001Call to order school board business meeting for Wednesday, a August 27th. U Miss Tanner, please call the role. >> Bine >> here. >> Buffalo >> here. >> Inch >> present. >> Martin >> present. >> Alson >> present. >> Thomas >> here. >> Our first agenda item is item 2.01 01 climate survey with the interim superintendent, Dr. James Pole. >> Um, and actually I'm very proud to announce that our new senior director of ARRA, Miss Christrista McGarity, will be presenting this today. So, Miss McGarity, >> podium's yours. >> This one. All right, let me get this. No, I can't see anything. Okay. All right. Afternoon. I'm Christine Gity. So, it's nice to be here. Uh we're going to go through the results of the parent guardian climate survey. So good afternoon madam chair dear de d
002de d de d de d de d de d de d de d de d de d de calaggero sorry vice chair Thomas members of the board and Dr. Paul pole. I'm here to this evening to share the results from the spring 25 parent guardian climate survey. Quick with an overview the there were online surveys were administered in the spring of 24 in English and in Spanish. Excitingly, there was an increase of 327 participants when compared to the prior year's participation. Um, and there was representation across 45 of our school buildings. Parents were asked questions in six areas including academic support, school leadership, student support, safety and behavior, family involvement, and communication pref preferences. Moving forward through the presentation, we'll talk about the levels of agreement parents had with the questions, and they'll be displayed
003as high, mixed, or low. The response percentages are noted on this slide as well as the future slides. The demographic makeup of the respondents um as I said before there were 45 schools represented and there was a diverse and varied where most respondents identified as black, African-American or white and there were 10% of respondents who did not wish to provide the ethnicity or racial identification. Almost a quarter of the respondents are military connected and more than 30% were NPS graduates. All reported demographics except for the graduates are slightly increased from the prior year's survey. Regarding the findings in the area of student excellence, there was high agreement among parents and guardians that schools have clear expectations and their students are challenged by the schoolwork that they're given. However, there is mixed agreement on the connection
004lessons have to outside life and the feedback is timely and helpful. In the area of workforce, specifically school administrators, participants generally reported positive perceptions of their child's school administrators as well as high agreement regarding the courteousness communication of their mission and vision for the school and are readily available to listen to parent or guardian concerns. Although right below the threshold, mixed agreement was reported by participants if the principles were effective leaders of the school um were responsive and or made decisions in the best interest of their child. However, the 73% agreement on principal effectiveness is an improvement from the previous school year where it was 61% agreement of the respondents. In the area the next few slides are going to be um in perceptions of safety and climate in the context of student support. Parents
005and guardians reported high agreement that there are staff members available to student support students with school and or individual problems regardless of their child's race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender or disabilities. The percent of the parents who reported their child had staff available to help them with personal problems has increased to 86% from 76% in the prior school year. However, there was less agreement around the support received for academic or career planning needs of students. Parents and guardians agree that the communication of the specific details of a school's positive behavioral intervention support plan, which is also PBIS, should increase even though they have high agreement that they are aware that one exists. Continuing with safety and climate in the context of safety and behavior, it was reported high agreement of parents and guardians who reported
006they are aware of the school's rules and feel the staff and students are also aware of the school's safety procedures. In addition, there are what's high agreement of parents and guardians who feel their child is proud of the connect and connected to their school. The 76% of parents with high agreement to this statement is a slight increase from the 74% agreement of the previous year. There is mixed agreement in the context of staff reporting and tolerating of bullying. According to these responses, there is a belief that there is a continued work to be done in the area of fair and equitable discipline practices. All right. In the area of community, sorry, go back one slide. With family engagement, parents and guardians reported with high agreement they felt respected by staff as well as informed and
007actually encouraged to attend school functions. There was less agreement that the school respected values and/or um use parent and guardian input to improve instruction. Even though there is mixed agreement, the survey responses improved from 61% from 43% the pri previous year. In the area of communication preferences, parents and guardians reported emails, text messages, and robocalls as their top three preferred methods of the schools or divisions communication. At the as it happens items listed on the slide are the top three preferred topics they would like reported as they happen in real time, which are student accomplishment, schoolboard decisions, and innovative curriculum opportunities. Here are some comparisons. The improvements for the areas listed range from six percentage points from the previous year through 12 percentage points when we could look back at the 23 24 to where
008we are now within the past 2425. In general, the areas listed on the slide are parent and guardian perception of clarity of the learning standards and expectations, leadership effectiveness, availability of staff to help students with personal problems, administrative responsiveness to concerns, and engagement to attend school functions, and generally their perception of school safety. The summary here represents a generalized statement considering the areas with the most agreement while addressing those with less. Parents and guardians responded favorably about the NPS school's academic environment, but they reported feeling as if teachers needed to be more timely and helpful with their feedback to the class. In addition, they are reporting positive relationships with the staff, including administrators, but do want more detail regarding the positive behavioral supports and intervention plans implemented in their child's school. Understanding and improving parent
009and guardian perceptions of the climate of their child's school is how we will cultivate a safe, caring, and welcoming environment as stated in our strategic plan for Norfick public school students and families. All right, so that's the quick down and dirty of the results of the survey. >> Other questions? >> Go ahead, Mr. Mine. Um, thank you Miss McGary for the presentation. Um, so I guess um, well, one of my major major questions. So was this did we just distribute the climate survey just to parents and guardians or do we collect information from employees and students? >> Was just parents and guardians? >> It was just so nothing went out to employees >> about that I am aware of about the staff climate. There's the annual VDOE survey that has staff and student feedback on
010it as well. >> Okay. But that's not >> this was just the parent this and this is the one that we run locally. We actually partnered with um Handover. >> Okay. >> Yeah. To we use our case 12 insight tool, but Handover helped us do the the analysis of the data. >> Okay. And when what is the timing and alignment with the VDOE climate survey? >> I would have to get back to you on that. So the video e climate survey starts in around January and I think we have about a month and a half of a window there and we do the parent one usually uh we do that like March April time frame and this last year for spring 25 we actually extended it another four weeks just to keep trying to get
011as many results as we could or responses as we could. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. And I I asked that just so like for for the board's um perspective and um so that we're monitoring climate in with including internal and external stakeholders that if we can somehow get all of that climate information into you know a presentation in addition to this wonderful presentation that we also have like the employee and student piece particularly since our non-negotiable is also around um you know employees and students and having a welcoming environment and so so that we know how we're how we're doing and progressing on that. Um but related to this particular survey, you know, and I appreciate the extension on having it out there, but it's always, you know, response, right? >> Yeah. >> And what we
012can do differently to um >> more >> to get more participation. And then granted I get we're we're asking our families to do a lot right now like you know whether it's school closures and consolidations you know superintendent search like all of that we're asking we have a lot of surveys going out but um you know so I I don't know um what the answer to that is but this this year seemed particularly lower than what I recall in the past. Um I mean or is it or is it par? >> I mean I would say it went up by 300 participants. Oh it did? >> I mean so we were at seven >> 732. >> There you go. For >> um 23 24 and 24 25 we were over a thou a bit over
013a thousand. So we went up even I'm mixing up survey um the different surveys and the respondents um for >> Okay. And Miss Msine, um, one of the things we did when we extended it, we actually sent QR codes to principles to post on their doors so that when people walked in, they could just tried to give as as much access as we possibly could >> for any end of the year event, anything else that was going on, which is why we extended because we knew more families would be in and out of schools at that time. But still, you know, I I I crave the calendar results for every survey we do, you know, where we get like 3600 4,000, you know, responses every time. But it's getting over a thousand actually was was
014decent for this survey. >> Okay. >> Oh, well I have one final question. Um so um related to this, you know, the recommendations that were included in the report. Have has the administration had a time to kind of digest those recommendations and come up with next steps around action an action plan for addressing um some of those things? >> We have and we so Mr. Brady and his team have included that in professional development when we're talking about feedback. >> Okay. >> Um Dr. Katado and the EDS have been working on it when we talked about the discipline and we've talked about that in here before about indiscrepancies about reporting. So that that's been on our radar. So, we've we've worked with our staff on that for sure. >> You questions this more. >> Yep.
015That was I touch on, but let me ask this. Um, how many questions were >> That's the one thing I didn't write down is how many I know there was multiple sections, but there was lots of questions in between. >> That could be a factor. I'm I'm I'm just I'm just saying people when you talking about 20 30 questions >> people people started yeah they disconnect and it's like >> and I will say um Miss Buffalo that was conversation we had which is why we partnered with handover to help because they've got the experience um and they helped us pair down some but to be able to get some of the response we want and to make it comparable over time you know I think it's something over time we just may to look at
016and and even you know miss your comment earlier even look at more of an internal survey we do with our staff members as well. Um we stopped doing that when the VDOE started because it was duplicative. Um but I don't know if we get as good of a response rate on the VDOE ones and and you know and it's it's just you know food for thought as we move forward and continuing try to get the best feedback so that we can make the best decisions. Okay. Um the surveys are so they they're all sent out via email >> different I mean there was lots of robocalls to remind people to do it. It was all over the websites as Dr. Paul was saying any event at the schools QR codes as we all do that
017QR code is >> so like I want to act I guess I should clarify. >> Um so with the text messages on the text message just say hey complete survey here's a link. >> Okay. Is that what it is? >> Yes. So are you talking about like because it's online? >> Yeah like survey I mean the text messages. So that's the second highest. >> Yes. Yeah. That's one of the mass kind of push outs. >> So when you text it just says, "Hey, mom, dad, whatever." And it says, "Hey, here's the link completed." >> Okay. >> And I'm a mom as parent, I mean a mom, grandparent, staff. So I got it three times. >> Gotcha. >> So you know, so you will get it multiple times if >> Does the system if they don't
018answer within a certain amount of time, does it does the system automatically send it to them again? Like I know like if like you answer a Norfol public school call once you answer you're off that list until the next one comes >> as far as I'm aware unless somebody has a different that it's just kind of on a cycle and >> so you'll get it on a schedule whether you did it or not. >> Got it. Okay. >> So and then you will tell the person next door to do it just because >> to train. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> And then just one last thing I wanted to note I saw in the safety and climate under the safety behavior. So hold on let me see here. Yes. So you had roughly about 92%
019of parents um are aware of the rules that their child needs to follow, but only 80 only 58% are familiar with PBIS. >> Yes. So I think they're aware of the general set of rules, right? That's for a school. But a PBIS program is going to have very specific things that are specific um for rewards. It's more looking at the positive side. >> Not as much did you follow a rule, but positive reinforcement of the positive behaviors. were looking for. So there's nuances for every PBIS plan at each school depending on their communities. >> Got it. Do we send out literature to to a students home with them on PBIS? >> So that the principles do and then they they also discuss it open house and then um when when you start walking through schools
020like I was at Norview High School today all over their walls you see you know what their PBIS you know the one pager on PBIS all over the place. So >> they, you know, they do their best to try to get out there >> and I I think that showed with the data where they know that that PBIS is active, but seeing their own schools plan may maybe not so much. So that's something that we're working on as well. >> And remind us again is positive behavioral >> intervention. Intervention support. >> Yes. And I was thinking most parents are probably familiar with the dos and don'ts around um uh familiar with the dos and don'ts because of the student handbook. They have to review it. They have to sign it and that kind of thing.
021So hopefully they're going over it with their their children. >> They're technically right. So yeah. >> Thank you. And again congratulations on the promotion. >> Thank you. and I will be seeing you all soon. >> Yes. Look forward to working with you. >> Thank you. >> Only thing I would say with the PowerPoint, flip that around cuz when I first was reading it, I was like, is it all decrease? And I had to read it. It said increase. Yeah. Yeah. Just official. Oh, hold on. You reading is fundamental. That's why I got to read it. Thank you very much. U for agenda item 2.02, the board will go into a closed executive session. >> I move that we go into executive close session. >> Second Buffalo and Dr. Martin second. Is there any discussion? >>
022Miss Tanner, please read the motion. >> Yes. Move that the members. move that the members of the school board of the city of Norfolk go into a closed meeting for the purposes which are set out in subsection A of section 2.2-3711 2-3711 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act as amended for discussion, consideration or interviews of prospective candidates for employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining or resignation of specific public officers, appointee or appointees or employees of the schoolboard pursuant to subsection 2.2-3711A1 of the act. The subjects covered by this exemption are the discussion of persons and personnel actions included for vote on today's personnel report and discussion of investigations and future personnel actions concerning specific current employees of the school board. Discussion or consideration of disciplinary and any other matters concerning students in
023Northol public schools that would involve the disclosure of information contained in a scholastic record pursuant to subsection 2.2-3711 A2 of the act. The subject covered by this exemption is the discussion of students on today's regular student support agenda. Discussion of the award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body pursuant to subsection 2.2-3711A29 of the act. The subject covered by this exemption is the discussion of the award of the comprehensive agreement under the public private education facilities and infrastructure act of 2002 Virginia code 56-5575.1 at all sequence PPEA to Hartland Construction Inc. for the final discuss design and construction of a new Mory High School academic building, athletic facilities and campus consultation with legal
024counsel and briefing by staff members pertaining to actual or probable litigation or regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by council pursuant to subsections 2.2-3711A7 and8 of the act. The subjects covered by this exemption are consultation and briefing in connection with several federal grant award not notifications, schoolboard policies and regulations prohibiting discrimination and the matter set above in subsections A through C of this motion. Bassine >> I >> Buffalo >> I >> Martin >> I >> Pollson I >> Thomas Caligger Hi Good evening. I'd like to call the call to order the school board business meeting. Miss Tanner, please call the role. >> The scene >> here. >> Buffalo >> here. >> Inch >> present. >> Martin >> present. >> Olson >> present. >> Thomas >> here. >> Calerro >> here. >>
025Agenda. Agenda item 4.03. Will will Mr. Inch, please lead us in the pledge of allegiance. >> Oh, okay. Yeah, sure. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. So, I would like to acknowledge that today was wear red for education day. And so, those of you who did wear red, uh, thank you. Um, agenda item 4.04. Can I get a motion to adopt to adopt the school board business meeting agenda? I move that we approve the school board meeting agenda. >> I second. >> Uh, Miss Buffalo Moore has brought forth forth a motion and Miss Bassine has seconded the motion. Is there any discussion? >> Miss Tanner, please call the role.
026>> I inch >> I. >> Martin >> I. >> Olsson. >> I. >> Thomas. Is that I >> I >> agenda item 4.05 superintendent report. Dr. Pole. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh good evening, members of the board, members of the administration and staff, uh our community, our parents, our teachers, and our students. In this month's superintendent report, we celebrate the tremendous amount of work and learning that has taken place throughout the summer. As we prepare for the strong start to this school year, we're thrilled to welcome back more than 26,000 students along with all of our dedicated teachers and staff. It's been a wonderful start of the year for the the week and a half that our students have been in the buildings and together we're focused on making this the greatest year yet
027for Norfick public schools. From the summer leadership institute to the new teacher institute to operations day to unity in the community, our teams have been hard at work laying the foundation for success. We also highlight exciting ex student experiences including the Ruffner students at the Centa Health Camp and the inspiring visit from de de delegate Hernandez to Tarlton Elementary School. And all of these moments connect to our theme of vision to victory as we begin a new school year united in purpose and committed to excellence. Channel 47, roll the footage. [Music] The new school year is off and running. Let's look at some sites and images from the first day. When I taught is the last time I was up this early welcoming students. So, this is a quite a morning for me and I'm
028really having a great time. [Music] Starting my career in Norfick and being where I am now as the interim superintendent, I you know, I absolutely love it. It's going to be the best year yet for kids. From vision to victory, we're going to make it happen. [Music] Virginia House of Delegates member Phil Hernandez was a special guest at Tarlton Elementary's open house just before the start of the school year. The delegate was there to present the school with an amazing award from the state and afterwards he took time to visit with students and their families. >> We're here to present a commending resolution to the school. They got an incredible award in 2024 and it was for their uh standard of excellence and their achievement, student scores. I mean, it's really rare actually to get
029an award like this and so the fact that it was right here in our city of Norphick, um we just really had to celebrate it. >> Five students from Ruffner Compass Academy were celebrated during a special ceremony marking the end of their time at the Centa Health Career Camp. During this 5-day camp, they learned about various aspects of hospital care, including what happens in an operating room. These excited students took away a wealth of knowledge about the healthc care field that will give them more insight into future career opportunities. Booker T. Washington High School student Angel Brown Kale was awarded the $10,000 Audrey D and Dr. John E. Settle Junior Memorial Scholarship through the Access College Foundation. She will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue a degree in graphic design. Two other Booker T
030students, Brian Falin and Alicia Samuels, served as Langley student ambassadors over the summer. They were able to collaborate with NASA engineers at the Langley Research Center while participating in the slowing down in space engineering design challenge. >> Vision to victory was the theme of this year's summer leadership institute and NPS administrators came ready to learn about new ideas and technologies. Artificial intelligence and how it can be used in education was the focus of the two-day conference. A keynote speaker gave a great overview of AI followed by several informative breakout sessions and there was even a student panel that revealed how they view this emerging technology. >> What we're seeing actually as generative AI rolls out is that education and healthcare are the two leading areas. Um, and school leaders have so much thrown at them.
031these tools can really augment some of those things if they're used appropriately. Um, and so just educating them on this could actually really help um save them time, but also get them to do innovative and creative things. >> By the end of the two days, our leaders were well equipped with a new set of valuable tools that will help lead them from vision to victory. >> I really hope they they learned how to harness the power of technology and artificial intelligence. And I hope they learn that they have an open door for innovation and that they really use that and they push the envelope. They jump out of the box and and they really focus on their school's needs and they use the tools in their hands to guide their their teachers to the students
032success. >> Over 300 new teachers spent three days learning about NOFK public schools and preparing for the new school year during the new teacher institute. The event was kicked off with greetings from our interim superintendent and school board chair. followed by an inspirational message from a former educator who helps teachers find their purpose. The institute gave these educators the opportunity to meet with over 50 vendors and attend a variety of workshops, all designed to help set them up for success. I'm so grateful for the district to offer this for all the new teachers. So you're not kind of like you don't feel like you're being thrown into the fire and and at least you have uh some sort of an idea what to expect on your first day. And that makes it uh more comforting
033and less stressful. >> I think it's really good. Everyone needs structure, support, and information before you know starting into it and getting hands-on like this so we're well prepared when we go inside the classrooms. Some of our administrators rode a school bus and got a behind-the-scenes look at how some of our departments function during operations day. School nutrition, facilities, management, athletics, transportation, and the print shop each gave a tour and/or presentation to show how they work and fit into the mission of the school division. It was actually very eye opening. I don't realize being coming from the high school how much goes on behind the scenes or in other areas in order to make our high school run. So everything from nutrition to facilities to seeing my students at nutrition was a great day. >>
034I think it's good because a lot of times we can get stuck in our building. So we may get emails from different people but we don't necessarily know who they are. So this is a great opportunity to get to meet them and actually see their place of business as well. Um, so we know what's happening in the building and what's actually going to our kids. >> The results are in and Unity in the community was a success. This third annual event was a joint effort between the school system and the city of Norfolk to provide resources to help families get ready for the upcoming school year. Over 100 vendors provided materials and resources to over 2,000 people. Also offered were free backpacks with school supplies, immunizations, schoolboard listening sessions, activities, and entertainment for families to
035enjoy. >> Yes, it's excellent. It's our first time here and we enjoy it a lot. >> I think this is so beautiful and this is a great opportunity for us to get um resources and for everybody to, you know, come together as a community. Community engagement was the goal as two meetings where the public could hear and comment on the school board's educational and facilities planning advisory committee's recommendations about the division's rights sizing initiative. Norview and Lake Taylor high schools were the locations as stakeholders engaged in listening and learning. >> The school board very much appreciates the community coming out and expressing their opinions about the potential building closure and school consolidation plan. What brought me out here was a lot of the community out Park Place and the concern from the parents. They had
036a lot of questions that I can't answer. So, I came here just to see what the pulse was and what was going on. >> I learned that everybody is very passionate about their school, whether they live in that neighborhood, whether they work at that school or whether their kids attend. Everybody has personal feelings towards any one of these closures that's on the list. And they're all valid concerns. And it's important that we're here at events like this where we can hear them and address them. >> Nofuk Public Schools, the school nutrition department has been recognized by the Virginia School Board Association as a winner of the food for thought competition in the category of mental health and nutrition initiatives for their food bridge. >> The food bridge is part of like a safety net to
037ensure that no one falls through. So, what that's really about is just um helping families reduce the chronic stress associated with food insecurity by creating a really stable school nutrition program that supports the students during the school day, after the school day, and supports families on academic breaks. Despite this being their second time winning this award, they aren't very interested in accolades. >> We don't do it for recognition. We do it for our kids. But of course it feels great that Norfol public schools can be recognized for some of the good work that you know we're doing collectively. >> NFU public schools equity and excellence learning centers were featured on a recent segment of the Hampton Road Show. Jerry Smith from the Department of Communications and Community Engagement discuss what the centers are and how
038they embrace the needs of our students, families, and the surrounding communities. For complete video stories and more divisionwide information about Norfol public schools, visit the MPS website and check out our YouTube channel, Facebook page, Instagram, NPS newsletter, and our podcast, NPS Unplugged. >> And that concludes our report. Thank you very much. >> Let's move on to agenda item 4.06, citizens comments. Miss Tanner, how many speakers do we have for this evening? >> Madam Chair, for today's citizens comments, we have six speakers. Today's speakers signed up for public comments before the start of today's business meeting. If you would like to provide public comments, you are required to state the agenda item or items or topic you're addressing prior to providing your public comments at this meeting. When your name is called, please come forward to
039the speaker's podium. State your name and whether you have a child in Northfor public schools or if you're employed by the district and state your agenda item again and items. One person to speak at a time. If you are representing a group, state the group's name. You may ask your group members to stand in place to be recognized. Your speaking time is limited to 3 minutes. A timer is set with an alarm that will signify the end of your speaking time. State your position and give relevant facts. Avoid saying anything that identifies students or personal personnel information about individual employees. Personnel, disciplinary, and confidential matters may be addressed directly to the school board via email at schoolboardsk12.com. Comments should be addressed to the board, not addressed to an individual board member. Schoolboard members do not
040respond to public comments at the time they are given. And any written statements or supporting materials should be given to the clerk. Our first speaker is Dr. Yansy followed by Patrick Barry. Good evening board members. My name is Dr. Yansy. I have no children in the Norfolk School District. A little too old for that, but I thank you guys for your opportunity to have me. Um I am the CEO and founder of virtual peace of mind which is a mental health private practice. Um about eight months ago the department of education put out a request for proposal to offer teleaalth services um statewide and about eight weeks ago I found out I won that contract. And so I have been crisscrossing the state speaking with uh boards of uh districts. My niche is our underrepresentative
041um smaller districts that typically does not have the funding for teleaalth services. So, we've been reaching out to these communities um pretty much districts from 25,000 student populations or lower. Um we're welcoming other districts, but that is our niche that we're trying to reach out to. So, I just wanted to come speak to you about providing your school, your um district some teleaalth services. Um I've reached out and sent out some flyers. Um I've been getting a lot of response from districts, but mostly it's that we cannot afford mental health services. And so, I just continue to try to look for resources. We found additional funding. Um so, I'm reaching out for grants and I'm looking for grants for schools. Um DBHDS just put out a grant um that they are uh providing for specifically
042teleaalth services. Um it's $300,000. The deadline is uh September the 12th. So my group we have been providing uh supports to schools filling out that grant for them or assisting them filling out that grant because it has to be filled out by the um district. And so it's just another opportunity if your school um and in your schools and your district is interested in teleaalth services that I am here to help and support uh the Norfolk Public School District. Thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you. >> Good evening, Madam Chair, board members, Dr. Paul. I'm Patrick Barry. I am currently uh a seventh grade history uh US history and civics and economics teacher at Norvy Middle School. And for the past two years, I have been honored to serve as the vice
043president of the Education Association of Norphick. I bring greetings from our president, Mr. James Parker, who due to a scheduling conflict could not attend tonight's meeting. We are excited to be back for another wonderful year of teaching and learning. We look forward to collaborating with the school division to ensure every student receives a quality education and that every student and staff member is safe, seen, and supported. Today, the EA has launched our red fored initiative. Every Wednesday, we are encouraging our members, colleagues, and community partners to wear red to show our support for public education in the city of Norphick and across the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are encouraging them to take a selfie or picture and post on social media using the hashtag redfored, flood norfick red, and union strong so our voices can
044be heard and power can be seen. I thank you for your time and look forward to working with you this school year. >> Thank you. >> Next we have Kenan Baskerville. Good evening. How y'all doing today? All right. So today's students are different. We've got students who have been in school during a global pandemic and now as a community we are moving forward. So yeah, they're different. But are we? Are we doing things differently to meet the needs of these students? As educators and community members, it is our job to consider our students lives outside of outside of the school. We need empathy, understanding, and love to create spaces of joy and fun in the classroom. Let me be clear. Teachers aren't counselors and can't know everything about every student in the classroom, but yesterday
045y'all got a boost to to your budget, about $9 million. I'm aware it isn't set in stone, but I am also aware that these appropriations are annual. As we experience unexpected attacks on education, the school board, I ask you this to utilize the funds towards teacher salaries and bonuses, including non-attendance taking uh teachers. Additionally, a portion could be used towards EELC programs and wraparound services provided to students for basic aid to promote sustainability of these of the basic aid these uh services will implement or that you all plan to implement. For us to do things differently, we need to actually hear students, see them, see see students, and use social emotional uh learning. Creating space for students to express how they're feeling void of who they are as students in the classroom and still get
046learning done. Because when a student feels safe, they show up. When they feel loved and cared for, they try. When a student knows that they are more than a tech than a test score, they ask questions that allow them to access the information. So today, I'm just asking that with that with those extra funds, you just consider a little bit about where you plan on implementing them. Thank you, >> Marvette Campbell. school board members and all assembled. Good evening. I am a proud member of the James Monroe Eagles. I stand before you as a voice and advocate for our scholars at the James Monroe Elementary School. In the three years that I have been at the school, I have seen such a vast improvement in our scholars. They are amazing children. They come to school
047eager and ready to learn. Our scholars work very hard and when they have their moments we are right there to guide them to encourage them to let them know that they can do and achieve anything. This gives them the tenacity to let them know that they can do to this gives them the tenacity to try even harder to continue striving our scholars matters. James Maro and the community that surrounds our school matters. Our scholars help to make us better teachers. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a scholar smile and say that they love coming to school. I had a kindergartner to tell me this yesterday. I said, "Wow, isn't that amazing? They know that we care not only for their academic achievements but for their overall success. We have a very strong bond with
048our parents and our principal Miss Fleming and our assistant principal with my a lot of my other colleagues lead the way ensuring that our parents are always informed always informed and stay connected. I don't know what the future holds, but I'm glad that I've had the opportunity to be a voice for our scholars. James and Monroe is like a slice of warm apple pie. It's a home away from home that encompasses love, security, and academics. Thank you for allowing me this time to come before you to speak. Good evening, >> Caitlyn Sheets. Good evening, Dr. Paul, school board members. My name is Caitlyn Sheets and I'm a Monroe parent and neighbor in the Parkplace community. Thank you for hosting the four listening sessions regarding the proposed school consolidation enclosures. Thank you for being present and
049engaged. Thank you for asking for community feedback and input regarding alternative scenarios and solutions. Will the public be able to see that feedback and input? According to the last work session on August the 6th, the consultant left with that information and was to come back with a summary of that feedback. I am asking that you please look at all of the feedback and not just the synthesis of it. I understand that this is a huge task and I don't envy you in it. The residents of Norphick elected you and we trust you with this process. Please continue to ask questions and have all of the information. Please make sure to have the feeder patterns that you requested. Please continue to think about how this will impact neighborhoods, communities, and most importantly, children. Again, I am
050asking for an accessible school in my neighborhood of Parkplace. Our community needs an accessible school for our students. Uh it if the plan is to move the Gent School to the Monroe building, please explore options for our community students to be able to attend the school in their actual community. Since the Gent School is not a program-driven school, could Monroe students be allowed to attend the school in that actual community? But those Monroe students be that are zoned for Monroe be allowed into that non-programspecific school so that the community can stay together and our positive trend in attendance can continue and is not compromised. The board's desire is for success for all students. Our community is advocating for our students and saying asking that an accessible school is pivotal to our success. Please continue to
051explore options to consider this. Thank you so much, >> Will Thrasher. Dear members of the school board, thank you for allowing us time to speak and bring our concerns and voices to you. My name is Will Thrasher and I am a Monroe parent as well. Um, I'm a dad to four scholars at James and Row Elementary. And over the past few months, I've had the opportunity to meet several of you. Thank you for your role. Thank you for your time. I fully understand that many complicating fact there are many complicating factors in this decision. I understand that due to our finances, school closures must happen and can appreciate the difficult decision that you all must be in. And honestly, I don't envy you. I would much rather be on this side of the podium than
052sitting over there with you all. With that being said, from the beginning of this process, I have been frustrated and confused with the reasoning behind the the closure of Monroe Elementary School. My wife and I have been in many community listening sessions that you've hosted over the summer, which we appreciate, and the criteria doesn't seem to line up with the James Monroe closure on the list put forth by the consultant. Furthermore, I'm curious as what what has happened with that information. You asked for our opinions and our feedback and we gave it to you twice actually. And it seems that the information should come to you directly and be posted publicly for viewing and not sent back into the hands of the consultant. And in times like this, transparency is of the utmost importance. In
053your difficult decision over the next month, we are simply asking for access for our neighborhood children. We're asking for our neighborhood scholars to be able to have access to a school in their own neighborhood. These key these kids need access to a local school that is walkable. Many of our children are brought to school by older siblings, picked up by older siblings, friends, and neighbors. And if you add the barrier of a bus, our children will be at a disadvantage. Please don't just look at the numbers and buildings and what is best for the gent children who also are very important and matter but consider our children in Parkplace and the equ equitable education that they deserve. Thank you so much for your time and consideration >> madam chair. This concludes our speakers for this
054evening. >> Thank you. >> Move on to agenda item 4.07. Approval of cons the consent agenda. Can I get a motion to adopt the consent agenda? I move that we approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Um, >> Miss Moore Buffalo brought forth the motion and Dr. Martin seconded the motion. Is there any discussion? >> Miss Tanner, please call the role. >> Bassine. >> I. >> Buffalo. >> I. >> Martin. >> I. >> Olson. >> I. >> Thomas. Hi. >> Tealerro. I. Next, we move on to agenda item 6.01, the monthly financial report. Mr. Anthony Starks. >> Good evening, Dr. P. School Board. >> Good evening. We're going to start with um before we get to the numbers. We're in a good financial position now. All the
055grants are being executed uh strategically. We have no major deficits or major risks uh at this time and we're spending according to the school board's uh goals and just share with you each day we we tackle very difficult issues with Dr. poll and the team that you see here to to my to my left state funds. So we were budgeted for 263 million. We've actually expensed $18 million for state funds, city funds, 170 million, and we've actually executed 6.8 million federal funds 5.3 million, executed 1.3 million, other local funds, 3.6 million. 62,000 has been expended. And I'll pause there and say these are not these numbers are as of July. They're going to change because we're we're lagging by by one month. Um our total revenues 466 million actually expended for 48 million roughly. Let's
056round up to 50 million. And do we have a next slide? Okay. For instructional services for July expendit 2.9 million for administrative support 3.2 2 million classroom instruction 588 million social workers 8.9 million instructional support 491K K media services 27,000 and again some of these numbers are lagging because we're just getting started with the uh school year. Office of the principal 720,000 alternate education 12.4 4 special education 108 vocational services 47 gifted education 20 million athletics 31.7 extracurricular 27.7 and expenditures for se summer school 726k Okay. Adult education 15.6 non-regular day school 18. Central administration 600 million. Student attendance and health 121 million. Transportation 647K operation and maintenance 1.1 technology 6.2 million. So again, we're at the beginning of the school year, so you'll see these numbers tighten up as we execute through the school
057year. Madam Chair, if I may, um, Mr. Starks, I just I know in your previous position you dealt with a much larger budget, but a lot of the ones you said there were 28,000. You said were 28 million. I just want to clarify for the public, it's not that big, right? >> It was 28,000. He Mr. Starks is used to working with much larger government buckets where the commas are the the million indicators because they're they're written in the thousands. I wish we had that kind of money, but we really don't. um because we could have a lot of different discussions if we did, but please note that that most of those were the 28,000 or 14,000, not millions. Um unless you guys have some money to donate, we're going to stick to that one.
058>> Thank you. >> Are there any questions? >> Oh, you said next slide. >> Oh, next. We still have another slide. >> That was that was it, Mr. Smith. Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Before we >> Mr. Starks, >> do we have any questions? >> Move to approve the budget. Are there any questions? >> Um, yes. Thank you, Mr. Starks. And I I was um because I'm not used to that amount of money. I too had thousands in my mind even though you were saying millions, but we can all hope. Um anyway, um so I just wanted to declare so we have um six 6 point so going back to page just so you can follow along page two uh 6.5 like about 6 6.47 million um in unexpended funds correct to date the
059revenues minus expenditures. >> Yes. And um has like per our policy are we and this may be a question for you and Dr. Paul um so the the funds have they been um returned back to the city to go into their general funds yet or is that in process? >> I would have to check to see the process but the figures here just include this year's budget. Okay. And the reason why we have more is because the teacher salaries just started even though we started in July with our budget. >> Okay. This is This is as of >> Yeah, this is not reversion. >> Oh, as of July 31. >> That's not the rever. Okay. Um >> Okay, that's where I thank you for that clarification. That's what I wanted to know. But the reversion
060>> reversion wouldn't occur until until the end, >> right? the last the 24 I guess the fiscal year 25's reversion um that has been >> that's the the requests on the the reversion that hasn't been I don't believe that number has been finalized at this point >> it hasn't been okay >> city hasn't finaliz >> it hasn't finalized it yet okay so that's what I'm >> yeah and this is this is current year >> only nothing from 25 rolling into this >> right right so that's why I was I just wanted to clarify >> they haven't approved moved in yet, but we will we we plan on booking it. We haven't booked it yet. >> Okay. All right. So, that's what I I just wanted to have clarification around that. >> Okay. >> Any other
061questions? >> Madam Chair, >> Mr. In >> um I know um during citizen comments, um one of the members of the public came up and said we received $9 million. Did we receive an influx of $9 million from state, local, or federal? >> I was wondering what he was talking about myself. I don't know what source of information that came from. So, >> all of our >> I'm not certain. I was >> and Mr. Nothing has come to my attention of that. Okay. >> Awesome. Thank you so much for that transparency. >> I I was just going to say I don't know that uh this is what he was referring to. I'm not sure the amount, but you know, a while back you requested the city to appropriate those funds that from the uh Commonwealth
062that were appropriated to all schools after the deadline for you to present your budget >> and that I believe was on yesterday's city council agenda. So, they did appropriate funds for you. I'm not sure how much that is, but those are state pass through funds from the Commonwealth and they I they may the Commonwealth may dictate to some degree how they can be spent, but I do think that at least some of it can be spent for things like uh uh and may be intended by the state for things like bonus funding and something like that. So, >> Dr. You'll come back with us after you do your research to see if there is any additional funding. If so, what it is going to >> I will, but it with that clarification from Mr. Cloud,
063I would I would be uh pretty confident that that was the budget amendment that we made over the summer that city council has now appropriated to us. So, it's already been accounted for. It's not additional funds. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions, Mr. >> Stark? Oh, thank you. Thank you. >> All right. Can I get a motion to adopt the monthly financial report subject to audit? Madam >> Chair, I make a motion that we approve the monthly the monthly um bills. Was it the >> financial report? >> Subject to audit. >> Do I have a second? >> A second. >> Second. Uh Mr. In has brought forth the motion and Miss Bsina has seconded the motion. Any further discussion? Miss Tanner, please call the role. >> Illi, >> inch, >>
064I. >> Martin, >> I. >> Olson, >> I. >> Thomas, I >> Tealro, >> I. >> Agenda item 6.02, the Mory Comprehensive Agreement. A vote is required. I think there are some questions for our um our group. And so I'd like to invite Miss Price and her colleague up. And I'm going to open it up for questions from the board. >> You even have to raise your hand on the >> Are you going to put a mo a motion on the floor first or and then for discussion? >> And then we'll move to the >> Okay. So, um I'm very excited to see this project get going. I think we all are in the room. This is a long long overdue. Um I do have a couple of questions regarding um the contract and some
065of the the minor changes in the contract l language um in which you're trying to streamline the decision flow I guess. Um and so my question really is you know after being on the board for 10 years and engaged in the community and know how from past experiences around the previous five rebuilds. you know, my my I have some hesitation and concern about not being um fully engaged with all of the decisions. You know, I understand some of them may be simple um contractual decisions that I mean contractual meaning con I should say construction decisions. Um but um I want to know what the process will be like if there are decisions um where you're looking for um a decision where the educational space may be impacted by it and what role we would play
066in that uh process because I just want to be sure that we're not you know left out of the decision-m process when if if such a situation were to occur. Well, thank you for that. Um, that's an excellent question. Uh, so I think what's important to note is that the process moving forward is going to be very much reflective of the process that got us to this point and all decisions up to this point have started with our steering committee and uh, Mr. Freley is a big part of that steering committee and there are several representatives from from North Public Schools on that steering committee as well as members from uh, the city side. So, um, that's that has been the the process that we've taken to get to this point and there's a lot
067of work left to do. There's a lot more decisions to make. Um, and so that is the way we intend to move forward in the way the contract is set up is that once a favorable vote, we'll continue to work with that steering committee to get through the rest of design and there's still plenty of important decisions to be made. >> Okay. So the steering committee will be kept intact to the the technical steering committee. >> It has been a very much a team effort to get to this point. We couldn't get to the point where are now without them. We can't move forward without >> including school division individuals um expertise. >> Okay. Maybe perhaps I misunderstood um the role that that team would play in going forward. So I appreciate that clarification. Um
068and that what you >> have any further question >> um not specific to I do related to um this project and madam chair I know we talked about having a joint meeting with city council um and shared some agenda topics with you already um that related but in inclusive of all the other school consolidation and closure uh discussion. So I'm going to reserve my comments around that for for that time period. Uh but related to this I think you answered um my question about our involvement the steering committee's involvement steering committee meeting the technical team right the ma'am right >> um because we have also the broader steering committee I don't want to confuse anybody um so I just wanted to be sure that that technical team was still going to be in place and
069through the decision-m process so my questions are answered >> anyone else have any questions >> madam chair >> yes Mr. >> All right. So, I I did have opportunity to look over the interim agreement that was agreed to by the North City Council and of course we had school board need to agree on to it as well. So, just going back to your interim agreement um I know under your scope of services you had um it was in there for minority owned, womenowned and small business participation plan swarm. Um I know under legal um council that has been removed out of the contract um for federal guidance. Um, so I just want to get your public I want to get your actual public commitment today that you're going to still ensure that access and opportunity
070is going to be available for for small and minority owned businesses. >> Yes. And you you have it. Uh I believe when we spoke at the schoolboard retreat, we were able to give you some uh current projections for what we're uh looking at which is over 50%. Um and we committed then uh we had an outreach program uh during the initial interim agreement phase and we committed to having multiple outreach programs moving forward and that is still our commitment today that we want to align our goals with the city and school board's goals. >> Any further questions? >> No, sir. >> Mayor, >> thank you. Can I get a motion to adopt the Mory comprehensive agreement? >> Oh, I'll do that. I have the pleasure. >> You beat me. >> I move that we approve
071the mory comprehension um comprehensive agreement as presented. So, it's time to lay a brick. >> Madam chair, I'll go ahead and second that motion. Time is due. >> Miss Moore Buffalo has brought forth the motion and Mr. Ing has seconded the motion. Be no further discussion. Miss Tanner, please call the role. >> Bassine >> I. >> Buffalo >> Inch. >> I. >> Martin. >> I. >> Poulson. >> I. >> Thomas. >> I. >> Tealagerro. >> I. >> The motion is approved. >> Agenda item 7.01. This meeting is adjourned.