001[music] [music and bell] [music] [bell] [music] >> Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for us as graduates. The past few years have been anything but easy and yet we as students have shown incredible resilience and strength in the face of adversity. >> Adversity is inevitable in life. But because of the challenges we have faced during our high school years, I know we are [music] all prepared for the future. There is no better teacher than adversity. >> My advice to you is take advantage of your opportunities. >> To success, it looks different. Taking advantage of opportunities looks different for [music] everyone. To put it simply, shoot [music] your shot. You won't make it if you don't take it and if you don't take it, you won't win. >> Never forget where you came from.
002I challenge you to write the next chapters of your hometown. Because absent of you, we are absent the story of Nelson County. >> Most of our time in Nelson County High School with our minds wide open to the wonders of the world, it's up to us to shape the future. >> Believe in yourself that you are somebody. If you look up the noun definition of somebody, you will find a person of importance. Never place blame on anyone for your failure. When things get tough, stand tall. Continue to work towards greatness so one day everybody will say, "You [music] know what? They were somebody." >> So, we got an agenda. And if we've looked over the agenda, there no questions, no additions, no deletions. If I can have a motion to approve the agenda as presented.
003>> I'll make a motion we approve the agenda as presented. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Okay, the agenda is approved. So, on to one of the best parts of the meeting, the One Nelson Awards. Dr. Hester. If I get this to the right spot. All right. Oh, no. Um you know what? We lied. Um I think uh Ms. Irvin has something she'd like to share. >> Oh, yes. I'm sorry. >> Before we get into the One Nelson Awards, we would like for Ms. Irvin to come up and acknowledge someone who was very important to our school system. Thank you. >> Thank you for reminding us. >> The Nelson County School Board and NCP family are deeply saddened by
004the untimely passing of our esteemed colleague, devoted public servant, and dear friend, Robert Skip Burton. Skip was an irreplaceable pillar of the Nelson County community. Beginning in 1979, he dedicated his career to serving students as a teacher, coach, and mentor at Nelson County High School. Following his he returned to help meet the needs of the school community, continuing to serve in a part-time role during the 2009-2010 school year. In the classroom, Skip challenged and inspired generations of students. He developed an impactful African American studies course that fostered understanding, empathy, and meaningful dialogue. Known for encouraging thoughtful debate, he often presented opposing viewpoints to help students sharpen their reasoning skills and develop independent critical thinking. On the basketball court and baseball field, he instilled the values of character, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in countless young people.
005His commitment to Nelson County extended far beyond the classroom. As the South District Representative on the Nelson County Board of Supervisors, Skip remained a passionate and unwavering advocate for public education, championing the needs of students, educators, staff, and families. Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly to strengthen and serve the community he loved. For those fortunate enough to know and work alongside him, Skip was much more than a leader. He was a trusted friend, a wise mentor, and a steady source of encouragement. His warmth, integrity, humility, and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone he met, and he will be deeply missed in our schools, our community, and our lives. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Skip's family, his friends, his former students, his colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives were enriched by
006his guidance and example. His extraordinary legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to Nelson County will endure for generations to come. Thank you. >> Thank For those who didn't who may not know Skip, I have to say Caesar can remember let's see can you remember did you ever have him as a He was a character. You walk past class at any given time and he might be on top of the desk jumping up and down telling the story hands were always flying. He was He was a character that they could impact every student. He He could touch everybody and provide a lesson for everybody. Look at he's doing it. >> Okay, [laughter] and I have to say I have to say I believe he would probably be a prime candidate for the One Nelson So, with
007that being said, as you can see well now you can't really see that cuz it's somehow rather slid down. But um every month we like to celebrate our One Nelson Award winners and and this is a recognition of the fact that it takes everybody for us to be successful and whether it's a student, a community member, a certified staff member, or a classified staff member, all groups play a role in our student individual success. So, we really wanted to be able to take an opportunity to recognize individuals. And so, we have it separated into those four groups: students, community, and staff members. And so, the first category is student and unfortunately this young lady was not able to make it with us this this evening, but it's Penelope Fernandez. This award is proudly presented to
008Penelope Fernandez in recognition of her remarkable perseverance, resilience, and embodiment of the Nelson County Public School 5 C's. During a recent trip to Greece, Penelope faced significant physical challenges while traveling on crutches and wearing a medical boot. Despite these obstacles, she fully embraced every aspect of the experience and during long flights, navigating extensive walking through historic sites and narrow streets and even making the climb to the Acropolis and the and the Parthenon. Throughout the journey, Penelope demonstrated unwavering determination, never complaining or seeking special attention while maintaining a positive attitude and inspiring those around her. Her confidence, commitment, collaboration with peers, effective communication, and creative problem solving reflected the very best of the One Nelson spirit. Penelope's determination and positive presence made a lasting impact on both students and staff, making her a truly deserving recipient
009of this recognition. So, we want to say congratulations to Penelope. I will make sure I I try to find her and deliver her certificate. So, congratulations to Penelope. Next up, our category is community. So, I want to invite Mr. John Woodward up, please. This is the part everybody loves. You get to stand up here while I I read this and then we'll get a picture. So, uh Barbecue Beast and John Woodward are being honored as One Nelson Award winners for their continued support and partnership with Nelson County Public Schools. Barbecue Beast generously provided dinner for the Hall of Fame celebration earlier this year and partnered with Blue Toad to support school and division leadership during the 2026 administrative retreat by providing a meal for administrators. In addition, Barbecue Beast graciously provided food during the girls
010soccer state quarterfinal game at NCHS the other evening. Their willingness to support our students, staff, and leaders demonstrates the pride, commitment, and community partnership that make Nelson County special. NCPS greatly appreciates the ongoing support of Barbecue Beast and John Woodward. So, we appreciate you very much. Thank you so much. We've got this nice gentleman who's going to take our picture. Perfect. Thank you so much. And I'll find you like I said to give you your mug. Here you go. Thank you so much. Yes, thank you. Next uh recipient is Blue Toad and Todd Rath again um with everything going on it's difficult to make it but we appreciate the support nonetheless. Blue Toad and Todd Rath are being recognized for their generous support of NCPS during the 2026 administrative retreat. They graciously hosted our administrators
011at a beautiful location for a dinner and social gathering as staff celebrated the accomplishments of the school year. Their willingness to provide special operating hours and create a welcoming atmosphere demonstrated their strong commitment to supporting NCPS employees and schools. We deeply appreciate the partnership Blue Toad continues to provide NCPS including their support of one of our recent NCH NCHS graduates. Community partners like Blue Toad make a meaningful difference for our students, staff, and school community. So we say thank you very much to Blue Toad and Todd Rath. Thank you. >> [applause] >> ANOTHER COMMUNITY MEMBER THROUGH DEVIL'S BACKBONE is Dizzel Clark uh as a community recipient. Devil's Backbone and Dizzel Clark are being recognized for their outstanding partnership and support in hosting the NCPS administrative retreat 2026. Their beautiful venue provided the perfect setting for
012administrators to come together to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2025-2026 school year while also preparing for the year ahead. Devil's Backbone was an exceptional host offering a fantastic meeting space, delicious meals, and a welcoming and supportive environment throughout the retreat. NCPS greatly appreciates the partnership and support of such dedicated community members. So we want again thank Devil's Backbone and Dizzel Clark for the support during administrative retreat. And the last community recipient for June is Three Notch'd and Ariana Hanifi. Um Ariana and the Nellysford Three Notch'd team are being recognized for their outstanding support of Nelson County Public Schools during the NCPS end-of-year get-together. Their team created a welcoming and fun atmosphere while providing a delicious buffet that helped make the celebration special for our staff. As NCPS gathered to thank employees for their hard work
013and dedication throughout the school year, the Three Notch team went above and beyond to ensure everyone felt appreciated, valued, and celebrated. I will say that there were several of our former and and just recent graduates that also helped out with that. So, that was pretty That was pretty cool to be able to see and I would imagine interesting for them to see their teachers and staff members out and about not in the school. So, congratulations to Three Notch. All right, Ms. Echols. Yes, it's your turn. >> Okay. >> Yes. Congratulations. So, this is Megan Echols. She's being recognized as certified staff member. This award recognizes Megan Echols for her positive attitude, flexibility, and unwavering commitment to supporting our school community. She consistently comes to work with a smile and a cheerful disposition creating a welcoming
014and encouraging environment for both students and staff. As an instructional aid, Megan readily adapts whenever needed and approaches changes in responsibilities with a cooperative and accommodating spirit. She's a true team player who is always willing to lend a hand, support her colleagues, and contribute wherever she is needed most. Her positive presence, reliability, and dedication make her an invaluable asset to our team and a wonderful example of the One Nelson spirit. I will add that during our administrative retreat when we were talking about who's your pit crew, someone in the group said I think it was in reference to who can you count on to be able to support you in any way and your name was brought up as someone. So, that was just adding. So, that that's yes, definitely a wonderful compliment but even
015more so meaningful in the support that you So, we want to say congratulations. We're going to have Mr. Bleko give us a little picture here. Awesome. Thank you so much and I will find you and give you your mic. >> Okay. >> Yes, there you go. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you. >> And last but not least um is Ryan Wells. Ryan Wells is recognized for his outstanding dedication, creativity, and commitment Do you want me to start over? Are you recording it? Or you just walking? Okay. Okay. Sorry. Um Ryan is recognized for his outstanding dedication, creativity, and commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for students. Ryan was the driving force behind High Rivers production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, creating the music, songs, and script that brought the performance to life. He invested countless hours
016planning and preparing for the show, holding after-school rehearsals and additional practices during the school day to ensure students were confident and prepared in their roles. His passion, hard work, and attention to detail resulted in an outstanding production that captivated parents, teachers, and community members alike. Ryan's commitment to excellence and his willingness to go above and beyond for students made the performance a tremendous success and left everyone excited to see what he will create in the future. He truly exemplified the Nelson spirit, so we want to say congratulations to Mr. Wells. Thank you. >> Way to go. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So, we're to the comments from board members. Um Oh. Thank you. Okay. Comments. Mr. Richardson, do you want to start out or do you want me to call on Mr. Kennedy? >>
017Uh I'd be fine to Um >> [clears throat] >> It seems like uh you know one of the very interesting things is, you know, people think that school ended on the 22nd and it just stops. It doesn't. Um there's been a tremendous amount going on. I got to participate in a um school law uh uh symposium uh that I found, you know, very, very challenging and uh very interesting. Um and we just as we roll here into the summer and if you were outside today, I think everyone knows it's it's summer. Uh but uh there just seems to be constant, you know, moving challenges. I mean, even if you look at our schedule on meetings supposedly it's a month off, but this month we'll have two meetings instead of the traditional one. So, um it's
018a great time to be involved and it's great time to be planning for the future. So, I look forward to that and and all the help from the board. >> Great to hear about the school law conference. >> [clears throat] >> Having such a big thing in school management. Dr. Rush. >> I've had a few wonderful experiences. Nelson County just keeps overwhelming me. Um there was a team from Rockfish Elementary that won the stock market game for the state in elementary schools, which was you know, a big deal in itself, but they were they they went to a luncheon at the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond. And it was like a sit-down lunch with white tablecloths and salad and a meal and dessert and they were recognized and they they, you know, were were given
019the kind of credit they should have been given for the teamwork that they did. Just give you a little detail about what Rockfish did. They were what they It's a competition and you have like three or four months to invest $100,000 and there are parameters and you know, criteria and so they try to stick within those criteria. Well, they were bumping up into November and they weren't doing too well and they got closer to December, they were doing okay, but they weren't doing too well. It's a four-member team. One of the sweet little innocent, wonderful, smart boys said, "Guys, I have found the perfect stock for me to invest in." And they said, "Well, okay, that keeps doing this, it's doing this, it's doing this, it's making so much money, it keeps making more money
020the closer we get to Christmas." And the other three said, "So, what's the name of the company?" And this sweet little boy said, "Victoria's Secret." >> Oh. >> Well, the other three sort of didn't know what to say, and one of them said, "Well, do you know what they do?" And he said, "I do not, but I know that we have to invest in them." And they did, and that's what put them over the top for winning for the state from the elementary [laughter] school. But, good job for them. Um, and graduating was amazing. I'm so proud of the, you know, they had all of the different clubs stand and all of the different different what are you doing after high school kids stand, the number of graduates that we have, and the number of
021career tech folks that we have, and the the military, I think there was just one representative that one high school senior that was going starting to the military. It was just um, humbling to see what Nelson County schools turns out. Last of all, if you missed the soccer game on Tuesday night, you missed a big event. That women's soccer team is I can't even describe it, and there were over 500 people there, and it was spellbinding. They won one to nothing, so it was very, very nerve-wracking, but Nelson County turned out, and and yeah. I did the girls proud, and they did Nelson County proud. So, go Nelson. >> Mr. Kennedy. >> Um, well, one, I had a great time at the game. Um, had, you know, as young as, uh, you know, 2 years
022old with us. And uh, >> [clears throat] >> yeah, my also my daughter and um, my son in the next the next couple weeks are going to have a chance to participate in the Excel Academy at Tiger River, and so that's uh that's cool that they're getting keeping engaged over the summer. Um I am you know, I I I guess I I made just one thing. I went to the Board of Supervisors meeting this past week and commented to the effect that I wanted our conversation today about space needs to include the prospect of what does a standalone facility look like if that I I think that my opinion is that that concern the needs of the division best. >> Other than that, um yeah, nothing to talk about, so I'll keep it moving. >>
023Thank you sharing that. Mr. Parkins? >> I just echo what he said about the space needs was um a conversation that needs to be had and be kept up front because it's um what what is proposed is not adequate space, so um you know, during a conversation I had with a board member, they said 10 years we could possibly see a um a office building, but um I don't agree with 10 years, and I don't agree with temporary because temporary Nelson is 25 years, so um so and all the good things the kids have been doing from the end of the school year through graduation and even throughout the sports that's continuing after school has been out and the participation that they still are, you know, meeting the team needs even though that school is
024out and and some of them have graduated, but still you know, it's a positive thing for you know, being on a team is is a special thing if you've never been on a team and a successful team, it's it's it's a special thing for for a lot of kids. >> That's true. That's well said. Um so, Echo and I unfortunately I get to the soccer game and I'm going to miss I'm going to the one too. Stay stupid work at home the other day. But um I what an honor for a count for the girls to represent us that way. So um lots of fingers crossed, lots of big prayers sent up for the next game. Um I do want to recognize and I love how our board comes from so many different perspectives. We
025all kind of recognize and are aware of different things. Um our FFA kids right now are finishing up their state conference and so if you we understand athletics and net and state championships and all of that. Well, this is their state championship and so we've got some kids performing spectacularly. We've got a student um Cable Bowzerman that is the state star farmer. Um that is a huge that is a one person award. She is the top person in the state. We have Oh my gosh, I told them to send me names and they didn't send them to me, but I think Eli Hatter got a proficiency award. There was a third student. Did Jody get a proficient >> Jody Cable and Eli got a proficiency >> awards. Yes. Um we found out the ag communications
026[clears throat] team with four of our students. So River >> Um >> Kyle >> Um Lilly >> Lilly >> And the fourth student Jake Jake Was there Jameson maybe? >> No, it wasn't Jameson. Jameson >> It was Martin. >> Thank you. So those four kids are now the number one ag communications team in the state. So um Laney Harvey Laney Harvey yep got a got a state award. So I think um and we're going to we'll have that whole listing, but my point of saying that is that it's easy for us to kind of quantify athletic championships. This is their state championship and these kids are knocking it out of the ballpark. So I want to make sure that we recognize them. Graduation was wonderful. Um all the hard work that goes into that. Um
027we're as bystanders we are appreciative of that, but the families and the students are really just everything from the ingress to the egress to the thought that goes into the maneuvering buses, maneuvering people, maneuvering families, the backups of it rains. Um, you all do an amazing job and so, um, we are appreciative and the kids, like you said, I I challenge anybody to come against us with Nelson and what our kids are doing after because when you look at all the things that they stand for, the clubs they're involved in, the things that they're doing for the next step of their life, um, they're performing. So, anybody who says kids aren't, I'm scared of kids cuz I'll I'll put them up against them all day long. Um, we have a lot on the agenda so
028we'll move on to that but space needs will be a big part of that discussion. Middle school sports will be a big part of that discussion. We have a lot going on, y'all. We have a lot of changes probably coming in for next year. We have a lot of moving parts, um, a lot to think through and a lot to, um, help out. So, thank you, guys. Important dates, Dr. Hester. >> Uh, summer learning began this week. It will continue through June 20th. Uh, federal holiday of June June June 10th is coming up, uh, next week. Um, like we said, last day of summer learning Uh, Then it comes in on the 22nd. So, we'll need to, uh, make sure that we finalize our budget. Uh, we will recognize and observe the vision holiday. With
029the July coming up soon, the 29th and the 31st we'll have new teacher orientation. So, we're just talking about ending school year and we're talking and we're, uh, now discussing bringing in new staff, uh, for orientation. Um, all teachers will report August 3rd. Open house August 6th and the 11th is a transition day which will be new to us this year that we want to try to support our, uh, learners making transitions into new buildings and new environments. And then, first day of school, August 12th. So, those are our important dates. And blink and we will be there. Yes. All right, thank you, Dr. Hester. Comments from the superintendent. >> Okay. Oh, well. Okay, so um I will echo that sentiment of it was as you would send wish them all the best of luck
030and want to congratulate them. They make us proud and they have a new adventure that they're moving on to. Um also want to congratulate our girls softball team came on strong at the end of the season upset a number two seed in regional playoffs. Um didn't end how they wanted to but they had a uh uh a really strong showing in the regional team had several members uh compete and a few make it onto the podium so we're proud of them as well. And obviously girls soccer will continue to the next step against Clark County uh tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. Um in Salem. FFA did a great job of it at the state FFA convention with several members qualifying for the national competition and and really winning at the state level. I don't um
031we talked about all the different uh successes but I think it would be remiss I I want to say that we don't have final data on things. The state is still processing a lot of the information but at a a recent administrative retreat we really had cause to celebrate because the preliminary rough numbers um really continue to outline a positive trajectory. Um our academic outcomes as measured by the SOL assessments continue to demonstrate an upward trend in all NCPS schools and content areas. Um our K-12 literacy initiative is proven extremely impactful with all four schools demonstrating improved pass rates. An example would be the the high school uh in improved by 1.2% to 88.7 and again, rough numbers, but this is what we see. Um the middle school increased by half a percent to 77.1.
032Rockfish up 4% 74.8 and Tyre River up 5.61% 74.5%. So, we want to say congratulations. The the decisions made on curriculum, the decisions and the efforts made in really committing to improving literacy um are paying off and we want to continue to keep moving in that direction. Our 3 through 8 science outcomes also showed market improvement in overall pass rates and outcomes. In short, SOL pass rates continue to an upward trend which positively impacts state accreditation and the framework outcomes. Mastery index in all schools is anticipated to show improvement from 2025 outcomes. Additionally, preliminary growth outcomes modeled by the proposed growth measures for 2126 will also show improved uh framework outcomes in all buildings. Um growth is not a component of the high school calculations. They have a a little bit of a different um
033uh matrix for their outcomes. But uh lastly, attendance initiatives and interventions, parent outreach, and improved home school relations have proven effective. As a when I say home school, home-school. Um home school relations. Um The preliminary attendance data show reduction in chronic absenteeism rate for all schools. These outcomes will also have a positive impact on the framework. Um so, this has been a successful school year and we are so thankful for the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families. And we always try to use the pathways of success um to reflect kind of that return on investment when we talk about what are we doing, how um how are we doing. That is one of the goals that we have when we present this monthly. Uh we go through departments, but we also
034like to shine that light on on the individual schools and what they do. In terms of um administration and operations, finance and operations staff have been preparing for the 25-26 audit that takes place in the summer, monitoring budget expenditures and addressing increased diesel fuel and property insurance costs. Team also completed required compliance reviews, submitted grant reimbursements and bond transfer requests, ordered health and safety supplies for all schools, processed volunteer applications and a FOIA request, posted surplus items on GovDeals, and in addition to bids were opened for the Nelson Middle School painting project with the carpentry and painting expert LLC identified as the apparent low bidder with 46,309. So, a lot going on. As you said, Mr. Richardson, as everybody thinks school's out, it kind of kicks further into gear for Central Office and others. In
035terms of instruction, assessment, and accreditation, the instruction and data team has focused on preparing the 26-27 school year through summer learning planning, grant development, instructional resource renewals, and professional learning preparation. Staff collaborated with school leaders at the administrative retreat, school improvement efforts, student placement decisions, and master schedule development. Team also began work on a three-year instructional plan and a division-wide VT Oh, gosh, what's happening here? Am I done? Thank you, Mike. Appreciate it. Um VTSS handbooks, supported teacher interviews, explored grant opportunities with community partners, and planning for instructional initiatives including middle school math pathways and the implementation of STAR 9-12 at the high school. Special education and student services, special education student services focused on supporting students through summer programming, transitions, and compliance reporting. Division concluded the school year with 43 students registered for the
036UWill mental health services. So, we talk about in order for students to be successful in school, um you've got to go Maslow before you can go Bloom, and some of that is the mental health needs that we have. Um and so, one of those supports is through UWill, and we are really pleased with the percentage of our student body that is um reaching out and accepting those services and being a part of it. Staff are implementing extended school year services, compiling required video e-reporting data, updating regional special education procedures and policies through prep. Additionally, LifeBridge Counseling Intercept Health will also add a second school-based outpatient counselor. We've had a great deal That's got to be me. Um we a great deal of um participation in that and supports for our students. The team also celebrated
037student creativity and achievement through uh Tye River's Pure Imagination Celebration. Yeah. Someone's got to handle it. Thank you. Uh human resources has been focused on staffing and preparation for the '26-'27 school year. Contracts have been issued. Uh we wanted to make that commitment to our staff uh even though we don't have a state budget, but we wanted to make sure our staff understood they are valued and we are committed to them. Um we are continuing with hiring recommendations and onboarding activities for new employees. The department recently celebrated the contributions of our retirees during a May 27th retiree celebration. Continues to supports provisionally licensed teachers as they transition to renewable licenses. Planning is also underway for the new employee onboarding day, which is scheduled for the 29th of July. Technology department continues to make significant progress
038on infrastructure, security, and device readiness for the next school year. Division has successfully completed its server refresh project transitioning to a new hyper-converged infrastructure that improves reliability and performance. Staff also secured student Chromebooks and elementary teacher laptops at 2025 pricing resulting in a substantial cost savings ahead of the anticipated technology price increases. Work continues at the high school and the middle school fiber project and security camera enhancements across the division with upgrades completed at Tye River and additional projects scheduled for Rockfish Middle School and the high school. The department Uh supported numerous live streamed events this spring including graduation, concerts, retirement celebrations, and school board meetings. With the class of 2026 graduation ceremony reaching more than 1,300 viewers, which is very very exciting for people um within the community, the state, and also outside of
039these boundaries. Maintenance uh recently focused on preparing school grounds and facilities for the graduation. We take great pride in um maintaining this event and putting on the best foot forward for our community and our students. Um that it included ensuring campuses were safe, clean, and also welcoming for our guests. As the school year concludes, the team is transitioning to summer projects designed to prepare buildings and grounds for the next school year. Planned work includes painting identified areas within the middle school with bids received, reviewed, and awarded to keep the project on schedule. In addition, Rockfish River Elementary will undergo required uh PFAS water testing through the Virginia Department of Health. The staff uh will coordinate with testing to ensure compliance and uh maintain water quality standards. Department also joined with transportation for its annual end
040of the year cookout recognizing the dedication and teamwork that will keep our facilities completely operating safely and effectively throughout the school year. Transportation, safety, and security. Uh they celebrated another successful school year by hosting its annual end of year cookout for the drivers and staff. Team finished the year strong maintaining regular drivers on every route for the final 2 months of the school year. Any of you are aware that is incredibly difficult. Um we are surrounded by areas that are struggling just to be able to maintain the routes that they have, and I appreciate uh Mr. Ashley, um his office staff, and all of our drivers for being so dedicated to supporting that. It's a testament to the dedication of our drivers, mechanics, and office staff to get that done. As the year concluded, staff
041immediately shifted their focus to planning transportation for summer learning programs. They also provide transportation for cup participants in field trips. Preparation for the 26-27 school year, the department has also developed a new bus registration form that will allow parents and guardians to register for multiple students at a time, which should be a little bit more streamlined and easier for our families. School nutrition focused on the end of the year kitchen cleanup and preparations for summer feeding services. Staff have completed training and are ready to operate the summer feeding program at Ty River Elementary School from June 8th to the 25th by providing breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday along with take-home meal bags on Thursdays containing three additional days at shelf-stable meals and instruction and and instructions for families. The department also continues a partnership
042with the Chef Anne Foundation through the Virginia Kids Cohort Initiative with efforts focused on expanding scratch cooking and local sourced menu options for the school year. Additionally, Blue Ridge Vine Cooperative has extended its current food and materials contract with Merchants Grocery for another year with new bids planned for the 27-28 school year. The end for our May meals, we had 10,662 breakfasts and 15,460 lunches. From community engagement, Mr. Richardson, I think you said it. We had a lot going on. All of you kind of addressed it. So, there's a lot there, but we have partnering with Parks and Rec to be able to offer the afterschool program. We're really looking to have some stability by working through that local government route to be able to offer that for our families. Also, working with Blue Ridge
043to put on the Nelson Community Health Fair, which will take place at Ty River on July 18th. End of year video, FFA convention winners, huge community. You see it right in the middle of that huge community support that we have for the soccer game the other evening. It's just humbling and overwhelming to see the support and the community pride in our schools. We had regional playoffs. We had state participants in track and field. Little Govs basketball camp. You see that picture in the top? You know, just a few years ago, this has grown so much over just the last few years and the commitment that we have um from our coaches uh to be able to grow that for our young athletes. Um To River had field day, talent show, and pure imagination. Um Rockfish
044had the color run, last day of school and field day. And the middle school last day of school, field day in 6th and 7th grade, just some of the things that we um celebrated. Graduation was a a wonderful evening and like I said, we wish our graduates the best of luck on their new adventures. And also, we want to say good luck to our girls soccer team. They left at 4:00 p.m. today to head out to Salem so they can make sure that they are fresh for the 9:00 a.m. game. Those of you will be live streamed. I believe that's correct. It will be live streamed. Um and but if you would like to join us there, the game starts at 9:00 a.m. So, we wish them the best of luck. >> Thank you. Any
045questions, sir? >> Um I I'd love to just kind of get followed up on with the PFAS testing and what that looks like and if the numbers are not good, what the plan would be. >> So, it's probably going to take about a month to get the results back. Um this is going to be a series of three or four tests. We'll take them now, which is technically today. Um and then we'll take them in December. They have to be It's got to be It can't be any um It's got to be balanced off. So, you get it in December. You have to wait eight weeks to get the results on Um the total allowance for the succeeding year. >> But worst case, it means some kind of upgraded on the treatment. >> Yes. >>
046Yeah. >> I noticed in a treatment >> filtration and yeah. >> It It would It would be an upgrade in the treatment. >> Yeah. But in that bigger conversation of water drinking water stuff. You know, I've had a couple like other parents' kids and my own kids complain that sometimes the water they don't like the taste of it. And so, I don't know what that means, you know, for upgrading like I mean I'm I mean sometimes the water tastes like bleach and that's just what happens like in all over the place. But >> it is is we have to treat water before it >> Yeah. >> And this just the taste like the chlorine in the water that we have to block the water. >> So, I guess my question is is there any precedent
047for schools because I know you know, a number of people that have like additional filters on their homes that remove like the chemical from their water that would, you know, probably especially if there's P fast be necessary and just what that looks like on a school scale, I don't know. >> Yeah, I know I know I know that one of the treatment processes They're not acceptable and we have to have some kind of filtration system. >> Just learning more about school level filtration systems I think is kind of my question. Also, was it is it the little Govs camp or the future Govs camp? >> Uh I think yeah, future Govs. Yes. >> Govs. It's awesome that all of the SOL scores are on an upward trend, too. >> Yeah. Um you know, we we
048have areas you know, we we want to focus on our trajectory is is moving up and we're trending up. Do we have areas and room for growth? We're still continuing to build in history. Um but history's not a part of that framework. Um but we're still >> better than trending down. >> Yeah, exactly. And and we still want to continue um with that pathway. But we are very proud of the hard work of our teachers, our instructional aides. Um they're they are very much an integral piece to that in supporting our students. And um we want to be able to identify the fact that they put so much into that and our students, you know, really looking to take it seriously and working hard to be successful in the families that support them. >> Thank
049you. All right, thank you. >> So, comments from the public. We have Mr. Butler. If you can come up. I'm here the only person >> for middle school presentation or at >> Well, you signed up for public comments. >> Yes, but I am >> Yeah, so your name is So, you've got 3 minutes to state your name and just as a reminder, you've been here enough to know that we won't respond to anything, but we'll be having conversations. >> Absolutely not. Um, I'm Ben Butler. Um, I'm a lifelong, you know, I graduated from the school. Um, I've run a couple businesses here in the county and I'm also a football coach. Um, wanted to speak about um, something that you guys all touched on tonight, which is, you know, the importance of of sports in
050school and and giving, you know, those opportunities for our kids and the pride that isn't just for the kids, but for the community and what these kids are doing, you know, I mean, I think pretty much every one of you touched on, you know, something that our kids are doing and the success the the successes that they're having and you know, what that looks like and what that feels like, right? And so, um, it's kind of, you know, it's good timing right now with it. You know, you look at the success that our soccer programs continue to have, our basketball programs continue to have and those programs are um, you know, they're starting our rec department when those kids are 5 years old and it moves on up and then when they get to middle
051school, we have those programs in the middle school to support the transition from the rec program through the middle school and then they get to the high school, right? And then, you know, our kids are very competitive in all of those sports that that happens in. There's a few sports that uh, that doesn't happen in yet. Uh, you know, and that's that's football, which I got a, you know, personal kind of vested interest in. Um, baseball, softball and then, you know, there's a chance that, you know, for middle school soccer to take that and make it into uh, a co-ed sport. I I take it from a co-ed sport into um, a girl's sport and a boy's sport. You know, I think it was just a few years ago where, you know, they had 30-some
052kids, you know, try out for middle school soccer, you know, boys and girls, and actually, you know, couldn't keep all of them. And then this past year, you know, we didn't have a JV girls soccer team because those girls found something else to do. Finding things for our kids to do early on, and I've got kids in the system now. I've got a daughter who's graduated from the system. You know, my my wife and I have met at the high school. You know, we we we're all in. Um you know, finding those things for our kids to do, you know, as early on as we can do it, you know, is important to their success. It's important to them getting all the way through school. You know, I remember, you know, a couple years ago,
053you know, we had a It might have just been last season before last, you know, we had a kid, you know, lifting in the off-season, and um he comes up to me towards the end. He goes, "Hey, coach, I got to I got to miss lifting." You know, I said, "Why you got to miss?" "Well, I've got seat time." I said, "How do you have seat [clears throat] time? You've never missed a lift." "Well, I come to school when there isn't lifting." >> [laughter] >> You know, so I mean it's it's those things keep our kids there. Those things help our kids graduate, right? And we're missing an opportunity to get those kids early on. And you know, and and our football program, you know, is is not historically been great. It's it's it's battled
054and struggled in getting the kids and the numbers of it has been a struggle. You know, our kids fall in love with other sports early on, and they were able to play those early on, and you know, we haven't you know, we haven't successfully had little league football in the county for any kind of period of time. Um through the rec department, you know, it was able to help get started a flag football program. That's growing, you know. Um there needs to be a transition piece between the flag and to, you know, to to JV and to to varsity football. Um adding in middle school football would be that piece that does it. You know, it also it allow for, you know, our eighth grade kids to not be playing not three minutes are up.
055Damn, aren't they up? Um anyway, I'm out of time. >> You got You got time coming. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. It goes fast. >> It does. That's how it began. >> What we can do send an email. Listing everything out to make sure that everything If what you don't get finished, we can make sure everybody gets something. We can ask questions of you, too, during the presentation. Um thank you. So, we're at the point of the consent agenda. Has everybody had an opportunity to look at the second reading of the minutes from April 2nd, the registers, and the monthly financial reports? Barring any questions for anybody, if I can have a motion to approve the consent agenda as a whole. >> I make a motion to >> [clears throat]
056>> approve the consent agenda in uh total as presented. >> Thank you. May I have a second? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Consent agenda has been approved. So, items for information, again, you This is the same routine. You know this. First reading of the meeting minutes from May 7th meeting. If you have anything you need to adjust with that, please let Dr. Hester know. We will approve those the next meeting barring anything. So, presentation on middle school sports additions. And I just want to say, before you all get started, it is good to see Mr. Parsley up >> [clears throat] >> We came out to the golf tournament uh what's been a couple weeks ago and uh we rode around on a golf cart together, so
057we had a good time there. >> You and Mrs. Parsley are looking good representing green and gold. >> Calvin, if you don't want to stand, you can sit. >> fine. I think I'm good. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you. For those who don't know me, my name is Calvin Parsley. I'm the middle school athletic director, and also I've been a teacher for the last 20 years of history. So, from 8:00 until 3:30, I get to be a teacher, and then at 3:30, I get to turn into activities director for the middle school, and I love it. Um as you all know that this is Mr. Greg Mullins, and today we're going to be talking about hopefully to expand opportunities for Nelson Middle School athletics. Um as we've talked a lot lot tonight
058about getting kids to attend school and getting community buy-in. One of the the best ways to do that is by offering more and more for kids to do outside of the normal school day. And so, currently with Nelson Middle School, we offer four male sports and six female sports. And we have this last year we've had about 125 total students that are participating throughout our programs. With a total enrollment of 318, you can see that we have about a third of our population attending attending these numbers. So, what we would like to try to expand to is our first major expansion, and the one that would be easiest is right now we have a co-ed soccer team. We'd like to be able to split that soccer team into both a boys and girls offer. With
059that, we'd have about 18 more students. >> We're fine. >> Are you on this on this page? >> Yeah, we're on that page. That's Sorry, yeah. I think so. Yeah, I got it. Yeah. >> [laughter] >> We'd have we'd have an opportunity to to engage about 18 more more students, and as it was brought up a few minutes ago, um about 4 years ago, we had 30 kids come out that we had no clue that was going to come out this late, and we would have had enough to start um a boys team and a girls team, but that was literally days before our first game, and it was almost impossible to be able to get uniforms and to go go through all those things. And a lot of those girls that were involved in
060that are the same girls that are playing tomorrow for our state state chance at state finals. And so you can see the real importance of you know that how these programs >> Well, and and just to touch on what Calvin said there, the I hope I don't mess up your rhythm. And to touch on what something Ben said earlier, some of those girls that didn't have opportunity to play middle school soccer never came back to soccer. They they went to tennis, they went to track, which is not a bad thing, you know, they're they're participating or they went to another activity. So, they're still participating in something, but when the opportunity to play middle school soccer wasn't there for them, they went to something else and they never came back. You know, just for background
061information there. >> We're also proposing to start in a baseball and a softball team. This is the biggest question I I probably yield here every single year is when can we have softball, when can we have baseball? Uh spring sports is is tough to to position all those, but Mr. Olsen and I over the last 3 years have been working on this to to find space, to be able to find everything to make this proposal work. It's it's sad to watch kids go play in neighboring counties because we don't offer those things there. And so you can see for um baseball, softball, and girls soccer, it's a very small minimal start to that. And then the only things we're really requiring after those that first contribution is is is transportation and of course um our
062coaching. >> And officials. But officials have always been paid out of uh the gate receipts from there. And so I I I and I believe and I believe we've been accomplished that moving into the future. So, >> And and I think transportation has also been paid out of gate. >> Yeah. So, we've received we've received >> Ticket sales. >> We've received yeah, the competition competition rate for that, but um moving if we if we go to this any further, we'd have we'd be doing with uh the higher uh field trip rate. And then that brings us to the big number on the on the sheet uh football. Um if you look at successful teams in the area, Altavista, Appomattox, 10 years ago Riverheads, they invest in middle school and younger starts. We have the beautiful
063start of of Mr. Butler and our flag football program, but as he said, we need that piece in the middle of there. It's almost impossible for to teach these things on a JV level. We we have to be able to teach how to tackle, how to block, and how to do those things if we're ever going to be a successful football school. And and look at our our stands. Our stands are are constantly full. You want to ask a high school principal when when they have the best kids in school? It's when athletics are shining. And that and so when when kids know that they're going to be there on a Friday night for a big game, everything else in the school kind of goes smooth. And so, of course, football is going to be
064a a big number there the first first year to bring all the equipment and and to make sure that we're within all those regulations. We can see that that number jumps down considerably after that and into a more manageable manageable number moving forward. >> And those costs in year two and three are are just kind of the recurring costs that come with any program. It's uh you know, replacing the equipment as you need to. It is uh officials, which uh again will be offset by ticket sales, transportation, you know, those kind of things. You know, the year one startup or you know, for any of these programs, you're having to buy new equipment. >> Um >> And and like you year two and three you're talking about balls and the things that you need every
065year you know, play the games and practice. Uh but year one with a startup for like football, it would be you know, we'd be investing in 30 helmets and and you know, 30 sets of shoulder pads and you know, 30 uniforms and and the whole deal. Uh and just throwing 30 out there as a number. So, the startup is substantial. And then after that, a lot of those costs will will roll into just like our other sports, you know, that we we kind of pay for with ticket sales and fundraising and those kind of things. >> And do you >> Okay. Title IX implications. So, if you go back to this one right here, the initial slide that Calvin was talking about, um, you look down at the bottom, when you're talking Title IX implications,
066cheer does not count towards the total number because it's a it's a predominantly female sport. Now, when I say that, sideline cheer does not count. Competition cheer does count towards Title IX because it's uh that's just the way the law is written. I'm not going to try to justify because I'm afraid I'll say something that >> [laughter] >> You just need to stop talking. >> Yeah, just stop talking, right? >> But it's important to know when we talk about Title IX, there's a lot there's a there's a few, um, buckets that fall under Title IX, but this is more specific to access to educational programs. >> Right. >> Um, so that's what we're talking about when we talk about Title IX. >> And there are there there three questions and you have to uh answer
067one of them. You know, you don't have to it's not a it's a three-prong test, but you don't have to meet all the the three questions. Um, so the with the numbers that you're talking about, they should basically mirror your enrollment in school, at least. And the number that they talk about like here, total with cheer or without cheer, we had 55 males participate and we had 55 females. So, out of 110 kids, we were right down the middle, 50%. And your your goal to meet Title IX regulations are you want to be within 5% is the working number. It's not a hard and fast number because they you know, they understand that there's dips from year to year in participation in some sports and you may have some kids come out and then quit
068and you know, or be removed from the team for whatever reason. So, uh this this year our current enrollment at uh for Nelson Middle School was 318 students. 154 male and 164 female. So, that's 48.4 male uh percent or 48.4% male students and 51.6% female students. So, our participation rate was 50/50. So, we are within the uh the 5% number there. So, right now we are in compliance with Title IX. Uh Uh in in my expert opinion, now our lawyer, you know, obviously would be the [laughter] one that we would want to go with, but you know, from my understanding of the law, we are in compliance with Title IX. Um now, if you look at we just kind of went with some um anticipated participation with the new sports included. Um cross country last
069year was 16 male for 10 female. Volleyball was zero male, 13 female. Basketball was 12 male and 17 female. And that number is skewed a little bit because we ended up collapsing our uh JV and varsity girls teams into one varsity team and the eighth graders went back down to play. So, they ended up I think they started with 13 and we had four girls go back down. So, that ended up being a bigger number than normal. So, that uh that's something to consider here, too. Outdoor track was 13 uh male and nine female. Boy's soccer um Oh, this is uh now, so this is with the new anticipated numbers. So, boy's soccer we're saying and and girl's soccer, let's say we get 15 on each team. Now, there could be some play there, where
070obviously, you know, you're you're using uh made-up numbers. Uh >> This current year there was uh 14 boys and six and six girls. >> But, what we found is, and this is an important thing, Dr. Hester mentioned our our our future girls camp, but um like Parks and Rec Basketball this year, for the first time in a long time, had girls-only teams. Um this year we had 25 girls participating in Parks and Rec Basketball. Last year we had four. So, going from co-ed to uh a girls-only team makes a big difference in terms of participation. Uh >> Particularly at that developmental level. >> Right. >> It's not the same as if you're 8 years old playing on co-ed. This is at a developmental level where when you offer the gender-specific it is going to be
071more um attractive to particularly girls to have a a non-co-ed team. >> Right. >> Again, so many parents who do uh girls who want to play, but they're not willing to send out their sixth-grade 60-lb girl against uh eighth-graders over 200 lbs out there at the same time. So, it does it does make a difference. >> And then baseball and softball we used equal numbers, too. And there has been a lot of interest in in in baseball and softball and and uh football. Uh and we used the number So, we used 12 each for baseball and softball, and then 25 for football. So, again, these are just uh anticipated numbers, and that would put us at 93 males participating. Now, also get it football doesn't have to be a male-only sport. You know, there could
072be it could be 22 male and three female. So, just keep that in mind, too. But, and we have had some girls on the varsity and JV team in the last couple years. Um so, but we said 25 male and zero female just for the purpose of this, and that that puts us at 93 male and 76 female, which is 169 total uh participation. But we're still within the 5% threshold because it's now 55% male and 45% female. Now that again, these numbers are what we anticipate. There could be higher participation. And like I said, 5% is not a hard and fast number when you're talking about Title IX. The second prong to Title IX is have you um when there's been an interest, have you created opportunities for the uh underrepresented uh gender? So
073like um that do we have a history of creating new opportunities for kids when they when the interest is there? You know, so uh that's another prong to the test. But for the purpose of this, we were talking about more about participation and anticipated participation. So depending on the numbers, we would still be within But those are just some of the things that we've been thinking through as um you know, we've been having these conversations. Another thing that we talked about with the cost, I mean, we rolled in anticipated FICA for uh coaches' salaries um and and some things that um And we've got another document that we can share with you guys just to show you what we talked about in terms of cost. Uh And so to this point, and uh Coach Butler
074has been spearheading it, uh the fundraising from community uh has We are just under $17,000. Um And that's an ongoing >> Do you have that money in hand or is that just verbal commitments? >> club account. >> So there is that cash is in >> Yeah, it's I mean, we could get to it >> Okay. >> tomorrow. >> That's good. >> Not just promises. >> Not promises, it's cash in hand. >> Now, there could be some other promised money that But there right now, that's the money that we have had checks written to the booster club that are in the booster club account right now. >> I I have one question. >> Okay. >> Um just in terms of like a good faith approach for Title IX, if the numbers work out to where it's
075more skewed toward male than we want it to be, what's a hypothetical girls option that could be added to supplement? >> Well, >> I don't you don't have to have the answer, but that's just like what would be the next step or something. >> pops in the head in my head immediately would be girls tennis because we already have uh >> Basketball's coed now, but >> Well, it's not it's separate. Yeah, we had 12 boys and 17 girls this year. Yeah. >> So, the only the only sport we have that is coed is soccer. Everything else is a boys team and a >> It was coed at the red level and then booster club >> Yes, that's right. Yeah. >> But you said tennis. >> Tennis because we've already uh uh we already have some
076eighth grade girls participating with our our varsity tennis team. They practice with the >> tennis courts already. >> And we have tennis courts and and the the startup cost for tennis is >> relatively very >> relatively low because we have to buy uniforms, but they provide the racket, we buy the balls and you know, the like I said, the startup cost is >> Not football helmets or >> It's not football helmets. You're talking uh rackets, which they usually provide, and then tennis balls. And and so, like if there >> And would it be girls tennis or just a like a like is it is tennis considered like a girl heavy sport? I feel like it's probably equal. >> It it I think it is equal, but right now at the high school level we only
077offer girls tennis. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. >> And we do get three or four introductions every year to play tennis on the middle school level. But I mean, there's Lynchburg teams or Charlottesville teams that >> Other schools that reach out to us. Yeah, that want to schedule with us. >> And and this year we had for the first time since I've been the athletic director, we had we had to make cuts on our tennis team because we had 24 girls come out. And we coach Burrell who teaches down at Tire River, she's doing a great job with the tennis program. Cuz four years ago, literally, we were hanging signs in the hallway saying we need girls to make a tennis team. And we didn't play any of our non-district matches cuz we didn't have
078enough. And I'm getting chills thinking about it. And we recruited, you know, the girls recruited and you know, that group of girls last year won the district championship. And then this year building off that momentum and like I said, coach Burrell's doing a fantastic job. We had 24 girls come out and we won 12 matches this year. We went 12 and four. And qualified for the regional tournament and had a really good year. But that Mr. Kennedy to answer your question, I think if there was a sport that we could start up relatively. Now, we'd have to consider coaches salaries and all that kind of stuff, but girls tennis would be the one I think that I would go to first because we've already got the interest. >> issue. I just wanted to say it
079out loud that we're not we're not trying to get squirrely with it cuz I think You said it was five, but I think I counted nearly six and a half percent. >> Oh, well, maybe I did the math. I didn't mean to skew it. >> No, I mean it was just that 55 compared to like 48 and a half or something. >> Right. >> But I mean not I I >> Well, and like I said, that 5% it's it's not a hard and fast number. >> Yeah, yeah, I know. Just attorneys, they get >> Yeah. >> Um >> I think that's the second problem really for us. >> play too that showing that we're making >> Are you creating opportunities when they when the interest is there? Um So >> And then I think like
080something like golf >> Yeah, golf could be one, too. >> at the middle school level which is an opportunity for girls. I think we probably skewed towards boys, but a lot of times that you know, that may also be something Well, in in the future regardless. >> And in this past year, we started competition cheer at the high school. I mean, we've always got great interest in sideline cheer at the middle school level. That could be something that we consider, too. That would you know, something we're already doing. That's kind of how the competition cheer group team grew at the high school. Our coach had experience with it. Our girls were interested in it and so let's give this a shot. Our last year girls participated in competition cheer for the first time. So that
081might be another avenue that wouldn't create a whole lot of additional um cost or um commitment. >> I would say also like when you talk about the startup costs, like the investment like particularly for football, it's more cost heavy because of the equipment. And you're not going to skimp on the safety aspects of it. That's what it's there for. Um and that can that can be used at the high school and middle school, you know, well. So it's the investment isn't for naught. Um and I think that that's important to kind of keep an eye on if you know for sustainability reasons even if it couldn't it's not a it's not a lost cost. It's something that can still be used. Uh but I think it's a little unfair comparison because the other sports just
082don't have those costs associated with. So you don't want to punish a football team because it requires more cost to support the safety aspect of it. And that's the tough part um because you want to make sure that that's supported. >> So and talking about costs and equipment like you know, you run into this sometimes you need you know 10 large helmets and you got you know, you got 10 extra smalls that you're not using, the vendor will would sometimes work with you and swap them out. Is that still >> Well, they'll do trade-ins. Uh we actually talked to them this year about uh and we just didn't think the trade-in value helped us offset the cost enough to to do that. >> Okay. >> Um but that and we can also like if we
083buy, let's say, 30 new helmets for middle school football, and coach, what do we have? 60? >> Yeah, about 60 or so. >> 60s uh helmets give or take on the varsity level, we could also, if there's a a big middle school kid who needs a bigger helmet, we can we can share between the two. Um cuz we want to have quality helmets on. Now, I I won't say that we would necessarily put the helmets we buy for middle school on a senior who's going to be playing varsity football because there's a difference. Um but they're still good quality helmets. Uh it's just some are graded for middle school, some are graded for JV, and some I don't know if you guys have seen the Virginia Tech helmet study, but it's pretty um involved, and
084uh you know, they do impact testing and and the whole deal. So, uh um but we could share some equipment, shoulder pads, you know, things like that uh that would help offset some of the cost as well. Things that we already have. >> One of the things that that we've heard feedback on is getting people involved to volunteer or do their hours to sit the desk or the money box or whatever it may be. I know I see Miss Tiffany a lot of times at the school doing stuff, but how do you foresee overcoming potentially low participation or people reluctant from a staffing standpoint for the gate? >> So, I think the flex time issue at the high school is much different than the flex time issue at the middle school. Our number of middle
085school is is a little bit lower, and so there's some room to play with that number without it having being excessive at all. >> And you feel like you could get good participation from >> Yeah, cuz cuz what kind of what we need for you know, we might play two nights a week. We might have one away and one home. So, the the things that we need compared to what what Mr. Rollins needs is just entirely different. >> And you're comfortable that you can cover that. >> Yeah. >> I think we can also partner together and schedule uh more efficiently. Like for middle school football, our goal would be to play a middle school football game before a JV football game. So, we could share people and, you know, not have to overburden one staff
086or the other. In baseball and softball, we could we could play on a night where we already have JV or varsity soccer going on. So, we'd already have ticket takers. We did that a couple times this year with middle school soccer. They played a game before our JV soccer team, and then our people worked it. And I just told Calvin to tell the officials to send me that game's cost. So, it didn't go to him when we took we had the ticket sales that night. So, I think we could schedule more efficiently, and that and that would help offset some of the need. >> And or this year I'm I'm sorry to interrupt you. >> The other thing and and again, just as what you're saying, you and Calvin working together, being on site. For
087you all, this is an added lift, and for the administrators, it's also going to be an added lift. Are your administrators at the middle school in favor of this? Because there will have to be some building person in charge at all of these events. >> Yeah, so that >> So, Hannah Collins, middle school principal, has been involved in these conversations. I think Hannah has done a good job of advocating for her athletic director, um for, you know, recognizing and compensating the additional time, because not only afternoons, but he's going to be the one tracking grades and attendance and things of that nature. So, she has advocated for that, but she is I think everybody understands the value that this can add. Um, I think it's just navigating the logistics of it. Um, so actually, um,
088the beginning conversation who was in attendance this evening. Um, and so I think, you know, like I said, that there's very the support and understanding of the value that can be added through it. I think it's just making sure that, you know, it is, um, structured in a way for the sustainability and we we do this the right way. I think it's also important to note, we talked about the scheduling conversations in these meetings that have taken place about being collaborative and being smart and strategic in scheduling, but also the size of the schedules for middle school aren't going to completely reflect the size of of a varsity schedule. So, that also plays into this. And so, I think in in conversations with Coach Butler, you know, the football schedule might be six games. So,
089that's three travels or three homes. So, it's not 10 or 11, you know, it's so it's not quite at the same level, but still something that needs to be paid attention to when you talk about other sports, um, that might have a a more games being played. Um, so I think that that would have That's also only fair to note that the schedules aren't going to be completely the same. I know they won't have as many other games. >> Well, and then with like with middle school football, um, we would also, uh, try to schedule on the same day as JV. Um, uh, and and six games. And we would kind of follow the model that we do with volleyball and other middle school sports. It wouldn't be like we do on varsity and JV
090where we would get the kids in there in Jan- in July 28th. You know, we would start middle school The goal is The idea is to start middle school, uh, football maybe on the second day of school. Uh, you know, and then you know, not start games until later. And then six game schedule and just kind of wet their appetite for football. >> So, what would the added just let me think through the season? So, the sports year asking to add you'd have football in the fall. >> Yep. >> And >> It's broken down up here. We have one in one in the fall football and then the >> Yeah, look at the look at the slide. >> [laughter] >> And then the three in the in the spring. >> Okay. >> And baseball and
091softball, sorry Cal. Baseball and softball, we would do our best to try to schedule and and we'd be looking at probably a 12 game schedule somewhere in there. Varsity plays a 20 game schedule. And we would do our best to play when we're playing softball, we want a baseball game at the same time. And when we're going on the road, those two teams and that's reflected in there. The travel is we didn't count a travel schedule for baseball and softball. We put them together with the idea that they would both be going to the same place to play game. Like we're playing Altavista, we play baseball and softball and Altavista and then the next time we'd have them both at home. >> Do you get the VHSL bus rate per mile? Is that you get
092the reduced rate per mile? >> For competition, we get I don't know if it's a Are you talking about >> Is it a reduced rate >> It's a competition rate that we get here in the >> So, it's not the the >> What's factored into this is a non high school rate or non competition rate >> Because it's a new Yeah. Um >> So, and again that's a part of like to make sure that we can sustain this, that's that's where we're at right now. If we were to then absorb that with not paying through fundraising funds, we'd absorb that through the operational budget. We would try to factor in other costs. >> And that's why you see the the reduced amount for the girls soccer team because that co-ed team is already traveling, that's
093already part of the budget. And so, they can just They can use the same bus. Same bus. And so, they >> Let me ask this. Um start times. So, will it be like right after school start time or during the you know, I mean, back in my day sometimes when you did a middle school sport, it happened during the school hour like basketball does sometimes. Um >> Are you talking about game time or practice? So we we do play that one game during the school day. That's just you know, for the for the kids more than anybody. But the other games, especially after COVID, uh cuz of who we're playing, they can't um due to their transportation demands, they can't get on the road until 5:30. >> Okay. >> So we we play a couple
094at 5:00, but mainly they're 5:30 games. >> Okay. I was just wondering because just thinking about parents' participation and stuff like that. >> So So you know, um boys and girls soccer would be kind of the only you you'd have to kind of model what we do with basketball right now where we'd have like a double header at every every gate. And still still then we're If we start at 5:30, we're done by about 8:00. >> Yeah, cuz uh the soccer I think we play 30-minute halves versus 40-minute halves on varsity level. >> Okay. Cuz if we're talking about gate, I'm just talking trying to see how much participation, you know, from the community that we would be able to get there is what I'm what I was thinking about. >> Well, what we found
095is when we have uh events like a middle school and and JV on the same nights, um our gates are usually better, you know, cuz some folks stick around to watch JV and and uh you know, so uh I think the the participation from our community would be would be good. So >> I'm really I'm really grateful for like just the unified approach this evening and knowing that, you know, principal's on board. Um I'm I'm in support of it. And >> You haven't heard how much it might cost you yet? >> Uh they have it up there. >> What's the cost to us? >> It's uh >> I mean it's you know, the total minus the fundraising. That's the driver's day at Evergreen. >> It is. >> And we're we're a million plus short. >>
096Well, I'm I'm I'm as as me, I I I'm going to do what I can to say yes. So, y'all can keep rolling if you got >> Yeah, I I I was thinking in closing, you know, I think after we get through that first year, I think transportation wise and official wise, school can handle that. I think it's just the maybe that bump that first year of making sure we have everything in place to to make it work. I think after that we can really that number outside of the stipend, that number can probably get reduced a little bit. >> When even some of the recurring costs for year two and three like you're talking about replacement equipment, helmet reconditioning, those kinds of things, that's things that at the high school level we take care
097of through ticket sales and fundraising and you know, that's not something that's budgeted through the overall school's budget. So, I think that's how we would roll out of that like except like Calvin said for the um coaches salaries. Um yeah. But, I you know, we've been talking about this a long time. You know, not just tonight, but you know, for the last two or three years um you know, we obviously are are very excited about it and we think we can make it work. >> So, what's the ask? Is it for is it for the start of middle school football and high school football? Is what we're talking about, right? >> I I I think if if uh especially with current numbers right now if if we're if we're picking two, it would be middle
098school football and and varsity football. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I agree. So, no JV program. >> Well, now eventually we'd like to you know, hopefully the middle school numbers help us build our numbers at the varsity level and then we could sustain, possibly sustain, but that you know that >> So, is there funding from JV that could be switched over to this? >> I think See, if we don't have JV this year, I mean that that's >> I think your challenge, you know, and Mr. Kennedy could say yes all day, and that's fine. I think the challenge is navigating the fact that we are in such a critical shortfall from a budgeting standpoint that it's I I I don't think anybody disagrees with middle school sports. I mean, I was a middle school sport player.
099I know the value of it. My concern right now is that we're going to have to make decisions this week and in 2 weeks that are people losing job Not people losing jobs, but programs potentially being cut. Are there Are we going to be able to give salaries? Things like that that are real-world problems with things and people we're trying to take care of right now. $20,000 doesn't sound like a whole lot, and I think that's essentially what you're looking at as a shortfall there, $20,000 essentially. Um that's potentially a driver's ed program. I mean, there's it's it's not it's not money that's just coming from out of nowhere. So, for me, it's trying to figure out if we do this, and you're asking $20,000, there's no question I believe in the program, but it's
100going to have to literally come from something else we're funding right now. >> Well, and I think what it would be, part of it at least, would like if we have varsity football and we have middle school football, the stipends from that are are dedicated to JV right now, some of that cost could shift. >> Now, Mr. Butler's trying to Do you have funding from somewhere else? >> Is that Is that the entirety of the decision, right? So, if if that fundraising number matched $35,426.89, would you say yes right now? >> I I think Look, here were my questions coming in. My questions were are the administrators okay? Cuz there's a lift for them, right? There's a lift for them, there's a lift for the staff. If you, for me, I can't speak for the
101other five, but if the people in charge of that building are in support, the athletic directors are in support, you've got coaches in mind that you know you can do, there's a way to support the programs, not just football, but baseball, softball, and girls soccer, whatever the other programs are, yeah, the funding then for me, you know this budget, Ben. You've been intimately involved with this budget and know what's going on with it. >> 100%. >> And that is money that if it comes from here, it's got to go >> But I get that. >> Yeah, so so my point is if it would be great if the community would step up and fund it. Not necessarily to say it has to be funded completely from them, but if the money were there, you got
102my attention. >> Actually, this is this is what I've raised so far. >> And good job. And by the way, not to say anything, but congratulations, that's great. >> asking though. I mean, just just point-blank, if it's a yes and a yes and a yes and a yes, I will write you to check for the difference. If it's a yes and a yes and a yes, >> I understand. I I get the money, I get what we got I'm thinking long-term, I'm thinking what was my when I first heard conversation, there was middle school, >> Yeah. >> high school. That's fine. You know, I'm on board with that. I'm also on board with we got a hurdle to cross with our budget. I understand your fundraising could can come in and help. I I got
103that. >> Because if if if you have the amount here, it doesn't come from anything else. >> I I got that. So, what I'm trying to get everybody to understand is that we're we're not going to cut a needed program in education to fund a a sport, okay? Not that it's not a big thing, but during this budget season, we have a lot to consider. I know you got the money, and if we can incorporate that money in and it didn't come out of our budget, we don't have to cut anything, I'm all for it, okay? I'm not trying to cut you out of anything, but I want people to understand that we're not going to sacrifice instruction over sport. Okay, I know sports and is very important cuz I love sports myself, but when
104you look at being good stewards of the money that we got we've got to work with, then we need to look at it all, okay? You understand what I'm saying? >> I do. I don't think I'm arguing there at all. I'm I'm you know >> Right. >> I'm honestly saying, you know, this is can we do you know, there's a mechanism to do this without interfering with your budget at all. >> And that's that was my question, is when you say I could write you a check if I write you a check. >> personal check. I will write you a check if I get the money. >> enough um I mean I had on only because I have kids that are a part of this conversation, my grandkids, um have I heard about the conversation
105and being on this board. I'm not I'm not sure that you could raise a whole lot more money if more people knew about what we're trying to do. Um >> I'm not going to every door. I mean you know, all that money is from clients of mine, subcontractors of mine. I mean it's you know, the the community gives its all all the time. We've got banners all along the you know, the fence out there, you know, I got two of them up there, you know, of everybody that donates, right? We keep tapping that well, tapping that well, tapping that well, right? And those guys are giving 1,500 bucks a pop to put that thing up there, you know, I'm going to go and tap that tap that you know, I mean it's you know, this
106year is pretty tapped, right? You know, so I mean I I tap new sources and they were they were great at getting me to that point, okay? And and I understand the budget. I understand the budget 100%, you know? And I'm not at at any way ever asked you to cut an educational piece of work, you know? But this you know, sports did a lot for me in my life getting me and continuing education. Sports does a lot keeping our kids in the school system now more than more than maybe drivers ed does. I'm not asking you to cut anything, you know what I mean? I'm just trying to make a comparison, right? You know, the more we do, the more our kids stay in school and do it longer, you know? And it's it's
107not a small amount of money that that we're talking about. You know, I believe that heavily in it that you know, I will take that off my family's plate and put it here if you will get it done. >> But I feel I want one thing we haven't talked about as a possible funding source is a good high school football team brings in a whole lot of money >> Amen. >> from the community. And it's going to be really really hard to have a good high school football team if you don't if all they know how to do is play flag football. >> Correct. >> So I'm I'm with Joe. I'm not upset with this at >> I have for a soccer game. >> Do what? It was for 500 people but I don't know
108>> It was uh $6,636. >> Yeah, but they got to pay that. >> And uh But we don't get to keep any of that. >> But that's just >> That goes in I mean I mean what folks will come out that's the point, you know? But that doesn't go in our our coffers. That goes to the Virginia. We get expenses. >> Building a good football team, the community rallies around it, they come out and support it. It's an event on Friday night. Go you know, go to Louisa, all these folks, you know? Go go to you know, some of these places that you know, go to Appomattox where they consistently put out a good football and the fan you know, stands are packed. It generates money and football everywhere, college level, high school level, it
109pays for all the other things. I mean >> But when we talk about these other counties, we talked about they have feeder programs and we're starting We're starting with eighth grade football. We got a flag program in the in the rec department, but we don't have a contact sport. And and and that's not our issue, you know, to >> But we can do something about it. >> Right. >> Take it by the horns. >> Yeah, that's what I'm saying. You know, I just don't want everybody to throw it on the school board to make this decision. I love football. >> Who else makes it? >> I mean I'm No, I'm talking about sports in general, the feeder program. We don't have We don't even have a Little League baseball program. As as a So >>
110My last thought on this whole thing for now is that goodwill and morale are really valuable, too. And I think that um this $22,000 to throw a fit about it can do a lot more damage to goodwill and morale than a lot of other things we fight about up here. >> Especially if they're >> Or that we don't fight about them here, honestly, that we just say I'll say yes. I think there's a lot of other things that we could care to fuss about sometimes. And I'm not saying that I know all the answers, but I think that goodwill and morale is worth a lot, and I don't want to um squander >> Goodwill and morale for who, though? You know? >> Everybody here, you're grilling him in in public. >> No, we're not. >>
111I'm just >> No, no, Joe, we're not I've been those that I'm a supporter of his program and have been from day one. >> not sure right now. >> No, no, because Is there a uh >> Can I say something? Uh well, Rob Mansfield with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, uh but also uh I've been a supporter of all of this that's going on at the school. You know, we started with the Christian education at Rockfish and Timber River and get to see these kids grow up and do that and grow up in fire rescue, too. So, we see a lot of the things that we can get the kids involved in the sports that gets them off the streets, that gets them off the things where they're more focused in the sports. And we are
112We have a lot of volunteers that come out and work the table, work in concessions, work everything with the ADs that are here and we're So, a lot of the volunteer part that you were talking about, you know, that's actually from our church that actually comes out there all the time to do the boosters and the different things. So, we're on the thing of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, but we got a lot of support from UVA, um different ones to come out. They can come and volunteer to be at all the middle school and the high school uh things. I mean, we can call on all them. We have an area director with Augusta County, with Albemarle, with Nelson. That's uh We're all a big group, so we can bring in a lot of
113volunteers to be able to help to offset a lot of the cost. I mean, I ain't getting paid to do it, but I want to be there because the greatest thing that I can do is tell them about Jesus and to show the support to this community. I've been here my whole life and I came through the sports, too, but >> Been here a long time before >> you know, it's one of these things that we can do, drive the buses, do whatever we can to support everything. But I know in the other part of things, you know, is I run as an EMT and as a firefighter, a lot of kids when they're not involved in the sports and they go home, there's a lot of trouble with them. Talk about that, too. Where
114if we can en- engage them at the school and give them something to do, um it's it's it's really a great thing to be able to do that for the community. >> Is there a chance that this could doesn't it have to be a yes or no tonight? Could it be a yes if and whatever date we choose, there is the extra $20,000 in the um >> To be honest with you, for for football, we'd need a decision probably sooner rather than later to be able to to order everything and to get everything I don't know exactly what day that would be, but sooner rather than later, I think. But I think for the rest of that, we'd be definitely >> Good evening. I acknowledge that this is in the public forum moment right now,
115but I came down to Nelson in 2016, 2017, and accepted a head coaching job uh to some girls that were fundamentally light-years behind our surrounding counties >> [clears throat] >> because they're not touching, they're intimidated in practice and wreck. And then in middle school, I'm getting them at 12 years old, and I'm teaching them the ABCs of basketball. So, uh my son's going through the system now. He's playing for Coach Butler, but the same thing, he had to go to Amherst for pee wee. And then there, pardon me, Amherst, I didn't feel like the instruction was done well enough to protect them, so I pulled him for a little bit. He came back to play, so if you're speaking of morale, if you think you're speaking of keeping kids off the street, if you're speaking
116of not losing kids their sophomore year because my nephews left and went to private school for the exposure, we need to bring uh a spotlight to sports here in the county so [clears throat] that we can keep that gate, so that we can do things like have right now. Bryce Johnson is being recruited. UVA is coming down. William & Mary Academy is coming down. I'm hopeful that my son gets a uh chance to be observed as well, but we are starting way too late. And Terron, uh Coach Watson, and Coach Tyree, and Jerry West, and Jacob are on the right path, but right now, without [clears throat] having middle school, it's still grossly neglected. And uh we come from a family of eight division one athletes coming from nothing. Um but not [clears throat] by
117way of the high school necessarily. A lot of us had to move away to get that exposure. And I'm very passionate about bringing that back here. So, sorry to interrupt. I just wanted >> No, no. I think it's good to It's good to hear from everybody. I mean, I I we all see all the hard work you're doing. There's no question. I Mr. Richards, I want to give you if you have anything to add an opportunity to speak and anybody else. >> Um you know, [clears throat] I I hear the passion here and that's you know that's that's uh will convict a lot of people. I I think this is a good thing. >> Well, and and the one thing I'll I'll say and then you I know you guys have a lot of stuff
118to talk about tonight. >> We did this with Go Bear. >> [laughter] >> And and you know, I'm I'm hopping in my van. My daughter's way down there. We're we're heading to Salem with the soccer team. But I'm just glad it's not Central Wise. Uh so, Salem's not a bad trip from here. So, uh but the one thing in our county that and one of the reasons when when uh Callan and and Mr. Blanco and I started this conversation in October of 2023 uh was that these sports, aside from girls soccer, baseball, softball, and football, our county hasn't shown the ability to sustain feeder programs for our high school and and middle school programs. So, we thought if now that basketball soccer, you know, uh we we they have through the parks and rec sustained,
119but like baseball and softball, we've had Dixie Youth here and there. They go to Crooked Creek. They go to Amhers. Football, they go to Amhers. Some of them go play in Crozet. But we don't have it here here the county. And we thought if we could do some fundraising and get the ball rolling that we could get it within the umbrella of the schools and it would prove more sustainable there. That was kind of where we the conversation started. And just so that we don't have kids coming to us in eighth grade for you know, we don't often get kids in soccer and baseball and softball who are coming to us in eighth grade and have never played. They've just had to go to another community to play. But football, we we're getting kids who
120come to us in the eighth grade who have never played before. So, that is one of the that was one of our motivating factors for starting this conversation was that our community hasn't you know, we're we're a big geographic county with a small population. So, um you know, the our schools are the hubs of our community. And if we can and I know all you guys are in favor of it and I feel like I'm preaching to the choir and I know it's hard decisions. I I I know all this, but um we just feel like for the the betterment of our kids and the future of our programs, if we can get it started that would be the the best outcome. And I know it's I know it's hard. You guys have hard decisions.
121Um but >> So, I think what it what I hear you're asking is you'd like a decision on what to do tonight. Um >> Well, I mean I I don't like Coach Butler and I obviously we'd like to know as soon as we can, but even with football we've talked to some other schools and said, "Hey, if we if we have a team would you be able to schedule us?" And we've got a commitment from three schools saying, "Yes, if you guys have a team, we'll play." >> Okay. >> So, you know, there's the framework for a schedule there. And then uniforms, you know, Bennett I just ordered uniforms for the varsity football team and we're going to get them within you know, a month. You know, I just ordered shoulder pads last week and
122they were in yeah, uh Tuesday. You know, so the turnaround can, you know, obviously the more time we've got the better off it will be, but, you know, >> How much can they have all of the lawn work? >> Right. >> The lead time >> Yeah, the paint and >> Yeah, the more time the better for planning and >> Right. Right. But, starting it later gives us just a little bit more of I mean, that window is closing. >> So, I think one of the questions or one of the things to think about, and I know you guys have just ordered, so you probably have to wait until you know until you get your invoices. So, I think coming up with an understanding of could we get invoices and and what would the time delay
123be to get those invoices if we were to be able to do things? I think, you know, part of the conversation having with these individuals is like putting it on the table about this is a conversation that we're looking at how much time, how much thought has gone into it. It's not a knee-jerk response to say we want want want. We want something and this is the plan behind it and this is the purpose behind it and all of that. I think there I think In in I My question is on the 22,000 for the year one start for football, is that all three teams? >> That that's just that's middle school >> Just Christian middle school. >> Yeah, that's Christian middle school with no JV. >> Okay. Okay. So, that helps looking at >>
124Right. >> You know, what are the stipends for JV? And like that helps >> Okay, include stipends for JV, but I thought that number was with >> That that did include middle school staff. >> Okay, not take away from JV. That That number is paying for a separate set of coaches. >> Okay. So, as if there would be a JV team. >> Well, right. >> But, that was my That's the this this like I'm just trying to figure out okay. >> That number is >> have enough then to get them started on that? >> And and um but if we if there's a choice goes by the number, you know, if we need to just have two teams and numbers might dictate that, it it would just be middle school and varsity. >> Which means
125that number would get smaller if we were reallocating funds, but for the sake of Does that make sense? >> So, that number would be reduced by $5,400. Yeah. >> If there was no JV team, or we fund it and we try to have all three. >> I I think >> I don't know that we have the numbers for all three. >> Right. I think one I think we need to look at something like I don't I'm I I think any kind of decision could be made, maybe not like tonight, but could be made maybe somewhat soon. I I mean I'm I'm putting that back. I think there's some numbers that need to be crunched and I think we need to look at we have a much bigger conversation later tonight, but um I think it's
126important that like we start and be able to fully fund all of the sports that we're looking to add for the middle school, um not get half not get through one and be like well, that's it. We don't have anything. And I think there's something to look at here that could be positive. Um but I think we have to like I think we have to just look at some things, but I think it's an important conversation. >> Excel sheet that has every all of the breakdown. >> We can share that. I think Dr. Hester has access to it that she can share with you guys that breaks down cost of helmets, cost of shoulder pads, cost of bats, catcher's equipment, you know, all that kind of stuff. >> Um that that is bigger if if
127you guys want to see that. >> I yeah, I would say a great deal of thought has been put into this and trying to see every angle, every perspective of it. Um but I think I yeah, I mean I think we have to look at some things to see if there's a uh an opportunity. I >> And I I am betting that even after this conversation, you may find that you've got people hearing this out on the web additional donations. I will bet money on it. >> But you know, but they've come in and there's plenty of other things that you know always need to be funded. You know, I mean what you know getting you started is the hardest thing. Right? And and once once you get started it has momentum and it's there
128and you know everyone you know I can't walk in the food line without a mom coming up to what are we going to have in middle school football? You know. >> I've been hearing softball for years. I mean you know this is not So well and I love and you and I talked about this ever since you've been here all that you've done with the football you know we've heard a lot about baseball. I can't tell you how often I've gotten my ear chewed on not having softball. So I for me personally it's not whether I support what you all are doing. It's good to know that you've got the support from an administrative school level that you've got so much support there's no doubt with all the passion. That's a critical age for kids
129at middle school. So the more we can get them involved I believe in that. So I think what it sounds like is we need to look at the budget later. I think it feels like you have the support of everyone here for that. We just have to see what we can work out there and again I'm not going to be surprised if after this meeting you don't see that there are people who are going to step up and >> And make sure >> I left my checkbook in the truck but give me a year or so I'll walk back and make the trip back [laughter] up here. I mean you know that's 100% serious though. I mean that's that's not you know I'm not being flippant I'm not you know it's not >> We're not
130doubting your commitment to it. That's not what we're doing. >> All right so let's >> I'm just trying to remove the obstacles. >> Sure and that's the >> If that is the obstacle then you know let's remove it. And if there's another obstacle what is that? And so then we have to leave that. >> Yeah yeah. So Dr. Hester we'll throw that into the budget conversation later on. Just to see where we are and just put it on the plate for conversation. >> I would say that I think that based upon our initial reading of like budget priorities and I remember seeing middle school sports as like a goal >> Mhm. for it to be more sports than were initially mentioned in what we received. I saw baseball, softball in what was initially presented to
131us, at least what I remember reading. >> It's It's always been It's always been baseball, softball, and separating the two sports because the original conversations were um JV would switch to middle school. So, there would really, you know, other than cost of like uniforms and helmets things like that. So, the original conversations when we talked about the 50,000 was those sports because football was kind of already there. >> Sure. >> Um >> And And I'm just in in terms of perspective on this whole question, if the initial ask that obviously funded was 50, but we're at 22 minus the JV football expenses, minus whatever else somebody wants to donate. I really appreciate Ben saying out loud, it's like if if the money is the issue, he'll write the check because I I think that what
132I would What would really give me a lot of peace is I don't know if there's any motion or action we can take just to voice support for the notion, but I think that from 50 with no football to 22 with football in terms of the perspective shift and everything, it seems like a pretty reasonable thing that >> You've now been talking about for 40 minutes. That's my take. In terms I I'm going to be here We're going to be here until midnight at this rate. >> We probably are anyway cuz we still have to go >> do that. I would love it if you took the agenda by the horns and got us through this. >> So, what are you asking? >> I am asking for us to dismiss these gentlemen so that we
133can have this relevant conversation and just say thank you for your time and we'll do our best. >> Gentlemen, thank you for your time. According to Mr. Kennedy will do No, thank you. We we will be discussing this. >> And if you guys have questions of any of us, we're happy to answer emails or phone calls or whatever you guys have. >> Thank you guys so much. >> Thank you for the support for the programs. And if we can and if and money is the object and if other than you writing a personal check, which may be the answer, I don't know that. >> If there is another obstacle that you just be identified so it can be >> I don't think there is another obstacle. So, I think just know that you've got the
134support for the program and if we can work out the funding >> Yeah. >> And and I think we're all committed to trying to work that out. Thanks, guys. >> Thanks, y'all. >> Rob, thank you. It's good to see you. Take care. Um Calvin, thanks. Tip, thanks for getting me here. Take care. >> The only thing I had was a grandson this year and I love him. >> I was hoping to have a chance to talk to you. You're kind of one of his all-time favorite teachers. Thank you so much. >> I know. It's I I you know, supervisors meetings were kind of spicy, too. It's Thanks, Mr. Kennedy. >> [laughter] >> Thank you. >> Now I get it. Yeah. So, thank you so much. Next year. >> My pleasure, sir. Thank you. >> Tip,
135thank you. >> Yeah, likewise. >> All righty. Guys, for calendar three, we knew that would be a bit of a discussion. Um it's always fun. So, Mr. Campbell, update on capital improvement projects. Hey, we'll figure it out. >> Hello, that's something to follow. I'll do my best. [laughter] >> [laughter] >> So, the summer's construction season is fully underway right now. We have, I think, it just about every corner of the high school, we have someone working. The some of the interior improvements improvements that are going on right now. Both auditoriums scheduled for painting. Science classroom renovation nearing completion. High school guidance area flooring replacement in progress. Library media center renovation underway including ceiling replacement, new carpet, interior painting, and lighting. Flooring projects are the quarry tile in the academic wings of the high school, both
136first floor and second floor are being removed now. The second floor is finished complete. They're now adding the leveler to the floor to start laying the VCT tile once that sets up. The high school auditorium carpet replacement is scheduled to happen this summer. The lower level CPD flooring removal to facilitate the sanitary drain replacement is actually they're cutting it up now. As Mr. Kennedy and I saw yesterday the other day. Some of the athletic and activity space improvements that are going on. Both gymnasiums are being painted. The middle school right now is currently being painted. The middle school gym floor will be sanded down to bare wood and actually repainted and I included a picture so you can see if this is a middle of what the floor will look like once it's completed. A
137lot of thought has been put into that. Um We've gathered information from both Greg, Mr. Mullins, and Calvin both have been able to put their input to make this design. Um scoreboards and sound systems the new middle school gym scoreboard they were installed this week. And Mr. Mullins just received training on how to operate those. Um new football field scoreboard is in the process of um getting that replaced this summer as well. Um sound system upgrades in the middle school gym, high school auditorium. Um one of the other things I failed to put on here and I apologize is the upgrade to the football field um lights. They will be upgraded to LED. Um high school auditorium painting, stage floor refinishing, the auditorium stage floor is being refinished um as well as the carpet being
138replaced and painted. Some of the life safety mechanical systems that are being upgraded right now are the fire alarm system upgrade upgrades that are continuing. Um new exhaust fans were scheduled for CTE shop areas to be installed. Um the emergency generator replacement that will happen this summer as well. Um some of the cafeteria improvements both storefronts in both the high school and middle school cafeteria there actually out now. They're being replaced through the years where there was no canopy over them they've kind of rusted out through the years so um they're being replaced now. They've been barricaded off so it they'll be secure even with them out. Um new walk-in refrigerator freezer installed in the kitchen. Um some of the exterior improvements would be replacement of the multiple exterior concrete stairways, drainage repairs along the
139roadway near the greenhouse, teacher parking lot milling and overlaying, greenhouse roadway milling and overlaying and kitchen loading dock roadway milling and overlaying. Um technology improvements um the division wide network upgrades scheduled to begin this would Actually, it's not division wide. It's the school It's the complex middle school high school complex. It's That was scheduled to begin June 8th and it has They're wrapping up installing the network cabling now. The HVAC C cooling systems, the air air cooled chiller system, the air cooled chillers were balanced during the week of May the 25th. Honeywell continues to integrate the the controls to that renovation. The cooling system, we did have some concerns in the beginning once everything was fired up on the air cooled system side. The upper level of the high school area area was getting warmer
140during as the day progressed. They found that there was air trapped in the water loop. Some of the remedies that Southern Air did to resolve this was add new pressure relief valves and automatic air bleeders in the system. That seems to have helped the issue tremendously. The water cooled chiller update, I've been waiting a long time to tell you all this. That was started up and completed on May the 7th. The system has operated successfully since then with the exception of June the 1st. There was an alarm. That actually turned out to be something on the existing cooling tower, not the chiller itself. And yesterday afternoon, we had to take the turn the chiller off because the refrigeration [snorts] monitoring system went into alarm and so to be on the safe side until Honeywell could
141get out this morning to make sure everything was fine. They Everything was fine. It turned out to be a false alarm. So, they started the chiller back up and it's running and cooling now. So, that chiller's running. It does appear that the buffer tank resolved the issue. So, I was happy to be able to give you that piece of information after what a little over a year we've been talking about this. Yep. So, the next step with the water cooled chiller is um um Air Team and Honeywell will have to sit down and determine when we want the start date of the the 12-month [snorts] extended warranty that they've agreed to give us. So we'll we'll We'll have to be a mutual decision on when we we start that warranty process. >> [snorts] >> Some
142of the division-wide summer projects we have going on this summer, so not only is it the renovation we have right now, but the other things that we have going on throughout the division. Um the course the high school auditorium stage uh Rockfish gym floor's being refinished. Um, the middle school we have uh the classrooms, the hallways the front lobby and the office area, all of those areas will be painted. The painters I just confirmed today they're going to start Monday morning. So um the eight of the Rockfish uh RTU two um we've been working with with with Honeywell. I have reached out to several other vendors to provide pricing for that. Um right now what I have information I have right now is Honeywell has provided a 12-week lead time. Uh they proposed to install
143the new unit during fall break, which would limit the uh disruption to any instructional time. Um we we did uh Honeywell during the process also reached out to Daikin and that that is a 32-week lead time with Daikin. Um What uh one of the other vendors that I I've been talking to was Trane out of Charlottesville. They have provided us some pricing and they actually had a 10-week lead time. So we're we're whittling that lead time down a little. Um Honeywell I'm I'm waiting on. I've reached out and asked the uh them to provide us pricing to just if we had to do competitive bidding to because of the system it is [clears throat] proprietary, all the controls. It's Honeywell is licensed to to install and operate the controls we have in a division. Uh
144so I've asked for them to provide us a price to interface the new system if another vendor was to get this uh get this bid. Um so some of the goals this summer is to obviously complete the high school renovation, uh continue the HVAC control integration, maintain progress on the infrastructure improvements, complete technology and life safety upgrades, and finalize planning for the Rockfish RTE replacement. Um [snorts] everything that I've I've mentioned earlier for the renovation, that is work that is actually happening this summer. None of that has everything else has been done. This This is a busy summer we have trying to wrap up everything. Um so with that said, um as the last progress meeting uh with MB, which was Wednesday, um they we were unfortunately informed that um this project is more than
145likely going to exceed the substantial completion date of July 25th by about 30 days. So um as school starts back, they will just go back to the evening shift as they were through this entire school year. Um some stuff that are outside that is not disruptive to instructional time, we we will allow to happen during the day just to get it done. Um but we're working through the details of what that would look like as far as fees go. There's going to be some fees involved with this. Um some of the reason why we went we we were overshooting this is uh we the the PCOs the change orders that were submitted along the way as we found room in the budget to get other stuff done cuz initially we wasn't sure how much we
146were going to be able to cosmetics and um we knew that the MEPs were were covered, but as we've have found in the room in the budget, we've been able to add more stuff like the football field lighting and stuff like that. So um I'm working through that and I will share with you guys what I find as far as what the fees are going to what it's going to look like that actually extended 30 days. >> Questions? >> Any questions? And I provided some renovation pictures there, the middle school gym being painted. Um That's the barricade in the cafeterias there. They have they're fully boarded up now. Um the other barricade for the high school. The [snorts] exterior steps going out the old auditorium have been removed. Um They're they're hoping next week to
147lay the foundation start the steps to pour them back next week. >> Just to make sure I know I mean well just in terms of something that you [snorts] mentioned that make sure you caught it was that um the bids that we're getting from other like from non-Honeywell that Honeywell still has to program their equipment with our system. So that that's Yeah, so that's going to be like a >> That's the reason why we were sourcing out the >> It does. The plus >> That's just going to >> Like an added factor toward that. And I guess we were also discussing the other day how we just kind of have to be aware of whether or not somebody else's equipment installed by Honeywell if that changes a service contract with Honeywell either because I know
148if I was going to be committing to service somebody else's install, I would charge more for it. >> Yeah. >> And and they do have the full service contract for all that. To your point the individual >> or not that affects the rate >> Correct. >> of it being somebody else's equipment, new equipment where that overlaps and >> Sure. >> how they cover their own selves. >> Mhm. >> You know, probably that I just just part of the conversation. >> Yep. Absolutely. Any questions? Uh Caesar on the picture what we was talking about earlier. >> Mhm. >> As she scrolls down, I'll show you the hallways of the corridor being removed. >> I had seen >> You said there Yeah, it looks different, doesn't it? >> Yeah, it does. >> [laughter] >> Any questions? >>
149No, I was just glad to see the chiller made it through the day. Even even though there wasn't any students in the building. >> We still have staff and of course we've got a renovation crew. >> Exactly. Yeah, so yeah, I'm I'm just glad I was Yeah, yeah, I was just glad I was just glad it it it did survive today's temperatures. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. And I appreciate all you've done trying to keep you know, keep protect our interest in this whole deal and make sure they're doing what they're supposed to do. >> Lot of irons in the fire. >> It's an operational thing. I saw that they had like the HEPA air filters and stuff. Are they using like manometers to check when they're making big dust and they're probably ducting it out?
150Are they checking their pressure differentials? >> That's something I can ask. >> Yeah, it'd be good if you could say, "Do you have a manometer or are you using it?" >> Yep, I certainly would be happy to ask that question. >> And if they and if they say no, then make sure that they're doing that. Cuz that's important for big dust creation. >> Got you. I'll definitely >> corrupting the new HVAC equipment we have. >> Yeah, so I know that was a topic of discussion in one of our meeting our last commissioning meeting which was Monday was what are we doing to protect our new equipment that's been installed that's running during this period of time? And I know that that was brought up. That was actually facilities dynamic who was our third party uh
151commissioning agent who was there for us uh actually brought that point up Monday and I think he challenged the the construction crew to hey, what are we doing to protect the what we our assets we've already installed, so. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Continue with that. >> Yep, exactly. >> They've done a lot of demolition already though. >> Yeah. >> At least check the furnace filters and stuff or whatever. >> Yeah, And what it may be at the end it would be just they owe us a filter change at minimum or something. >> Maybe a duct cleaning. >> Yeah. >> I think a duct cleaning would probably be great. >> For Yeah, for what we do have is ductwork, yeah. So. >> It's all hard metal everywhere. >> It is. >> You don't have flex.
152>> No. It's It's pretty hard metal. >> Okay. >> Yep. All right. >> Thank you very much. >> Good job. Appreciate it. All right, Dr. Hester, first reading for VSBA policy updates for May 2026. >> We'll cover that real quick. >> Um there were quite a few that have been proposed, so I'm not going to go through all of them, but what I will say is um you know, there are a few that have some significant changes. Uh the first being There was quite a bit of legislation this Specific to or impactful of education. When we look at BBFA, um which is school board member conflict of interest, this is a significant change, so it's just making sure that um the recognition and submission of that. Um BDA, which is regular school board meetings. Um
153this is whereas by FOIA we don't have to post our agenda ahead of time, we do, and we make it live, but um one of the changes for next year is once the meeting begins, there's no um adjustments of agenda particularly as they pertain to any votes. So that's something just you know, we will keep in mind um as we move forward. So there would be no additions because the public would want to know that. Um New training required for threat assessment teams. Uh a couple questions I would like to know is do those hours count towards the 25 non-instructional? Just some of the impacts that we have, but I think obviously, you know, we talked about mental health um and threat assessments and things of that nature, it is important to stay on top
154of that. Um food services has something I'd like to know a little bit more about how CEP or community eligibility provision plays into that. Um acceptable uh computer system use, we have developed AI guidance, so that's they're wanting to have more of that recognition and inclusion of AI digital literacy aspects and and safeguards for that. So, we we do have AI guidance, but really going back through and reviewing um has it all been incorporated and thoughtful. Um wearable panic alarm is a new permissive law, meaning there are some aspects where you could have it on your lanyard or a badge type system where you tap several times and it sends a panic alert to all that have been identified. It is permissive. It is not saying it's required, but it is permissive in in things
155that we are looking into getting quotes to see what that would look like, see if we can incorporate that into state security grants, things of that nature. Um professional >> change in that law that makes it so they weren't illegal before? >> No, but I think in our world >> It makes it easier. >> in understanding what you can and cannot do because that would be your employees and and a teacher, you know, we've always 911 could be dialed by anybody, but that's an instant something taking place, so it's permissive. Um Mental health awareness training from professional development is required from specific groups, and so again, does that count? How does that play into our number of hours that we can use? Um Instructional goals and objectives IA, we will continue to review with our
156instructional team. Um A new academic planning and course selection, we already do this, but it's being kind of put into policy and code, so really working with our administrators specifically at the high school, but always want to look into our middle course selections or 30 days prior to any course request due, just making sure that communication and transparency is there. Um student absences and excuses and dismissals, I do appreciate the um acknowledgement of full-day attendance. This is more specific to making sure our military dependents um are supported if they have an active uh parent who's actively deployed and making sure that they aren't punished for maybe some time they have to spend um with their families. Um student cell phone and smart device possession, we had transitioned to no cell phones during the school day
157uh this year, this current school year. Um we do want to dig a little bit deeper into its uh position on smart watches. Um so that would require significant more um attention and um action from administrators to go monitor everybody's watches now. So I think we need to kind of really pay attention to that. Uh financial aid information providing for families that expand beyond just FAFSA. Um Extracurricular activity notification, um not solely relying on social media. There needs to be another avenue. So we have Apptegy which allows all call, so we can do text messages through that, we can do emails, we can do uh phone calls through that measure, website posts, things of that nature, but just not relying a could just relying on X or Twitter. I think cancel, there needs to be
158more uh a global way of communicating. And then uh one I'll bring your attention to, parental notification of safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms. So there's a requirement, I believe um uh 30 days before the start of the school year that we send um a message out to our families um so safe storage of their firearms and per um drugs. I've spoken to Sheriff Embry about a joint message being sent out just so that unified front to our family so they understand we're legally required by this message, but we believe strongly in the safe storage. It isn't um it isn't uh a comment about owning firearms or prescription drugs. It is simply safe storage. Um and that is now then um codified. Or will be as it's going along. So, um I encourage you
159to look at them. Um there are there are many as you can see um and we will do some research on our end to look into the impacts of some of these things uh and then answer any questions that you may have as we go along. We have a little bit more time to be able to do that since we don't have a July meeting. Okay. Any questions about any of that? On to the next thing, the 26-27 literacy plan, Mr. Blaylock. I will say that in one of these uh policies that we just talked about, it does talk about includ- including the literacy plan into it. It's the comprehensive plan and and things of that nature, so it's very timely. Here you go, Mr. Blaylock. >> Good evening all. Thank you for having me.
160I am going to be very brief uh this evening uh unless you have any questions for me. The literacy plan basically has been updated, so we're prepared to go into this next school year. It contains our new HQIM materials to include our HMH into literature for our secondary students 6-12, as well as mCLASS DIBELS that we're beginning to use at both of our elementary schools. It is also updated to uh how we're progress monitoring students throughout the school year, how we're assessing students, as well as the parent engagement component. So, that is pretty much the highlights and the updates to the literacy plan. If you don't have any questions, I will move right into the parent plan. >> Any questions for Mr. Blankenship? >> Excellent. Our >> Spicy. Go ahead. >> Our Title I parent
161plan has been updated as well for the upcoming school year. It contains two fall meetings, two spring meeting meetings, and those parents are able to come either in person or attend virtually if they choose to do so. A lot of our parents attend virtually just cuz it's a little easier for them to do so, and we appreciate that. There is also going to be a fall literacy night at both elementary schools this fall and a spring math game night that'll take place at both elementary schools next spring. And we do an end-of-the-year survey within our plan as well, and we use a variety of methods of communication to get this information out to families to include print, social media, electronic communication, telephone calls, and all that other good stuff. Any questions about our Title I
162parent engagement plan? Fantastic. Thank you all for your support. >> I work though cuz >> Appreciate it greatly, and um Dr. Hester has all the title stuff, and I know she'll, if she hasn't had you sign already, that'll that'll be ready for you as well, and we'll get those submitted this month. >> Thank you all for your help. All right. This is going to be another spicy one. NCPS space needs discussion. >> Um so at the May 12th Board of Supervisors meeting, it was the Board of Supervisors established and voted upon the Alpha Wing as being the established location for Nelson County Public School Central Office to move. Um and so you all have the letter that is projected here. You all have that letter in front of you that kind of scripts out what
163we need to be um doing and considering in the process as we move forward in the space needs. So, I know that I had the uh fortune to um walk with uh Dr. Rush and Mr. Kennedy to take a look at the Alpha Wing on Tuesday morning um to be able to take a look at it. Um you also have been provided um in in in there you've been provided the September memo from Mosley that outlined the various options that we've looked at over the course of I I I think it's been a year and a half now. Um and then more specifically the memo that um has more of an architectural breakdown of um the Alpha Wing. Um so, I might be able to bring that up. >> let me clarify this. The Board
164of Supervisors voted for us to move to the Alpha Wing. Is that Is that Am I understanding that? >> further explore and study is what >> Well, we Yeah, with the with the Mhm. >> So, like at about like 3/4 of the way down what Ms. McGarry wrote was my understanding of the board's expectations related to their action are to receive the cost estimate to further study the high school Alpha Wing including the components noted in Mr. Parr's motion prior to the school division contracting for the study to be done. So, it sounds like we're supposed to say yes, get bids for a study from multiple firms. Probably I don't know if that's different architects to design it. >> To redo that. So, no other locations to study other than the Alpha Wing. >> Well,
165their direction was to like Well, one, we are designated by the board as like at least a majority of the board to move. Um that's pretty clear. It says study the Alpha Wing cuz that's their preferred option. But, I want I mean And that's where we study it. Let's get the bids. See what the bids work out. Let's follow that procedural process, but I I made a point of saying that I think we should, regardless of what the Board of Supervisors like prefers, if we prefer the idea of seeking bids for a standalone structure, I think we should. I mean, the Albemarle County School Board just brought a quarter of a billion-dollar high school to their Board of Supervisors. >> And this was the May meeting, so there've been a lot There's been a lot
166of activity, including the purchase of some land. Has there been any discussion amongst that board of looking at space needs on a broader perspective from the county and whether Parks and Rec may need something or the schools and something to go on the land next to the high school potentially. I mean, I I I guess I hate to spend money to spend money to do a study if that's not the direction that perhaps >> That was the conversation we had is a couple things. One, the message we're getting. I don't know if this is the appropriate message or not is this will be temporary. So, one of our concerns is are we going to spend money on a study for something that we may or may not choose to do, especially if it's only going
167to be temporary. But, if we do choose to do it, are we really willing to spend a couple million dollars on something temporary? And how long is temporary? And when So, there are a whole lot of questions in my mind about how this is moving forward, what we're responsible for paying, what the what the Board of Supervisors, you know, is there a match? Is there Are we paying for the study and the renovations and the move and the all that stuff? I don't know the answers to any of those questions, and I don't know if if the Board knows it and I just have missed out, but I don't think so. Yeah. So, I think it's intentionally a little ambiguous. But, I I mean, it says that they would pay for the study. >> But,
168only for the Alpha Wing? I mean, could we >> Well, that's where I think >> Can we study a couple other options including the Alpha link at your expense or how does this >> I think we could write them a letter and do that same process of a letter with a request for out of that, you know, capital improvement fund. I don't think that there I think we might lose the vote for approving a like at their expense study of a new building. I mean, I think for us to do it seems within our purview to say we want us I mean, but at the same time if it's not on is there an option on school what's school grounds now or what requires studying something on you know, adjacent county property probably. I don't
169know these answers. Obviously, it requires some amount of coordination or a lot of coordination with the board of supervisors. >> This is where it would be great to have a joint meeting so we could sit down across the table from one another everybody here in the same length. >> Yeah, and I don't know if there is is there you know, there's they're asking us to they'll pay for a study. Does that mean that's their choice for us? I mean, it if we say this is this doesn't suit and I think those of us who visited this week realize no, it doesn't. It's not going to work. But we can as Mandy said, I can work out of my car if that's what it takes, but that's not what I don't think of this board wants
170is what it takes. So, are we are we like allowed isn't the word, but do we have any direction from the board of supervisors to say consider other options if that makes sense to you guys and bring them to us and then we'll sit down together and >> I don't think they're I don't think they're going to do that. I think we need to take um a decisive like voice and say this is what we would like to study. This is what we intend to figure out. Um and because, you know, what their their public statements are debt service is a problem. Um and so I think that's kind kind ironic. But uh for what it's worth, let's aim high. That's what I think it is. >> It is what? What did you say? >>
171That we should aim high. >> Okay. >> Aim high. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> I didn't understand that either. >> Yeah. Um I I I don't want to just say, "Well, I mean I I I think yes. Let's get the do this action item of getting estimates, multiple estimates for study, not even doing the study it like yet, but just bids for the study. >> Yes. >> I would almost rather have a conversation with that board to understand what not just air needs are, the county's long-term needs. Like it seems more fiscally responsible for us to stop, take a breath, figure out what the needs are, not just for us. I mean there's been a huge expenditure. They just purchased a big piece of land. I'm sure that somewhere they have plans on what they
172intend to do with that. We know that they don't really necessarily like to play pay rent for certain things. If they are talking as a entity about consolidating services across the county, then why wouldn't we talk as a group to see if there's something that could be beneficial for everybody. And I just don't see the need to pay money. I'll do what they tell us to do because that's what they they manage the money, but it doesn't make sense to me to pay for a study to do something if we know that that's not the right choice. >> Well, but they said they would pay for the study. They're saying, "We will spend our money on that." >> their money. Well, it's their money. That's their money. >> Sure, but I mean in terms of
173the politics of it, I think we should go through the motions. >> I think in that letter there also needs to be a question or a or a statement from our part about the timeline because I have heard and again, this is just I haven't seen any of this in writing, that the move is expected to happen by December. And that's just not possible. >> Yeah. That's what I was told in the conversation with David. >> The December? >> Yeah, he would like to see it finished and the offices moved by December. >> And I think that that's not going to happen. I mean, I don't see how that can happen. If the Alpha wing was ready to go, it would still be got to be >> You know, I don't for me, you throw
174a couple million dollars into a temporary space and then if we do get a standalone building as um we all as our ultimate goal is to have a standalone building. Um then you got to undo some of that stuff to make it usable for the students again. Um there's some it you know, there's a a few issues that you would encounter that you don't foresee if you start to partition off rooms and stuff like that. Um I'm sure there's some going to be some electrical issues, some fire safety issues, things of those nature that we we will have to address that we that are not thought of going forward. Um >> There was a whole lot brought to our attention at that time. >> And and I would say as far as what's been like
175on their conversation topic, like I haven't seen like a specific Nelson County School Board request standalone new standalone school admin structure. Like that hasn't been like >> That hasn't been a conversation at all. So, we're making that conversation now. >> I think let's make it happen. Let's write a letter. Let's make it polite and say we respectfully are going to get estimates to study the Alpha wing. However, the board I mean, it seems that there's a consensus among us all that the standalone structure would be best. >> Well, cuz we don't know of any other place. >> I mean, and I think based upon my showing up on the scene and seeing what was the conversation to date, I'd say there wasn't really a plan. I think we >> Right. What Yeah, and when did
176>> and >> it's partly their fault, partly just >> Well, we were asked to provide the information that Dr. Hester had on the um Alpha wing that we had done um ass-based assessment. >> We looked at multiple locations >> um a little while ago and that was provided. Um those spaces Rockfish River Elementary School, um the Nelson Center, um [snorts] the maintenance storage shed, >> Right. >> um and then the Alpha wing. I did walk through the um current um DSS trailers. Um I hadn't at the time those um um pros and cons were created by Moseley. We had not had a chance to go through and look at the trailers where DSS is currently um when that memo went out. Um but I have since looked at that. Um I think, you know, there
177had been conversations about um building, but I think one of the the things that, you know, the reasons for asking for the joint meeting that we had going back to last year was not really having a good understanding of what what are the guardrails? Like what what are guidelines for expenditures or timelines? Um and I've had that conversation with Candy a few times. And in and in fairness, she's like, "Well, it's hard to know what those It's hard to know if we don't know how much things cost." And I think one of the things is it's hard to keep going back and asking someone to look at a space and divvy it up when I can't tell them I only have this amount or I don't have this amount because we're also paying that person
178to do that every single time when it was finally decided that we were the selected group to move. Um we had not been formally told that up until I I really it was May. I think we felt like that was leaning in that direction. I had had a conversation with the Board of Supervisors a year ago saying, "We don't have the money for this. We're not even I'm not even sure it's going to be your group to move. So, I think it's just been um difficult to navigate really not knowing how much money, where is the space, what's the timeline on both sides. Um so, I think that that's just the the nature of the beast I guess when you're trying to look at spaces. I think it's hard for us to to really have
179any other ideas of where to build unless it's going to be on our our school own school sites because >> [clears throat] >> far be it for me to tell the county we're going to go build something new on your on your land. That that's not really for us or for me necessarily to to broach. Um it had been brought up but formally no because we really didn't know what we're dealing with or how much it could possibly cost. Um I think it's not the same as building a school. You know, it's you're not going to have the same cost and I think we can look into what current projects are listed through VDOE about maybe current potential cost of building some things but it may not be a school. >> Do we even know
180for sure if if all the expense falls on us? Are we splitting it with the county or like >> And then the only the only formal communication that we've had is through this letter. >> Okay. >> I think it's I think again, not knowing cost or not knowing I think at this meeting there was discussion about how could some of the turn back funds from our turn back funds that we get from the county be used to to pay for some of this. But I think again, not knowing that total number it's really hard to know how that's going to be determined. I think the other piece of that is you know, we don't generate the revenue for us to we're not a taxing entity. So, for us to really know if it's going to
181be multi-million dollars, I don't really know how we're going to pay for that. But >> And I think that's just the part of the conversation. >> Thing and I think we talked about this on our walk through. I If we're going to consider the Alpha wing and like you said, let's consider it Is it good enough to be permanent? Because I can't picture us moving students who need to be in that space to a space that is not as positive for them as this is. All of the work that has to be done to get in, to get out, to badge in, to badge out, the fire exits, all those things. If the Alpha wing is on the table, to me it should be on the table as permanent. And and what all it which
182will double the cost of the renovation, but I'm completely against spending any money on the Alpha wing if it's not going to be on anything. If it's not going to be, okay, we're doing it and we're doing it now and 10 years from now we're not going to have to say, okay, DSS, time to move out of the trailers. We're going to build you a nice building. No, let's get it done right the first time rather than wasting money. >> you entertain a motion to >> Well, right now we can before that other policy goes into effect. >> Well, that's right. This This is not on the agenda. Yes, you can vote. >> but no, this this is on the agenda. This is on the agenda. I think if those I think if those are
183on the agenda, you can vote on it, right? Or like make motions? >> it's a moot point for this meeting because it's not into in in effect. If this were to be after July, I think it may need to be an item of action. >> Okay, instead of items for information. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. >> so. But that's I'll look into that and get back to you. >> not for tonight. We're safe. We're fine to do it tonight. >> Sure. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That was my joke. I would like >> Do it. Go ahead. >> I I don't have to get seconded if it's bad. >> No, no, no. Wait. I mean, so so we're not we're not at the point to make a motion. Talk about what you want to do. >> I
184I want to contact firms to solicit the estimates for the study like they asked us to. And I want to send a a correspondence to the Board of Supervisors saying that the the sentiment among at least the majority of the board is that a standalone structure would serve the division well and we would like to study that alongside of the Alpha Wing option understanding that it's something that we would bring to them as not that we're demanding it or necessarily expecting it but it seems prudent to study it and I would like them in public meeting to tell why it's not worth studying if they really want say no to that. >> think we need to add to that correspondence. The things that Manny brought up. What are what are what are the guardrails? >>
185Put in yes. >> And have it come from board to money. >> Yeah. >> And it seems like the guardrails should be a space that's modest and serves our needs. Like and what it what the market determines at that point. Like what what do we need if we're not going to be in this building? And if you know and that's something a conversation with the superintendent and you know what the needs are but I think that's also the will of the board in a lot of ways to say like this is a good thing for our community. This is our best case scenario. Let's put that forward. See what happens but I think that putting forward a best case scenario would be cool. >> Well and I think talk about for me it's not just
186that the Alpha Wing doesn't work. It's the displacement of a student program that has been highly successful with that group of students. >> That's a huge piece of it. >> You know and and and the way that that section is still within the building but separated is what's been so effective for those students. >> They're talking about it. >> And and yeah yeah yeah. So I'd like for that So I don't disagree. 100% agree but I'd also like for us to kind of put in there why we I I don't know. I'd like for us to note that from the student disruption. >> Just say like there's challenges with the Alpha Wing and in light of these challenges we want to make sure that we're being honest with you and >> Well you know that
187like I said is you have office space with no windows. You have Some will have windows, some won't. Then you have the foot traffic above that will be constant. >> And which someone which someone mentioned to us >> You know, that's that's going to be constant. I mean, I don't know how many people live in a two-story house, but if you're trying to do something quiet in the basement and you got kids and they're just back and forth, you can't concentrate on what you need to concentrate on. Um you know, there's some hurdles with with these with getting it done. Everything that can be fixed can be fixed with a cost. Um but >> Can we include in that in that correspondence an opportunity to have a conversation with um the board of supervisors? I'd
188like to request a joint >> Yeah, I mean, I think we're requesting a joint meeting is a great idea. Based upon the track record >> that I don't know if that's going to happen. So, it seems like I mean, just seeing the way that the correspondence went on their agenda, had an opportunity to public comment it, had an opportunity for the it to come before the board, and for the board to ask the school admin questions. That seemed like the closest thing to a joint meeting as there's been in terms of like engagement with them with the school issue in front of them, an opportunity to ask questions, and opportunity to engage. It seemed like an effective tool, at least. >> What was that? >> Just correspondence. Sending them a letter, making them talk about
189the matter. >> Yeah, I mean, I think we need >> Yeah, but I mean, it would be nice if we could have a done deal in place. >> What what he's saying, you know, we start with the letter. In the letter, we can put a ask for a ask for the joint meeting. Um just being here all my life, I know temporary is a minimum of freaking 25 years. You know, and I don't want this to drag out for 25 years. I won't I won't be on this board for 25 years, but I don't want to see this the division have to be stuck cuz at some point we're going to have to, you know, look for a new superintendent, look for new and new people to come into positions in central office and and
190we're going to you're in the basement of a high school. >> Which I think brings the DSS trailers off the table. >> You know, you know, it you know, it's just not You know, I know um they took the basement part of Shawsheen High School when they were renovations and turned it into central office. And which is still they have some safety concerns on their campus. Cuz I've seen it. Um but they have a whole their whole central office is in the high school. But most most of it I shouldn't say I don't think the superintendent's office is there, but there's a big portion of their central office is is located in the high school. >> Yeah. >> With the entrance being separate, but >> As we look to draft that letter, just so I
191have a clear understanding, um we had looked at other options. Do we do we want to revisit looking at those other options to see if that's viable? Because at one point those were conversations that most of the conversations that I'm aware of and I'm not aware of all your conversations have been just between the county administrator and myself to see what what possible options are out there. They've looked at theirs and we looked at ours. I'm just saying I know we've looked at a couple. I don't think Rockfish is a viable option because you're going to be renovating a school that could possibly need that space. It's also the furthest away from 80% of our staff and students in accessibility. The other was the Nelson Center and then I think in in walking the the
192location on Tuesday, the conversation with the maintenance shed is one it's not big enough. And two, we already are using it to >> store [snorts] >> store items that we would have to build build something else to be able to start. I mean it's not like you could just get a little shed. >> It's a maintenance shed. >> Yeah, and um so I'm just so for clarification so we know what direction. So, are you guys, you know, obviously you want to look at and and and that's just Mosley's quick rough estimate it and the study would include other individuals to bid on it, but you know, do we want to revisit the others or do have we said honestly it's the build that's going to be the best and that's the direction we need to
193go in just so we understand. >> Yeah, I think the school I think >> So I don't have to go back and ask an architect to look at another space again. >> Right, right, right. The I think I agree with you about Rockfish and to me the DSS the DSS had to move out of it of it into a new building, why would we then move into it? To the trailers. I I just I think that's a non >> And I thought that mold was an issue. I don't know what it is. >> It was. It was at one point. >> I you know So >> But it's been mitigated. I was told it was mitigated. >> Can I ask a question in terms of for staff in terms of direction? Or is the expectation
194that we write a bid document that we post on Eva to do a study [clears throat] of the Alpha wing, but also ask the county if it is possible to also wing, a study of a new construction. To me, there would be economies of scale if we combined those two into one study and have one architectural firm that would that would look at it both ways. All right? >> Yeah. Even if they only pay half the cost, whatever. I mean, I I think I think that it's worth it for the board school board to know what a new building would be so that it can be out there of this is the question, this is the ask, and it's probably going to be I I I hope it's going to be a relatively modest ask
195compared to their shenanigans otherwise. >> So, I just need to know how to post a bid. You know, are we going to have two bids or one combined? >> I think the one is a good idea. >> I mean, I would feel more comfortable before we posted anything to have a better feel from the the board the other board about the expecta- I just I I >> We don't have to post the bid until the day they get the correspondence and >> Yeah. Yeah, I'm not I'm not comfortable for us just to do that at this point because again, I don't want us to just spend money and spend time on things that just may not provide long-term value and it's just throwing >> Uh-oh, 100%. Yeah. >> I think that it would be a
196show of good faith for us just to put out a bid request. Cuz I mean, it doesn't it doesn't hurt us to get those bids. I don't think it does. >> somebody money somewhere though to get those bids if they're not going to be viable bids, at least the alpha wing, you know? >> Even if we combine them, like if we just kind of do what we want and ask for a bid on the alpha wing and a bid for a new structure, that's still that's still following their directive. >> I think sometimes you get different bids depending on the size of the project. >> Mhm. >> Um and I think sometimes you may have vendors after a while, if you put a bid out and you don't do something, you put a bid out
197and you don't do something, they may not >> What? >> They >> it as seriously. I don't I mean and and Shannon has had far more experience dealing with bids and vendors and things of that nature. I just know when we went through the facility study and we went through this renovation project, there was a pretty big firm that didn't go for it because one time they weren't sure how big the project was going to be and another project it was bigger than what they thought they could do at that time. So, I think just really recognizing like what what is the ask and what is what do we need to be doing to to do it in the best um faith good faith of what we're looking for. >> Mr. Richardson, you're always the
198voice of reason. >> I don't know about that. >> [laughter] >> I do have a question. Um are there any uh leases or MOUs between the county and the school system or the school board concerning the space where we're at right now? >> I think that's a historical question and you if there's a former school board member that had very strong feelings about the history of why the wing was built and it was I think he felt like it was built specifically to house house the school board, but I think when it comes down to um the spaces when they're owned by the county they can determine I I'm not aware of an MOU or anything um cuz you that would have been passed by you all to to to sign pretty pretty much yearly
199or or >> It was all anecdotal. What what our old board member understood was anecdotal that this wing was built for that. I I don't think any of us have been able to find any paperwork that tie or anything in writing at this point. I guess we could go research it more back from the day, but I I don't There there's nothing in writing committing us to this space. >> And one thing that I've learned on whatever day we met Tuesday at the school is that it is within legal rights to move us out. >> Well, actually it calls a constitutional question. >> Okay. Which is >> Your constitutional duty. >> They They I think, you know, don't quote me on it. It's been a while since I read that part of the code, but
200I believe that their responsibility is they can provide the superintendent space if it is available because there's other constitutional officers that they owe that space to as well. Um and I would say that that's really difficult that you have one person. >> Yeah. >> Not possible. I don't I mean it sounds like maybe that happened in Charlottesville. Not really sure. >> Well, actually, what happened then is they got [clears throat] tried to put out into the street. And they were school They were sued by the school board because the school board has a function as designated in the Virginia Constitution to make education public education available to students. >> [snorts] >> And um it But you know, no one's trying to reason, you know, to that that position. What What um I just wanted to
201know was if we you know, have a lease you know, with the county or if we have a an MOU. Um Just you know, to to look at that, you know, so that uh Because, you know, I mean, maybe this decision The The thing about this is is the decision is going to be very very hard to keep a quote unquote December deadline. And no matter what, you know, no matter what happens. And and and I'm just trying to think of the overall global effects and and also the tied in with uh >> I just think >> be able to express that with, you know, a letter. >> Yeah, just a a the letter appropriately drafted to state what we're what we're trying to say now is it's probably going to take a little after
202conversation to figure out how we want to draft that letter. >> Start it and then add to it and share it with one another and then put your tweaks on it. >> Yeah. >> Add to it based on what you think. >> For for reading purposes, I think there there there was a board of supervisors meeting August 19th, 2025 that discussed some of the space need, but I also see some memorandum from December 6th, 2024. Um some correspondence between um Mr. Rutherford and Ms. McGarry. And then there was um some um inclusion of some codes. Um so that might be what I can do is try to get you that packet. Um I think the the previous board may have had a copy of the packet, but make sure that you all um have that
203to to see because there was some outlining of some space um on that as well. >> All right, so if you can share that paperwork with us with this new board and then we'll begin. I do think your your suggestion of a letter, I do think in that letter we need to request a board to board meeting again just to understand it cuz it sounds like you've heard December. I've never heard December. Have you heard December? >> I've heard it. I haven't said that it was happening. >> You all heard December? >> From I mean it's the same channel. >> Yeah, so I think there's there's too much one-off conversations happening that from board to board we're not hearing it and I think we'll send the letter, but I think it's super important at this
204point for something like this that may be a a financial investment. I think we need to have face-to-face conversation or at least request it. Now, we can't we can't we can't control what they decide to do or not. >> Who's drafting this letter? How does that work? >> Do you is >> We will we will we will we will draft the letter and and share that with you all. >> Okay. >> Um to see what input and feedback that you have. >> Okay. >> Um >> Does that need a motion or anything or can this conversation suffice to spur that on? >> Conversation suffices. It's consensus conversation. >> Yeah. >> And then we will all have an opportunity to review it and then you know, put your perspective on what you'd like to see added
205or deleted to that. Does that sound fair to everybody? >> Yeah, it's good. >> Okay. Good good Caesar. Good. >> Yeah. >> Calling you out. >> No. I mean I >> Okay. >> It's it's good. I think this is where we start. >> Yeah. I I yeah. >> Halfway is not an option. >> Um We good with that? We good Okay, good enough. Um Blue Ridge Medical Center nurse contract surplus. Dr. Hester, is this she? >> Yes, it can be a combination of either of myself, but um >> [laughter] >> what We had a conversation with Mr. Alan Belcher of Blue Ridge Medical Center and um um in that conversation we So, we had currently have a contract with Blue Ridge Medical Center to be able to provide um nurses in the nursing services that
206they place at each of our schools. Um that contract went out 2 years ago began 2 years ago. I believe it has what? Uh 4-year plus a year or is it 3 years plus a year? >> Well, it's yearly and it can be up to 5 years. >> Yeah, yearly up to 5 years. And so, in in that contract Blue Ridge establishes salaries for the nurses and we kind of you know, that's a part of the bid. They establish that along with the other um whether it's um not equipment but supplies and things of that nature. Um and so, within that contract we then pay Blue Ridge and then they disseminate it those funds out. Um in the conversation with Mr. Belcher it came to light that there um was a bit of a surplus
207for various reasons of I believe it was the last 2 years. Um >> I think it was actually over within that. When COVID hit um there was a lot of money being passed through the local counties for medical related things. We applied for a health workforce grant and we were able to pay some for some things for our clinic that I think they had anticipated it when they bid our contracts to have to buy. And so, they didn't have to buy them and so, there's money sitting there. They've also had some staffing issues they've had um new employees come in at a lower place on the scale and then the folks that have left and so, there's been some slippage money that they have accumulated as well. So, um they uh try to operate on
208a break-even basis for us because we're a county agency and they're a non-profit so, their goal is cost equal revenue. >> Yes, and in that conversation, you know, we did discuss that we had intended on um paying out a retention bonus to our staff. And because they asked, "What do you want us to do with this money?" So, you know, we try to what we try as best we can is to treat the people who are in our buildings working with our students. We try to treat them as they're part of our team. Um but, you know, they're they're a little different in that we don't directly impact every single thing cuz of that contract. We had indicated that, you know, we intend on paying out that bonus. I think Mr. Belcher, you know, wants
209to move forward with that for their staff but wants to know what we should do with that money. And we indicated that we that would need to be a discussion with you all about do we want to put that money those monies towards next year's um cost for that program or how do we want to address that? Um and so that's kind of we wanted one to bring it to your attention that this is this was something that we learned and how do we want to What are our next steps with that with surplus of money? >> I think it's important to know that it's non-recurring. >> Yeah. >> So, you couldn't expect it from year to year. So, the >> Yeah. >> how it's used is really very important. >> I mean, how much
210are are they expecting there to be a surplus of or is it if it's something that's been kind of waiting for a few years? Like how did they find the money? Would they have an audit or something that revealed it? >> Yes, I believe that is how they found it. >> Okay. >> They're preparing for an audit. >> Yeah. >> [laughter] >> Yes. Yeah. We think it could be around like 40,000. >> Okay. >> And and we'll, you know, the the funds will obviously get a a much greater accuracy of that, but um we had indicated that we would um make sure that we um communicate with them what you we all intend to do with that because as good partners, he's like, "This is your money You know, we want to make sure that
211the transparency is between us. We've had a very long standing positive relationship with Blue Ridge. Um and obviously we want to continue because we feel like those services have have been very valuable to us. We like that partnership. Um you know, we try to look at their employees as as as a part of our team and a part of our family and we want to be able to um support that. >> How many nurses do we have? >> Four. We have a lead nurse um and then the others um you know Yeah. >> What kind of um I I I don't totally know why necessarily, but I've seen how on like our budget docs like the supervisors have like there's a separate item that's like listed from our operational and capital funds for the nurses
212specifically. Do we have any obligations if those funds have come through like not the like operating fund route, do we have any obligation for those to be turned back funds? >> So the interesting thing about how our buddy Ron is that back in the day when I first started the nurses were our school secretaries and they handed out the Aspirins and the Band-Aids and >> Crackers. >> whatever else that they needed to give. Um Blue Ridge Medical Center um under Peggy Whitehead's direction they applied for a rural health outreach grant that funded nurses in our buildings and we realized how wonderful it was to have trained medical personnel on staff that can triage as accidents happen. And so the grant funded it for a number of years and then the grant funding went away and
213the Board of Supervisors well, they went to the Board of Supervisors I guess and asked that funding um be provided by the supervisors to fund the nurses to work in our buildings. And so that's how it became a separate line item in the building because otherwise we would have gone back to school and given them the mandates and the aspects. Um So, it's been a separate line item for at least 20 years or more. Um >> Can we cover the balance of the little school sports expansion with this? >> That's what was going through my head. >> [laughter] >> I I know that's a little bit snarky, but I don't know if we can do that or not, too. >> So, what are the options? I mean, what is what if you say we're we
214the bonuses, and then I just don't know what other options are. >> you know, we get we get was it basic aid? >> Yeah. >> But we get basic aid monies, but we also get um some money from the Board of Supervisors, but in total, like it doesn't necessarily cover all the possible costs from the nursing program. So, we still spend operating cost money towards supporting the nursing services. So, I think it's important to note that like that money is still we still have to come up with the money to pay for the services. Um >> So, do we have Does Do we have to specify what we're going to do with the rest of that money, or can we go into a fund to pay for those services that we don't have a budget
215for? I don't know I'm not quite sure what we're being asked I think to decide. Specifically >> I think it's our money that we gave them >> Mhm. >> that they didn't use, and they would give it back. >> For the nursing program. >> Right, it's >> Yes. >> So, it was still What can we do with it? I I just don't know what our options are, I guess. >> Well, you can put it towards the nursing services for next year. >> Would that affect >> Mhm. >> Okay. But you're >> Because there are some non-recurring fund you know, like there are some things do that service. And then there's some other like we salary that we we're contributing to them paying their salaries, but we're also contributing to other items that they provide. Um
216I I think you know, again and it's still coming out of our money. You know, say it costs us $300 to provide or 300 300,000 to provide and we're getting 200,000 for it. We still have to come up with 100,000 and that's just that's not the actual numbers. So that that that however much money we're getting back, we would put towards offsetting whatever costs we pay for in addition towards that. Um I that's how I see it. >> So it won't help you next year, but the following year you got to >> There may not be a surplus. Yeah. >> And you know, just remember, you know, for them to get a raise, it doesn't come from us. It has to come from Blue Ridge. So, you know, they're they are in employees of Blue
217Ridge that are working in our building. They're not our employees. So, we're just trying to do good. >> I know that nurse retention has been an issue, right? Can we give them a $3,000 bonus and cover middle school sports and put the few thousand dollars left into the fund for miscellaneous nursing supplies as needed? Cuz if it wasn't if we didn't know about it, >> I would be uncomfortable doing that because we didn't give our people the our direct employees a $3,000 bonus. Like I I'm okay with matching just as an individual what we did for our people. >> Sure. >> Anything more than >> would say none of our other teachers have the qualifications probably to be the nurse. >> None of the nurses >> backups. >> Yeah, sure. I mean >> Yeah, we
218we have backups that we use when the nurses aren't there. I mean I and I think it's important to know no one's devaluing the the service that they provide. Um I think that's why we said, well, we intend on giving our retention bonus, this is how much we're giving. I think that I think that would be a good thing for them to get as well. I think we would have to look our teachers who have to have a certain specific qualification to do their job in their eye and say, "Well, you gave it to them, but we didn't give it to you." Or our IAs who in our title one schools have para pro take a para pro exam, so they have to have a specific certification in order to do that job. And we
219didn't give it to them. >> Sure. >> Um so, I think it just it it makes it difficult to be able to um select those individuals. Um and part of the conversation we had with Mr. Belcher is when the next bid go around go, you know, and I think they increased their salary the last time they put the bid out, so there was an increase. And I think one of the things they said is that I you know, we we get it. They're having a staffing issue just like it's hard for us to come across staff because they can go work in the private sector for more money, they're experiencing the same thing. Um and that maybe in the next bid cycle you factor in some some increased cost that also goes into the bids.
220And you you know, >> Well, even if we don't double whatever it would be, for fairness' sake, could we save next year's bonus now? >> If it flows into us, we can't save money for we've got to have >> It would end up being turned back funds, right? >> Yeah. >> So, I mean, I I don't know. I mean, just from my standpoint, I am comfortable with the bonus and then flowing the money. We know this is going to be a tough year coming forward. Any help we can get, I would be encouraged to flow that money through to this year's cost. That's just that's my opinion. For others. >> For nurses. >> For the For the nurses. >> It's the nursing program. >> What is there any other option? I mean, what Is there
221a better >> I think whatever we want to do is kind of the option. >> I think the budget masters can figure that out. Do you think that's >> We can increase our estimated revenue by that $40,000. I think knowing that we're going knowing that we so like the current allocation for money for us for for nurses is the same as it was last year but it's incorporated in the 800 and such and such thousand dollars not 836 plus the 164. So we're already having to find that money in our revenues. So I feel like that is the best way of of of kind of cancelling that out. Taking it taking a kind of chipping into it. >> I'm comfortable with that then. How about everybody? I mean >> I agree. >> I mean that
222makes more sense to me. >> I don't I think you guys are going to do it. You think it's best to represent what [laughter] what the budget in front of us >> ideal world I would love to be able to to provide the cost of living adjustments for all of our staff and and the health insurance for all of our staff plus the nurse I mean I would love to be able to do that. I I think you know in our future conversation we're going to see just where we're at. Yep. Okay. Do you need anything any action from us on that or just the consensus to say you're good? >> We will talk it in the budget. >> Okay. Perfect. Um any other questions in regards to that? Revised NCPS and CSO MOU for
2232026. >> Yes, you all have um the edited version um that we that so um we have been working over the course of several months with the sheriff's office to revise the MOU which is we're legally required to to update it every two years. So we're on that cycle um but we have been working um with the Sheriff's Office and the School Board Attorney Pack to provide some revisions um, that we feel would um, really provide the support on both sides of understanding and operational guidelines. And so you all have the the um, the the red line edits and then also um, the a final version that could be approved and um, you know, so we can move forward. Uh, I would say I would draw your attention to the there there's a lot of
224So, we use a template from the um, the Department of Criminal Justice and so it's a little hard to navigate at times in terms of its formatting and alignment. So, there were some quite a few adjustments in terms of just the formatting, but to get to the meat of the edits um, we'll see on under uh, Roman numeral two, School Division Responsibilities, on the third paragraph, I want to see what I can't see what page it's on. Um, so under Roman numeral two, School Division Responsibilities, third paragraph, um, where you'll see an edit that has been um, an extension of the conversations that we've had that School Board will handle discipline within the school disciplinary process without involving SROs. The School Board policies, administrative guidance, training, and ongoing oversight should clearly communicate that school personnel
225is responsible for school discipline, even if the underlying conduct may constitute a crime, and that law enforcement is not to be involved with disciplinary action except as may be required or requested by the School Board. If factual information gathered and observations by the SRO are relevant to the disciplinary matter. School Board is responsible for communicating the goals and role of the SRO to all school administration personnel. So, we see um, some edits there. Um as we uh, um scroll down under operational procedures. Do you have a question? Okay. Um Operational procedures, Roman numeral one, differentiating disciplinary misconduct from criminal offenses. I think this is really um a significant update from the previous MOU. Uh and so, this is where it talks about administrators and designees are responsible for school discipline, even if underlying conduct may
226constitute a crime, including but not limited to conducting a thorough investigation of a of the incident. Um although SROs are expected to be familiar with the school division code of conduct, the rules of individual schools, and their application as day-to-day practice. SROs should not be involved with the enforcement of school rules or disciplinary infractions. If requested by building administrators, SROs may be involved in the investigation. So, that is a uh an integral addition. For avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that school administrators or designees have the right to conduct an investigation into all incidents of student misconduct that occur on school grounds, even if the misconduct may also constitute a crime. A school administrator or designee may, but is not required to request assistance from the SRO when conducting any such investigation. And I think
227this is another important um addition. Notwithstanding the following, the parties agree that for allegations that involve sexual assault or rape, unless there is an emergency or other circumstances that prevent an immediate coordination, school administrators or designee will coordinate with the SRO and Title IX coordinator before conducting an interview with the alleged victim. Really, that's important because we we we want to minimize those interactions that could contribute to more trauma in the event that things take place. And so, I think that is a a very um hearty addition to uh the MOU that has been born from the conversations that you all have had, we've had, um, and, um, the sheriff's office. Um, you know, recognition of things in accordance with student IEPs and 504s, and we really work hard to try to, you know, help
228our our SROs also understand some of our our, um, special needs students or students with disabilities that may come into contact, um, because we recognize our SROs are a big part of our school environment. Um, they become, as, you know, as much of educators and entrusted adults as anybody. And so, really kind of getting them familiar with our students, as well. Um, talks about, you know, access to, um, educational records with validity issued, um, or it it it it separates the the, um, directory information that they can have access to, and then, um, school records or discipline records that would, um, require a valid issued subpoena, judicial order, and search warrant. That has been a a point of conversation that we've had frequently is, you know, can we have your notes? We require, um, and
229through through our our, um, guidance of our school board attorneys, we require search warrants or subpoenas in order to do that, um, to preserve that evidence as we hand it to them. If it should go to court, we want to make sure that we've provided them with information that is is a clean line of evidence. Um, further down under three investigating investigation and questioning, um, the last paragraph in that section, SROs are responsible for leading the investigation and questioning of students related to suspected violations of criminal law, but as noted above, this does not prevent school administrators or designee from investigating any such conduct if it is constitutes a violation of school rules. So, um, I would say that those really highlight the bulk of the the, uh, edits and updates. The rest is really
230just format. As you can see those comments, you can see that off to the side of what those changes are. And then you have a clean a clean copy of what that final MOU would look like. Thank you so much. >> Sure. Thank you. >> Thank you for the support of being able to and I want to thank Sheriff Embry and his team for you know just sitting down at the table and really being able to walk through it. We had a great conversation at admin retreat and I think aha moments of really just having these conversations about you know our responsibilities, their responsibilities and obligations and processes and what it is that they do and and really just simple conversations about you know the collection of evidence and the purpose behind it and really
231recognizing that you know we want to work together but there are certain things that we have to do and there are certain things that they do and so that the time spent meeting and the time spent talking with each other I think has been very well invested and I think it will serve to be a great foundation for us to work together. >> It's a legitimately stronger document. Like even just under um searches SRO searches, any search initiated by an SRO or other law enforcement officer, now it says must be conducted in accordance with constitutional search and seizure requirements. Before it said should. I think must is a much better thing for constitutional search and seizure. Um so that's just one small example of the hard work that was actually put into this section. Thank
232you. >> Yeah, words matter you know and and this this is a wonderful exercise in in individual words and and um >> diction and matter. >> And I've also heard and I've shared with you that the same sort of emotion from the sheriff's Department and they feel as positive about communication and the collaboration and the ah-has as we do. And it's so it's been I think a real positive experience for both. >> Mhm. >> Thank you. >> It seems like it. I mean I think with the conversations I've had with Sheriff Embry, I I think it genuine >> Right. >> um positive process. >> I'm so impressed and have so much respect for both of you all on both sides because there's a little bit of discord there and trying to get >> Yeah. >>
233and being able to navigate that and work through to document that the Sheriff's Department agrees on, the SROs agree agree on, you the school board agrees on, and the lawyer blesses it. Like >> Perfect. >> that's that's just it says a lot about you all being able to work together. >> And it's a recognition that is not a one-and-done. And I think that was one thing that we really highlighted administrative retreat. We plan on incorporating whether it's you know, Sheriff Embry or um Mr. Batchelor or any of those individuals on a quarterly basis um to bring out to principal meetings to be able to share, you know, do we see trends? Do we sense trends in our schools? Do they see trends in the community? Um and then meet more frequently if necessary. Um so
234I think it's trying to build in those um communication lines. I you know, Sheriff Embry and I have discussed setting up um monthly meetings. You know, I have a monthly meeting with the county administrator. Setting up monthly meetings where we can sit and talk about what are we seeing? And and we talk quite frequently as it is, but that is like at least it will be then. And but I we speak far more frequently, but I think just really being intentional and dedicating a specific time that you you stick with. >> Thank you. This is This is really important. Good work. >> And the line items revisions are great for transparency on the >> Yep. >> So. >> Yeah, I mean we definitely and and they you know, we this this has been shared with
235the Sheriff's Office and we walk they My last conversation with Sheriff Embry is please present it to your board. >> Do we need to take any action on it or you have the authority to sign it into >> I I mean I would just the consensus of approving it I think I think knowing the conversations everyone has had um and knowing that I yeah, I I think knowing the conversations and the experiences that we've had, I think it is important that you guys, you know, vote on that because this is going to be used as a guide you know, for us to work together. >> Well, and I love that you know that, you know, as as time goes by it's a working document. Like this is the start of there needs to be adjustments
236then you all have clearly set the foundation to work together on with them. >> Good job. >> Thank you. >> Well done. >> So, do we need to mention this? >> No, no, that's an items for action. >> Oh, okay. >> We're good to go. >> Okay. Shannon. Update on the budget. >> Um So, at uh the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday there was a vote uh for a budget and appropriations. And so, as we take a look at um you know, obviously there's no state budget. We know that. We have a a house of um yeah, the house will meet on we're convening on the 18th. The Senate will convene on the 22nd. Um So, we don't have a solidified budget, which makes it a little harder on our end to navigate to
237know exactly what we're getting from the state. Um but, you know, with communications through that we've [clears throat] gotten um and what we're being told, there's an outline of this is what you're getting. And so, with that, we have had to go back and really um go line by line and address, you know, we've been doing these exercises where if we have to cut this amount of money, this is what we're going to cut. If we have to do this, I think we have now gotten to a point where those numbers are actually larger than the last time we went through an exercise like that and there will there is a need to have a serious conversation about the choices that we have and the decisions that we have to make and the impact that
238it is going to have on an entire division and moving forward in the future. And so um those decisions will be significant. Those decisions will be impactful. And you know, we will need to spend the next 19 days, I believe it's 19, to get us to 30. Yeah. The next 19 days um I I will ask that you guys approve the the um meeting schedule to have it June 30th and that is to buy us as much time as we can in order to make the best possible decision with what we have. So with that, I will >> Okay. >> And and I will ask that as we have this conversation that we make it as clear as possible about what we're talking about and the and the impact that we have. >> So we
239received communication from the county administrator's office that they had appropriated um funds for the fiscal year that begins July 1st. So that included $835,065 for um regular operating, $164,935 for school nurses, which is really a continuation of the contributions from years past, and $600,000 for buses, which is a continuation of last year's um funds. So, when we hear the word the number 1.6 million, it's not 1.6 million new, it's $835,065 new money from what was from last year. So, when we calculate that and we look at where our deficit is, we realize that we're a long ways off. If part of our strategy to meet the budget deficit is to cut the cost of living raises to staff, which the Senate included 3%, which is what we included in our budget, if we cut those
240funds, we're not entitled to the compensation supplement that the state included as part of our revenue. So, we lose that $116,175. So, if you take that into consideration, what the school board is charged with is cutting $1,536,676 to come up with a balanced budget, which is your responsibility. That's something that you have to do by July 1. So, what I have done is I have done in years past is to come up with a pathway of what that could look like. Of course, the choice is yours in terms of whether you um would like to follow the recommendation or whether you would like to consider other things, but just so that you can see that there is a pathway and to see what those implications could look like um to get there, um I included
241um um three teaching positions. >> To not fill vacancies. >> Right. So, these are not people per se, but they are positions that are in our buildings right now. So, it would be a position at the middle school, a position at the high school, and a position at Rockfish. Um I included the $50,000 for middle school sports. Um we can talk about other things. And it looks like the number didn't come in at 50 from what they were talking about today. So, they were That could be adjusted anyway. Um a custodial position. Um this would be at Ty River Elementary School. And then a custodial position, and we may do some um sharing between the middle school and high school because they share some spots and spaces there with the auditorium and the gym. So,
242we've got to see how we could make that work. Um our salary scales are seniority-based salary scales, and salaries increase each year that you work if they are followed um according to how they're planned. It doesn't necessarily mean it automatically happens. There still has to be money to pay for it from year to year. So, um the first thing on the list then would be the half a percent that's the difference between each year on the salary scale. >> And I will say that in the contracts that were sent out, they were sent out that this year's money. Because we wanted them to know We didn't We didn't include raises. We didn't include those steps. We included that this is where you're at this year. Your step would be at this number, but we're We
243didn't include a cost-of-living increase. We didn't include that because it's not guaranteed, and I didn't want to promise people something that I couldn't deliver on and then lose that faith in people in that manner. >> So those are each line items for like each 1%? >> Correct. >> Okay. >> So we included a 3% cost of living in for each 1% it would be to 121. Um the prep program they were able to adjust their budget so they are lowering the cost to us for the coming year by the 36,000 so it's actually not a loss of services. It's a change in the cost of them. The health insurance employee match that is sharing the cost equally between the employer rate going up 11.9% and the employee rate going up 11.9%. The E-rip program is
244where we bring our retirees back and um assist with long term subs in classrooms, to do special projects, to transition new employees coming in, um those kinds of opportunities. Um like the savings on health insurance pre-tax. This is um something that's included in our budget. As I look at salaries, I include 7.65% which is the black magic taxes as part of my budget. If all of the first that we have pre-tax their health insurance, that means the cost of those premiums are subtracted from their gross wages before taxes are computed. We could cut 59,173 from taxes that would otherwise be paid. Um the next one is the reclassification of the assistant superintendent position to the supervisor of finance position based on impending retirement. Um that would be changing job responsibilities of that person and that
245position. The next is a bus engine replacement. I took 30,000 that we had had in there hoping that the four new buses that we get will give us enough cushion. >> Um so much like the elimination of the clerk and the administrative assistant, those responsibilities did not go away, right? They were absorbed by other individuals. So by reclassifying the assistant superintendent as the supervisor of finance, there are going to be responsibilities that are of that currently are um conducted by someone that will now be absorbed in some form or fashion by other individuals without any other changes that have been account that have not been accounted for here. So those jobs still need to be done. >> You would just probably assume to do about $42,000 worth more of work. >> Someone has to. >>
246So >> That's the finance piece. >> Go ahead. I'll ask at the end. >> Um included half of our painting budget. The budget for the middle school came in at about 47. We had 80,000 budgeted for next year. Um hoping that the 40,000 will be enough. We have the Rock Fish on the agenda for next year to try to get painted. Um hoping that would be enough. And the next is Discovery Education license. We did a survey of our um usage and found that we weren't getting the bang for the buck and that we felt that we shouldn't continue that license. So all of those things together don't quite get us to where we need to be at the 1 million 5 >> 36 so it takes us to 1 million 421 183 69. There's
247some some things that we can do one time operationally but you're kicking the can down the road. Um we do have money at the high school that kids that pay to have drivers ed they pay a fee to the high school and we use that money to buy a car because we want them to have a decent have a car that they will likely be driving to practice on it. So um we could take the money that we have there for the car and move it back to the school board office to pay for the drivers ed instructor for a year but again the next year we're going to be facing um what do we do next um we have the surplus from Rivers Medical that we were talking about earlier. Um and then the
248other thing that we had in in there $110,000 um to buy servers at our technology budget. We could ask for reimbursement for those and because we bought Chromebooks this year not even the next not by the next year but we use um 70,000 of our UBSA funds to offset the cost of that. Again that's a one time thing too. Technology purchases are sometimes one time things as well by using some of that non-recurring revenue we could meet the budget gap in doing all of those things on the list. Um to give you an update of some other vacant positions that you could consider if you the goal was to stay away from lifting people and getting into unemployment and those kind of thoughts. Um current vacant positions include the school clerk position that's still in
249our budget. Um cosmetology teacher at the high school. Um We may have a certified supervisor of HR. The assistant superintendent or supervisor of finance that would look the director of instruction. Um a math teacher at the high school. And then a dual social studies / English teacher at the high school. So, those were the things that I came up with. I'm sure you guys have ideas of your own. Um but they're all painful. When I was looking at it, I tried to have as minimal impact on students as possible and on individuals as possible. >> Just a quick question. If we got rid of the ELA program and we needed a long-term sub, where would that How would we do that? >> Post that position? >> Post the position. >> Right. Likely you would try
250to find someone in your circle to accept an assignment. >> Yeah. >> And we've had many times had difficulty having subs in the classroom. >> Right. That's That's >> And those classrooms are inevitably SLO classrooms. >> Right. >> Or even even you know if it's pre-K through two, the foundational ones. >> Yeah, we've I mean we've had to use as a principal a couple of times or assistant principal a couple of and >> I mean but those like in terms of what you put together already at times like the intention is to is that to like completely eliminate the E-rate for next year? >> Yes. >> With those individuals I I suppose just thinking logistically would they be then eligible I'm sure to serve as substitute type but they would only get a less rate.
251>> Much less. >> And they currently are able to serve as substitute because there's a certain amount of days is it 20 days? >> 20 days that they can serve for E-rate and they currently then also have the option to substitute but substitute at the substitute rate not at the E-rate rate. >> How many years is that E-rate program for? Like if if we're not doing it this year are they then do they have like so many years of eligibility like sports like eligibility here? >> The magic number is 35 so whatever combination between work history and years of experience years of experience and then 35 years so however many years so if someone had 33 years of work they could only be in E-rate for 2 years. >> If they retired at 30 then
252they would have an option for >> How many people will be impacted by that? >> You know and probably within 20 people probably 20-ish. >> Now they understand they have been it has been communicated every year it's communicated this is a year by year initiative and it is entirely possible that it is something that budget dependent but with that said people make decisions off of their retirement as this is as something is a matter. >> How long has that program been in play without interruption? >> Probably at least 20 years in >> And we really utilize those people in that program. >> So with the changes >> of of some of the as we've gone through these exercises with staff and and other individuals other than the cost of living adjustment and the health insurance
253E-grip has been something that has that is the most frequent said frequently expressed as a concern for being eliminated. Not only by those who are eligible to be the E-grip in participants, but by those who have probably needed someone in a long-term sub situation or working in schools that see the benefit of the E-grip position. Um there have been some who say get rid of it but I don't know if they've been directly impacted by it. But I would say the top three things have been the cost of living and the health insurance and E-grip as items along with teaching positions. >> So are employees will they see a raise next year? >> No. Not not under this scenario. >> Will they net less money because of an increased insurance payment? >> Yes. So not
254only will they not get a raise, they will lose money because of their insurance increased payment. >> Correct. >> What's happening to What's the county doing for their employees? Did they get a raise this year? >> Yeah. >> I don't know. They did. Do we know what percent that is? >> 2% >> I felt like initially in a conversation I had with the county administrator, I thought initially it was suggested to be 2% because they were going off of the house. I don't know if in the most recent um in the most recent meeting there was something on the slide that talked about increased um I don't know if they bumped it up to 3% or not. I I have not had that detailed of a conversation recently. >> We tried over the years, I
255know there's been communication amongst boards, the county administrator's office, and the school board office to ensure that we tried to align that whatever one did the other tried to do just for continuity sake. Um >> 2% Um Yeah. >> We don't You know, with the 1.5 million deficit, we don't have options. It's got to be the big ticket items. We're people heavy. We don't We're cutting teaching positions. You know, I [clears throat] don't I don't know where that money >> So, 1,189 comes from the LCI. So, we take that out and it's we're talking about 400,000. >> Unbelievable. And our people pay the price for that. Our students lose teachers. >> The environment changes. >> Oh, dramatically. I'm well aware. What does that do to morale for people? Cost of living goes up. They don't
256get a raise. They lose money because of their insurance. And we can't control that. We don't make the money. We can't control We're not revenue generating. >> I saw a Facebook post today from someone saying basically in essence a local school division um basically saying, "Are we wondering why people are leaving this school division to go to Nelson?" And they listed us, you know, they're coming to We We They're coming to us because of what we provide and and our our salaries. Because we're paying because it's Doesn't matter what job you have here, it's not easy. You're dealing with everybody's most prized possession, and that's that's their children. And you're building their future. And it doesn't matter what position you hold, everybody is valuable and they're coming to us because of what we we do
257and what we provide. And and and we've had people leave. Is it we had people leave cuz they can make $10,000 easy. They can make more. >> And that's just a credit to our staff. You know, we have to make the hard decisions, but they do they do the work. You know, academically, I mean, our kids have still been thriving. Still been, you know, the SOL scores are trending up. Uh everything is trending up with um in this county. But, you [clears throat] know, at some point they get over the fact that they're not getting treated fairly, but they still do their jobs. And it just hurts that you can't reward them for the hard work that they put in. >> And for the results, sure they do. >> Yes. And and I'm going to
258take it one step further and I don't mean to contradict you. Reward them? You mean pay them their value. >> Pay yeah, pay them. >> Pay them not even close to their value. >> Right. That's >> And and I think like it's not a raise, it's a cost of living adjustment. Everything else um you know, everything else is going up. So, you know, everybody has their study their pay studies. We have our J-1. Um and and we know that those in the education profession are not getting paid for all the qualifications, all the certifications, and the roles and responsibilities that they have. And so, it's not rewarding them, it's it's it's it's not even paying them their value. It's doing the best we can to get close to it. And so, I think that you
259know, that is that is that is a tough pill to swallow. And that's not to say that other industries aren't experiencing some things, but you know, we deal with children and their futures. And and we look at we keep saying what costs something, it costs something. It is an investment. It is an investment. We watch them walk the stage. You talked about someone going military, someone going to these jobs, these jobs that are going to serve us and support our our our communities. And we know that when you have a well-educated citizenry, health goes up, crime goes down, uh the quality of life goes up and and everything with the community goes up. And you know, we are evaluated, I would say loosely on a yearly basis with our little school quality profiles and things
260like that. We are evaluated every day in the job that we do. Every single day, every one of our employees impacts a child. And >> And you know, thanks for the correction. >> I I hate to do that. >> Yeah, but I mean I I appreciate it cuz sometimes I I have um a problem finding the right word to say, but having been on the end of health care going up and everything happening and losing, you know, losing money out of your paycheck and still having to provide for your family, that that's tough. You know, you know, at least what I used to do, you could go out and work overtime and make that deficit up, but it's not always it it's not available. You know, there's things that they can do or you know,
261we got to we are now have people rushing out of the building to go work at Target or, you know, somewhere like that trying to make up what they don't make. And that that doesn't create keep the environment like we have in our building. Because now you got people thinking about the secondary job just to cover their um household expenses and they're not focused on their main job. And you know, I've been there and I I'm very sympathetic of you know, having to pay that high cost of insurance that you got to have. But, you know, you're basically punishing them for having. They're losing for having and that I don't like that at all. Um >> The people are being penalized for an LCI that we got nothing to do with, basically. >> And I
262think that this being my first round of budget season and the fun politics and everything, I'm realizing that part of our role as the politicians up here is going to be to make the political pain of the real life effects of this more real to the supervisors that are kind of sensitive on the tax rate and whatever pushback they get on that. We need to make the political pain the services that our children aren't going to have more real to them than $250 on their tax bill in a year. And that's not an unpopular thing to say, but >> Or >> That's kind of where we're at. >> I found other revenue sources besides real estate taxes. Sorry. >> Our children will have nice teachers. >> I found other revenue sources besides real estate taxes.
263I mean, there's there's a thought. >> They're working on that. We'll have to see how it shakes out. >> I mean, I'm hopeful. I'm hopeful because we can't sustain. I mean, we we don't even know the next LCI that comes out is going to be worse than this one and where we're going to see it. >> Well, also because guess what? County buying on that land for all that money at that that also helps our LCI go up. Cuz our land value is much higher now and now there's a comp for a whole lot of land that doesn't have much, like 15 an acre. >> Well, that's not Yeah, that's not my business. My business is finding $1.5 million that our people can be paid. >> Yeah, I mean >> You know. >> It's um
264>> I carried the screws on the politically. It's Um and then my other thing was like when when you ask people to do stuff added extra that they don't get paid for. You know, that's that's a slap in the face to some people. You know, if you have to be out of town, then you would have to appoint somebody to be in charge at that point. Cuz if we won't have an if we go this route and don't have an an assistant you would >> Yeah, and then I think anytime I'm I'm not Yeah, I mean you would you always establish a point of contact. >> Yeah, yeah, that's what I mean. So, each time you would have to establish if it would be easier if people when we have that point of contact, we
265know who it is, but it could be that you and that person is designated may have something at the same time and then we are, you know, going in another direction. And at that point you you really don't get your vacation cuz you're waiting for a phone phone call, which is probably still the same thing anyway, but I'm just saying. >> But you know, we don't ask >> But teachers, law enforcement are asked to do create miracles cuz they work with people and they are not paid their worth. So, that's my two cents on this. >> And I think we try very hard to show, you know, as I did with the the pathways to success is this we have the positive and successful outcomes that are showing what this is going towards and we
266try very, very hard to create these budgets that show like this is the budget of success and and we're showing it every single time. Um and you know, there's a tipping point to which you you cut back, you cut back. Um you know, there's always been the philosophy of like, "Well, they keep doing more with less." There's There's a point to which >> Yeah. >> And and we've seen that over the last few years in in education as a whole. I'll go work for UVA and get paid way more money and get to work from home. I mean, they're they're leaving the industry. Um and >> And then you wonder why you can't find the right person to put in the classroom. >> Yeah. We are an industry that is seasonally based that our our
267kids are coming are going to come through that door. Our our transition day is August 11th. Our full day is August 12th and ready or not, they're going to come because we're legally obligated to provide education for a certain amount of time and we have to have supervision for the safety and security of everyone. So, this isn't one of those that you know, um you make it up by an extra production line or something like that. That you have to have it in front of those kids. Or those numbers rise to a point where it's not as um you're not going to see the success rate that you're hoping for. >> [snorts] >> So, what we have to do at this point is knowing that unless we want to go back to board members and
268board of supervisors members and see if there's any more room within their budget to find some extra money somewhere at least maybe to cover Cola or whatever. I you know, we have to now figure out and give guidance to Shannon and to Dr. Hester on where cuts will need to be made. Um we have to do this >> is there an opportunity to still petition for something considering they voted and appropriated? >> There's always a >> Yeah, my first year here there was a vote the day I was sworn in that changed the previous vote. >> Yeah. >> So, you know, until the the deadline of I I don't know I mean I I have to say until the deadline of >> supplemental appropriation of >> June 30th. >> Yeah, at any time. And and
269and I think, you know, again, I think we have to be prepared to make decisions off of what we know right now. Um >> and we're still waiting for the House and Senate to know which version or what combination of the versions, you know, will be funded to actually know how much we actually have to do. >> that hypothetically swing revenue? >> And and you know, one of the articles I read Spanberger indicated that she feels like they're closer to an agreement. Like what does that mean? I don't know. >> Yeah, and so at least >> hopefully that avoids a a state government shutdown. You know, I think there's a lot to play out and I think those are really really pivotal pieces of information. Is it going to cover 1.5 million dollars? I so
270I think again, we need to start you know, in in a hundred and um 116,000 of it is if we don't give a raise. You know, so I mean like there's some things at play here that we you know, it it all goes into it and um I think the frustrating thing is something that you know, the county doesn't control the the set LCI. We don't control it. They're talking about changing that funding formula, but as of, you know, June 11th, 2026, this is what we're dealing with. Um you take that LCI out and and this is a completely different conversation. But this is where we are and this is what we have to address. >> I I it's important to note, and I'm going to reiterate this that we were given 1.6 million over
271our budget from last year. But only 800 plus thousand of that is actually allocated into our operational budget. Period. So, while it sounds like a big number and a good number, it really isn't as much what we need and it's not the 1.6. >> Which it's into the operational budget per se, but 600 is >> It's not regarded >> being dedicated It's into the the operational budget. It's being dedicated to go to something specific. >> Doesn't help us with salaries and with teaching positions and custodial positions and all of that. >> Well played. Well played. >> Okay. Um, so, what we need to do between now and June 30th is be prepared to give guidance before we approve our budget on what things will need to be cut going into next year. Um, if you
272need time to sit down with Shannon or Dr. Hester, I would recommend doing that. Um, Shannon's been doing this for a while, so I I trust her to give us the guidance that she knows what her Yoda skills I'm sorry. I know it's got to be guys and I'm sorry. Truly. Okay, items for action. We will need, if you've had an opportunity to look at the religious religious exemption for student one, um, if there are no questions and someone wants to provide a motion for that. Any questions in regards to >> That was submitted as like one family with one letter. >> And it did deal with student one. >> It's it's per student. >> Okay. >> So, >> I'll make a motion to approve item A, request for religious exemption for Virginia Code Section
27322.1-254B1 for student one. >> I second that. >> All those in favor? Aye. Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? We have a motion for student number two, please. >> I'll make a motion to approve the request for religious exemption for Virginia Code Section 22.1-254B1, student two. >> Second. >> I second. >> All those in favor? Aye. Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Okay, we've got some assets here. Can I get a motion to approve um the assets of surplus property and the recommended actions in the agenda? >> I'll make a motion for the surplus items that are 12 surplus items at Rockfish Elementary, hay wagon for the FFA, school board office, shredder and donated to GovDeals. >> I have a second? >> Yes. >> Second. All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Okay, so VSBA
274Policy Services renewal. This, you know, we've talked about this before. Um we can discuss it now if we need to before taking action on it, but this gives us a little bit of security. The VSBA lawyer runs through it, the VSBA runs through it. We can modify those policies. It just is really a legal coverage for us to kind of know that we stay within bounds under that umbrella. >> We don't have the staff to be able to follow the legislation to put it into policy to make sure that it is aligned with the codification. And you know, the extra [clears throat] added support of knowing that they're the um the VSBA attorneys um our school board attorney also happens to work closely with those individuals. So, I think there is a definite like a
275workload need, but also a legal safety net. >> us protected. >> I have a motion. >> Well, how much I'm just curious, how much do the does the policy manual services cost? >> 2100. It's in there. That was the original 2100. >> I make a motion to approve the VSBA policy services as presented. >> That's second. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Okay. So, the next I need a motion to approve the VSBA membership and dues. Again, it gives us access to policy, it gives us access to use the for the VSBA lawyer. Um >> This software board docs. >> Yes. >> Oh, my. >> Yes. They maintain assistance. Um are there any questions or any discussion that you want to have? >> And also the access to a
276lot of the other services like um the you know, Mr. Richardson spoke to the school law conference and just being able to have access to that. >> I make a motion to approve the VSBA policy services for the new law. Membership dues, sorry. May I have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Okay, each year we have to look at student fees. It's that time of year again. It's been laid out for each school division or each school within the division and what the specific fees are. Um are there any questions in regard to that? >> You know, I don't have it right pulled up, but was there any change in the fee for out of um like students that live outside of Nelson County that
277wanted to go to Nelson County schools? I know that that first meeting this year we talked about adjusting that fee. >> We did. We dropped it down to 500. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we it was 2000, 1000 a semester per student and we dropped it down to 500. We also then made it Um so currently our our full-time you know our employees um or they they can wave their children. We also extended that to government or or county government employees. >> Awesome. >> So that was >> And I think as of that day we had someone take advantage of that and I think maybe one since. >> Cool. >> So we need to update that on the schedule. So just when you make the motion put it with a modified out of district. >> on
278there. >> No, that that was that was in in what's there. Like that's as presented. >> know. As presented. Why am I seeing I'm seeing 25 26 for these? >> They go to the executive. >> Okay, thank you. Sorry. Got you. Okay, may have a mo- it is. Thank you. May have a motion to approve the student fees as um as presented. >> I'll make a motion that we approve the student fees as presented. >> May I have a second? All those in favor? >> I. Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Okay. All right. So the next thing we have is approval of adult meal prices for the 2026-2027 school year. Um any questions in regards to that? May have a motion to approve the adult meal prices for the 2026-2027 school year. >> I move to
279approve the adult meal prices >> for the 2026-2027 school year. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Of a field trip, the girls approval of the girls soccer state tournament overnight trip June 11th to June 13th. >> I'll make a motion to approve the girls soccer state tournament overnight trip June 11th to June 13th, 2026 as presented and currently happening. >> Yeah, I'll second it. I'll second it. >> [laughter] >> All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Anyone opposed? Anyone >> Me. >> Okay, now we have approval title one, title two, title three, and title four grant applications for fiscal year 26-27. May have a motion to approve. >> I'll make the Vote it. >> I make a motion to approve title one, title two, title three, and title
280four grant application for financial year 2026-27 as presented. >> May have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Okay. Um may have a motion to approve the updated NCPS literacy plan? >> I make a motion to approve the updated NCPS literacy plan. >> Second. All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Okay, may have a motion to approve the 26-27 NCPS title one parent and family engagement plan? >> Make a motion to approve the NCPS title one parent and family engagement plan as presented. >> Second. Second. All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Okay, so this is where we talked about we need to add that June 30th meeting to approve our budget. Um barring any discussion, may have
281a motion to approve the June 30th meeting as a school board meeting. >> I'll make a motion that we approve June 30th date to be a school board meeting to approve the budget. >> Second. Second. All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Okay, if you had an opportunity to look, we have a proposal of school board meeting dates for the 26-27 school year. Um the first one to really be of note is the August 6th or August 20th date. We need to pick one of those. Um the normal meeting date would be the second day of school. No one wants to be the second day of school. So, if you if we as a group >> The advantage of having it on August 6th is any kind of approvals or, you
282know, if we had to edit editing the um code of conduct. That allows us time to, you know, be able to take care of anything like that. Um so, my my recommendation would make it August 6th. That's prior to us starting. >> Especially if you don't have a July meeting. >> Well, and I think it's also important to note, not only for you all, but for our community, we we do not just typically have a July meeting. Um it's been a few years since we have, so it's a really important that we have that gap be um we have that early August meeting to be able to take care of anything that we would need. Um I, you know, in essence, we also would have that new third um to to be able to take
283care of something as well. >> Okay. >> Are there aspects >> Yes, sir. It is It is open house night. I'm Yep, I'm aware it is open house night. Um but pushing it back Um so, we might not have many >> So, so the building people be in their buildings. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Or I was thinking parents, too. >> But um yes. But um yes, the the the they will be in there, but I think if we push it back to August 20th, it creates other issues. >> Okay. Uh So, we'll settle on Are we agreed on the August 6th? >> And then do we also have to decide about January 7th or 14th? >> Yes. And you don't you don't have to decide that on this one. Um I mean, you can cuz
284by then you'll have a new chair um or not. It just depends on how you so choose to to move in that direction. I just I feel like you guys are all super busy and that we're super busy that the more we know what our dates are because it helps my employees schedule things. Um it's hard when we have to change the date. Sometimes we have to, it's a necessary evil, but I just figured I would put that out there because that makes life easier for planning purposes. >> Is there a reason why you'd want to do the 7th rather than the normal date of the 14th? >> Um >> Or is the 7th the second Thursday? Cuz I guess with that first I think that >> So that January the 7th would be the
285second day back. I think >> No, it's because of the 21st work session. You'd have >> Yeah, oh yeah, yeah. It it creates a two-week buffer to the next to the budget session. Now that is if we would keep that budget session. So we try to build in as much as we can for working. But I would also say Jan- >> It's too brutal. >> winter break But we just had two weeks off. >> Could we add the 14th meeting and strike the first January budget work session? >> that one before, haven't we? >> We canceled both the work sessions? >> Yeah, that first one sometimes. >> Yes. >> Cuz we don't know. >> We just don't know what the things are. Um I'm Janu- Is January 14th objectionable to anybody? And again, like she's
286already >> It's it's the choice is on there in order to create that distance to the to work session. You don't have to have that distance to the work session. >> All right. >> Can I make a motion? >> Oh my god, too many. I said you August 6th and January 14th for the next one. >> Okay, good. >> I make a motion to approve the school board meeting dates for the '26-'27 calendar with August 6th and January 14th otherwise as the selected dates and otherwise as presented. >> Perfect. Second. >> Or and and I'm I'm sorry, I I I need to redo that one. Just don't don't second that yet cuz I didn't say about the 21st. So I make a motion to approve the '26-'27 school board calendar with August 6th, January 14th
287selected as the dates, and the January 21st, '27 possible budget work session struck. And otherwise as presented. >> So you want to eliminate that now and add it later if necessary. Is that what you're asking? >> Sure. Okay. >> Okay. >> Cuz then we remove that one week >> Okay. >> issue. >> Second. >> I second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Okay. Good time. All right. So, approval of NCPS NCSO NOU 2026. Unless there are any questions or discussion, may I have a motion to approve that? >> I make a motion to approve the NCPS NCSO NOU for 2026. >> Have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Okay. So this is authorization [clears throat] to sign documents
288in absence of the superintendent. >> Superintendent or clerk or assistant? >> Yes. >> So the clerk can sign the documents. So the clerk. So may I have a motion to approve the authorization of signature in absence of the division superintendent. >> [laughter] >> Which one needs to be adjusted at some point. >> I make a motion to approve the signing of documents in absence of the superintendent. >> Have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Aye. Anyone opposed? Anyone abstain? Okay. We need a motion to go into closed session. >> I move that the Nelson County School Board enter into closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel matters including employment, assignments, appointments, performance, resignations, or retirements of the superintendent's evaluation and contract in accordance with section 2.2-3711A1 of the Code of
289Virginia. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed? Anyone abstaining? The motion carries. The board will now enter closed session. >> [music] [music] >> Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for us as graduates. The past few years have been anything but easy, and yet we as students have shown incredible resilience and strength in the face of adversity. >> Adversity is inevitable in life. But because of the challenges we have faced during our high school years, I know we are all prepared [music] for the future. There is no better teacher than adversity. >> My advice to you is take advantage of your opportunities. >> [music] >> See, success it looks different. Taking advantage [music] of opportunities looks different for everyone. To
290put it simply, shoot your shot. You won't make it if you don't take it, and if you don't take it, you won't win. >> Never forget where you came from. I challenge you to write the next chapters of your hometown. Because absent of you, we are absent the story of Nelson County. >> As we depart from Nelson County High School with our minds wide open to the wonders of the world, is up to us to shape the future. >> Believe in yourself that you are somebody. If you look up the noun definition of somebody, you will find a person of importance. Never place blame on anyone for your failure. When things get tough, stand tall. Continue to work towards greatness so one [music] day everybody will say, "You know what? They were somebody." >> [music]
291>> As principal of Nelson County High School, by virtue [music] of the power and authority vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia, I do hereby declare you graduates of Nelson County High School. Please turn your tassels. >> [music] [cheering] [music] >> There's so much more to come. There's something I can feel [music] standing here before the daylight. >> [music] >> So, let's just run. We've only just begun. So, let's just run. Our time has finally come. [music] So, let's just let's just run. >> [music]