001Good evening everyone. I now call the Wednesday, April 1st meeting of the Hampton City School Board to order. At this time, Ms. Penny, will you please call the roll? Ms. Afonja? Here. Ms. Cherry? Here. Dr. Banks-Gray? Here. Mr. Samuels? Present. Mr. Kilgore? Here. Dr. Woodhouse? Dr. Mason? Here. Let the record reflect that all board members are here with the exception of Dr. Woodhouse. And I don't see our student rep at the time, either. So, I'm going to turn the meeting over to Mr. Samuels to assist us with our opening. Great. Thank you, Chairman Mason. And we have Ian Temple and Ashton Temple. They are fifth-grader student at Mary Peake um elementary school, and they will do the pledge and have a few words for us. Would you please stand for the pledge of allegiance? I
002pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. So, Ian and Ashton is mom is standing that you have something to share with our the audience and the board members. Yes. Okay. Can you please please proceed? She asked me to kill a spider. Oh, mercy, after Nikki Giovanni. She asked me to kill a spider. Instead, I got the most peaceful weapon I could find. I take a cup and a napkin. I catch the spider, put it outside, and allow it to walk away. If I'm ever caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, just being alive and not bothering anyone. I hope I am greeted with the same kind of mercy. Outstanding, outstanding.
003So, you have your parents here? Yes. Yes. >> Will you introduce your parents, please? Um, this is Major Williams and Courtney Temple. All right. Great job, Mr. and Mrs. Temple. How about your administrators? Are they here? What is that? Your administrators, your building principals. Yes. >> Oh, yes. >> Um, Mr. Richardson and Mrs. Osborne. >> Will you please stand and be recognized? And Ian and Ashton, before you take your seat, I just have two questions that I would like to ask. What is is your favorite subject? Math. Outstanding. And what are your plans for spring break? Uh sleeping. Playing games. Playing games. That's what I'm talking about. Go to the pool and go to the center. Well, thank you for joining us in this afternoon and taking time out of your precious um time. You
004could be outside playing basketball, football, because it's a beautiful um day today. So, thank you so much for uh presenting to the board. All right. Thank you so much. And you also have one of your teachers here with you also, right? Yes. I recognize your teacher. Introduce your teacher to us. This is Ms. Bynum. My great teacher. Thank you so much. Thank you all for for sharing them with us this evening. All right. So, any question I mean comments or anything from board members? Yes, Mr. Chair. Just very quickly, I didn't see the parents stand. I want to see the parents. You stand. Anything else? All right. Next item on the agenda is the adoption of tonight's agenda, item 1.03. What's the pleasure of the board? Mr. Chair, move approval of the agenda as presented.
005So moved. It's been properly moved by Mr. Kilgore and seconded by Dr. Banks-Gray that we approve tonight's agenda as presented. Any discussion? Ms. Penny, will you please call for the vote? Ms. Afonja. I. Ms. Cherry. I. Dr. Banks-Gray. I. Mr. Samuels. I. Mr. Kilgore. I. Dr. Mason. I. Motion carries. At this time, I will turn the meeting over to Ms. Kelly Gore for recognitions tonight. Good evening and thank you Chair Dr. Mason, Vice Chair Ms. Jackson Afanja, members of our school board, Superintendent Dr. Haynes, and members of our Hampton City Schools family. At this time, I'm going to do something a little different than usual. I'm going to ask the board members and Dr. Haynes to actually come and stand in front of the dais on the stage. I know it's April Fools, that is
006not an April Fools joke. We really do need you to stand in front of the dais. But if I had been wittier, I would have thought of something to go with that for April Fools. And then I'm going to ask actually Dr. Myra Sawyers to join me down front at the podium. Dr. Sawyers has a special recognition for Hampton City Schools this evening. So before I turn the podium over to Dr. Sawyers, let me introduce our special guest. Dr. Sawyers is a dedicated education leader and an advocate committed to expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities for all students. As Virginia State Director of Cognia, she supports schools across the Commonwealth in continuous improvement, strategic planning, and advancing innovative practices including STEM education. Dr. Sawyers holds degrees from Vanderbilt University, the University of Virginia, and Marymount
007University. She is joining us this evening as she has a special recognition to present to the Hampton City School Board. So at this time, I'm going to turn the mic over to Dr. Sawyers. Good evening, Chair, Vice Chair, school board members, Superintendent Haynes, and distinguished leaders of Hampton City Schools. Thank you for the opportunity to join you this evening. On behalf of Cognia, I am proud to present Hampton City Schools with the Cognia Excellence in STEM Education Award. This award recognizes school systems that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to high to providing high-quality STEM education opportunities for all students. It celebrates divisions that are not only implementing strong STEM programs today, but also building sustainable systems that prepare students for the future workforce, post-secondary success, and meaningful civic engagement. Hampton City Schools exemplifies
008all of these qualities. Across the division, there is a clear and intentional vision for STEM education. One that extends beyond individual classrooms and is embedded throughout the student experience. Hampton City Schools has made a deliberate commitment to ensuring that all students have access to engaging, relevant, and rigorous STEM learning opportunities that connect learning to real-world applications. A cornerstone of this work is the Academies of Hampton. Through this innovative model, Hampton City Schools has transformed the high school experience by organizing learning around career career pathways that align with student interests and workforce demands. The Academies of Hampton provide students with opportunities to explore fields such as engineering, health sciences, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and other high-demand STEM fields. By integrating academic content with hands-on experiences, mentorship, and industry partnerships, students are able to see the relevance
009of STEM learning and envision their future pathways. This approach not only strengthens academic outcomes, but also equips students with critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in college, in careers, and in life. The Academies model reflects Hampton City Schools' commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving workforce, while ensuring that learning remains meaningful and engaging. Equally important is the division's focus on equity and access. Hampton City Schools are ensuring that STEM education is available to all students. By expanding opportunities, supporting educators, and fostering inclusive learning environments, the division is helping students see themselves as innovators, designers, and future leaders in STEM fields. Hampton City Schools continues to demonstrate forward-thinking leadership in STEM education throughout Virginia. Hampton City Schools continues to demonstrate forward-thinking leadership in STEM education throughout Virginia. The Cognia Excellence
010in STEM education award recognizes this leadership, this vision, and this commitment to continuous improvement. Hampton City Schools, your dedication to expanding high-quality STEM opportunities makes you a leader not only in Virginia, but across the nation. It is my honor and privilege to present the Cognia Excellence in STEM education award to Hampton City Schools in recognition of your outstanding STEM program, your strategic vision, and your continued commitment to innovation and excellence in education. Thank you. >> And actually, before you take your seats, I'm going to ask Dr. Haynes, Dr. Mason, and Ms. Jackson Afanja to stay up front for the next recognition. Again, not April Fools. Come on back. As they are making their way back up front, I just like to say thank you one more time to Dr. Sawyers for recognizing Hampton City Schools
011with this award. We are honored to receive the recognition. Are we ready? Okay. So, next, we are honored to recognize over 60, and yes, that is over 60 Hampton City Schools educators who have completed the Teacher Leadership Professional Learning Series, either as a standalone experience or as parts of years four and five of the HCS five-year induction plan. Designed and facilitated by Dr. Kim Richardson and Heather Peterson, the series includes more than 20 hours of learning focused on leadership, communication, collaboration, and professional growth. Throughout the program, participants explore topics such as leading with influence, navigating change, effective communication, team dynamics, relational trust, and professional learning. These teacher leaders represent the strength of Hampton City Schools' commitment to developing and retaining exceptional educators. Many participants, past and present, have also been recognized as teachers of the
012year, reflecting the lasting impact of this program. We thank them for their dedication and for the meaningful difference that they make in our schools and for our students. So, before we begin introducing our 2026 Teacher Leader program graduates who are here with us this evening. I'm going to go through the flow of the the recognitions since this is a little bit different. So, presently we have our teachers over here in the reserved section. You guys can clap. And when your name is called, if you would just please come behind the podium up the stairs so you can use the rail. You'll come across the stage and you'll receive a certificate from Ms. Stephanie Jackson-Afonja as well as a school board coin from Dr. Mason and Dr. Haynes before exiting down the stairs back down to
013your seats. But, don't get too comfortable because you know we're going to want a picture. So, once you sit down, we'll call you back up shortly for a big group photo. And then friends and family, please feel free to come forward and take photos as your honorary is being recognized. And also assisting us this evening is Dr. Kim Richardson. We thought it only appropriate for Dr. Kim to read the names of our graduates as this is her last teacher leader graduation as she is retiring in the next few months. So, at this time I will turn the mic over to Dr. Kim Richardson. And let's give her another round of applause. Good evening Chair Mason, Vice Chair Afonja, school board members, Hampton City Schools leadership, educators, family members and friends. I am so excited to
014recognize our induction and teacher leader graduates. And we're going to begin with I'm going to read all of them whether they are present or not, but you have the present certificates. All right, here we go. So, Amber Atkins from Kraft Elementary is a science instructional leader who reminds us that leading through change requires trust, support, and shared ownership. Corey Blunt from Patrick Elementary is a collaborative leader who champions equity by meeting every student where they are. Tulsa Boyd from Tarrant Middle is a literacy leader who uses the SCARF model to strengthen teams and build meaningful connections. Kim Garner Boone from Tarrant Middle is an instructional leader and sped teacher who embraces collaboration knowing we are stronger together learning one from another. Next we have Angela Cherry from Sims Middle, a math teacher who leads through
015relationships reminding us that connection comes before learning. Janice Cook from Smith Elementary is a science teacher, instructional leader who centers her work on trust as the foundation for all relationships. Crystal Crumley is here from Craft. She is the counselor who applies trust and relationships to make sure every student feels valued and supported. LaTavius Darby from Sims Middle is a teacher leader who applies conflict resolution strategies to build strong communities. Vitska Bills from Barron Elementary is the art teacher who champions the power of SEL, social emotional learning. Rachel Dobbins from Bethal High is a teacher who leads with her emotional awareness so that she can not hinder but guide success. Ashley Dillingham is here from Burbank Elementary. She is a reflective educator and a legacy teacher working alongside her mom in the building who uses continuous
016reflection to improve outcomes for every student. Ashley Drummond from Phoenix is a kindergarten teacher who believes trust is the cornerstone of leadership. Megan Irving is here this evening from Phoenix Pre-K 8 and she values self-reflection as a pathway to professional growth. Sandra Fitzgerald from Bryan Elementary is the PE and mentor lead who prepares thoughtfully for courageous and effective conversations. Marissa Finch from Bethel High is the counselor who skillfully navigates team dynamics to support student success. Jillian Friedenberg, Langley Elementary, is the STEM teacher who believes collaboration is key. Jennifer Gandy is here from Phoenix PreK-8, a first-grade teacher who pre pre Excuse me, who prioritizes knowing every student from day one. Ada Gayton from Syms Middle is a special ed teacher who builds student investment through empathy. Fanny LaMonde Parkman from Hampton High. Yes. Woo! Yeah,
017I did that. Is the librarian who models reflection and continuous professional growth. Hannah Hammond-True from Bethel High is a teacher who reminds us communication is at the heart of leadership. Darrell Hardy is here from Phoenix PreK-8, counselor who builds trust and belonging through relationships and highlights student voice. Kristy Harmon is here from Patrick Elementary. She is a special ed leader who leads with open-mindedness and trust. Olivia Hudson is here from Machen Elementary. She is a teacher leader who uses feedback as a powerful tool for growth. Patricia Huffman is here from Phoenix PreK-8. She is a kindergarten teacher who leads with intentionality and deep student learning. Laverne Jackson from Andrews PreK-8 is a special educator who models reflection to improve practice and student outcomes. I think I No, I didn't skip. Okay. Look, Mr. James from
018Kecoughtan High is a coach and mentor committed to his continuous growth as a leader. Sierra Jenkins from Hampton High is a team lead who demonstrates that leadership is built, not imagined. Breanna Jenkins, Kilgore Gifted Center, a teacher who creates classrooms where every student is seen and valued. Melody James from Langley is a kindergarten teacher fostering a growth mindset for herself and her students. Ms. Love Cain from Andrews PreK-8 is an assistant principal who leads with empathy and reminds us that leadership is rooted in understanding others. Emily Klotz from Kilgore is an instructional leader who builds trust through empathy and active listening. Arnita Landy Rozier is here from Mary Peake Elementary, a counselor who advocates for students through equity and communication. Paula Larson from Kilgore Gifted is a teacher who creates a socially just classroom. Jacob
019from Lelish, I think, from Bethel High is an Academy Lead who reminds us that you have to take some risk and chances. Stephanie Lopez Repert from Moton Moton Early Childhood is a PreK who reminds us to recognize and lean on the strengths of others. Erica Martin is here from Kecoughtan High. She is a team leader who models thoughtful, intentional communication. Tracy McLean from Kraft Elementary is a library leader who approaches difficult conversations with confidence and respect. Leah McLean from Hampton High, teacher who engages students through interactive learning experience. Ms. Kathleen May is here from Bethel High School. She is an Academy Lead who meets learners where they are in order to build mastery. Ms. Moore from Hampton High is a teacher who emphasizes the importance of strong adult relationships. Asia Mooring from Aberdeen Elementary, a
020teacher who leads with awareness of intent versus impact. Alexis Mysak from Barron Elementary, a teacher leader who uses personality insights to strengthen her collaboration and Logan Mugler from Langley is a mentor lead who designs meaningful job embedded professional learning for other novice teachers. Jacquar Mahoney from Andrews PreK-8 a teacher leader who champions equity by meeting individual students needs. Holly Monroe Johnson from Hampton High is a mentor who reminds us that caring for students is the foundation of our profession of teaching. Haley Page from Phoenix PreK-8 a teacher leader modeling thoughtful communication who makes sure that she uses pausing with her students in her classroom. Tasha Page is here from Kilgore Gifted Center. She is a teacher who defines leadership as guiding and inspiring others. Rochelle Peyton from Eaton is an instructional leader who shows that
021leadership is about influence, not title. Jennifer Person from Andrews a counselor and director who models lifelong learning. Adrian Peterson is here from Cooper Elementary. She's a math IL who builds trust by creating safe collaborative spaces and leading by example. Jamara Quinones from Langley Elementary School is a dual language teacher who prioritizes student wellness and well-being. Candy Rivera Cotto from Phoebus High is a world language teacher who values diverse perspectives in our classroom. Aaron Scally from Jones Magnet Middle is a curriculum writer who emphasizes respect and understanding. Jazz Cedric is here from Aberdeen Elementary a leader who a leader who uses structured conversations to strengthen the collaboration with team members. Kyle Sheridan from Mary Jackson Elementary is the middle is the music teacher who designs meaningful professional learning and promotes inclusivity. Renata Sims from Mary Christian
022Elementary is the special educator transforming classroom culture. Sarah Spew from Hampton High is the teacher leveraging her communication style. Danielle Struthers from Tarrant Middle is here. A leader who uses personality insights to improve her collaboration and mentoring. Morgan Thompson from Kilgore Gifted is a mentor adapting her leadership to meet the diverse needs of others. Alexis Upton Savage from Phoebus High is a dynamic leader who overcomes challenges to grow and lead others. Heather Alston, Induction and Development Specialist, she's helping others connect the full journey of induction growth over their five years. Lauren Wilson from Bassett Elementary School, a mentor who supports developing future teacher leaders. Ashley Williams from Kecoughtan High is here, and she is a teacher who builds strong relationships to drive their engagement. Giselle Winston is here from Syms Middle. She is a leader
023who engages in courageous conversations. Valerie Wolfe from Kecoughtan High, a teacher bringing learning to life with hands-on practice. And last but certainly not least, and I don't believe she's here tonight, but teacher that left Hampton and returned to finish the teacher leadership series, Alicia Wright from Aberdeen Elementary, and she is championing equity and social justice in her classroom. Please give it up for all of our induction graduates. WOO! HIT IT. ALL RIGHT, SO YOU ALL ARE teacher leaders, so you understand directions well. So, I'm going to have you all come right back up. We're going to make several lines and take a picture with the chair, vice chair, and superintendent. So, come on up. All right. Um, could I move it? All right, is Dr. Kim up there? Uh, Dr. Kim Richardson, would you please
024join? >> All right. All right. Say teacher leader. On the count of three, 1 2 3. TEACHER LEADER. Big smile. Perfect. Thank you. Well, the laugh wasn't long. Kevin Mela, Look, I already Congratulations. Careful, don't watch out for that jam on the floor. See you later. Where's my See you. It's good to see you, too. Where is Maurice? He's good. He's probably still here. Hello. How are you? Oh, everybody leaving. Look. You know, you can leave if you want You know, everybody leaving. I can't believe Tell all the special people to stand up. To recognize be recognized. That's all I was supposed to Tell the people that are standing up to be recognized. Feeling I know, right? I know, right? Well, we were going to recognize all of you that had came out tonight to
025support your loved ones as they received their induction certificates. But, again, we thank you all for coming out tonight to support your loved ones. And congratulations again to our teachers. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you. And And also that uh Ms. Mugler did get her certificate. It was stuck to another one. So, that actually Ms. Mugler did receive her certificate. It was stuck to another one. So, we All right. Chair Mason, that's going to conclude our recognitions for this evening. Thank you. No, cuz it's messed up now. Hold on. Oh, I know. All right. So, we're going to move along. Um I'm going to pause for one quick second as we looked at tonight's agenda, we do need to make a change for items for deliberation and items for action. And so, at this
026time, the chair will entertain a motion to adjust the agenda. Yes, Mr. Chair. I move that we switch the order of items for actions and item for deliberation so that deliberation will be section five and action will be section section six. Second. All right. Thank you very much. It's been properly moved by Mr. Kilgore that we switch items for action on the agenda with items for deliberation. And it's been seconded by Mr. Fonja. Is there any discussion? Ms. Penny, will you please call for the vote? Mr. Fonja. Aye. Ms. Cherry. Aye. Dr. Banks-Gray. Aye. Mr. Samuels. Aye. Mr. Kilgore. Aye. Dr. Mason. Aye. Motion carries. All right. Um that takes us to item number three, which is the consent agenda, 3.01, personnel report 26-7, 3.02, minutes of the school board meeting of March 18th, 2026,
027and 3.03, school board consent of receipt of donations for April 2026. What's the of the board? Mr. Chair, move approval as presented. Second. It's been properly moved by Mr. Kilgore and seconded by Mr. Samuels that we approve tonight's consent agenda as presented. Any discussion? Ms. Penny, will you please call for the vote? Ms. Jackson Afonja? Aye. Ms. Cherry? Aye. Dr. Banks-Gray? Aye. Mr. Samuels? Aye. Mr. Kilgore? Aye. Dr. Mason? Aye. Motion carries. All right. At this time, I will turn the meeting over to uh Dr. Haynes for item number four, superintendent staff report. Thank you, Chair Mason, Vice Chair Jackson Afonja, members of the board, and the Hampton community. For this evening's first presentation, Dr. James Harris, Chief Academic Officer, will provide an over overview of the second Master Plan 2.0 Connecting the Dots Community
028Showcase held on Saturday, March 28th, this past weekend at Kecoughtan High School. The presentation will highlight the division's project-based learning showcase, including participating students and selected winners from the fifth and eighth-grade school-level showcases. Dr. Harris. Good evening, Chair Mason, Vice Chair Jackson Afonja, members of the Hampton School Board, Dr. Haynes, and the Hampton community. On behalf of the division leadership team, I'm pleased to present an overview of our Master Plan 2.0 Connecting the Dots Community Showcase. This work represents our continued commitment to ensuring that every student is prepared for college, careers, and life as outlined in our Portrait of a Hampton Graduate. Master Plan 2.0 serves as our road map, intentionally aligning curriculum, instruction, partnerships, and student experiences from pre-K through 12th grade. At the center of this work is the Portrait of the Hampton
029graduate. What makes this work powerful is that we are not just defining outcomes. We are designing intentional aligned experiences that allow students to demonstrate learning in authentic ways. This is how we move from theory to practice, ensuring student experience learning, not just receive it. It is also important to remind our audience of our commitment to backwards mapping the portrait of a Hampton graduate, starting as early as elementary school, so we are clear on what students should know, understand, and are able to do. But more importantly, and this is my favorite question that I often ask adults, is how do we know? Our learning continuum answers that question. While we celebrated the accomplishments of our fifth, eighth, and high school students, key transition years, our learning continuum continues to deepen through the themes of self, community,
030and careers. This ensures that every student progresses towards graduating as a true embodiment of the portrait of a Hampton graduate. Over the course of several weeks, we hosted showcases across all school levels. High school from February 18th through the 26th, middle school from March 2nd through the 11th, and elementary school from March 12th through the 19th. Across 34 school level showcases, students engaged in authentic student-centered demonstrations for educators, families, and community members. This is Master Plan 2.0 in action, bringing learning to life and connecting it across grade levels. We welcomed over 400 attendees, including students, families, educators, and community partners. This level of participation reflects one of our core pillars, community connected and family involved. Because we know this work is not done in isolation, it is strengthened through meaningful partnerships and shared ownership of
031student success. The showcase began with student performances, including core presentations from Peake and Aberdeen, highlighting student voice, creativity, and engagement. Additionally, student speakers represented key transition points in our continuum. An elementary student already identifying a future career pathway, a middle school student exploring possibilities and purpose, and a high school senior prepared to pursue career in law and leadership. Collectively, the event reinforced a central message of Master Plan 2.0. When students can see the possibilities ahead of them, they are better prepared to pursue them, or as we say, the MIC is the MIA B. This slide highlights the structure of our presentations and exhibits across grade levels. Each experience is intentionally designed as part of the K-12 learning continuum. Fifth grade introduces career awareness, eighth grade focuses on community impact, high school emphasizes real-world application and
032measurable outcomes. Together, these experiences ensure that learning builds progressively and purposefully, truly connecting the dots across the students' journey. As seen on this slide, continuum was fully on display through hands-on exhibits from each grade level. Families and participants were able to experience firsthand how learning progresses from kindergarten through 12th grade, and I will say some of our adults were learning right alongside the students, which is exactly what we want. At the elementary level, our fifth grade students participated in the reverse career capstone and represented a transitional point, I am ready for middle school. Students explored careers and presented their learning through displays, resumes, and budgets. At this stage, students are beginning to answer a critical critical question, "How do my interests and strengths connect to future opportunities?" This is about building awareness, confidence, and purpose
033early. The feedback from our community was both powerful and affirming. One community member shared they were ready to hire our students, and while we may need them to finish middle school and high school first, it speaks volumes about the level of preparation, confidence, and engagement our students demonstrated. At the middle school level, students engaged in community impact capstone projects, and also representing a transitional point, I am ready for high school. Here, students transition from awareness to action. They identify real-world challenges, conduct research, and address issues within their communities. This is where we begin to see our students as problem solvers, innovators, and emerging leaders. Feedback highlighted the depth and relevance of student work. One comment noted that this level of work is often not experienced until college. Another shared that our students are already demonstrating
034how they can make a difference. That is the impact of Master Plan 2.0. We are elevating expectations and providing the support for students to meet them. And now for our high school, I am ready for 10th grade, 11th grade, 12th grade, and life after high school. At the high school level, students engaged in advanced project-based learning aligned to their academies and career pathways. These experiences represent the culmination of the K-12 continuum. Students are not only learning content, they are applying it to real-world challenges using data, collaboration, and critical thinking. And most importantly, they demonstrated their ability to create a measurable impact on the broader community. This work directly aligns with our readiness goals, employment, enlistment, and enrollment. The high school project-based learning showcase demonstrated students' ability to create meaningful, measurable impact. Students elevated their voices
035and used data-driven approaches to propose and implement solutions. One partner described the experience as uplifting and highlighted the resilience, influence, and drive of our students. And the energy in the room made one thing very clear. Our students are not waiting for their future, they are already shaping it. While 20 winners were recognized, the true takeaway is that every student who participated demonstrated growth and achievement. This was not simply a competition, it was a celebration. A celebration of learning, a celebration of our students, a celebration of our educators, and a celebration of what is possible when we align our work as a division and the community. We certainly want to take a moment for a sincere thank you to all who helped make this event possible as seen here. And in closing, Master Plan 2.0 is
036about more than initiatives, it is about transformation. It is about ensuring that every student experience learning that is meaningful, connected, and future focused. It is about connecting classrooms to careers, schools to community, and students to opportunity. This is how we ensure that every graduate of Hampton City Schools is truly prepared for the future. At this time, we welcome any questions or comments. Thank you so much. Any questions or comments from board members? Mr. Kilgore? Uh just a a thank you. It was an amazing day. Uh all the administration and DLT help. Uh just everybody put so much effort into the details of that day. It really was impressive and really enjoyable. So, thank you very much. Anyone else? Ms. Cherry? Thank you, Mr. Cherry. Um yesterday I guess it was yesterday. Um I had the
037opportunity to meet with um Dr. Haynes and Dr. Cajigal. As we do as we we prepare for televised meetings. And um the meeting actually ran much longer than we expected because I couldn't stop talking about that event. I was never so blown away by those fifth graders. What we did, the ladies of the board decided all to we all decided we were going to meet at the same time, which we did. And they were these students, fifth graders, I couldn't believe it. I told Dr. Haynes, you know, there used to be the show, "Who's smarter than a fifth grader?" After looking at not many people. If you talk about Hampton City Schools of fifth graders, um, we got to visit so many of the students in that in that fifth grade capstone piece. Um, I
038actually walked up to Christian Marchman's exhibit and he gave me his resume. Okay, fifth grader and in it and you'd be pleased he did graduate from Hampton University. And he went on to obtain his medical degree at Virginia Commonwealth University, but he did his residency at the Medical College of Virginia. So I had this resume with his little cute little white coat on. No, and then there was this archaeologist little girl, remember her? From Kilgore gifted. When you said adults were learning alongside the students, I know I was. In fact, I went back. She In fact, when I came back, she said, "Good to see you again, Ms. Cherry." Because I had I had more questions. I learned from her that during a dig, where you find something pretty much equates to when it was
039there. And she talked about the scientists and she actually went to an archaeology camp in Williamsburg on her own because she's so into what was there. She explained everything and she was so good. And then and I don't want to keep talking but the girl the little girl who wanted to be an interior architect. And I explained to her now I know what an architect does but I don't know what an interior architect does and she explained that after the architect does the buildings and things she goes in and she's the one who determines where the walls are what the sockets are what the panel should be where the where the special area should be based on whatever that business is. Just cute as buttons all of them was so good including the little guy
040who wants to be a cardiologist gave me his business card with his picture on it okay in his white robe. So I was going on and on about that with to Dr. Haynes and I told Dr. Haynes and Dr. Cajiano I was never so blown away until you see it and you can hear you can give all these presentations you want to but until you actually we all said the lady said until you see it it doesn't hit you as impactfully as looking at a report. So I'm so glad it was the community to come together and see that I I hope we can engage more people in the community to come see you know where your tax dollars are going. I mean these kids were incredible. So as I was explaining to Dr. Haynes
041when we had lunch at the at the school I was telling Dr. Mason about it as well. You know Dr. Mason likes to one up you. So he had to tell me how he had already been to the schools and seen the kids do their little performances before. I told Dr. Dr. Haynes nobody asked him. Nobody asked him anything. I was talking about our glory that we three ladies of the board saw. So I just want I just want to say how thankful I am to be a part of this school division and a part of this board. I mean we're doing things nobody else is doing. And I I just was just so blown away and I'm going to stop talking. I did hear that one of the key most talked about things was
042conversations and cuts and conversations. Yeah, and explained everything and I just think so much so that they're going to be presenting at the um school board city council. Yeah, so everything was just perfect. It really was including the lunch. But I want to tell you we whatever you're doing, that's the right formula and it's working. So thank you. Thank you all. Thank you, Miss Cherry. Any comments from anyone else? Dr. Banks great. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I had a lot to say, but I think Miss Cherry summed it all up for me. But no, job well done. Uh Saturday was absolutely amazing. There are a lot of folks in many circles and communities that say that our young people in the 21st century do not have great communication skills and they don't know how to
043communicate cuz they carry their devices with them all the time. I beg to differ. These kids were ready. They were excited to present and like Miss Cherry said, we were all so blown away. So job well done and y'all did a fantastic job. Thank you so much. Anyone else? Mr. Bunch. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just real briefly, I echo everything that the other ladies board members said. It was a great time. We had a tremendous time. It was really incredible as Miss Cherry already stated. But I did just wanted to add that as I was walking through, I was thinking how much effort the teachers must have put in to get these students to know so much information about their crafts, about their chosen careers, about you know, you can imagine everybody in the classroom
044wants to be something different, you know, be somebody different. And I just thought about the energy that it must take to get these young people prepared for something like that and to do it so confidently, you know, some of the conversations that we had with But young people, not only were they confident about the information they understood, but they delivered it so confidently to us. And I just think amazing job to our educators who are preparing these students like this because that was it was truly impressive as they've already said. Great point. Great point. Well, I do want to add um Last night, Miss Cherry said she knew that. Now, last night um myself, Dr. Haynes, and Dr. Cajiano, and some other members of Hampton City Schools, we had the opportunity to um attend a
045session last night called Multiple Choice, really talking about workforce development and how we're training students um in conjunction with New Horizons and all last night. And several people there um were talking about what it is that we're doing in Hampton City Schools. And of course, they were just looking at uh um academies through the lens of just the high schools. And so, being able to talk to them and sharing with them that we are truly the only K-12 um academy model with Ford Next Generation nationally. And they were surprised to hear that we're starting this process at the elementary school level. And just being able to share with them the experience that we had just had on Saturday with our our our PBL showcase. Uh they were just amazed. And so, I invited them to
046come back next year. So, they'll have to hear all about it and be able to witness what we saw. And they'll be just as amazed as Miss Cherry was. But just being able to talk about those things. And we had the Secretary of Labor uh there as well, as well as um our very own Dr. Smith, Secretary of Education. And of course, the Secretary of Labor said she's heard all about Hampton City Schools and the academies and the work that we're doing in this space. So, kudos to Hampton City Schools because we are doing some great things. And we continue to allow people to see what it is that we are doing. Um the program highlighted some things going on in Winchester and they're doing some some great things out there as well, but we
047know what we're doing is certainly working. We We talk about having that that recipe and the secret sauce and everything else or whatever. So, but we've been able to certainly keep the main thing the main thing and that's a focus on teaching and learning. So, kudos to you, Dr. Haynes and and Hampton City Schools. I did hear that the director did follow up and said the Academies of Hampton should have been part of the film. Just so next time we circle back around so we're aware. We'll have to do our own film. Yeah. Mhm. Yeah. Mhm. Let's see. Mhm. Yes, thank you. For the last presentation tonight, Ms. Brintly Branch, our Chief Financial Officer, will present the business and finance report for February 2026. Thank you, Dr. Haynes. Good evening, Chair Mason, Vice Chair Jackson
048Afonda, school board members and the community. Um, tonight I am presenting our February 2026 board report. At the end of February, our total revenues, including fund balance, was $190 million. Um, that represents about 58% of our budgeted revenues being received. Um, our largest funding source continues to be state funding and we received year-to-date through February $128 million and 42 million of our local contribution. Um, when we look at our expenditures and encumbrances, they total $207 million. That's about 63% of our budget. Our largest spending category continues to be instruction and secondly, operations and maintenance. And our payroll costs represent about 72% of total spend. Um, no new updates on our average daily membership, but um, we know yesterday was March 31st, so we'll be able to provide an update um, at the next um, meeting
049in May. And as always, you do have a list of transfers from the technology classification for the month of February. And that completes tonight's report. All right. Thank you very much. Any questions or comments for Ms. Branch? All right. Dr. Haynes? Mr. Chair, that concludes superintendent's staff reports. All right. So, thank you very much. So, that'll move us to item number five, which is deliberation. 5.01, Hampton City Schools staff bonus recommendation for fiscal year 2025-2026. 5.02, review of school board policy JGDAA, student makeup work procedures, secondary schools. 6.0 5.03, review of school board policy JFCL, search and seizure. 5.04, review of school board policy JFA, student disciplinary due process rights. 5.05, review of school board policy JEC, school admissions. 5.06, review of school board policy EBBBB, accident and serious illness reports. 5.07, review of school
050board policy JHF D, student automobile use, skateboard use, and bike helmet safety. 5.08, review of school board policy JHCCA, communicable blood-borne diseases. And so, I will ask Dr. Haynes if he wants to comment on 5.01, um, Hampton City Schools staff bonus recommendation, fiscal year 2025-2026. Dr. Haynes. Thank you, Chairwoman Mason, Vice Chairwoman Jackson-Afonja, members of members of the board and the Hampton community. Governor Spanberger approved amendments to the fiscal year 2026 state budget which includes funding for a $1,500 bonus for standards of quality positions. I met with Mrs. Branch, our chief financial officer and members of the division leadership team to develop a bonus recommendation for the school board tonight. So, before I ask Mrs. Branch, although she's already come forward, to provide details to the board, we would like to request if the board
051would consider moving this item from deliberation to items for action on tonight's agenda. Mrs. Branch, now. Yes. Um, good evening again. Um, as Dr. Haynes stated that the fiscal year 2026 state budget has been amended to include a $1,500 bonus um, for state-funded standards of quality positions. Um, the school division does have discretion on providing the bonus and determining how much and how to implement the bonus. Um, based on this, we are recommending a one-time bonus for this school year um, supported by a $2.4 million in state funding and an additional um, $2.6 million operating fund. And it for us to be able to ensure that all staff, not just SOQ positions, receive this recommendation. Um, we do have to certify to the Virginia Department of Education by May 1st if a bonus will be
052provided. If approved by the school board, um, the impact to full-time employees would be um, $969 of take-home pay and also for our part-time employees, $484.50 of take-home pay. And the scheduled payout date would be May 27th, 2026. Um, again, this recommendation definitely reflects our commitment to our employees about us also making sure that we manage and balance the other needs with our facilities within the school division. And again, because this is a deadline of May 1st for the certification, we are requesting for this item to be moved to items for action at the board's discretion tonight. Okay. Thank you very much. Anything else regarding 5.01, Dr. Haynes? That is all, Mr. Chair. Thank you. All right. Um Sorry. A request has been made to move that from items from from deliberation to action. What's
053the pleasure of the board? Mr. Chair, I move that we move action I mean deliberation item 5.01 to action item 6.04. Second. That's been properly moved by Mr. Kilgore and seconded by Mr. Samuels that we move item 5.01 to from deliberation to item 6.04 for items for action for this evening. Any discussion? Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair. Just very quickly, as a as a point of clarification, if the board were to approve this, when would staff receive the bonus? May 27th, 2020. >> Okay. I I didn't hear that. Thank you. All right. Any other comments or questions? All right. And I received a question today asking whether or not this was going to happen. I did. I did. They wanted to know if they were going to be able to buy some gas soon. I said,
054"All right. We'll let you know soon." Hearing no further requests for comments or questions or discussion, Ms. Penny, will you please call for the vote? Ms. Epanja. Aye. Ms. Cherry. Aye. Dr. Banks-Gray. Aye. Mr. Samuels. Aye. Mr. Kilgore. Aye. And Dr. Mason. Aye. Motion carries. All All Thank you so much, Ms. Branch. All right. the next items for deliberation are all held with a uh Ms. Hatcher. So, I'll turn the meeting over to you, Ms. Hatcher. Okay. I shared um last week these policies. Any questions or comments on All right. policies? Any comments, clarifying questions before? All right, thank you very much. We'll see you back next next week for for action. All right? Correct. No, we'll see you in in May. Yes. I didn't mean that. All right. That's right, I forgot that. All
055right, so that takes us to item number six on the agenda, items for action. We have 5.0 6.01, I'm sorry, 26-27 school calendar and 27-28 planning calendar. 6.02 VSBA Business Honor Roll, Christopher Newport University. 6.03 VSBA Innovation Award. And now 6.04 Hampton City Schools Staff Bonus Recommendation for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. And what's the pleasure of the board? Chairman Mason, um I make a motion that we take 5.1 um no, 6.1, 6.02, and 6.03 as a block. All right. Second. It's been properly moved by Mr. Samuels that we take 6.01 to 6.03 as a block. Any discussion? Ms. Penny, will you please call for the vote? Ms. Avant-Garde? I. Ms. Cherry? I. Dr. Banks-Gray? I. Mr. Samuels? I. Mr. Kilgore? I. Dr. Mason? I. Motion carries. And that leaves us with item number 6.04 on the
056agenda for action, gas money. What do we think? Ms. Chair. Yes, Ms. Cherry. I move that um we approve the recommendation from the superintendent um on the Hampton City Schools staff bonus. Second. It has been properly moved by Ms. Cherry and seconded by Dr. Banks-Gray that we approve item 6.04, the superintendent's recommendation to approve the staff bonus for fiscal year 2025-2026. Any discussion? Ms. Penny, call for the vote. Ms. Epondra. I. Ms. Cherry. >> I. Dr. Banks-Gray. I. Mr. Samuels. Keep the main thing the main thing. I. Mr. Kilgore. I. Dr. Mason. I. Motion carries. All right. So, that takes us to item number seven on tonight's agenda, deliberation first read. 7.01, review of School Board Policy JHC, student health services and requirements. 7.02, review of School Board Policy JHG-R, reporting and investigation of suspected
057child abuse and neglect. 7.03, review of School Board Policy JHGE, suspected child abuse referral. 7.04, review of School Board Policy JHG, child abuse and neglect reporting. And Ms. Hatcher is already at the mic. Good evening. >> I'll turn it over to you again. Yes, I will share with you some of the highlights of the review of these policies. Um our first policy, the student health services requirements, that is an update just to um reflect some of our current practices. We also um by code are required to add in there our military compact, how we work with those families when they're enrolling, and students who are experiencing homelessness. We also took out mask language and updated that a bit. Policy JHR is a policy that contains definitions and talks a lot about what suspected abuse and
058neglect are and while we are mandatory reporters, our committee recommended that this policy be deleted at this time in that we are required to report suspected abuse and neglect. So, it's not necessarily part of the policy that we understand all those definitions and requirements, but when we suspect it, that is our requirement by code to report that to CPS. Also, policy JHGE, a suspected child abuse referral, really outlined it was a written report that had been required in the past that is no longer required by code. We can follow up with written, there's nothing you know, prohibiting that and sometimes other Department of Social Services may ask for that to be put in writing by one of our staff members, but it is not required now because we have electronic and telephone means and that's
059the way that we are reporting suspected abuse and neglect. The final policy JHG, child abuse and neglect reporting, is a mirror policy of our employee policy GAE. I think it was 2019 in the past few years VSBA took away their mirrored student policy. Again, there's nothing wrong with us if we wanted to maintain a mirrored policy. It is policy JAE talks about our mandatory responsibility to report that that is required by the Code of Virginia. Any clarifying questions or anything from board members at this time? All right. Thank you very much. That takes us to item number eight on the agenda, hearing of any delegations or presentations of any written communication or petitions. 8.01 Ms. Penny, will you please read the protocol? Yes. Citizens are invited to address the school board on matters of public
060concern about the school division. Speaker forms are available prior to the start of the meeting. If you wish to address the school board, please complete the form and give it to the clerk by 6:45 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Each individual will have 3 minutes to speak. At the end of your time, you will hear a buzzer. All comments shall be directed to the school board. Speakers may not yield their time to another. Speakers should address the school board with the decorum on policy issues. Comments shall relate to agenda items or matters germane to the business or duties of the school board. Speakers comment on individuals at their own risk of violating confidentiality laws and or defaming the the subjects of their comments. Neither the school board, the superintendent, nor the school administration
061will respond publicly to any comments by speakers about individuals. Presentations of resolutions, declarations, proclamations, manifestos, awards, or other similar documents not originated under the auspices of the school board or administration is prohibited during the public comment period. The audience is asked to be respectful of all speakers. Public comment is the school board's opportunity to listen to the speaker. Since our purpose is to hear from you, the board will not engage in dialogue with the audience or whomever is at the podium. Matters requiring a response will be directed to the superintendent for research and response. The superintendent may report back on such matters at a subsequent business meeting session as appropriate. The school board carefully considers your comments as we decide matters that are brought before us. We appreciate your attendance and your input. All right,
062thank you very much and we have two any more than two? Just the two? All right. Okay, and so we will start with Alexandra Smith. Good evening. Um I'm Alexandra Smith. I was asked to speak on behalf of Ashley Ernst, who is the guardian of a student at Bethel High. Uh she has just gotten out of major surgery and asked me to take her place for this. Um her student her child is joined the junior varsity soccer team and told her that they were using an app that does not have parental access and was given an athlete code of conduct that was drafted uh by coach True, the JV coach. The student athlete code of conduct uh required that students refrain from speech or conduct that in the opinion of the coaches was disparaging or
063harmful to the school's reputation and stated that students could be dismissed from the team for being in the vicinity of an arrest. Uh these would be in direct violation of the First Amendment and several Supreme Court cases, including one as recent as 2021. Uh Uh, she took her concerns to Mr. Krum, the Bethel athletic director. Uh, he said that this app was not the district approved app. He also told her that her child could delete the app and would not have to sign the code of conduct, but both of these acts could single her child out for retaliation. Uh, a text chat was created for the parents this Monday, almost a month later, after her conversation with him after several of the games had already been played. Uh, the app that the uh, soccer teams
064are currently using not only does not have private access, but uh, has all private chat locked down except for the varsity coach, Coach True. The junior varsity team cannot directly message their coach, Coach Warner, only Coach True. Uh, True is the administrator for the app group and has the ability to delete messages and chats without the ability to restore them. Uh, Ms. Ernst would like to know why the Bethel High Athletics Department is handing out contracts that have clearly not been seen by district council, and why they are using unapproved apps that have the ability to conceal or remove private chats. Thank you. Uh, next speaker tonight is Joe Ford. Good evening, honorable chairman, vice chair, members of the board, superintendent, and members of the Hampton school community. It's great to see you again. I
065was here last May. I'm here to share a three-part reality, our energy workforce crisis, what our company is doing about it, and why this may be the most critical CTE opportunity on the horizon here. It's my second time here again since the last May. Uh the journey began, we talked about that with Erica Spencer. We met, she understood the potential for the partnership we have and connected us with the your district. Since then, other people like Jenna Thompson and Seth Black and a strong team of your curriculum specialists caught that vision, the importance of connecting your classrooms with the future of energy careers. So, why did they see it such a high priority? Why should you see it as such a high priority? Uh three points for you to consider. One is demand. Over the
066next 15 years, Virginia is ranked number one in the nation for projected peak energy demand. More than the next four states combined. Energy demand means energy jobs. Energy debt. Virginia and California are the top two states in the country that are borrowing electricity from other states. It's something only a new generation of skilled technicians can solve. And the third one is the retirement cliff in energy. By 2030, 40% of nuclear energy workers are already at or will be at a retirement-eligible age. And we're already losing experienced experts at the same time that we're building new advanced reactors, one of them right up the street at the Naval Weapons Station. Good news is Dominion Energy has finally caught on and they see the same urgency. Our company 1021 Plus, we're in the final stages of contract
067negotiation with them to launch a massive educational outreach initiative for nuclear energy careers. We're that close because of your staff. The utility agrees that this school division could and should be the springboard for the statewide program. In addition to the utility, we also serve places like Virginia Tech, VCU, Oak Ridge in Tennessee, and many industry organizations. The Workforce Council has already approved our company for their K-20 internship program. I personally lead an energy workforce education needs assessment right now for a statewide consortium. Our boots are on the ground in a lot of places already. That's a partial list. Almost every piece is in place. We're that close. With your support, I think with this district can lead the Commonwealth. And I'm going to stick around after the meeting. I'll leave provide my contact information, personally
068discuss what we're doing right now in detail, answer any questions you might have. Thank you. Okay, thank you very much. All right, moving on to item number nine. 9.01 next meetings. The next regular meeting of the Hampton City School Board will be held at 6:30 on May the 26th, right here at Jones. And just a reminder to the community that we previously canceled our work session for April the 15th. Okay, so we will not meet um again until May the 6th. You said the 26th. Well, so 9.02 other items for information. I'll start with our superintendent, Dr. Haynes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. This past Saturday, March 28th, Hampton City Schools hosted the second annual Master Plan 2.0 Connecting the Dots Community Showcase at Kecoughtan High School. The event welcomed students, family, staff, and community members
069to celebrate the division's ongoing work to enhance teaching and learning through Master Plan 2.0. Attendees experienced student voice and achievement first hand through the division project-based learning showcase, which featured presentations from fifth and eighth grade capstone representatives and high school winners. Interactive exhibits provided a closer look how learning connects across grade levels throughout the division. Certainly want to thank our students, staff, families, and community partners who helped make this event possible. And of course, as always, the board, your continued support plays a vital role in advancing student success. This Friday, April 3rd, Hampton City Schools will launch a community survey to gather input for the development of our 26 through 31 strategic plan. Families and community members are encouraged to share their feedback, which will help shape the priorities and goals for the next 5
070years. The survey will open Friday, this Friday through April 20th. While spring break for Hampton City Schools will take place next week, April 6th through the 10th, during this time students will not report to school. We hope our students and staff enjoy a safe and a restful break. April is also recognized as the month of the military child, a time to honor the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of students in military families. Additionally, Purple Up Day is observed on April 15th, which is a special opportunity to show support and appreciation by wearing purple, the color that represents the branches of the military. Lastly, Administrative Professionals Week is April 19th through the 25th. We extend our sincere appreciation to the outstanding administrative professionals across Hampton City Schools. Their dedication, and of course attention to detail, and behind-the-scenes
071support plays a vital role in keeping our schools and offices running smoothly. We are truly grateful for all that they do. That concludes informational items from the superintendent. All right, thank you, Dr. Haynes. Other board members, any items for information? Okay. All right. Well, I do want to add that April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, also. And today, myself, along with Dr. Haynes and some other city leaders, um, went out to participate in a an awareness program, uh, sponsored each year by Human Serv- Hampton Human Services, uh, department, where you put pinwheels and all out. Uh, so if you see the pinwheels throughout the community uh during this month, that is to bring awareness uh to child abuse prevention. All right? In addition, April is also autism awareness month, as well. And so, we want
072to make sure we bring attention uh to those living and managing their lives with autism. All Anything else from other board members? And we don't have our student rep here. Mr. Samisky, can you think of anything our student reps might have to say? They happy. >> Enjoy spring break. Yes. Enjoy spring break. With no further business to be brought before this board, I declare this meeting adjourned.