001[Music] I may [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Hello. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] Hallelujah. [Music] I'd like to call our meeting back to order. Mr. London, will you please read us out of closed? Yes, Madam Chair. I move that the Renault County School Board come out of close session for the following. To discuss the investigation of a student matter pursuant to the scholastic record exemption at 2.2-3711A2 2-3711A2 of the Code of Virginia and and to certify that to the best of each member's knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under this chapter and only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed, or considered in the meeting by the school board. Second, Madame Clerk. Mr.
002Greenway. Yes, ma'am. Mr. London. Yes, ma'am. Mr. Johnny. Yes, ma'am. Mr. Hudson. Yes, ma'am. Miss Clemens. Yes, ma'am. Item 2.03, action from closed. Madam Chair, I move to allow students 2025 2026 4-16 to be released from compulsory attendance pursuant to 22.1-254-B of the code of Virginia as amended. Second, Madame Clerk. Mr. Greenway. Yes, ma'am. Mr. London. Yes, ma'am. Mr. Johnny, yes ma'am. Mr. Hudson. Yes, ma'am. Clemens. Yes, ma'am. Madam Chair, I move that the student number one be expelled from Vernick County Public Schools. Second. Madame Clerk. Mr. Greenway. Yes, ma'am. Mr. London. Yes, ma'am. Mr. Johnny. Yes, ma'am. Mr. Hudson. Yes, ma'am. Clemens. Yes, ma'am. Madam Chair, I move that student number two be allowed to return to Reno County Public Schools. Second. Madame Clerk. Mr. Greenway. Yes, ma'am. Mr. London. Yes, ma'am. Mr. Johnny.
003Yes, ma'am. Mr. Hudson. Yes, ma'am. Miss Clemens. Yes, ma'am. Welcome everyone. Will you please stand for the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Item 4.01, announcement of changes to the agenda. There are no changes. Item 4.02, approval of agenda. Do we have a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Madame clerk. Mr. Greenway? Yes, ma'am. Mr. London? Yes, ma'am. Mr. Johnny? Yes, ma'am. Mr. Hudson? Yes, ma'am. Mr. Yes, ma'am. Item 5.0. 01 recognition of Williamird High School 120lb wrestling BHSL class 3 state champion Darren Witcher presented by Mr. Evan Null. Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the board. Dr. Nicely, it's my honor tonight to introduce the class 3A 120 lb state
004champion from the 2425 school year, Mr. Darren Witcher. Uh, Coach Kessler will speak about him shortly. However, it should be noted that not only is Darren a successful athlete, he is also a student in our engineering program at Burton, he is also our dog pound leader, which oversees our student section, and he is one of five finalists for our top terrier terrier award, which is given to the top representative at Williamird High School each year. So, Mr. Kesler, Coach Kessler, we'll go over more. Hi, thank you guys for having us tonight. Um, I just wanted to talk about Darren, uh, two different ways. First, uh, Darren the wrestler. Uh, this past year, Darren won his second state title at 120 pounds. Um, his freshman year, he was in the state finals. Uh, sophomore year, he
005won a state title, and then this year, uh, wrestling's a little different than some sports, like team sports, you don't get to match up with the whole exact team that you wrestled or went against years before. Uh Darren avenged his loss his freshman year in the state finals in the state semi-finals this year um to win his second state title. Uh he had 32 wins on the season. Uh his career he's at 99. So his first hopefully cross our fingers uh we we don't get injured or sick between then. His first uh contest in December 2nd at home he should hopefully get his 100th career win which is a big milestone. Um and again hoping that we don't you know get injured or anything else. uh he would be going for his third state title
006this year which would be the most that we've had at William High School. So very proud of his accomplish accomplishments on the mat. Um off the mat I think he was probably uh I would say if not to the same level above that. Um he's a great kid. Um that's why my own son who is hiding behind me is here. Um it's his fifth birthday today and I asked him if he wanted to come and he see his buddy Darren. Uh Darren works with our youth program at Williambird and he is a child whisperer. Um he gets every kid doing stuff including my own who's super shy and um he works with those kids. He works with our middle school program. He works with our high schoolers. Um you probably can't find a kid to
007say a bad word about Darren Witcher. Um when he talks the kids listen and he's a fantastic rep representative of William High School in Renault County. Amazing. So, I want to say something about everything. He's also good friends. We need a need to come in and speak. situation. [Music] And Darren, I I know you don't see me all the time, but I follow everything. Tell me if this story is true. So, I've been told that in your first year that you and another freshman wrestled lost one or two matches, lost to another. And so, I was told that you're going to state and you were weight class this year. You said whatever. That's the kind of congratulations. [Applause] Happy birthday. Yeah, buddy. What's his What's his name? He wants to be up there. You got
008check one more picture. Might as well smile. It's his birthday, so Oh, he wants to jump. That's perfect. Thank you. Item 5.02 02 recognition of Williamird High School boys 110 meter hurdles 300 meter hurdles and long jump VHSL class 3 state champion Deshaawn Austin also presented by Mr. Evanol thank you madam chair members of the board Dr. nicely. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Deshaawn Austin. I know he has been in front of you before with previous state titles. I actually met Deshaawn for the first time in the hallway prior to this meeting. Um I've heard nothing but wonderful things about him. Had a great conversation with him outside. He is slated to run track at Rono College this year. He moves in on Saturday with a first day class schedule starting next
009Wednesday. Uh Coach Panell is going to talk about some of his accomplishments. uh but a very fine representative of Williamird High School as well. Um first and foremost uh thank you for having us this evening. Um first off, thank you Mr. Null. Um Mr. Greenway, thank you for everything. You know what you've done for me. Mr. Nukem, while you're at Bird, I appreciate everything. Um Deshawn is an heck of an athlete. He is. Um, but it's funny because a few days after he won, we're sitting in class, he comes and sits down right next to me in his chair because he has to be next to me. And he looks at me and he goes, "I'm going to win another one, an outdoor." And I go, "All right, let's pay attention, but all right." Um,
010so, you know, we've overcome a couple injuries and competition's just tough. Um, it's every Renault County school pushes us. Our region pushes us. We're in, I think, the best state for track and field. Um, Deshawn qualified before we got to Cosmos. He had qualified in just about everything. And at regionals, he had a little injury. So, he comes to me and he goes, "I think I only want to do three things." And I go, "Dude, you can do whatever you want. Uh, I'll put you in whatever you want. You tell me. We'll roll with it. So, um, he goes, I want to want to run the 110s. I want to run the 300s, and I want a long jump. And I go, "All right, let's let's let's do it." So, he qualifies for the finals
011that Friday. And the next day, Saturday, he has to long jump. First thing in the morning, I look at him, he's half sleep. We get on the bus, it's like 7 o'clock and I'm like, let's let's let's just do this. So, he comes out and he pops a big jump. He goes over 23 feet. He wins and I'm like, all right, okay. Oh, all right. And um he wins it by 8 in over the next kid. Um, so then he runs the 110s and he beats a former teammate who is at another school in the state and I was like, "Oh, he's gonna win his 300." It ain't ain't no doubt in my mind that he's going to win his 300. And he comes out in the 300. I've known Deshawn since he was yay
012high in the sixth grade. And I've never seen that look in his face before that race. And I was like, "We're good. We're good." He he wins the race. Um, Mr. Kersia, who runs the state meet, said it is the seventh fastest time ever in that race. Wow. And that's I I'm still speechless about it. Just I go back and watch the race every once in a while. I'm like, man, he was rolling. But um for those of you that don't know, we went to New Bal uh we went to New Balance in Philly at the University of Pennsylvania. He uh placed six and became an all-American. Um, and he's getting ready to go to Ron Oak and I'm super proud of everything he's accomplished again in the classroom, on the track, just as a
013person in general. He's just he's fantastic and I wish him all the luck and again, thank you for having us. [Applause] Another outstanding student. We hate that you're moving on this record. Coach, you're great. My son Thank you. [Applause] Item 5.03, recognition of Hidden Valley High School girls indoor track high jump VHSLA state champion Lucy Cookander. Presented by Mr. Josh Whitlo, Mr. Scott Weaver, and Miss Carmen Oaks. Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the Rona County School Board, Dr. Nicely, and all others present this evening. I'm so pleased to be here tonight to recognize our indoor high jump state champion, Lucy Kokanderfer. Lucy is an exceptionally dedicated athlete, and having had the pleasure of seeing her in action, I can attest to how seriously she takes her sport. Needless to say, the result speaks for
014itself. I also wish to note Lucy is just as successful in the classroom and in that regard truly exemplifies the student athlete moniker. This time I wish to turn the presentation over to coach Carmen Oaks. Members of the school board, thank you for having us here tonight. Uh Lucy captured the class 3 VHSL state indoor track and field championship in the high jump with a jump of 5'4 in and also captured our school record something she had also done her freshman year in high school. Um basically this meet showcased her talent, her determination and her competitive spirit. More than just a champion on the track, Lucy is an outstanding student athlete who leads with a strong work ethic and dedication. She consistently strives to per perfect her craft, putting in extra workouts and consistently pushing
015herself to new heights. Even with having a serious injury, she kept pushing through um to achieve her goals. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to witness and be part of her remarkable journey. As she continues to grow both as a student, an athlete, and as a person. Thank you. [Applause] has spoken a little bit. So now Lucy was an outstanding volleyball and she gave up her knee pads and volleyball and she always had an incredible jump on the court. I haven't watched you personally know more [Applause] of you to slide over Coach, it looks like you have some siblings ready to follow in the footsteps. Item 5.04, 04 recognition of Kpring High School men's outdoor track high jump VHSL Triple H state champion Hassan Decor presented by Mr. Chuck Parker and coach
016Tommy Maguire. Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board, Dr. Nicely, Dr. Sulttus. It is a pleasure from Caesar High School to present someone who is familiar to standing in front of you. Um son decor uh or Dukaray, excuse me, um did come here a few years ago with our state debate team. So he is a true student athlete. Uh we're going to talk uh it is actually coach Austin is going to be talking here in just a second. Coach Magcguire could not be here this evening. Uh but another piece for uh Hassan is that last Thursday he was awarded the highest award that you could have at Cavespring High School. He is the 202526 knight and he will go down in history as being the night for the class of 2026. So a phenomenal
017scholar athlete um and we are just privileged for the representation that he gives not only the school but also the community. But I'm going to turn over now to coach Austin. Just want to say thank you guys for having us today and I feel very short behind these giant men behind me. Um but uh Hassan is an amazing uh student athlete and um had the privilege of coaching him for the last three years. I don't directly coach him in high jump, but I get to coach him in some of the running events. But he um won high jump this year for uh class 3 state championship and it was a bit of a a whirlwind the way that he won. So in high jump, it's one of the only few events in track and field
018that you can tie. Um and Hassan had finished the jumps and he packed up to go home for the day because he initially thought he got second place. Um there was a gentleman before him that had cleared a height um I think on the first attempt and Assan cleared it on the second attempt. And so Assan had kind of settled. You know, he thought he had second place. And so he leaves and maybe 20 minutes after he leaves, the announcer makes a very stern announcement. We need the K spring coach down to the finish line now. And I'm like, oh my god, what did I, you know, he was the only athlete that had competed so far that day. I come down there and the officials explained to me, he was like, hey, um, we
019need Hassan because high jump, it was a tie and it cannot end in a tie. And I was like, oh, okay. So, we get Hassan on the phone and um I ask H As Han like what do you do you want to end in tie or do you want what do you want to do? And he's like what's the other kid want to do? And the official was like well we can't tell you what the other kid wants to do because it's up it's depends on what you want to do. And Assan was like I want to jump. And so they got the athletes back and they they settled and Assan ended up winning clearing 66 and becoming the division 3 state champion. He is one inch away from breaking the school record set by
020another state champion Skyler Griffith. And I truly believe that uh Hassan will go higher than than 66. I believe he's got seven feet in him. So I'm hoping I I really do. I'm speaking that now. Don't prove me wrong. Don't prove me wrong, Assan. Um uh so uh we hope to see him back hopefully in the winter if he decides to do indoor track. Uh and then absolutely again at the end of the outdoor season next year when he has broken a school record um of right now it's 67 and I'm hoping Han makes it untouchable by going seven feet. Um and Assan is not just a great athlete, he's an amazing teammate. He's one of those kids when he's on the track the other athletes light up. You know, when when when he goes
021and practices his jumps and he's clearing the bar, everyone just stops and watches us on and they start clapping for him. And this is just in practice. And uh and that same energy carries over to track meets when he when he's jumping, people stop and watch him. And uh Assan, get used to that feeling of people watching you because I know in life, man, people are going to be watching what you do and the sky is the limit for you. So congratulations once again, Asan. [Applause] And I got a message from my daughter immediately and said the room went crazy. Slide down that way. [Applause] Item 4 point, excuse me, 5.05, 2025, media honor role resolution, Mr. Chuck Limeberger. Good evening, chairman, board members. I draw the short story. I had to follow all of
022that. That's amazing. Each year, the VSBA invites school divisions to nominate up to three media representatives for the annual VSBA media honor role. The honor role calls attention to responsible and exemplary reporting about our school division with fair, balanced, and accurate approaches to sharing news with our community. Tonight, I'm very pleased to present the following names for inclusion on the 2025 Media Honor role. Lily Concincaid from the Rowan Oak Times, John Apachello from WSLS and Germaine Frell from WFXR. Formal nomination to the media honor role is made through a resolution signed by this board. This resolution is attached to board docs and staff recommends adopting this resolution. So that this would require action by the board. Okay. Do we have a motion? So moved. Second, Madame Clerk. Mr. Greenway. Yes, ma'am. Mr. London. Yes, ma'am.
023Mr. Yes, ma'am. Mr. Hudson. Yes, ma'am. Mr. Clemens. Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Chuck. Item 6.01, hearing of citizens for agenda topics. We do not have any. Agenda item seven. Do we have a motion to approve the consent agenda? Make a motion to approve consent agenda as submitted. Second, Madame Clerk. Mr. Greenway. Yes, ma'am. Mr. London? Yes, ma'am. Mr. Johnny? Yes, ma'am. Mr. Hudson, yes, ma'am. Miss Clemens. Yes, ma'am. Um, agenda item eight, action. We do not have any action items tonight. Item 9.01, safety plans for the 2025 2026 school year. Miss Tammy Nukem. Good evening, Madam Chairman and members of the board. Um, tonight I'm here to inform you that all 27 schools and AEP have completed and submitted their safety emergency response plans. The clerk of the board has a digital copy for you
024to review. Also, also, all safety audits have been completed by the Ren County Police Department and the summaries have been shared with each administration at each school. Thank you. Um, I think that I'll need you to approve of those at the next meeting. Okay. Thank you. Item 10.01, hearing of citizens for non-aggenda topics. We do not have any. Item 11.01, report by Reno County School Superintendent, Dr. Nicely. Good evening. Members of the board, pleased to report that the first week of school has gone very, very well. It's been exciting to be out and about in the the schools this week and and uh to greet the students as they arrive and ask them how they uh their day went when they're at the end of the day when they're ready to leave. One of my
025favorite things to ask students at the end of the day when they're leaving is uh are you coming back tomorrow? And granted, there are few that look at me very confused and with the look on their face that says,"Do we have to?" Uh, but most are actually answered yes. Big smile on their face because um they really enjoy being in school where they're learning and and surrounded by caring adults. We started the school year with um all of our teacher and bus driver positions filled and nearly all of our nutrition staff positions filled, which is very unusual. Of course, we always encourage uh people to apply and come come uh join our team, but this is a great way to start the year. We want to thank certainly all of our MU County uh public
026schools employees um and the important role that each of them uh plays on our team. Convocation uh was a big success. Thank you to the board members for uh for attending. This of course is a celebration of our incredible teachers and staff uh with encouraging performances by drumlines, cheerleaders, and choirs. Our keynote speaker provided an uplifting message and specific ways we can all be intentional and deliberately active in showing deep kindness. He told us, "Deep kindness takes hard work, especially when it's not convenient, but essential to teamwork and character development for students and adults alike." This past week, we celebrated two large donations to our schools from corporate partners. Alro Steel donated over $200,000 to the welding and motorsports programs at our new RCCTC. I want to thank um the instructor over there, Chris Overfell,
027for all the work that he did to make that happen. Um also, Southern Team Auto and Subaru Corporation donated over $10,000 for the use in classrooms at its neighbor across the street right there at Burlington Elementary. And we want to thank all of our business partners um like this one and others like them for their investment in our students and programs. Uh this Saturday evening, I'm excited to have the opportunity to speak at Hotel Ronoke at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Rono Higher Education Center. Our Miss Nukem, as well as Hen Valley principal, Mr. Whitow, and I were among the very first students to start our administration degree through the Virginia Tech program offered at the Higher Red Center when it first opened uh in 2000. Um, and so many of our RCPS educators
028have benefited from having access to in-person higher education programs offered locally at the higher ed center. So, it's a big celebration for the valley. I want to encourage our families whose children whose children attend title one schools to please register for and come out for the district-wide title one event being held next Thursday at Northside High School. The program be will be one of a series of programs for parents and families to learn more about the serious dangers of smartphones and social media apps for their children. And the next one of those be that'll be open to the general public will be on September 17th over at Wambert High School. Thank you. Thank you. Item 12.01, reports and inquiries of board members. Mr. Greenway, would you go first? Sure. Um, yeah. So, I really don't
029have a whole lot, but it's exciting to get back into the school year. We started off with a principal gathering at at the Dogwood restaurant for the for our Venton district uh principles and we had a great great time together and uh socialized, got to know each other a little better. Uh led into the convocation. Uh then, uh you know, we had uh went back to school and got to see all the kids go back to school. It was amazing. when you go into one of these elementary schools and see those little faces and it just lights you up. It just makes you understand why some of the time we go through all that we go through to to to do what we do for them. And then we got into there was Midnight Madness.
030Uh which was cool that uh I got to participate and go see that. Um then we uh had uh we got football starting tomorrow night uh for at least exhibition. I guess it really started last Friday, but I was out of town, so for me it starts tomorrow night. So, we've got Patrick Henry, so that's cool. And then, uh, also, as Dr. Nicely me mentioned, the ARO contribution for BCAP. I mean, everything is in full circle. Uh, Dr. Nicely uh, uh, staff, everybody does such a great job to get us off the ground. It's just amazing to come together and and see the school year start. So, I'm just thankful for everybody that's in place. And uh that's all I really have. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. London. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm probably going
031to sound like a broken record here because they've covered most of this, but Dr. Nicely, so glad you started that convocation um a few years ago, this this year's speaker and the message that he delivered about kindness. There cannot be enough kindness in this world and and I thought that was fantastic. So those choir members that uh that sang and the cheerleaders and band members that were there just such a a wonderful event, a great start to the school year. So hope that continues for years to come and and really appreciate you starting that up. Five years ago, was it six? About six. Yeah. Okay. Um back to school nights. I was able to attend all three of elementary schools in my district. And the smiles on those kids' faces, you could just tell they
032feel loved when they get in into those elementary schools and just seemed so excited. Uh I can remember dreading going back to school when I was a kid. But um they just they genuinely seemed excited about back to school night. So, uh, Al Roast Steel, we were there the other day and and his message about making a difference in the community and and what they want to do to to make a difference for our students um was was uplifting. And then also just want to publicly thank First Team Subaru for yesterday's event over at Burlington. Uh those teachers, everybody in that library was a little um curious as to why so many people were showing up. Um, and that was a a very nice surprise there from First Team Subaru. So, Chucky, you did a
033wonderful job organizing that. And that's all I have. Thank you, Miss Mashani. Yes. Um, so good evening. I, uh, as we begin this school year, this new school year, I want to warmly welcome back our students, our teachers, and our amazing staff. Your dedication and hard work um make Rono County schools exceptional and it's no surprise that our division ranks among the best in the state. Um the success is driven by our engaged parents, our bright students, and of course our committed educators who I believe truly pour their hearts into our into teaching and and loving our students. And they don't do it for the paycheck, but really for the love of learning and shaping young lives. Um, recently I hosted an open door and donuts session. I spent over 15 hours listening to our
034teachers. I called them the highlights and hardships, their H&H, and I had a fantastic turnout. Um, I met with caring, compassionate, and seasoned, invested educators who truly want the best for our students. I heard a few concerns about our calendar and um I told them they must answer the surveys. uh our grading policy um issues that are being resolved, maintaining appropriate boundaries policy that we're looking at um some questionable literature choices. I heard a lot about special education challenges um student discipline and behavior concerns and I do believe there's a critical need to support our teachers more in the classrooms. um their insights were were eye- openening and it reinforced something that that I believe we're going to face as a division and across the state. While we're meeting the state's SOQS, the standards of
035quality, the standards are not keeping up with the pace of today's classroom realities and challenges. So, we know that our students are different um than they were 10 years ago. Um, you know, kindergarteners are coming in and they're not potty trained. Not not all of them, but there are some that aren't potty trained. They don't have some basic skills like cutting, um, using scissors, holding a pencil, and the academic rigor has gotten higher. Um, so, you know, there's more screen time. There's not a lot of playground time. Kids are no longer playing Candy Land. They're playing Candy Crush. Um, so teachers can struggle with these foundational skills along with supporting them on their educational journey. Instructional aids, um, they've been reduced, I feel like. I would like the stats on that over the years. That's
036what I'm hearing. And the teachers, um, they're they're being stretched thin with some special education needs in the classroom. This, I think, applies mostly to our schools that are not title one, and those happen to be a lot of the schools that are in my district. Um, meanwhile, the discipline and behavior issues, you know, I believe are at an all-time high. So, unfortunately, teachers um and principles, you know, it's it's hard for them to raise these concerns because then they would be putting themselves at risk for being labeled difficult. And I will tell you that um a lot of them have just just stay silent. So, I want to support those teachers and make sure they're doing everything we can in the classroom so that they can they're equipped with what they need to do.
037Um, as a school board member, I believe my top priority is student achievement. It's kind of like location, location, location. It's student achievement, student achievement, student achievement. I think we do a great job with that. Um, but we need to continue, like I said, to equip our teachers and make sure that we're giving them the best case scenario for them to achieve, uh, despite some of these struggling things that they're dealing with in the classroom. Um, and I want all those teachers to know that I'm grateful for them and for their cander. um and coming to my open door in donuts. I did learn that uh the jelly Dunkin Donut is the number one Dunkin Donut because I was doing a little mini survey in my head and the chocolate ones just didn't go. Anyway,
038so to address these challenges, um, I have, you know, reached out to some folks in central office and, you know, I'm proud to say that they're interested and they've already talked about this getting down to experience the classrooms at a at a deeper level to be there to support our teachers to roll up their sleeves and get involved and see what's happening. And it's not going to be just for a brief visit. You know, when I go and I visit the classrooms, a lot of times they roll out the red carpet, if you will, and they bring me to the best, most behaved classroom. um that's that's not what I want to be. I want to see where there's issues that need addressing. So, I'm happy to report that um that we'll be working on
039that. So, second, um I'd like to request an anonymous survey from all our teachers broken down by grade level to gather their professional feedback on PBIS. Um discipline and behavior is on the rise. We know this. This is the ongoing theme. It's not just in Ronut County. at all the schools and we need some real consequences brought back in the classroom and we need common sense approaches to support our teachers. I'm probably going to get some push back from saying this from folks in the central office, but um you know, I'm going to say the quiet part out loud. Uh if PBIS is working, why do we have lots of discipline and behavior issues? So, I like to see what the surveys say and I encourage folks to answer the survey. Um, Rono County is
040an exceptional place because of all the people that are here. Again, we rank high in the state. We've got engaged parents and bright students. Um, lastly, through my open doors and donuts, I did have a few constituents reach out to me about screen time on our laptops in the classroom, AI concerns, and cheating. So, technology is great, but sometimes the pendulum can swing too much in one direction, and we need to correct, in my opinion, back to the middle. Um, I think we need to bring back some paper and pen and we need to bring back the textbooks. Uh, there's enough data out there to support this and um, I think as a division we need to start to look at some guidelines or possibly limitations of how much time we want our kids on
041screens as they're learning in the classroom. So, I'm going to request that also we take a look at that. Uh, if you look at the amount of money that we've invested in laptop technology over the years versus textbooks, it's staggering. So just imagine if that money had been invested in more teachers or in better pay. So um I did check in on all my schools this week and I thank my teachers and nutrition staff. I'm happy to report that there were many smiling faces as my um Conrads mentioned. Lots of laughter, lots of playground time and wonderful learning taking place. So I could not be happier where we're at. I think we're off to a great start and I'm looking forward to a wonderful year. And lastly, I just want to say Dr. Solstice and
042Dr. Nicely. Um, I think we need to see the unedited version of the uh Charlotte racrack. Is that a possibility? Because I No, you said no. No. Darn it. There was a little bit of cussing. We couldn't hear it a little bit. It was stage. And for the record, they paid for it out of their own pockets. Rono County did not fund that. That would be a fun uh school board activity though. All right, that's enough. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Hudson. Thank you, Madam Chair. Well, it's great to be back to see all the smiling faces and the kids settling in in their new classes. We had a really big scare out at Glenver High School up to the last minute, I believe 6:00 a.m. when we were told that we could actually have
043school the first day. I was out there the day before. I believe the HVAC was broken for about eight days. Our own staff had to drive to Richmond to get parts to try to save time. Um, I was there. They were pressurizing the system. I think around 3:30 p.m. somewhere around there and Dr. Franklin and I walked through and got drips on our head. So, they had to shut the whole system back down and cut the pipes and I'm not an HVAC guy, but they had to fix that. And uh I just want to say thank you to our maintenance staff. And also, I mean, those guys, I know they worked overtime to get that fixed, and I know that had to be frustrating. I looked at it and I felt like I was in
044a submarine with all those pipes and things like that, but those guys were on it very professional. And to be honest, they were dripping sweat like they looked like they had jumped into a swimming pool. Um, I'd also like to thank our staff who toughed it out for the days they were there where it was, you know, a little over 80°, I believe 87 degrees in some parts of the school. So, um, that's the dedication they have to our kids and getting things ready for them. So, just want to recognize them and the maintenance staff. Again, I say this all the time, our bus drivers, nutrition workers, warehouse workers, all the people that kind of get forgotten about. Thank you. you make this world go round for us. Um, got to attend Glen Cove Elementary
045admin wing grand opening. That was awesome. Uh, the building looks absolutely amazing so far. Everything that branch has done. I just want to thank them. Their staff are so professional. Scans RRM. I'm totally impressed with the progress there as well as our technical school and I believe Mr. Greenway, they're doing a great job for you out there in Venton as well. Absolutely. It's exciting to go into the classrooms that our kids are already in, the parts of the building that they've turned loose, and we have walls between our classrooms. It's amazing. I know that it's a lot easier for our teachers now. A lot more convenient and easier to teach kids that may have learning disabilities or anybody for that matter. Um, I'll touch on Alro Steel. That was amazing. $200,000 donation on top of
046the fact that they already donated $50,000 in steel for the welding program. Um, this is just an awesome program. from the motorsports. I know a lot of our I don't know of another technical school around that has a motorsports program. Um and that is that just speaks to my heart there because I'm a big motorsports kind of guy. To see the magic that Mr. Overfelt does in that class is just unbelievable. And to get out here and get into the public and get that kind of donation, I would think is unheard of. $200,000 plus another 50, it's just amazing. So, um kudos to him and that program is just amazing. Um I would like to thank G&H Contracting. I don't know if you know the owners would like any recognition to be honest. They do
047so much for the Glenn community. I pulled into Glennour High School and when you pull in there's this really nice big sign that they put in. Um it displays all of the state championships for the schools. There's many more projects that they've taken on and that they they do on their own for our community. And I just want to give a preemptive thank you and I'm hoping that maybe they would be okay with us um having them come into a board meeting so we could properly thank them publicly for everything that they do for the Glenn community. Um, and last but not least, I'm probably going to get beat up for this one afterwards. I may need somebody to follow me out to the car, but um, I just want to throw some recognition out
048there for one of our SRO's that's sitting in the back here. That's our North Side Middle School SRO. She does a great job out there. The the relationships that she has developed with our staff and our students. I've witnessed it um when I've walked around and she does an excellent job out there. She's a true testament to what an SRO should be and why we feel so strongly about having them in our buildings and why we went to bat to get them in our elementary schools. So, thank you, Officer Maxi, for everything that you do for our kids and our schools, keeping them safe. And that's all I have. Thank you. [Laughter] Thank you. Uh we do hope that everyone's had a great um first few days back. It seems like it's gone really well.
049This is a busy time of year. Um there's a lot going on. Um I know several of you have touched on convocation, but it truly is my most favorite event that we get to attend. I love this event. Um the energy the Berglin Center is so is full of people and the energy in that room is electric. Everyone's just so excited. Um it is fun. Like you mentioned, the cheerleaders outside, the the drums. I mean, it's just really really fun. Um I want to thank Dr. Nicely. You do such a wonderful job putting it together. um you make that uh time together special and meaningful. The speaker um Houston Craft was so good. He was engaging. He had Tim and I partnered up doing doing things. Um and his message Yeah, we survived. Um the
050message was really good. So um just thank you for doing that. It's a great way to kick off the school year and I think everyone really enjoys it. Um I also had a chance to visit a couple of my Cave Spring Schools the day before the first day of school which was fun. Um the teachers and the staff at Bat Creek and Clearbrook were excited and getting ready for the students to come in. So it was nice to visit with them before the first day. Um and I'm scheduled to go to um faculty meetings of the rest of my schools in the next couple of weeks. So I'm excited to see everyone. Um I also had an opportunity to be part of the celebration for the opening of the new administration wing at Glen Cove.
051Um I it looks wonderful and I know the staff was super excited to have it ready before the first day of school. Um so I was glad to be there. Um the progress at all of our um at all of our buildings is so great. I mean, we had a chance um Mr. Lyn and I also went to um the RCCTC um building this week and we were able to see the progress that was happening there. We've also seen drone footage. It's just amazing how big this building is. When you see the drone footage, you really see just how expansive it is. Um so the renovations are coming along. Um, obviously we were there to recognize Alro Steel for their generous donation um to the welding and motorsports programs. Um, and also as others have
052mentioned, Chris Overfeld has just really has a passion for his programs and for his students and he should be recognized for the amount of work that he's put into securing these donations. Um, also just want to mention that Dr. Sultan Sulttus and I took part in an insurance seminar earlier this month. Um, we were given some great information. and um we had the opportunity to ask a lot of questions that were specific to our own insurance needs and um I just plan to continue to work on this and hope that we can find some better solutions. So, um I just want to thank everyone for a great start to the school year. We hope everyone has a great school year and if there's nothing else, meeting adjourned. [Music]