001Heat. Heat. Good evening everyone. It is my pleasure to call the Wednesday, December the 3rd, 2025 meeting of the Hampton City School Board to order. Miss Charbano, will you please call the role? >> Miss Alan >> 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, I will turn it over to our student rep, Caleb Lucas, to lead us in our opening. >> Good evening, everybody. I would like to ask uh Miss Ryan Simmons, who is a fifth grade student at Patrick Elementary School, to please come and lead us in the pledge. If everybody would please
002stand. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. May all be seated. >> Thank you, Ryan. And uh uh I know that you have something prepared for us. That's right. >> Yeah. I will be reading a poem by um ch by by um Amanda Gorman called Change Sings. >> Awesome. >> I can hear change humming in its loudest, proudest song. I don't fear change coming and so I sing along. I scream with the skies of red and blue streamers and I dream with the cries of tried and trueue dreamers. I am a chant that rises and rings. There is hope where my change sings. Though some don't understand it, those windmills of
003mysteries, I sing with all the planet and its hills of histories. I hum with a hundred hearts, each of us lifting a hand. I use my strengths and my smarts. Take a knee to take a stand. I'm bright as the light each day brings. There is hope where my change sings. [applause] >> Great job, Ryan. >> Thank you. >> Uh we if you don't mind coming back up with us, so we have a few questions for you. I'm sorry. [laughter] Um first off, can you tell us what school you attend and what grade you're in? Um, I go to Patrick Elementary and I'm fifth grade. >> Awesome. And what is your favorite subject? >> Um, mostly science I guess. >> Fantastic. Uh, what is what are some things that you do outside of school? >>
004Uh, like theater, art, um, music, things like that. >> Awesome. And, uh, what do you want to be when you grow up? >> Broadway actress, I guess. >> Yes. Awesome. >> [applause] >> And one more question. Um, can you tell us who you have with you today? And when she says your name, if you all would please stand to be recognized. >> Um, I have my parents here, Aaron and Henry Simmons. [applause] >> And do you have any uh teachers or administration with you as well? I have my assistant principal, Miss Ronaldi, and the principal, Miss Meyer. [applause] >> Awesome. Thank you, Ryan. Can we give it up for Ryan one more time? [applause] >> All right. Any comments from board members? Well, thank you all for sharing Ryan with us. And Ryan, thank you
005so much for sharing that. When you talk about changing music, I'm a fan of Nancy Wilson and and one of my favorite songs is Everything Must Change by Nancy Wilson. And that's immediately what I thought of. And so with you talking about being on Broadway and being a singer, I see it coming. All right. So, thank you very much. All right. So, before we move along to the next item on the agenda, I think I did see our delegate elect from the 86th House, Virgil Thornton. Where is he? There he is. [applause] Thank you so much for joining us tonight, Virgil, and certainly looking forward to the great work that you're going to do for us in this area and also for education. So, thank you for being an advocate. All right. So, moving along
006to the next item on the agenda is 1.03. We have a musical selection from members from the members of Armstrong School of the Arts Chorus. And so at this time, I'm going to turn it on over to Miss Eliza Thurquett and Jennifer Thompson. [applause] >> [applause] [cheering] >> Oh my gosh, [laughter] >> that's cute. >> Little people. >> He want us to go down. >> Where are we going to sit? Oh, on the front. Okay. >> [screaming] >> Everybody be a star. [screaming] Every Christmas driving IN YOUR CAR. SANTA, ARE YOU READY? Everyone go crazy cuz it's great Christmas time. Merry Christmas. great Christmas time. >> From one to another found my right behind it just a present paper. It's a sher [cheering] [applause] Christmas. >> [screaming] >> Christmas. >> Everybody be a reindeer. Everyone
007be a star. Everyone sing the Christmas song in your car. Santa, are you ready? Everyone go Christmas time. >> Christmas time. went from another it don't matter to be a richpper [cheering and applause] Christmas [music] Bye. [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [applause] Hallelujah. [cheering] Jingle bells, jingle bells, [music] jingle Jingle all the way. Oh, what fun it is to ride a one open sleigh. Hey, jingle bell, [music] jingle bell, jingle all the way. Oh, what fun it is to ride a one open sleigh. Jingle bell, [music] jingle bell, jingle all the way. Oh, what fun [music] it is to ride a one open sleigh. Hey, jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle all the way. Up on the house [music] [singing] [music] with lots of toys [singing] for the little one Christmas. [music] Who want to go?
008Ho ho ho. Who want to go up? [music] Click click click down to the chimney. >> We wish you a merry Christmas. We wish you a merry Christmas. We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. We wish you a merry Christmas. We wish you a merry Christmas. We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. We wish you a merry Christmas. We wish you a merry Christmas. We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new [music] year. Happy holiday. [cheering] [applause] >> [cheering] [applause] [cheering and applause] [cheering] [applause] >> Welcome. [cheering and applause] [applause] [cheering] [applause] Speech. Speech. Speech. All right. >> Get back here. Now that's how you start a board meeting. I love it. [laughter] [applause] >> All right. So, moving along, the chair will now entertain
009a motion to adopt tonight's agenda. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, Mr. Kilgore. I I move uh to amend the agenda this evening to add the following uh to our recognition sections. Item 2.02 recognition of the new principal at Captain John Smith and to our action item section item 6.02 02 the superintendent's recommendation in the case of employee grievance matter 2025 tac 06 >> second it's been properly moved by Mr. Kilgore and seconded by Mr. Samuels that we approve tonight's agenda with the amendments of 2.02 recognition of a new principle Captain John Smith and 6.02 02 um employee matter uh 25 2025 06. >> Is there any discussion? Miss Sharon, will you please call for the vote? >> Miss Alana >> I. >> Miss Cherry >> I. >> Dr. Banks Gray >> I. >> Mr. Samuels
010>> I. >> Mr. Kilgore >> I. >> Dr. Woodhouse >> I. >> Dr. Mason >> I. Motion carries. So, at this time, we move on to item number two, recognitions. And I'll turn it over to Miss Gorl. >> Well, thank you, Chair Dr. Mason, Vice Chair, Miss Jackson, members of our school board, Superintendent Dr. Haynes, and members of our Hampton City Schools family. I will say it's going to be really hard to follow what you just saw up here. Those kindergarteners were absolutely amazing. But at this time, I am going to ask Miss Jackson Aanja to please proceed to the microphone to assist with recognitions. >> Come on, let's hear some rapping. Oops. [laughter] >> All right, we ready? So, as you all know, Hampton City Schools began offering middle school sports in the 2022
0112023 school year and expanded those opportunities by adding middle school track last year during the 24-25 school year. So, tonight we are proud to recognize the students and coaches who earned the 2526 Hampton City Schools Middle School track championships. So, first we're going to recognize our middle school girls track champions. At this time, I would ask that head coach Daniel Smith, Danielle Smith, and assistant coach Allison Mayers, and our student athletes from Kilgore Gifted Center girls team please join me up front by the podium. And you all can absolutely applaud. [applause] [cheering] >> Okay. Y'all can keep on coming this way so we can see all your pretty faces. >> Slide on down. >> Turn around. >> All right, you can stop right there. Perfect. And just face the board. >> They want to be
012able to see you. Oh, you're good right there. You can stop right there. You good? Make sure we All right. So tonight we have coach Smith with us and these exceptional group of young student athletes are 2025 2026 middle school girls track champions. The championship meet was held at Boo Williams Sportslex on November 18th which we were very appreciative because it was very cold outside. So thank you for having that indoors Mr. Fortune and where these ladies showcased their talent across a wide range of events. It included the 55 meter dash, the 200 and 400 meter dash, the 800 and600 meter de meter run. That wasn't a dash, it was a run. And the 4x200 and 4x400 meter relays. Through hard work and incredible teamwork, they earned a combined 67 points, securing the championship title.
013So, please join me in giving them a well-deserved round of applause. [applause] I'm going to call you up. You're going to go right up the stage. [applause] >> I'm going to ask that the coaches and the team members please join me on stage. >> You may need to make two rows when you come up. >> Two rows. [laughter] Congratulations. [laughter] >> All right. On behalf of the our chair, Dr. Mason, myself, and the Hampton School Board, as well as Superintendent Dr. Haynes, I am honored to present this certificate and banner to Kilgore as well as schoolboard coins to each of the players and coaches. Certificate of achievement from the Hampton City School Board. Congratulations. Proudly presented to Kilgore Gifted Center Middle School Girls Track Champions 2025 2026. and it is dated today, December 3rd, 2025,
014and signed by our superintendent, Dr. Haynes, and our chairman, Dr. Mason. [applause] >> Coach Smith, would you like to come up and say a few words, please? [applause] >> Say a few words. Um, I just want to uh start by thanking HCS for provi pro providing this opportunity for middle school the this this age um starting a little earlier. Um I want to thank uh Fortune for also uh heading it and organizing all this definitely accommodating the cold weather. Uh I want to appreciate the parents. I mean we couldn't have done this without them um as well because them showing bringing their kids showing up bringing ice food all those things really was great. Um and of course to the students who really showed up, showed out and really showed me like you know they
015we always talk about teamwork but more than that family that this is not just a team. Bel and I really advocate that this is a family and they really showed the meaning of family by uh supporting each other um and uh cheering them up and whenever they were up uh and supporting them and all that. So good job ladies. I'm very proud of you. >> [applause] >> Can I Can I get a picture real quick? >> Yes. Excellent. And before you all return to your seats, we would like to acknowledge the parents, our Kilgore administrators and staff, and any other guests in attendance who are here supporting these student athletes. Would you please stand to be recognized? [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you so much. Congratulations again. >> You can roll it back up. All
016right. So, also joining us this evening is coach Delshan Bell and members of the Kilgore boys track team. Would you all please join me down front by the podium? [applause] >> [applause] >> Wrap around. Perfect. Keep going. Keep going for me so we can get you all in. You're good. You're good. Go. You're good. No, you're good. Stop. Come closer. You're good. All right, y'all can you all can stay right here. You're good. >> All right. >> So, this team behind me, they also competed in the middle school track championship that was held at Boo Williams on November 18th. These young men delivered an outstanding team performance. They too competed in that 55 meter dash, the 200 and 400 meter dashes, the 800 and600 meter runs, and the 4x200 and 4x400 relays. The boys showed
017strength, speed, and determination in every event. They collectively earned an impressive 77 points, taking first place in four events, second place in four events, and third place in two events, securing the overall team title of the 2025 2026 middle school boys track champions. Please join me in giving these outstanding athletes a big round of applause. [applause] [applause] >> [snorts] >> It's good. Awesome. All right. Before I present your certificate, I want to highlight something truly impressive. These young men from Kilgore Gifted Center are not only this year's middle school track champions, they have earned the title for the second year in a row. [applause] On behalf of our chair, Dr. Mason, myself, the Hampton School Board, and Superintendent Dr. Haynes, I am honored to present this certificate and banner to Kilgore, as well as school
018board coins to each of the players and coach. And the certificate reads, "Certificate of achievement from the Hampton City School Board. Congratulations." Proudly presented to Kilgore Gifted Center Middle School Boys Track Champions 2025 through 2026 dated December 3rd, 2025 and signed by our own superintendent Dr. Haynes and our chairman Dr. Mason. [applause and cheering] >> Coach Bale, would you like to say a few words, please? >> Oh, first things first. I am overridden with a lot of emotions right now. I just want to say that I understand that first of all, this is middle school track. But to me, this is absolutely everything. I love these kids. They're absolutely my family. Kilgore is my first opportunity. And I'm just very, very grateful and very blessed to be in this opportunity and to help these kids.
019I want to understand that I'm the bridge to help these kids achieve their dreams. And I'm just so thankful that I can be the one to do that. >> I want to say I'm very thankful to Hampton City for allowing us to have this opportunity. They decided to bring track last year. [snorts] We decided to bring our aame. This year we decided to bring our agame again. And I'm just I'm so excited and happy. I think it hits a little bit harder because I'm seeing some of these kids grow and I didn't think I'd realize that being a teacher. You really see one kid just walk in one day and the next day they look completely different. And I'm just very happy that once again I get to see these memories. And I really hope
020when these kids are my age, when they graduate college, they still remember me. >> They still remember Mr. Bell. [applause] >> [cheering] >> I'm going to get a quick picture. [applause] >> You don't have to go all the way. >> Give you an opportunity to take a picture. >> Good. [laughter] >> Ain't nothing wrong with that. >> Oh man, there's nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with that. >> All right, we ready. >> And let me get out of the way. Good job. [laughter] [applause] [cheering] >> All right. That is so so awesome. We would also like to recognize Richard Fortune, our HCS director of athletics, for his work in our middle school and high school program. [applause] Before you all return to your seat, we would like to recognize the parents, family members, Kilgore
021administrators, and staff, and any other guests in attendance who are supporting these student athletes on tonight. Would you please stand to be recognized? Personal [applause] shout out to Mr. Lawrence over there. Another shout out to our athletic director, Miss Jenkins, in the back. Please stand up, Miss Jenkins. Let everybody know you ran everything. [applause] You did every planning. You did everything. Thank you so much, Miss Jenkins. Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. Appreciate you guys. >> All right, you all can have your seats. >> Thank you so much. >> Congratulations again. Good luck next year, guys. >> I know you're coming back. You got to I came here for years. I came here. one of your brothers. >> Yes. >> I'm a pastor. >> Church? >> Yes. >> I'm looking for a >> Come see me. >>
022Yes, sir. >> Okay. This is mama over there. >> Yeah, I know. >> Uhhuh. She'll tell you how to get there. >> All right. [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Oh, you're fine. At this time, I'm gonna actually call Dr. Stacia Bau, our chief of elementary school leadership, to the podium for the next recognition. >> Good evening, Chair Dr. Mason, Vice Chair Jackson Aanja, members of the board, Superintendent Haynes, Hampton City Schools family, and the Hampton community. Tonight, I have the honor and privilege of formally introducing the new principal of Captain John Smith Elementary School, Miss Lindseay Brown. [applause] Miss Brown stepped into the principal ship on November 6, 2025. Over the last three weeks and three days, she has been fully immersed in reconnecting with the Shark community and embracing the work ahead. By way of
023background, Miss Brown has served as an academy principal at Feebas High School since the 2023 24 school year. >> Prior to that, she spent a year at Smith Elementary as the assistant principal. Her education career began in 2007 as an elementary teacher in Kentucky and after relocating to Virginia, she taught in two other school divisions before joining the wonderful Hampton City Schools family in 2016. within HCS. She taught at Mary S Peak Elementary and also contributed to the school's climate coach as the school's climate coach and the 21st century site coordinator. Miss Brown holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Kentucky State University, a master's in elementary education from Indiana University, and a master's in educational leadership from Old Dominion University. She is also a proud graduate of the Hampton City Schools ODU leadership
024cohort. Please join me in warmly welcoming Miss Brown to her new role and thank you all for your continued leadership. [applause] Here [laughter] she >> Hey. Hey guys. um just super excited for the opportunity and it's great to um had an amazing time, you know, as an academy principal at Fivas High School with the Ace Academy and so uh going back to Smith is kind of like returning home. So super excited for the work we'll do there and the growth. So thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> All right. Thank you very much. All right. And that brings us to a close of our recognitions. And so we'll move on to the consent agenda for tonight. We have 3.01 personnel report 25-18. 3.02 minutes of the school board meeting of November 5th, 2025. 3.03
025certification of the close session November 5th, 2025. 3.04 Release from compulsory attendance religious exemption. 3.05 05 school board consent to receipt of donations October 2025. And 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 Mr. Samuels that we approve tonight's consent agenda as presented. Any discussion? >> Mr. Sharon, will you please call for the vote? >> Miss Alfonsa, >> I. >> Miss Cherry, >> I. >> Dr. Banks Gray, >> I. >> Mr. Mr. Samuels >> I. >> Mr. Kilgore >> I. >> Dr. Woodhouse. >> I. >> Dr. Mason. >> I. Motion carries. And I'll now turn the meeting over to our superintendent, Dr. Haynes, for a superintendent and staff reports. >> Thank you,
026Chair Mason, Vice Chair Jackson Aja, members of the board, and the Hampton community. For our first presentation this evening, Dr. John Kajano, our deputy superintendent and chief of staff, along with Dr. Jennifer Oliver, our director of community and government relations, will provide an update on the division's 26 through31 strategic plan to include an overview of the feedback and input gleaned from stakeholders who participated in this year's community priorities workshop. Dr. Kajiano. >> Thank you, Dr. Haynes. Good evening, Chair Mason, Vice Chair Jackson Aanja, members of the board. Dr. Haynes, the purpose of this presentation this evening is to share with the community at home uh where we are in in reference to the strategic plan update process and timeline. So, Dr. Oliver and I will walk through some of that and then we'll spend some
027time also sharing feedback and input that we received during the recent community priorities workshop that was held at Kickotan High School uh November 13th, 2025. So, to begin, just for the viewing audience at home, it is an expectation of the state of Virginia. It's in state code not only for the state to have a comprehensive multi-year plan focusing on academic achievement. It's also incumbent and and in code for school divisions and local boards to approve a comprehensive multi-year strategic plan. So in Hampton City Schools for decades, we have operated under a five-year strategic plan. So for the viewing audience, you can see we're currently under our current plan which began during the 2021 2022 school year and that will end at the end of June 2026 and then we'll embark on that new plan July
0281st 2026 all the way through the end of June 2031. As far as the planning process and the timeline, as the board will recall during the summer retreat when we met with you all, we shared with you uh where we were heading this year with the drafting of the five-year plan. So, beginning in August, kind of internal planning team assembled, confirming process, timeline, roles, stakeholder engagement, strategy, which is primarily based around focus group meetings and surveys as well throughout the months of September through this February 2026. those uh engagement strategy sessions, right? The listening sessions, focus groups with students, staff, families, community partners, and again continuing to administer surveys. And then in February 26, more than likely during the work session, we'll come back before the board to share the results of the current plan
029that we're under now. So over the last five years, what have been some of the successes? What's been the progress made, challenges, limitations, lessons learned? And then looking at March of 2026, uh taking a look at the feedback and input gleaned throughout the first several months and really first semester of the school year, the planning team will synthesize and begin to draft the strategic goals with corresponding performance measures and key initiatives. And then we will share those uh draft goals, performance measures with stakeholder groups for review and feedback. And then in April, May once we get that feedback from them, uh we'll again uh tweak and come back before the board and the opportunity to share with you all and some time to digest prior to asking you to vote on June for the upcoming
030plan. And so more than likely that will be the first meeting in June which we'll present that final plan to the board. You probably have about three weeks just to review the final draft prior to the vote. And then pending vote, we'll work with Mrs. Coral and the public relations department to prepare for the public rolled out in communications. So for the viewing audience at home, if you wanted to take a look at our current strategic plan, what we've been operating under the last five years, if you download this presentation from board docs, you'll see it here. So you've got the icon on the left and you can access it via the link hyperlink down below. On the right side of the screen is that strategic focus model. You'll find that really drives our current
031strategic plan. And just as I indicated at the state level, at the core, our core business is teaching and learning. At the core of our focus model is maximizing every child's learning. And again, for the viewing audience, if you're not familiar uh with board docs, we also have this available via our website. So any page of our website, you can use the search bar at the top right of the screen. Just simply type in strategic plan and it will load this page here on our website and you can click on that link and access that document, which is approximately a 30-page document. So in Hampton City Schools since 2004, so a little over 20 years now, we've been holding an annual community priorities workshop. A lot of times this workshop aligns with different initiatives within
032the strategic plan and we're looking for additional feedback from a variety of stakeholders. And so it's an opportune time somewhat with a captive audience. Typically 100 to 120 stakeholders attend these meetings. The most recent workshop as we mentioned and Dr. Oliver Planning led for this workshop was at Kickotan High School on November 13th. We had approximately 100 participants there and it was an opportune time to talk a little bit about where we've been in Hampton City Schools for the last 5 years. Where do they envision us going and boldly over the next five years, what you'd like to see happen by the end of 2031, 2030 2031 school year. Hard to believe. These are some of the different groups that were participating. And again, we had about a hundred participants there that night uh to
033include HCS staff as well as HCS students. So, at this time, Dr. Oliver is going to come up and she's going to kind of walk the viewing community through the process that we took on uh the evening of November 13th. and she'll also share with the board after she's had a chance and members of her team to kind of analyze the feedback feedback and input we received some of the common themes some of the emerging needs as well as what these stakeholders uh saw as top priorities for the next five years. Dr. Oliver. >> Good evening school board members and superintendent Dr. Haynes. This evening, I'd like to begin with a quote that captures the spirit of Hampton City Schools. Walt Disney once said, "Around here, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep
034moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things because we're curious, and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." That mindset reflects who we are. And as we look at how the data gathered from our November community priorities workshop will shape the 2631 strategic plan, it's just as important to reflect on the work that brought us to this moment. The last strategic plan sustained us through years of growth, flexibility, and deep collaboration across our division. And through it all, Hampton City Schools moved with intens intention and achieved excellence. And tonight, I'll share a brief snapshot of the community feedback that highlights how far a community has taken us and how it's helping us shape where we're headed next. The structure for the breakout sessions on the evening of our community priorities workshop included nine
035topics that allowed us to reflect on the 2021 2026 strategic priorities, identifying emerging need emerging needs and sharing ideas to shape Hampton City School's next five-year plan. Participants representing a broad range of stakeholders contributed valuable insights and generated both narrative feedback and quantifiable data points. Reflecting on the 2021 2026, we considered what we've accomplished, what strategies and partnerships had the greatest impact, and the challenges we encountered using those lessons to guide our next steps. Looking at emerging needs, we considered new challenges and opportunities facing our schools, how to support and evolve to meet the needs and where gaps and inequalities still exist. Envisioning 2031, it's hard to believe when we say that we actually considered what successes look like, identified our top priorities, and explored innovative practices and supports to guide HCS forward. And lastly,
036we shared key takeaways to guide future priorities and highlighted one or two big ideas to shape the 2631 HCS strategic plan. In front of you, each of you has a folder. We have provided a consolidated record of these breakout session findings for your review and consideration as strategic planning continues. As the data from the community priorities highlights, since 21, HCS has made significant progress in supporting our students, families, and staff through innovative programs, strong partnerships, and intentional use of technology. We've expanded workforce pathways, strengthened early college access, and implemented a continuum of experiences that opens more doors for students to step confidently toward their future. We've also deepened our approach to family engagement, making our communication more multilingual, more accessible, and more reflective of the families that we serve every day. At the same time,
037we've improved school safety through proactive systems and AI supported monitoring. And of course, we've continued to invest in our staff through mentorship, professional development, and targeted incentives that help us to attract and retain a strong workforce. As proud as we are of that progress, the workshops also remind us that the there are new realities that are shaping the work ahead of us. Let me just share a few examples. When we talked to supporting military families, a parent in a dual military household, she happened to be a Navy chief with six children in HCS, shared something very powerful. Military connected children are experiencing higher levels of deployment related stress, longer separations, and cons and constant adjustment that comes with moving between states with different expectations. From our school's perspectives, we're seeing a growing need for systems
038that intentionally support military connected students. Those are those team members and peer leaders in our schools who can help support families and students as they navigate uncertainty. Then in the dual enrollment breakout session, we heard something very consistent. Students and families value clarity. They need a simple visual matrix, something that shows every possible route to an associate degree, whether through dual enrollment, CTE, AP, governor school, or a combination of all four. And of course, offerings that are flexible are becoming essential. Students would benefit from accessing dual enrollment courses virtually or at locations beyond their home school so that opportunity isn't limited by a single campus schedule. And in the strengthening lit literacy through family partnerships conversations, families were incredibly honest about the barriers they faced. Work schedules, transportation, attendance, and simply balancing the challenges of
039life. These factors can affect participation even when the desire to engage is there. Families want a clearer understanding of literacy expectations, what reading instruction looks like, and the types of reading behaviors students should be showing at home. They're eager to help. They just need the right windows into the process. All of this helps us see the bigger picture as we are laser focused on emerging needs. Education today is being shaped by mobility, by the evolution of our workforce, by emerging technologies, and families who are more diverse and more proactive than ever. These challenges are real, but so are the opportunities that they create. So, what does this mean as we imagine where HCS will be in 2031? What we see is a future that is fully connected, inclusive, and ready for what's ahead. By 2031,
040student pathways will be clear and accessible, offering strong options for college, careers, and technical credentials. Family engagement will be two-way, multilingual, and embedded in a daily practice. School safety will continue to evolve through proactive systems, AI monitoring, and coordinated planning. Our climate and culture will reflect belonging, restorative practices, seal supports, and staff wellness. Technology will provide reliable devices, adaptive platforms, AI tools, and digital communication channels that strengthen learning and homeschool connection. Themies of Hampton will continue to deepen their industry partnerships that prepare students for careers we're only beginning to imagine. and our recruitment and retention efforts will ensure educators and are supported, mentored and growing in ways that align with students needs and professional growth. In short, the next chapter is about connection between students and their futures, between families, schools, and our community, and
041also between our staff and the support they need to thrive. [snorts] As Walt Disney reminded us, progress comes from looking ahead and staying open to new possibilities. That spirit reflects exactly where we stand today. As we look towards 2031, we carry forward the work, the lessons, and the pride of what we have built since 2021. And as we move with a shared belief that the next chapter for Hampton City Schools and for our community will be even stronger, more connected, and more future ready for every student we serve. Thank you, Dr. Oliver. That was very powerful. That would be a great place to end. So, the last slide here is a short-term next step. So, we talked a little bit about this at the beginning of the presentation, but we will continue to conduct the
042listening sessions as well as administering the surveys. And uh we wanted to highlight the community priorities workshop because it's probably the biggest group of stakeholders we'll have in front of us at one time. For example, we have upcoming in January an opportunity to meet with Dr. Hannes meets throughout the school year with the teacher advisory council. And so that'll be our next group of of focus focus group that we'll hold in the very near future. So that'll that'll take place December. We'll close that out February 2026. And then again, as I mentioned earlier, we'll analyze those results and bring those back before the board in February from the uh plan that we're currently under. So again, for those who are watching and who had the opportunity to join us at Kickotan on that night, we
043want to thank them for taking the time out of their schedules. That was just a tip of the iceberg, some of what she shared this evening. So, a lot of rich feedback coming and we're looking to keep the board apprised and updated throughout the process. At this time, we'd be happy to answer any questions. Dr. Mason. >> Okay. Any questions from board members or comments? >> Mr. Cherry. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. [clears throat] >> Great report. Um, a lot of work went into this and you can tell. Um, for you all to even be able to decipher all the different um, comments that have been made at community priorities workshop, not just this time but over the years is is is really commendable the way you've done it. And you talked about common themes
044and a common theme I heard in your presentation was two-way >> and um, I heard it when you talked about the military families. I was also looking over of course I would look over this area strengthen communication with our community which is Miss Gor's Bailey wig but [clears throat] two things stood out there where um I'm real pleased that she talked about communication being human centered and I think that's important because that makes for something quite honestly that I've heard um the um our new delegate say we talked about two-way communication but he would also talk about and you put it in your report, genuine two-way communication because sometimes you can have two-way communication and it is not genuine. And as I said, that's something that um Delegate Thornton, I mean, Virgil has talked about,
045if I could say that um because I think that speaks volumes because it's not just speaking to someone and listening for feedback just to say you check the box. So the genuine piece, I was glad to see that as well. >> Thank you. Any other comments or questions from board members? >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will just say that I really do appreciate the way you've organized the priorities and the outcomes from the priorities workshop. I think this is the first time we gotten it like this, but it's very helpful, very useful, u meaningful how it's broken down. And so I really do appreciate the effort that's gone into providing this. a lot of times I mean a hundred people or a lot of people um from different walks of life to
046contribute to such discussions and so to be able to capsulate it and something that really lets us know exactly almost what was said [laughter] literally um almost exactly what was said I think is is just very meaningful a lot of work and effort went into it but this is very helpful thank you >> anyone else >> I too want to say thank you excellent present presentation. One of the things that I talk about with some of my colleagues throughout the state is we look at data in Hampton City Schools and the data is ours. The good, the bad, [snorts] as well as the indifferent. And the only way that we can make change and move the needle with education uh for our kids and our community is looking at real data and making decisions based
047on that. And that's exactly what we see here. The transparency uh makes a big difference. And so thank you all for looking at this information and being able to synthesize the data, come up with the common themes so that we can make some real solid goals as we move forward in developing our next steps for our strategic plan. So thank you. >> Thank you all. [clears throat] >> All right, J Mason. For our final presentation, Dr. Michael Thornton will present uh the business and finance report for October 2025. Thank you, Dr. Haynes. Uh school board members, uh chair Dr. Mason, Vice Chair Jackson Afana, it's good to be with you this evening. Uh as Dr. Haynes mentioned this evening we're going to share with you your monthly financial report for the month ending October 31,
0482025 which is actually the first month of the second quarter of the current fiscal year 2526. Uh in total your operating revenues uh through October 25 76.6 million representing just under a quarter of your total operating revenue of 328.9 million. Your expenditures and incumbrances through October 31 total 105.1 million representing 31.9% of your total operating expenditure budget for the year. Uh we we believe that our expenditures and revenues are on pace with budgeted expenditures and revenues and continue to monitor that on a monthly basis. Also, while we're managing the current year, while the team is managing, I'll say while the team is managing the current year financial operation, they're uh uh well under the way of developing your budget for next year, doing a lot of the work behind the scenes and is eagerly anticipating
049the release of the governor's uh the outgoing governor's introduced uh bino budget for uh the next two fiscal years effective July 1, 2026. So, of course, you'll receive your updates uh on that uh uh information as well. That'll probably be at your January meeting. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have on tonight's report. >> Thank you so much, Dr. Thorn. Any questions or comments? >> All right. Thank you, >> Mr. Chair. That concludes superintendent staff reports. >> All right. Thank you very much. So, moving on to item number five, deliberation 5.01, 01 sale tower and colllocate agreements 5.02 Bethl High School utility easement extensions and that is with you Dr. Bowling. It >> is good evening everyone. >> Evening. >> Uh there are a number of cell tower issues I need to bring
050before the board tonight uh both for notification and your approval. The first is at our Emma Drive site. Verizon seeks to enter into a colllocate agreement with Hampton City Schools. This agreement will bring a monthly fee of $1,500, annual fee of $18,000, and has a 5-year escalation of 15%. [snorts] The next one I have to bring for you is our Phoenix Bethl site. Again, Verizon seeks to enter into a colllocate agreement with Hampton City Schools and is also requesting the school board's approval for an access easement to the site. This agreement will bring a monthly fee of $2,314.87, an annual fee of $27,77844, and has an annual escalation of 3%. Next, American Tower is requesting that the school board sign the consent agreement allowing Verizon to colllocate on those two towers I just mentioned. Next,
051I have the Bethl uh the Phoenix Bethl site. Again, uh Newport News Waterworks is requesting to add a small piece of equipment to the site, and it's a very small plot of land that they're asking to use. Uh the monthly fee is going to be $400. Annual fee for that very small piece of land is 4,800 with an annual escalation of 5%. And our last one on our list tonight is the old Buckro site. Uh this is owned by Crown Castle and as part of the contract with HCS, they are simply informing us that they are going to update their generator on the site. And if it pleases the board, I would ask that this item be moved to the action agenda on tonight's um agenda. All right. You want to go ahead and cover
0525.02? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> Uh, the next one I have is the utility easement extension. Uh, during the construction of Bethl High School's science wing, it was discovered that a water line needed to be uh, rerouted in order to connect to the main water supply. This connection falls outside of the existing utility easement. Therefore, Newport News Waterworks is seeking the school board's approval to extend the existing utility easement to accommodate the new water line. And again, if it pleases the board, I would ask that this item be moved to action on tonight's agenda. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. Any questions in regards to deliberation items 5.01 and 5.02 for Dr. Bolan? Okay. What's the pleasure of the board in regards to his request? Mr. >> Mr. Bonder. >> Yes. I'd
053like to ask that the that we move deliberation item 5.01, cell tower and colllocate agreements to item for action 6.03. And that we also move deliberation item 5.02 Bethl High School utility easement extension to action item 6.04. >> Second. >> It's been properly moved by Mr. Fan and seconded by Mr. Kilgore that we move 5.01 to from deliberation to action as 6.03 and 5.02 from deliberation to action as 6.04. Any discussion from board members. All right. Hearing none. Miss Sharpen, will you please call for the vote? >> Miss Alfonsa. >> I. [clears throat] >> Miss Cherry. >> I. >> Dr. Pay Gray. >> Hi. >> Mr. Samuels. I >> Mr. Kilgore >> I >> Dr. Woodhouse >> I >> Dr. Mason >> I motion carries that takes us to act items for action >> 6.01
054Motion to cancel the December 17th 2025 school board meeting 6.02 employee grievance matter 2025-66.03 cell tower and colllocate agreements and 6.04 04 Bethl High School Utility Easement Extension. What's the pleasure of the board regarding our items for action tonight? >> Mr. Chair, I'd like to move that we approve items for action 6.01 to 6.04. >> Second. >> All right. It's been moved that we approve item 6.01 through 6.04 as a block. And it's been seconded by Dr. Woodhouse. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes. >> Just a a point of order. Um >> action item 6.02 is a recommendation uh move to a recommendation of the superintendent and in the case of employee grievance uh 2025-06 be upheld. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Want to [clears throat] take that separate? All right. >> Right. Did everyone
055understand here with Mr. Kilg? Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Any discussion? >> Got it. >> Okay. Miss you, please call for the vote. >> Miss Alana. >> I. >> Miss Cherry. >> I. >> Dr. Baines Gray. >> I. >> Mr. Mr. Samuels >> I. >> Mr. Kilgore >> I. >> Dr. Woodhouse. >> I. >> Dr. Mason. >> I. Motion carries. [clears throat] All right. Item number seven on the agenda. Hearing from any delegations or presentations. Do we have any, Miss Charlotte? >> No. >> All right. So, next is items for information. Our next meetings. We um have canceled the December 17th meeting. So, we will not have a meeting on December 17th. And so, that means I will see you all on January the 7th. uh right back here at Kilgore
056I mean Jones Magnet Middle School uh and that will be the board's reorganization meeting as well at that time. All right. So I will now move to superintendent for any other items for information. >> Thank you Chair Mason. Earlier today many of our students had the incredible opportunity to participate in Hampton State of the City lunchon and they absolutely shined. Our Bethl High School drum line kicked the event off with energizing welcome. Our Kickotan High School JOTC presented the colors with honor and precision. Our academy students showcased their pathways through impressive booth displays prior to the lunchon. And a very special shout out to our student speakers, Marcus Hicks from Kilgore Gifted Center, Jaylen Harris from Feebas High School, and Ava Tanner from Bethl High School who confidently shared their Hampton City Schools journey in
057front of nearly 800 guests. Their voice, poise, and passion made all of us proud. Thank you to every student and staff member who represented HCS with excellence. Today, our winter concert series kicks off this week with the Feebas High School band performing tomorrow evening and then all four high schools performing in the Hampton Holidays parade on Saturday. Performances run through December 18th at many of our schools. We invite the community to celebrate the season with us as well as as all concerts are free and open to the community. Visit our website to view the full schedule of performances. As we look ahead, please remember that all schools and offices will be closed for winter break beginning on Monday, December 22nd through Friday, January 2nd of 2026. Students will return on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following
058a teacher work day that Monday the 5th. We hope all students, staff, and families and community members enjoy a safe and happy holiday season, and we look forward to a beginning bright new year together. >> That concludesformational items, Mr. Chair. >> All right. Thank you very much. Other board members, anything? All right, Caleb as student rep. >> Yes. Uh thank you, Dr. Mason. So on Wednesday, November 18th, uh our three student representatives, Sage, Ava, and I had the opportunity to uh attend the student representative workshop at Williamsburg Lodge. Uh Mr. Kilgore is one of our presenters. He did a fantastic job. Um I want to thank the board for the opportunity to attend that workshop. working with the other um school board representatives, we have uh worked on strengthening the uh relationship between um all
059the different types of all the different boards um especially on the student representative side. So, we all are in um communication. We're talking every week, making sure that we're exchanging different ideas and things such as that. I'm very excited to see what comes more of that during the school year, but I want to thank you all for that opportunity. >> All right. Thank you so much, Caleb. And I've gotten great feedback that Hampton City Schools was well represented by our three student reps to the board. So, thank you very much. And we have some some things coming up that we'll be talking about as well. All right. All right. With no further business to be brought before this board, I'd like to wish everyone a happy holiday season, and I declare this meeting ajourned. Heat.
060Heat.