001[music] Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> It is certainly my pleasure to call the February 4th meeting of the Hampton City School Board to order. Miss Penny, will you please call the role? >> Miss Afana, >> here. Miss Cherry >> here. >> Dr. Banks Gray >> here. >> Mr. Samuels >> present. >> Mr. Kilgore >> here. >> Dr. Woodhouse >> here. >> Dr. Mason >> here. Let the record reflect that all board members are present and accounted for. And at this time for our opening, I'm going to turn it over to our student rep, Mr. Cable Lucas. >> Thank you, Dr. Mason. Uh, today we have Mr. Amari Abs, a fourth grade student at Cooper Magnet Elementary School for Technology, and he will be leading us in the pledge. So, if you all will
002please stand. Pledge algiance. >> I pledge algiance 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. >> Thank you, Mari. And uh I know that you have a poem for us. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> All right, the floor is yours. the planted seed. Good evening all to all here today. I'd like to share a short path that started not so long ago but will [clears throat] continue to flourish each day and grow. There was a seed planted 10 years ago that has been shelled with love, joy, and knowledge from this great district. Beyond the years that you see, there is so much more to be written in history. A short a journey is
003destined for you and I. We must take heed when our time is right. Standing tall through it all for peace, togetherness, and equality. We must be sure to share kindness everywhere you go. Deal future me who I long to know. Remember how this seed was planted and shaped by this v by this very moment. For this I know [applause] >> awesome. Thank you. Uh we have a few questions for you. So can you share with us uh your grade and what school you attend one more time? >> I am in fourth grade and I go to Cooper Elementary Magnet School. >> Awesome. And what is your favorite subject? >> My favorite subject is math, science, and social studies. >> Awesome. Yes. Um, what do you want to be when you grow up? >> I would
004love to be a football player. >> Awesome. Yes. What position? >> Um, maybe a wide receiver or a running back. >> Awesome. And what are some hobbies that you have outside of school? Um, I love spending time with family, drawing, and just playing sports. >> Awesome. And can you finally, uh, can you share with with us who you have in attendance with you today? And when Amari says your name, would you all please stand to be recognized? >> Today, I have my grandma, Easter. [applause] >> I have my mom, Melinda Abs. I have my dad, James Abs, >> and I have my principal, Miss Wynolds. >> Awesome. We thank you all for joining Amari here and pouring in um to the person that he is and is becoming. And would you all give Amari another
005round of applause, please? [applause] All right. Thank you all for sharing him with us. I tell you, you could be anywhere and you chose to be here with us. So, we don't take that for granted. So, thank you so much. Any comments from board members? >> All right. Thank you very much. So, the next item on the agenda is the adoption of tonight's agenda, item number 1.03. What's the pleasure of the board? Mr. Kilgore. >> Mr. Chair, I uh move that we amend the agenda uh to add a new section five for action items and to add action item 5.01, which is employee grievance matter 2025 tax 08, which would adjust the remaining uh sections in the agenda to six, seven, and eight. >> Second. [clears throat] >> Right. It's been properly moved by Mr.
006Kilgore that we amend tonight's agenda to add items for action to include 5.01 grievance matter 2025-08 and the remaining portion of the agenda will be adjusted accordingly. Is there any discussion? >> Miss Penny, will you please call for the vote? >> Miss, >> I. >> Miss Cherry, >> I. >> Dr. Banks Gray, >> I. >> Mr. Samuels, >> I. >> Mr. Kilgore, >> I. >> Dr. Woodhouse, >> I >> Dr. Mason. >> I motion carries and at this time I'll turn the meeting over to Miss Gorl for a good portion of the meeting. [laughter] >> Good portion. >> Right. Thank you, Chair Mason. Um, Vice Chair, Miss Afan, members of our school board, Superintendent Dr. Haynes, and members of our Hampton City Schools family. I'm actually going to ask Dr. Woodhouse, who's going to be
007presenting with me this evening to just wait a few moments before heading to the microphone to [clears throat] assist with recognitions because we're going to begin this evening's recognition with schoolboard appreciation month. The month of February marks the annual observance of schoolboard appreciation month, a time to salute the work of schoolboard members and celebrate public education. Each year, the Virginia School Boards Association, otherwise known as our VSBA, creates a theme for this annual celebration. This year's theme is from strong roots come endless possibilities which acknowledges that the school board is the heart of education system guiding it with kindness and care. So typically you know we always go off theme but we actually stuck with theme for the very first time in the last eight years. So you should be proud of us. So we
008are going with that roots um from strong roots comes endless possibilities. So to help us celebrate, we have some first grade students from Peak Elementary, home of the Mighty Oaks and named after Mary Peak, a pioneer in public education and civil rights, who have prepared a special performance in your honor. So at this time, I would like to invite everyone to come down from the stage and have a seat so you can actually see their performance. that secret. Yeah. Say that secret. You're good. I'm going get out. Wait a minute. So, as they're getting ready up on stage this evening, They are going to wow you and impress you with a song that's that is called I'm Going to Be by Teresa Jennings. And their teacher and director is Miss Antwanet Tortoici. I'm going to
009be a sergeant. I'm going to be giology. I'm going to be [music] a teacher or a pilot. I'm going to start my own company. I'm going to be [music] I'm going to be anything. Anywhere is a possibility. I'm going to be I'm going to be [music] anything. Anywhere. I'm going to be a soldier. I'm going to be in sociology. I'm going to be a [music] little flower. I'm going to build my own. I'm going to be I'm going to be anything anywhere is a possibility. I'm going to be I'm going to be anything anywhere. [music] I'm going to be [music] so many choices. >> So many choices. So many choices. So many so many many many choices. [music] I'm going to be an architect, manager, therapist, accountant, vocalist, astronaut, principal, nurse, athletic, beekeeper, waiter, barber,
010woodworker club, engineer, editor, musician, [music] housekeeper, planet, agent, [music and singing] electrician, politician. >> [music] >> I'm going to be I'm going to be anything anywhere [music] possibility. I'm going to be I'm going to be anything anywhere. I'm going to be [music] [applause] [cheering] [applause] Right. [applause] [cheering] >> So, we're going to do things just a little bit different this evening because only a few of the students are going to stay on stage to help out with the rest of the presentation, but I thought you all might want to say something to them before they leave the stage. Dr. Mason, would you like to say anything to the students? Awesome. Awesome job. Tonight to celebrate with us. So, thank you. Excellent job. [applause] >> Well, thank you so much for joining us tonight. We really
011appreciate it. >> Is this okay? It's okay. [laughter] >> So cute. >> I love it. >> You want a cameo? Cutie. >> I'm gonna have you all actually go line up on stage. >> Okay. Yeah. >> I know, right? My mama said no, right? >> But [laughter] I'm say no because I'm going peace. Yes. If I could have you all line up on stage in a straight line. See if you could follow directions. Well, >> we're going to have a few students hang back and help us out with some treats. All right. know. >> So, along with our special music presentation from our peak students, we're also going to present you with um additional tokens of appreciation to honor your dedication, your leadership, and your steadfast commitment to our schools and community. It includes a
012certificate from the VSBA, a small basket of goodies that brings out our theme of from strong roots come endless possibilities to life. And also the school made their own small little gift for you. So if the very first one's going to be for Dr. Mason could have. Dr. Mason, can you raise your hand for us? You might need to do two hands on the basket. Two hands on the basket. Perfect. And bring it right to Dr. Mason. >> Next we have our vice chair, Miss Stephanie Jackson Aanja. We have Dr. Tina Banks Gray. Some of those baskets are almost as big as they are. Miss Anne Cherry and Mr. Joe Kilgore. Mr. Kilgore, wave for us. Mr. Jason Samuels. and Dr. Reginal Woodhouse. And then we also have a small treat for Caleb Lucas, who's
013our student representative to the school board. Caleb, give him a wave. It's right there. All right, we're going to get a picture with all of you in just a second, but we want to thank you again to all of our board members for all the time that you dedicate to our students, everything that you do for Hampton City Schools. You truly live out our mantra of one community, one transformation, excellence with intentionality. So, let's give them a round of applause. [applause] All right. And I'd love to get a picture with the students. So, if we could squish in and maybe somebody hold up a one of the >> Can you grab one of the gonna be >> I'm going to be >> [applause] [applause] >> All right, Dr. Woodhouse, if you would like to proceed
014to the microphone on stage to assist with the rest of this evening's recognitions. >> [clears throat] >> What else? So, first on the agenda this evening is actually Miss Rhonda Russell from Hampton High School. She um >> is not with us this evening. She is ill, unfortunately. But I still would like to read um what we have about her so that we can recognize her on camera. Miss Russell has been selected as the Virginia Council on Economic Education's 2025 outstanding economic educator for the Christopher Newport University Center. This prestigious honor is awarded to educators across Virginia who demonstrate exceptional dedication to teaching economic concepts and financial literacy, ensuring students are prepared with essential skills for future success. So [snorts] after the formal presentation of the award was snowed out in December for poor Miss Russell,
015she was formally recognized in front of her peers on January 23rd at Hampton High School, which ironically was supposed to be like January 26, but they were afraid of snow, so they did a little early. So, bless her heart, her recognition has been kind of bounced all around and then she's not able to join us this evening. Um, but she did was recognized in front of her peers at Hampton High. So, we will make sure that she gets um her certificate as well as her coin. I will go ahead and share with you just a quote about Miss Russell from Amy Ferris who is the director of special programs from the Virginia Council of Economic Education. She shared that Russell's commitment to engaging instruction, real world application, and empowering students with financial understanding sets her
016apart during the nomination and selection process. So, let's give her a round of applause. All right, so we are actually going to skip ahead to our next recognition and I would like to call Kelly D to front to the podium, please. stand right next to me, sir. Thank you. All right. Even though I think pretty much everyone here knows who Mr. Kelly D is, I would like to formally introduce you to him. Mr. D is our curriculum leader for the visual and performing arts department of Hampton City Schools. Not only is he our curriculum leader, he was named the 2025 VMEA outstanding administrator at the Virginia Music Educators Association Conference. Let's give him a round of applause. And if you know Mr. D, he's very humble. He does not like the recognition one bit. So,
017I know he's probably just dying standing next to me, but I'm gonna keep on going. Is that okay? Perfect. Because I'm gonna go on anyway. No. So this recognition is one of the highest honors in music education leadership across the Commonwealth of Virginia. It's for administrators whose vision, dedication, and support set the highest standards for excellence in music education. Teachers and colleagues recommended him for the award. And I want to say that when we posted the news about this award on our HCS Facebook page, it was quite obvious how many people really love Mr. D. Within just hours, we had 29,000 views and 149 comments about Mr. D. >> And like I already stated, although I know he is going to hate this, I just want to share a few of those comments tonight. Congratulations,
018Kelly. This is such a well-deserved honor as you have always advocated for fine arts and supported those teaching fine arts at HCS. Welldeserved award for an amazing teacher. Well done, Mr. D. He's the best of the best. I would not have my passion and love for music if it wasn't for him and Mr. Irish. So deserve Mr. D. Mr. D is a legend. And I could go on and on because there, like I said, were nearly 200 comments, but let's go ahead and I'll stop so that he's not so embarrassed and give him a round of applause. [applause] >> Want to join him? >> Mr. today. Would you please join me on the stage by the microphone? Before I present you with a certificate of recognition and a co and a coin, I would like
019to share with you what Lisa Frell, band director of Eton Fundamental Middle School, said in her nomination. Kelly D is truly the ideal candidate for such recognition as he encompassed every aspect of what makes a wonderful leader in musical education. He has paved the way for not only massive change within the Hampton City School District. in his 15 years as the visual and performing arts curriculum leader and teacher specialist for music education, but also across the country and beyond. his experience, knowledge, passion for the arts and and genuine care and the and drive to bring out the best in his teachers and students is incomparable. His dedication to the improvement of music education is truly selfless and we are extremely blessed by his leadership. On behalf of our chair, Dr. Mason, the Hampton City School
020Board, and Superintendent Dr. Haynes, please accept this coin and this certificate of recognition for this outstanding accomplishment. And the and the certificate says certificate of achievement from the Hampton City School Board. Congratulations. Proudly presented to Kelly D. 2025 Virginia Music Educ Educator Association Outstanding Administrator. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> So, you just noticed that uh Dr. Woodhouse asked him if he'd like to say a few words. He said, "No, thank you." He left the [laughter] stage very quickly. But as he's returning to his seat, if there are anyone in the audience, any teachers, administrators, family members supporting him in his work, we ask you that you stand to be recognized as well. I know you've got quite the fan club. All right, moving on for our next recognition. It is our pleasure to recognize additional educators
021this evening. Our national board certified teachers. Through national board certification, teachers demonstrate at their that their teaching meets the profession's standards for accomplished practice through a rigorous peer-reviewed and performance-based process similar to professional certification in fields such as medicine. In achieving board certification, teachers prove their ability to advance student learning and achievement. National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education and provides numerous benefits to teachers, students, and schools. It was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. While teacher lure systems set the basic requirements to teach in each state, completion of the national board certification signifies that teachers have voluntarily, again I will say that voluntarily gone much further. National board certified teachers have developed and demonstrated the advanced knowledge, skills, and
022practices required of an outstanding educator. This year we are proud to recognize one teacher who's newly certified and two HCS teachers who have renewed their national board certifications. So at this uh time would you please join me down by the podium, Miss Mia Moore, Miss Marie Putsky, and Miss Tamara Behan. here. All right, we've got family coming down to take pictures and so forth. All right, when I call your name, just step step forward. First, we have Mia Moore. Miss Moore is a dedicated school counselor with more than a decade of service in Hampton City Schools. She began her career in student services in 2012 and later served as a middle school counseling director at Hunter B. Andrews, supporting students and families at Kilgore Gifted Center, Feebas High School, and currently at Hampton High School
023as she's wearing her red. She is a proud mother of three Hampton City School students and her oldest son, a graduate of Hampton City Schools who now attends Randolph Mon College. Miss Moore is an active community leader who values wellness and personal growth. In December of 2025, Miss Moore earned her National Board Certification and School Counseling, reflecting her strong commitment to equity, student growth, and excellence in the profession. Let's give a round of applause for Miss Moore. [applause] Next, we have Marie Putsky, who has been a dedicated educator at Basset Elementary School since 1998. She earned a national board certification in 2005, renewed her certification in 2015, and completed the maintenance of certification in 2025, reflecting her longstanding commitment to professional excellence. Throughout her career, she has taught second and third grades and currently serves
024as a kindergarten teacher at Basset. She earned her master's degree in curriculum and instructional technology from Grand Canyon University in 2011. Let's give Miss Psky a round of applause. [applause] And last but not least, we have is it Tamara? Did I say that correctly? Tamara Behan, who is completing her second National Board Certification Reertification. That's a tongue twister. uh certification reertification and school counseling. She initially earned certification at the elementary level and achieved certification at the high school level through this reertification process. She has served in Hampton City Schools for 16 years working at Arm Armstrong School for the Arts, Feebas High School, and Hampton High School. She currently serves as a school counselor at Hampton High School. She would like to give a shout out to her fellow teacher Michelle Bowers for helping her
025through the MBCT reertification process. Let's give a round of applause for Miss Behan. [applause] If you all want to use the steps over there with the handrail, you can to go up. Yep. Go ahead. be uh before I present each of you a certificate of recognition and a coin, I would like to say that we know the rigorous pro process to become a national board certified teacher is no simple task. It certainly takes a great deal of time and effort to accomplish that feat and to keep your certification current. We thank each of you for pushing yourselves professionally and ultimately advance student learning and achievement of our Hampton City School students. So without further ado, on behalf of our chair, Dr. Mason, the Hampton City School Board, and our superintendent, Dr. Haynes, please accept this
026coin and the certificates of recognition for this outstanding accomplishment. If I pronounce your names incorrectly, please forgive me. Certificate of achievement for the from the Hampton City School Board. Congratulations. Proudly presented to >> Mia >> Maya Mia Moore, Hampton High School National Board Certified Teacher. Here [applause] we go again. Certificate of achievement from the Hampton City School Board. Congratulations. Proudly presented to Marie Psky. All right. Bassic Elementary School, National Board Certified Teacher Renewal. Certification of achievement from the Hampton City School Board. Congratulations. Proudly presented to Tamara Behan. >> All right. Okay. Hampton High School National Board Certified Teacher Renewal. >> [applause] >> All right. And before you all um have a seat, we would like to recognize those important guests in the audience tonight who are here supporting you because we know that there's a
027lot of support that goes along with that reertification or getting that for the first time. So would any family members, our fellow teachers, administrators of our national board certified teachers who are in the audience please stand to be recognized. Let's give them a round of applause. And although Dr. Kim Richardson for our Hampton City Schools director of induction and development is not in attendance tonight, we want to acknowledge her as she has overseen the National Board Certified Teacher Program and is a huge support to our teachers. So, let's give her a round of applause. All right. [applause] Thank you ladies very much. Congratulations. >> You're welcome. All right. And for our last recognition this evening, I'm going to ask Dr. Heidi Bzinski, the principal of Jones Magnet Middle School. Um, assistant principles Miss Plet Townsen
028and Mr. Gregory Hopson to join me at the podium. And I'd also like to invite Sharon Slater, the former principal of Jones and now assistant director of human resources to join us as well. I think we just lost Miss Slater, but Miss Ruth is tracking her down. Here she comes. You can't get away that quickly. Come on back. All right, this fantastic group of leaders and educators are from Jones Magnet Middle School. So, Jones Magnet Middle School is recognized by the Virginia Board of Education as one of seven Virginia schools eligible for the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School Award in 2025. This recognition is based on their overall academic excellence or progress and closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Receipt of the award demonstrates that all students can achieve at high levels. So Jones was
029actually recognized a little different this year um with a proclamation at the state board of education meeting in Richmond, Virginia on January the 8th. So we would like to recognize them here as well this evening. Let's give them a round of applause. [applause] So would all of you join me on the stage. Now before I present you a certificate of recognition and and a coin, I would like to share what our chief secondary school leader leadership said about your honor. Being recognized by the state board as a national blue ribbon school nominee is a tremendous honor for Jones Magnet Middle School and a true reflection of the school's sustained commitment to academic excellence and student success. This recognition represents the collective hard work and dedication of the school's teachers, staff, and students whose commitment to
030high expectation and continuous improvement makes this achievement possible. We also proudly acknowledge the strong leadership that has guided this work, including the foundation laid by former principal Sharon Slater and the continued leadership of current principal Dr. Heidi Brazinski. I got it right. All right. Together, this school community exemplifies a a a culture of excellence, innovation, and achievement. So, without any further ado, on behalf of our chair, Dr. Mason, the Hampton City School Board, and Superintendent Dr. Haynes, please accept these coins and this certificate of recognition for this outstanding achievement. Okay. Certificate says certificate of achievement from the Hampton City School Board. Congratulations. Proudly presented to Jones Magnet Middle School, National Blue Ribbon School Nominee. Just Oh, okay. >> Congratulations. Let's give him a round of applause. Do we have anyone in the audience? Any staff
031members or family members here? >> There we go. All right. Congratulations you all. Thank you so much. >> That's it. >> And Chair Mason, that concludes our recognitions for this evening. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Miss Gold. Thank you, Dr. Woodhouse. Any comments on our recognitions for tonight, Mr. Chair? >> Um, yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just want to just um point out and emphasize and underscore how exciting it is for us as a school division to have these kind of accolades coming for our faculty members and our schools. This is a big deal. And as I go down and I'm looking and I see that um the for instance Kelly D I know you don't want me to call your name but when we talk about Mr. D, we also talk about
032the fact that many many years he's the reason our schools receive these state awards >> because of the wonderful work he did within our school division. So this is not only welld deserved but um it's just who you are. So just accept that and uh because you you act absolutely deserve it and more. Um you've got not only the knowledge but you got the respect of so many people in the school division who have been here before and probably those who are waiting in the wings to just be um educated if you will by the famous Mr. Kelly D. And you know when I talk about look at the national blue ribbon school nominee that Jones you've got everything to be excited for because I remember and I'm sure Dr. Kajiano and Dr. Haynes both
033can testify to this where we used to look at another school division had blue ribbon nominees and we didn't have one. Do you remember that? And now that we are so fortunate to have that that speaks volumes for the school division and of course the nationally board certified teachers. Miss um Gor, I'm so glad you emphasize the fact that they volunteer. They don't have to be nationally board certified. They do not have to be nationally board certified to show up to work every day, get their paycheck, and go home. They can say that, but these are people who go above and beyond who say, "I want to be the best in my profession, and I'm going to show you I can be." So, I want to give a special shout out to our National Board
034Certified Teachers as well. That's it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Cherry. Any other board members comments? >> All right. Thank you so much. All right. So, we're going to move along with tonight's agenda. Item number three, consent agenda 3.01, personnel report 26-2. 3.02, minutes of the school board meeting of January 7th, 2026. 3.03, School Board to consent to receipt of donations for February 2026. What is the pleasure of the board? >> Mr. Chair, move approval of the consent agenda as presented. >> Second. >> It's been properly moved by Mr. Kilgore and seconded by Miss Afan that we approve tonight's consent agenda as presented. Any discussion? >> Miss Penny, will you please call for the vote? >> Miss >> I. >> Miss Cherry, >> I. >> Dr. Banks Gray, >> I. >> Mr. Samuels, >>
035I. >> Mr. Kilgore, >> I. >> Dr. Woodhouse, >> Dr. Mason, >> I. Motion carries. All right. At this time, we're at item number four, superintendent and staff reports. And I'll turn the meeting over to our superintendent, Dr. Raymond L. Haynes. Thank you, Chair Mason, Vice Chair Jackson Afan, members of the board in the Hampton community. Under the mantra, one community, one transformation, excellence with intentionality. Our first presentation this evening, Dr. Dan Bowling, our chief operations officer, will provide a report on the construction progress of the Bethl High School science edition. Dr. Bowling. >> All right. Sorry. Good evening, Dr. Mason, Vice Chair Jackson Fa, members of the school board, Superintendent Dr. Haynes, and honored guest. My name is Dr. Bowling, and I serve as the chief operations officer for Hampton City Schools. It is
036my honor this evening to present to you the latest construction update on the Bethl High School Science Wing edition. Now, tonight's uh presentation, I thought the first part I would do a little bit of review of the project, at least for our uh viewing audience there at home, and then I'll come right in, of course, immediately with the actual construction process. But the new Science Wing edition at Bethl High School represents one of the largest capital improvement projects in Hampton City School's recent history. This project delivers long overdue upgrades, providing students and teachers with a state-of-the-art instructional environment that will strengthen science education and support them of Hampton for years to come. The science edition will dramatically transform Bethl High School by helping to modernize the appearance of the school. Now, all of you know
037uh Bethl High School is located along Big Bethl Road. And as you go by, the school was built in the 60s and it looks like it was built in the 60s. But we're going to fix that because come December 2026, it's going to look totally different. This is what you're going to see when you drive by. A beautiful twostory edition, modern. It screams 21st century construction, and it's going to take up the whole front when you drive by. This is exactly what you're going to see. Uh here's another angle from the parking lot. Now you have a defined front of the school which Bethl really lacked. So now we have that a beautiful addition. I think it's going to be a real landmark along Big Bethl Road. So you're not going to be able to
038drive by Miss Bethl High School anymore. You definitely see it there. What is it going to um what's what size will it be and then what's going to be in the building? Uh the building itself is going to be 40,762 square feet. It's going to contain the health sciencemies, earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy classrooms. It's going to have three extended learning areas for a total of 19 new learning spaces. So where are those what's going where in in that building? So this is a diagram of the first floor of the building. So you actually will be able to see the new construction and where it comes up to the existing construction and then how we're going to connect here with one corridor and right over here with the other corridor. So as you
039are moving back and forth between the buildings, you will be inside the whole time there. No one will have to go outside. On the first floor, we have three of the health sciencemies, five biology classrooms. Uh we have two ELA ELA spaces, those extended learning areas. Now, normally those would just be open foyers or uh hallways. We don't want to waste any space. It's valuable. It's expensive to build that construction there. So we put these to use. We put tiered seating along the walls. There are soft seating options, tables and chairs. There are whiteboards, prometheium boards there. So teachers can extend extended learning. They can extend out of the classroom, teach in these spaces. You can have multiple teachers that come out and do team teaching in these spaces. Uh you could do professional development,
040small group study. The students love these areas and it actually gives it a whole different feel when you step in that. It all sort of raises the bar. It doesn't look like an old school, but it actually looks like a college setting. On the second floor, uh we'll have one more of our health sciencemies. We'll have physics, earth science, chemistry, all of our science classrooms. will have prep rooms, another ELA space, and one of the lessons that we learned from Kickotan High School that we learned that they really love about their new science edition, and this is what we've duplicated here in this one as well, is all of the restrooms there will be single use and genderneutral there. >> So, what's been accomplished to date, Dr. Bolan? Well, to date, December 2025, we're looking
041at roughly about, excuse me, 2026 there. Well, well, it's actually February. You can tell when I did this though, [laughter] put it together. Um, currently, we're about 30% complete. Uh, in the construction phase, the weather has not been our friend. Uh, especially in this last month, it's been very difficult and it's pushed out the construction. So, now we're looking at a completion. Instead of being November, we're into December. and hopefully we'll get most of this bad weather behind us and we can um speed up the construction process quite a bit. So, let's take a look at the site and and see what's been done. Of course, when we arrived on the site, it had trees and bushes and grass. We scraped all of that stuff away. Uh we had to do soil studies to make
042sure it was suitable to put the building on. We found soil that wasn't so good. We had to dig all of that out, put new soil back in, compact it all down. We put a building pad down. Then we dug these trenches that you see here and those are actually for the footers that support the walls of the building and that's steel reinforced concrete down there that's hardened up and that is where the walls go for the building. We also very carefully ran and this has to be very precise ran all the electrical conduits where it will come up into the building. Also followed by the uh water lines and the sanitary sewer lines as well. They had to be precisely positioned where they need to go. Why so precisely? Because the next thing that
043happens is you pour concrete over the whole thing. And that's the first floor. That's what you're walking on. So, you got to make sure it's in the right place because you're not going to move it very easily once it's set in concrete. So, it has to be just right. And this is what you would see if you step out to uh the site. Today, uh we're putting up the CMU. It's a fancy word just for block. Block walls are going up now. Um, and so you really get an idea of the grand scale of it. If you step out there, you get an idea of how big it's actually going to be. So, what remains to be completed and when will it get done? Dr. Bowling, here's a construction timeline for you. Everything that's highlighted
044in yellow, uh, is pretty much been completed. Uh, everything that's not is left what we have left to do. So, in the next couple months, uh, what you're going to see is you're going to see a lot more of the walls going up, those CMU blocks. You're going to see the elevator shaft go up. I just talked to the construction manager uh and we should see a crane show up on site next week. Uh that crane will start lifting the steel beams into place. So the metal skeleton of the building will start coming up in the center of the building. Of course that's what supports the second floor and then of course the roof goes on top of that. So hopefully you're going to really start seeing things move along pretty quick. Now I'm going
045to switch gears for just a second there. Uh that ends sort of my presentation on the construction of the science wing and I want to bring you some information from transportation there. Um I want to bring you an update on the Where's My Bus app. Hampton City School launched the Where's My Bus app on January 12th, 2026. This is a free app that students can download or parents can download onto their phones or mobile devices. Once they register their information in, it allows them to see uh their bus stop with their pickup times and their drop off times there. Um, another neat feature about it is it does have a GP um, uh, GPS tracking system for the buses. So, if you have it on your phone, it will let you know once that bus
046gets within two miles of your bus stop, it will send out a push notification to your phone and it will say, "Hey, your bus is 2 miles away." So, that's your cue. Then if you're not already at the bus, which we hope you are at the bus stop waiting on your bus, you better hurry up so you don't get left there. Um, also it is a great uh communication device as well for our transportation department. So if anything happens with the buses, a bus driver becomes ill, bus uh bus breaks down, we have an accident on the uh the interstate and the buses are all backed up there and it can't get to the students, we're able to message out to the parents using this app to let them know uh that hey, we know
047the bus is running late. It's going to be there. It should be there at 8:45. Uh, thank you for your patience, nursing, something like that. We can get that information out so everybody knows what's going on with the buses. It's been wellreceived there. It hasn't even been a month and we have over 2,000 users already on the app and we see that number increasing each and every day. And with that, that concludes my presentation tonight and I'll turn it over to questions and comments from the board. >> All right. Thank you, Dr. Bowen. Any questions or comments from board members? Mr. Samuels. >> Thank you, uh, Chairman Mason. Uh, Dr. Bolan, uh, great presentation, but one other thing that's the, uh, presentation that I would like to highlight is where's my bus? Um, the bus
048app. Um, it's uh, I think it's a great app. It's a very useful app. It will significantly reduce the number of calls that transportation um, receives every morning from parents that are that have several anxiety about where the bus buses are. Furthermore, I believe this app will also help with the student safety because especially when we're um experiencing all these weather concerns, instead of students just standing at the bus stop, they can reside somewhere safe before the bus arrive if they have this app on their telephone. So, this is a great addition to um our um to make sure that children are always safe in the city of Hampton. So, yeah, great feature, man. Thank you so much. >> Yeah. >> Any other comments from board members? >> All right. Thank you, Dr. B. >>
049Thank you. Mason, for our final presentation, Miss Britney Branch, our chief financial officer, will present the business and finance reports for November 2025 and December 2025. Miss Branch, >> thank you, Dr. Haynes. Good evening, Chair Mason, Vice Chair Jackson, school board members in the Hampton community. Tonight, I am presenting an overview of the November and December 2025 board reports. So our total operating fund budget remains at 328.9 million and at the end of November we had spent about 41% of the budget and as of the end of December that increased to 48%. For our revenue our total revenues including fund balance grew from 101 million in November to 130 million in December and this was primarily driven from state funding. Year to date, we have received a little over $90 million in state funds. And
050for our local contribution, we've received a little over 21 million with most of that um received in December. On our expenditure side, instruction continues to be our largest spending item and then that is followed by operations and maintenance. our payroll increased um for the month of between November and December, but that was expected and that represents about 67% of our total spending for December. And as always, our spending remains within each of the budget limits for each classification. Um you will see in the report that we submitted the fall membership report to the Virginia Department of Education and the membership number was 18,668. Um, this was 315 higher than where we are currently budgeted at 18,353. If this holds through the year through that March 31st date, um, this could result in approximately 3 million
051of additional state funding. Um, we will continue to monitor this number as that is just an estimate, but once the final state amounts are known, we will make sure to come back to the school board and city council for the proper approval. And as always, you do have a list of transfers to and from the technology classif classification, excuse me, for both November and December of 2025. And that completes tonight's board reports. >> Thank you so much and welcome back. >> Thank you. We saw you last month, but [laughter] good to see you behind the podium this afternoon. All right. Any comments regarding the financial report? >> All right. Thank you, >> Mr. Chair. That concludes superintendent and staff reports. >> All right. So, we're going to move along to item number five. Items for
052action is 5.01, 01 grievance matter 2025-08. Mr. Pledge of the board. >> Yes, Mr. Chair. >> Mr. Mr. Mr. Kilgore. >> I move that the recommendation of the superintendent in the case of employee grievance matter 2025 tact 08 be upheld. >> I second that. >> It's been properly moved and seconded by Mr. Samuels. Um it was moved by Mr. Kilgore, seconded by Mr. Samuels that we uphold the superintendent's recommendation in grievance matter 2025-08. Any discussion? >> All right, Miss Penny, will you please call for the vote? >> Miss Aja, >> I. >> Miss Cherry, >> I. >> Dr. Banks Gray, >> I. >> Mr. Samuels, >> I. >> Mr. Kilgore, >> I. >> Dr. Woodhouse, >> I. >> Dr. Mason, >> I. Motion carries. All right. All right, that takes us to item number six,
053hearing of any delegations or presentation of any written communication. We do have one request. And so, Miss Penny, will you please read the protocol? >> Citizens are invited to address the school board on matters of public concern 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 on the day of the meeting. Each individual will have three minutes to speak. At the end of your time, you will hear a buzzer. All comments should be directed to the school board. Speakers may not yield their time to another. Speakers should address the school board with decorum on policy issues. Comments shall relate to agenda items or matters germaine to the business or
054duties of the school board. Speakers comment on individuals at their own risk of violating confidentiality laws and/or defaming the subjects of their comments. Neither the school board, the superintendent, nor the school administration will respond publicly to any comments by speakers about individuals. Presentation of resolutions, declarations, proclamations, manifestos, awards or other similar similar documents are originated under the aspicious 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 whoever is at the podium. Matters requiring a response will be directed to the superintendent for research and response. The superintendent may report back on
055such 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. Thank you so much. And tonight's speaker is Miss Brenda Marx. Chair Mason, Vice Chair Fonda, and board members, and do Dr. Haynes. My name is Brenda Marx. Over the last four weeks, I have been approached by three families requesting information and assistance regarding child studies in the school system. All three of them had been told by their school that their child had to have a diagnosis before the school would do a child study. I informed all three of them that that was incorrect. told them to immediately send emails to the principles of the buildings and mark their calendar to
056start the 65day count. These three children were in kindergarten and first grade. I know firsthand, and I know a lot of y'all know, the sooner services are provided, the more successful the children are. Um, I watched the presentation of the test scores and the fact that special aid scores had improved. You can and should be proud of that fact. What you should not be proud of is the fact that the division has failed to meet the state benchmark in the category for quote parents who report schools facilitated parent involvement as a means of improving services and results for children with disabilities in the performance reports issued by the state department of education for the fiscal years 2016 to 2023. Nor should the division be proud that for the same eight fiscal years the division has
057failed to meet the 65day statutory limit for evaluation and eligibility determination. Finally, the same report showed the average dropout rate for children with disabilities has been 3.10% 10% and that was lowered significantly by 2016 and 17 that were less than 1%. But 13 and a half years I have stood here and preached the same speech and beat the same dead horse. I don't know whether you don't hear, whether you don't listen. I hate to think you don't care, but this is an election year, guys. Something's got to give. The most needy of your children are being the most severely shortchanged. >> All right. Thank you. Moving along to item number seven on the agenda information. Next meeting 7.01. A work session of course will be held February 18th right back here at Jones Magnet Middle
058School. And then we will begin our public hearings on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2027. and we will start on March the 4th and continue with March 11th and March 18th right here at Jones Magnet Middle School at this time. Dr. Haynes, any additional items for information? >> Yes, Mr. Chair, report cards for the second quarter were distributed yesterday, February 3rd, via parent square. We are now more than halfway through this school year. On Monday, February 16th, all schools and offices will be closed in observance of President's Day. And as we observe schoolboard appreciation month, I would like to again share my sincere thanks to our school board members. Although you've already been formally recognized, I want to take a moment personally to acknowledge the time, dedication, and thoughtful leadership you provide and bring
059to this role. Your continued support and advocacy for all children make a meaningful difference for our student, staff, and the entire Hampton City Schools community. And we are truly grateful for your service. That concludes superintendent's comments, sir. >> All right. Thank you very much. Any other items for information, comments from board members, >> student rep Caleb? >> Thank you, Dr. Mason. I too want to echo uh that sentiment. I want to thank the school board for all that you do and continue to do. Um, I want to thank you for continuing to recognize our students, staff, um, and families for all that they are doing within the Hampton City Schools family. Um, in a in a world where we see a lot of heaviness, uh, it's good to recognize um, the good that's being done.
060So, thank you. >> All right. Thank you very much, Caleb. I, too, want to thank my colleagues on the board. This this work isn't isn't easy work. You know, a lot of times people don't see the the long hours, the reading and the keeping up and talking to people and from sitting and trying to have dinner with your own family, you're having to stop and and work with people through their own is their own issues. And um so I do want to thank you for giving of yourself so so tirelessly. Um because some days it can be a thankless job, but I do want you to know that I appreciate you and all of the hard work. And I know sometimes I'll I'll call on you and bug you till we get it done. But
061I do appreciate you not sending my phone calls to voicemail, okay? Because our citizens do deserve uh the hard work that they've elected us to do. So I do want to say thank you. Um, and thank you to the community who who've elected us to do this work because I can speak on behalf of my colleagues and say they have a passion for this work that we're doing and and we continue to do um a a great job, you know, and we may not get it right every day, but it's the attempt and the willingness to continue to try that I appreciate that this board brings to this work. So, thank you all for what you do and thank you to our community for entrusting us with your children each and every day. All right,
062with no further business to be brought before this board, I do declare this meeting ajourned. [music]