001All right. Good evening. I'd like to call the to order the January 13, 2026 annual school board organization meeting. Please stand for the presentation of national colors and the pledge pledge of allegiance. >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Please be seated. We want to thank the members of tonight's color guard unit from Brook Point High School, their Navy JRTC program, cadets Duffus, Figueroa, Kano, and Hemsawi. The instructors of the program are Master Sergeant Selwin Reed and First Sergeant Jason Peno. We'll now move on to 2.01 roll call. Madame clerk, please call the the role. >> Yes, sir. Miss Blackwell >> here. >> Dr. Chase >> here. >> Miss Davis >> here.
002>> Miss Fingerholes >> here. >> Miss Healey >> here. >> Mr. Mr. Careshi. >> Miss Randall >> here. >> Mr. Rean Rean >> here. and Dr. Warner >> here. Superintendent, you have a quer. >> Thank you. We'll now move on to 2.02, authorization to participate electronically in the meeting. I understand we have two board members, Dr. Chase and Mr. Rean, who've requested to participate in the meeting electronically. Do I have a motion to authorize Dr. Chase and M Mr. Rean to participate in tonight's meeting electronically? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> So, I have a motion from Miss Randall. I heard a second from Dr. Warner, Miss Healey. That's fine. Miss M Miss Randall with the motion, Miss Healey with the second. Um, we'll open that now for vote. Board members, please cast your
003votes. That motion passes 50. Dr. Chase and Mr. Rean, welcome to the meeting. >> All right, we'll move to 2.03. Approval of the agenda. Do I have a motion to approve the agenda? Motion to approve. Second. >> Have a motion from Miss Randall. Second from Dr. Warner. We'll now open the vote. >> Dr. Chase, please sh state your vote. >> I. >> Mr. Regan, please state your vote. >> I. >> That motion passes unanimously. 70. We'll now move on to 3.01, election of the school board chair. In accordance with policy 1108, the division superintendent acting as chair will request nominations for chair. No second for nominations is required. The floor will remain open for nominations until there are no additional nominations. The superintendent will take a vote starting with the first nomination and proceeding through
004each one as needed until one nominee receives a majority vote. Additional rounds of nominations may be required in order for one nominee to secure a majority vote to be appointed. Once a chair has been elected, I'll turn the meeting over to the newly elected chair who will continue the process of filling the remaining positions using the same process through which a chair was chosen. At this time, I'll open the floor for nominations for chair. >> I would like to nominate Dr. Warner. >> Okay, we Thank you, Dr. Chase. We have a nomination for Dr. Warner. Any other nominations? Seeing none, I will close the floor for nominations and we'll take a vote on the one nominee um to see if they receive a majority vote. Board members, please cast your votes for Dr. Warner as
005chair. Dr. Chase, please share your vote. >> Yes. >> Mr. Regan, please share your vote. >> Yes. >> That passes unanimously 70. Congratulations, Chair Warner. I'll now turn the meeting over to you along with the gavl. Thank you so much. I appreciate the support of my board and I hope that I live up to your expectations. At this time, we will now open the floor. We will follow the same process and open the floor for nominations for vice chair. >> I nominate Sarah Chase for vice chair. >> Are there any additional nominations? Hearing none, um please cast your votes for Dr. Chase as vice chair. Dr. Chase, >> yes. >> Mr. Reagan, >> yes. >> Thank you so much. This passes you. This vote passes unanimously. Thank you. And Dr. Chase, I know that it's
006what, 3:30 in the morning there, so we appreciate you participating in the meeting, but we we understand completely that you've had a lot on your plate and you you may go get some rest. >> Great. Thank you so much. >> I'm This is Mr. Regan. I'm also going to step off, but I will be there live in a little while. >> Live and in person. We're looking forward to it. >> Thank you. So, moving on to the next order of business, we have the um we have the schoolboard meeting schedule for 2026. Do I have a motion? >> Motion to approve. >> And a second. >> Second. >> All in favor, please cast your votes. Um this past 52 um Dr. Chase and Mr. Vegan have have logged off. >> Why has this come off?
007Moving on to the next order of business is the um administrative adoption of the administrative authorizations. >> Motion to approve. >> Second from I second. >> Okay, Miss Blackwell. Okay, all in favor, please cast your vote or if not, cast your vote against. >> Dr. Warner, you might want to just say cast your votes. I'm not not that I'm anticipating anyone. I'm new at this, but this passes 52. Moving on to the next item is to appoint the school board clerk and deputy clerk. Um >> motion to approve. >> Wholeheartedly second. >> Please cast your vote. This passes 52. Moving on to the appointment of the citizens to the schoolboard advisory committees. I would like to thank everybody who's participating and I need a motion to approve. >> Motion to approve. >> Okay, please cast
008your vote. This passes 52. The final item on our administrative um agenda is appointment of board members to serve on committees, boards, and commissions. Motion to approve. >> This was um these are predet. Do we have any a second? Please >> second. >> Is there any discussion? This is um these were approved uh in talking to all board members. So all the liaison for the advisory committees and our three standing committees which are finance and budget um legislative and governance. Um please cast your vote. That passes 52. All right, moving right along. The consent. Do I have an um approval for the cons? A motion to approve the consent items? >> Motion to approve. >> Please cast your vote. And now we get to um announcements of administrative personnel. And I know that we have
009one very important one. >> Yes, ma'am. So I am excited tonight to share that Erica Balagun is going to be the new principal at Anthony Burns Elementary School. Congratulations. an Anthony Burns is proud to welcome Miss Balagan as his new principal. Serving as currently serving as the assistant principal at Hampton Oaks Elementary School, she brings a decade of diverse educational experience to her new role. She began her career as a middle school English teacher in Richmond City Public Schools before transitioning to a school counseling role in Denwitty. She joined team Stafford in 2020 as a counselor at Rockill Elementary. As a dedicated leader, she's known for her commitment to academic excellence. Notably, she revitalized the PLC process at Hampton Oaks to empower teachers and collaborated with coaches to refine student intervention strategies. Miss Balagun earned
010her Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communications from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University, a bachelor of science in parallegal studies from Kaplan University, a master of education and counselor education from Virginia State University, and an educational leadership certificate from William and Mary. Congratulations. Thank you. I just want to say thank you, Madam Chair, school board members, Dr. Smith for this grateful opportunity to be the new principal at Anthony Burns. I am definitely grateful for that opportunity. I want to recognize my family who's here to support me tonight. Um, I definitely have to thank Mrs. Weerhold. She is a principal at Hampton Oaks for her mentorship. And thank you to the staff and the students and the families at Hampton Oaks that have supported me along my journey. I am excited to collaborate with
011the new team at Anthony Burns. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work along Dr. Goddard as we ensure a smooth transition for all our students, staff, and families. I'm excited to see what we can do and what the doors open for us at Anthony Burns as we continue to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all the students so that they can learn and grow and continue to soar at Anthony Burns. Thank you. Welcome aboard. >> Thank you, Dr. Smith. Are there any other appointments? >> Nope, that's all the appointments. >> Um the board would like to invite um Chief Communications Officer Sandra Osborne up to the podium to announce tonight's awards and recognitions. Thank you. >> Good evening, school board members and Dr. Smith. This evening, we'll recognize groups of staff members that epitomize
012our values of students integrity, respect, community, opportunity, and excellence. Will Dr. Tanya Molen, our director of student support services, please join us at the podium? National School Counseling Week this year is February 2nd through 2026 and celebrates the incredible contributions of school counselors and the profound impact they have on students, families, and schools. Celebrated across the United States during the first full week of February, this special week focuses public attention on the unique role of school counselors within America school systems. This year's theme, school counselors amplify student success, highlights how school counselors empower students to achieve academic success and prepare for future careers. School counselors dedicate themselves to helping students discover their strengths, abilities, and interests, guiding them toward academic achievement and career exploration. They support families by fostering the personal and social growth of
013children, collaborate with educators to help students set and achieve realistic goals, and connect with community resources to enhance comprehensive counseling programs. Sponsored by the American School Counselors Association, this week honors all they do to create opportunities for students to thrive and succeed, making a lasting difference in the lives of others. Thank you to all of our school counselors for the hard work you pour into each and every student every day. >> Do we have any council attorney? surprise. >> Will Dr. Deshawn Turner, the principal at North Stafford High School, please join us at the podium. Sever County Public Schools recognizes January 12th through 16th as principal appreciation week. This week gives us the opportunity to honor the dedicated principles who serve as instructional leaders, administrators, and steady guides for their school communities. Our principles set
014high expectations, foster positive and supportive learning environments, and work every day to ensure students have access to highquality education. Their leadership supports strong teaching, student success, and a culture where children are encouraged to grow, achieve, and pursue their goals. By recognizing Principal Appreciation Week, we join communities across Virginia and the nation in thanking our principles for the essential role they play in shaping the future of our schools and our county. Accepting the proclamation on behalf of principles is our current principal of the year, Dr. Deshawn Turner. Thank you to all of our principles for your hard work each and every day. And if you're one of our principles, Stand up. >> Stand up. >> Uh, >> you just got Wait a minute. She just got appointed. >> Yes. No. No. No. You just got appointed.
015>> You just got appointed. You have to get up. Thank you to our counselors and our principles. Now we have presentations. So I'd like to invite invite Deputy Superintendent Chris Wulmer to the podium. >> Good evening schoolboard members and madam chair and Dr. Smith. I'm gonna actually ask Mr. Garber to come up and join me and Mr. Garber is an um audit partner at PB Mayors and recently completed our FY25 annual compreh or our audit um and helped us produce our annual comprehensive financial report. Um we do have um I have a few copies if you want a paper copy. It's also um the link has been added to your um agenda, but I do have a few copies tonight. So before you leave, if you want one, just uh let me know and I'll
016I'll leave one with you. But uh Mr. Madame chair, members of the board, happy new year. Your act for the annual comprehensive financial report that Mr. Fulmore was referring to is 184 pages long. So, we'll start on page one. >> Yeah. Or I I will do a summary and then if you have any questions, please interrupt or ask. Yeah. Yeah. As fast as you can. So, um, it is a large document. So, I'm going to briefly touch on some of the sections. So, at the very for those of you who haven't had a chance to see this in years past, this might be something new. At the very front, there is a letter called a letter of transmitt. Um, Dr. Smith, Mr. Fulmer put that letter together. It highlights your year, some of the accomplishments
017from the school board, construction projects, awards, accolades, things of that nature. Following that letter is our opinion on the financial statements. There's only a few pages in here that I would say are ours BB mayor's. The rest is yours and that is the opinion. Um we have issued an unmodified opinion on the financial statements which is a clean opinion. Uh that is the u that is the one you're looking for. Following our opinion then is another letter called the management's discussion and analysis. Again, that one highlights more of the financial highlights of the year and things in the financial report itself. After that are your financial statements, all of your funds, balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, things of that nature. And then after that are the footnotes that support all of those numbers.
018If there are numbers up there that need to be discussed in more detail, you can find that detail in the footnotes. Um, we did implement a new Gazsby standard this year. you and everybody ac across the country implemented this new standard on how to account for um and display time off, vacation time, things of that nature. We've always done it in the past. They just decided that you know what, let's just change things up and make them calculate it a new way instead of the way we've been doing it. So, we did successfully implement that new standard this year. Uh following the footnotes, there are some other tables and schedules that have to do with your retirement plans. their 10-year data there. It talks about your pension plan obligation, your OPED plan obligations, things of
019that nature. And then following that is your compliance section. In the compliance section, there are also two opinions or two reports that are ours. One has to do on internal control and compliance. That is a clean report this year as well. And then the second report has to do with your federal dollars that you received and how you spent those federal dollars. We also had no findings to report there as well. So out of the three reports in here, all of them were clean. And then of course following that in that compliance section, we do list out all of the federal awards. I should say you list out all of the federal awards that you've received money and spent um during last fiscal year. Uh we also issued a management letter. Um they had no
020comments in there. It just talks about some of the new Gazsby pronouncements that you have not implemented yet. So that letter was issued. Um, and I think it's always important to note um that when we were here doing our work, any observations that we needed to make, inquiries that we made, um, every all of our questions were answered fully um, timely for us. Um, and there's really nothing that we're aware of that we would need to report to you at this time. So, with that, that is 184 pages succinctly prepared. Um, and, uh, I'm happy to answer any questions or address any comments you have. Does anyone have questions? >> Not at this point. >> Not until I read them all. >> Yes. And I and I will add I am always a phone call
021and an email away. So if there are questions next week, next month, next quarter, I'm happy to answer them. All right. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you so much. >> Next, I would like to invite the coordinator Deb Pickroll and the high school drum majors to come forward at this time and and give us our report on Band Together for Hungary. Hunger. One of the best events I think I've ever seen. Good evening, Chair Warner. Congratulations. I think Chair Chase left the call. So, members of the board and Dr. Smith, as you know, I'm Debbie Pickerl and I have been the coordinator of uh the 15th annual band together to fight hunger. On behalf of our five high school band parent associations, I am very proud to introduce our outstanding marching band leaders,
022and they are going to share the final contributions of our 15th annual Band Together to Fight Hunger event. We have Roxy Lun and Axel Reyes, drum majors at Brook Point High School. Michaela Roy, drum major at Colonial Forge High School. Whitney Hitz, drum major at Mountain View High School. Joseph Mayo, drum major at North Stafford High School, and Nathan U, drum major at Stafford High School. Also joining us this evening is Mr. Dan Mayer from the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank to accept uh the check. The 15th annual Band Together to Fight Hunger provided an exciting showcase of talented musicians from our five Stafford County High School marching bands. We loved presenting our shows for the last time of the season while helping our community by collecting monetary and non-p perishable food donations to assist with
023the food insecurity our citizens face right here in our surrounding communities. This year we collaborated with two wonderful organizations. Stafford Emergency Relief through Volunteer Efforts, also otherwise known as Serve, received the non-p perishable food item donations in their effort to stock food pantries within the Stafford County community. Serve's mission was to strategically address food insecurity, provide emergency relief, and promote self-reliance programs that give hope to the community. During the government shutdown, they experienced an increase in the need for additional resources. Band together provided at the perfect time. All monetary sponsorships and funds raised on the night of the event benefited the Freredicksburg Regional Food Bank. The Fred the Freredicksburg Regional Food Bank is a crucial resource for our community, storing and distributing essential food and supplies collected. The food bank is seeing more of our
024neighbors than ever. The government shutdown, families impacted impacted by job loss or reduced hours, children growing hungry, going to bed hungry, and our senior citizens struggling to afford groceries. These two organizations is why our event is so important to our community. >> This year's Band Together to Fight Hunger was once again a major success thanks to our incredible community and business partners. The program featured the grand finale consisting of over 400 Stafford County band students as the highlight of the evening. It was pretty awesome to get to conduct these musicians with our guest conductor and rut. Because of our amazing community and business partners, we have many people and organizations to thank for their commitment to serving our community. We are grateful and for food and light donations from Chick-fil-A, Manhattan Pizza, and Carter Machinery.
025We would also like to thank our volunteers that helped make the night a success. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Sai Sai Omega chapter Boy Scout Troop 2220 Girl Scout Troops 15 and 36 University of Mary Washington's women's softball team and the band parents that volunteered at various stations. We would also like to express our thanks for monetary donations from Alpha Capas Alpha Sorority Sci Omega chapter Josh Reagan Dr. Try dental office, some inventions, the Bolino family, Shannon finger holes, Aloha t-shirt designs, KBI music, Eenezer United Methodist Church, Corp Solutions, and Atlantic Builders. Thank you to our Cyphford community who attended in large numbers. With their help, the 15th annual Band Together to Fight Hunter collected 4,34 pounds of food on for surf. This donation of non-perishial food items provided 3,587 meals for the Stafford community. Serve
026distributed all the food collected to the area food pantries in Stafford County immediately after the event. Monetary donations collected during this event totaled $2,867. This equates to an additional $5,734 meals for our community. Sponsorship donations totaled 18,355. That equals 36,710 meals for our community through the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. The 15th annual Band Together to fight hunger raised $21,222 in total. Coupled with the food donations, we are thrilled to share that our amazing community provided a total of 42,444 meals to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. We are proud to present the final check for the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank to Mr. Mayor. Band Together started with the vision of one high school band director and has grown into an event we are extremely proud of. Thanks to the support of our local community, our event
027has raised over 600,000 meals for the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank over the past 15 years. We are sure we are sure you will agree our band programs are making a huge impact in our community. Thank you for continuing to support and fund music programs in our schools and we are looking forward to seeing you next year. service regional food bank total together is 46,000. >> Very impressive. You have six schools. >> Yes, it will be. I got to get my speech. >> Thank you so much. Good job, guys. Any comments from the board? Um, I just was very impressed coming to your event, seeing it um, year after year. As much as it is the um, the band members on the field is the work of parents um, from all the different high schools off
028the field. You can see that as well. So, it's just one of those things where we like to see collaborative events that are full family events. And that's exactly what you guys do for our community is have a full family event also benefiting families in our community. So great job, >> Miss Fingerhole. >> I just wanted to say it started out as a calm night and very quickly got very windy and y'all just rolled with it. You guys did amazing. So good job, >> right? I know. It was impressive. Thank you so much and thank you to your adviserss and your parents who I know put a lot of investment in this event as well and we can't wait to see what you do next year. At this time, we will get the presentation of
029the annual report and recommendations of the transportation advisory committee. I'd like to invite Mr. John Wilcox, executive director of transportation to the podium. Good evening school board members and chairperson Dr. Warner, Dr. Smith, John Wilcox, executive director of transportation and fleet services. I would like to present the presentation from the transportation advisory committee and presenting this evening will be our chairperson, Miss Ahmad Navidid. Happy new year everyone. Good evening members of the school board. My name is Aman Nave at the chair of Am sorry it's my very first time. Well, I'll start over again. Good evening members of the school board. My name is Amen Navidid, chair of the transportation advisory committee. I'll share our committee's progress, success, and recommendations for the 2025 and 26 school year. Keeping keeping the um time in mind, we
030will go over the key points here and you all are provided with a very detailed um report and if you have any questions of course we will be available and I would like um I um sorry one second. So we were given five charges uh by the school board to discuss. Um that was special education, transportation enhancement, new school routes and logistics and technology integration and fleet modernization, travel service improvements and comprehensive communication plans to So far, we've made real progress in the transportation. This year, our team moves over 19,000 students a day with over 300 buses across 33 schools. We have updated how uh how we assess student needs, cut unnecessary routes, and boosted efficiency. And with new opt-in system, we kicked off the school year smoother than ever. I think we all can
031witness that. Um this was I think very few phone calls first day of school. Okay. I would like to call um my vice chair Emily Seagel to present the special education timeline. >> Good evening. My name is Emily Seagel. Um I just wanted to thank Miss Randall as well for being um our school board rep and it was a joy to work with you. All right. So, at our initial meeting, we discussed the need for the TR1s um to be an electronic process. Um we implemented the phase launch the TR1 system to streamline special education bus assignments. We evaluated the effectiveness of the TR1 and made necessary adjustments. Transportation has really improved for students with disabilities. The transportation assigned a dedicated routing team working with Miss Barbara Lancaster, the manager of special programs and support
032services that continues to streamline the TR1 process and continues to support enforcement of state laws to ensure fair and reliable access for all. Also, we cover routes um all the way from Washington DC to Richmond to be able to transport all students with varying needs. Um then we worked on new school logistics and we addressed the challenging the challenges of redistricting particularly seniors impacted by new boundaries. It is essential for families to have clear information regarding transportation responsibilities. Therefore, we are suggesting updates to the website and more transportation zone mapping. Um some of the that are going to be a challenge in the new districtricting will be seniors in Hartwood High. Zone 26 27 remain at current schools. Evaluating transportation direct routes verse annex buses. Families that are out of their zone for 26 and
03327 manage own transport and less in specific programs. updating Stafford County Schools redistricting web page for clarity and mapping new zones for the 2627 school year. Thank you. >> And next I have um Fon Chazki our secretary. She will present the technology. How do I go back? Hi guys. The new bus app makes routes clearer, improves communication with families, and lets everyone track buses easily. The redesigned app is more userfriendly, offering faster, more reliable tracking and updates. Upgrades like the Tyler tablets, angel track cameras, and Motorola radios are strengthening safety and communication across the fleet. Mr. Wilcott's data gives us a clear picture of the tech funded needed so we can plan responsibly. Technology upgrades, cost, and funding. The scope about 59 buses need replacement camera systems. Estimated cost per bus is $6,00 to $9,500.
034The total estimated investment for the camera system upgrades is $531,000. After applying a fiscal year 26 security grant of $12,000, the net cost to the division is $519,000. The timeline to be spread out over a 5-year replacement period aligning with the existing fleet replacement plan. Tyler tablets should also be considered for the cyclable replacement in the budget. We are urging prioritizing upgrades in school year 2627 optimization updates. Key insights from chief academic officer Michael Bowling and executive director of transportation John Wilcox indicate the new travel transportation system is effective with minimal impact of instructional time. Adding Hartwood High and new North Stafford High Specialty Centers to travel routes, the expansion will integrate into existing routes without major costs. This year, transportation shifted from a six area system to a four zone system. The previous six
035area system was confusing, but the new four zone system with updated route numbers enhances efficiency, clarity, and reliability for students. Okay. And on our charge next was the comprehensive communication plans. I did try to personalize the presentation. Okay. So, um, we're boosting communication with we're boosting communications with the families this year through push alerts for major updates and pull alerts for minor ones and consistent internal messaging. We're also requesting the use of visual guides on transportation homepage and magnets with key who to contact information to make it easy for families to access that information. And we have tiered alerts. Um uh all the messaging is broken into three different major minor internal communication tree and communication um engagement tools. Um that's the yearly communication packet add a visual road map or flowchart makes it easier
036for the the public view and also requesting maps with the contact information. The next on our chart we have driver accountability. While traditional roll call encourages coverage, transportation has implemented a roll call system to hold drivers accountable daily. This approach not only helps maintain attendance but also ensures the routes are adequately covered. It's also essential for drivers to have suitable break areas to promote both safety and morale. We um had spoken to Miss Randall. Um, we asked the board to closely work with all schools to come up with the solution to allow bus drivers to enter the building for quick bathroom breaks. Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair and members of the board, uh, Mr. Superintendent um, for the opportunity to allow us present uh, present today our recommendations. Um, these recommendations are not just about
037the buses and routes. They are about students access, safety, and equity. With the board's support, we can continue moving Stafford County forward. And in my closing remarks, I would um like to reiterate on the same um few items that we had mentioned. U please support full imple implementation of optin across all uh all schools. Approve funding. Um, I know that sometime can be challenging. Um, for camera upgrade and fleet technology, direct communications to update the redistricting page to reflect senior transportation rules. Continue funding bus packing expansion through the capital improvement plan. Continue collaboration between transportation and school schools for timing and logistics. And adopt clear communication system that helps families stay informed and connected. If you have any questions, Mr. Wilcott be happy to answer them. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. That was
038quite a task, a list that we gave you. Um, and we appreciate all the work that you did and and I think transportation has done a remarkable turnaround in this year, Miss Randall. I think you must have been quite the task master on that committee to help them get through all that. No, it was actually just so um you know I I have to say all the advisory committee opportunities for me is such a growth opportunity for me. Um and trans transportation was like something I I thought I could sit up here and spout about. But until you sit in the room with parents and drivers and staff and Mr. Wilcott and UT who's always this like quiet cheerleader for an organizer. She's the taskmaster honestly, but uh she it's just it's an incredible group
039to work with and um you know I was very very fortunate and just only speaking about my rep person that's serving um she had an issue with transportation for her special needs son and then when we worked through it she said is there anything I can do for you? And I said, "Yes, I have a slot on transportation." And she has been amazing because she has that a different lens that we don't have. So when we start thinking things, she starts correcting us. And she's been even Mr. Wilcox has said, "Oh yeah, we use you like the canary in the mine." You know, if if we hear from you, we're like, "Oh, that didn't work." So it's been very, very helpful. It's a great team. Um, it's nice to see where there were six zones
040and I didn't understand that, but I understand four zones and I understand how they work and I definitely now have a better understanding of uh the need for drivers at every school to use the most convenient entrance to go to the bathroom. Like that's a tough, you know, Yeah, I I get that. Um, but I also like that when Mr. Wilcox was teaching me about technology on the buses, I just assume like when we all buy a car, we have the technology and it lasts for the same length of our cars, but that's not the case with the technology on our buses. They do need to be upgraded. It is a safety concern. It is a communication concern. And so, in hearing Mr. Wilcox. I'm like, well, when we talk about technology replacement, I need
041your information and to be part of that conversation. So, again, it was a learning opportunity for me to hear that, to know our conversations and how to tie in uh this committee, and it's so so fun. Um, and no, none of you can have it this year. It's mine. So, anyways, I do appreciate all of your work, and it is a pleasure to work with you all. It really is. Thank you. >> Thank you. And on that on that note, I would like to um call upon my T committee members and give yourself a round of applause. Um it was we had some very lengthy meetings. Um and we have students on there and they're very communicative and we love that. >> Yes. >> Well, I think you all >> Well, I think you bring
042up a good point. >> We have some camera shy people who just wouldn't come up here, but they're in this room. They are. We do. You bring up a good point and why our our citizen advisory committees are important. It's having parents on those committees whose children participate in those services or those programs and we get an insight that we need to make sure that we're doing what we need to do. So, thank you. Does anybody have any questions? Miss Finger holds. Um, I also definitely want to say thank you. And on your note, Miss Randall, even though we can't take over your committee, we can go and watch and be an observer. And that's amazing because you guys rock it. You really, really do. And I really appreciate it. Thank you. Um, I do
043have actually two questions for you. Um, one is for the special education, the TR1. What is TR1? Oh, >> transportation request form for special needs students. >> Ah, thank you. And then the second one, you said um there should be some updates to the website. That should be a pretty easy. So, what what specifics do you have for updates to the website? >> If you look up the redistricting um on the Stafford County web page, it shows instructions for families to how they handle the redistricting. And one of the um notes is that if your student currently wants to stay at their current school and they're going to be in a different zone next year, they can't if you're a senior. But it doesn't say on there is that they will have to provide their
044own transportation. And I wanted to make sure that was clear because some families might not choose to stay at that school if they're unable to provide transportation. Awesome. Thanks, guys. >> Any other questions? >> Dr. Just one thing to note on that. So once we saw that that recommendation just the other day, Mr. Wilcott has been working Miss Osborne so we can get that updated on our website. So when we saw the recommendations, these are always when we have advisory committee recommendations are helpful uh to me and to staff as we take a look at those. And so I know we're working on that in terms of our website in terms of what would be most helpful to to make sure that we have it out there. >> Miss Haley, >> I I have a
045question. the seniors uh who are going to remain at their current schools. We're going to be providing transportation for them to go to their current schools, are we not? Because there's no senior class at the new high school. That's a question for Dr. Smith. >> That's correct. Yeah, there's the seniors are not going to Hartwood, but they're remaining in their existing schools. That's correct. And we are providing that transportation to those students. >> I don't want any families to get nervous thinking they're going >> Yeah. This is only for their kids to school. only for the ones that are going into the other zones, not the Hartwood High School zone. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you so much. Appreciate all the work that you've put to and and the only complaint that I regularly
046hear is parents complain about the app and I'm like, "Yeah, we don't have cell service everywhere. It's just the nature of the beast. We do the best we can. >> Please don't get rid of it." >> No. No, it's just parents have to understand its limitation >> and you know it would be nice if we it was you know in real time but it's just not >> I just have to give my little plug because Miss Randall was talking about me. I have a nonverbal child that's developmentally a year of age but he physically is 13 years of age and I live on a county road with speed limit of 45 and that app is everything for me. It truly helps keep him alive in my opinion. So, >> thank you so much for your
047support and for your input because this is how we do make things better. >> So, it really does benefit people and I I appreciate it and I thank you for it. >> Thank you. >> Okay, you may notice the two new faces on our board. Our new student reps are joining us. Um we have Ta and um Safi and I Safi. Do you want to go first and make a comment? Good afternoon all. As you may already know, my name is Safi Kureshi and I am student co-representative to the school board. Before you all ask, I am 66 and no, I sadly do not play basketball. However, I'm a part of a multitude of other clubs and activities at my school and beyond. For example, I am the founder and president of North Stafford's MA
048United Nations Club, vice president of the Red Cross club, a graduate of the FBI Teen Academy, student ambassador of stat biomed, section leader of North Student Section, and many, many more. Check my resume for all my extracurriculars. As you may have already noticed, I have a slight sense of humor, which I hope to bring to this position, not just to brighten the mood, but more importantly to break the narrative that the school board is something to be afraid of. Students should not fear coming before the school board to share their concerns. They should feel encouraged and excited that they're taking a step forward to making Stafford County schools even better. With the help of TELA board members, district staff, administrators, and every student in Stafford County, I hope to serve as a strong, honest, and
049confident bridge between students and board members. Thank you, and I wish you all the best. >> You and for tonight, we're going to hear from both of them. Tiao, do you have a comments? Good evening, Madame Chair, vice chair, members of the school board, Dr. Smith, district leadership, educators, families, and students. My name is Tia Davis. I'm a junior at Stafford High School, and it is both an honor and responsibility to be here tonight for my first official board meeting as co- studentent representative to the Stafford County School Board. I step into this role with confidence, humility, and a genuine respect for the work done in this room. I understand that being a student representative is not about having a loud voice. It's about having a clear one, one that reflects students honestly, thoughtfully, and
050responsibly. My commitment in this role is intentional and actionoriented. I plan to engage directly at the elementary, middle, and high school levels to gather thoughtful, consistent, and accurate feedback from students across the district. My aim in building those connections is to share how policies and decisions impact students over time, ensuring conversations in this room are informed by lived experiences and a shared understanding of a bright future for all students. To the students across Stafford County, I want you to know that my role exists to serve you. I'm here to listen with intention, advocate with integrity, and communicate your perspectives clearly and respectfully. Whether your experience is positive or challenging, it deserves to be acknowledged and considered in the decisions that shape our schools. I encourage any student who has a question, comment, feedback, or suggestion
051to reach out to Sophie and I at schoolboard studentrepc.net and we will do our best to respond to you in a timely manner. As someone currently navigating our school system, I bring a perspective that is current, informed, and grounded. I understand the expectations placed upon students daily. Being in this position, I am able to use my informed perspective to be a genuine voice for our population of over 32,000 students. Because I believe that when students feel heard, schools become stronger. When leadership listens, trust grows. And when we work together as students, educators, families, and this board, we can create a school system that does more than educate. It empowers. So, thank you for placing your trust in me. I am proud to serve, ready to contribute, and excited for the work ahead. Very good. Thank
052you. I agree 100%. Um, moving on to the next item. It's time for citizen comments. Individuals wishing to comment um to the board may do so at this time. Speakers shall identify themselves by name and organizational affiliation if appropriate spokesman represents the organization. Speakers shall also announce the purpose of their topic or comments. Three minutes shall be out allotted to each speaker or group. Citizen comment which is profane, abusive, or which threatens imminent physical harm shall be ruled out of order by the chairperson. Although the board provides the opportunity for citizen comments, individuals desiring to register complaints against the division employees or division programs, services, or activities may also utilize procedures outlined in policy 1113, public complaints. Madame clerk, please call the first names. Madam Chair, there are three individuals signed up to speak this
053evening. The first is Christy Jones, followed by Sham Dar Connors, and then Matthew Lince. Good evening. I'm Christy Jones. I am my topic is declaration of support with a resolution as a member of the staffer education association and the district Q commissioner on the Virginia education associations Turner commission for equity justice and learning. I am speaking tonight to advocate for the support and implementation of the Black Lives Matter at school toolkit within our division. This invaluable resource aligns with our commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students. Black Lives Matter at School is a nationwide initiative aimed at dismantling systemic racism in education. It aims to spark dialogue, inspire reflection, and drive action within school communities, empowering educators and students to address issues of racial injustice. The toolkit offers a wealth of resources,
054including lesson plans, discussion guides, and strategies designed to foster conversations about race and promote anti-racist practices. It empowers educators to create inclusive classrooms where all students feel seen, valued, and respected. By adopting this toolkit, we can take a significant step toward ensuring that our schools are truly equitable for all students, regardless of their race or background. We can cultivate a culture of understanding, empathy, and respect where students feel empowered to challenge injustice and advocate for change. I urge you to consider the following. Recognize and support Black Lives Matter at School Week. Black Lives Matter at School Week is February 2nd through the 6, 2026, celebrated by a national coalition organizing racial justice and education. a declaration of support through a future resolution. As this is an annual event, as the National Education Association has proclaimed,
055the goal of Black Lives Matter at school is to spark an ongoing movement of critical reflection and honest conversation and impactful actions in school communities for people of all ages to engage with issues of racial justice. The Fitz Turner Commission for Equity, Justice, and Learning at the Virginia Education Association hopes Stafford County Public Schools will help us celebrate Black Lives Matter at school week February 2nd through through the 6th, 2026. Um, and I have a copy of the toolkit, so I submit that to you. Thank you. >> Thank you so much, Mr. Lince, Madame Chair, members of the board, congratulations, Dr. Warner. I am Matthew Lent. I am the Stafford Education Association president and a um a teacher in the county, of course. And I'm from George Washington District. On behalf of the Stafford Education
056Association, I'd like to congratulate all of our our new members to the board. We're very excited to uh to work with you this year to uh as we come into the budget um business that's going on. Uh we are here for you. Um we we we hope that we can communicate with you, each and every one of you, and hope that we can do the best that we can for all of our students and staff in uh Stafford County. So on behalf of SEA, congratulations and here's to a good good year. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> With no further speakers um and individuals signed up to speak, we now close the citizen comments portion of the meeting. And the next item, there are no action items tonight. This is a short meeting relative. So
057I will move on to Dr. Smith. >> Thank you, Chair Warner. Just a couple of comments tonight. They are relatively short. All right. Good evening everyone. Happy new year and welcome back to the second semester of the school year. As the first item tonight, I'd like to begin by taking opportunity to really recognize the impact, effort, and commitment of our dedicated school principles, especially during this principal appreciation week. Simply put, leadership matters and we are incredibly fortunate to have exceptional principles across Stafford County. All of our principles lead with dedication, guiding our schools through both challenges and successes, fostering a positive and supportive environment for everyone. Their commitment to excellence from ensuring a high standard of education to providing ongoing support for their team is truly remarkable. Please join me in showing our appreciation for
058their hard work and leadership. Drop them an email, send them a note, or just let them know how much you appreciate them. Thank you to our principles. I'd also like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank our school board members, both new and returning. Public service is not a role entered into lightly, and I appreciate your commitment to serving the students, staff, and community here in Stafford County. A couple of things for our new uh members uh that are incoming. Mr. Korean. As a current special education teacher, coach, and parent of students in Stafford schools, I'm excited about your perspective on how we can continue to meet the needs of each student in our school division. Miss Finger Holtz, you have been a fierce advocate for Stafford schools, attending just about every meeting since
059I arrived over a year ago and probably many more. As an engaged parent, you bring a great perspective that will help us to take the next steps as a large school division. And Miss Blackwell, your military experiences and other past experiences combined with your genuine love for kids will undoubtedly help us be intentional and compassionate to ensure we are designing systems and processes to support each child. And to our new student representatives, Safi and Tlea, we're glad to have you on the board. You have ambitious clear plans and we look forward to working with you to connect with students at all grade levels and the shared combined student voice of over 32,000 students. So, welcome. In other good news, recent data released by College Board indicates that our students continue to make great strides and
060notable progress in advanced placement tests. In 2025, our students took 3,672 AP tests, combined to just 3,150 in 2023. More impressively, 73% of those exams yielded a qualifying score of three or higher. And this res represents a 15% increase in the number of those qualifying scores since 2023. And when we talk about qualifying scores, those are the scores that most colleges will accept as college credits for these students and they will have these credits prior to ever graduating from high school. So, we're very excited and proud of the progress um and the achievement of these students. We invite the community to attend the fifth annual health and wellness fair on Saturday, January 24th at Colonial Forge High School from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year's anniversary event places a special focus on mental health
061and resources to support our community. Additionally, we invite everyone to participate in the Polar Pals Fund Run. Physical activity is such a powerful tool for mental health well-being and this free run for all ages ties directly into our mission of holistic wellness. Registration is free and available on our website. There you'll also find school nutrition services that will host a taste testing event where families can sample, select, and vote on their favorite menu items. Your taste buds will help us decide what makes it onto our school menu. We'll also offer health screenings and assessments, wellness resources, familyfriendly activities, a 3D art contest, and so much more. Come out and learn out learn about all the things that are taking place around mental health and wellness on January 24th. And if you'd like more information, it's
062on our website site at staffordschools.net/health and wellness fair. It's hard to believe, but we're already beginning the annual budget process. I'll be presenting my funding request to the school board on Tuesday, January 27th at 6 PM. I invite you to tune in and watch the presentation and please join me and others on Tuesday, February 3rd at 6 PM for the budget town hall. The town hall will also be livereamed for your convenience and we'll take questions from the community ahead of time. More details will be shared after the presentation on January 27th. And finally, as a reminder, all schools and offices are closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Thank you. And this concludes my remarks. >> Thank you, Dr. Smith. Um, this section we move on to board member comments.
063I'd like to welcome Mr. Reagan who his commitments with his students and coaching. I appreciate him making the drive down here. And I will start with you. There's a button. Oh, see I'm new to this. Okay. Uh yeah, thank you. Sorry I was late. Um we had a game tonight and um I'm just really excited to to be able to work with um the the awesome students in Stafford, which I know they're wonderful from teaching here for 11 years. Um the staff in Stafford, the the folks on the board, Dr. Smith. Um, I think we're going to have uh a lot of things that uh are going to happen that are positive um coming up shortly and over the next four years. So, um I'm just uh really excited to be here and um glad
064that the the folks in Aqua put their faith in me. Um for our student representatives, it's so cool that you guys have this opportunity and that you guys took the initiative to want to be a part of this. So, I'm really excited um to have you guys here and I can't wait to talk to you about basketball. >> Thank you, Mr. Reagan. Um, Miss Randall, >> thank you. Uh, happy new year to everyone. I hope you had a restful and um and had some family fun and uh during your break. Uh, I definitely did. It was nice as a mom. Uh the real gift for me is just time with my kids and when they don't live at home anymore but they come home for two to three weeks. It was awesome and and we
065even took a trip. We had four dogs, three cats, two kids there, three kids, parents and and a field trip. So it worked out well. Um I also would like to um share my condolences for the Stafford High School community. Um we uh 2021 graduate um passed away just before Christmas and uh she was um um a member my husband and I coached 14 seasons of flag football and she was one of our girls on our flag football team. She was really amazing. Um so I know her family and the community there are um hurting. So I'd like to pass along my condolences. um for her family. Also, I don't know if you've heard or not, but there's um an initiative right now, the monks are walking to Stafford, Walk for Peace. Um they started
066at the end of October in Texas, and they will be in Stafford around February 5th. They are looking for help um to help coordinate their route um down Route 1. Uh so, I hope you guys can be a part of it, see it. they'll be walking right by this. So, anyways, it's gonna be really kind of a fun thing to be a part of. Um, we have had it's it's so nice to have worked with and talked with since November our new members and to actually see them up here tonight and get to work with them in a different role is pretty cool. It's really nice. um they're going to be great additions and uh they're they've already rolled their sleeves up to do the hard work and have the hard conversations and and we
067really appreciate it. And to our two new student reps, we've had some pretty good ones. So, we're really excited for that track record to continue and to get you to bring in more student voice, more student um opinion. We definitely appreciate it if we could have them come in and speak to us. We've had it a few times and it's something that we really do enjoy. It's it's not our lens, so it's helpful when that lens comes in and is shared with us. Um, like I said, having a student on the transportation committee and also um in the past we've had them on gifted. Um, it really is helpful to have them on these advisories because it's we're making decisions and their perspective is just golden. So, um, I really am excited to kick off
068this year. Everything is going to be super tough, but we need to remember to keep our peace and still be kind when we agree and disagree. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Randall, Miss Huey. >> Thank you, Dr. Warner. I want to welcome everyone back to school. I'm looking forward to a very mild winter, unlike a lot of people who who wear those pajamas inside out and Miss Miss Randall is one of the the snow advocates. But, um, I'm I'm I'm thinking spring already and and graduation. Um, I also want to welcome our new board members. It's always a pleasure to have new people to with new insights and, you know, give us a different perspective. Um, I I I know we know Miss Finger Holtz from her frequent um appearances on the other
069side and I I've I've uh told her it's very different from this this side to to see the perspective. But I think um having been such an advocate for us, you know, in the community is is just, you know, amazing and what an asset we have. So, welcome. And to Mr. Mr. Reagan, looking forward to another teacher on the board. We when I first started um January 1, long time ago, um we had we had a teacher, he was a CTE teacher um from the George Washington district, Mr. Ed Sullivan, and he brought an amazing um perspective to us and he actually went on to work for the state department of education um you know later on. So, it's it's it's so so helpful to have different backgrounds among ourselves, diversity, and we all bring
070something special um to the to the board. And also want to welcome our two new school board reps. Um, I think we recognized from the representatives we've had, you know, the pleasure of working with over the past two years that that our two schoolboard reps really are a team, which is why we made you co-representatives rather than a representative and alternate because it is our um expectation and I think we're already seeing that that you will work together and and you know have equal roles in in um you know serving as our our student voice, you know, here on on the board. So, thank you so much. And I I'm very um you know, encouraged with your remarks that you will be reaching out. I don't know where you're going to find the time because
071of all the, you know, activities you're engaged in, not to mention your demanding coursework, but thank you very much for what you're what you're doing. And you can add that to that impressive resume that that you talked about. Um um but I and I also want to recognize Miss Beth um Algrram, a beloved teacher at Ag Wright Middle School who passed away this month. Miss Agrim dedicated 20 years to Stafford County Public Schools, all of them at Ag Wright. And for two decades, she served the Tiger students and their families. And she is very much um missed by her colleagues and students. So to her family um you know I give my personal condolences but I I know that there is just massive massive grieving from her loss at HI. In fact my daughter who
072graduated back in 201 what was it 15 14 20 whatever um she said I remember her from from H right. So you can just imagine the the thousands of students that have passed through um AG Wright during those two decades and the impact that that she's had on their on their lives. So I you know my heart and prayers is is with her family as they work through this. And that's all I have today madam chair. Thank you. >> Thank you so much Miss Huey. Miss Fingerholtz, your inaugural comments. >> Shannon Finger Holtz, Heartwood District. No, I'm just kidding. >> That's what I'm used to saying from the other side. It's really funny. Um, even when I was organizing my thoughts for tonight, I was um I still had that three minute cap in my
073head. Like everything I was doing was like, and I even started timing myself and I'm like, I don't even have to do that. I'm totally good with three minutes, too. So, >> time your predecessor. >> Yeah, >> that wasn't I won't >> roll. >> I'm just curious how long it'll take to shake it off. So, um, but I definitely want to thank all of our Heartwood neighbors for putting a tremendous, tremendous amount of trust in me. I do not take it lightly at all. Um, I want to thank all of the folks that helped during election season, no matter who your candidate was. Um, being involved in voting local is a huge passion of mine. Um, and it's very, very important. So, thank you for everybody that that does that. Um, I want to thank
074all of you guys, Dr. Smith, um, our previous board members, u Miss Guy, Miss Holstead, and Miss Sigman. Everybody has met with me. We've had sit down. We've, you know, we've gone through a retreat and everything. And it it really is appreciated for how much time you're willing to spend to get us all spun up um and deal with all the thousands of questions. So, so I really appreciate that. Um, I'm looking forward to coni continuing to visit our schools, um, to go to different events, keep learning, go to training things, um, so that I can learn all the ins and outs that I can possibly know. Um, of course, you're never going to know everything because I was talking to Miss Randall, um, I think it was last week, and we're in the business
075of people, right? And we've got kids like six months old all the way up to folks that are 70 plus, you know, in our schools. And with that massive spread of people, it's going to always be changing perspectives, changing issues. Um, so it's it's never completely settled and you never learn everything. So please always let me know what I don't know. Um, because there's a lot that none of us know. So um, other than that, I will warn folks that don't know me that I do tear up quite a bit. Um, I have a lot of emotion, a lot of energy, and sometimes that passion just kind of leaks out through my eyes. Um, so it can be joy, it can be worry, it can be pride. It's totally normal and just ignore it. It's
076totally fine. Um, um, let's see, what else did I have? Oh, if you see me look down while you're talking, I want everybody to know that I am still listening. I take notes. If I don't take notes, it tends to dump out of my brain pretty quickly. And so that helps it kind of stick. So if I'm looking down and I'm typing, I'm not texting. I do not text on my phone at all while I'm in meetings. So, I um am just trying to hear you better. Uh thank you to our community and our school employees um who watch these meetings over here and across the street. Those of you that give us grace and those that are fierce, we need all of you. So, I definitely appreciate it. And other than that, I think
077I am I am I'm good. Oh, I did want to say so we have so many people between our students and our staff. Shockingly, we have more people within those that segment of folks that we take care of and have to budget for than the majority of towns in our country. And that's something that we don't realize. So the budget that our finance team has to deal with, the stuff that our transportation team has to deal with, it's the size of a lot of our towns in our country. And massive and they all do a great job. So, thank you to everybody and hold me accountable. >> Thank you so much. Did you actually bring your tin can with you? >> I did bring my tin can with me. Yes. Right here. >> To remind
078me. I gave everybody a hard time, you know, over the years saying, "Don't kick the can down the road." Well, now I have to carry this can. So, I brought it and it's going to sit up here. And to remind me, you got to make those hard decisions and have those hard conversations. So, >> thank you. >> You're welcome, Miss Blackwell. >> Hello, everyone. And uh let me first start by saying thank you to the Garrisonville district for your voter confidence and for putting me in this seat. Um while I am officially representing you Garrisonville, I will proudly and uh passionately advocate for Stafford County Public Schools as a whole. Um I'd like to thank Dr. Smith and his staff for a seamless on boarding over the last two months or so. Um I'd like
079to once again congratulate or actually say first time congratulate to Dr. Warner congratulate Dr. Warner and Dr. Chase as the new vice chair and new chair and vice chair. I look forward to your leadership and supporting you in any way that I can. Um but I also look forward to working with everyone here on the desk. Um to accomplish the mission that we have been given. Um I realize this is not an easy job. I realize that we won't always arrive at a mission completion. That's my military terminology. without some level of frustrations. But as long as we keep the students, the faculty, and the parents at the forefront, we should get there a little bit easier. Um, I'd like to thank all the individuals who volunteered for the um advisory committee for Garrisonville. Um,
080there are some vacancies. Phone a friend. Um, you can still apply. Uh Missy know that I've been bugging her up until yesterday morning because I had someone to call me or reach out to me at the last minute and uh she got his got him squared away. So thank you Missy. Um, I also want to just say speaking of mission completion, I want to send a shout out to everyone that will be uh completing their walk or uh at Phoenix Center on this Thursday. I will be there cheering them on. And last but not least, I want to share a great fact I learned about Virginia today on this day in 1990. Governor Wilder was inaugurated and to to be the governor. That's all I have. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much.
081>> I just want to say welcome to everyone. We have new year and a lot of new faces. I want to thank the school board for giving um me their vote of confidence. Um, I think one thing that sets the school board apart is that we see our schools as all of our schools and our kids as all of our kids and those are always our priorities in the decisions that we make. And the teachers and the staff are always a priority because we care about them and we know that they do tremendous work for our kids and put in tremendous extra hours. And you can see that in events like Band Together for Hunger and you can see that in and the way the teachers and staff care about the students. So I'm very
082excited to see how this new year goes. Um it's always um it always seems to go fast the second half of the year though. I will say that. Um but I am actually looking forward to like Miss Keely to the warmer weather. Um I don't really have much tonight. Um I think I thank everybody for for coming and I would like to remind um everyone of upcoming meetings. On January 21st we have our joint meeting with the board of supervisors at 5:30. On the 27th there is a special called board meeting and on February 3rd we have our budget town hall. That is something that will be livereamed. We would really like your participation and like you to pay attention to what's going on. I think that our budget is probably one of the most
083transparent budgets that you'll ever see in the county and as you saw in the audit report, we have to answer to a lot of different people who fund us. So, we are very careful. Um, next and our next board meeting is February 10th with a work session at 5:00 and the meeting at 7. And with that, we are adjourned.