001Good evening. >> Like to welcome you all to our Thursday, November 6 regular monthly meeting of the Portsman City School Board. Ask you please stand down briefly for a moment of silence. Thank you. You may be seated. We have so many special guests here with us tonight. I asked Dr. Bracie will come forward and introduce a couple of them at this time. >> Thank you, Chair Patillo. Good evening again, everyone, and welcome to our board meeting this evening. We're fortunate tonight to have Victory Elementary School in the house. [applause] So, as Dr. Patillo mentioned, I do have a couple of special guests that will come down and share the pledge of allegiance with us along with the school statement. And those students, will you come down and I will read the background information. I have
002Chance Kernney and I have Lyanna How. So, if you all will come to the podium and as you do, I will share some information for the rest of the audience to hear. Okay. Chance is a proud second grade student at Victor Elementary School where he was recently recognized as student of the month and continues to excel on the honor role. Outside of the classroom, Chance is a dedicated athlete who competes in both track and football. He's a one-time He's a one-time football national champion and is currently training for another national championship in Florida. On the track, Chance has earned an impressive record as a one-time national champion, three-time national runnerup, four-time bronze medalist, and 16 time track all-American. When Chance grows up, he aspires to become a firefighter so he can help others in need.
003Joining Chance tonight in celebration are his parents, Curtis and Jasmine Kernney, and a number of family members. And if everyone is here, family members and parents, would you please stand and be recognized? [applause] Thank you. Now, Chance, I used to run track in college now, but but I'm not going to race you. Yeah. [laughter] All right. Next with the school statement, Lyanna How. Lyanna is a third grade student at Victor Elementary School. She has a love for learning and leadership and especially fond of math and music. She's a member of the scouts and enjoys many extracurricular activities including ballet and lyrical dance and academy de ballet. Woo! Piano and chorus at Old Old Oldtown Music Shop. That's a mouthful. And faith formation at church. In her free time, she is an avid reader and her
004hobbies include singing, drawing, bike riding, camping, and learning to play golf and chess. She is she aspires to express her music musicality as a dancer and singer when she grows up. Lyanna's parents, Nadia and Russella How are with us tonight. And parents, will you all please stand and be recognized? [applause] Now, Lyanna, I have a question for you, too. I need to learn how to play golf, so maybe we can take some lessons together. >> Ask my dad. >> Okay. I want to meet him. Okay. All right. Now, parents, um, feel free to come up front so you can get a better picture of the students as they recite the school statement and the pledge. Please feel free to come up front. >> All right. So, at this time, Chance, I'll turn it over to
005you. >> Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. 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. Please remain standing for the victory school motto. Here at victory, we are swinging high, attacking academics and victoriously strong. You may be seated. >> [snorts] >> Good evening, Charman, Dr. Patillo, Vice Chair Atkinson, Dr. Bracie, school board members and guests. My name is Lyanna How and I am a student at Victory Elementary. I'm honored to be here tonight to share all of the exciting things going on at Victory and tell you why I love being a student there. I love going to school at Victory because it is a warm and welcoming place for students and
006the atmosphere is loving and helpful. We have a really great principal, Dr. Williams. He is really sweet and funny and we are happy to have him. All of the teachers are also very nice. When I need help with something, they are always there ready to lend a hand because all of these people of all of these people, it is easy to have a great day every day at victory. In class, our teachers have us do fun activi many fun activities. For example, my favorite subject is math and we have been learning about division and multiplication. I don't like division though because it takes forever to learn. But when I need help, my teacher, Miss Zepo, was always willing to help me out. In science, we have been learning about fossils, which are interesting. We were
007able to take modeling clay and press things into it to make our own fossils. I also enjoy music class because Miss Fenoff makes learning fun and we get to play instruments. This year, I will be a learning recorder. We also have some fun things going on at Victory. Last month, we hosted a techor treat night where families are were able to come and experience various technology resources we had available. We recently did a Chuck-e-Cheese night and Chuck-E-Cheese and the mouse came [snorts] to visit our school. Our book fair is coming up soon and I am excited to see what fun books I can find. We also have several before and after school activities such as chorus, cheer team, cub scouts, and girls on the run. Students can be involved in even more school activities by
008joining the safety patrol team or student council. Victory has a large military student population, and we have been identified as a purple star school three times. Only 92 schools have been achieved this status. These are some of the many reasons that Victory is a place to be. It is the best school. The environment is really kind and respectful for everyone. We invite you to come by and visit our wonderful victorious Falcons anytime. Thank you. We hope to see you soon. >> [applause] >> At this time, at this time, vice chair is going to present you two gifts. And Lyanna, you were impressive. Uh h how much Dr. Williams pay you to say that about him. I'm I'm just kidding. That was amazing. >> Thank you. >> We have something in common. I don't like the
009vision either. Wait till you get high school. It takes up the whole paper chance. Great job. Hopefully I'll see you in a leopard soon, right? >> Okay. represent. Great job. [applause] >> Uh Dr. Williams. >> Hey, good evening, Chair Dr. Patillo, Vice Chair Atkinson, school board members, Dr. Bracie, and guests. On behalf of our students, staff, and families, we want to take a minute to say thank you for everything you do to support our schools. Your dedication, guidance, and leadership make it a difference every single day in our classrooms, in our hallways, and throughout all our communities. To show Okay. To show gratitude. Can you step over a little bit, Lanna? To show our gratitude in a fun and musical way, our chorus has prepared a special song just for you. So sit back, relax,
010and enjoy as we share a little expression. This is called We Appreciate you. Thank you. We can sit down. Thank you guys. You you you appate you. We think you are great. We appreciate you, you. We appreciate you. We think you are peace. We appreciate [music and singing] you. you. We approve. You [music] make us happy with the things you say and do. Oh, we appreciate you. We appreciate you. Oh, we [music and singing] appreciate you. [applause and cheering] >> [applause] >> And we thank you. You you you [applause] can give them another hand, please. [applause] still >> and we know some some of our parents I know it's it's a late night school tomorrow. Some of you going to exit now as well. I do understand Everybody appreciate it. All right. We're going to
011continue with agenda item 3.5, which is our school board mission statement. Uh be led by our vice chair, Miss Atinson. >> Thank you, chair. The mission of the Portsouth 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 is our attendance. Roll call. Madame clerk. >> Miss Atinson here. >> Miss Buu >> here. >> Dr. Cotton. >> Miss Futrell >> here. Miss McWain >> here. >> Mrs. Cessums >> here. >> Miss Schumake >> here. >> Dr. Batillo >> here. >> We have eight present. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 3.7 is consideration of the agenda for November 6, 2025. I entertain a motion at this time. >> Second. >> Motion made by Miss Boon, second by Miss Futrell. Was
012there any discussion? Seeing none, roll call attent roll call. Madam clerk, >> Miss Atinson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Boon, >> yes. >> Dr. Cotton, >> yes. >> Miss Futrell, >> yes. >> Miss McWain, >> yes. >> Mrs. Cessims, >> yes. >> Miss Schumake, >> yes. >> Dr. Patillo, >> yes. >> The vote is unanimous. >> Thank you so much. General item 4.1 and 4.2 is public comment for non-aggenda and border agenda items. Do we have any speakers? >> Yes, we do. Um, okay. As part of the school division's dedication to full transparency and collaboration in decision-making, the school board of the city of Portsmouth allocates time for public comment at every regular meeting of the month to hear directly from citizens on matters of public concern regarding Portsouth public schools. If you wish to address
013the school board, you must register with the clerk of the board ahead of the scheduled meeting. During public comment, each speaker will have five minutes to share their comments with board members. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time to another speaker and they are not to make any formal resolutions, declarations or proclamations as part of their comments. Speakers are reminded to maintain decorum and respect while addressing the board. Specifically, no individual individual personnel, student or family should be named in comments as speakers are at their own risk of violating confidentiality laws and or defaming the subjects of their comments. Neither the school board, the superintendent, nor school administration will respond publicly to any comments by speakers. As written as a excuse me, a written copy of speakers comments can be left with the clerk
014of the board and any other matter requiring a response will be directed to the superintendent and school administration to address as needed. As the board opens to public comment, the audience is asked to be respectful to speakers. We have Brian Jackson II. At 6:50 a.m. this morning, I left to go to work. At 7:48 this morning, I made it to my job parking lot only to do a U-turn to go back because I received a message that my son still does not have transportation. 94 miles is what I traveled in two hours to make sure that my son can get to school. And I missed a very important scheduled morning meeting. You all have contracted, untrained, illequipped transportation companies that do not care about special needs children. With that, in essence, I feel like based
015on what I'm experiencing, you all do not care. I have not received not one comment, not one are you okay from any one of you, especially the superintendent's office. My son still does not have a bus. Your silence is loud and your inaction has turned my family's pursuit of the American dream into a Portsmouth nightmare. There is no care, concern or stability on your part. We were told that uh we would get a reimbursement, but the way we were told was like the lady was saying, "You better be lucky you even got that." My family is filing a complaint against the Portsmouth Public School District uh for being out of compliance with my son's IEP, and I will continue to fight for my son's rights. I am not going anywhere. I will not back down,
016and you will continue to see me. I will be at every board meeting how uh we continue to be negatively impacted. I want you to be as frustrated with me as I am with you and maybe you'll then start taking some action. >> Thank you. Are there any more speakers? >> Agenda item 5.1 is our student representative report. Miss Dory. Good evening chair members of the school board and superintendent. Here is a brief overview of the Thrive Together initiative. Thrive together is a student-ledd initiative built on compassion, leadership, and action. This initiative addresses key student challenges like mental health struggles, substance use, and chronic absences. Overall, the goal is simple, to help every student feel seen, supported, and empowered within our school community. The Thrive Ambassador Program is open to 9th through 12th grade students
017across Portland public schools. To apply, students should maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, have consistent attendance, and no major disciplinary issues within the past year. We're looking for students who demonstrate leadership, empathy, and teamwork. A short application is also required that includes contact information, a personal statement, and recommendations from a teacher, administrator, and counselor. Once selected, ambassadors take on a meaningful role in our school community. They lead Thrive Talks, sparking real conversations about mental health, belonging, and positive decision-making. They record meetings to capture ideas and goals and market sessions to help promote events. Ambassadors also plan and lead events focused on wellness, self-care, and connection. We share quick healthy tips that can make a big difference in daily life. Finally, ambassadors promote Hazel Health, connecting students with trusted telealth counseling when they need extra support.
018It's important to remember that ambassadors are connectors, not counselors. Ambassadors are not to diagnose or provide mental health counseling themselves. The job of ambassadors is to raise awareness, create a safe space for conversation, and encourage peers to reach out to Hazel Health professionals when the help is needed. Ambassadors serve as a bridge connecting students to the right support. On behalf of the 11th and 12th grade high school students, I would like to thank the school board and staff for organizing this year's college fair. The event gave us valuable hands-on opportunity to help connect with college representatives. We learned about academic programs, scholarships, and got to ask personalized questions. Personally, it broadened my list of colleges to apply to and help me feel more confident about my life after graduation. Thank you for helping us take
019the important step towards our futures. Thank you. >> Thank you so much, [applause] boardman. Do you have any questions or comments? >> Thank you so much. Excellent job. >> Thank you. Agenda item 6.1 is consideration of employee appeal case number 2025-261. I entertain a motion at this time. >> Motion made by Mr. Futrell, second by Miss Boon. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, roll call. Madam clerk, >> Miss Atinson, >> no. >> Mrs. Boon, >> yes. >> Dr. Cotton, >> yes. Miss Futrell, >> yes. >> Miss McWain, >> yes. >> Mrs. Cessums, >> yes. >> Miss Schumake, >> yes. >> Dr. Patillo, >> yes. >> Thank you so much. Consent agenda items 7.1 and 7.2. I enterain a motion at this time. >> Motion made by Miss Boon, second by Miss Shoemake. Is there any
020discussion? Seeing none, roll call. Madam clerk, >> Miss Atinson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Boom, >> yes. >> Dr. Cotton, >> yes. >> Miss Futrell, >> yes. >> Miss McWain, >> yes. >> Mrs. Cessums, >> yes. >> Miss Shoemake, >> yes. >> Dr. Patillo, >> yes. >> The vote is unanimous. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 8.1 is purple star division. Miss Nas, Dr. Nasco. >> Good evening. Thank you, Chair Matillo, Vice Chair Atinson, and members of the school board. I am thrilled to be here tonight to celebrate the division being named a 2025 Purple Star School Division by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. As the board knows, this accomplishment is years in the making. In 2019, PPS did not have
021one purple star school. That spring, the board identified this as a priority for administration. And later that year, we had our first ever purple star school, Victory Elementary School. So very they're here tonight. [applause] This work was sidelined a little bit during the pandemic, but we came back in 2022 with a strategic cohort model where our schools would work and apply together with central administrative support. Under this model, we knew it would be possible to have all schools earn the designation by 2025. And that is exactly what happened this year. This would not have been possible without our principles who undergo specialized training, host professional development for their staffs, and work to build and refine necessary programs at the school. We also benefit greatly from our partnership with NSA Portsmith. And to help us celebrate
022tonight, we have three special guests that I'd like to introduce. I'd like to welcome Debbie Strereer, our school, our current school liaison officer. Um, yes. Command Master Chief Dobson as well as Captain Ramsey, Commanding Officer of NSA Portsmith. [applause] We their their partnership throughout this process has been invaluable. Um, and at this time I would like to ask this year's schools to join us up front as they're called to receive their certificates and then we will stay there for a group photo. Um, first Dr. Jamil Jones from Churchland Elementary School. This is Churchland's second purple star. >> [applause] >> Christa Brownley from Churchland Middle School. This is also Churchland's second purple star. [applause] Dennis Chalk from Hodes Manor Elementary School. This is Hodgees Manor's first purple star. Congratulations. [applause] >> Kathy Mangum Parker from Lake
023View Elementary School. This is Lake View's first purple star. [applause] Tammy King from Simonsale Elementary School. This is Simonsale's first purple star. [applause] Dr. Wayne Williams from Victory Elementary School. This is Victory's third purple star. [applause] And finally, Miss Eliza Fly from West Haven Elementary School. This is West Haven's first Purple Star. [applause] With all schools having earned the purple star designation, PPS was one of just six school divisions in the state this year to earn the purple star division honor. Congratulations to this year's honores and thank you to the board for your advocacy for the division to reach this esteemed status and we'll take a picture. [cheering] [applause] >> Um, if we can just get a little closer. >> I know, right? >> [laughter] >> I don't know what to do. >> Just smile.
024>> All right. One, two, three. >> Great job. Thank you. >> It's like [applause] you want to do this. >> Yeah. Congrats. >> Thank you. >> I don't think this Oh, it is working. Congratulations again to everyone. It's fine. Agenda item. I'm sorry. Oh, vice I'm sorry. >> Thank you, chair. I just want to say um congratulations again to um all the uh Purple Heart Schools and uh Dr. Williams. Um outside of the uh Christmas program, I would say Victory had the highest attendance um so far this year. So, whatever you did, good job. But like I said, that Christmas program, you know, you know, because it's Christmas, but highest attendance, victory probably is going to be second. So, great job on that, [applause] >> Dr. Cotton. >> Yeah. I would be remissed if I
025didn't say that I walked up on uh Miss Jillian Cheeks today and Dr. Lauren Anastas and you were doing that purple star dance. Yeah. And I say that that that she I say this because she was super excited as she was sharing with uh myself and uh Miss Miss Cheeks. But congratulations to all the schools and everyone who was involved. Thank you. [applause] >> Agenda item 8.2 is monthly report for curriculum instruction. Dr. Deere. >> Good evening, school board chair Patillo, Vice Chair Atinson, school board members, and Dr. Bracie. Um, I am joined this evening by our coordinator of gifted education and dual enrollment, Dr. Sheree Davis. And in addition to the items that you have in your packet that highlight the great work we're doing in across the division, she is going to share
026some highlights from these two particular programs. Good evening to chairman Dr. Patillo and our vice chair Aerson, Dr. Bracy, esteemed schoolboard members, our division leadership, and all of summer tonight. Again, I'm Dr. Sheree Davis. I'm the coordinator for gifted education and dual enrollment. And tonight, I will provide you with a brief overview of our prog progress, our highlights of upcoming initiatives for both programs for gifted and dual enrollment. So, here you have a gifted summary for our gifted program. Our search program is grades three through six. We currently have 510 students um in gifted education in those grade levels. In our discover program, grades seven and eight, we have 171 students. We also have our talent pool program which is kindergarten through 2 grade which has 182 students. And our talent pool is a group
027of students who show exceptional academic potential or they discrim uh demonstrate advanced learning, creativity and problem solving skills. Um though these students have not yet met the criteria to for full identification, they are recognized for showing traits of giftedness. Our gifted education program continues to grow in both instructional quality and teacher expertise. Currently, we have eight teachers that provide direct gifted instructional services across the division. Through our partnership with the College of William and Mary, we had 10 teachers to complete the first PPS cohort for the gifted education endorsement program. Of those stu of those teachers, five are now teaching in our gifted program, bringing advanced training and new instructional strategies to our program. We're also proud to highlight the ongoing professional development of our gifted educators. We have two of our teachers who attended
028the Virginia um gifted conference this year. They're gaining more exposure for best practices which they bring those back to train our teachers. Also, we will have three teachers that will be attending the National Association for Gifted Children Conference, which is next week. Our professional learning is focused on curriculum writing for gifted learners, supporting twice exceptional students, using portfolio assessments to capture authentic student growth, and implementing strategies for our gifted playbook to promote acceleration and enrichment across the district. Five students were accepted and given an invitation to participate in the summer residential governor school in summer 2025. We are now looking ahead to 2026 as we prepare our students. This opportunity allows our advanced learners to immerse themselves in intensive study and research in specific academic or artistic disciplines. It remains one of the most enriching
029experiences for our gifted students, challenging them to think critically, collaborate with peers, and of course explore the collegiate setting. At this time, I'd like to share a short video highlighting our gifted program as well as testimonials from two teachers um that came through the endorsement program. And I would also like to thank Mr. Mitchell from PAT team that captured these moments. The William and Mary teacher endorsement program for gifted education [music] is a professional development program that teaches and equips teachers to effectively support [music] gifted learners in all grade levels. Portman public schools allowed 10 teachers to be able to take courses [music] and what that did was it allowed me to have more teachers in the division to provide gifted education [music] to our learners. Today we're going to read a story called Do
030Not Lick This Book. >> I always found myself with this passion to learn more about my gifted students. [music] The William and Mary cohort was offered to us. I actually had seven gifted students in my class and I was just looking for more ideas and more >> [music] >> um engaging opportunities for them and for my future students. They are equipped with lots of information [music] to bring back researchbased strategies that they are able to use to not only use in their classrooms but also to share with teachers in each of the buildings. Before going to the endorsement program, my [music] idea about a person who's gifted is the one who's really exceptionally smart. [music] So that's one thing that changed my perception when I uh learned about their characteristics. [music] They can be those
031students who we might miss [music] but they actually they are the ones who think outside the box you know they can be the ones who are very empathetic. They can be the [music] ones who think about like the word world problems and how they can solve it. He put three first and then like >> the activity with [music] that we just did this included a lot of codes um puzzles that they needed to [music] solve and so that would challenge themselves and in and also work together. A really big takeaway [music] was that gifted students don't necessarily need more work. They need more meaningful work, [music] more work that involves complexity and depth and critical thinking. And so I always felt like there [music] was something missing in my teacher toolbox and that's why I
032initially joined the cohort was to just [music] fill that gap. Um but then I found myself with a new love of gifted education. So after the [music] successful completion of the program, they're able to get that endorsement added on to their [music] lensure through the Virginia Department of Education. One of the things that I hope for the future is that we will have a gifted teacher [music] for every school in port public schools. All right, moving into dual enrollment. So I always use this pictorial to uh kind of explain dual enrollment because there are two pro programs underneath that umbrella and that is early college and first college. So under our umbrella the early college students again begin the second semester of their ninth grade year and these students earn an associates degree in one
033of the pathways that we currently offer which is social science, science and general studies. our first college program during students senior year if they have all of their high school requirements completed they are able to um enroll in dual English and government and be able to attend full-time on TCC's campus second semester. So, as a part of our gifted education program, we intentionally guide students toward advanced academic pathways such as honors classes, dual enrollment, and advanced placement courses to ensure they are challenged and prepared for post-secary success. Currently, 100 of the 105 of the 208 gifted students um are enrolled in the first college program. While participation in First College is not limited to gifted students, it is noteworthy that an additional 103 nonidentified students are also enrolled and that reflects the program's broad academic
034appeal and accessibility to all students. This year, we have observed a significant growth in student participation in the first college program with a 15 student increase at IC Norm and a 19 student increase at Manor High School. This upward trend highlights both the program's expanding impact and continued commitment to provide rigorous learning experiences that meet the diverse academic needs of students. When examining our projected early college academy graduates, we observe that it's a slight decrease from class of 2025 to 2026, reflecting a reduction of six students. While this rep represents a minor decline, it is important to acknowledge the rigorous nature and demanding expectations of our early college program. Participation in early college requires a significant level of commitment and discipline as students complete high school and college coursework simultaneously. Many particip participants successfully balance
035these academic demands while engaging in sports, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles, which underscores their dedication and time management skills. Despite the small dip in projected graduates for the upcoming year, enrollment trends indicate a powerful and strong upward trajectory in our overall program. So in the for the class of 2026, we're looking at 33 students who will receive an associates degree and um 2027 43 students and in 2028 52 students. This steady increase demonstrates the rising interest and confidence in early college opportunities among our students and families. It also reflects our school's ongoing efforts to expand access to rigorous coursework, promote college res readiness, and provide meaningful support for students pursuing advanced academic pathways. So, second semester, we welcome 208 students to TCC campus. Um, we continue to be that bridge between high school and college.
036Um this year, um Portman public school staff, we found certified staff in our own division that were able to provide dual enrollment English at all three high schools and government at one high school. Tidewater Community College provided instructors for the remaining two high schools. So our timeline, our students have successfully registered for their courses. Um we are currently in the finalization of those schedules. In December, they will have their first college orientation and then in January 2026, they will be on campus full-time. Um, this program helps our students earn their credits, take them to college, and get them the first start that they need to start for poster post-secary achievement. So, how do I fit in? We're here when they come to um TCC, I'm the need help person. When they come in, where do
037I go for tutoring? either I'm the tutor or I take them to the tutor across the hall. Um I'm glad my office is placed right there on that hall. The tutoring is right next to me as far and the library is upstairs. So our students come to me. Um they also have me openly on all w on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 2. They can set up appointments with me and outside of that if they scan my QR code they can set up an appointment with me outside of their class times. Also for our students who have 504s and IEPs, I set them up with C counselors at TCC to ensure that they receive their um accommodations. Also, I work with instructors on attendance grades for our students and um I have built that relationship with
038them where they can actually reach out to me so that our students are not falling behind. And as I close, I want to thank you all for your continued support of the gifted education and dual enrollment program. We are definitely creating um opportunities to foster excellence and equity and engagement for all the students um in Portsouth public schools. Thank you again. >> Thank you. [applause] Thanks so much, Dr. Davis. I had a question uh >> not trying to give out any extra assignments, but with uh first college and uh and early college, do the graduation coaches at the high schools participate in that at all with you or is that pretty much just all on >> school counselors is who I work with directly um when it comes to scheduling the students and also the
039dual enrollment manager at TCC. Um so it's like a three-part. So we get in through the school counselors and the school counselors have their career plans. >> And so that was my my question because school counselors are already swamped with with so much already uh with the ratio of students and uh compared to counselors. Is there a such thing in other divisions such as like a first like first college coaches or recruiters that that are actually staffed by the school that focus just on uh ensuring those students to stay on the correct path and also recruiting more students to get on that path? >> From what I have with conversations, no because first college is unique to Portsouth. So we are very unique because a lot of people try to duplicate what we do. Um
040they have school counselors. We also have access advisors too that get involved. Um, so they do come in and talk to me about students that they have on just their case load. Um, so we don't have a particular coach. I do the recruitment with the counselors and TCC staff helps me do the recruitment. >> Okay. Thank you so much. >> Anything else from board members? Miss McWain. >> Thank you, Chair Dr. Davis. I just want to tell you I really appreciate your thorough breakdown of the gifted educator and dual enrollment and it was just mighty fine. >> Well, thank you. [laughter] >> Thank you. >> I didn't catch that joke. I'm I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. [laughter] >> Oh, you caught it. >> Anyone else? [laughter] >> All right. Thank you
041so much. >> You're welcome. Agenda item 8.3, uh, employee groups budget and salary request for the 202627 school year. Dr. Bracie. >> Yeah, Mr. Faulk. With the with the employee groups, who do we >> health services? Okay. So, we have a spokesperson for health services. >> Okay. >> Good evening, [snorts] Doc. Um, chairman, Dr. Patillo, >> good evening. Um, Vice Chair Atinson, Dr. Bracie, and other board members, as well as all other guests. My name is Lisa Roundtree, and I serve as a supervisor of health services for Portman Public Schools, and I'm here tonight to present a budget recommendation for the upcoming fiscal year to address our growing crisis in student health and safety that directly impacts our entire academic mission. Um, currently our we have 10 registered nurses and they're severely understaffed, overworked, and
042critically underpaid compared to professional standards. Our nursing team faces a significant disparity between their current workload and the 28 full-time RNs recommended by the national guidelines to serve safely serve our students. And I'll show you that in this where I got those numbers from. Um the math the massive staffing staffing gap has dire consequences for our everyday in our 22 buildings. Risk to the students is our nurses are stretched so thin that they are forced to triage urgent cases across multiple schools. This creates a genuine and unacceptable risk to miss pertinent details about a student's health, particularly the 3,528 students with chronic conditions we who require daily professional nursing services. Um there's some we face immense challenges meeting goals and deadlines for essential duties like care coordination, mandated screenings, and the creation of legally required
043individualized health care plans. When nurses cannot complete these documentations, the district faces legal liability and more importantly, our most medically fragile students are put at risk. Um, when an RN specifically is tied up with other routine tasks and when instructional staff are pulled to act as me medical design, we are compromising both instruction and student care. Um, let's see. So again um basically our current situation is that we have a shortage of RN staff that Nancy require I mean recommends that we have higher staffing numbers than we currently have. But I am happy to say that we now have a school nurse in every school. Um basically we talk about like when the nurses are missing um we're pulling staff members like IAS or clerical staff to fill in those um gaps along with some
044principles and assistant principles um to make to ensure that our students still get their medications. And um when we had the seven we we actually had seven holes at the beginning of the school year and they um like I said they're currently filled now. I did have to settle for, not settle for, that's a bad word, but I had to hire LPNs to make sure that we had someone in each building. Um, so if we do hire, so I'm my goal is to hire some UAPs, which are unlicensed assist assistant personnel, which would be like MAS, which are medical assistants, medical techs, or CNAs who can offer um they're unlicensed. They they're not a nurse. to be more like a clinic assistant which will you know keep from pulling the IAS from out of class
045to fill in when a nurse is not there or to even help the nurse so she can focus [snorts] on more critical things. Um so the proposal is for the to hire the UAPs um asking for like 10 at least five full-time, five part-time or 10 full-time. Um timely responses the what what it'll improve access timely responses to student health without delay. Um allow instructional staff to focus on teaching not medical issues. Uh enhanced well-being, comprehensive health services, screenings, chronic disease management and mental health support that the RN could be focused on. So currently we have 12,717 total students. Um there are 3,528 students who have chronic health issues and that sometimes require daily professional nursing services. The Nansen recommendation for students with chronic health issues is um nurse to student ratio would be 1
046to 225 for the general um population which would be the remaining 9,189 students the ratio the recommended ratio will be one to 750 students. So when you look at those numbers, you divide that 30 3528 by 225 that requires 16 RNs to care for those students. Um and for the general population is 12 RNs. So historically Virginia ratios are running like one to 923 students which is approximately 14 RNs and we're still falling short of that. We only have 10. Um, nom like I said Nansom Nansom recommendations is 1 to 750 students for general population and 1 to 225 students for students with chronic focus. So um understanding our support roles, registered nurses perform full nursing processes, develop indiv individualized health care plans, make all clinical judgments and account that we are accountable for all
047of the delegated tasks. So if we are delegating to any other staff member including the R um LPNs, then that has to be handled by um RNs. RNs are they can still you know provide skilled nursing care under the RN supervision medication administration routine procedures but they can't delegate to any other staff members the unlicensed assistant personnel they would be assigned specific tasks delegated delegated by RNs they can check blood sugars do G2 feeds um some medication administration and RN can RN train them, supervise them and evaluate them. They can also assist with screenings and daily, you know, boooos and band-aids. So, um like I said for the foundation would be like 28 RN would be required 16 to care for the chronic care students and 12 to cover the general population. LPN integration, routine
048skill care under RN supervision, free RN up for complex assessments and care coordination and the U the UAP support will be specific, stable, predictable and delegated by nurses including insulin administration G2 feeds for disabled students. The bottom line is the student health is intricably linked to academic success. Investing in adequate clinic staffing enhances health services, improves the AC ed educational environment and ensures better outcomes of all students. Um, and just to mention the LPNs and UAPs assist the 28 RNs or basically but they can't replace them. So you know even though we're asking for the UAPs, it still doesn't address our shortage of RNs because there should be one at least one in every school. And this just pretty much re it just tells you our current status right now. We have we currently have
04910 RNs um including myself and the team leader. And as a matter of fact, I just had one of the LPNs. She just got her license, so she's a RN now. And the other 11 nurses that we have are LPNs. Some districts they don't stand alone in clinics. They work as um assistant nurses or clinic assistants. Um I have an impeccable staff of LPNs. They are very capable but it's still scope of practice that governs you know what we do. So to help address the critical shortages and meet student needs more effectively, we request the addition of up to 10 full-time unlicensed assisted personnel, a combination of or a combination of five full-time, five part-time to serve as clinic assistance. This what this will do is improve coverage and access. Um if we had a
050UAP in every building, it would ensure immediate care and support, reducing response time for routine health needs. Um, it enhanced the over the Rian's oversight, freeing up Rians for routine tasks, allowing them to oversee multiple schools, providing expert judgment, um, clinical judgment and supervision across the district, addressing critical gaps. This this tiered staffing model fills gaps in daily CR um, clinic operation, enabling RN to focus on more complex cases, care coordination, and health education. What did I do? I turned it off. Help. >> It was okay. Thank you. [laughter] Well, thank you very much for taking the time to listen to me and hopefully you're considering my request. >> Thank you so much. I just had one uh uh question cuz I didn't see I think I see it here. But when you were asking
051about the UAPs, you said either 10 full-time or five part-time or you saying both. >> That's just a start. We had 20. [laughter] >> I was trying to be too all I understand. I ask for all those >> um and uh if if we were able to uh to fund an additional uh four RNs in the budget, do you think we would have the uh I guess enough interest to to actually >> another conversation cuz um I think the what turns them away is the salaries, >> right? >> So, >> okay, >> it would be as simple as >> cuz they're just not attracted to it. It's >> you know. I do have a couple of more applicants in there though. So, but it's just harder to get the RNs because of the pay. >>
052P pay pretty much. >> Okay. Vice Ch. >> Thank you, chair. Thank you, Miss Roundtree. Um, outside of pay, like is there like any any other barriers or like is there anything like we can do as far as like you know maybe like pulling a pulling the LPN's paying for school for their would that would that help? >> Absolutely. [laughter] Um, like I said, I just had one R I mean LPN who went through school and she did it on her own. we if we could that is one of the things I always encourage anyway is to kind of go back to school get your RN you know [snorts] because I definitely don't want to replace the staff that I have but their scope of practice is still you know not necessarily putting us at
053risk but um yeah we did we it stretches the RNs the other option or the other um consideration would be to have our RNs oversee an LPN because basically they would be working or have two schools. >> Gotcha. >> But that would come of course with um compensation, >> right? So what about targeting like a seasoned RN that's been the profession for some time and you know ready to retire from like a hospital? Are we are we is there a way to target those ones because maybe they would come in because you know school is more easier than being in a hospital and nearing retirement. [laughter] >> Oh I >> I don't I don't think that came out right. >> Yeah that that that didn't come out right. That didn't come out right. [laughter] Thank
054Thank you. >> It seems that way. >> Yeah. It's it it seems that it seems that way. So in in hospitals, let me just clear this up because in the hot in the school district in schools, these nurses are autonomous. They are here by themselves. They have no other professional to assist them with anything. And when so when you get like a trauma you know which you never really think about happening in a school but these things happen or so many things happen in these schools you know with these students you know you know drugs and fights and injuries and head injuries and all kind you know I had a child sever a finger you know so you're not expecting to come across these things in school but you're by yourself so when I say
055you're by yourself you have a team of most of the time we have good teams you to help you out in that crisis. But um in a hospital, >> right, >> someone calls, you going to call a team, all these other people except for the nurse are going to have something to do. She'll be there typing in the orders or, you know, passing some meds or so it gets a little easier, you know, but the everyday care is about the same. >> Gotcha. And um to the staff, my apologies if that came off as as insensitive. It I definitely value the work. I recently uh shared a post to my Facebook and um it was multiple videos of like those that's in the medical staff and the parents said my child life was saved because
056this person ran. So I definitely value what you do. You are needed and hopefully we can do what we need to do to help you all. Thank you so much for all you do. >> Thank you. And and I I I just think we would definitely look at this that maybe a a pathway similar to what we do for our teachers and IAS. It might be something we can do for LPN's trying to transition to RN. So that may be something we can look at and maybe get a a cost of what that would look like >> to possibly put that into play to be a good start. >> And we'll definitely look at the position you asked for as well because you you caught me early in the year and you told me you
057were coming. So I was ready for you tonight. But but thank you so much for coming >> and thank you for having me. [applause] >> Oh, I'm sorry. Miss Miss Shoemake had one question as well. >> I think you answer Thank you, chair. I think you answered um a little bit of it, but I wanted the public to know um because my definition of chronic care because where I work is um dual diagnosis for um drug treatment and mental health. Um, but I'm pretty sure you guys get all of that as well. >> So, and and that probably in includes crisis. So, and I just wanted you to you've already kind of expressed some of the things that you guys experience, but I don't think um and and this will be for the public itself.
058I don't think the public all the way understands what that looks like. Um, so when you're requesting like for chronic care, what what what is that in particular? So for chronic care meaning students who it could just be students who are have daily meds um >> yeah um we have students who have you know um asthma >> um allergies, diabetes, you know adrenal insufficiencies, all kinds of things that we you know seizures. Uh >> can I keep on going? Um >> yeah. And so do you also um deal with children who are dealing with crisis? >> Um we usually refer them. >> Okay. You know but but they initially come to you all. Correct. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. A big one you know. Yeah. With the students like I said who are eating gummies and
059>> exactly >> things like that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. >> So much. >> You're welcome. Anybody else? No. >> Thank you so much. Agenda item 9.1 is the monthly report. Dr. Bracy. >> Thank you, Chairman Patillo, Vice Chair Atinson, members of the board. I have some entertaining news to lead off from my report. The students at Kratock Elementary School will soon be singing that they have no worries for the rest of their days as Kratock was one of just 71 elementary schools in the nation selected to take part in the Disney music and schools program. Yeah. Yeah. That's right. Give them a [applause] >> Their teachers will get online an online course show in producing and have access to a host of online resources and videos through the program. Katr has selected to
060perform The Lion King this spring and we and this work is already underway to ensure that it will be a great success. Congratulations to Kredic and we just can't wait to be at the show opening. I'm also excited to invite families of our students in grades 5 through 11 to our first ever Ignite Your Future Expo. This expo will highlight all of the pathways we have in the division to match students education with their interests and talents. There will also be representatives from our CTE programs, the Pace Center, Governor School of the Arts, our first college early college partnership with TCC as well as each individual subject area. It is going to be a great source of information for students and families and will be next Wednesday, November 12th from 5:30 to 7:00 at Manor
061High School. We look forward to seeing you there. Later this month, the division is also hosting a family literacy night that will focus on the Virginia Assessment Language and Literacy Screening System, also known as Valves. VAS is a statewide assessment that is used here in Virginia to screen students for early liter literacy skills and to identify reading difficulties. During this time together, families will get to learn more about this assessment, how to interpret the interpret the screening results, and ways parents can support their child's literacy development at home. This event will take place Wednesday, November 19th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Simmonsdale Elementary School. I have a couple of other calendar updates. First, all schools and administrative offices will be closed Tuesday, November 11th in observance of Veteran Day. In fact, let me take
062this opportunity to thank all in our community who have served our country by being in the military. We are grateful for your service and the freedoms we have today thanks to you. In addition, we also have our upcoming Thanksgiving break. All of our schools and administrative offices will be closed Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28th. As we will not meet ahead again ahead of the Thanksgiving break, I do hope all of our students, staff, and families are able to enjoy this time together. I'm certainly thankful to be here in Porson Public Schools alongside all of you and continue this great work together. Thank you, Chairman Patillo. That concludes my report. >> Thank you, sir. Uh, agenda item 9.2, board member comments. Do we have any, Miss Futurrio? >> Yes, sir. So, I just wanted
063to um just kind of report that um I had a HR committee meeting this week um talking to Miss Jackson and just learned a few more things about what her team is working on. Um, one of which I was happy to report is as of September 25th, 2025, we currently have um reduced our teacher vacancies to 49. Um, and Miss Jackson, that number originally was what? >> Over 200. So, I think that deserves a round of applause for that team. Um, they are also working on some district-wide training dealing with customer service. As we all know, that's huge. Um so they'll be doing that by the end of the year. Um working on some policy and procedure training. Um new management and leadership development as well as wellness fairs. Um which we all know is
064very important to tackle that. Um and then last but not least um they are going to be implementing a divisionwide retention strategies um aiming at strengthening employee engagement um and satisfying uh career growth. So much of what was kind of shared just a minute ago. Just know that the HR team is leaning into a lot of those things. So we have some teacher signing days coming as well. So, be on the lookout. They're working hard. So, thank you, Miss Jackson, and your team. >> Thank you so much, Miss McWain. >> Oh, excuse me. Thank you, chair. Uh, Miss Roundtree, I want to thank you so much for your presentation. I didn't get a chance. You had answered my question, so I didn't um say anything, but I appreciate your presentation, and I know that Dr.
065Burie gonna take care of you because he always do. Um, I want to also give kudos to um Dr. Bur and his staff and Dr. Williams. I know he left out, but I mean, Victory Elementary really prepped up this um this meeting tonight. Um I thought I was going to come in here and have to fight sleep, but I have been excited ever since I came in and saw these little um you apprec You're appreciated and I'm going to go home and sing our song. I got a little clip of it. So, um I want to just give them a round of applause before we leave. Thank y'all so much. [applause] Amen. Is there any other uh >> any other board meal comments? >> That's how we should, >> Miss Schum. Okay, I'm going to
066make it quick. Thank you, chair. Um I just want to let the the general public know and understand with all of us board members here, we may not have the same way of um showing or or letting you see what we do. Um, but we all care and not just us, so does Dr. Bracie. So when you see individuals um bring concerns, whether it's here, whether it's on social media, um, one of us has reached out to Dr. Bracie and his administration has then reached out to those individuals. So I just want to be clear so that people aren't mistaken thinking that Dr. Bracy and his administration is not doing their due diligence. So I just wanted to make that small comment. Thank you so much chair. Okay. >> Thank you so much. If there's
067no further discussion, this meeting is now ajourned. Thank you.