001Our meeting will now come to order. Good evening or good afternoon to everybody. Normally I'm not late, but the craziest thing happened. I had a cheap pen. It hit the floor and it fell apart. That made me one minute late. So, good evening and thank everyone for coming. Um, whereas the Denwy County School Board has convened a closed session on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. And whereas paragraph 2.2-3712 2-3712 of the code of Virginia requires a certification by this school board that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law. Now therefore be it resolved that the Denwitty County School Board hereby certifies that to the best of each member's knowledge only such business matters as were identified
002in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed, or considered by the school board. Dr. Elaine J. Pearson Dwayne G. Walker, District 2, I certify. Barbara T. Pitman, District Three, I certify. Mary M. Benjamin, District 4. I certify. Jason L. Brown II, District 5. I certify. Madam Chair, all have certified. Thank you. And now we're going to go back and one of you, we will reconvene in open session. We need a motion. Basically, I need a motion. I move that we reconvene in open session. Madam Chair, it has been moved and second that we reconvene in open session and we've already adopted certification of close session. All those in favor I eyes have it. We're now in open session. I would ask that you would join us in the pledge of allegiance. Midway. Okay.
003Midway. 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. Madam Secretary, are there any amendments to the agenda? Okay. Close session report. Madam Chair, I move that we approve the personnel listed. We have to make a motion to move. It is moved and second that the agenda is adopted as printed. My apologies, Madam Chair. I move that we approve the personnel list as presented. Second. It has been moved and second that we adopt the personnel list as presented. All of those in favor use the usual sign. I the eyes have it. Approval of student matters. Madame Chair, I move that we accept the recommendation of the administration and expel student number E-05/25-1 because it poses a
004a threat to the health safety of our staff and students. Second. You have heard the motion. Are we ready for question? Oh, all those in favor use the usual sign. I I any naz. The motion is carried. Madame chair, I move that we accept the recommendation of the administration and expel student number E-0525-1 because he poses a a threat to the health and safety of others. Second. It has been moved and second that we accept the recommendation of the administration and expel student number E-05/25-2 finding that the student possesses a threat to the health and safety of the welfare of others. All of those in favor use the usual sign. I. Any opposed? I motion is carried. Madam chair, I make a motion that we accept the request for religious exemption for students reel-0525-1 then0525-2.
005Second. You've heard the motion come. Um, it has been moved and second that we accept the the parents request and release student number- 255-1 and student number REL-0525/2 from compulsory school attendance based on religious exemption. All of those in favor use the usual sign. I eyes have it. Madam Chair, recognition consent consent agenda. My eyes failed me. Yeah, Madam Chair, I move that we approve the expenditure reports as they've been presented tonight. Second. It has been moved and second that we accept the expenditures report as presented. All of those in favor you the usual sign. I I eyes have it. The motion is carried. Madam chair, I move that we accept as approve as presented the minutes of April the 8th, 2025 and the minutes of April the 22nd, 2025. Second. It has been moved
006and second that we accept the minutes of April 8th, 2025 and April 22nd, 2025. All those in favor use the usual sign. I. Any opposed? Eyes have it. The next we have our recognitions. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. We have a Is it on? I don't know. I'm loud enough anyway, but not for people. There we go. All right. Want to thank you all. We uh we have a great presentation here for you. Now, I know Dr. West and Miss Pittman will be not be surprised in that. I don't know what they're going to do cuz Dr. Weston always says surround yourself with smart people and let them do their job. And that's what I that's what we've done here with our committee. They've uh they've put together all the good things that are going on
007Midway. So, I'm going to turn the program over to Miss Atkins at this time and Miss Owens. My name is Brienne Atkins and I'm in first grade and it's from Midway. Midway Midway is a really great place to learn and grow. Tonight, some of my friends would like to share a few things we've learned this year. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for letting us be here. My name is Miles Smith and I'm in fifth grade. R is for resource officer. We are so lucky to have an amazing resource officer, Mr. Fish, at our school who helps keep everyone safe every day. He builds great relationships with the students, is always there when we need him. One of the best parts is his sweet dog, Maddie, who comes to school with him and brings
008smiles wherever she goes. My name is Torren Spy and I'm in fourth grade. J is for Jamestown. Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America. English settlers arrived at Jamestown the spring of 1607. This year we got to take a field trip to Jamestown to learn more about what life was like for the colonist and Powatan [Music] Indians. My name is Rick Watkins and I'm in prek. O is for a octopus. My name is Skyler Stewart and I'm in fifth grade. H is for hypothesis. We have learned that a hypothesis is a smart guess based on what we already know. We learned it's something that you can test in a science experiment. We have also practiced writing our own hypothesis and checking if they were correct. My name My name is Jayen Hardy.
009My My name is London Fair. And we go in kindergarten. There you go. N is for [Music] numbers. We can count and why and we can go to we can go to 100. And that's not bad. My name is Aubrey Ridley and I'm in second grade. S is for synonym. Thank you principal Mr. Johnson for being a kind, smart, hardworking, and a helpful leader. We will miss you but we hope you your next adventure is full of fun. Other other wordful words for fun is exciting. Hi, my name is Elelliana Terres and I'm in first grade. O is for ordering numbers. It in first grade we learned about ordering numbers. It means putting numbers in order from least to greatest or greatest to least. Ordering numbers helps us with counting, comparing numbers, and learning how
010to add and subtract. My name is Brooklyn Atkins and I'm in third grade. N is for non-fiction text features. This year in third grade, we have learned non-fiction text features are the tools authors use to help find and understand information. Some examples are headings, bold words, captions, and glosseries, just to name a few. [Music] [Applause] My name is Madison Garrett and I'm in fourth grade. After 22 years of dedicated service with Denwiny County Public Schools, 16 at Denwy High School and last at mid six at Midway. Mr. Johnson is retiring. Known for long, strong leadership, a heart for students and a deep love for all things Star Wars. He has left a lasting legacy. We dedicated tonight's presentation to you. Mr. Johnson. May the force be with you in this next chapter. We'll miss you.
011[Applause] [Music] You're a high ranking school. You're the best in the whole USA. Here, the kids are smart and they do their part. They're loyal to you every day. Every heart beats true for our own colors, too. You're the best school in every way. In years to come, we'll remember you. Our Midway is here to stay. Midway. [Applause] Okay. Student art winners. Hello. How are you? How are you? Um before we get started with our student art winners today, I would like to highlight the May observances. They are May 1st, National School Principal Day, May 2nd, School Munch Hero Day, May 5th was Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7th was School Nurse Day, and May 9th um was National School Communicators Day. On next week, May 18th, we will be celebrating National Speech Pathologist Day. We
012would like to thank each of our DCPS team members that fall in these categories for their dedicated service and their willingness to go over and beyond for our Denwitty County Public School students. VSBA Southside Spring Regional Forum. Congratulations to the following winners. And if you are in the room, please come forward. Ava Randolph from Denwitty Elementary. Her artwork was Northern Lights Express and she placed. Laurana Thorne from Denwitty High School. Her artwork was Vision in the Mirror and her artwork placed as well. Jake Bo, seventh grader from Dewitty Middle School, first place regional winner. Jake's artwork will be displayed alongside 26 other winning selections at the VSBA office in Charlottesville, Virginia. A $50 gift card was also awarded. Um, these students placed in March, but we still wanted to recognize them as well. They have
013received art bundles and other gift items for their accomplishments. FBLA recognitions. Thank you. Give them a round of applause. Will the following students come forward? Michael Nicholson, Morgan Williams, Brooklyn Howard, Jake Bell, Callie King, Carrian Sheets, Alyssa Stevens, Meyers, Ariana Saunders, Destiny Shans, and sponsors Miss Juliana Lashley Grant and Miss Crystal Anderson. I think they have something to share with us. All right. Good evening, school board members. Thank you for inviting us here today. The Demoody Middle School chapter of FBLA was pleased to represent our county at the FBLA statewide conference. After completion of competitions, we had eight state winners that advanced to nationals, which is the most middle school has ever had. We are excited to be attending the FBLA National Conference in California this summer. We want to thank you and our DMS
014leaders for your support and we are all looking forward to learning new things and great experience this opportunity will provide. Good afternoon DCPS. While preparing for states, I got to work with my unit members and most of my most of all my competition partner Made and Nicholson. We worked together on our presentation practice for hours and developed a friendship. When we presented, we gave it our all. Our sponsors were very supportive. We look forward to going to California this summer. I love my FBLA [Applause] family. I do believe next we'll have Miss Massingill. You certainly can't miss us. All right, just kind of stand here. Conra, come over here. Okay. Good afternoon, members of the school board, Dr. Weston and other esteemed guests. My name is Courtney Massingill and I'm the gifted specialist for the
015middle and high schools. I'm excited to share the incredible accomplishments of our VEX IQ Robotics team through our GoE program. This year, our gifted seventh grade middle school students took on the challenge of designing, building, and coding robots for the VEX IQ rapid relay competition. Working in teams, they collaborated to create innovative robot designs, test driving strategies, and make real-time modifications. learning not only STEM skills but also communication, critical thinking, and perseverance. We also worked 30 hours after school to prepare for the competition. On April 10th, we traveled to the Institute for Learning and Advanced Research in Danville, Virginia to compete in a state tournament. I'm proud to report that our students shined not just in performance, but in character. Our all girls team brought home third place overall and the superior driving award. An
016incredible achievement in a highly competitive field. Across all teams, we earned four awards. The superior driving award and third place overall, which was out of 20 teams for outstanding performance on the field was our all girls consisting of Lily, Emma, Grace, Grace, Emma, Kate, Grace, Madison, and Lily. The judges award based on our students professionalism and interview skills consisted of Leo, Cash, and Connor. and the sportsmanship award. A true reflection of the respect and teamwork our students brought to the competition. This team was Camden, Cullen, Braden, and Ethan. This program is a testament to what happens when students are given real world challenges, a supportive learning environment, and the freedom to explore. Thank you for continuing to support innovative hands-on learning opportunities for our students. And they're just going to show very quickly what Go
017ahead and load it up. So, we had to build a field that was 6 by8. I didn't bring that, but they line it up and they just shoot it into the targets. They had to code the remote controls, code the robot. They can also do passes where they throw them to each other. We kind of we wanted to avoid the flowers. So, we're shooting this direction. So, it was based on points. They also had to do passes. Um, one more shot, guys. And they designed the robots. They made modifications. They had to do it in the field. So close. Oh, see, we would get a point for that if he knocked it over. I don't No, I don't know. We don't know. All right, there you go. All right. Thank you. They could do this
018[Applause] all coming. Coming next. Next we'll have our homegrown presentation. Good afternoon. How are you today? Well, thank you. Um I'm here today to um present to you our Demity County Public Schools homegrown program that we have for our teachers for tomorrow. Um the goal of the program is to identify DHS seniors who aspire to pursue a career in education and establish the frameworks to encourage and facilitate their return to Denwy County Public Schools. They have application requirements that they have to meet. They have to complete all the required questions. have a written recommendation from a dim high school teacher. Essay on why I want to become a teacher and then verification of acceptance into an institution of higher education program that leads to teacher lensure. We wanted to give you an update from the
019first cohort that you had last year. So I spoke with Morgan Tucker um last week. She is still at Virginia Wesland University. Morgan is nearing the completion of her first year at Virginia Wesland and is thoroughly enjoying her coursework. She is still currently playing softball and they are in their final games of the season now and she remains committed to her goal of becoming a teacher and looks forward to participating in future professional development sessions here in Denwitty. Skyler Lewis Skylar had just finished completing her final exam when I talked to her on the phone last week and she'll be returning home to continue her position at um Angel's a play daycare over the summer. She has enjoyed her coursework at Longway University and is looking forward to participating also in our professional development opportunities
020that we have over the summer. And also from our cohort one, we have um Scarlet Rainey. Scarlet is graduating from Sweet Bry College this weekend and is eager to begin her career with Dimwy County Public Schools and she'll be working at Dimwit Middle School as an English teacher. So now I'd like to introduce you to our second cohort. Malik Price. His career aspirations become a history teacher and he'll be attending Virginia Commonwealth University. His motivation to teach, he said, is to become a teacher because I believe education is one of the most important tools for change. It has the ability to break cycles, open doors, and inspire future generations. Our second member of cohort 2 is Johanna Pacheco Samria. So her career aspiration is become a e para pro um next school year and then
021after her year of working she will potentially look to apply to colleges and continue to work um hopefully for Dewey County Public Schools while she works on her teaching degree because she wants to get into the workforce. She is eager to become an EL pair professional because she is passionate about supporting students who are learning English and assisting them in translating and understanding the language to succeed academically and socially. At this time, I'd like to introduce you to our two inductees in the cohort 2, and you come on up here to sign your letter of intent. [Music] [Applause] Yes. Again, we congratulate these two students and we're looking Um, next we'll have our Denwy County Public Schools outstanding new teacher recognition. To be eligible for um nomination, a new teacher must be within their first
022three years of teaching and they must possess or working towards a current renewable Virginia teaching license. The recognition criteria includes a new teacher who exhibits superior instructional skills, inherits exceptionally well with students, demonstrates excellent ability to communicate and engage with faculty, staff, parents, and the community and contributes to Denwy County Public Schools core values, excellence, equity, and integrity. I am excited to present our winners. I know we let the cat out the bag kind of early on Facebook this week, but if you didn't get to see it, our elementary winner is none other than Jamie Harper, third grade teacher at Southernland Elementary School. Congratulations. And our secondary school winner is none other than Jared Peterson. He teaches at Denwy High School. He teaches English 10, English 11, advanced composition, and research and writing. Congratulations, J.
023And we're going to get your pictures outside. Okay. All right. Would you like to say anything? You okay? All right. All right. Thank you. Congratulations. [Applause] Congratulations. Next, we have a very special recognition. Would Jessica Apps and Christy Flemis please come forward? I think the next one is um the high school hands-on. Oh, okay. Uh greetings to um our board chair, Miss Benjamin, to all board members, Dr. Weston and everyone present. Thank you all for this opportunity to present. Uh we know that um people are hired and people are paid for what they do. Uh but when you see uh the difference that they make, it's very important uh that they are recognized and the high school always wants to take the time to recognize people for what they do. Um that sometimes be that's
024beyond their contract. Um so this first award um our hands-on award, this person uh definitely checks on us a lot and definitely checks on the admin team and she goes uh above and beyond. She really cares about students, very knowledgeable. Um I had the opportunity to work with her um at the middle school level and um she was uh promoted to another position and we want Dr. Amanda Clay to know that we see her hands on. Uh she's in the back. She asked me what these boxes were about and she had no idea. So, we just wanted to recognize her for all that she does and for all the the support that you offer to us. Thank you. This next person, very very proud of this individual. Um, this person uh moved to another position
025and just hit the ground running. Um, we realize that our students at the high school many times when they uh leave us or before they leave us, they express, "Oh, Mr. regards. I want to go to work. I want to have a summer job. And we found out that things have changed so much that children don't know how to sign their names anymore. They don't know how to write cursive. They don't know how to fill out job applications. So, the last two weeks of school, this person has developed something for our students so that they can um practice these soft skills so that they are ready. And I am so proud to present this award to Miss Jamie Clary. And last but not least, we just wanted to make sure that we show appreciation uh
026to this individual. Um she has definitely been an asset uh to me and I'm sure to many people in this room. Um and we uh definitely want to give you your flowers, Miss Goen. Thank you. Um I know that you are a lot happier than we are because you're retiring, but we're definitely going to miss you. So, um, just enjoy your retirement and we love you. Um, you can always come back. Um, I can hire you at the high school, I'm sure, for something if you want to come back. But thank you for everything that you have done for me personally and for our school and for this district. Thank you. Yes, indeed. [Applause] All right. Now, will we have Jessica EPS and Christy Flemens to please come forward? All right, let's see. Denwitty County
027Public Schools is pleased to announce that the Association of School Business Officials International has awarded Denwitty County Public Schools 2024 2025 budget for the Pathway to the MBA, also known as the Pathway to the Meridus meritorious budget award. This award reflects our district's commitment to sound fiscal management and budgetary policy. So, Jessica and um Miss Flemens, congratulations. [Applause] Thank you. Congratulations. [Applause] All right, our 2025 retirees. We have a few in the room. So, on Wednesday, May 7th, we had the opportunity to love on and celebrate our 31 Denwitty County Public School team members that will be retiring um at our we actually celebrated them at our annual retirement celebration this afternoon. We would like to recognize them once more. When your name is called, please come forward if you are here. Ready? All right.
028Vivian Diamond, four years par profofessional. Jazelia Tetton, 12 years. fourth grade teacher right behind you. Hello. All right. You can stand right here for me, please. I think Miss Bonnie, you're gonna hand them your gift. Okay. We're going through the whole list as well. Miss Peterson, here's your special gift and your certificate. Please stand right there. Sharon Jeter, bus driver, 13 years. Vivian Roland, 17 years school nutrition specialist. Rebecca Scott, 18 years school nutrition. Sharon King, 20 years, Denwitty High School math teacher. [Applause] Kimberly Miller, 22 years, first grade teacher. Winston Bland, part-time car driver, 25 years. Don Upton, kindergarten teacher, years. Dr. Robin Pelt, instructional specialist, 30 years. Cecilia Lasher, exceptional education, years. Maurice Ampy, maintenance tech 2, years. Marsha Whitby, exceptional education teacher, 33 years. Kimberly Moore, second grade teacher, 34 years. Tamara
029Cox, Spanish teacher at Denwitty High School, 34 years. They're coming with your items. All right. Linda Rackcliffe, third grade teacher, 35 years. Donna Bugos, first grade teacher, 35 years. Nancy Pepski, 35 years administrative [Applause] assistant. Elaine Dabney, 36 years [Applause] paraprofessional. Amy Shars, kindergarten teacher. Amy Shield, kindergarten teacher, 37 years. Margaret Trailer, bus driver, 37 years. Lisa Moore, first grade teacher, years. Mr. Randall Johnson, principal, years. James Davis, director of facilities operation, 38.8 years. Juliana Lashley Grant, CTE teacher, 40 years. Bonnie Gosen, executive assistant and board clerk, 41 years. Wendy Lowry, finance specialist, years. Phyllis Thomas, maintenance tech, 44 years. Jerry Gray Jr., maintenance tech, 44 years. Susan Hayes, administrative assistant, 45 years. Vicky Stanfield, payroll manager, 45.8 years. Peggy Nolan, bus driver, 53 years. And Mr. Gary Bennett, maintenance technician, 53 years. Congratulations. [Applause]
030All right, I think your certificates and your items are coming around. Thank you for those who are able to come out tonight as well. We will be taking a group picture at the end, so please hang around for a few moments. Okay. Thank you so much. Can we give our employees a round of applause? So, we have a combined total of service years of over 1,000 hours amongst all 33 employees. So, congratulations on your retirement everyone. [Applause] Dr. Weston, are you ready? Are you ready? It says board recognition confidence. No. Um, board members are going to do their comments. Yes. Oh, comments. Board member comments. Board member comments. No comments at this time. We're not going. This is the only time. This is the only time debate tonight. I I'll say something. Um, there's a
031scripture in the Bible. I'm a preacher. I may as well go there. Um, you're familiar with the 23rd Psalm. It says, "My cup runth over." And I think uh we as a school system tonight could say that collectively that our our cup runth over. There's so much good um happening in Denwy County. Too often we only hear the negative things because those are the things we have to work on and they're the things that uh scream for our attention. Um but uh I think it's important to celebrate the good and I'm so glad we make it a point. I'm so glad that our leadership makes it a point to uh celebrate these things and so I'm I'm just grateful and and my cup runs over. Thank you guys. I would like to say the um
03231 people retiring, we certainly uh will miss their expertise, their knowledge, and their dedication. And we're happy for them to reach a new uh age and stage in life and go on to u either enjoy themselves or try something different or something new. but what you've done for the children that you served will be will continue to impact society and impact Denwitty u for many many years to come. I'd also like to say I'm very excited about the future teachers. We having trouble uh finding teachers and getting people to go into education. And this is one of the ways that we can try to look out for ourselves and staff ourselves in the future is to look at our own people, get them started, help them along, uh let them come to our training sessions
033and hopefully join us soon after they graduate. And the hands-on awards, um Mr. Garn, thank you so much for recognizing those people. We have so many people in Germany County that go above and beyond, but um to point out a few as we go along is wonderful. Appreciate that. Yeah. Well, definitely congratulations again to all of our retirees um and to all of the awards uh FLA and every and the robotics team. All that you guys have accomplished this year. I was telling Miss King as I was walking in that it seems like some people aren't supposed to retire. Um going through the list and like, okay, that person was there when I was in elementary school. that person was there when I was in middle school. Um, and they're supposed to stay there, but
034uh, you know, they're going on to better things and definitely going to be enjoying the fruit of their labor. Um, so congratulations in that regard. And then to all of our future teachers, the two that did the signing today, that's very exciting work. If you're anything like me, you probably grew up and you're like, I'm going to leave Doody as soon as I graduate. But you find yourself serving your community. So, I definitely look forward to seeing you serve in that capacity. And if there's any way that we can help you out, um, please let us know. Again, to our elementary students, uh, good way. Keep up the good work. I hope you guys enjoy your summer break. Um, read some good books. Don't forget how to do your math problems and all of that.
035And we'll see you guys next year. I did what every for what the board members have said. Uh, I want to thank um parents, family members who've come out tonight for their family member or this child who did such an eloquent job, excellent job tonight. So we thank each one of you for coming out tonight and I would like to say to the retirees I once said why do people retire and once I retired I started having a good time and I said why am I holding this back from other people. So retirees enjoy yourself. You have worked and you have left your legacy your good work here in Dwitty County. So now go out and let it come back to you because somebody's going to say, "Hi, Mr. Johnson." You gonna say, "Now, where
036do I know them from?" But then you're going to remember that's somebody that you planted a seed and you poured into their life at some point during your teaching years. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you for all that you've done. And thank you again all of you for coming out this evening to share with us. Dr. Weston, I would just like to also echo the sentiments here. I think that over a thousand years that's quite um a big feat. Um I did share with the board during the budget presentation that about 40% of our staff in the next 10 years can also retire. Um so we are you know looking to grow our own because you know there people aren't going to school to be teachers um like they used to. Um so we're
037trying to come up with innovative ways. So those of you that have retired I will tell you that um three of these board members are retired. So this is what it looks like when you go into retirement. Um, and as Emily reminded us at the retirement dinner that in about six months, we'll be reaching out to you to see where you'd like to come back and serve because uh, the state has made that easy for us to do that as well. Um, but we certainly have appreciated the what you've done in Dewity County and you um, definitely have left it better um, and left it better for the next generation coming along and just I'm so appreciative of all that you've done and I do believe what um, Mr. Johnson said that you do surround
038yourself with great people. I'm beyond thrilled that the people that were recognized tonight um all the awards that came out this evening were so welld deserved and I'm just so happy that you guys um rec recognized the people that you did and um and I'm so grateful for the people that we have working here, the people that made all of this possible this evening. Um and Miss Bonnie, we're still um we're I still have about six weeks left with her. So, um um this is a very special retirement for me, but um she's going to continue to serve in this community and on a number of our boards. So, um we we've got a lot of plans for Miss Bonnie. So, she's not going far. It's just going to look a little bit different, but
039thank you all for coming out this evening. So, I think Miss um Oh, she's she's special. Okay. Well, I would like to say that my favorite meetings are the first meeting and then the last meeting, at least for me, because of course the beginning of the year, you're seeing the plans and you're seeing how the year is going to go and you're seeing the good vibes. Everyone's excited to come back and then at the very end, you're seeing the accomplishments from the year and just all of the growth from everyone. And I really just feel like that's what Dwiny brings. It brings growth and everyone's doing something and all of our school systems were always being innovative and we're doing different things. And I always say it, but I look forward to these presentations and
040recognitions because it truly shows that each of these students and staff members and faculty that everyone has a unique niche to them and everyone is bringing something to the table every day that they're coming to work or their school systems. And it's just so great to see at these meetings. I know for me, you know, it's my last meeting for this year. So, it's definitely bittersweet, but I have enjoyed my time here. I have learned so much from all of the board members. And I just have grown so much myself being in this position and coming here and sitting here and talking and witnessing what goes on in the school systems past just attending high school. So, I definitely will take this whole experience with me in my own future endeavors. And I'm just so
041excited for the future. And when I do come back home, I can't wait to see where it's going to be at because it's always getting better. Yes. Those of you who um Mrs. Um, Robinson Williams said that you're going to take some pictures. I believe now is the time. Retirees and other honories. Thank you again. Thank you so much for coming out. You are tall. Is there everybody in your family tall? Is that right? Your uncle's very tall. You're going to be at least that. I would say that's amazing. How old are you? How old are you? 12. 11. Oh my god. You're tall, too. Yes. 11 years old. [Music] I think she's one of the future teachers. Yes, she's okay. She used to And then she went back to school and finished her cific.
042[Music] spirits. Nobody's hungry. I'm not hungry. Would you let me get you something? No. No. I'm fine because we going to take them. Take the time. Give it to us. I'm fine. [Music] You made the right comments. You talk about you made the right comments. One of the students awards. Yes, there is. What is this? I know then they would think you were asleep. So they were coming here to find out who their district rep is. I go first junior right now district. District five just left. Okay. Hi, how are you? I'm Mary Benjamin. Pleased to meet you. Yeah, that's nice. That's a good experience. So nice to meet you. That's a worthwhile experience because most people don't know that distance. These flowers are gorgeous. I love that. I think that part of you have
043to know your district. I like that idea. William there. My mouth is so dry. Had a busy week this week. Coach got a res going according to schedule. Yes, he's flexible. Yes, exactly. We need all kinds of indoor facilities. They've gotten so Well, they gotten soft. We used to play in the pouring down rain. Yeah, it does run the field, but All right. You ready? Okay. Good evening. Good evening. Well, I'm going to start real quick. I'm going to add to Dwayne's cup and let y'all know and do a little bragging as well. Um, we graduated two doctors this weekend uh from VCU. Isaiah Hicks from the class of 2018 and my daughter Haley Williams. They got their doctors in pharmacy. So, it just felt right with the uh the way we were celebrating this
044evening. But it does. We do a great job here with our kids. And you know, Penny Brooks's son also graduated with his wife. Yes, he definitely did. I didn't He was He boy No. See, that's I didn't know at that time. But yes. No. So, we did have three good. Yes. Three Three young people in VCU this weekend with big accomplishments. We like to hear that. Love that. All right. So, uh wrestling trips or my trips. I got five of them. We got a long long night. um wrestling team camp. This is the boys uh trip to Virginia Tech. They're going out as a team. Uh Virginia Tech runs a individual camp. Um they're asking for permission. It's an overnight trip. July 7th through the 10th. Uh Coach Hall is going to drive uh the
045activity bus or school bus depending on the amount of kids that sign up uh to go. But it being an overnight trip, we're asking for board approval. This is boys. This is boys. This one's boys. Coach Hall can drive the big bus? Yes, he he's a licensed CDL. He drives the wrestling trips during the year. Do we have a spot for him as a bus driver? Yes. Always. He's a counselor. I'll I'll move that we approve the uh wrestling team camp trip. Second. It has been moved and second that we accept we approve the DHS varsity wrestling team camp trip. All of those in favor use the usual sign. I I I no nays hearing none. It's approved. All right. The next trip would be the Yes. The right is that the STEM camp uh
046camp mountain 25 Virginia State University Edric and Fort Barefoot in Virginia. JRTC will conduct the STEM logistics Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge at Camp Mountain from June 22nd to 27th. The camp will enhance leadership capabilities, foster teamwork, and provides hand hands-on STEM and logistic training to better prepare our cadets for future success. The uh this event is supported by Virginia State University College and Engineering um and the Virginia National Guard and Combined Arms Support Command for Fort Greg Adams. Uh this is at Virginia State University. It is through uh it's from June 22nd to 27th and the parents will drop their students off at the camp. I move that we um approve the STEM camp to the Virginia State. Second. It has been moved in a sec and second that we approve the STEM camp at
047Virginia State. All those in favor use the usual sign. I I hearing no nays. is approved. Uh, next trip will be the girls wrestling camp uh trip. This is to Oakill Academy in mouth of Wilson, Virginia. Uh, Coach Roger will drive the activity bus out on Sunday. Uh, when they get there, Coach Roger is basically an observer. This is like a camp you would take your son or daughter to, drop off. Camp counselors are in charge at this uh, camp. They will be lodged and fed and everything at O'Kill. I move that we approve the girls wrestling camp at Oakill Academy. Second. It has been moved and second that we approve the girls wrestling camp trip at Oak Hill Academy. All of those in favor use the usual sign. I hearing no nays. The eyes
048have it. It's approved. The next one will be our FFA state convention. Uh the convention is held annually at Virginia Tech. Uh many of the FFA competitions will be held at this event. Students will also attend workshops, serve as uh voting delegates, and assist with uh the courtesy corpse. Uh this is uh June 9th through the 12th. And we will have three adults going with approximately 20 to 25 students going. Um they're going to leave 6:00 a.m. Monday morning and roughly return at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon. Um Thomas Davis will drive our bus that is needed. I move that we accept the um FFA convention trip. Second. It has been moved and second that we accept we approve the FFA convention trip. All of those in favor use the usual sign. I I hearing
049no naysay eyes have it. All right. Last trip for the evening is the FFA officer retreat. This will be held at Lake Gaston June 4th through 6th. Uh they're going to be staying at a lakehouse on Lake Gaston that is owned by one of the parents of the officers. Um we have eight children going and three adults. Um Miss Bishop and Mr. Davis will be there. Uh Thomas Davis will drive the bus uh to that trip as well. I move that we approve the DHS FFA office retreat. Second. It has been moved and second that we approve the FFA office retreat um trip. All of those in favor use the usual sign. I I have it. It's approved. Also, um I'd like to invite everybody to an updated uh date and time or updated time.
050Uh Sunday evening at 5:30, we're going to be holding our all sports night. Uh we moved it from 2:30 to 5:30 to uh help with accommodating the back area. Thank you. Thank you so much. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. I'm here today to give you an overview for Dwayne County Schoolboard VSBA Workforce Readiness Award submission. FallFest exemplifies the core values of career readiness by empowering students to plan, execute, and reflect on a real world community event that directly supports workforce skill development. Over the course of this project, students organized into structured teams, mirroring business departments such as finance, marketing, planning, and project management. They led every aspect of the initiative, developing budgets, engaging with community stakeholders, creating marketing campaigns, and problem solving in real time. Despite logistical challenges, including a venue change and vendor cancellations, students
051successfully hosted an event that drew over 350 attendees and raised over $1,100 for community causes. The project provided hands-on experience in leadership, communication, collaboration, budgeting, and public speaking. core competencies identified by the Virginia Department of Education's workplace readiness skills. Support from local businesses, faith-based organizations, alumni, and civic leaders enriched the experience while ongoing reflections and feedback indicated strong student confidence, professionalism, and career award awareness. This initiative not only led to media's goals, but it also created a sustainable model for future studentled events and has inspired an increased engagement in career and technical organizations and set a new standard for experential learning in our division. So, we congratulate Miss Anderson's leadership development class for creating this event and they are looking forward to doing it again next year. We believe this project reflects the submission of
052the VSBA workforce readiness award and proudly showcase the talent initiative and leadership of our Dewey County students. We respectfully request the school board's approval to submit our studentled fall fest initiative for the 2025 VSBA excellence and workforce readiness award. Madame chair, I move that we uh approve the VSBA workforce readiness application. Second. It has been moved and second that we approve the VSBA workforce application. All of those in favor use the usual sign. I I have it. It's approved. Thank you. Thank you. Next we have the staff time schedule policy update and that's um Miss Branch. We're moving so quickly. You weren't ready. I didn't see it on the agenda coffee I had. But um I would um like to ask for your approval to modify our um policy on staff time schedules because there
053is a um section in the policy that defines uh our work week for a fair labor standards act procedures. Um right now the policy currently says that the week starts on Saturday and ends on Friday. We would like to make an adjustment and allow for the work week to begin on Sunday and end on Saturday. Now, you know, typically we don't have individuals that work on Sunday or Saturday. However, in the instances that we have bus drivers who may do field trips on the weekends, um we would like for um all of their work to be able to count in the same work week instead of it being split between two weeks. So that I would just ask for your approval. I move that we modify our time schedule policy. Second. It has been moved
054and second that we modify our time our work week schedule. All those in favor use the usual sign. I I hearing no nays is approved. Thank you. Thank you. Makes sense. Makes sense. contract award. Yes. So, the next is the uh contract award. I'm coming before you this evening to talk about um a contract award for our the development of our comprehensive plan. This is something we've been talking about for the past year. The code of Virginia does require the school divisions to develop a very long um comprehensive um long range plan. Um ours is coming to the end of its completion. We have previously tried to develop this internally. Um, we are modeling this process after what the county just finished their 20-year plan. Um, so we have decided now to um, enlist the
055support of an outside agency to guide us through this process. So, we truly can put together a very comprehensive plan. You're aware that we have a number of plans right now and a number of studies that we've gone through over the last five to seven years. Some of them I wrote down. We have a transportation study. We did a special education audit. We have a literacy plan. Uh we do annual plans in a lot of our areas. Uh we have a career and technical education plan, a gifted plan, a workforce readiness plan. We have a um grow your own plan and employee engagement plan. Um so what we just thought is taking all of these plans, how do we take the data that we have and look at where we are in this moment and
056then project to where it is um where where we're going. Um we did reach out to three companies who have cooperative procurement arrangements um and we have found that district management group stood out as the most qualified vendor to provide these services. We have previously worked with district management group. We did um training with them about um return on investment some years ago um and that was quite helpful for us. Uh they have extensive work in working with school districts um around the country and um developing these highly um comprehensive plans. So I'm asking for your approval to award the contract to district management group to develop this comprehensive plan in the amount of $115,000 and this would be paid over two uh budget years. uh they'll do some of the work for us right
057now where it'll be the looking at the data and then some will be working they'll be going into our communities working with our stakeholders um to put this together for us and they'll be coming back to you um probably I would say late fall um probably to bring the plan back to you for your approval. So I'm looking for approval to award this contract. Madame Chair, I move that we approve the contract award division comprehensive plan. Second. It has been moved and properly second that we award the comprehensive um plan. Um all those in favor use the usual sign. I I hearing no nays. The contract um the approval to award the contract. Thank you. Um then a contract architect and engineering services. Yeah, this Mr. Walters. Okay. Good evening. Good evening. Um from time
058to time when we do projects, uh we we do need um architectural and uh engineering work done for us from professional firms. So I'm here before you today u to ask for approval um on a contract that is a uh on as beaten as needed basis uh utilizing a term contract and this is a uh we we met with the uh with the u county and we got together and interviewed of 12 uh firms and the county on April 15th approved these firms to be their as needed term contracts. Um, I'm here asking you for your approval in conjunction with the board of supervisors uh to use these uh companies for engineering and architectural services. [Music] Madam Chair, I move that we um move forward with contracts for architectural and engineering services. Second. It has
059been moved and second that we move forward with the contract for um engineering services. Um all those in favor use the usual sign and it is approved here and no nays. Thank you. Thank you s update is that next new business is there any new business hearing no new business so I I'll speak u Mr. Brown and I attended the ARGS um board meeting. Um that was on May 8th. Um it was a relatively um fast board meeting. A few there were a few um items to note. One is they've started a new club there for um for STEM programs at the school. Um they have a teacher sponsor and but the students were the ones that generated the club which I thought was really interesting. Uh their graduation is scheduled for May 30th at
060the same time our graduation is. So unfortunately we will not be able to attend. Um and the last part of the meeting was really around the budget. They do expect to end the year with about $200,000. Uh they are planning to use that money for some capital projects. Um they have an aging facility as well and there are always a lot of projects at that building. It's a beautiful facility but there's always a lot of work to be done over there. Uh they did talk about some technology improvements that they have scheduled over the summer with instructional boards and some improved Wi-Fi and some access points which I know we're all very familiar with as well. And they've ordered their Chromebooks for their incoming freshmen. The remainder of the meeting was a conversation around the
061salary of the uh principal of the school um and how how to get her salary more um competitive with those across the region. So we all talked about what our high school principles made and then um so we could also get her salary to that as well and the board did approve that. Um but there was a lot of discussion around that as well. It was a relatively short board meeting and that's about all. Okay. Now are we going to come back to you want to do this or go right to this? Um we can um if there's citizen comments. Do you want to see Are there any citizen comments? Madam chair, no one has signed up to speak tonight. Okay. There are no citizen comments. So, we go to student my superintendent. We won't
062do we go to superintendent then we going back. Are you okay with that? I'm fine with that. Okay. Where is my superintendent comments? I lost my um my Nata. She was out in the hall. Are you ready, Miss Nata? This is our part. Okay. Do you want Do you want me to go? Okay. Sorry, Lord. All right. At this time, would we have um little Miss Immani Mclofflin to please come forward? I can stand right there. So, Imani, today we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your outstanding service as a student representative to the school board. Um, you have exempl exemplified leadership, responsibility, and dedication. You have truly been a voice for your peers and you have definitely served us well and served the position of uh schoolboard representative well. We will truly truly miss you.
063We will. But know that we are only a phone call, a text away, everybody in the room. Um, and so we have a few tokens of appreciation and we just want you to remember that we love you and that we'll always be there for you. So, here at the schoolboard office, we decided to pack the trunk. So, we have a lot of goodies for you as you venture off to North Carolina ENT. And we have a little love token as well. And then we also have um this is your glass plaque that we would love for you to put on your desk at home um or in the living room. It will serve as a reminder of your time here on the school board. I made sure that it was clear glass and just ladylike
064as you would like it. And so um when you get home tonight and you settle down and you read the card and then you also open the gift, we hope that you think of us. Dr. Wesson, I'm going to turn it over to you. I just will say I don't know if you shared this or not, but she was accepted to 20 schools and they were quite amazing. Well, she sends me a text with her Instagram, shows me all these uh schools she was accepted. I said, "So, tell me which one." She, "You have to wait till the reveal, you know." So, there was this whole buildup to which school she was going to go to. But we It's been such a pleasure to get to know you. Uh you're an amazing human. Yes. Like,
065you really really are an amazing human. you're going to do great things in this world. I I hope that you come back to Denwitty and share all that with us. Um but we're going to be watching you and u but we're so very proud of you and um and wish you nothing but the best. Thank you so much for your service to this community. You've been great. I'm gonna come visit you for the snack time. Yes. Lot of options. Um, Miss Bonnie wants you to know you get to take your name plate as well. Okay. All right. I don't know if there's anything she wants to say cuz she's last. Okay. Um, um, Iman, is there anything? Well, I want to start by saying thank you so so so much. I really appreciate it and
066I'm not I don't I'm not the type to get too emotional but I definitely Denwitty has definitely served me very well. I know that you know a lot of people thank me for things that I do and for being involved but it really has served me a lot especially coming off of different things that have happened in my life and you know with my father passing and you know it's just being me and my mom. So, it's definitely been a journey and Denwini has definitely it's definitely helped me so much and just being involved and doing what I can for my community and for others has I feel like it's helped me more than I've helped others. So, it's definitely rewarding and I'm so blessed to be here and to have this opportunity to be
067in this community and be involved and help other people, students, staff, whatever I can do. So, it's definitely been a great time and I'm just so blessed to be here and to be present in this moment. Thank you, [Applause]