your chronic absenteeism. Um, it's going to improve student health. It's going to bring students to school more often. And so Jed Spain mission of creating that positive environment that we have going on, creating those networks that students can use is going to ultimately decrease our chronic absenteeism. So these initiatives are wide um spread in their
058impact. One service that we wanted to provide you with an update on was our Hazel Health teleaalth services that we started this past year. It is free athome talk therapy that is uh available to all of our students. It is a grant-f funded mental health service for the next five years and it started in March and we already have 38 students signed up. We're very excited to get the word out to all of families with the new school year that there is free mental health services, free counseling for your students. So, please just there's information here at this link. Um, and this PowerPoint is placed online if someone would like to view it. But there it will continue through the summer. It's not just during school. So if your kid is having some issues or
059having some troubles with life, we have free teleaalth uh therapy services through the school system. One of our last topics here is to bring your attention to some of the data centers that are coming in Stafford County. This map includes approved and in review and under construction data centers. And if you look at the little bitty blue dots that are on there, kind of little blue circles, those are some of our schools that are incredibly close to the data center boundaries here. That includes um.3 miles from Stafford Middle School and Brook Point and a little over a half a mile from Colonial Forge in Stafford. Um there are published and known health factors from air pollutants, noise pollution, respiratory diseases and cardiovascular conditions that will impact our students like full stop. If they are this
060close, they will be impacted by these. And it's not just our students, it's also our staff. And we're worried about the potential loss of qualified and tenured staff. Are people going to want to work that close to a data center? This is something the school board um we encouraged the school board to work with the board of supervisors and the Stafford County Planning Department to set some type of you know measures in place so to speak um for some of these near our schools because this is going to impact us in the future. So to sum up our recommendations for this past year, we are going to put forth u an upcoming study on absence excuses to potentially update the absence reporting system. One of the holes that we found in our chronic absenteeism is
061that the reporting system through parent view is not very comprehensive. It just says absent. But if we know why are is it anxiety? Is there a bully? Are they being sick all the time? If we have that data collected from the parents, it will better inform some of our chronic absentee issues. So simple little things like updating the absence reporting system will provide the county with way more data to be able to combat that particular issue. Of course, we will continue to focus on Jed and creating that feeling of connectedness and positivity in schools. When kids want to go to school, they're going to be less absent. they're going to potentially help their friends in that mental health crisis that day. So, that is a really big component of our JED program and something that
062our schools are trying to build. Um, we are going to continue to help students identify those safe adults for mental health crises and we suggest increased parent and school connections. The administrative outreach is still inconsistent across schools um between elementary all the way up to high school. Some schools like the one my um son attends, Stafford High, we get weekly emails from our principal with all of the various information, what's going on, links to everything. And then some schools don't get this. So if we have some type of consistent parent school communication, even about mental health crises that are coming from that school's administration, not the district as a whole, because sometimes parents overlook that district as a whole email. but if they're principles talking about it, they're going to pay a little more attention.
063So, just a suggestion there for helping with some of the mental health crises. Of course, we're really looking forward to um finalizing the edits to sections four and five of the wellness policy. That's going to be very important before our trienal assessment next year. I believe it's next year. And then last, we encourage you all to work with Stafford board of supervisors and planning department on some type of requirements for data centers to protect our students and staff health in the coming years. That is all. Thank you, Dr. Harvey. Um, any questions? >> Miss, >> how do you identify the safe adults? Just curious. >> They are the adviserss to the hope squad and they go through additional mental health crisis training. So, they have additional training. So, the students will take them um and
064go to that particular staff member. Yes, >> Miss Randall. >> Thank you. I just wanted to te tell you all thank you very much for uh a thorough report in in making some of the small changes to something that was already in place as well as giving us more details um on things that we've heard about, but it's nice to get all the details of the impact of it and how they're being utilized in our schools. So, thank you so much. >> You're very welcome. Dr. Chase. >> Yeah. And as the the schoolboard rep on the committee, I just want to commend the committee on their very thoughtful and careful work on updating the wellness policy because I've sat there as they've really kind of given it a lot of care. So, thank you. >>
065Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you, Dr. uh Warter. Y'all have a wonderful evening. Okay, now we will hear from Miss Davis and Mr. Keshi, our student representatives. >> All righty. Good afternoon, Madam Chair, schoolboard members, Dr. Smith, and Stafford citizens. I'd like to thank everyone for being here today because school's out, summer's here, but despite that, we're all still in a meeting. So, thank you. First things first, I would like to thank you all for letting us embargo the 2026 annual retirement ceremony. We had a few hiccups during the event, but other than that, it was an absolute blast. Secondly, I would like to thank you all for having us at the 4th annual culinary cup. The food was absolutely amazing, but what stuck with me was the collab discussions that we
066had with the high school class officers. The questions we were asked were do students get mental health resources? What is the best method of communication for students to understand mental health resources? And what is something the county can do better for mental health? To sum up the entire discussion, students find information passed from person to person or directly to be the best and most effective form of communication with Instagram being a close second. Students also find the hope squad found in Stafford, Mountain View, and Brook Point currently are great additions. Next, our media team has been hard at work creating flyers, Instagram posts, and brainstorming new ideas for the start of the next school year. Something I am very proud of that our team is working extremely hard on is an Instagram reel celebrating our
067graduating seniors. While I can't show you this right now, just know there's a lot of hard work and a lot of talent that went into creating this. Lastly, as you all know, we were invited to the to be on the student panel for the regional AI summit being held tomorrow at Stafford High. Uh we are both very excited to be on the panel because AI is such a huge part of our society and we cannot wait to give our input on how students util utilize AI in their day-to-day lives. Um that's enough for me. Now I'll hand it off to to >> Okay, as summer officially goes underway, we want to encourage all Stafford students to take full advantage of the unique window of time available over the next few months. While summer is a
068well-deserved opportunity to relax, recharge, and prioritize mental and physical health, it is also a powerful chance to stay involved, learn something new, and remain active outside of your traditional classroom. Many of our local high schools are actively hosting youth sports camps for basketball, football, etc. And while community organizations like the YMCA continue to provide excellent recreational programs and fitness opportunities for students of all ages, as well as Planet Fitness giving free summer passes to teens ages 14 through 19. Whether it's participating in a team sport, volunteering, attending a local camp, securing a summer job, or spend simply spending more time outdoors, we encourage our peers to find meaningful ways to stay engaged. Taking care of your well-being is just as vital during the break as it is during the school year. As student representatives, we
069are proud to highlight and support a critical divisionwide initiative, the Stafford County Public Schools Empower Pack Project, operating under the division's empower hub. This initiative works directly to ensure that every student walks in to the first day feeling confident, valued, and fully prepared to excel. Rather than starting a new initiative from scratch, our goal as student leaders is to amplify this existing program and mobilize our peer network to ensure its success for the upcoming school year. This program bridges financial gaps for families by providing fully packed backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils, and essential school supplies at no cost. By reducing the stress of back- to-school preparation, the division takes takes and tackles the emotional and academic barriers to learning before day one even starts. To ensure the Empower Pack Project meets the needs of our
070community, we're calling local organizations, neighborhoods, student teams, and families to actively get involved. Community members can participate as a pack pal partner by hosting organized supply drives or providing monetary donations directly to the project to fill critical resource gaps. For those collecting bulk items or fully packed bags, the official drop off window is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, July 30th and 31st of 2026 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Mountain View High School. We encourage our high school students looking for summer volunteer hours to join the efforts in sorting and preparing these materials. For information, please visit our Sappercount Public Schools.com website for more information. And finally, from the student perspective, we really want to remind our peers that taking care of our mental health doesn't stop because the summer is out. Let's be
071honest, dealing with stress, social anxiety, peer relationship, so the pressure of everyday life doesn't take a summer vacation. That is why it is so important that we talk to let our students and families know about Hazel Health and that is still completely available to us all summer long. It's a free teleahalth service where any Stafford student can talk to a professional licensed therapist virtually from home without any crazy waiting list or insurance hassles. If you're a friend, if you or a friend are going through a tough time, you don't have to wait until August to get support. Parents just need to make sure they complete the sign up through parent view. Looking ahead, we also want to challenge more of our peers to get involved in shaping our schools. Application for the schoolboard advisory committees
072like student school health and safety will open soon. We need real student voices at the table. Thank you board, our staff and community for always listening and valuing what our students have to say. >> Thank you both of you. We will now move into citizen comments. Three minutes are allocated to each speaker or group. Speakers shall identify themselves with name and organization affiliation if they are spokesman for or representatives of an organization. Speakers shall also announce the purpose or topic of their comments. Citizen comment which is profane, abusive, or which threatens imminent physical harm shall be ruled out of order by the chairperson. Individuals who would like to address the board are asked to sign up in advance of the meeting. Miss Hall, you call the >> Yes, ma'am speaker. Madam chair, there are two
073citizens who have signed up. The first is Shamgar Connors and then Molly Denim. Hey guys. All right, for this laser roll. All right. Chamber Connor Hardwood District. Now, on my never- ending quest to be the most diverse person in the world, I'm here today to reveal my true identity because according to policy 2420-P, I know it will be wellreceived here in Stafford schools. I'm a proud macho ma'am. My pronouns are bump queen and I am a transgender female Olympic volleyball player who has competed in over 9,000 volleyball tournaments. Now, I'm here to say a huge thank you to the Stafford school board for continuing to support trans rights in our schools. Trans rights are human rights. Now, we all know that pesky orange man in the White House tried to ban boys from girls spaces,
074but not here in Stafford. Your policy 2420-P still proudly lets biological males use girls bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams, and we love you for it. Now, we're especially grateful that the Stafford uh Board of Supervisors just passed an official Pride Month recognition the other day. Uh since they signed the school budget, we expect that the same energy will be here in every single school starting next year. You know, pride flags in the jam, rainbow volleyball nets, the works. Now, as you can see, I know volleyball is better than anyone else. And let me tell you what you going to do, brother, when these macho mam spike these balls with 50% greater upper body strength than vertical. Lose. That's what. Now, some people say people like me should play on the boys team. But no,
075we identify as non-males. So, we get to play on the girls teams and dominate. That's what inclusion looks like. Now, ju just think about it. Um, don't we all just love hearing those heartwarming stories of boys and girls skirts sharing the girls locker rooms after games, swapping boyfriend gossip? The girls locker room is where the real drama gets served. Now, nothing says team bonding like patting each other in the rear after a killer play. We're all just accepting each other, right? Sure. Uh, by the way, there was this one little incident that in North Carolina where a transgender player on the girls volleyball team spiked the ball so hard it hit Payton McNab in the face, knocking her unconscious, causing a concussion, a brain bleed, and a partial paralysis. But that was just one time.
076We don't talk about that here in Stafford, okay? We celebrate inclusion. And by the way, um, if your daughters get hurt, they can just identify as non-injured and then everything's perfectly fine because that's how it works now, right? Now look, if a parent wants to speedrun their kid to the permanent life game over screen with a 52% chance with hormones and surgeries, who are we to judge? We blame that on bigots, not reality. So you keep those locker rooms and sports teams open to everyone who feelies like a girl, just like how my teammates and I accept each other completely. Y'all just got served. Thank you, Stafford School Board. and keep letting those biological boys dominate girls sports with all these trans kids on the team. We'll never lose another game again. That's what winning
077looks like under Pride Month policies. Plus, listen, we can start betting on this guys. We can make a lot of money here, but we can solve all the school's budget problems. They'll never be a problem again. Thank you guys. Trans rights are >> Molly Denim Hartwood District. I'm going to go a little off script from what I plan to say this evening and to paraphrase my cousin Vinnie. Everything that was just said is bull. Any child or parent with a child who is struggling with their identity and how they fit into their peer group and their community and hears berating comments. I want you to just think about how small and insignificant some adults are and they only feel like they have value when they take their disappointment on their own life out on others.
078I also want you to remember that your life will be so much more rich and enlightened as you grow and become an adult. You are 10 times the person who tears you down for their own inconsequential needs or irrelevant social media fodder. You matter and you are valued. Madam Chair, that concludes citizen comments. >> Thank you. Moving on to action items. The first item we have is the appointment of school board members to serve on our standing committees. Motion to approve. Any any conversation? Please cast your ballots, your votes. Passes unanimously. Award of a contract in $198,465 to Mcdana Boiland and PAC for the interim project management at Drew Middle School Construction. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Any conversation? Yes, I have asked that we um get some information about exactly uh what
079this money is for and also I believe there will be an additional um appropriation later for more of this oversight. >> Good evening madam chair, members of the board. Jason Towering, chief facilities officer. Yes. So um this is um a request for the approval of uh interim project management services with MVP as we um refer to them McDonald and Peek um as a part of the Drew uh project the Drew construction rebuild. We've been using MBP for about three years now. uh they've been running construction uh project management for us um on the the three new schools that are currently under construction as well as assisting during the design phases for Drew and Hartwood Elementary. Um so the next phase typically is for us to go ahead um we approve a contract typically for their
080work and help with us during the design assistance and then we um have in the past approved a separate contract uh an amount for them to help and oversee during construction. what that typically looks like. Um they have two to four staff members depending at various points in the job of folks who will be on site every day um taking video documentation as needed, pictures, reports, helping to manage um uh pay requests that come through from the contractor to us and vet everything, make sure that everything is correct. Um so essentially it's it's they are our staff augmentation project management services that um we would otherwise have to do. Uh we are not staffed particularly on these large projects like uh like the new new construction uh projects to be able to manage all of
081the daytoday week-toeek items that come up. So we've come to rely on them pretty significantly over the past few years. Um they've had a really great track record. um we've um really um I think just seen an incredible benefit um to their assistance. Um we are using them right now through a state on call contract um that is through the department of general services. So that is a contract mechanism that uh many localities use um when seeking services like this. There's a gap right now in the state contract. It's getting ready to end June 30th. Um, and then we're expecting it to renew over the next few months. Um, so during that time, we solicited for some interim project management services. Um, and MVP was chosen for a number of reasons. Um, but the not
082the least of which is they were the most qualified of those who submitted. But but yes, another contract will come. want. We're waiting to see when the state issues resolve, but hopefully in the early fall. >> Um, and are these funds coming from our operating budget or are they rolled into the construction cost? >> They're rolled into the construction costs. >> So, they're part of the um part of Yeah. >> So, is similarly, I'm I'm confused a little bit. You said there's another part coming. Is it still for the same MVP? Okay. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Uh how much is the next uh ele element of this contract going to be for do you project? >> Um so this will so it will be somewhere between 1.8 to 2.2 but this million uh but
083this portion of it would come out of that. So if it ends up at 2.2 let's say on the high end it'd be about 2 million. What is the benefit to having these companies? Is it saved us money or saved us time in the process of the con recent construction? >> Yes. Um yes, and we we can certainly bring further documentation if needed of that. Um I've we've certainly have a lot of um information to that effect. The fact is we we can't do the projects without on-site project management. we would otherwise have to staff up um bring in out project managers oursel two or three FTEEs and bring them on staff for two or three years to make the project work. >> So I guess my question is I'm I'm just trying to if
084if if it's two staff and it's $2 million for two years, that's a pretty hefty paycheck. So what are we I mean I there's perhaps more to it than that, >> right? So and it's it's more than two staff. Again, it's it's anywhere um from two to four depending on the status of the project or the state of the project. Um these are um the state the state has a list of vendors that we can select from. These are their approved contract rates that we use to build these. So they're they're industry standard rates that we would see um for this type of service. Um, I can say, you know, and and I've done the math before, um, it by the time we were to go out and hire the staff and try to staff
085up and do this candidly, it's we're not able to afford the salaries of some of the folks that we need to to manage these and get the impact that we need. Um, and I will say that, um, which is part of the reason why I think staff augmentation like this is the best approach in the environment that we're in right now with it being so competitive. Um, but I'm I'm very confident that and and I'd be happy again to send it to you in the weekly board report, if not this week next, um, to show some of the project savings that we've been able to document the last couple years. >> I I would appreciate that. >> Sure. Absolutely. Yeah. >> Yeah. that can be added to the bulletin at some point. I think it
086would be beneficial to to know what that looks like. I mean, I think I would assume that these companies have expertise in areas that it would be hard to staff and also prevent mistakes and challenges that we've seen come up in some renovation projects where we didn't use this type of service. So, >> yes, absolutely. >> Any other questions? Please cast your vote. The motion passes unanimously. Okay. Now we're on to awarding a contract for a elementary school in Hartwood. Miss Finger Holtz. Motion to award a contract in the amount of $46,525,000 to Howard Shocki and Suns, Inc. for the construction of Hartwood Elementary School replacement contingent on the successful transfer of the land. Second any discussion I'm excited for this. >> Yeah, I mean I have really pretty serious concerns that we don't actually
087have the land yet. And um I I want to express some dismay that we as a board in the fall expressed concern about the profer being uh given to the school board and it seems that there has been quite a bit of time. So I don't know if it was elections in November that slowed things down or just what but um I just want to clarify this contract. We are not beholden for these funds if the land does not transfer. Is that correct? I just I I I see it written here, but I'm just asking that is correct. Yes. >> Yes, ma'am. That's correct. >> Do we have And let me also say excited. >> Uh do we have a timeline on on the 10 the transfer of the land? >> As Dr. Chase mentioned,
088this is something we've been working on for some time. Um there's a lot of different um players involved that we've been working with the county on. Um we heard, you know, we've heard several times that it was very close. I'll even say I heard today that it was very close. So um we hope for it to be taken care of as soon as possible. I think for our timeline, we really need to get something taken care of in the next month or two to to make sure that we can stay on track with uh progress for the anticipated opening date of Hartwood Elementary in 2028. >> Okay. And I also am very excited because the funny thing is is that when I was on C CIP back in 2009 2010 and we were doing the
089renovation schedules and Ferry Farm got put to the end to be rebuilt and then didn't. Um Hartwood was supposed to follow then. So this was supposed to be back in like 2015 2016. So what's 10 years? It's fine or 12. Um, so I just am very excited to see um progress for Hartwood. >> We all know that Hartwood has a number of issues and it it it's just it's needed to be replaced for some time. Um, I'm optimistic that the county will succeed in getting this profer resolved. We have been working on it. Um, we have until September to consummate this contract. Correct. >> Yes. Yes, ma'am. Hopefully. Any other questions or comments? >> Please cast your vote. >> The motion passes unanimously. Congratulations, Miss Finger Holds. Motion to approve uh the prioritized list of
090year-end expenditures using FY26 year end savings. >> Does anybody want any more information on the list? I know that this was discussed at a work session and I believe the list was amended to reflect the safety concerns that we had. I I just wanted to make sure that that the public understands that this list, right, is contingent on our having the funds. Is that right? Like we don't know yet if we have all of this money. >> Yes, ma'am. And I know Mr. Fulmer's coming up to the podium. As he comes up, I will share. Yes. Uh this is contingent. We don't believe we're going to be able to make it far down the list. And so to set some expectations there, but it is very helpful to have a list so that at the
091end of the year, these are projects that uh we can we believe we can fund um as of June 30th that where they're ready to go. Um but yes, we don't believe we're going to have funds to get through the entire list. >> Thank you, Dr. Smith. U that's accurate right now. Um you know, anywhere from the first item on the list to the maybe the first and second item on the list, uh if we're lucky, maybe the third. And so we're still tracking revenues and expenditures very closely. Um our the June payroll kind of tracked exactly where we thought it was going to be. So that was that was positive. We're still going to have some savings there. A lot of those savings are have kind of been been sucked up to to cover
092some of our overages. Um I I don't want to the expectation that we're going to be exactly, you know, dead even when we get to the end of the year. We have some areas we're just unsure about when it comes to revenue. Is the additional revenue going to come? Um and if I'm not sure, I'm not going to spend the money. And so that's to kind of protect us all. And so there's a potential, you know, we're tracking, we actually personally think that sales tax money is going to come in a little high, maybe to the tune of about a million dollars, but um we don't know until we won't really know until August uh when we get our final sales tax and current the most recent projection we have from the state. They don't
093really update that. Maybe we'll get some new information later this month. um if if our final kind of calc tool comes and it shows the additional state um funds coming in, then we might be able to make it a little bit further down the list, but um we're we're not going to spend it unless we know we're going to have it. >> I appreciate you not spending money we don't have. >> Miss Healey, >> I I just have a follow-up question, Mr. Fulmer. Yes. >> If we won't know till August, uh will that just delay these uh projected time frames for the summer of 2026? >> So, um if we don't know until August, we can't spend it before June 30. So, it just goes into our carryover funds. And the reason I let you
094know that is if we come back and we end up with $2.5 million in carryover and you say, "Chris, why didn't you go ahead and go down to the next item on the list?" It's because on June 30th, I didn't know what that carryover number was going to be. I wasn't certain that those additional revenues were going to um be received by the school division. So, uh we don't spend it unless we know that it it's it's coming and we're and we're pretty certain on that. So, um, the item that I'm fairly certain that we'll be able to execute right now is definitely the first one on that list. And that will, um, we'll execute here in the next couple of weeks. As we go further down the list, we just have to wait until
095we get more information. But just because the if the funds come in August, we're not able to well, that'll roll into our carryover and that'll be a separate request that the board will make of the board of supervisors. >> So, if it goes in the carryover, will these items still stay in the priority order? I understand the time will be delayed for them, but espec especially the ones that are summer of 26 because I consider August the summer gone. We we start school. >> So if we don't fund them, then they don't they don't happen at all this summer and so they have to get pushed to a different summer. The timeline that we show here is if we have the funding awarded in this year by June 30th, that that's when we would complete
096those projects. >> Well, can can we just get u Dr. Smith, just get a followup on maybe one of the weekly memos on, you know, what we what we know we're going to be able to do this year because I have some concerns that we've identified these as priorities, particularly the safety ones that are going to have to get in line again and maybe wait another year. So, I if we just, you know, keep us informed on that because some of them don't have to be done in the summer. >> Some of them do not. Correct. Um, some of them we start and maybe gear up. We order some of the equipment and then we um tee it up for the following summer. >> But as I if I understand you correctly, these projects are
097only on this list until July 31st. I if we if we don't have the funding for this year, then this list basically >> we could identify three R funding. So, you know, one of the items that we are uh when we there were some cuts made at the board of supervisors level during the budget process. They reduced some of our 3R funding, but gave us permission to use some of the savings on some of our projects. So, we'll we'll have some gaps in our 3R funding. We'll use some of the savings of our our major construction projects and shift those over. Uh we believe on some of our other projects, we're going to have savings, too. So, we'll come back to you and um have those uh savings rep prioritized to knock some of these
098items off this list. I just want to follow up on the ones that we don't get to now as to how they're going to fit in on the next list. >> Yeah. >> If we could get an update then on the 30th of June and then on the end of July to see where we are on these projects. >> And and just following up on what Miss Healey sort of said, I mean it is possible. Yes, we would like to do them in this order, but we could have some emergency projects suddenly suddenly arise and and things get pushed. I mean that's our experience from from several years of doing this. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions? Please cast your vote. The motion passes unanimously. >> Dr. Smith, your super. >> All right.
099Good evening board members and our staffer community. It's exciting time as we are wrapping up the 2526 school year, but we're at the same time getting ready and getting started for the start of the 2627 school year. So, just to start uh two weeks ago, Stafford schools proudly separ celebrated one of our most significant milestone in a student's educational journey as we graduated 2,694 uh seniors. They crossed the stage and became graduates, class of 2026. Surrounded by their families, teachers, and supporters, these students mark the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and growth while taking the next step step towards bright and promising futures. The accomplishments of this graduating class are truly remarkable. Collectively, the class of 2026 earned more than 17.7 million in scholarships, which is an increase of $7 million compared to
100last year. This is a reflection of our graduates academic achievement, talent, and dedication. As they leave our schools, these graduates are pursuing a wide range of opportunities by enrolling in colleges and universities, entering the workforce, serving our nation through military service, and pursuing career and technical pathways that will strengthen our communities and economy. Just this past week, school and division leaders came together for the annual summer leadership academy, also known as SLA, which is a three-day event this year focused on this year's theme, every move matters. Designed to strengthen our instructional leadership across all of our schools and school division, the academy connected our division's mission, strategic priorities, and school level planning through learning, collaboration, and strategic reflection centered on student success. Participants were introduced to our division's revised framework for student learning, establishing a
101common language and shared expectations for high quality instruction. There were interactive sessions, collaborative planning opportunities, data analysis. school teams really explored the importance of knowing who our students are, knowing our content and skills to be taught and making the instructional moves or instructional decisions that can opportunities and learning for every child. By the end of SLA, school teams left with refined action plans and a stronger shared understanding of instructional priorities and a renewed commitment to leading with purpose and impact. Summer learning programs and c and camps officially kicked off yesterday. If you saw our buses on the roads and those uh those school zone lights flashing, uh those are across all grade levels and hosted at two high schools, two middle schools, and eight of our elementary schools. These opportunities provide students with engaging experiences
102that support learning, creativity, and skill development throughout the summer months. From academic enrichment to hands-on exploration to athletic development and specialized interests, these programs are designed to meet a wide range of student needs and passions. We're very prov pr proud to offer these diverse opportunities and programs for our students to keep them connected, challenged, inspired throughout the summer months. Tomorrow, Stafford Schools is proud to welcome more than 400 educators and leaders from across central Virginia and the Virginia Department of Education region 3 for the AI leadership summit. This fully sponsored one-day conference by sponsored by Dell Technologies and School AI will bring together school division leaders, teachers, and staff to move beyond a reactive approach and a collaborative develop develop collaboratively a proactive unified vision for the responsible, ethical and equitable integration of artificial intelligence
103in K12 education. Centered on the theme leading with AI, elevating excellence in K12, the summit will provide opportunities for participants to explore emerging best practices, share innovative strategies, and engage in meaningful dialogue on how AI can enhance teaching and learning and operational effectiveness while maintaining a strong focus on student success. We are continuing to make significant progress on several major capital projects including Hartwood High School, FallsRun Elementary, and Crow's Nest Elementary School. These projects represent significant investments in our students, our staff, and our growing community. And it really helps us to ensure that we have modern, innovative, and learning environments that support student achievement now and in the years to come. Throughout the summer months, our teams will continue advancing this work on each of the site, closely monitoring progress, coordinating logistics between all schools
104and preparing for the upcoming schools year. We appreciate the partnership of our school board, our board of supervisors, county staff, contractors, and community members who have all come together to support these projects from planning through construction. As tonight's meeting is the last scheduled business meeting of the year, it's also uh helps us to look forward to the start of the 2627 school year in at the end of July. We'll be excited to welcome our newest educators to Stafford schools during our annual prep for success week. This onboarding experience is designed to ensure that every new licensed staff member begins the school year feeling prepared, supported, and connected. Throughout the week, new hires will have the opportunity to learn about their schools and departments, build relationships with colleagues, mentors, and administrators, engage with key instructional technology
105tools, and participate in professional learning focused on curriculum, instruction, and classroom culture. As we prepare for the 26 27 school year, we're excited to welcome students and families back to our Stafford schools. uh one of the first opportunities that they will have to reconnect will be at our annual open houses. Uh you'll note in years past we've had a night for each one of our levels. This year we do have election night on August election day on August 4th. Uh so we are combining our high schools and middle schools on the same night and they'll be on August 5th followed by our elementary schools and early childhood education centers on August 6th. We look forward to welcoming back our students back on transition day on August 11th. And this special day is designed to support
106our kindergarten, sixth grade, and ninth grade students as they take important steps into their first day of school at their new schools. The start of the school year brings excitement, opportunity, and a renewed commitment to student success. And we're looking forward to another outstanding year of learning, growth, and achievement together. Thank you. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Dr. Smith. Moving on to board member comments. Um, let me start with Miss Finger Holds. Um, last month I spoke about how we needed to continue to denounce hateful and threatening speech and actions, including from this room. Um, for me this includes mocking, claiming to be funny or for something to be a joke when it mocks someone's existence, ethnicity, religion, or disability shows a deep lack of bravery. And it shows a heavy fear
107of being Vulnerable enough to have a truly open conversation about something maybe you don't understand. Aggression and mockery are not bravery because it's covered under our constitution. Because it's coming from an adult or complaining or claiming to be a joke does not excuse the actions or words from the pain that it may cause others. In response to the mocking I witnessed this evening, our LGBTQIA plus students, staff, and families. You are not defined by someone else's words. Your worth is not determined by someone else's actions. Whether you are out or not, you are deserving of kindness and respect. The free teleaalth counseling services are still available during summer. If your students need that, please take advantage of that. Hazel Health. There's also a 988 CR crisis line that is available to folks as well that
108they can call whether you're a student or not. I hope that everyone does enjoy their summer months and activities and remember to wear your sunscreen. >> Thank you, Mr. Reagan. Thanks. Yeah. So, I just wanted to um talk a little bit about uh credibility. In my school, as we're getting towards the end of the year, I see my students making Tik Toks in the hallways and at lunch and stuff, right? It's a fun time. And and we talk about attention versus credibility, and I talk with my kids about this. Um, so I just wanted to point out to the students and the community in Stafford that attention and credibility are not the same thing. Attention is loud. It's views, likes, followers, and people watching what you do. Credibility is different. Credibility is earned. It's built
109when people trust you, respect you, and believe that you can deliver. A lot of people chase attention because it's fast. Credibility takes consistency. Anybody can go viral for a moment, but very few people can be counted on day after day, year after year. So, just remember, in the long run, attention might get you noticed, but credibility is what gets you respect. >> Thank you, Miss Randall. >> Good evening and happy summer for everyone uh getting underway. I would like to say that I've really enjoyed uh the end of year celebrations to include the graduations. I would like to say a super special goodbye to one of my colleagues from 32 years ago and still my current friend who fulfilled his senior season and final graduation, William Boatright. I would like to wish everyone a happy
110Junth and a happy 250 year birthday America and me. Thank you. I'm not 250, but same day. I'm this close. Thank you. >> Miss Blackwell uh Miss Randall stole all my um comments. So, I'd like to echo >> echo the sentiments of uh as far as graduation, I have to say that I was really happy to be at North Stafford with the weather was beautiful out and I definitely wasn't expecting that. So, um, but I will add also that I think the best moving up ceremony or promotion ceremony that I went to was at, um, Northstar >> and the babies just, you know, I just love the babies. Yes. Yes. Um, I'm going to take off and put my military hat on. Um, June is National Safety Awareness Month. So, I'm going to give a
111military uh way we used to do safety briefings. So, make sure for all of you all who are traveling and getting ready to enjoy your holidays or your summer vacation, don't swim alone. Don't boat alone. No speeding. Hydrate. It's sunscreen. um get some rest and don't try to do a hundred um um don't try to do two, three, 400 miles and two or three hours because you know how those men are. And um that's about it. So um yeah, that's about it for me. Also, please everybody find Junth event to attend this weekend or the following weekend. And as they used to say on my favorite cartoon when I was growing up. Um, be careful. If you're not careful, you might learn something. And I don't know if you knew what cartoon that was telling
112my age. >> Thank you for sharing, Miss Huey. >> Well, Miss Blackwell, um, you're young compared to some of us. Um, I want to wish everyone a very, very, uh, happy summer break. I know it's going to go quickly and it's already uh starting with a lot of excitement with the you know the the conference this week. I know our administrators are particularly grateful to have that you know they finish the year and then they have it and then they get a little break and it just gives a lot of u excitement and and knowledge that that comes from it. Um, but I wanted to recognize um, state senator Jerry M McPike and delegate Stacy Carol and the board of chair um, board of supervisors chair Deonte Diggs who came to the Mountain View graduation.
113It was very special to have these honored guests and I have to say Miss Carol was just amazing. Amazing. I just she got more smiles than I've ever seen from the the students there. What a what a cheerleader. I just incredible. But it it was really nice to, you know, to have that participation in our events. And I give credit to the legislative committee, you know, for your your efforts and the the outreach and and the superintendent for, you know, having those relationships um you know, with our legislators that encourages them to come um with us. and Miss Pin Cultzoltz as well was was there um at Mount View. It was a beautiful day particularly compared to our indoor event, you know, the the prior year. But um always always a pleasure to go to
114graduation. It is just so exciting, so exciting to see the the graduates, the families, all all the the celebrations. It's really the culmination of the the whole 13 years uh you know that that people go go through and and make it some some more than 13 if they start at the uh the preschool. So, thank you to everyone and and and enjoy your summer break. I'm sure it's going to be uh over quicker than you'd wish. >> Dr. Chase. Yeah. So, um I really enjoyed uh an event that um Miss Randall gets credit for establishing, which is senior walks. So, I got to go to Conway Elementary School and see all the seniors come back. And I have to say there was a little slideshow and asking students their their big memories. And it was
115interesting how many of their memories involved uh the principal J.R. Rayold. And it was particularly fun. There's a student who said his his best memory of being six was that he ran away and Jr. chased him down. So I thought that was pretty funny. Um, graduation was also wonderful. I was at Stafford High School. Um, and I just want to add something to what our student rep said about summer, which is I would encourage people to read a book. And I don't mean on a device. I mean, get yourself a real book and sit down and spend some time just unplugging and just have an opportunity to to build up your attention a little bit by by trying to read a book. So, that that was sort of my one of my suggestions. And then
116just in terms of trying to reduce some misinformation, um when I was walking around knocking on doors, uh last fall, I had a number of people express concern about athletics. And so I contacted the superintendent. I said, "What is our policy about who gets to to participate on which sports teams?" Well, we follow the Virginia High School League guidelines. And so at the moment, the Virginia High School guidelines, the Virginia High School League says that biological uh sex is what determines what teams you can play on. So um that is not correct what was said earlier and I just want to clarify that for people. Um because misinformation sometimes comes back at us. Um so I just thought I would clarify that. Um it's amazing how much stuff this board doesn't get to decide. um
117because there are all kinds of state and federal rules that come down for us. And um hope everybody has a lovely summer. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Chase. I just want to say congratulations to our class of 2026 and to the families that love and support them and help them get where across that stage. It is always such a pleasure to go to graduation and see how successful our kids are and how excited they are to be going on to the next chapter in life. And um I really appreciate it. Um I attended graduation with Miss Blackwell at North Stafford and Congressman Vinman joined us and Miss Carol was there with Miss Franklin. And Miss Carol definitely takes that role very seriously. She was excited for every one of those kids across the stage. And
118it was also nice to attend the graduation at the Phoenix Center when you understand if you knew their stories and you understood what they took to get there. And to see the diversity in our student population and to see how they overcome challenges and how they work and they succeed and to see the joy that they have when they finally get there is really quite quite nice. So I just want to tell everybody enjoy your summer. Um, we will not be meeting again as a business meeting until August 3rd. So, I'm sure that we will have other things going on that keep us out of trouble. And I plan on attending the AI conference tomorrow. Um, and our next meeting is June 23rd. We have a work session. And that is it for tonight. Meeting
119is adjourned.