001Good evening. Like to welcome you all to the March 26, 2026 regular monthly meeting of the Portsman City School Board. We now call this meeting to order. I ask you please stand now for a brief moment of silence. Thank you. You may be seated. We do have some very special guests here with us tonight. I ask Dr. Brace will please introduce them at this time. >> Thank you. Thank you, Chair Patillo, and good evening to everyone tonight. >> I know it's late, but you all know I know it's not that late. And then I think we have athletes in here tonight, too. So, let me let me try that again. Good evening, everyone. >> Good evening. >> All right, that's that's much better. Much better. All right, so tonight is special because we're we're welcoming
002um Hajes Mana Elementary School. And first of all, Hajes man, I want to thank you for your ability to to pivot because you were supposed to be here with us last month, but we had some stuff that came up. So, we appreciate administration, families, and students that are able to come back today to be with us. So, we're going to have students that will join us that will read the pledge and the school statement. And I will identify those students, but I'll at this time I'll have Mr. talk and and if Miss Nub is here, if you all want to come to the front while I while I read this wonderful information about your students is going to share with us tonight. So, first we have the pledge of allegiance and the pledge will be
003done by Taylor Whitt. So, Taylor, if you will come forward at this time and I will read the back some the background information on Taylor. Taylor is a fifth grader at Hajes Manor Elementary School where she's an honorroll student and is a student government association vice president. She takes part in the elegant sweetheart and crochet club and she's also she also volunteers within the school community. She is currently taking sewing lessons and when she grows up she wants to become a designer. Her parents are here tonight are Alicia and Michael Whitt. And if you all are present, will you please stand and be recognized at this time? Thank you. Next for our school statement tonight, we have a special special treat because we have two students that will be providing the school statement. The first
004is Jouri Adich. Did I say that correctly? Jouri, where's Jouri? Jouri, will you come come forward? Journey. >> So, Journey, will you pronounce it for me so I can get it right? Please do. Please. >> Idachong. >> Idach Chong. I'm with you. I'm with you. Journey Idachong and And Kia Cther. Kia K. Hey, but you know what? Correct me on the spot. Correct me on the spot. This isn't the Saturday night. Saturday the live Saturday Night Live skit now. Yeah. No. No. No. We're not going to get into the AA runs up here. So, Journey and Kia, right? Ka Ka Ka Ka Kai like the I and you know what? I got it. I got it circled that way. >> All right. Journey is a sixth grader, an honoral student, and she too is in
005the crochet club. That must be a very popular club. She likes to help whenever she's needed and in her school community. And when she grows up, she would like to become a singer. >> Hey, that's right. Her parents are here tonight. And that's Joe Jo. Let me see. >> Jo Joliah Jol Jolice. Joliss and Brian Runo. >> Riango. Riango. Hey, look. I did practice this before this meeting right here. I did. I did. All right. and ka ka ka. >> Why do I keep want to add the a to it? >> Okay. And Kai Kai. All right. Kai, I got it. It's been a long day. Yeah. All right. And Kai is is also a sixth grader and an honoral student. She's in the gifted and talented program and plays soccer. In time away from
006school, she attends church and part >> she >> he now that's a arrow right there. Okay. He attends church and participates in community service through his father's fraternity. When he grows up, he wants to be a professional soccer player and music producer. He is here with his parents, Melissa and Steve Cuther. Now, Mr. Cther and Miss Now, now let me let me say something that I that I know I'll get right now. I already know what the fraternity is. So that part I know. And it's a great fraternity, Mr. Cuth. Okay. Yes, sir. Wonderful fraternity. >> Yeah. >> Yes, it is. >> All right. So parents, before the students get started, if you want to get some snapshots, please come toward the front at this time so you can get your best pictures and videos.
007I tried to upload. She told me to upload and I tried. >> She did. >> So, >> I should be able to see it now, right? >> Mr. Ch. So, no, you stay. You stay. So now I'm going to turn it over and let Taylor, >> Jouri, and Kai. >> That's right. That's right. >> I'm going let them do their thing right now. Okay. >> Good evening, Chairman Batillo, Vice Chairman Cotton, Superintendent Bracie, and members of the Portsmith School Board. My name is Taylor Whitt and I am a student at Hydra's Manor Elementary School. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge of 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. >>
008Thank you. Good evening, Chairman Patillo, Vice Chairman Cotton, Superintendent Bracie, and members of the Portsouth School Board. My name is Journey Idich Chong, and I am a sixth grade student at Hodgees Manor Elementary School. With me is my classmate, Kai Cuther, and we are proud to represent our school and share the great things happening at Hodgees Manor. Hodgees Mayor Elementary School is a warm and welcoming environment. Every morning, our teachers and administrators greet students with a friendly good morning. And at the end of the day, they make sure we hear have a great day and goodbye. This makes our school a place where students feel safe, supported, and valued. At Hodgees Manor, the staff believe in supporting the whole child, which is why the school offers many opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.
009The Portsmith public school's 5-year plan is igniting futures. And at Hodes Manor Elementary, our theme is igniting futures and leveling up to greatness. This means the staff work every day to help students grow academically, build leadership skills, and gain confidence through learning clubs, student leadership, the arts, PBIS, and strong family and community partnerships. In physical education, students participate in structured fitness activities and use the LU to build coordination, teamwork, and healthy habits. Our PE program helps students stay active and learn how to work together. We also have a strong PBIS program. Students earn Mustang money for showing respect, responsibility, and readiness to learn. Students can spend their Mustang money in the PBIS store, and we celebrate positive behavior through schoolwide PBIS celebrations throughout the year. Hajes Manor offers many clubs and leadership opportunities that help
010students explore interests, ga build confidence, and develop leadership skills. Student Government Association SGAA is active and gives students a voice in school decisions while building leadership and responsibility. Chess club builds strategic thinking and problem solving skills. Gardening club teaches students to grow plants and care for the environment. Boys to men club focuses on leadership, responsibility, and positive decision-making. Elegant Sweethearts builds confidence, self-esteem, and positive friendships. Choir allows students to sing and perform while building confidence. Crochet club encourages creativity and patience through hands-on projects. Cheerleading builds school spirit, teamwork, and leadership. Mustang basketball promotes teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Double Dutch Club improves coordination and teamwork. History Bull Club competes with other schools and focuses on fourth grade Virginia studies, building academic pride and teamwork. Hajes Manor Elementary is also proud of its strong family and community
011partnerships. Our HMES PTA is very active providing support to both students and teachers through programs, events, and volunteer efforts. WTKR News3 visits our school and sponsors our book fair through the give a child a book campaign in partnership with the scripts Howard Fund. Every student at Hajis Manor received 10 free books to build home libraries. WTKR also interviews students to highlight the positive things happening at our school. One of our favorite events is lunch with a loved one held every third Friday of the month where parents and grandparents come to school to eat lunch with their children. We also me we also offer many family workshops and events including the grandparent brunch book giveaways and reading workshops a salute to our military veterans a turkey and book giveaway for our military families a neighborly Christmas
012for bon secures new year new you healthy living workshop an ice cream reading workshop history and science workshop with a popcorn event and how to navigate schooly workshop and math night and food line manner is proud to be home of the 2020 27 Portsmith Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Miss D. Shannana Honore, who will represent who will represent Portman public schools at the state level. Miss Dana Honor and 12 Hajes Mor students joined Chairman Patillo and Vice Chairman Cotton on a trip to the United States Capital to unveil the statue of Barbara John's, a leader in the civil rights movement. Hajes Manner students were also recognized by the governor of Virginia at this event. Because of Hajis Manner's strong commitment to supporting military connected students and families, Hajes Ma Elementary School is proud to
013be our first year purple star school. All of the programs, clubs, leadership opportunities, celebrations, and partnerships we shared tonight show how Hodgers Manor is igniting futures and leveling up to greatness. We are helping students learn, lead, and grow into confident, successful learners who are prepared for the future. Thank you for allowing us to share the great things happening at Hodgees Manor Elementary School. Thank you, Taylor, Journey, and Kai. If you're here representing Hodgees Manor, please stand up. Taylor, Journey, Kai, and everybody else. You represented Hajes Manor with excellence and pride. Everything shared tonight reflects the commitment to igniting futures and leveling up to greatness for every student. Thank you for your continued support. We are grateful for each and every one of you. Please accept this gift as a small token of our appreciation. >>
014Thank you. >> Oh my goodness. So cute. >> Thank you. Take a picture. All right. Let's get a good photo shot. One second. I'm sorry. I apologize. Can't leave nobody out. >> It looks cute. And we're going to ask that students would uh our three students will remain up front and Miss McWain will come down with some remarks for them. Mr. the chalk. I want to say that hyd you all came. Y'all showed out tonight. Can we give him another hand? >> And if Mr. Joseph Wiggins were here, he would say, "You entered this moment with undeniable excellence." But thank you all for showing. I'm impressed by your uh your boys and men group and also young girls club. Uh uh Mr. Crawford, did you want to come up and speak about your program and
015and Miss Honory as well? He just Likewise. Okay, good. All right. But but thank you all for for coming. Uh you all showed us what Pors is all about tonight. Uh I'm impressed with your programming, uh the participation of your staff and your students, and you definitely outshine yourselves on tonight. Thank you so much. >> Uh Dr. racing. So, Mr. Shaw, so being that um I messed up some names tonight. So, here's here's what I'm going to do. >> You messed up a whole lot of names tonight. >> I'm not perfect now. I'm not perfect. Yeah, I make a mistake every now and then. But what I want to do, I want to make it up to the to the students. So, what I'll do, it doesn't have to be tomorrow, but before we go
016home with spring break, I want to I want to provide their class, their home room with uh with whatever we can provide for them. I know we got to watch what we bring in, but you know, of course, back I would say, hey, like a pizza party or something like that, pizzas and and and that way would you all forgive me if I if I if I if I have a pizza party for you? Am I is all forgiven? All right. So, just get with me and let me know when when we can do it and I'll and I'll do that for him. And Kai and look, you you and I want to have a conversation with you anyway about about about something else. Your dad knows what it is. Yeah. >> All right. Thank
017you. >> Uh Dr. Cotton. >> Young men, you look handsome. Young ladies, you look beautiful. and thank you for allowing me to company you on that trip to for the unveiling of uh Miss Barbara John's statue. I had a wonderful time. You all had pizza then as well, but I just want to say thank you. It was an enjoyable event, but I do want you to make sure that you tell your children that you were present for that. All right. Thank you. Thank you all so much. Agenda item 3.5 is the school board mission statement. Miss Wayne, >> the mission of the Portsman public school division is to engage all students in learning that will foster academic excellence and responsible citizenship. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 3.6 roll call attendance. Madame clerk >>
018here. >> Present. >> Here. >> Present. >> Mrs. Cess. >> Yes. Miss Shoe >> here. >> Dr. Walker >> here. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 3.7, consideration of the agenda for March 26, 2026. >> Move for approval. >> Second. >> Uh before we approve it, do we have any uh adjustments to the agenda at this time? >> Oh. Oh, hang tight. >> I take my motion back. >> Thank you. >> Yes, sir. Thank you, chair. So, I move that we pull agenda items 7.1 and 7.7 from consent agenda um and make it 9.2 and 9.3. >> Move for approval. >> Motion's been made and second by Miss Atinson. Any discussion? >> Roll call. Madam clerk. >> Miss. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Boone. >> Yes. >> Dr. Cotton. >> Yes. >> Miss Futrell. >>
019Yes. >> Miss McWain. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cessums. >> Yes. >> Miss. >> Yes. Dr. Walker, >> yes. >> Dr. Patillo, >> yes. >> The vote is unanimous. >> Thank you so much. We do have our modified agenda for tonight. Agenda item 4.1 is our student representative report. Miss Alexis Dory. >> Hello. First I want to say I was a alumni of Manor High of Hajes Manor and I was really proud to go there and I'm glad to see that it's still doing good too. >> Good evening chair, vice chair and superintendent and members of the school board. Today I'll be providing an update on the progress of the Thrive Together initiative as well as highlighting recent student engagement and athletic achievements across the division. The Thrive Together initiative continues to make meaningful progress. We
020currently have 35 members, 35 ambassadors districtwide, including 15 at Manor High School, 10 at Norham High School, and 10 at Churchill High School. Our first ambassador meeting was successfully held, and we have now established monthly meetings to ensure consistency, collaboration, and continued growth. Our primary focus is increasing student involvement, and promoting mental health awareness in ways that truly resonate with students. One of our key efforts is including student created mental health video content to share across school announcements. These videos will cover topics such as managing school stress, coping with anxiety, checking on friends, balancing academics with mental health, and breaking the stigma around asking for help. This is especially important because it is designed for students by students, making the me the message more meaningful and impactful. The Thrive Together initiative recently worked with community
021and schools in Cantara. At the mental health resource fair during lunches, students had the opportunity to visit tables with mental health resources and physical health resources. At Manor High School, students read uplifting messages about hope and support. Then they wrote their own positive notes. These messages will be shared across a positivity a positivity board at the upcoming mental health resource fairs at Churchland High School and Norham High School. Lastly, I would like to take a moment to recognize some outstanding athletic achievements. Congratulations to the Manor High School basketball team, girls basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 4 state championship and finishing their season with the impressive 26-1 record. Additionally, congratulations to the Churchland High School boys indoor track team for earning their first ever state accomplishment in school history. These accomplishments are a testament
022to the dedication, resilience, and talent of our school athletes. Thank you for your continued support of school initiatives and providing me the opportunity with sharing these updates. Thank you for an amazing report, Alexis. Uh, Miss Atinson, >> thank you, Chair Alexis, you have been working working. So, those 35 ambassadors, that's that's that's great. >> If I may ask with the videos, can we can we have those released in May? Because May is um mental health awareness month. I think that would be great. Um, getting with Lauren and release those on the site. So, that would be a perfect opportunity. So, I'm I'm just saying I'm not putting too much pressure on you, but May May would be the month that I would love to see those. Thank you. Great job, by the way. >> Thank
023you. >> Thank Thank you so much. >> Agenda item 5.1 to 5.4 is a time we recognize our state champions. Let's give them a hand. Good evening, Chair Patillo, members of the school board, Superintendent Bracie, and distinguished guest. We have a massive evening of celebration ahead of us as we honor the incredible achievements of our winter athletes. Today, we are recognizing excellence in both indoor track and field and basketball. Okay, start right there. First, it is my distinct honor to recognize the team that outworked every other school in the state to bring home the top trophy. Please join me in congratulating the VHSL class 4 boys indoor track state champions, the Churchland Truckers. So team as your name is called please come forward to receive your certificate. >> Yeah. Zaki Hunter, Corey Richardson, Jason Moore,
024Malik Corpru, Kman Long, >> Aaron Stokes, Travis Quinterly, Jeremiah Faulk, >> Troy Nolan, Myron Gatis, Vernon Creeky, Maris White, Immani Scott, Terron Perry, Riley Walters, and Prince Smith. do the plaque, too. Can we have the coaches up front as well for pictures, please? And the presentation of the plaque. Got your glasses. The plaque reads, "Award of commendation presented to Churchland High School boys indoor track team class 4 state champions." It lists all of their names, the coaching staff and school administration, and special recognition of the teams bringing honorable recognition to the school and the school division in recognition of the teams capturing the coveted title of the class 4 state champions for the 202526 school year for boys indoor track. Let's give them a hand. Uh, is Miss Smetly and her staff here as well?
025>> Can you all come up as well? I'm going to ask also if the board can stand stand where you are so we can get a get a picture behind the team as well. Okay, some of You shouldn't go too far. Next, we are going to recognize the class 4 indoor track individual state title winners. These athletes earned first place honors in their respective events. As I call your name, please come forward to receive your certificate. Starting with the gentleman from Churchland High School in the 55 meter hurdles, Corey Richardson. from Churchland High School in the 4x200 meter relay. Come on back. Corey Richardson, >> Jeremiah Faulk, >> Zaki Hunter, and Troy Nolan. Moving on to the ladies. from Manor High School in the shot putt. Leah Williams and from Churchland High School, Mariah Williams
026with the high jump. picture. Yeah, we got to do picture for that. >> Boy, if we could stand one more time to get a picture. If y'all could >> come in a little. Yeah, it's almost >> it's off centered. To conclude our track and field segment, I would like to acknowledge the elite group of athletes that were selected to the 2026 VHSL Allstate team for Class 4, just stand and be recognized if your name is called, please. From Manor High School, Leah Williams in shot putt. From Churchland High School, Mariah Williams in a high jump. Corey Richardson, 55 meter dash and 55 meter hurdles. >> In the long jump, Jeremiah Faulk, >> shot putt. Aaron Stokes. the girls 4x400 meter relay team consisting of Van Pelt, Reed, Vil, and Wall-E. And last but not least,
027the boys 4x200 meter relay team consisting of Faulk, Hunter, Nolan, and Richardson. >> Okay, ready? All right, next up. Now moving from track to basketball. This team finished the season with an incredible 26-1 record. These young women worked tirelessly to overcome obstacles and they persevered to win it all. It is my distinct honor to recognize the VHSL class 4 girls basketball state champions, the Manor Mustangs. Ladies, as your name is called, please step forward to receive your certificate. Number five, Josiah Bab. Number 10, Caesia Brown. Number 11, Kalia Een. Number four, Kajmonete Ellis. Number 24, McKenzie Gatlin. Number 12, Anniah Holmes. Number one, Alana Jones. Number three, Caitlyn Keenan. Number two, Aaliyah Lache Wagner. And number 33, Leah Williams. Okay, coaches, administrators, please come forward for the picture and co coach Roger, we do Coach
028Smith, we do got a plaque for you as well. It reads, "Award of commenation to the goat." I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. Award of commenation presented to Manor High School 2025 2026 girls basketball team, class 4 state champions. and special recognition of the teams. Bringing honorable recognition to the school and to the school division in recognition of the team's capturing of the coveted title of class 4 state champions 2025 2026 for girls basketball. It lists all the athletes names, the coaching staff and school administration presented on this day, Thursday, March 26, 2026. Congratulations coach and team. Thank you. >> I answer the board can now stand so we can take a picture with the basketball team. I would also like to recognize our elite all-state basketball selections. Please join me in congratulating Caesia Brown
029and Josiah Bab for their all state honors. At this time, I would like to ask Miss Bab and Coach Roger Smith to come to the front for an additional recognition. First, we celebrate a historic milestone. Manor freshman guard Josiah Bab has been named the VHSL class 4 state player of the year. Josiah Josiah is the first freshman to earn this honor since the VHSL began selecting all state teams in 2014. This season, she averaged over 23 points and seven assists per game, surpassed 600 total points, and currently holds multiple division one offers. In the state finals, she led all scorers with 23 points to seal the victory. Josiah, thank you for all you've done to represent Manor basketball. Next, we recognize the leader of this program. Coach Roger Smith has been named the VHSL Class
0304 State Coach of the Year. Coach Smith led his team to the school's first ever girls basketball state championship with a 4340 win over Salem. In his 25 seasons at Manor, Coach Smith has amassed a legendary record of 462 wins. Over the last five years alone, his teams have gone 111 wins and 20 losses. After six final four appearances and a state runner-up finish in 2004, he has finally brought the big trophy home. Coach, we are so proud of you. Thank you for all you do. >> We're going to we're going to ask the we're going to ask the board if we can slide in and take a picture. And Dr. Bracie, I want you to know that uh Coach Smith is also a member of a great fraternity as well. And also on behalf
031of the Manor girls basketball team, Dr. Gracie, we would like to present to you this plaque of our state championship team. >> Got one more. >> Congratul Yeah, you can do it. >> Uh, I just want to thank you for uh all you've done. Yeah, >> that's good. Just give them the picture. >> Wait, stay up there. >> You guys want to come in? ready. >> All right. He said, "Uh, I'm just here so I don't get fine." >> Dr. Bracy. >> All right. Once again, I want to thank all the athletes for for coming out tonight. I know that you're I know that you're thrilled to have the certificates, but what you really want is the bling. So, we've already um I think we've already placed the orders for those. So, as soon as
032they come in, if it's before school lets out, we'll bring you back so that your rings can be issued to you at that time. So, just wanted to thank you all again for an outstanding season. And some of you are going to get I think uh Mr. was it Mr. Richardson? You you'll get three, isn't it? Three rings. Yeah. Yeah. You'll get three. Yeah. Yeah. So, good job. >> Thank you all so much. Agenda item 6.1 and 6.2 is public comment. Do we have any speakers? Thank you so much. Next is agenda item 7.2 2 to 7 point 7.6 is consent agenda items. I intend a motion at this time. Motion moved by Miss Futrell, second by Miss Boon. Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call. Madam clerk cl. Yes. Consent agenda item 7.2 to 7.10.
033>> Oh, now Oh, I'm sorry. We changed. Now it's 7.1 to 7.8. Now we changed it. Move the thing up. Yeah. Right. Okay. Got it. Consent agendas is good. Yeah. >> Mrs. Boom. >> Yes. >> Miss Wayne. >> Yes. >> Messa. >> Yes. >> Miss. >> Yes. >> Dr. Walker. >> Yes. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 8.1 is a monthly report curriculum instruction. Dr. degrees. >> Good evening, school board chair Patillo and Vice Chair Cotton and school board members and Dr. Bracie. Um you have your uh highlights from our department of curriculum and instruction in your um packets. And tonight I am pleased to introduce uh Miss Carla Jacabowski who's the coordinator of elementary social studies and Miss Christine Tro who's the coordinator of secondary social studies and they're going to um go
034over some of the highlights from their content area this year so far. >> Forward and back. >> Okay. Do you want to push one button? Okay. Good evening, school board. Uh, Chair Patillo, Vice Chair Cotton, members of the school board, and Dr. Bracie. I'm Carla Jakabowski, the proud elementary coordinator of social studies, and I'm here with my colleague, Chris Chalk, the secondary social studies coordinator. We are pleased to be with our Portman Public Schools community tonight to share some of our highlights of the year and our plan for continued success. For the past two years, we have been committed to growth and developing literacy and historical thinking skills. We continue to seek ways to improve opportunities and learning experiences that promote history, geography, civics education while also developing students literacy, and skills that are transferable
035to life experiences. We've also added a goal to promote visible learning in our classrooms, which uses evidence-based practices to enhance teacher capacity and promote student achievement. This year, our professional development offerings have focused on a wide variety of topics, including inquiry, visible learning, assessment, and further enhancing our teacher skills with our resources. We have partnered with several organizations to provide professional development to enhance our teachers use of our resources, including studies weekly, the DBQ project, excel, traverse, and newella. Each of these resources helps to empower educators in fostering critical analysis and engagement in their classrooms. These professional development initiatives aim to strengthen teachers capacity to cultivate thoughtful, informed, and articulate learners. In order to make these meaningful connections, students are provided with many opportunities in collaboration with organizations throughout the Commonwealth. This year, one of
036those opportunities for our elementary level was part of the Virginia 250 celebration in partnership with Historic Inview and Newport News. Students were able to experience the People's Revolution living history event and participate in stations learning about life during the Revolutionary War. We also partnered with the Jamestown Yorktown Foundation to bring hands-on experiences rich in primary sources and artifacts to our classrooms. In addition, each of our 13 elementary schools got to participate in a field trip to Jamestown this year, which enabled our students to experience life in the fort and see a long house firsthand. Several of our schools were also awarded a grant in partnership with Colonial Williamsburg and got to spend the day learning about life in Colonial Virginia. These experiences align to our Virginia studies standards of learning. Throughout the school year, our
037focus has been on providing hands-on learning experiences for our students. In our history classes, our students have participated in interactive activities such as an archaeology cookie dig, creating infographics on the reconstruction amendments, analyzing primary sources, and investigating events like Nat Turner's Rebellion through inquiry and writing. Secondary students are also participating in learning experiences that extend their thinking. The pictures here include a visit by Miss Abel, the general registar and director of elections for the city of Portsmith, who taught them about voting history and provided the opportunity to pre-register and register to vote. Students in these government classes took a replica of a pre-ivil rights era literacy test to demonstrate the limits governments tried to place on African-American voters. Miss Avel took them through the process of how the registar verifies election results and students and
038school communities participated in creating displays for Black History Month and took part part in mock elections highlighting the historic election for Virginia's first female governor. In this set of pictures, you see students engaged in activities to better understand topics of study in the world around them. Eighth grade students at Kraok Middle consulted a display of the Constitution and Bill of Rights to answer analysis and evaluation questions during Constitution Week. Waters Middle School participated in a field trip to the Portsouth City General District Court to better understand the processes of our local judicial branch. And students again participated in model UN this year with two representatives Lawson Washburn and Zephert Nadaw from Manor High School both earning best delegate for the international atomic energy agency committee and two students Cherish Cherish Angus and Brooklyn Chavis receiving
039honorable mentions in the third committee social humanitarian and cultural Additionally, a Churchland High School student, Rodick Doulsece, received an honorable mention for his work as Jack Matlock Jr. in the Berlin Wall Crisis Committee. In our classrooms, students are engaged in activities that strengthen their critical thinking and citizenship skills. Students from Churchland Middle School, pictured here, are involved in a station rotation project based on their inquiry about Japanese internment during World War II. The library media specialist was involved and helped structure the stations as well as curated a collection of World War II books for further studies as students showed great interest in the topic studied. At IC Norm High School during a study of the Holocaust, students took the learning into a civic action called the butterfly project where they painted butterflies represented children representing
040children of the Holocaust and built an installation memorializing them at their school. This is just a brief glimpse of all the wonderful things our students are doing to do deepen their understanding of history and social science while engaging in meaningful experiences. These experiences and activities are preparing them to be future ready individuals, stronger communicators and effective collaborators and responsible citizens as well as fostering a commitment to lifelong learning. And we would like to couragely invite all of you to our annual history bowl which will be held next Friday. You got invitations um April 3rd at Manor High School at 10:30 a.m. All 13 of our elementary schools will be competing for the trophy. Um a special thank you to Dr. Patillo for serving as our moderator again this year. And we hope that you all
041can join us and cheer on our students as they show all the amazing things they've learned in our Virginia studies courses. So, we thank you for your time this evening and for everything you do to support our Portsouth community. And if you have any questions for us, we'd be happy to help answer. >> Do you have any questions from board members, >> Miss McWain? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um, thank you so much for your invite to the history vote. Um, I'm going to definitely be there. I'll try not to answer the questions like I did last year. Okay. I love it. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. That's it. >> Any other questions, comments? Thank you all so much. I'll see y'all next Friday. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 9.1 is our
042monthly report from Superintendent Dr. Bracy. >> Good evening, Chairman Patillo, Vice Chair Cotton, and members of the board. I want to once again extend my congratulations to the Churchland High School boys indoor track team and the Manor High School girls basketball team. To have two state championship teams to celebrate in one year is thrilling, let alone in the same school board meeting. We're truly proud of this of the team and all of their success. I'm also very proud of all the great work happening across the division. I want to give our department of curriculum and instruction a special thank you for their work in this month's steam expo. The event was held on March 14th and was fun and exciting way to engage our community with hands-on learning opportunities. We're grateful to all of our
043event partners who help as well to show what the classroom instruction can look like in today's jobs and careers. I also want to thank the our CI CNI team as well as our office of title one and special programs for hosting last week's math madness. It was a fan favorite among our title one elementary schools and this year did not disappoint. Thank you to all of our staff, volunteers, families, and of course our star students who showed off the showed off both their skills on the court and in their math calculations. We have another title one event coming up, the spring break snacks and packs of books. This again is hosted by our office of title one and special programs and help support and encourage students reading over spring break. Thursday, April 2nd, families can
044head to the J Parker Rec Center from 5 to 6 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. where they will receive free books, reading activities, and even some delicious snacks to enjoy over the break. We do ask that you register ahead of time and families can visit our website for the link. That of course leads to my final reminder which I probably don't have to remind you of is that we have spring break coming up soon. Maybe not soon enough for some of our students and staff. >> All schools and administrative offices will be closed Monday, April 6th through Friday, April 10th for spring break. Hope everyone, all of our students, staff, and families can enjoy this time together and come back refreshed and ready to close out the year strong. Thank you, Chairman Patillo. That completes my
045report. Thank you so much, sir. Agenda item 9.2 is a resolution of the military child, Dr. White. >> Dr. I'm sorry, Dr. Nelasco. Y'all switch it up on me. Dr. White, you're not getting drinks, >> Miss Atinson. I was listening in the previous meeting. Okay. The resolution recognizing month of the military child. Whereas the governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia Board of Education recognize the month of April as month of the military child. And whereas the Commonwealth of Virginia is a member of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which addresses key issues encountered by military students, including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility, and graduation. And whereas military connected children and their families can move on average every two to three years within the United States or overseas, disrupting academic routines
046and friendships. And whereas military connected children provide unique and valuable insights on learning, friendship, service to others, and heightened national or global awareness. And whereas throughout its 23 schools and centers, ports public schools has 5% of its student population that is military connected and as such works closely with liaison officers from the local military installations to provide supports for students unique needs. And now therefore, be it resolved that the school board of the city of Portsouth recognize April 2026 as month of the military child and encourage all schools and offices to continue to show appreciation with activities to honor our students from military families. And be it finally resolved that this resolution be made part of the school board's official minutes and that copies be sent to all administrative units and schools. >> Move for
047approval. >> Second. >> Motion made by Miss Ason, second by Miss Petrio. Correct. Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call. Madam clerk, >> yes. >> Mr. Shoe, >> yes. >> Dr. Yes. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 9.3 is a roll call vote on our policy updates with recommended amendments. I entertain a motion at this time. >> Second. >> Motion made by Miss Futrell. Second by Miss Schumake. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, a roll call. Madam clerk, >> yes. >> M. >> Yes. >> Miss M. Swain. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cessum. >> Yes. >> Mrs. May. Yes, you may. >> Dr. Walker, >> yes. >> Dr. Patillo, >> yes. >> The vote is unanimous. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 9.4 is a roll call vote consideration of the board school board's proposed
048operating budget for fiscal year 2627. I entertain a motion at this time. >> Motion made by Miss Shoemake, second by Miss Futilo. Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call. Madam clerk, >> Miss Atinson, >> yes. >> Miss Boom, >> yes. >> Dr. Cotton, >> yes. >> Miss Futrell, >> yes. Miss Miss Wayne, >> yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Dr. Walker, >> yes. >> Thank you so much. Did you know our 9.5 will actually be board member comments or concerns? We gave subcommittee reports at our last work session. So, we have any comments from board members. >> Yes. >> Okay. I I'll start with M. Well, start with Dr. Walking. Come on down. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Mr. Swain to come on down. >> Oh, okay. Thank you. First, I want to
049um just give say I want to say praises praises to Douglas Park Elementary, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Cooper um on what they did on I believe it was Wednesday um with the young men there. Um they had King Madness. Now, let me um say this to you. It's very important that we read our emails because I didn't read the email. So on Tuesday when I went up to Douglas B just you know to let everybody know that I love them. Um I was told by Mr. Johnson that they needed me there. He said I don't want you there. I need you there. I didn't read the email cuz I thought it was just for you know the males and to mentor the the young men. So I didn't read the email. I get there on um
050Thursday and um I put myself on the program and I want to apolog I I'm motivated. I even gave closing remarks. Um and they were so so so pleasant with me. I felt so bad. I felt like Mr. Brown when he said put me on program. I felt so bad. So, I want to apologize publicly to Mr. Johnson and Mr. Cooper for getting on your program when it had nothing to do with me. But, um, it was outstanding what you're doing for the young men is is just it's it's incredible. And listen, I even got a pri a gift. They did give me a gift, too. So, I'm just so grateful. Dr. Brace, you got some wonderful staff. Whoops. >> Uh, do Dr. Walker of Walker? >> I'm not. >> Thank you, chair. I just
051wanted to say, um, first of all, um, in the curriculum and instruction report that there was a divine nine reading day at Kraok Elementary, um, that the principal hosted, Miss Jolly Foster, and the assistant principal, Dr. Warren and um six of our board members are part of the divine nine. So the majority of us were able to come and read to those students. But it was just a great way to start your day with reading and then also explaining to students what the divine nine does in reference to um community service and support. So kudos to Kraok Elementary. Then secondly with the math madness um that was hosted by the title one and the math department. that was an excellent event that um I always tried to attend. So it was more than just the
052basketball, but it was also with them having to do the math problems and the math stations. So that was also a great event. And then lastly, I would be remissed if I didn't say I had a special guest visiting me today. Um my dad who has not been able to come to a schoolboard meeting because when I was running and when my and I won then my mom passed away. So my dad who is a proud graduate of 1959 class of IC Norm High School is here today. He's 85 years old and he's visiting me. And I guess he came on the right day because my sister is visiting me um from Indiana and she's an alumni of Manor. So I guess she came on the right day with my niece and they're both from
053Indiana. So I appreciate their support um for coming um here today. All right, Miss Shoemaker. >> Okay, I feel like I might be a while. I'm I'm hope you don't run this real fast. Um, we had a school board uh city council liaison meeting uh on yesterday and the topics were uh budget update, office relocation update, and CIP project update. Um, I won't go into the uh specificities of what we spoke about because I will yield to um Dr. Batillo if he wants to discuss it or we'll just wait until it all comes out. Yes. No. Maybe. So, okay, cool. Um, and then next I had a HR subcommittee meeting as well um with me and as well as um board member Futrell. And so we had a uh job fair um on March 18th
054and we had a total of 55 candidates pre-register. 33 walk-ins. 88 teacher candidates were in attendance. 29 candidates were successfully hired. Uh 33 commitment letters have been distributed. 17 have renewable license two provisional license five renewable six eligibility oh no I'm sorry eligible for provisional license three eligible for I teach provisional license so we're doing some remarkable things here also our advertising campaign has launched in a multi-phase advertising um initiative so we have HRT uh we also have ESPN which is 94 4.1 and the Vibe 100.5. We also have uh Channel News 13 that we're advertising with. So, um just big shout out and kudos to our HR department for doing a remarkable job in recruiting. I'm going to um kind of piggyback on what most have already stated. I just want to thank Miss
055Trava. I want to say that's the correct uh word. Or is that Miss Bradley? Okay. And I'm sorry, I'm trying to get something out. So, we had a um a uh positivity party that happened in February. And I just want to show everybody what we made while we were there. And it was I want to call it a makeup bag that we made. And we had affirmations and it says, "You matter. I can handle anything. Be kind to your mind. Notice the small moments. Be your own best advocate." It's just so many positive affirmations that we were able to put on our quote unquote makeup bag. And I think that was a wonderful event that they hosted. I was also accompanied by um board member Futrell and board member Atinson as well. Um Read Across
056America. I went to Park View and I want to thank uh Miss U Moshi Harding and uh West Haven Elementary. I want to thank Mrs. Pette Matthews. Um just as board member um Jack Dr. Walker just stated the D9 read day elementary. I want to thank Miss Am I saying her name right? Dro. Okay. And also principal Lisha Jolly Foster for allowing us to come there and read. And I have three books that I brought with me. Of course, one is my first day of second grade written by our chairman, Dr. Cardell Patillo Jr. They loved this book. I read that one. Um they were so in tune. The second one was Zeke is unique. This was written by Diane Delo. Diane Delo was my son's um favorite kindergarten teacher. And I'm saying this because
057he wasn't actually in her class. So, um, after school was done, he would walk to her class and wait for me to come pick him up. So, she is actually his favorite kindergarten teacher and she wrote this book. And then the last book was The Tale of Max, the Mindless Dog, which was written by Florenza Lee. So, I just want to thank all of the authors um for the books that I read on that day. Title One Math Department, the Math Madness Basketball Tournament. want to thank Miss Lora Stills um which was also hosted by Cletus Cassidy. These individuals who were playing on the court obviously thought that there were some type of scouts for WNBA and NBA um because they were playing their poor hearts out. Um COSBA some of us uh attended Cosba
058that was an awesome um event. Um, one of the thing and board member uh, Futrell and myself, we are actually on the page of COSPA and one of the events which was an awesome event. I want to say it was um, women in leadership. If you guys haven't attended um, that particular event, oh my gosh, please do that session. It was a remarkable session. Um, I did not attend Kings Madness in Douglas Park, but I do want to thank Mr. Eugene Johnson Jr. for allowing well for inviting me there. I didn't I I wasn't able to attend um Norcam versus Manor alumni basketball game which is a scholarship game. It's sponsored by Tim Mitchell and Dion Copelan. It's going to be this Saturday from 5 until everybody body is hurting because it's alumni. Um I
059want to thank Principal Saunders, uh Chantel Weaver, Monica Crroo, and um Kasha Kelly. I'm cheering at this game. So, I want everybody to whoever you pray for because I'm an alumni cheerleader for IC Norm. And um I may last two quarters um and I may not, but this is going to be a great game. This is for scholarships. If you want to come out, please come out and enjoy yourself. Also, last but not least, um if you all are seeing any type of mailers out here about voting before April 21st or on April 21st, um if you go to my page, I go into detail as to why I'm voting yes. You choose to do what's best for you. But as for me, my check has decreased and my bills have increased. Therefore, I'm voting
060yes. Um and the final thing that I would like to do, we have board member Irene birthday today. And so we're going to sing happy birthday. Are we ready? >> Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear. Happy and her twin to you. and Arlene as well. >> Thank you, chair. >> All right, whoever's next. >> Thank you, chair. Um, I just want to say um congratulations to the Big Homies uh community outreach um program. On Tuesday, they had their groundbreaking ceremony for their 11,000 three 11,000 square foot $3 million facility. Um, I just want to shout out Eugene Swinson, Alice Edwards, and our state elected leaders who made that happen. Senator Lucas, Delegate Don Scott. Um, this was a a huge um opportunity for the areas of Southside, Hope Village, Brighton
061Apprentice Park especially was home to me because that's where we were raised. We literally um played in those fields. my mother's first job in a hurry was in that shopping center and um going to her job after school was where my love of Pac-Man um came because I would go and play Pac-Man and then I would eat at in a hurry and then I would go eat at TJ's restaurant which later opened. So, um, that was a special thing for us, um, to to have that center where we were raised and to see the change and a lot of the guys that I was a little girl who I watch um, change turn their lives around. So, um, that center is is going to service um, a lot of our underserved kids. And I just
062want to also shout out big homies. They are in our schools. They do the lunches at Kra Elementary School. They do group every Friday um at Kraok Middle School. Uh they pick up kids from Norm. All three of our middle schools, Waterview, West Haven, Douglas Park, Brighton Elementary, Kraok Elementary, and also the kids from Victory Elementary walk um to their first facility. Um they're also a homebound location for the sus suspended kids as well. So, um that's that's great that the parents can go to work and the kids are dropped off that are suspended to their facility. Um so, I just want to thank you for servicing um our kids and just and just being there on and also to Na. Na uh complimented um our jackets. She loved our our baby blue jackets. I
063told her I was going to give a a shout out um at the school board meeting and and also to let her know that we are still NATO strong always and and uh thank you for all you do. Yes. And and about to master she about to get your you about to get your masters. You mastered it. So congratulations as well. On Saturday is Charles Peak Little League opening day. I had the opportunity last Saturday to attend um Olive Branch uh baseball uh opening day. I mean, so many of our kids are just actively involved. Olive Branch literally it felt like a whole festival carnival out there. All those vendors, youth vendors, food trucks, and everything. I I didn't leave for like three hours. So, Charles Peak, I I hope I get that same I
064hope I get that same energy this Saturday. Also, um I attended the Cosba conference as well. Um it's a lot of things that that I was amazed by. I got a water bottle and it's it's a feel for a cause. So, every time you scan the QR code, they actually make a donation to um a nonprofit. So, I love I love that initiative that they brought to place. And of course, my uh sessions that I attended was on uh food and and bringing in uh chefs into the school. I'm not going to give up on that idea of uh having healthy uh food for our for our kids and the school division. And also um to learn that some of the uh the food policies have changed to where like the food pyramid is nonexistence
065and right now a lot of uh schools according to the guy that that worked he was a panelist and he works for uh the the federal uh department. He said a lot of schools are out of compliance um based on new laws, but they haven't actually sent the guidance out. So, it's so confusing. But yeah, so I'm not going to give up on that. Um and also shout out to Chartwells. I wasn't able to attend, but they catered um to our school board members. They had a a tour of of the track where the Kentucky Derby takes place. I heard they were treated nice, sweet life and you know so I missed that because I was um under the weather but um I just want to uh shouting them out as well and uh thank
066you. That's it. >> Thank you Dr. Cotton. >> Yes uh to echo some of my colleagues it was uh wonderful to read for Divine Nine Day over at Quak Elementary. I want to thank uh principal Foster as well as assistant principles Jackson as well as Warren. Um that's one of our adopted schools that we look out for from the church that I have the the privilege of pastoring as well as Douglas Park. So I want to publicly thank Mr. Johnson as well as Mr. Coother for allowing me to be one of the panelists as well as one of the presenters there for the King Madness they had. It was a great event. I love to see what uh Mr. Johnson and Mr. coother pour into their own children particularly sons that they also pour into
067the students at the school. Um I also had the opportunity of spending some time I serve as the regional vice chair for our region to compare notes with other regions. We met in Greensville as well as in Louisa County. But to compare notes is a wonderful thing. And lastly I will also be at the Charles Peak uh opening day as a former player uh in that league. I look forward to being there. I was asked to open up in prayer, but it's going to be a great day. It's good to hear that a lot of well, basically all of my board members are involved in these public things for the children. They enjoy seeing us all there. Thank you, chair. There any other uh comments or reports at this time? >> If there's no other
068business to come before this board, I consider this meeting now. Thank you. >> Thank you.