001Okay. Do we have a motion that we exit executive session for this evening? >> I'll make that motion. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Parsons. Do we [clears throat] have a second? >> I'll second. >> Thank you. All in favor? >> I. Any oppose? Okay, we have um Miss Perkins, would you care to read what we went in executive under? 2.2-3711A1 Personnel 2.2-3711A7 consultation with legal counsel 2.2-3711A88 2-371188 consultation with legal counsel general. >> Madam Chair, I move to certify to the best of our knowledge only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements and only such public business matters as were identified in the motion to go into executive session were heard, discussed, or considered in executive session. >> Yes. [clears throat] >> Thank you. Okay, we'll turn it over to you. >> Okay.
002Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Kempton. The Code of Virginia requires school boards to reorganize annually. Russell County Public Schools adopted January as the date to reorganize. I will be responsible for facilitating the chairman's selection voting and determining at that time, I will turn it over to the new chairperson to continue with other positions. With that being said, I now open the floor for nominations for chair for the next calendar year. >> Dr. I make a motion nominate Christy Perkins. [clears throat] >> I make a motion that we nominate Miss Compton. Any others? Okay, we'll close our nominations. We have two individuals on the floor for chairperson. Uh, those in favor for Chrissy Perkins, signify by raising your hand. Okay. And those in favor for Cynthia Compton, please raise your hand. Okay. Congratulations, Miss Compton.
003The floor is yours. [snorts] Okay. [clears throat] Well, thank you. I guess I'll try. I'll do my best. Okay. The floor is open for vice chair. >> Nominate Bob Gibson. >> Okay. Any others? >> I nominate Christie Perkins. >> Okay. Okay. We'll take a vote for Mr. Gibson for vice chair and for Miss Perkins. >> I vote. >> Oh, coach. >> Okay. For me. [laughter] >> Okay. [laughter] Good night. >> That's what you're on here for. Debate. [clears throat] >> It's not always easy. Christ, >> you're doing a good job. >> Okay. Uh, that takes us to the school board clerk. Do I have a nomination? >> I'll nominate Brook Web. >> Thank you, Mr. Gibson. Any others? All in favor of Brook Webb. >> I >> Any opposed? Okay, the takes us down to
004number 10, the schoolboard attorney. >> We select Mr. Nick Compton. >> I >> All in favor? >> Okay. The method of operational our operational method be Robertson rules. All in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose? Okay. Down to our regular schedule monthly meeting on otherwise advertised. We want to keep it as what we're doing now. Is at the pleasure of the board. Okay, that will be the first t Tuesday of each month at uh five o'clock and the regular meeting after executive is usually around 6:30. We're to the insurance committee. Um Mr. Gibson, would you care to [clears throat] help me with that? >> No. Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. and I would appoint myself u the leazison to the board of supervisors Mr. Eaton would you care to and Mr. ball too as well
005if if you be available for that. Uh the Lynwood Governor's School, Miss Garrett, [clears throat] would you want to continue with that? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. Mayor Budget Committee. I would like uh Mr. Eaton and Mr. Ball >> Yes, ma'am. >> to work together on that. Our disciplinary committee um Tim Ball and Kippy, would that be good? Okay, guess that takes us to the BSBA. BSBA, the code of conduct for schoolboard members. >> [clears throat] >> They got down Let me do that next. We'll do business before we get to this. >> Okay. [cough] I'll pass it. Okay, >> we'll stand for the pledge. 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
006for all. [clears throat] Any adjustments uh to our agenda tonight, Dr. Hooker? >> Uh, no, Madam Chair. >> Okay. Do we have a motion that we finalize and approve the agenda for tonight? >> I'll make that motion. >> Thank you, Mr. Parsons. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Perkins. And all in favor? >> I. Any oppose? >> Okay, Dr. Hooker. >> Okay. I think when you were going to ask Nick to come up. >> Yeah. >> Hey, Dr. Before we have public comment, >> I like can we have a moment of silence in memory of Lyn Ramsay who devoted 44 years of her life to Cass I mean to Russell County Schools but mainly Casswood High School. >> Thank you. Thank you. [snorts] Dick. Okay. We'd like to ask Mr.
007Captain if he would. >> Before that, could we uh ask Mr. Perkins to >> come up? That's the very issue we have up >> and ask before. >> Yeah, we're going to do delegations next. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Prior to entry into the delegations, Madam Chairman, [cough] you asked me to uh to discuss an issue which [clears throat] there's many people here tonight I want to address. That is the issue with Hanacre Elementary. uh first and it's my personal belief I can state that this is my personal belief that I believe in Jesus and I have confessed him Lord and Savior and I've been baptized. So when you take an oath as you all have taken to uphold the constitution, it puts you and I know most of you your personal beliefs and it
008puts you sometimes in conflict with personal beliefs and your oath of constitutional obligations. the painting which was a tiger Paul that had Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me that's the King James version and if you pick any other versions it says him referring to Jesus Christ that is a purely Christian statement and when this issue first came [clears throat] up there was a group out of Wisconsin that threatened litigation and Dr. Hooker approached me and said you know what you know how is this how does the law read what would we be looking at and I advised Dr. Hooker that if you want to fight this you need to put back 100 to $250,000 because this would be a 1983 lawsuit that entity said they were going to sue
009and I've had many people ask me, do they have standing to sue? [clears throat] Do you think that the in this entity in Wisconsin trolls schools looking for these things? Somebody local complain. Understand that. I personally know that in the Belfast community that there is an individual, she is an atheist. I know of children that go to schools in home that their mother is a Wiccan. So you don't know who is there. So then you have to ask the next question and Dr. Hooker asked that next question. If we leave that up, what would happen? And the board and I advised her would be left with one of two issues. one, you face a lawsuit and probably lose. The Supreme Court is real clear. When you promote one religious or religion over another, it violates
010the establishment clause. And the establishment clause very succinctly states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." [clears throat] That has been interpreted to mean that and it's been applied to states and local entities. >> And so to leave this open, Dr. Ed said, "Well, what if we leave it open?" I said, "Well, then you have to allow all religions and entities to post on the wall. So then the question becomes as a community, are you willing to have all hell Satan written on your school wall? Are you are you do [clears throat] you want statements of the Quran saying death to the infidels referring to Christians on the walls? Do you want things like, you know, bulls are the the way of the world? There are religions that worship cows and other
011animals. So, you would open that up. Dr. Hooker wanted to know, well, how do they have the authority to get attorneys fees? And the Supreme Court has said that they award attorney's fees as a way of punishing school systems or government entities to make them comply with this specifically. And there's several cases, you know, there was the Santa Fe Independent School case which involves student le prayer. That was a they said it was Christian in nature. The complainants were Mormon and Catholic. So when we talk about what this is, we don't know who is of offense. But the Supreme Court stated that they have a vigilant protection and compliance of the estach establishment clause in elementary and secondary schools which means that you would have been reviewed at a higher standard, a harsher standard, a
012standard that even studentled prayer has been found to be unconstitutional. uh the Kentucky statute which said that the for the Ten Commandments which are literally on the doors that lead into the Supreme Court chambers there is a mosaic of Moses holding the Ten Commandments in the Supreme Court building. They said that the posting of the Ten Commandments in [clears throat] every classroom in Kentucky violated the establishment clause. This was not a generic statement. This was a very specific statement. And so I did advise Dr. Hooker that if the school system did not win that the probability of attorney's fees was high. And for a school system that has been fighting to find $100,000 to move here or there, you were putting that on the line because this entity had contacted us numerous times. So that
013is why I advised Dr. Hooker that I believed that either you open it up to everybody or you remove the very specific Christian statement. And unfortunately, you have you took an oath to uphold the Constitution and the Supreme Court is the decider of what the Constitution means. So, as good stewards of the public money because the only way you get money is through taxes, I think Dr. Hooker made the right decision and I believe that that is well supported and it was something that was discussed extensively. Because to do otherwise, I would suggest that any organization or group that would like for the school system to put it back up to post $250,000 to the schools to challenge it because then you're not coming out of the taxpayers's pocket. Do I agree with this? That
014is the law of the land. Do I like it? No, I don't. I know where we live. I know what this country was founded on. Even George Washington refers to the [clears throat] province and the creation that was made by God and his confessions and in his papers. But that does not change what the law has been since the 1950s and continues to be. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Mr. Kemp. >> Delegations delegations this evening. [clears throat] >> [snorts] [cough] >> My name is Sean Street. I'm pastor of Community Church at Bristol in Bristol, Tennessee. Also write for Lebanon Music. I left my notebook right there. So I'm coming to you in the form of Pastor Street. When the Freedom from Religion Foundation first contacted you. That was my first meeting back at
015Lebanon News after several years being away. And the August meeting, uh, you begin with a moment of prayer, moment of silence and asked what was going on, Miss Gumpton told me, and I said, "Well, they can't do anything about spontaneous prayer, and I'm a spontaneous type of guy." So, for the last four years, I would get up here and open this meeting in a prayer. I'm sure Jerry Lark would not have had a problem with that. But when HD Media bought the Lebanon News, I didn't tell them what I was doing. I was putting my career at risk, quite frankly. because it's better to ask for forgiveness than it is permission. So, whatever. Now, one of the first prayers I did when I got here is in my prayer, I pointed out that James Madison,
016whom I'm related to, wrote in his own diary that they come up with the idea for three branches of government based on the book of Isaiah. The Lord is our king, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our judge, it is the Lord that will save us. So, by that definition, the United States Constitution is unconstitutional because it come from the Bible. Right? Now, with that said, I was here for four years opening this meeting with prayer, and then I overheard one night, "We need someone else who's good to pray for us." Okay, that's perfectly fine, whatever. But that kind of made me a little insulted. And then this comes up that the organization that I was praying for you guys against contacts you again, and once again, you bow down. Now, is anybody
017in this room other than the school board and me have received a letter from that organization? I've gotten letters from that organization threatening to sue me for the way I preach. You know what I did with that letter? I put my bubble gum in it and threw it away. And I called my buddy at Northstar Church. He said, "Yeah, I get letters from those people all the time and they do nothing." So, in closing, Pastor Sean is going to go home and watch Dirt Racing, and I'll finish the meeting tomorrow on YouTube. But what I always tell my congregation is there's a food city at the bottom of the hill right here. Stop and buy you some milk. You'll grow a backbone if you drink enough. >> Y'all have a good night. >> Anyone else?
018Thank you, Mr. Compton. I appreciate all that information. Now, I'm going have to restructure everything I was supposed to say. But anyway, my name is Sandy Hes. I am coming not only as the co-chair of the Russell County Christian Coalition, but as a concerned parent of a Russell County student, [clears throat] we were dismayed and saddened and angry to find out that the Bible verse had been painted over. Um, we was even more angry to find out about it after the fact. Um, the way that we found out about it was like everybody else on Facebook with the group bragging that they had got it removed. Um, I do know that it was brought out in the September 2nd meeting. I went back and watched that meeting. Right at the last of the meeting, Mr.
019Parsons brought up the letter that Dr. Hooker had received. And Dr. said they were consulting with the attorney to see what they needed to do. Um, that's when Mr. Parsons made the statement and I quote, "I think it's ridiculous we have to do this, but I think we do what we have to do." So, the email was sent on August the 25th and by September 2nd, a decision apparently had already been made. So, a decision was made to comply with the [clears throat] group. Now, this route brags on having a thousand members in the state of Virginia. So, out of 8.81 million people, we're going to let this minute group of people determine what we do in our schools. I couldn't find a code of Virginia. Of course, I'm not a lawyer, but I could
020not find any code of Virginia that prohibited that. I found several that said it was left up as guidelines to the local board to use, but I couldn't find anything in the code of Virginia prohibiting that. Now, the group cited that the Bible verse violates children's first amendment rights. Actually, removing it also violates the First Amendment rights. Mr. Cton quoted part of that. Shall make no law respecting an establishment of [clears throat] religion. But you didn't finish it. or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. >> Amen. >> So, Russell County is a predominantly Christian community. The volunteer group that painted that was the men's club. The school didn't actually paint that as the school. Um I do know that the men's club, the people that coach the children, they exhibit Christian values for these children. I
021know that personally. And it we discovered that that is the best way. We believe that is the best way to give these children structure for success in life and beyond. But and furthermore, this was when I had this was simply a reference to a passage in a literary book. [clears throat] If children are not religious, if this atheist group doesn't believe in God, why are they so offended by a reference to a literary work that is actually being taught as an elective in Russell County schools? To them, it shouldn't have been any different if it said Hamlet act one, scene two. That's right. >> Shouldn't have made any more different to them. It's just a reference to a published book according to them. But the decision was made to comply with his group and roll
022over and do as you were told. I was very angry to find out that with just a simple Google search, three articles concerning this matter in Russell County was there. The first one being from this atheist group bragging about how they made sure that this religious display was removed and had the email and the picture from Dr. Hooker proving that you all had done as you were told. Then I found two religious groups declaring that it was a shame that children in Russell County had to check their Christian faith at the doors of their schoolhouse. And then of course the headline and the news, the group claims victory. But in order to have a victory, there has to be a fight. And I don't see that there was any fight in this. [clears throat] Now,
023in 2021, when our coalition was put together, the previous [cough and clears throat] board that sat here was told, "You all had no choice. You had to accept the governor's model policies coming down that address the transgender issues. You all were told you had to do that." Well, 500 residents or more showed up at that school board meeting, and you all bravely decided to vote that down and to not accept those model policies. We proved that we will fight with you all if you will fight it. Now I understand the legal fees and the ram and ramifications of of going against something like this. But there are so many legal precedences that were especially in Virginia. Religious freedoms have won if there had just been a fight. But there was no fight. So [snorts] we
024were a little disappointed. Now I know that you guys go by what you're advised to do and what you feel is best and we understand that. But we just want when an issue like this comes to light, we would like to know about it so we can help you all fight against it to do the right thing. But we appreciate your time. We appreciate what you do. But we wanted to come here tonight to express our our deep unsatisfactory result in this issue. But I appreciate you. >> Thank [clears throat] Thank you. Anyone else? Good evening. My name is Carrie Reynolds. I have two children that attend Homemaker Elementary Middle School. Um, one is in kindergarten, one is in first grade. Um, I have notes here that I had taken to speak from and I
025plan on doing that in a moment. But I want to begin by saying I am Christian [cough and clears throat] believer. That is where I stand in my faith and I raise my children in that same belief. I do have my first grade son before Christmas break. He came home asking me questions about Hanukkah and was I was informed that he learned it at school and class. So I took it upon myself to message his teacher and ask about it. She said yes. They did show a five-minute video regarding the holiday Hanukkah. And then she proceeded to ask him questions surrounding this holiday and what it meant. If we are going to stand firm against one religion, why is it being educated within the school on different religions and belief systems? Secondly, he also has
026a grade for holidays around the world on his power school. They have [cough] I'm not sure what that entails. I do know on the Department of Education website there is nationally recognized holidays listed. HANA is not one of them. So, I'm not sure why this was taught or why this was discussed or why there was questions asked surrounding. back to what I planned on saying was I want to begin by saying that this is not a personal statement directed at any individual board member or administrator. I recognize that the school board members serve as part of a collective body and that no single person should make decisions alone. That said, my concern is with process, transparency, and communication. Recently, a significant decision affecting Homic Elementary Middle School became public knowledge through mainstream media before many
027parents and reportedly even some board members were informed. This concerns the paying over of Philippians 4:13 and the school gym. Decisions of this magnitude should not come as as a surprise to the very people untrusted with oversight, nor to the families directly affected. I fully understand and respect that schools must follow the law. However, compliance with the law does not remove the responsibility for clear communication. [clears throat] How decisions are framed, reviewed, and communicated matters, especially when the outcome is swift and highly visible. Transparency in the process helps the community understand not just what happened, but why. In an effort to better understand the process, I submitted multiple requests through the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. I requested communications between the superintendent and the Freedom from Religion Foundation, as well as communications between staff and
028the school board related to decisions or actions connected to this matter. While I did receive a response outlining communication with the Freedom from Religion Foundation, I was informed that additional requested documentation would require more time together. Delays like this compi combined with the lack of proactive communication add to the perception that parents are learning about major decisions only after they've already occurred. When parents choose public education, we do so knowing it will not reflect every personal belief. That respons that responsibility ultimately rests with us as parents. What we do reasonably expect, however, is clarity, consistency, and openness when decisions impact our children, their environment, and our community. The situation could have been handled in ways that foster trust rather than confusion. For example, parents and community members could have been notified that an issue had
029been raised and was under review. The board could have acknowledged the concern publicly before action was taken. An explanation of the legal considerations and decision-making process could have been shared through official school communication channels. Board members could have been briefed in advance to ensure unified and informed oversight. These steps do not require public debate over every issue, but they do demonstrate respect for the community and for the citizens who elected this board. Open communication builds trust. silence, surprise, and after the fact explanations weakened. My concern is not disagreement. It is trust and confidence in the process. Parents deserve to know what is happening inside their schools and to feel confident that decisions are being made thoughtfully, transparently, and with appropriate communication. I offer these remarks respectfully and with the hope that this board will continue
030to prioritize transparency, accountability, and clear communication moving forward. I thank you all for your time, for your service, and for the opportunity to speak. Thank you, Carrie. That was But anyone else? Thank you. >> I'd like to say I personally respect every one of you. You folks in the job you do. I do not envy the job you have by no means. But I can say I I appreciate these folks that uh stand for the Lord and believe in doing that. >> God [clears throat] I serve is the one the one that has solved this problem. God I serve is the one that we'll look to and if we fail to look to him we will we will come up short. I appreciate sister Sandy saying that we we'll stand together. That's what we must
031do. We must stand together. So it's a privilege that we [clears throat] are given right now. I'd like to go to him in prayer and talk to him. Dear gracious, loving and heavenly father, we're thankful Lord for this privilege Lord that you granted unto us the privilege to be saved. Privilege Lord to call on thy name. Lord we're thankful for this another day of life. And let us say we're thankful to see Kit back with us tonight. Lord for good health and strength. Lord you grant it to us to be here. We're thankful for all your blessings, Lord. The privilege again to be a Christian. Lord, we ask you to look down and bless, Lord, each and every one that is here. We ask you to look down and bless [snorts] these uh Lord, these
032board members, Lord, that you move upon them, direct their heart. Bless them in all things that they do, all choices, and all decisions. And Lord, help us as a people, Lord, to stand for you in all your ways and all that you have commanded us to do. Help us to follow Lord what saith the word of God. We appreciate you and we love you and we thank you for this day in the name of Jesus. Amen. >> Amen. [clears throat] >> Chair. >> Yes. [snorts] >> I appreciate everybody speaking. Now, for the last thing that I was asked about by members of this board and others was whether or not Philippians 4:13 could be replaced within God we trust. And this board wanted to know that and you asked me and several brought it up.
033Yes, you can. And God we trust is stated at 36 USC section 302 as the national motto of this United States. So I know Dr. Hooker had stated that she was in the process of getting that framed not just for Haner Elementary but for >> all schools. >> Thank you. >> In our office here. >> Thank you. >> Good. That's good. [applause] >> Would anyone else like to address the board? >> I would. My name's Lyn Hes, Sy's brother. Most of you know me personally. Good to see Kip back. I've seen him on Facebook. He's in really bad shape. We thank the Lord for blessing you be back out here tonight. You all know that we're a that we're a Christian community. Dr. Hooker, I don't know you. I don't know where you come from.
034Don't know your background. Don't know if you're religious or if you believe in God or what, but we hold it very strongly around here that God is our God. And if you read my hat, what it says, God is first before any state law, federal law, or any other law. His law is first. >> Amen. >> And any kind of decision made like this should always be communicated to our board members. And our board members should let us know what's going on as citizens of this county before you make a decision to do such thing as what you did. I know what Nick's saying. understand what he's saying about the law. But there's a a foundation called the Freedom Foundation that told us in this county that if we ever needed them again, we don't
035have to worry about paying Nick Compton as a lawyer. >> We also got the ACLJ that takes these kind of cases. This is their this is their priority is to make sure that these kind of groups don't overrun our Christian values. >> And we that way you don't have this $200,000 hanging over your head. Now, if you hired Nick to do it, it probably cost you that much or more. And I appreciate Nick. Nick's a good lawyer. I bet he's been >> real quick. That's not for me. That's to pay the other side's law. >> Well, that's that's debatable on whether we'd have to do that or not. That would be up to the judge to decide whether it gets paid or not. But you always look to this community, Dr. Hooker, if you would
036please look to this community. We've got several pastors that's sitting in here tonight. They got a thousand members in the state of Virginia. You got more than a thousand people represented right here tonight. My church and other churches in the in the county. We'll be here for you if we know we need to be here. >> We'll always be here to back him up and to help you in these things that goes on. Don't think that you have to wing this on your own or listen to the advice of one counsel. And I know he's the counsel you got hired, but we need to look at every avenue before we bow down to these non-Christian groups that's out here trying to shut God completely out of our lives. I read a thing today that the
037at uh one of the presidents, I can't remember it right now, uh but he said that a people that was not governed by God could not be governed by man. And if we don't have God in our hearts and put him first, nothing's going to work. Look at the rest of the world. Look at the rest of this country. Look what's going on in Minnesota. Look what's going on around this. Do you see that going on here in Russell County in Southwest Virginia? No, you don't. Because we are a Christian community and we're going to keep it that way. I appreciate your time. >> Thank you, Mr. Hes. Thanks, Lyn. >> Following up with what you said, I thank you all for your prayers. I would not be here if it wasn't for all the
038prayers that went out and I really thank you all. [applause] Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Caitlyn Homemaker and I have a son that attends Homemaker Elementary School. I'm not a fluent or a public speaker, but I am a concerned and frustrated mother. I'm here with my concerns about the removal of the scripture Philippians 4:13 from the Jim Waker Elementary School. I'm afraid that most people are missing a bigger picture that happened on this affair. Of course, it's about the scripture. I'm a Christian. that runs deep within me, raised that way. And um that's first and foremost in my life. But there was something bigger that happened here. And though it hurts me deep that the scripture was taken down, that is not where my frustration as a parent is coming from. It is about
039the lack of transparency. The way that this was swept under the rug in a hopefully no one will notice kind of way. And it's the way that some board members reportedly did not even know it had been painted over. You are elected by us, the constituents, to vote on these types of issues. And as one member stated on social media, they didn't know that it was painted over. It's the way that the parents, the citizens, and some board members found out that air precious school had been targeted by the Freedom from Religion Foundation only after they were broadcasting their victory publicly. That is what kills trust and that is what angers us parents. My fear as a parent isn't that anyone will paint over the word of God in my child's heart. I work diligently
040to instill that into him daily. That is my job. I do not put that job on you. That's mine and I [clears throat] take it very seriously. However, my fear is that if someone with this much authority complied with these so-called demands, then what else may you apply with that might would affect my child, something that I would not find out about until it was already painted over. That is the bigger picture that so many seem to be missing. Of course, it hurts my heart that the scripture that has encouraged so many children for so many years was painted over. Of course, as a Christian, I'm bothered by that, but I'm not so hyperfocused on the scripture that I'm not seeing the bigger issue that happened here. The bigger issue was the lack of transparency
041and the compliance with a group that strictly goes against this county's beliefs. The situation sewed the seed of distrust into the many parents hearts and has shaken mine and others confidence in the Russell County public school system. My hope is that going forward this board will prioritize transparency and trust within the community over outside pressure and influence and I'm very thankful that um the in God we trust. I'm very thankful for that. But I would like to ask the board um if there would be a solution that that's not the point that the in God we trust is great. I love that. That's amazing that we're going to be able to do that. But that's not the point. The point is the Freedom from Religion Foundation come after us and we bowed down to them
042and we painted over and um would there be a way as a coach for the men's club? The men's club was the one that put it up there. I'm a coach for the Homemaker men's club. Would there be a way that this board would vote to allow us as the men's club to paint that back on there? That's something that I would like to know. I don't know if you have to discuss it or what, but could the men's club get together and paint that back on the wall as the men's club? That's where we played. That's where we practice. I don't know how that works. That's just a question that I had sitting back there whenever, you know, you all mentioned that it was painted on by the men's club years ago. So, thank
043you for your time. Thank you for your service. As Wayne said, I don't envy your job and I do respect you all, but just please reconsider when these big things come down as Christians in this community. I was here when they had the transgender policy come down. We will stand with you. We did stand and we will stand and with the Lord we will win. >> We cannot vote on that, but if it happens, >> Caitlyn, thank you so much. Anyone [clears throat] else? Yes. Uh, I wasn't planning on speaking tonight, but after listening a little bit, first of all, I want to thank the board and everything for what y'all do. Like Wayne, I wouldn't want to have have your job. If I did, I probably get fired from real. Uh, but I was
044sitting there thinking about uh, you know, lots been said about Bible scriptures. Lots been said about our founding fathers. This stuff didn't happen back then because our founding fathers wouldn't stand for it. they would have shot it down real quick. Uh, you know, the James 1:8 says, "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." And, uh, basically what that's saying is it's describing someone who's got conflicting thoughts with what God says and what the law says, what our world says, what, you know, this this is a race. I mean, I think most of y'all go to church, this is a race, and there's only one way you win it. And uh God's not going to take second place. He's not going to be second seat. He's not going to sit in the back. We
045either stand for him or he'll stand against us. >> Uh you know, Philippians 4:13. Most of the people that probably go by that don't even know what it says, especially at that age. Uh unlike some of the others said, I can't believe we're letting a few people rule them in again. It's it's just crazy. Uh but God's not going to take second place. uh was talking about the laws. Uh I've done a little five minute search after my [snorts] daughter brought this to my attention because Kayla's my daughter. My grandsons go there. A lot of the kids go there from our church. I coach different sports and stuff. U but I mean I looked up was it legal in Virginia for kids to do this or not? And uh I found this right here. Give
046me just a second. My kids have been putting all kinds of pictures on here. Uh, you know, uh, [clears throat] let me see here. Uh, Virginia Code 22.1-203.3 specifically allows students to express religious belief in artwork. religious beliefs and artwork and >> otherwritten and oral assignments, >> right? Otherwritten and oral assignments, but it must be clearly student speech, not school sponsored, not academic standards. However, if school officials like staff or the school board are involved in creating or endorsing it, endorsing it, it becomes a potential first amendment violation. So, context is key. The students have to be the like the Christian [clears throat] club or a ball team or somebody like that. You know, it's very simple, guys. Y'all y'all know how the world's getting. Y'all got TVs, y'all got eyes. Y'all see what's going
047on. If we don't send it for God, M Minnesota, these other places, it ain't going to be long till it's going to be right here county. >> Amen. >> Uh go ahead. Uh Erl said it, you know, when all this went on with trans, there was over 500 people here and it was a lot more money that was uh threatening to lose then they sat right here and said, "You you got $8 million. >> You got $8 million. You're going to pay the $8 million, guys. Our kids ain't for sale." That was said last time our kids are not for sale. >> This This is This is not about uh codes and laws. It's about our Christian community and our Christian workers. >> You know, I understand what you had to do. I don't think
048you handle it the right way. Uh, you know, maybe if you come out and told everybody this, hey, this is what I'm getting. This is where we're at. What do y'all want to do? You know, maybe if we had a little it would have been different. But guys, don't be d Don't be doubleminded. We got You're going to pick one or the other. You can't play both sides of the fence. >> Uh it's going to be one or the other. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> My name's Wayne Herbert and I'm in a lot of your churches throughout the year and uh I appreciate what you do as well. and I have no disdain uh at all of any person on this board. Um I think it's maybe a little quite arrogant
049to throw out 200 or $250,000 fee that somebody might would want to pay. We are taxpayers. We pay our fair share, but if we need to pay more, we can. As Lynn addressed the transgender model polic that came down. There's entities that we can turn to and we did at that time. We wouldn't have to pay a dime. And neither with Russell County, the school board, but we've got to know about it. And one thing I want to address is it has been said, nobody's involved. Nobody comes to the school meeting. That's why we elected you. >> We if we could be here all the time, we would love that. But we elected you and we put our trust in you and if something comes up and we need to know it, we expect you
050guys are going to let us know. Uh if we could be here, that's wonderful. But life happens for all of us. There's time Kit couldn't be here. Life happens. That's why we elect you. We put our trust in you. And I don't think our trust is misplaced. I don't think that at all. I just don't think this was handled real well. And my question is, are we at the point of no return with this verse since it's already been painted over or not? Is there something we can do moving forward? I respect the law, but as the attorney, he stood up here and neglected half of the First Amendment. I'm thinking a lot of that might go on. Uh, and as soon as he did, I was thinking what the rest of the First Amendment
051said. It's not freedom from religion. It's freedom for religion. That's what the first commandment is. It's freedom for religion. So we can [cough] freely serve our God and worship him. And I just like to to see if we could consider some path forward that in God we trust. I I appreciate that too. I love it. That's wonderful. It's on every piece of [laughter] money that we spend and I think on every courthouse in the nation I assume but are we really at that point of no return and we can get these entities involved. Lyn and Sandy has contact for them. They were here during the transgender fight. They stood and they made public comments to the board of supervisors and school board who whoever we were in front of. So, it's not something that we
052wouldn't fight with you at top. It's something we'll fight over, not against you, but we got to know. And I know these meetings are put out on social media platforms for us to go and view. Again, life happens and we trust y'all. We elected you to do this job and then if we need to be involved, we're happy to be involved. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Heard. Would anyone else like to address the board? [cough] >> Can I say one more quick thing? >> Sure. Lyn, >> separation of church and state is nowhere in the constitution. >> I think we're okay. Approval minutes. >> You've got something, sir? >> Yes. >> My name is uh Cody Jackson. Most of y'all probably know me. Um, I sat back there. I wasn't really planning on speaking
053tonight, but I just couldn't help but get stirred when Caitlyn was up here and so eloquently stated what she did. Um, I wanted to remind y'all that a few years ago during that transgender issue when all that came up, uh, one of the one of the verses I felt very strongly to share with this board was out of Esther where that Mori tells her when she's not sure what to do. she's facing uh not just a few hundred thousand dollars but is facing potentially life or death. Uh the response of Mori is who knows whether that God has put you in the position you're in for such a time as this. And I felt the need to remind each and every one of you of that tonight that you are where you are because God
054allowed you to be there. And who's to say that God did not put you there for this very reason? because that these things are going to continue to come up. Uh now, me and my wife, we we we felt conviction to to homeschool our children. We felt like that was what was best for them. Uh but I'm a assistant little league coach at Homeachaker. I I do my best to to help with them any way that I can. Uh I I'm I'm I don't know what I guess I'm a minister at the church for several of the kids that attend Russell County schools. We're friends with other people that kids go to Russell County schools. So, I do have skin in the game because these kids, even though they're not mine, they do mean a
055lot to me. And I wanted to bring this up. Last year, uh, some of those same people who have kids in these schools, they helped me because of this very same kind of thing. We had, uh, people of a different disposition politically, trying to do their best to take the rights away of folks who feel like I do and who are convicted like that I am. And it was people who have kids in Russell County schools who help me call senators, help me call representatives of the Virginia legislature. And a lot of folks when they hear things like this, they think, well, we just we've already they think that we are already fighting from behind. And that bill to take away those rights for for, you know, religious exemption for schools was getting very close
056to going before the floor. And the only chance really that it had uh in most people's minds was Governor Yncan vetoing it who had already stated that he would. But because people spoke up and because people stood up, they killed that bill in committee. It was not looking to be killed in committee. It looked very much like it was going to go through. So, I'd be pretty remiss if I was not going to get up after they stood with me and not stand within uh and do my best to tell you that that in your position, it may not be a very favorable one for you. It may be very uncomfortable at times, but if God puts you here to stand up for the truth and to stand up for what this community believes in,
057then you don't stand by yourself. So, I know it's been stated before, but sometimes the collective uh sort of amplifies the noise when maybe one person's speaking the truth and nobody listens. But when you have a lot of people speak the truth, hopefully somebody's ears perk up. Don't be so non-transparent with the board, with this community. I expect Jonathan to let me know when something's going on. No, I don't have kids in public schools, but it affects the kids that I care about. It affects kids that I I really am a part of their life probably at least twice a week, if not more than that. And I I want to know because I don't want you to have to fight any of that by yourself. But here's the good thing. If God puts you
058where [snorts] you are for a purpose and it's coming, we've got a we got a horrible horrible governor and a horrible state legislature that's been elected. This ain't over. There's more things coming that you're going to have to face. And so I just wanted to reiterate what's already been said. What you face, you won't face by yourself. And it's not just me in the community I'm talking about. If God put you where you are to face this, then you won't stand alone. God will stand with you when you stand for the truth. >> That's awesome. >> Thank you, >> Cody. I appreciate you. I'm Mike D, pastor Har Church. A lot of the kids from the church goes to uh goes to Hon Elementary. And I want to say I appreciate this board. Uh it's
059done being said, but I want to remind uh 2021 uh as Jody said, they threaten maybe millions of dollars and this board, five of you still on this board. Uh this was the first board in the state of Virginia, if I mistaken, Mr. Gibson, that voted [cough] seven to nothing. And because this board stood for God, had that boldness, other counties, we went to Washington County, uh we went to county, we went to other count, we had people reaching out wanting people from this county to come and help build fight against that and we won. And and I mean I mean this I'd rather fight and lose as not do nothing about this >> and and maybe uh maybe uh Mr. Trump talking about $250,000. Uh that's our taxpayer money. I'd rather for you to
060use that and fight this and uh Mr. partials. I've checked on you um we miss you when he went over here uh the other board meeting and uh something he said he said uh believe he told me he said he died. God brought him back and he said he felt like God brought him back to fight for the kids of this county >> and and people expect you to do that on this. >> Uh Mr. Gibson, uh I respect you. You've done great with that last JJ Christie. y'all wasn't on the the last but I bragged on this and I said this is probably the best board of supervisors we've ever had that I know of and and so fight for this uh Cynthia I I teach you every every once in a while said
061pray for you and I do pray for y'all and and our kids and and uh I I don't know I don't know uh Miss Hooker that good or Dr. Hooker. Uh but but this county uh Tim, we proved 2021 we'll stand with you and we will and and and I think uh there there's too many moms and dads and too many kids uh that that this is and uh I understand taking an oath of this and this but uh as it's brought up in 2021, it is better to obey God than man. And I mean this, if your constitution is before the word of God, your priorities as out of line. >> Amen. >> We've got to uh they told Peter and him said, "You can't preach no more." That was the law of the
062lamb. You know what Peter and him did? They preached anyway. They preached anyway. And and I've been threatened for taking stands, but uh and I mean this. I I want to live to be 119. That's my goal. I like to be a Christian 100 years, Tim. Like to preach the gospel 100 years. But I would rather die for what I believe in uh than I would compromise and go on in life. >> And and and uh you men, I trust you. You women, I believe you're going to do the right thing. And this community will back you. We'll back you. And we're going to pray for you. We're going to pray for you. And I think God always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus our Lord. And God, our trust, why that don't offend
063anybody is because it ain't got the name of Jesus in it. Amen. >> And he said, "You'll be hated of all nations for my name sake." And so, we're going to pray for you, ain't we? >> Pray further. And I believe God I said, "Stand to fight. JJ, we're going to win this. If we bow on this and it's coming, uh some of five of you, I text you the other day. I said, "You might as well drive yankers down because I said Democrats got control of everything and they're coming after us." And we know that. We know that. And if we don't buckle down on this one and we don't drive our roots on this one, the next one's going to be easier. Next, then after a while, we've got nothing uh to stand
064for. So, I appreciate your time. Appreciate your time. >> Thank you, Mike. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Anyone else? >> Okay. >> I think it might be worth noting that that score meeting that's been referenced from 21, I think it was, was aired in its entirety on Christian broadcast network [cough] [clears throat] the nation it got the nation's attention they aired that the entire meeting all the public comments everything stand will stand with you >> and I would and [clears throat] I would like [laughter] to give the thanks I know a lot of people worked with us on that and I appreciate everyone doing so and everyone standing with us and praying, doing doing everything that you did. And I would definitely like to comment on Nick. Uh Nick wasn't our attorney at that
065time, but he was in the background. Don't Don't you think not? He talked to me an hour before that meeting and I said, "Nick, they're not giving us a a goaround on this." He said, "I got you a goound, Cynthia." He said, "I'm in Grundy, but I'm a coming back." And he said, "I can tell you what I can tell you the law that that you all can use." And and Mr. Gibson and Kippy and Tim, I believe he was there, Miss Garrett. And I would like to thank Nick for that. He he did us he did us a good job at that time and and I appreciate it. And I think you need to give recognation where it belongs. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Dr. Rooker, what you go >> here? It's up for approval
066of minutes. >> Okay. We were supposed to have our 4 person here tonight. Is she? Are you here? Bless your heart. Come on up, Anley. I started to text you and tell you we were probably have a a a lengthy meeting, but you're always welcome and you take long as you need to to tell us about the 4 in and our county. >> Perfect. Um, so thank you guys for letting us come and thanks um to Cynthia, but I'm Ashley Clark. I'm the 4 agent here in the county and I've been here a little over six years. Um um I'm Jesse Campbell. I'm her program assistant. I've been with her for almost a year now. And I want to thank you guys as well. >> So, I just want to tell you a little bit
067if you haven't seen, if you don't follow us on Facebook, I try to post everything um about the partnerships that we do with the school. We do a ton of stuff outside the schools, but tonight I just wanted to tell you guys what we're doing in partnership with the schools that I'm very proud of. Um, reality store is a hands-on financial simulation for all seventh grade students in Russell County. We have done it for two years now where they get an income and they have to go around and make all the decisions that we as adults make every day paying all of our wonderful bills. Um, and try to figure out needs and wants if they really need a sports car. Um, it helps them just navigate real life experiences. Um, learn about money management
068and budgeting and decision making. Um, I came from a bank prior to this job. So that um financial stimulation is very dear to my heart because I think everyone needs it um from seeing people firsthand. Uh kids marketplace is another hands-on event um that we do that's financial simulation, but it's for third grade students. So it's um a more simplistic level. The kids get um like play money and they have their job and how much that their um job will pay them for the month and they go around making the same decisions but a more basic level um for them to understand. But it kind of helps them understand needs and wants and with that um activity we actually go in the schools beforehand and do a little lesson on needs and wants and um
069read a book. So a little financial literacy as well involved in it. Um we're also in Leon Middle School uh once a month and reach all of those kids at Leon Middle with a STEM activity. It promotes teamwork, problem solving, communication and real world engineering skills. Um and I've been in that school for about three years. So I have a very great relationship with those kids and they just want to come in to see us and talk to us. Um we also started new this year that Cynthia actually helped me put the books together one day at the office. the scientific investigation series for all third grade students. We're um at uh Lebanon, Belfast, and Castlewood for that series. Um it's literacy as a launchpad. So um it's based on a different children's book each
070month that we go in and read. Um that talks about science experiments and it just reinforces the scientific method, which is one of their SOS for them to learn. Um but it gives them hands-on experience and reinforces what the teachers are already teaching. um to have a little fun with science and also reinforce those SOS. Um this year we've been in after school for a while, but since JC came along um we've committed to all elementary and middle schools for after school and we do an afterchool a series is what we're doing this year. So we relate that from like farms to table or what's a crop. Um we're blending STEM nutrition a education because I think a is very important for where we're from. um that's also missing a lot. So, we are trying
071to bring that back. Um another thing that we do that the kids get really excited about, when I first came on board and Scott Jesse took me around to all the schools, everyone asked if we were still going to do the talent show. Um it is one of my favorite things that we do. We have a county level or school level. So, we go visit all the schools 4 through 7. They get to perform. I think it's great. It's a positive platform for them to perform and build confidence. So, one day when they're in this situation, they feel a little better about it. Um, but they have their school contest, which we've already had one for the year, but we have all the rest set for four through seven. And the winners from school get
072to go to a county contest and they perform at the college um and on the big stage. And trust me, as an adult, that's super scary, but those kids rock it and it's helping them build confidence. The winners from that um get to go into an area and we compete with um Dickinson and [cough] the Canon and Tazzle. So, it's an even bigger, it's on that stage, but it's even bigger competing. And as they get older, there's actually a state level that's held at Virginia Tech um for like high school kids to compete. So, I think it's great that um that's what we're doing in the schools. We're obviously doing a ton more. We're taking 4 day at the capital. We're actually taking 40, the largest from all of Southwest Virginia kids next week to
073Richmond for 4. >> Is that the 22nd? >> January 21st >> 21st Wednesday. We're going to Jamestown on Tuesday and then we're going to state at the capital on Wednesday. So there's 11 counties that are traveling together and we make up about 180 kids and Russell County is bringing 40. And if I could fit more on the bus, they would be there because they're texting me still asking if they can go. So um but we're doing a ton of other things outside of that. Um for is a great opportunity. I grew up in Scott County and was um blessed to have a great agent that offered so much and I think it gives kids um a great outlet of so many opportunities in life. Um so I'm so thankful that we have a partnership with
074the schools and I'm building that and getting in there more and offering more programs. So I don't know if any of y'all have any questions. That's a lot for an idea at once or any ways that we can better serve this partnership. Um Cynthia has my contact. So, if you don't have it now and you want to reach out, we're always willing to >> I think I think I've talked to you before. You have >> about making sure you're getting in all schools. Now, with those programs you're talking about, are you are all schools letting you access >> um the talent show? Yes, I'm in every school there. >> I'm I'm talking about the >> the third grade series. No. >> What about the other the um the job the the job fair thing? >>
075Um so, reality story. Yes. Every high every seventh grader did participate the last two years from all the schools. um kids marketplace. I actually did it at Swords Creek. That was um a couple years back was my first one. And then last year was at Lebnon um elementary, but that was a parent who reached out and asked because I was doing programming at Castlewood. She had a kid there as well and asked um what I could do. So, >> okay. Can we can we make sure that she >> gets in all the schools to do these programs? I think it's very important and I think each of the programs we're doing needs to be in every every school that we have, not just one or two or three. >> How many counties do you serve?
076>> Just Russell. >> Both just Russell. >> So you should be able to do that. >> We should. Yes. And having two of us, it's wonderful. Yes. >> Okay. Both of you. >> Is your primary >> And your budget, does that come from the board of supervisors primarily or >> So she is fully um county funded from the board of supervisors. Mine is not. It's a mix um >> with a state or >> state, federal, county. Yeah, it's a whole mix. There's a breakdown on it, but she is fully um county funded and we're very thankful she's parttime with us and hopefully we can prove herself that we need more. >> I'm sure you need help. >> Yeah. >> Great things in the schools for children and then outside of the school as well. >>
077Anything that 4 has ever offered has been wonderful. I was involved when I was a kid, but we need to make sure that it's available in these schools and whether you need to send out an email to the principles to say, you know, there's no question and it it's going to happen. You know, let them in, let them do their thing. We need to make sure that that it is available to all the kids. >> Thank you. >> You're doing a good job. >> Thank you. [applause] Thank you. Thank you guys for >> approving minutes. Okay. Okay. Do we have a motion that we approve uh the minutes? >> Motion moved. >> Okay. We're to the >> I'll second that motion. >> Second it. And all in favor? [clears throat] >> I. >> Any oppose?
078Now we're to the recognitions. Dr. Hooker. >> Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to ask Mr. Mullins to come up, please, and help with recognitions tonight. >> Thank you, Dr. Ducker, and members of the board. First, we have our staff employee Josh Schne and principal Tavis Alone. [applause] And the nomination reads, "Josh is always ready to help, looking ahead to see what needs to be done. Keeps our school clean." Always has a smile and words of encouragement. And uh Josh, as I was standing in the hall as we were beginning this meeting, Mr. Pots is like, "Who's the other one?" And he had a few kind words to say. So >> absolutely, Mr. Sne helps us a ton. He drives bus for us. He drives anytime we asked him to. He's driven the
079band, soccer, football. Uh we depend on him greatly and we greatly appreciate what he does for us in high school as well. >> So Josh extends out past just living in primary. So we'll let Miss Long say a few words about what he does for them there. >> Well, just like you read, he's there. I mean moment's notice he's think on the radio. Josh and I go way back. He used to work. We met at Le Elementary when I was principal out there and decided he was going to go to greener pastures for a moment. Then he missed us so much he come back to us and then got the opportunity to become a head custodian which was great and I was so excited he was going to be able to do that and then
080lo and behold here we are together again working together. So but he he does do a great job at what he does and he is also currently driving a bus a daily run to help out the bus driver. So he gets his custodial hours in and then brings kids and takes kids home every day as well. So I'm thankful to have him with primary. >> Thank you Josh. >> Thank you. [applause] That Joshua Sne le primary has been named board staff employee of the month. [applause] >> Appreciate you. >> Thank you sir. Appreciate you. Good to see you. >> Thank you, sir. >> Next, we have our teacher of the month nomination. And at this time, like to Miss Maria Safy Safy and Mariah >> Mariah and Mr. Ryan Fox. We have a long nomination
081here speaking very highly. Uh I am nominating Miss Sloppy math a teacher at Leon High School for teacher of the month award. I'm a parent of eighth grade student LHS. My son asked me to nominate her as he has been positively impacted by her teaching style. support and classroom leadership. He thought she deserved this recognition. She consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to student success. When her son struggled with math, she was always accommodating, taking the time to provide additional instruction, patiently explaining where where he went wrong, and helping him to understand the material more clearly. Her willingness to go the extra mile has made a big difference in his self-confidence, performance in math, and her daily classroom is well organized and structured, creating an environment that supports learning. She introduces each topic clearly, provides a
082packet of practice problems, works through several examples with the class, and encourages students to complete the rest independently. This method not only reinforces understanding but also builds problem solving skills. She maintains a nononsense approach to classroom management. She doesn't tolerate disruptive behavior yet she tricks her students with respect and in turn they respect her. Her positive attitude and fairness and consistency create a space where students feel both challenged and supported. It's clear that she's not only an effective educator, but also a role model for what productive classroom environment should be. My son's experience in her class has been overwhelmingly positive, and we're grateful for the impact that she's having academic journeys [applause] to say a few words. Yes, we're very fortunate to have Miss Syy. Uh, a couple years ago, uh, she applied for a
083position from Graham High School and I said, uh, she lives way out Rich Valley and I said, "Man, that's that's a drive. What you sure you want to come out here?" And she said, "Well, it's the same distance either way." So, uh, she not only is committed in the sense of what she does with her students, but she's committed because she drives a great distance each day. She's willing to stay late. And as I was telling Mr. Rollins out in the hallway, uh, she teaches in a way that I think is increasingly unique in that she works individually with each student. So every time I go to her room, she's working individually. Some students it takes them five minutes to understand the concept. Some of them it takes them a little bit longer and she
084puts the extra time in with them and and we certainly appreciate the job that she does for us at Leon High School. We're very proud of her. >> Good. [applause] acknowledges that Mariah Leon High School has been named teacher of the month. Congratulations. [applause] >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. >> Congratulations. Thank you. >> Thank you all so much for you behind >> everybody. Is the board have opportunity to look at your bills and accounts? Have a motion we pay the bills. >> I make a motion we pay our bills. >> Thank you, Mr. Eaton. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Parsons. And all in favor? >> I. Any oppose? >> Okay, Dr. Hooker. We're to the resignations and retirements for this evening. >> Yes, Madam Chair.
085We do have a small list for the board to approve tonight. >> Okay. Do we have a motion that we approve those tonight? I'll make that motion. >> Thank you, Miss Perkins. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Thank you, [clears throat] Mr. Ball. All in favor? >> I. Any oppose? >> Okay. The next is the approval of new personnel and transfer. >> Yes, Madam Chair. Another short list for the board to approve tonight. >> I'll make a motion we approve those. >> Thank you, Mr. Eaton. Do we have a second? >> Second. Thank you, Miss Perkins, and all in favor? I >> I Any oppose? Okay, Dr. Hooker, we're to the approval of the Education Advisory Committee. >> Yes, ma'am. We do have two action items tonight. The first one is the
086staff recommends approval of the Special Education Advisory Committee. >> Have a motion for this advisory committee. I make a motion. >> Thank you, Mr. Park Parsons. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Eaton. And all in favor? >> I. Any opposed? >> The second action item is the approval of the second reading and approval of the policy of LBD. Just to remind everyone, that policy is to remind schools that they cannot release information about homeschoolers other than state reporting. >> I'll make that motion. >> Okay. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Garrett and Miss Perkins. And all in favor? >> I. Any oppose? >> Okay, Dr. Hooker, you're we do have one information item tonight. It is the first reading of policy GCPC-R, which states um
087there's only one it it's the insurance retirement incentive program for professional and support staff. There is one change and that is the retirement application for any option will be from January the 1st to March the 15th. That's a change from April the 1st. So it's two weeks before it'll be it'll go from January the 1st to March the 15th and that's to give us time to advertise for the positions. Hey, we're to the sales tax. Wrote it down somewhere. [clears throat] 400 403 [clears throat] and the ADM is 3,046. Okay. You have your maintenance report and expendure to report. [clears throat] Does any board member have any question or anything they need to address with those two? [cough and clears throat] Okay. Dr. Hooker, do you have future agenda items you need to bring before
088us tonight? >> Uh, no, ma'am. >> Okay. Future calendar items? >> [clears throat] >> Yes, there are two. The February is the VSBA schoolboard appreciation month and also February the 17th through the 21st of should be 2026 is the VSBA school board clerk appreciation week. And I I'd like to add that this week is uh the principal's appreciation week. Don't you forget them. >> No, we haven't. >> Okay, you take care of >> Okay. Does any board member have anything they would like to bring up tonight? I'd like to bring up that um I know that this has been a a little rough patch, but um I don't question Dr. Hooker's Christianity. I don't question her faith. Uh because we've all got question. We we got Facebook and we've got social media. We can we
089can read the comments. Um but you know what we do is you know govern the school system and what I think happened was a swift decision that should have been waited what should have been waited up upon and and gave some time and some thought into um but I'd just like to say I don't cast blame on one certain individual uh for a situation because you you know, their their faith ain't to be, you know, questioned in that way of uh was this the right call or not. You know, we can all debate that, but um I'd just like to say I have utmost faith in in Dr. Hooker and and what she does and and I and I appreciate everything she does do. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. And I want to thank everybody
090for coming tonight. Uh it is encouraging to know that you got her back. Uh because that last fight and it like you say it it's coming and that there's no doubt about it. Uh I think it'll eventually be at our doors again. And uh like me Parson said, I'll go jail for our vote to let a girl in a boy's room or vice versa. And mainly a boy and a girl's room or sports and I think that's going to go our way at the Supreme Court today. So, I do appreciate you coming and uh >> and thank you. >> I couldn't argue with the word anybody said. I mean, it's encouraging that you all came out and I greatly appreciate it >> because this is a thankless job pretty much. Uh but I do thank
091y'all for coming. >> And I'd like to thank Leon High School for the meal tonight. Glad you remember that. And I'd like to thank you guys again for your prayers. And if you just keep sending them, we got to fatten them up. >> Okay. Our next meeting will be February the 3. >> Miss Music, we thank you. >> Believe is that Carrie back there. Thank you for your email. Appreciate you. Thank you for the >> I appreciate you. Appreciate everyone and be safe going home. >> Do we have a motion that we adjourn tonight? >> I make that motion. >> Thank you, Mr. Eaton. Do we have a second? >> Sure. I don't know if you can or not. So is the uh what we have all come here for tonight. Is it just dead
092in the water or we >> just >> we can't >> we need a second >> second favor? >> I Oh my goodness. >> Thank you. See you. [laughter]