Stafford School Board 12 9 2025

001This guy is traffic starting. >> Uh, do I have a motion and a second for the agenda? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Okay. Item one on the agenda, update on Dominion's Energies Kraken Loops project. >> So, I'll kick it off briefly and then send it down to Mr. Cowry and Andre May from Dominion. We did ask Andre to come and speak with us today regarding the the Kraken loop that's being proposed by Dominion Energy. Um as they're looking at um looking at that proposal. Um it does the proposal does involve some easements that go through some of our our school sites um our our current properties and then some of our uh what we have is uh potential future sites. And so I appreciate Andre for

002being here today to talk with us about that and to get some feedback around around that project. Um and so so yeah, I think as a part of that I will share one of the the pieces. Um it does uh go through the Coastal Avenue site um there in Embry Mill. Um and so we did so I know we've shared some concerns there around that and some of the other concerns just as as Dominion came to to me and to us in terms of staff some of our concerns and so asked them to come and speak to the board about those concerns, listen to some of your concerns as well as they're proposing some of those projects. So, with that, I'll turn it over to Jason. Did you have anything you want? We'll turn it

003over to Andre May from Dominion. So, appreciate you being here, Keith. >> Thank you. Thank you very much, sir. Uh, hello everyone. Uh, uh, as Dr. Smith said, my name is Andre May. I'm the external affairs representative for Stafford County with Dominion Energy. Um, and I'm basically here. >> I'm sorry. Could you say your your position again? >> Uh, external external affairs represent. >> External affairs represent. Basically, I'm the liazison between you guys and the and the company. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I have done as much as try to figure out how to get a cat off a pole. >> That happens. >> Yes, it does. >> Our department does that. >> Yes, they do. But they they need to get in contact with us to see about removing power from that >> from that

004poll. So, that was that was one of my most interesting points. >> It could have been worse. You've been a bear. I've seen that happen, too. >> I've seen a raccoon. I've seen a family of raccoons. >> It's not great. >> So, Andre, it might help if you could just kind of describe the project for us where you are in in the process and the process. >> So, uh uh the the North Anna Kraken, uh uh transmission line. Uh basically it's a 70 mile uh corridor uh for a new 500 KBA uh overhead uh uh transmission line. Uh it is almost entirely within our existing rightway uh for property that we own. The only place that we are looking outside of that right away would be in Carolina County. Uh and that's just to mitigate

005some of uh some homes that have uh that are kind of close to the east but that we already have. we'd have to extend that easement out. So, we're looking at that. Uh, but the remainder of it, uh, inside of Louisa, Spotsy, uh, Stafford, uh, Fier, all of that is in an already existing ride of way. Uh, one that we've actually owned since 1965. Okay. >> Uh, it is actually, uh, the the design for is actually to mitigate issues that PJM Uh, are you I'm sorry. Who are you all familiar with what PJM is? >> No. >> Okay. Uh, all right. So, PJM uh PJM is the Pennsylvania, Jersey, Maryland uh electric conglomerate. It's basically made up of 13 states uh where we all uh supply uh power to one grid uh basically to ensure

006reliability. The entirety of the of the uh most of >> I think Texas. I know exactly. >> Yeah. Yeah. Think think think what would happen if if we did. Yeah. Okay. We can get to that in a minute. But basically what it is, uh envision a spider web and Dominion is a spider on that web and uh we need to produce power in order to keep the spider going. Uh so we eat flies. Well, let's say that that spider is on a web and it's also on a web with 12 other spiders. And if that spider gets hungry or needs additional food, then one of the other spiders can produce a fly and shoot it down the web to that other spider. Does that make sense? >> Okay. I I I I've used that I've

007used that analogy and it has worked for me thus far. So I will continue to do so. So this is part of that uh uh that process. Uh every year uh PJM has what's called an open window session where they take a look at uh where there are forecasting there to be issues based off of growth uh long-term uh uh uh looks. Uh they look 10 years down and they look beyond that and they see where they're going to need power. And then they come to the members of of uh PJM and they say, "We need you to build this, this, and this uh within x amount of time." uh PJM has actually told Dominion basically that we need to uh double what it is that we have done in the last 100 years uh

008in about 10 to 13 years uh in order to keep up with demand uh throughout the web uh or throughout the grid. Uh this corridor is actually part of the redundancy for that to help uh mitigate what PJM refers to as violations. violations are uh basically them looking into the future and saying we're going to have a problem here if we don't get uh power to this particular area uh sometime soon. So this was uh actually the route that Dominion came up with uh in order to help mitigate those violations. Um this will go to the SEC. Uh right now this is the this is the very beginning of the process. Uh no, we are not out building this right now. Uh but this is what we have looked at and what we have uh

009said because we own this easement, it is the least costly and the quickest way for us to build this infrastructure in order for us to uh uh to maintain reliability across the system. Can I just you said that that you've had the right of way for since 1960, but the easement across Coastal Mine Road was only approved it was approved maybe 20 years ago, something like that. I mean, if I go back and look at the minutes, it talks about us being paid $40,000 for that easement. So, so maybe like maybe the the one part was since the 1960s, but I >> Well, that I I would say that that that's probably a fair assessment. But what I'm saying is that the oldest portion of this >> the oldest, but not so in other words,

010it's been done in parts. >> There's actually two easements, and it gets a little confusing when you go back through it. There's the one recorded in which is the what most folks see is the 335 foot wide large one coming through and then in 2008 910 some ground there is when it looks I believe it was an underground easement about 90 foot wide >> and and I was going to actually get uh uh get into that. Thank you for claring that. Clarify that. >> I just just >> so the the portion that you're referring to is if I'm looking at this correctly is from here to here where we have an existing underground right of way. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So that's for that 235 line that we placed underground uh almost 20 years ago.

011>> So it is currently an underground. >> There is a currently an underground. Yes. And now you're asking for telling for something um that it's going above ground to >> Yes. So there will be a 500 KVA above ground uh we call it overhead overhead transmission line and it's actually >> And what's wrong with the one that's currently underground? >> There's nothing wrong with that. That one's staying >> both. >> Yes. >> So what's going on is the I don't think I >> but the black and white is current over over headlines. Correct. >> No, these are all underground. This is >> the purple is underground. >> Purple is underground, >> but the black and white >> No, the black and white line is the uh >> it's the study area, what we call it.

012It's basically a mile on either side >> because aren't there overhead lines between Embry Mill and Hampton Oaks. >> There are, if you go up and look at the coastal a site, there are some overhead lines in that area, but I'm >> those those are likely you're probably talking about distribution lines. Three phase. >> Are they are they three phases on a on a on a telephone pole? >> Okay. >> Can I use your >> board? >> All right. Because I because I was in in uh distribution for eight years, I can actually show you what what we're talking about here. Uh so there are two types of there two different types of lines. >> Well, four well two different types of lines and two different types of systems. You have your overhead and you

013have your underground. what you're probably talking about. Let's see if I can get this is something that basically looks like this. And it's got one here, one here, and one here. Is that what you're what you're looking at? >> Correct. >> Now, they're not wood. They're metal lines. >> Well, they No, no, the lines are are >> I mean, the metal post, right? >> Right. But it's basically It's a small It's a small pole. Probably about >> uh 20 to 30 feet in the air. Mm. >> Or are you talking >> these are like the big metal ones? >> Are you talking about an H frame that looks like this? >> More like that. Okay. So, that could be a distribution line. >> Okay. >> All right. But that's likely going to be in this

014area. I think you might be talking about the 235 that's already that was already existing and what we then took underground. >> Is that it? Are you are you coastal site here? So like this is >> No, no, that's that's that's this. >> Okay. Yeah, >> that's this. >> This is standing from mine road looking up towards the coastal >> that's that's distribution. That's not it. >> And so this would be in addition to those lines. >> Distribution and transmission are two different things. Uh transmission is basically from the power plant to a substation to um and then from that substation it then transfers over to what's called distribution lines and that's what goes to your house. It's like going from the ocean to a river to a creek to out your fossil. >> Okay.

015>> So okay because you can't you can't use what comes out the ocean in your out your fossil. So, I don't see anything in here about the impact to the actual end user here, which is the consumer of the energy and what it will look like on their bill at the end of the day to import all of this energy or put all of this energy here. And I also don't see anything here about the health ramifications of running this level of power through and underneath or near our schools because I think we're clear that there is some health concerns related to these high power tension lines as it goes. And we have kids that are spending a good majority of their day in these buildings for a long period of time. And this is

016a substantial amount. This is a substantial increase. Like this to me, this is awful. No offense. I get that it's not you, but this is awful to me. on our if if you actually go to dominion energy.com and actually look up our uh we we call it powerline101, we actually have a section that deals with EMFs and uh and their effects uh uh based off of scientific studies and all of and the cool fascinating part about it is that all of those studies are actually studies that have been done and peer-reviewed by multiple scientists. They're not our own studies. These are studies that we have gone to uh universities to to see what they have done and the research that they have done on >> you don't know me so you don't know that that

017doesn't actually that's what I'm saying >> that actually doesn't hold a lot away with me no offense to you again it's not offense to you it's just because each individual is super different the way their body reacts to different things and has so studies to me are generalizable only to the population that's being studied and for me this increased first of all what what's the implic I don't know anything about what the implications are to the ecosystem. I know what this all looks like out in Latin County and it looks like a big giant >> mess, >> awful mess. And it terrifies me that we're going to think about bringing this through Stafford County when we already have all this other mess coming here. So, I'm very concerned about what this looks like for the

018future of Stafford County and our residents. And what I'm hearing, even though I'm seeing public outreach and engagement, you said a few times, we already own this land. We already have these easements. So, it sounds to me like it doesn't matter what the people want. You're doing it anyway, >> right? >> And I feel like right to be upfront about that. >> This is actually No, no, no, no. Let's let's be let's let's be let's be honest about it. This is an easement on on land that we already own. And it's part of uh uh our company's ongoing uh uh mandate to provide affordable, reliable, and increasingly clean energy. And one of those things that we do is we work with the uh with the PJM to ensure that we're able to do that in

019the most costly manner uh cost-effective manner that we possibly can. Uh that's what happens when you we work with the SEC. Uh the SEC will look at any design that we have, any uh uh any alternate route that we may have come up with and they will take a look at everything that we send them. And this is after we have uh talked to community leaders, we've talked to to residents, we've talked to people that will be impacted to try to ensure that we cause the least amount of impact and do it in the most supportive way. The SEC will then take all of that. They'll look at it and they'll decide which one we actually they actually want us to utilize. Or they may look at it and go, you know what, we don't

020like any of these. We're going to do our own study. And then that's the one that you're going to do with this one. This is the most cost effective because like I said, we already own the easement, so we don't have to go through and actually purchase additional equipment for it for the vast majority of it. Uh you said that you were uh were worried about uh transmission lines around the schools. Correct. >> I'm worried about any of this coming or near our kids under the what it does to the soil, what it I mean, we can't deny >> Well, the underground one is is is already there. But >> you're talking about an amplification here. that I can't imag and I'm very familiar with PJM and what very familiar with them. My sister used

021to do energy for a very long time although she was on the nuclear side of things but I'm very familiar with PJM and I do not think that they're looking for the most affordable solution but that's a conversation for a different day and not your problem because you're Dominion. By the way, every time my power has gone out Dominion has been wonderful. It's been fixed in a reasonable amount of time. So I have no problem with power or Dominion. >> Best part of >> I just don't like this. So, so what is the and you guys are and I apologize that I was a few minutes late but >> is this going to go underground or is there is that an option? Oh no. So that that's what I was that's one of the things

022I was I know you said you are looking at underground but but you're looking at uh the cost for attempting to put first of all there's only one uh 500 KVA line that's underground within the United States and that's only three miles and that's out in California and that was an astronomical cost and the cost is because let me go back to the board. >> I love this. Oh, no. I I wanted to be, believe it or not, >> in and I was going to be a high school science teacher. >> Oh, I was wondering, >> well, you know, we are hiring, aren't we? >> And how wide that is? >> It really depends on on the on the frame and the structure. Uh, >> how high and wide are ours going to be? >>

023It once again, we're not at that point where we, like I said, we're at the very beginning of So, with an underground, with an underground line, you have to have what's called uh uh what is the name of that station? Uh sub. >> No, it's not a substation. It's it's uh it's actually another name. They'll come back in. So, you do have a substation for under when you're underground. So, everybody sees all of this all of these lines that come out of our substations. If you wanted to go uh to go underground, you have to actually hit another type of substation, which allows it to be put underground and then it goes out to connect. You can only go so far with that line before you have to actually build >> Another one that brings

024it above above ground and then sticks it back below. >> Okay. >> Maybe you should >> and then you have to continue to do that. These >> these stations these stations >> take up 10 acres. >> What? >> Oh wow. >> They take up 10 acres. So we would have what what KVA line >> uh for uh for any type of c uh KVA that you put underground that three mile uh stretch that you had has one of these at the very beginning and then it has one uh at the very end that then brings it above line so that so the power can be utilized. This is what we would be looking at in that corridor. And then along that corridor, we'd be looking at multiple additional uh 10 acre sites that we'd have

025to have to clear, have to put, have to purchase land around, have to bring it up. >> We currently don't own a 10 >> because we don't own a 10acre easement >> and build there aren't a lot available. >> Exactly. >> And then also how is this that you can do? Also, this would take uh would also increase the amount of time that it takes in order to build it. In order to put one of those 500 KVA lines underground, you'd have to if you push these tables together, that would be the size of the trench that you would have to have to dig. And you'd have to dig multiple trenches because it's a circuit. So, you're looking at three of those going in one direction and then three coming back in the other. So

026then they have to be put uh then they have to be put in conduit then they have to be checked they have and all the other maintenance that comes onto it when you get done it it can sometimes increase the cost by sevenfold of what you're looking at and it takes like I said a a longer amount of time in order to do this PJM is saying we don't have that uh that time and then I'm sure nobody here wants to pay that cost for what it would do cost to do this for the thing about that people the people the people that the thing that people uh tend to not uh see or understand when it comes down to technology is that everything looks great but until the technology catches up it's costly to

027do things and we're constantly working on new technological advances and things like that. I mean 100 years ago there were all kinds of transmission lines crisscrossing downtown Richmond. You walk through downtown Richmond now, a lot of that is underground. And all of that is actually, if you look at the uh the Richmond Times from 100 years ago, there was an editorial that was written from a from a business owner who was saying, "Oh, I can't stand the way that this looks. you got all these all of these lines criss-crossing across the uh the streets and the the uh the actual president of the then I believe it's Richmond Railway and the electric is what it was called actually wrote an answer to him and said hey I get it I understand but right now we

028don't have the technology to put that underground but I promise you at some point we will have that technology >> so fast forward in the next 10 years that same editorial is going to be written about Stafford It's it very well could be. I mean, I'm not saying that it could, but what I'm saying is is that this is not the end all be all for right now. Yes, absolutely. This is what we're >> for right now. There's no alternative except to put it above ground. >> Exactly. >> So, can we like >> I am confident you 100% just explain this, but again, like a kindergartener, what is the difference between the lines that we currently have buried and the lines that we're asking you to consider burying? Like why why is it different? At

029the time that we got that easement, the technology for a 235 line actually uh came into into being >> and so we were able to pivot and go, okay, you know what, we have this technology, let's go ahead and try to utilize it for this. And we were able to put it underground. >> Okay. So, >> right now that technology doesn't exist in a in such a manner where we could do 70 miles of of line in order to do it. >> And how long is the underground easement we have currently? It's only through the Where does the >> I know it doesn't go the whole way, but there's like a a stretch of it that is >> through our site specifically. >> No, the whole underground pilot. >> You mean the one they put

030in a few years? A couple I think it was like 20 years. >> That That's it right here. >> That's it. >> From Aqua Harbor to Garrisonville. >> So, not that far. Um, you said it's three lines you're putting in above ground and you said that you had three the trenches. So, >> no, no, I'm saying for for an entire circuit is three. Okay. Because you have a phase, bphase, and cphase. >> I guess my my biggest concern is just does it make that proper site um usable, unusable? Well, I did the math on that like a while ago, but when you remove the 330 foot easement, it reduces that usable site to about 15 and 12 acres. >> And I don't know that we can put an elementary there, let alone a middle if

031it's 15 and a half. I mean, Jason is pretty good, but >> so that's one of the reasons that we asked for the for the uh uh the plans for whatever school it is that you guys are planning to put there because our engineers can work with uh with you guys to actually come up with what would be the most feasible way to put this. I mean, we've already looked at at some of the other schools that have like fields and whatnot. Uh and which is why I actually pulled this up. Uh you guys are probably familiar with Brook Point High School. >> Yeah. >> Okay. This is a transmission corridor. And actually, let's see if I can get it. I'm going to put it right here next to the tennis court. >> Is it

032where the new tennis courts are? Or the old tennis courts? >> Or the old tennis courts? >> The old tennis courts. The new tennis courts are back behind the football field. >> Yeah. >> Oh, I was looking at this right here. There you are. >> And there's the transmission tower. >> So that's similar to what's going to go what is being proposed. >> Well, it's giving you an idea of what you what you >> No. What we're proposing uh >> is worse. >> No, no, no. We're actually proposing monopoles which will carry a circuit on either side. >> Can you show a picture? I mean, >> unfortunately, once again, well, yeah, I can draw one. don't have to board. >> No. Uh and and actually I think I think it might be one on our

033website, but a monopole is basically just a single pole >> and then at the top it's got an arm here, an arm here, an arm here, an arm here, and it carries the lines >> like this. >> Oh, I've seen those too, >> right? >> And how tall is it? >> That's part of what it is that we're we're looking at right now. Uh because like I said, we're at the very beginning. Yeah, there it is. North Ken Loop. If you scroll down to the bottom, I want to say that there scroll that down. >> Remember what is >> that's power lines 101. >> Interact. >> It's up higher >> right there. Click on one of those. Here it is. >> That's actually geo force. Yeah. Oh, okay. Uh yeah, click I agree. Don't worry,

034it's not following you. >> That's what a monopole will end up looking like. >> But with the all those wires will be going over our schools and grounds, too. >> But that's what that's what I'm saying. That's why we're working with with you guys to see what it is that we can do to actually mitigate it. I do know that, you know, they're saying talking about staying to the southern part of the east. Why? because it it uh apparently a lot of what it is that you guys have down there is actually already >> seems >> uh on the ground. And if we could do something like maybe switch around the orientation of a field, then it puts the outfield where the lines are. >> When you talk about the field, is that you and

035your dollars or us? >> Those those are things that we're that we're talking about that we're that we're discussing. Remember, we're when you look at this, it's not like we're just coming in to do this. We have student we have uh people that actually live in these neighborhoods and go here. My my god brother has two twin boys that actually attend one of the middle schools uh uh that you guys that's actually in this corridor. I wouldn't want them being around anything dangerous. I wouldn't want them being around anything that could be remotely dangerous. But there is no way in the world a kid is going to be able to hit one of these cords with anything and anything happen. It's just like it's basically what you're looking at here is uh >> that is

036>> even if a uh a a bird were to actually land on one of these lines, nothing happens. It's it's a whole complex thing. But I'm going to give you a story now because I watched this summer I watched after a storm these power lines I don't know what else is on there but I watched them collapse on each other spark and collapse on each other in New Jersey fall to the ground live wire burn themselves out on the way down or whatever it was. But but again like there's no way that you can't say that won't happen in these areas. >> Two questions. Was it was it distribution or was it trans uh uh transmission? It was just a regular overhead line in a neighborhood distribution. That's because those are still live wires. I

037also watched one of those people set themselves on fire one day. >> Okay. So, I'm just saying and I get that when she cuts the electricity. The point for me is that I don't know. I get where the power demand is coming from. We're building tons of houses. They want to put all these data centers up. Somebody's got to facilitate that. Something's got to facilitate all that power drain or stop all that from actually happening so we don't need so much of it. But that's my utopia. Before I do, >> the other part of it is, hold on. I'm sorry. I'm I'm not mad at you. I hope you don't feel it against you. I'm just like this whole thing for me is very disturbing because I really believe that we haven't gone the full-fledged

038force of whatever. And there's no way it's not going to impact the people, the end user. It's no there's no way it's not going to you're going to tell these people what you're going to do, how you're going to do it, and then you're going to charge them extra money to do it. So, that's really upsetting to me. I know what you're saying, Maya, but my words need to be on the record. And I think we need to also kind of like we we are talking about this globally but I think we need to talk about again school impact like what is the actual impact >> what is the timeline for construction that would be during >> okay this is Maggie Walker this is their track downtown. >> Yeah >> that's one of our distribution

039lines >> going over the stadium. Um like is it are those two boxes part of the stadium? I don't know what those >> uh that's actually the uh >> gray boxes there. No, no, no. Go that way. >> Can I go point? >> Yes, this is part of the track. >> Yeah, this is the track. >> No, no, no, no, no. See those gray boxes? >> These What are these? >> Uh are those holes maybe? >> Or field? Yeah, it looks like fields. >> Field houses. >> Oh. Oh, okay. Okay. So, if you're talking about putting these on our sites, then I have to wonder and that's the construction timeline. >> Are you interfering with our school days? Are you talking about doing this only over summer? >> Are you and once again >> cuz

040I'm I'm sorry. I get it. >> I don't want you on my site when my kids are there. >> It's it's that that's part of that's part of the timeline and everything else that's being worked out now. And that's one of the things that that I can actually get you an answer for. I'm pretty positive that that that that is taken into into account. >> And like functionally cuz how long does this type of work take? Are we talking about something that you can start in May and be done by August or is it like we're going to do the messiest part over the summer but then there will still be some ongoing like finishing work while school all of that >> like that kind of thing. All of that is totally dependent upon the

041construction timeline which once again we're at the very beginning of it. >> Like one of the things that we have that we have been able to discuss is that I'm so sorry. I don't mean and I love your outfit by the way. I I just had the Spongebob lunch meal. So it's great. >> Um we don't >> but okay let's say this is uh one of your school properties. Okay. What we have looked at is the capability of making sure that one there are no poles. There will be no poles that are actually in the ground that we're actually be able to string it across >> the prop across the school. >> No poles on school property. >> That's one of the things that we're looking at >> just outside. >> Right. Exactly. >> Uh

042so that that doesn't uh hinder it as well. That kind of answers your question about how we're talking the construction minimize school if possible. How does it affect the ground the the lines of the transmission lines are already buried there? >> That's we take that into consideration. That's Oh, I think I flipped this. >> That's uh if the transmission line will be on the other side that that line that's already underground, we're not digging that up or anything. Okay. Stand right there for that section that it's in. >> So, because I mean this goes through quite a few school sites. So, you've it goes through Mountain View, it goes through Rodney Towns Middle School, HH Pool. Um, it goes through the coastal property, >> um, which is a a school site >> consideration. It's it's

043Yeah, it goes through an awful lot of our schools. >> Right. And that's that's what I'm saying. That's why we are uh that's why we're working with you guys on what it is that we could do >> to to as much as you can. >> Right. Right. Okay. So, it's your agement and you need the transmission lines because you've got to double whatever you put in 100 within the last 100 years in the next 10. >> The other part of this is that we can't incur the expense of any thing that gets torn up because while you're just putting in those lines, you have equipment coming on and things being done. So, land land not associated with the lines will be damaged. >> I I can tell you this. I do know that in our

044that our construction plan takes into uh account that that we want to leave it better than what it was that we that we found. >> Okay. So like when I tell my kid to clean his room >> and he says, "Mom, it's clean." I have a I have to take a picture, >> stick it on his wall >> and say, "This is clean. This is not." >> So just reminding that while you put it back, >> I want it to be my loving, not yours. So, let let me let me let me tell you a story about along the lines of how I deal with the cat thing. So, let's say you were to go out to a site that we've already done and we said, "We're done. We're gone." And you go out there

045and you say, "Hey, this right here is still a mess. >> Look at these ruts. Look at this. Look at that." >> That's when you would talk to Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith would call me, send me pictures of it. And then I take the the construction supervisor out and I go, "Hey, what are we going to do about this?" And then they come back and they fix it. >> Those those are the That's what I do. That's why I'm here. >> That's your liaison job. >> That's my liaison job. Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. You know, it's just that the the main trunk that goes across it's running east to west is going through highly developed residential and school sites. >> And the southbound lead looks a little less looks like there's more open spaces. Yes,

046ma'am. >> Well, that's why they want to put all the data centers there. >> That's why they want to put all the data >> I that I can't answer. >> Yeah. No, but that they've told us that they like having >> close to power. No, no, no, no. If >> that's >> because this is a 500 line. >> You can't tap into a 500 line for a data center. It's it's other things that have to go on uh in order for them to do stuff like this. >> Right. But there's already there's already a transmission line that Right. Exactly. So that so for that 230 lot 235 uh 235 >> that's what's underground right now. >> That's what's underground up here but it's overhead here. >> It's over here on this down. >> We're just

047we're colllocating in that >> in that uh corridor. >> So yeah. So if if if and I and I I say this with with all sincerity. If a >> if a data uh if a data center developer comes to you guys and say, "Oh, I've already talked to Dominion. Yeah, we're going to put it right here, give me a call." >> So this >> so that I can I can I can qualify that statement because a lot of times we're finding that that developers are actually just going in saying that they've talked to us about stuff and they haven't. So the 70 miles is it start where does it start? >> It starts in >> uh no it starts in Louisa County at Northampton. >> Okay. So it's way up. Okay. So the section that

048goes just through Stanford County is how long? >> Oh I am so sorry. I don't know that off the top of my head. >> I will I can get you that number. >> Yeah. I'm just curious. >> Yeah, I'll have to get you that number and get it back to scale. >> So, I feel like I read that the monopoles are as proposed to be at like 200 ft. Is that what we had in Lowden or am I thinking of I know I read that 200 foot, but I can't remember if that was for this project or what's been used in >> So, I don't think that that's for I'm not sure about the heights for these uh I and I don't want to give you any any numbers because uh I thought that it

049was one thing and it could very well be it could also be on the site. >> Let's see if they've gotten that far >> because I don't think our existing lines that we've all like seen or pictured are quite that high. So I'm trying to get a sense of is it a little bit higher than what we have? Is it a lot higher? Is it about the same? Like that's where what I've been trying to >> see fact sheet. No, it's not on this one. There is a diagram that we have that actually shows you uh what the heights are. I want to say it was between 130 and 160 uh feet. >> Okay. >> But don't quote me on that. I will actually find find that out for you. So each of these easements

050are going to have the 200 and whatever voltage lines underground and an additional 500 over is what we're saying. >> So that underground that you were that you're referring to. >> Yes. >> The only section that is still underground. >> It's just for quiet and garrison building. >> Okay. >> That's the only one that's underground. And yes, there will be a 500 that goes through here >> additional. >> Yes. And we can't even put that stretch of whatever this is underground >> since you've already started there. >> No, we No, the reason that we can't put it underground is because of the technology and the cost. >> And the cost. >> Okay. >> I understand the technology. I don't believe the cost. >> Well, I think PGM could absorb a little of that if they

051wanted to. They got plenty. But, um, they're not going to ever That's my concern. This is all going to fall on the people that live in Stafford County. There's no way around it, and they don't have a single say in this. It it it's It's absurd to say that we're gonna take public comment and listen to what the people say when there's literally no way around this. Well, I I will say this. Dominion uh did partner with the SEC and they did they did pass our our uh our request for a new schedule for high-end uh for high-end users where high-end energy users will bear the cost of 85% uh of the upfront cost for the build and then they must pay 65% for the next 14 years no matter what it is that they

052utilize. uh uh as far as energy cost goes. So that's to help uh ensure that they are paying their fair share of what it is that's being >> pass and um high end user >> but highend user >> define a high-end user >> the ones that are going to be paying this extra bill. >> Yeah. Uh folks that are are are looking at uh like data centers. Uh I think some big box warehouses fall into that category. Commercial stuff like that. >> Yeah. So Amazon will just jack up their prices on you to pay for their power bill. >> Okay. Lillian Hill. >> I don't think they're going to do that. I >> So the what I'm hearing is that the problem is is that we don't like how the power lines are going to

053be going near the schools. But with this being my third high school, one being in Idaho and one being in Missouri, we have power lines right next to our schools and there wasn't really an issue with them. Like student wise, there wasn't really an issue with them. Like in Missouri, we lived in middle of nowhere Missouri and there were power lines on our school property like where we went out for recess there was one literally on our property and even then we didn't like >> it wasn't really a problem with it and it was the ones that were way more complex than the just the you know I I don't I'm I'm a little confused on why it's such a problem that there would be power lines near the schools if there's like not really

054an issue wise they're going to tear up our property. >> I think it depends also on the community and what they're used to >> and and what they want, right? If you go to Lowden, my one of my girlfriends lives in Ldon data center is her next door neighbor. She has no problem with that. You know, she says, "I love my taxes low and our schools being good." So, it depends on the community's culture, >> right? >> And here in Stagard, this ain't it. That's the problem. That's what my takeaway. This is not what we want, but this is what we about to get. >> Yeah. >> But the the but the even even with that said, okay, that's why I'm here. So that we can work together to make it as amenable to the

055to the community as possible. >> And I'm just telling you respectfully, it won't be amenable. It will just be what you're going to give us. >> Okay. >> Well, I mean, what we're going to tell you is we don't want to see it. And if you can't bury it, take it, put it someplace else. Can you put it can you put it like in the atmosphere because we don't want to hear >> there are several items within this easement that we are working with our neighbors to mitigate. There's a somebody built a playground out there in one in one uh community. Somebody decided to put uh >> and the decision to make to do those things is because we were never told and we're coming back for more. We were told here's your underground and

056we were all good. >> But then when no one said and we're coming back to, you know, stretch Armstrong above your >> But but Susan, that's that's the fault of our board right at the time. We signed a contract, gave them the easement, took 40 grand, and didn't say, "Great, it's going to be underground, and if you want to do anything else, that's not what this easement says." And that and I don't know whether that can be done, but it wasn't done. >> But this is that's as maddening to me as being held to a 1989 deal for 784 homes, not giving a single consideration for what life would look like when that 1989 or that 30-year warranty ended in general. And that's >> I I get it, but at the end of the day,

057there's literally no way out once you're in that moment in time. There's no way to account for your standing at that moment. And we are just continually locked into it. And the only people paying for it are the people who live in the in the community right now. That's it. >> And that's the part that is like this is above and beyond dominion. But you know when Miss Healey often says we can't do anything that will obligate future boards. Well these easements from the 80s7s 1965. >> We are obligated. I just wanted to point one thing out to go back to what it is that you were saying >> uh about about paying for you know that that the local local community would be paying for it. >> The cost for this is spread over

058our entire footprint. Okay. So regardless of where this would have been built, it would still it would still end up on a rider somewhere. This is the most cost effective way that we can come up with on how to do it. So that's so that's why we're >> when would we have the would we see the proposals for the transmission line >> as as as we >> before the >> yeah as we go along as we go along in this process I I will be you know keeping you a breast of everything that we do. You'll probably even meet uh Matt Cunningham the the uh uh project manager or uh our transmission guy on this Rob Richardson. you you're going to meet all of them, but I I'm here to let you know that we

059are working with this with you all. >> So, what would be a good like a reminder like should we touch base again in like >> February, March? I see that it's a second quarter 2026. >> Sure. >> So, is when you expect to propose to SEC? So, >> you you'll hear from us before then. >> Sure. to have you guys come back and do something public facing >> um maybe look in you know just to put a tickler so we don't forget in like February or March >> to come back and get an update like we are doing this one >> because I feel like I mean honestly >> the people in this room would talk about this >> forever the people in this community are talking about this forever yes >> but if we

060don't have answers you know this is just the beginning of our conversation I think >> but the But the main the main takeaway is is that we we are working with with you guys. We're working with uh with Josh. We're working with Dr. Smith. We are looking at everything that we can in order to to do what we can for the community as well. >> Can I just clarify two quick things on the easement side because I just want to make sure this is clear. Again, there are two easements and we're still on our end doing a little bit of research trying to understand these um exactly, but the original 335 foot easement that spans the sites was from 1965. >> Um that's that's the larger right of way that Andre is referring to. The

06190 uh foot one was was the one in 2008 910. Um that's for the underground. Um, and just to be clear, that was that was the one that the $40,000 was part of. And also be clear, that was under that was the developer who signed that agreement. Um, and uh the there was a there was an agreement that included the school board, a memorandum of understanding, memorandum of agreement, I'm sorry, at that time. Um, uh, but it was it was under threat of con of uh condemnation as well. So there was it was clear that that >> it was something that was going to to occur, right? So um just to be clear in terms of the timelines of the easements and and how those came about >> that they're now on our on on

062the property that we own. The the ones from 65 would have been there when we purchased the property. The ones from 2008 910 would were were later after we purchased the property. >> Well, and we didn't purchase it. It was profered. Right. Correct. The one the one specifically >> I don't think it's ours yet. >> Coastal, >> right? I thought it was belongs to the county. >> Coastal lab is correct. >> I would still like the just the length, the distance as it travels through Stafford because it will impact six six potent six school sites, five existing and one potential. >> Right. I will get uh they will I will actually have them build a uh uh a new map that will actually show the distances for you. >> I I appreciate that. Not a

063problem. >> Well, thank you very much. I'm sure we will see you you back here soon. Um, we are going to move on to our >> on our if I if I if I may. Just just two quick seconds. Uh, number one, what part of Missouri are you from? >> I used to live in Summersville, so land of the Ozarks. >> Yeah, I'm from St. Louis, Missouri. >> Born and raised there. So, I know exactly south. >> Yeah. Yeah, I knew where that was. And then, uh, I'm so sorry, but I do not know your name. >> Alyssa Holl. Uh, Miss Holston. Okay. So, we have, you mentioned uh uh uh lines falling and and whatnot in New Jersey. >> Well, I need to get back to that. >> Right. Right. Uh we have and

064just just for your own comfort, we are an industry leader uh when it comes to safety. Uh there are multiple contingencies that keep things from from happening like that. You may see a fire like like that, but I promise you we there's already some type of safety mechanism that's working in order to um we have our fuses, the different types of conductors that we use. There's all kinds of different things that we utilize in order to one, not only stop that from from occurring and then to deenergize that line, but then also to re-energize it from a different uh from a different direction so that we can then get in there and work on that line and get back out. >> So, for the record, I I I know I believe that, but and it's

065fascinating on all levels, but this is just a lot. >> But thank you. I definitely appreciate it. >> Yeah. >> All right. Not a problem. And like I said, uh uh you guys have my my contact information. >> Are are you familiar with the u the group towering concerns? It it started in Stafford when the last proposal came in to build the above ground and eventually the decision was made to do it underground. It was a a very strong reaction in Stafford County and it's just for that that small section that you talked about but you know the proposal from Dominion was to come in and build it above ground and the community was very um instrumental very yes instrumental and and our legislators um as well in getting those lines buried and it was

066a substantial cost but it >> right but that that's what I was saying is that at that point uh at that point in time The technology was there but it was very costly >> and at the time the leaders of Dominion decided >> let's give it a shot and see what happens >> at the cost >> and going to the SEC and the political input and you know there's a lot of lot of factors involved in my point is missed it's never done until the SEC makes a decision >> and the public will have an opportunity and read somewhere that you're going to do a presentation at the for library or someone's going to presentation at the library somewhere. >> I think it already happened. >> Did it happen already? I saw it somewhere that

067they were doing like when I was in Florida something in the um in our field. >> All right, we have a hard stop. >> Thank you guys very much. Please, you know, if you have any other questions, let me know and I'll get them back to you. >> Happy holiday. as well. >> Oh my gosh, she just said, "Oh my god." >> Okay. Update on the Drew Middle School rebuild project. >> So, when we uh last time we were actually back in the spring when we talked to you about this, we laid out several dates. We come back to you with some updates on the new rebuild for Edry Drew Junior Middle School. And so, this is just one of those updates to continue to keep you um up to speed on some of the

068work that's been that's taking place regarding the rebuild, the design, and everything associated. Sorry. >> Thanks. Um, thank you, Dr. Smith. Um, and we just have a brief presentation um, here tonight, but happy to answer any questions. >> Um, so um, and Tom Lee from Samaha is here with us as well if you have any specific questions. But, um, just real quick, um, we've been at this for quite a while now, had a lot of meetings. Um, but, uh, we're we're coming down the home stretch now. Um, we've got design plans. I think fourth uh fourth submission of design is currently under review at the county. Um, we are on track um for bidding in that February time frame. So, we're moving quickly towards the end. It's hard to believe that uh that's going to

069be here before we know it. Um, so this will probably be our last substantive update to the board from a a design um perspective. Um so, um and I'll I'll defer to Tom here in a bit, but just again a little bit of background on this. Um a couple key updates. Um right, so this was something um that was the Drew Middle School site was identified. The Drew Middle School need for the rebuild was >> it's been a long time coming. Um but most recently updated in >> last last year's or previous year's CIP. We did recently reduce the cost by approximately $6 million. Uh so that's a a a good move I think in the right direction. So we're at 107 uh million total right now. Um we have purchased the Oaknull Farm site.

070It's a three-story building, 176,000 square ft accommodating, 1100 students. Um, again, this billboard's probably familiar with this, but just again for everybody's um re refresher, uh, the bus loops in the front. The, uh, parking is in the back with the call and ride loop where drop offs and pickups are occurring. >> Can I ask real quick, what is the square footage of our other middle schools? >> You can tell them later. >> We'll look it up right now. >> Your phone a friend. component. >> That's big. 176. >> It is. It is. It's It's a little larger than what we initially started. >> And is it like what is it compared to our high schools? >> Um, so the new high schools 300 300 >> But I'm talking current high schools. >> That's over like

071300 plus too. I mean >> that's about 280 to 300. The 176 also includes those locker pond areas we added >> which can be like cold dark shell type of situation where you can grow out >> which could expand the student capacity up to 1300 students in the future. 1300. Okay. >> Right. Um some of the landscape buffers, again, this was a bit of a concern from the community. So, we worked um pretty closely um still working with some of the neighbors out there, one of whom is a landscape a landscaper himself. Um getting some very direct input on the types of plants. Um so, we're still working through some of that, but um upgraded enhanced landscaping buffers provide I think bigger. >> So, we're going above and beyond what is county requires. >> Okay.

072Um and >> yeah, at what cost are we doing this? >> Um we're we're in the tens of thousands, I would say. We're not in the >> tens of thousands. >> Yeah. Not in the hundreds. >> 10 or 100? >> 10 tens or 100? I don't think we're we're there. But uh this again was was seen as something that was worthwhile to the project. Um and then the buffers continue down towards the front of the site there along Leland Road. Uh talking through traffic improvements here. One of the key things again is that we are realigning the intersection of Cliff Farm Road um to be 90 degrees with Leland Road. That's going to include some substantial grading clearing of vegetation and so forth along Leland Road to provide better intersection site distance. Um, and then

073there'll be some improvements along Leland Road, including turn lanes. >> And how much on the other side of the school property acreage wise will we still own? Cuz >> it's about um I think it's right around nine nine to 10 acres. >> 9 to 10 acres across the street. >> And don't quote me on that. That's that's from >> We confirm. We'll double check. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's fine. Thank you. >> More like 13. >> Okay. 13. >> I was about 12. Yeah, that's okay. >> That's what I >> Jason was right. 10 10 is the the flip of property. >> Oh, the Y that's right. Thanks. >> Okay. >> Um and then and then just along Cliff Farm Road itself, a large portion of that road will be rebuilt. Obviously, we'll be adding turn

074lanes and tapers and so forth uh for front of the school itself. And then do we have to do something at the end of Clifton Road for if buses over >> buses go past the school? >> Nothing is required. Um but it is >> necessary. >> It is part of where our property is and we have gone out recently and put down some additional gravel in that area because >> do you do that yearly? We we definitely go out there regularly and keep an eye on it and we've got good communication with the folks, >> the neighbors out there if there's >> So with the school there, it sounds like it would be a little bit more than once a year. >> I think it would probably increase in frequency just because we have more

075community traffic in that area. Yes. >> Right. >> Yes. I think the answer is yes. >> Okay. Um and then uh the flashing school zone signals. We are working on the final placement of those but likely along not only Cliff Farm Road but also up on road as well. And then >> pedestrian accommodations along Cliff Farm Road and Leland. Um we are putting a walking path and and sidewalks along um along both those sections of roads so that that will help um the community and ultimately hopefully connect to a wider pedestrian network. Is that going to be fencing, guardrails, anything like that? Because >> the traffic along that stretch, um, if you're, you know, obviously it would not be a walk zone for Leland station, but if you expect that people will walk because they

076do, when, you know, if we are tracking the train schedule, the train schedule and the traffic that accompanies the train schedule is a lot. So the the answer is we're not doing fencing guardrail because it's not warranted in this situation. There's enough clear zone setback. So we're so VOTE has a standard of how far back the trails are walking walkable, you know, sidewalk and so forth would have to sit. So this would be um I I I don't have the number in front of me, but I'm thinking it's in the 10 to 15 foot type of range, but I I can get a little more information. Are we putting the walkways in the V dot rightway? >> That's what I was going to say because there's residences but >> maintains those walkways once we put

077them in. >> Well, VOTE would maintain the the areas that are within their rightway that would become part of their maintenance. There are some sections where of course coming up to the school site and so forth we would maintain >> because there residences on Leland Road between the train station and the school site, >> but but what we're installing is all within the VOTE right away. >> Um to to a to a point, yes. Um and again there are areas obviously where we're connecting up to a road but yes um John I'm going to refer to you here for a minute. Do you recall um is all the section along Leland in the right of way? Do you recall that by chance? >> Okay. I believe we're fully within the right way along Leland as

078well but I'll double check. >> Yeah. I just don't want to have an issue with the neighbor that we're on property. >> Sure. Sure. >> Okay. >> Um We talked about this a little bit before, but the proposed traffic flow again um keeping those buses up in the front to desegregate them as much as possible from the um the student and visitor parking traffic that might be coming in to the back. Um 244 uh we can park up to 244 cars, 28 buses. Um so this is a compare with our other middle schools parking numbers. This is u most of our middle schools are a little a little over 200 but not this is >> so we're not far >> this is a little bit more >> above >> okay >> where we would typically

079>> that's good I mean where you're located this >> especially with the auditorium space then we are going to future start times and maybe even big games as well like in our middle schools to start this >> in line with our high schools or like is there any Remember at our retreat where we were given a comment that people can't understand us when they're listening because we are all talking at once. If we could just take turns and SA was finishing. No, I was hearing three different conversations. I grew up in a big family so I'm used to it. But, you know, it is hard and if you could finish resp. >> I just want to know if we have if we're going to be looking in the future to to maybe condense or modify

080our start time so we don't have such a wide differential and maybe look towards getting middle schools start a little bit earlier so that some of these to your point if if >> I don't know the train times are are they on board with this? I would assume that nine and four are high level train arrival times as well. Also, do we have any hope of the future and by we I mean the folks going to really any middle school of condensing these time frames and you know >> so yeah I mean I think in terms of that I'm happy to look at start times I've looked at that a little bit in terms of here but I I do think that it's a it is a community conversation we we would need to have

081um in terms of how we go about doing that. I think if you're especially if you're looking at consolidating and putting all secondary schools at at the same time, which I think is kind of what something you're saying, it's a lot more in terms of transportation we'd have to look at. So there would be a lot that goes into it. Uh I'll say I didn't have any immediate plans to look at necessarily changing start times considering we just changed them I think not too long ago. >> Well, I guess I guess my thought process is and right not right away but like once we get high school six open and we're able to kind of better understand what it means to not have to travel. I'm sorry Hartwood High. >> Darn it. How did I

082do it? How did I do it now? I know, right? I'm so sorry. Um, so really being able to take a look at the impact that not having to transport all those kids cross county has and how that may help us be able to maybe look at and modify. So I would just ask that we consider that in the future as well. So, I'm gonna turn over uh to Tom here at this point just to talk through a little bit of the floor plans um because this is really his area of expertise. Sure. And this is mostly a refresher as well in that, you know, we have this activity street that runs north to south by creating the school with all the activity group spaces to the left. And then we have this loop um

083that creates the academic core to the right with the administrative areas up front on the south which gives you good past visual security over the comingings and goings of the front of the school including the secure vestibule right there on the main entrance corner. Music is also right behind admin so that the students aren't lugging large musical instruments up the stairs. Um, go ahead. >> Um, so I'm counting on here three what are termed vestibule areas. >> Yeah. >> And um and I and I don't I I'm the third vestibule area is that going to be like a school will be locked down and so that's why we have that one. the >> um >> two different reasons really. The the main one in orange by the admin is the main secure vestibule where someone

084will come into that vestibule and then have to be buzzed into reception to do their positive ID when school's in session and then in through the secondary interior set of doors. We've also built into the ability to utilize the rear vestibule next to the cafeteria for that same purpose at some point >> because that's where the parents are majorly coming in from during the school day. So, and I'm just I know this is you, but are we feeling good about allowing a parent to come in and then hoping that they make their way all the way down the hallway to an office without sidetracking themselves into academic? >> The reason I flip to this screen is one of the comments we heard and actually I think Mr. Randle, it was you early on who could

085have made a good comment about how do we get visitor traffic to this front area and we specifically came back and introduced this road with uh visitor parking specifically here >> so that that will help direct that foot traffic door. >> Okay. >> I think to also answer the question can we make sure we have signage >> when parents come during the the school day they're going to come in the front vest. They will not be allowed in the the other the other vestules uh to the top and to the bottom. They will be coming in the main entrance. This is more for your activities, your your >> night events, your weekend events, after schools, those types of things we would use. >> Thank you for that. >> And then the other small vestibules around

086the school are just simply so like when you open a door, you don't have all your conditioned air rush out of the school. It's more of an environmental thing. If you basically didn't access more than a few thousand square feet of space, you want that second set of doors just so you don't get the >> Okay. >> all your heat or cooling going out. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Got a hair trigger. >> All right. I'm with you now. >> Wow. Okay. And then upstairs, it hasn't changed much. The only thing we've done since we've met in this place um last time was this stair up here just south of science. We added to get a little more egress capacity to the second and third floor and also to make sure that all the stair

087vertical circulation works if these other locker areas were to be built out as classrooms in the future. That's more of a hedge against the future circulation. Um we have the library up front. They're creating an overhang for the front of the school for the bus loop. We have technology here in this color in the back above the cafeteria. And then these are kind of twotory spaces looking down into the auditorium and then the gymnasium as well. And then the science is stacked in this corner on all the floors. And all the classrooms are stacked on every floor. Every teaching space has natural daylight. All the classrooms are the same proportion and scale. So, >> I like the two elevators. >> Yeah, we have the two elevators. One here on the corner so that it has

088access to, you know, technology and and the arts program to the loading dock which on the first floor is around this location and then another one over here that's more of a core academic space over there. >> Um, so in that far uh right to this side of the building, it says office office. Is that a counseling office? This is a counseling suite here. >> Counseling. Okay. Correct. Thank you. I wasn't sure. Thank you. >> And they have their own conference room storage offices and a waiting area. >> The third floor is still just the L shape that connects basically everything together going up the building. And they have the aerial negative about Um, is parks and wreck working with you all to consider one of these fields, whether it be practice or Maine, I'm

089assuming Maine, to be a turf field. So that just in this end of the county, there just isn't any, I mean, you've got the southern, I mean, the middle that has them, but is parks and wreck willing to work with us to do that? Uh we have not heard of of a turf field specific request from parks on this. >> Okay. >> Um we have >> talked about it in general at our sites, but nothing nothing specific to this. >> Okay. >> In this rendering, you can see the the road that Jason was talking about that connects the rear and I moved to the front visitor parking which is right along the buffer here, >> the main entrance. you know, we've moved some entrances into the stair around so it's under the shared canopy up

090front to simplify the design a little bit. >> Okay. >> A lot of at this stage is really just working out the construction detailing and trying to find where you can shave a little corner here and there to help save some uh construction cost. >> I see come around the middle. This is where the loading dock is screened from both the front approach and the rear. Is that the like a joint loading dock like you did at Hartwood where it's services the mechanical >> and the um cafeteria? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> It is has a loading dock here. Put in a full tractor trailer size delivery at this location. >> This is the gym up front. The second the gym with some clear story lighting to get some daylighting into the gym. >> That's

091kind of an entrance view. We just recently updated the rendering to put the name of the school here on top of the band. >> Um, >> do you guys know already how many parking spaces there will be at the front for the parents? >> Like I was just counting on the picture. >> We break down. It's >> what is it like it's in the teens? >> I think it's like 15 to 20 >> uh there on that. Then I think that the there's additional parking along the bus loop that I want to say is another um 30 or so. >> But if you have an award ceremony or something, you'd use that other vest and everybody would be parking. >> Right. >> And this is the main entrance for the kissing rod side of the

092building where it comes into both the stair tower and the vestibule. And then this is the cafeteria on the lower level. So if you were doing a, you know, a controlled release for a late, you know, departure or anything like that, you can use the cafeteria as a staging area inside the building. >> And that's the library. So it does that overhang like it does in the elementary school. >> This one actually has a canopy at the back of the school. Um, >> the front has the library has you can see the library. It's projected, but we're still using columns, so we don't have to do the structural candle work. >> Okay. Okay. >> And the courtyard development, I think you showed last time, it basically creates an amphitheater, like a small teaching space, uh,

093multiple locations to have some seating for students during the day, but primarily a paved area for maintenance purposes, some occasional tables, and some planting spaces. >> And what you say tables, so like what materials are we looking I mean, because when Dr. Warner and I saw the other one. >> Some of was like their own the own concrete kind of. >> Sure. The benches and planters are all cast concrete. >> Okay. >> And then these like there's a red one, an orange one, and a yellow one floating around with metal umbrellas and metal tables. Those are essentially accessessible picnic tables. >> Okay. >> And then there's some trees and these open planters. And we worked out all the drainage with trench drains. And there's some other benches here that they're calling the guitar picks. Um,

094>> yeah. >> And I think I have a rendering as you move forward, you can start to see >> and that's all for concrete for the like the the riser situation. >> That is all cast in place concrete for the risers. >> Okay. >> Um, so you can see like you could sit on this planter bench if you like and there's some other >> and just to soften it up but also recognizing we didn't want a space that'd be hard for maintenance. We didn't want to have to mow inside the place and we wanted to make sure for the school purposes >> that any space within the courtyard is visible from the interior of the building. We didn't want there to be any ales or places that were >> basic. Yeah. >> Supervised. >> Okay.

095Are the art rooms accessible to the courtyard? >> Excuse me. >> Are the art rooms accessible? >> The art rooms are upstairs, but the special ed classrooms are accessible. >> Okay. That's >> I want to put Tom on the spot here for a minute, too. This was a rendering that his team just sent over today to help help folks understand what we're doing in the what we're it's not the really what we're referring to as the auditorium. Can you describe? Yeah, I mean this really started by working with the program and the budget realizing that we had an area funded for the auditori or the auditorium space that wasn't as much as what the school wanted based on the fact that the existing Drew Scoop Middle School has a large auditorium space. So we recommended

096splitting the room in two with a large folding wall and then using telescoping bleachers that are theater style bleachers in the back of the room and then you know fixed uh seating with a raed floor in the front with a stage um at the very front. The idea being that during the school day, if you're not using this as an auditorium space or if even you want to use it for a smaller seating capacity to create more of an intimate scale, you could set up this arrangement with the door closed and then this area is all isolated by view and sound. You could have a dance studio in there. You can use as athletic space. Um you could run other programs in that space. But then if you had a big performance and you needed

097to put uh quite a number of students in or families coming to visit for a performance, you'd have more of a full-blown uh theater and not just the small forum. >> That's really cool. >> Yeah, that's very that's really cool. >> That kind of gives you a a view. >> Sweet. >> So that the view on the left is with is like right on that area where the door would close. You can see you have the uh >> the ceiling treatment just so that you limit the bounce sound so you don't get any echo. >> One of the things when you're designing theaters is you want the reflected travel path of the sound not to be more than like 610 of a second longer than like the direct path so you don't get that reverberation

098sound. So we have to have to kind of lower it down. >> Just to answer two quick questions that came up during during that um John did take a quick look. Uh Miss Miss Healey, all of that sidewalk walk is in the rightway up on Leland. He confirmed that. And then the square footage of the our existing middle schools are between the 135 to 145 range right now. So this is this is an increase. >> Um when we have inclement weather, will not clear those walls? >> Yes. >> We would probably likely No, I'm just curious because we have such a hard time taking care of all our facilities and our parking lots and everything else. I don't want to add another burden of having to go out on, you know, public streets to clear

099>> walkways. I mean, I want them cleared, but if we can hold >> VOTE responsible for it, we should put them on notice. >> But >> some of it also whether it's a walkable zone or not. If we're not having a walkable transportation zone there, we're probably not going to clear it right away. um kind of both. >> We do have a few hot spots that we monitor. Uh I think the HH pool has a walk for example that we take care of. Um a couple couple others that we just because we know children kids are using on a regular basis most of the rest of >> So I I went to the November 5th community meeting and I just want to thank Jason and Tom for doing that and talking with people. Um the

100community still would really like the auditorium space to be bigger, but we did talk about the fact that that this is way more than any other middle school has and that we really don't have any. >> Right. And and they are absolutely thrilled with all the other stuff they're getting like actual staff bathrooms, um uh counseling stuff, all that kind of thing. So, um I think it's going to be really a huge huge massive improvement. >> They went to heaven. >> No, they're very they are very once you get outside of the auditorium and they're looking at everything else. They were just ecstatic. >> Gorgeous. >> What is the production lab? What is that for? What class? You want this? >> Yeah. In the in the technology, they have both like the classroom side and

101the production side. So you could potentially make the the idea that you're working on in the classroom side. Um so if you're working on computers and when modeling something then you might fabricate in the production lab. >> What we found as we get into these is those are some of the the fine tuning that we do with the CTE group over the next six months to a year as we're getting into it. Even at the high school, there's things that we fine-tuned as we've gone. >> Okay. And we still have next week we're meeting with the school to go over things like the exact equipment locations, the furniture locations, and those that kind of drawing you're seeing there that's looks like an open shoe box is often used to describe like how the furniture is

102going to be placed in the room. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And the real reason Tom came, he brought cookies. >> On the table, >> I always pressure you, Tom. Thank you. Well, before we dismiss, we have one last agenda item, and it is the introduction of our new student reps before we party. >> So, I I'm so excited to introduce our two new uh student reps. So, first we have Tlea Davis, a junior at Stafford High School. HELLO. >> And Safi Cureshi, a junior at North Stafford HIGH SCHOOL. SO, WE'RE LOOKING forward to getting him on board. I hope you'll take an opportunity to meet them during the reception. Um, and I'll introduce them formally with some other information in their bios during the formal business meeting tonight. >> We are going to recess

103to our next location. Okay, we'll call this meeting to order. Would you please rise for the presentation of the national colors and pledge of the of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Arch left TURN Ready to stands one nation under God. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Charge. Thank you to the Mountain View High School Marine Corps JOTC members of tonight's color guard are Cadet Sai Santa, Cadet Brooks, Cadet Payne, and Cadet Irwin. The instructors of the Mountain View High School JOTC program are Lieutenant Colonel Ray Miranda, and Sergeant Maj Major Alan Turner. Missy, would you please call the role? >> Yes, ma'am. Dr. Chase >> here. >> Miss Een >> here. >> Miss Guy >> here. >> Miss Hollister >> here. >> Miss Healey >> here. >> Miss Irish

104>> here. >> Miss Randall >> here. >> Miss Sigman >> here. >> And Dr. Warner >> here. >> Madam Chair, you have a quorum. >> Thank you very much. Uh Dr. Chase, you have a amendment to the agenda. >> Yeah. So, I um wanted to approve the agendment agenda with the amendment that we pull policy 2603-P from consent item 414 for discussion. >> Second. >> Uh with those changes, uh if you cast your votes or does anyone else have any changes for >> I don't have any um changes, but can we get a first and a second because I do have something I would like to ask them questions about. >> We have a first and a second. >> Okay, good. Um, so my question is with the Rocky Run playground, is that going to

105include when they take out the old and put in the new, all new ground cover as well or will it get put back? I I just want to make sure that if they're going to get a new playground that they get all new ground cover as well, >> but I didn't know if that was included. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Mr. Terry. Um also, um for the complete replacement of the intercoms at the two high schools, will they have any features that are different on those intercom systems than the current schools have? >> We'd have to look at that. I'm not sure. >> Go ahead. >> Not per se. Upgraded equipment to be similar we would typically have they will allow more flexibility for other upgrades in the future. >> Okay. And um how long

106will that be completed? Because I saw that it would start for summer, but it looked like it was going to roll into the school year. So I was just curious how long that was going to go into the school year. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> Please cast your votes on the agenda. That motion carries 70. Uh we will move on to the announcement of our 2026 school board student >> Oh, you're right. Motion to approve the consent agenda. >> All in favor? We can cast our votes. That motion also carries seven to zero. Now we will announce our uh 2026 schoolboard student repointments. >> Thank you, Chair Sigman. I am pleased to to share the our 2026 student school board uh representatives. First, I'd like to introduce Miss Tleia Davis. Tia, if you

107join us at the podium, let's give her a round of applause. Tlea is a junior at Stafford High School. She is an active student leader involved in multiple honor societies and school organizations. She is a captain on both the varsity field hockey and the varsity basketball teams where she values teamwork and accountability. She also serves as director of football operations supporting coaches and players with game day needs and outreach. In addition, she is an editor for the Stafford High School publications helping to guide student journalism and communication. Tlea continues continues to contribute to the school community as a morning announcement coordinator working closely with administrators each morning. Um, and I got to join her on the morning announcements just a few days ago. She is committed to volunteer service through local organizations and a youth

108sports program. Tle is passionate about representing student perspectives and strengthening communication between students and decision makers. She hopes to make a positive impact on the division through her role as student representative. Congratulations to Leia. Thank you, >> Madame Chair, members of the school board, and Dr. Smith. Thank you for presenting me with the opportunity. Your continuous effort to strive for the improvement of our entire county is truly inspirational. Now I look ahead to the important work that lies before me. Having witness the diversity and brilliance across Stafford County, my mission is deeply personal. And my goal is simple. To make sure students are not just counted our reports, but their hopes and concerns and ideas are truly heard in this room. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and dedicate myself entirely to this

109mission. This is more than a position to me. It is a profound commitment to make sure students that share these hallways, these classrooms, and these dreams. I am filled with hope for what we can accomplish together, and I look forward to working side by side with this esteemed board to create a truly exceptional and adequate future for every student in Stafford County. Thank you for welcoming me, and I'm eager to begin my journey. Next, next I am pleased to uh introduce as a student co-representative Saftar Cureshi Softar who also goes by Safi is a North Stafford High School junior in the stat biomed program. He plans to pursue a degree in biochemistry on a pre-med track at a 4-year university with the goal of attending medical school and ultimately becoming a general physician and one

110day opening his own practice at North Stafford. Safi is deeply involved in a wide range of activities participating in 12 clubs and extracurriculars. He's the founder and president of the model United Nations, vice president of the Red Cross club, and student ambassador for the stat biomed through the stat student ambassador initiative and also an orange fever section leader. Safi is passionate about advocacy and leading by example. He brings that dedication to everything he does both in school and with his new role with the school board. Welcome, Safi. First, I just want to say uh thank you guys for having me here. It's a pleasure to be here and uh I'm happy to work with you guys and uh I'm excited for the future to see what it holds for us and uh figuring out what

111the students actually want here at uh Stafford County. Thank you. Thank you, Chair Sigman. That concludes the the appointments. Okay. Next on our agenda is recognition of our outgoing student representatives to the school board. >> And I think are we going school board members and Dr. Smith? This evening, we'll recognize students and staff that epitomize our values of students, integrity, respect, community, opportunity, and excellence. Tonight, we begin by honoring two remarkable students, Gabriella Irish and Lillian Een, who have served as student representatives to the school board this past year. Their dedication, perspective, and leadership have left a lasting impression on our board, our staff, and the students they represent. Over the past year, Gabby and Lillian have been tireless advocates for their peers. They brought thoughtful ideas to the table, asked meaningful questions, and provided

112valuable student perspective in every conversation. Whether speaking up about policies or sharing insights on programs that matter to the student body, they have made sure that student voice is heard and valued. It has really been inspiring to watch their growth over the last year. Gabriella and Lillian have developed confidence, honed their leadership skills, and approached every challenge with curiosity and maturity. Their ability to listen, collaborate, and contribute thoughtfully has not only benefited their fellow students, but has also set a high standard for those who follow in their footsteps. As they conclude their time with student representatives, we wish you, Gabriella and Lillian, we thank you for your service and wish you every success in what comes next. We have no doubt the same intelligence, empathy, and dedication you demonstrated here will serve you well in

113all of your future endeavors. Stuffford Schools is proud to have had you as student leaders this year and we look forward to seeing the great things that you will accomplish next. Thank you. >> Thank you. We'll now recognize the outstanding achievements of the Mountain View High School Marine Corps JOTC Wildcat Battalion. Will all members of the battalion present tonight, please join us at the podium. For the seventh consecutive year, this remarkable program has earned the distinction of Naval Honor School, awarded by the Commanding General of Marine Corps Training and Education Command. This honor is reserved for the top 20%. You guys can come in, fill it in. This honor is reserved for the top 20% of the Marine Corps JROTC programs around the world, placing the Wildcat Battalion among the very best. This consistent year-over-year

114recognition speaks to the strength of the program, the commitment of its instructors, and most importantly, the leadership and discipline demonstrated by the cadetses. The accomplishments of these students continue to bring pride to Mountain View High School and to our school division. The achievement reflects not only the hard work of our current cadetses, but also the outstanding instruction and mentorship provided by our JRUTC staff who continue to develop young leaders of character in our community. Accepting the certificate tonight on behalf of the battalion is a battalion commander, Cadet Major Abdil Betttonort. We congratulate him, the leadership, and the entire Mountain View High School Wildcat Battalion on this distinguished achievement. Congratulations. I hear you. I hear you back there. >> All right. Can we squeeze in a little more? >> Thank you. Next, we'll recognize an extraordinary

115coaching milestone at Stafford High School. Will Coach Bryce Barnes please join us at the podium? Coach Barnes received her 100th career win this season with a decisive 5-0 victory over Patriot in the regional semi-final match. Achieving 100 wins is impressive in any coaching career, but accomplishing this in just five seasons is truly exceptional. Coach Barnes has compiled an overall record of 101 and 13 during her time leading the Stafford field hockey team. Her leadership has elevated the program and created an environment where student athletes can grow, compete, and excel. Last year, her peers across the region selected her as the region 6B coach of the year, further recognizing the positive impact she continues to make. We're proud to honor Coach Barnes this evening for her dedication, her skill, and the example she sets for both

116her team and the broader school community. We're going to take a photo. Thank you. >> You can come up here. >> Thank you. Next, we recognize two of our student athletes who have distinguished themselves at the state level in golf. While Jacob Hartley of Colonial Forge High School and Kaden Brown of Mountain View High School, please run us to the podium. Both Jacob and Kaden have earned all state honors in their sport. Earning a place among the state's top competitors requires consistent discipline, focus, and a commitment to growth. Qualities these young men have demonstrated throughout their season. Their dedication to practice, perseverance under pressure, and the ability to perform at the highest level exemplify the best of Stafford County athletes. We congratulate you both, Jaden, Jacob, and Kaden, and thank you for representing your schools

117and our community with excellence and pride. Finally, we're proud to recognize an exceptional season for our Stafford High School cheer athletes at the BHSL 6A State Cheerleading Championship, where their hard work and talent led them to earn the state title. This championship performance reflects not only the strength of the team, but the dedication of the coaches, athletes, and families who support them. At this time, we'll call you forward by individual names to receive your certificates. Lexi Aram Bris did I mountain view Grayson Barb Jada Brown Cameron Brian Hannah Emmerer, Riley Faircrooft, EJ Fentress, Mimi Fortune, Katon Goodman, Nola High Totower, Mallalerie Hilbert, Addison Hughes, Kayn Johnson, Luis Leon, Grace Miller, Addie Rosales, Carly Scandlin, Taylor Whitlock, Kaylee Wills, Sabina Ruru, Grace Caraki, Kirsten Kettlebomb, Victoria Victoria Reed, Jaliss Rousario, their head coach Lauren Hilbert, their

118assistant coach Sarah Skard, and assistant coach Joanna Dugan. One second. In addition to winning the state championship, the program swept several of the top individual honors in Virginia. Lauren Hilbert has been named the state coach of the year. Uh we also congratulate EJ Fentress, the state cheerleader of the year, recognized for exceptional athleticism, teamwork, and spirit. And rounding out this impressive list of achievements, Nola High Totower earned second team all-state honors for her standout performance. These recognitions reflect excellence at the highest level of high school competition for Mountain View High School. Uh we congratulate each of these honores for their hard work, dedication, and the pride they bring to our division. Thank you. Squeeze in. We're going to make a third row and just kneel in the front. Okay, next on our agenda is our

119final student representative report from Miss Irish. This is not a long one today. To be honest though, it's been a long year. In a good way, of course. It's been fun, rewarding, and full of lots of learning this year. I just It feels like it's been a long year because I feel so far removed from where I was when I started here. I was really shy and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, which made me nervous because I'm not really used to not knowing what to do. But this year as student rep has helped me grow so much. I've gained the confidence to speak my mind and take action without letting fear of messing up or being wrong hold me back. I probably can't even recognize half the ways this year has

120changed me. Hindsight hasn't totally kicked in yet, especially with all going on at the end of senior year. But I do know some of the ways. I've learned so much from seeing the processes behind every meeting. What discussion goes into each decision and how important it is to hear that decision to hear that discussion so you can really form your own opinion and not jump to assumptions. I've also been inspired by how much our community shows up and speaks out for what they care about. I've heard from a lot of other student reps throughout the state that other people in their counties don't even have public comments because no one wants to come. And this year, it's been really inspiring to see that, especially the support staff in the beginning of the year with the

121budget. And that really inspired me that our voices matter, especially when we come together. I'm incredibly grateful for everything this position has given me, but I don't think I could have done any of it or grown this much without Lillian. She's definitely more outspoken than I am, but I'd like to think we've been friends since we first met over Instagram before our student rep conference last year. This this year, she's really helped me become way more confident in myself and way more willing to speak up. She's pushed me when I was nervous and supported me through everything we did together. We got together before almost every board meeting at the beginning of the year, wrote our speeches together, created our own strategic plan, and she's really been there every step of the way. And I

122could not have asked for a better partner in this because I'm not going to say she's an alternate because she does just as much as I do. And now I've talked enough this year and I know Lillian's waiting for her chance. Now we will have our uh alternate student rep uh Miss Een give her remarks. Good evening members of the board, administrators, and community members. I thought I was going to be a lot more composed for this, but apparently not. As you know, my name is Lillian Nissan and tonight's my final meeting as a student representative. Serving in this role has been one of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience and I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent the voices of the students across Stafford County. When I first stepped into this

123position, I wanted students to feel heard. Not just the loud ones, not just the ones who already knew how to speak up, but the ones who quietly show up every day navigating challenges that no one sees. Over this past year, I've had conversations in hallways, classrooms, parking lots, buses, games, and even at 7 a.m. when we should definitely still be asleep. Those moments have taught me more about schools, about people, and about life more than any textbook ever could. I want to thank the board for valuing student voice, not as a formality, but as a genuine perspective in y'all's decisions. Thank you for listening, for asking questions, and for creating space for students to grow as leaders. Thank you so much for teaching me how to learn and grow. And thank you for being so

124kind. Guys, don't look at me. I also want to take a moment to thank Gabby for being my partner in this crazy position. You've made this role collaborative, meaningful, and even fun at meetings when we would throw candy at during the work sessions. I could not have wanted a better partner and a better friend in this work. And thank you for becoming my friend and traveling with me this year. I appreciate every part of you. Being a student representative has reminded me that leadership is not about titles. It's about showing up consistently and with the intention to leave things better than you found them. And I truly hope that I have done that for you guys as a student representative. As I move on to the next chapter of my life, I carry with me

125the lessons I've learned here. The importance of advocacy, communication, patience, and the belief that young people do deserve a seat at the table, and that we can handle it much more than people think. Furthermore, I am honored to share that I will be serving as deputy deputy executive director of the Virginia School Board Student Representative Association that we created at the VSBA conference. As Gabby said, we noticed that there wasn't a lot of student rep advocacy as much as we had hoped. And that same night, one of the um members that went to the conference decided to create his own organization alongside with VSBA. And going off script, I was like, "Oh, wish I could help you guys, but it's the end of my term." And I got offered the position and I took it

126in a heartbeat because I loved doing this and I want that to be for everybody in the state, not just for us. In this role, I'll be working with student representatives across the state to strengthen student voice, provide resources and training, and help build a network of leaders who are ready to advocate for their communities. Gabby is also a part of this association working as events and meeting coordinator. I'm grateful for the trust placed in the both of us, and I'm excited to take what I've learned here in Stafford and use it to support students far beyond my own division. While this might be our final act here, y'all will never get rid of us. We are going to be here forever. To the students who will sit in our chairs next, your voice matters.

127Use it boldly and use it confidently. This is your time to shine. Thank you all for trusting in me, supporting me, and allowing me to be serving in this community. It has truly been a privilege. Thank you. Thank you both. Uh, next on our agenda will be our citizen comments. Three minutes are allotted to each speaker or group. Speakers shall identify themselves by name. Speakers shall also announce the purpose or topic of their comments. Citizen comment which is profane abusive or which threatens imminent physical harm shall be ruled out of order. Miss Hall. Madam chair, the first individual first three individuals signed up are Karen Matthysse, Carlos Padilla, and Ninga Zan. I always end up going first. >> Good evening, members of the board. My name is Karen Matthysse, a concerned resident and parent in

128the Hartwood district, and I'm here to urge the Stafford School Board to take decisive action to protect our children from the severe threats posed by the proposed route of the 500 kilovolt extra high voltage lines slated to run directly over Mountain View High School, Ronnie Thomas Middle School, Margaret Brand Elementary School, HH Pool, and others. The immediate concern is physical safety. These 500 kilovolt lines are incredibly powerful. The extra high voltage electrical current is transmitted on the outside of the wire, not the inside of the wire. The higher the voltage, the higher the electromagnetic field, the more dangerous they are. The high voltage creates an electrical arcing where electricity can jump up to seven feet off of the line. This voltage creates electrical arcing, which is precisely why the wide rideway and clear ground are

129mandated underneath them. Other majora safety issues include wire sag and sway during hot weather or storms and the potential for tower collapse within steps of a classroom. These are not risks we should permit within the boundaries of our schools. We must address the long-term health concerns. Constant low timid exposure to electromagnetic fields from these lines can be linked to an elevated risk of childhood leukemia. A risk we cannot experiment within when it comes to our children's health. Other states recognize this. California and Connecticut mandate safety setbacks of over 350 ft from schools precisely to mitigate these potential dangers and we must adopt a similar standard here in Stafford County. The impact also extends to the educational environment itself. The corona effect from these 500 kilovolt lines produces a constant loud buzzing sound which is pro

130proven noise pollution that will disrupt classrooms, impede concentration and hinder the learning process daily. Furthermore, the required safety buffer beneath the wires restricts school's use of lands and prohibits future expansion in the grown community. Community assets like athletic fields would be rendered unusable or unsafe for their intent of purpose such as the track and field at Mount Vernon High School at Mountain View High School. My apologies. Finally, we have a more legal obligation to protect our students at Bal. This proposed line is not an emergency necessity for general public use. It is primarily for a private corporation and its data center expansion in another county. The residents of Stafford yield no benefit from these transmission lines. Prioritizing corporate convenience over student safety is unacceptable. The board of supervisors has formerly opposed this route and we

131now need the school board to request legal guidance to mitigate and move the 500 KV volt lines out of school property. There are alternative energy solutions being explored by these companies such as a use of small modular reactors and solar substations that would eliminate the need for these extra high voltage lines across our counties. Please act now to oppose the current route and assure these lines are rerouted around and not over our schools. Thank you for the opportunity. Hello, my name is Carlos Padilla, a founder of founder and president of the Turning Point USA chapter at Mountain View High School Rockill District. Last time I spoke here, I addressed 2419-R and how it conflicts with United States law. More specifically, the Equal Access Act and Board of Education virgins. 2419-R prevents non-curricular clubs from gaining

132access to resources such as a free spot in the yearbook, being announced over the intercom, and utilizing the school logo in association with their club. This goes against the Equal Access Act, as the curricular clubs are provided these resources, and non-curricular are not. The policy goes on further to state that non-curricular clubs can't have access to these resources as they can't have as they are taxf funded. However, this goes against board of education emergence, a court case which determined that the argument that taxf funed resources can't be provided to non-curricular clubs violated the EAA, therefore making it illegal. You will hear from other students their concerns on their policy on this policy and its effects on the school community, but I would also like to be a voice to those who could not speak here

133today. The president of Black Student Union at my high school has voiced her concerns directly to me, stating that she is worried about not being able to hold as many events due to the enforcement of this policy. President of Amnesty International has shown concern over her not being able to advertise effectively. Club advisers all around my school have expressed concerns over the policy with some stating, "Why even have a club?" I come here today to not just bring this to your attention, but to act on it. Mountain View High School and its administrators have directly violated both your policy and federal law. As soon as I started Turning Point USA, leadership with within Mountain View decided to enforce this policy even though it had been a policy since 2018. Mountain View had violated the policy

134since 2018, which I have plenty of evidence on, and violated federal law when they enforced the policy when I started Turning Point USA. I want to be clear. I come to you to seek quick resolution on this problem. However, if I cannot depend on resolution here, I will be in quick contact with news stations around Virginia of which I already have connections to to speak on the policy and a Stafford school's violation of federal law. Turning point chapters are popping up all around the United States and it is of great importance that our schools, these places of learning, academia, and sharing of ideas and opinions allow students to express themselves positively in their communities. I trust you all to positively impact our community and discussion to flourish in our high schools. Thank you for your

135time. >> Thank you. Hello Estee school board. Um hello estin school board. My name is Nhaan, president of our minds matter, a club center around mental health at Montville High School district. Um I'm coming you I am coming to you today uh with a more personal purpose in concert with the policy 2419-R. This policy restricts many of the resources at several different clubs that we previously had access to because our clubs um even though our clubs were considered non-curricular, these resources have significantly uh had a lot of significance in allowing us to advertise and effectively reach out to the students in our school. Getting students in the door to come and learn about different cultures, languages, arts, talents and um social skill is the most important things for for a club. Our mind ma our

136minds matter for example introduces more people to stress management technique and coping mechanism uh especially with the upcoming exam system uh season where a lot of high schoolers will be stress preparing for the u different exams. Without such resources clubs like mine will have uh great difficulty with expanding the club therefore defeating its purpose. There has been an increased concern from students, club members, advisors, and officers on how we can continue to grow our clubs and participate in our community without such resources. I'm requesting that you, the school board, um, work to amend the policy to allow non-curricular clubs to access basic resources to bring students together in their community such as morning announcement and yearbooks. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. The next four speakers will be Kelsey Hudson, Shambar

137Connors, Molly Denim, and Elise Sakura. Good evening. My name is Kelsey Hudson. I'm a member of the Turning Point USA attending Mountain View High School located in the Rock Hill District. I am here today in concern with the policy 2419-R. My greatest concern with this policy is the inability for clubs to be effectively implemented into the school community. With lack of resources to advertise, organize events, clubs will naturally have a difficult time gaining some traction. These clubs bring culture, art, open discussion, language, skills, and talents to the community. It is imperative that we ensure these clubs are well equipped and organized. To take away these resources is to take away clubs. Many of my friends engage in clubs like Black Student Union, Latino Student Union, Young Life, and many more. Clubs are an essential part

138of high school community, and it is my hope that you will amend the 2419-R and give equal access to all clubs and let our voices be heard on this matter. Make a positive impact on the community which you're working hard to contribute to. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Hi everybody. Shamar Connors Harwood District. Then uh today my pronouns are P and I rate. So let's get into this. All you land lovers of Dominion energy, gather around for Captain Shamgar Connors has sailed in from the seven seas dressed in me finest pirate garb to defeat the Kraken once again. I That's right. I be here to battle this so-called Kraken loop. That monstrous 500 kovolt power line Dominion wants to slap across our fair county like a tentacle from Davy Jones locker. Last time

139I faced the Kraken, it was in the depths of the ocean, but now it's creeping into Stafford to feed them greedy data centers. Shiver me timbers. I won't let it wrap its ugly arms around our schools and homes without a fight. First off, me hardies, let's talk about the environmental billagege this beast will spew. These data centers be like thirsty sea monsters guzzling down massive swigs of electricity. 5% of the whole world's power, driving greenhouse gas emissions higher than a crow's nest in a gale. They suck clean water from cooling like a pirate downs rum, depleting local water resources and stressing aid lands worse than a desert island. And the e-waste are rapid hardware turnover creates mountain of toxic junk with hazardous materials like mercury and lead poison in the seas and soil manufacturing them

140servers and AI chips pillages rare earth minerals degrading the earth like blackbeard ransack in a village land use these hulken facilities gobble up acres disrupting biodiversity faster than a cannonball through a sail backup diesel generators belch fine particullet foul in the air and harming public health. Why unleash unleash this environmental scourge on Scafford when the industry solutions like renewable and recycling be as reliable as a leaky dingy? But hoisty colors swabs the kraken loop be dumber than a land lover navigating by stars in a fog because Dominion wants it above ground dangling near our three schools like a cursed charm that are that fry a young buccaneer's brains worse than a ghost ship's curse. Take this case study if there was one in China. And I emailed it to you guys. And long-term lowlevel EMF

141exposure from these beastly lines scramble kids brains and their neurobbehavioral functions. And it m messes them up. They had worse test scores. And so you want that near our staffer schools. That's not education. That's electrifying our future pirates into forgetful swabs. And mark me words, installing this loop. Be stupider than a parrot navigating. Them data centers are doomed. By the way, silver's at 60 bucks today. Vaults are empty and fast. December 19th. The bakage of demand is hiking rates, unwinding trillions of carry trades. It's going to trigger comx default. Rule rule 85 is not going to hit. Silver's going to go up to 500 bucks. AI stocks and Nvidia are going to get destroyed. It's going to be like Enron. So all these data centers are going to be worthless. And running these power lines

142is going to be really stupid, too, because then who's going to be what are they running them for? So that's all going to happen pretty soon. So why scar land and zap our kids for lines that'll be useless as a wooden leg in a sword fight? So send the Kraken pack into the briney deep yo ho and a vote of no R. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. Molly Denim, Heartwood District. I'm here tonight as a parent to discuss Virginia standards of learning testing. Let me be direct. So tests do not help our children learn. They do not improve instruction. They do not bring in any extra funding or resources to the county and they do not unlock any support from state or federal government. The only people who truly benefit from these tests are

143the commercial companies paid by the state to create and maintain them and by the analysts who turn them into visually pretty reports and endless empty talking points for state politicians. Our teachers consistently say these tests do not enhance education. They distract and distort it. Teachers are expected to cover a curriculum full of concepts and skills that many students are encountering for the very first time in their young lives. These are big ideas. History, science, math, literacy, things that require time, discussion, and genuine understanding. K through 12 is the educational foundation that they'll rely on for the rest of their lives. And yet that foundation is riddled with holes when we force teachers to rush through material just to prepare for a test that gives them nothing in return. In addition, school administrators are burdened with

144layer upon layer of constantly changing compliance requirements, testing schedules, and logistical hoops and often must rely on parent volunteers because they don't have the proper manpower and resources required to administer these tests. As a parent, I am not required by any law nor obligated to have my child take these state tests. And I won't. I will be pulling my child from so testing this year and in the future. And tonight, I am encouraging other parents to do the same. I am calling for a countywide parentled boycott on so testing. I'd rather take my child out of school and spend time teaching her real life lessons like how to change a tire or how to read a bank or credit card statement. And if a family chooses to opt out of testing, students who remain in

145school should be given time and attention to strengthen the areas where they need support, not asked to sit in silence in an empty room while others test. I would love to see our county schools join parents in refusing to participate in this travesty of education. However, I understand any hesitation by the district and those of you on the dis. I am speaking to the people who do have the power right now. My fellow parents and guardians, we can refuse to participate in a system we know is failing our kids. And when enough families act, the system will have no choice but to take notice and make changes. Our children get one chance at education, and it's our responsibility to make sure the system is working for them. I want my child's education to be placed

146back in the hands of our hardworking education professionals and that begins with getting rid of statewide standardized testing. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good evening board and Dr. Smith. My name is Elise Sakura. I'm a nationally board certified math teacher at Rodney Thompson. I've taught all levels of middle school there over my 22 years and I'm here tonight to advocate for the academic well-being and long-term success of our students. I've emailed you earlier today the data for this talk. I want to address the recent decision to limit the middle school curriculum math curriculum to two accelerated tracks. While I understand the desire to challenge students, the data being used to support this is misleading. We heard that 98% of middle school students have passed the algebra so on the surface that sounds impressive but

147we need to examine what passing really means. A student only needs a 44% to pass the algebra so in fact a score of 450 is a rough roughly a 70 and a score of 500 is an 88%. This means a student can miss more than half of the content on the test and still be labeled as proficient. That's not mastery and it should not justify accelerating more students into higher level courses. This is why the Virginia Department of Education is raising the cut scores for SOS to ensure the proficiency level at or about 70%. The concern becomes even more critical if middle schools go through a schedule change. For example, a simple 10-minute reduction in math instructional time per day is a 25h hour loss of curriculum over the year. That means students would be

148asked to learn one and a half to three years worth of curriculum in 25 less hours. Parents, employers, and our community real expect real competence in mathematics, not a standard set at 44%. And we must consider the human impact. When students are placed in courses that move faster than their readiness, they often become discouraged. Over time, this discouragement can lead kids to think they're not good at math. Protecting students confidence is just as important as protecting their academic foundation. We are already seeing the consequences of pushing students forward without true mastery. A recent report from UC San Diego found out that 12% of entering freshmen tested below middle school math level despite strong high school grades. When even high achieving students arrive at college without foundational skills, it signals the system is moving too quickly.

149Stafford should not contribute to similar results. In summary, the current twotrack model does not reflect genuine mathematical mastery. Reducing instructional time only widens gaps. I strongly encourage the board to reinstate the three tracks of middle school math. This approach allows students to learn at an appropriate pace, achieve true mastery, and develop confidence necessary for se success in high school and beyond. Thank you for your time and your commitment to our students. Thank you for teaching my kid. The final four names are Deanna Fischer, Jenny Smith, Edward DS, and Jared Smith. Miss Fisher. >> Hello. I'm Jenny Smith. I'm here to speak uh and share with my share with you some of my concerns about the Kraken Loop project. I've actually printed up a little map here. Can I pass that to you? Thank you so

150much. Um, so before I begin my remarks, I would just like to say thank you to the board. I have a long family history here in the county with the Stafford County Schools. Um, in fact, six generations of my family have been educated here in Stafford County. Um, I'm going to share a little history that maybe you are unaware of. My aunt when she graduated from high school here in the 50s, Stafford County schools were not accredited, which meant that that you could not leave the state and go to school out of state because the schools here were so poor. But because of the actions of this board um over the past 50, 60, 70 years, uh there is no school that is off limits to a Stafford County graduate. And that's an amazing accomplishment.

151And so I just want to thank you representing the six generations of my family who have already been educated here in Stafford County, my children who both graduated here in Stafford County, and my future grandchildren who I hope will stay living on our farm that has been in our family for eight generations. Uh because we have every intent of staying here in Stafford County. So what I've just passed you is a map that shows the proposed Kraken Loop project and how it crosses some of the the boundaries for the school system here in Stafford. That's Rodney Thompson Middle School, Mountain View High School, and uh Margaret Brent Elementary School. All of which my children are zoned for, and all of which my children attended. In fact, my daughter was one of the first kindergarteners to

152start at Margaret Brent when it opened and the first kind to graduate fifth grade from from Margaret Brent Elementary School. So, we um that our farm is zoned for the Kraken Loop to pass in our backyard. What you're seeing there is that it means that my children and my grandchildren will be exposed to the EMF radiation and noise from the Kraken Loop 24 hours a day. They will be exposed to that radiation in the place where they sleep, in the place where they eat, and in the place where they learn, the place where they participate in athletic activities. One of the things that my my aunt who was a Stafford teacher here for 31 years, and my great-grandmother, who taught in the one room schoolhouse here in Stafford County, can tell you is that it's

153difficult to teach critical thinking to students. And so today I heard some of you asking some really good questions in your work meeting and I'm just going to mention a few that maybe you can think of and I'll email them to you because I see I'm running out of town. But one of the the questions is I would like you to go home and look at the map and notice how the lines are offset on the map for the Kraken Loop. They intend to put two lines in that corridor, y'all. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Edward DS. I'm in the Hartwood district, specifically of the popular Estates community. I'm addressing uh the board tonight on concerns with the Kraken Loop. I am a longtime uh Staffordian. Grew up here in Brook. I'm an

154alum of Stafford Elementary School, Stafford Middle School when it was in this building. I think I ate lunch around the corner over there in the cafeteria. Uh I was the first graduating class out of Brook Point, but I also attended North Stafford and Stafford Senior High School. So I have a long history with this. My children have gone through these schools from elementary at Winding Creek, uh Margaret Brent, Rodney Thompson, and now Mountain View High School with my third graduating here in another couple years. the line. Uh I live in popular states which is in the Hartwood district 133 homes with families zone for Margaret Bren Elementary, Rodney Thompson Middle School and Mountain View High School. Our community is highly concerned and impacted by the North Anna Kraken Loop project. Over one-third of our 133

155homes in this community are directly impacted with the proposed segment 6 clear cutting through an estimated 37 homes in our neighborhood. All 133 families in our neighborhood will be indirectly impacted. In essence, our community's children, your students, will be living and learning under under or adjacent to these 500 kilovolt lines 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year for all 18 years of their young adult life before they go out to college or move on in their endeavors. While I recognize the need for regional energy resilience, the proposed line will come at the cost of your constituents and your students, both their livelihood and their educational environments. All to feed future unwanted energy demands of data centers in Northern Virginia that not do not directly benefit Stafford County or the Stafford

156County public school system. Additionally, I can speak with confidence that our community was blindsided by the Dominion Energy project announcement less than a month ago. While Dominion Energy may have come to your working session today, they have not engaged our community directly despite our written requests and invitation. Instead, they have continued to use virtual and performative forums to justify their community engagement to the SEC, the the uh uh state corporate commission. None of their sessions provide a productive means to acknowledge or address our concerns or our students concerns. This marginalization is concerning and should not be veiled by their presence at your session earlier this evening. I implore Dominion Energy to be more forthright and transparent and to develop additional options for the state corporate commission considering uh considering their application and none of which

157has been presented to date by them to any forum that I have been to. I respectfully request that this school board work with the communities that they serve and the county board of supervisors to mitigate, move, and lessen the impact by seeking legal counsel and support and building a coalition with Lowden County and the other counties impacted and their school systems over the next three to six months in a unified effort to address the SEC. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good good evening. My name is Jared Smith. I'm also in the Hartwood District. Um I'd also like to talk about the Kraken Loop Project. Um couldn't help but notice on the on the drive over here passing Margaret Brand Elementary School and they had a little electronic sign out front that said something to the

158effect of your classes need you cats. Excuse me. I'm coming to here because the Bobcats need you, too. Their students need you to help protect them. The school board has an opportunity here to stop the Kraken Project. And uh and you know, our students need your help. I loved school when I was in school. loved science and I still believe in science and I learned in school that correlation doesn't equal causation. That being said, my ask is that the school board does its homework. Go look at the at the health effects of this power line. If you or I are uncomfortable sitting under a power line, we can climb in our cars and drive somewhere else. Our kids can't. they'd be stuck in school all day long, five days a week. So, um I I

159I would ask the school board, do your homework, look at the health effects, look at the sound effects, look at the all all all the different risks involved, and then decide, is that what we want for Stafford County? And I'm going to stand here dressed up in a silly Kraken outfit as long as it takes. Thank you. >> Thank you. Dr. Smith, superintendent report. >> I believe we have an action item. >> It's not on my paper. It's on my digital copy. Dr. Chase. Yeah. So, I'm going to make a motion that we um approve uh the changes to uh policy 2603P, but I wanted us to have an opportunity to discuss it. >> Second >> discussion. >> Yeah. So, this is a policy that um establishes emergency medical treatment procedures. And um I was

160contacted a couple months ago by a parent whose child um had a head injury during the school day and was never sent to the nurse. Um, and the parent sent me photographs of their child, and I was kind of stunned that at no point during the day was the child uh seen by the nurse or suggested that they be seen by the nurse. And this child was about seven years old. So, um, I'm happy to see the the minor tweak to this policy, which now says that um, parents and guardians shall be provided with a copy of the student accident report from the school nurse. But in this case, the school nurse never saw the student, so there would not be a report. Um, it's my understanding from talking with Dr. Smith that we do

161indeed have a regulation that says the student should have been sent to the nurse. Um, and so I just want to take a minute here to reiterate to anybody listening that head injuries could look like nothing and somebody could be dead 24 hours later. So, please, please, please, um, a kid hits their head, let's send them to the nurse. All right. Um, and then parents can be contacted and meet them in the emergency room. And probably it'll be nothing because mother nature really designed a great system to keep our heads, our brains safe, but um, better safe than sorry. So, that that that's my comment. >> It does say that all student accidents shall be reported to the school nurse. So there is clearly a shell in there for Miss Healey, but I I think

162it's just we do have to be careful. Um head injuries are serious, especially in children. And >> Miss Hill, um I'd also suggest a sh in line six would solve that problem. It says in the event that the student becomes ill or injured at school, the student shall be sent which is different from >> um I would uh take that friendly amendment >> and and then I I have another question and and this is more procedural but I'm trying to make sure that um we're not uh putting our nurses in in a a potentially um ambiguous position. It says uh we talk about potential accidents off campus or in field trips. And then in um line 24 it says all student accidents shall be reported to the school nurse who will ensure the principal or

163designate is notified blah blah blah. Is that intended to include uh accidents in field trips or um you know off school property? >> Yeah. So in terms of Thanks, Miss Healey. So in terms of the reporting it and still reporting it to the to the principal, yes >> to the school nurse. >> Yeah, the school nur nurse would still be involved to take a look at that situation to see if additional follow-up needs to be and sometimes as you know field trips would get back later. Um but we would still report that to the school nurse so they can be aware of anything. >> I I don't have a problem with it. I just wanted to be clear because it also says that um that this school nurse who will who will ensure the principal

164designate is notified and a formal report is made to the sup uh to the superintendent designate. So who is making that report? Is that the school nurse or the person who reported it to the school nurse? I I I'm just concerned that there may be a um chain of command that is not clear here. And if we're going to give a very, you know, a quick 24-hour turnaround, I don't want to put an undue burden on the nurses if they're not in a position, you know, to have that firsthand knowledge. and and also the um the 24 hours of the incurrence could create a problem if the occurrence happens on um you know immediately before a day that schools are closed. So I is this this is this places a a responsibility on the nurses

165and I want to make sure that it's a reasonable responsibility because if there's nobody to give the report to you know what are they supposed to do? Can I say something just having been well part of the discussion but on the discussion piece of this as as I understand it we we discussed the fact that there are kind of two separate things going on here. So if we could also just make that clarification so everyone understands like there is the obligation of the teacher to inform the parents then there is the student accident report that is done later on that's all different clearly if whatever but can we just revisit that conversation again and help the folks understand the difference? >> Sure happy to do that and Dr. Bush who oversees our student services may

166may come up and provide additional clarity around um this. But you're right, we do um it is does require the teacher or the the adult supervising them to send them to the clinic to see the to see the nurse. Um the nurse does does evaluate the student. They do complete a student accident form which we do send home as well. And in terms of this this piece around the the 24 hours, part of the notice um to myself and our design also includes we document that within our student information system and so we are documenting that within the the health component of that. So we do have documentation in terms of what took place. Um so that's a part of that as well. I don't know Dr. Bush anything you'd want to add to that.

167>> And again my my issue is not with these requirements. is making sure who is responsible, who is accountable. And this is this can't possibly all be on the nurse if the nurse, you know, isn't at the field trip or doesn't have that information. Somebody's going to have to, I I assume here, provide it to the nurse and then the nurse has to provide it to the superintendent. So, hypothetically, you're putting a, >> you know, another level in the report before it gets to you. It would go from someone, >> you know, some accountable adult to the nurse to you or your design. And all this is within 24 hours. And if it happens on a Friday evening, I don't know where >> you're right. No, I appreciate you flagging because you're right. Realistically, it

168can be challenging to get that done within 24 hours without a doubt. So, Dr. In instances where we have students that u maybe require medical attention when they're when on a field trip we we do involve the nurse the principal is aware and then we also whether it's the chief of schools or someone cabinet level is not is notified of it. So we we have this in place. This is not something that is >> but I sorry >> who does the report? I mean who report? >> Again I was talking about in the discussion in governance we had the conversation about the fact that there is an obligation of the teacher to reach out to the family to let them know and then any follow-on reports from the nurse. That's that 24hour window. We're not

169waiting 24 hours to alert the parent that something happened at school to the to the child. Like that's that's the key I think that we had the discussion about in governance which was that the accident report itself that 24 hours later that's completely different than the obligation of the school to report the incident to the parents the day it happens in here. >> It's it should be in the regulation correct understand >> but regulation is not policy. If that's important to you, >> it should be in a policy because that's not here and the regulation can change. The regulation is not the school board's policy. >> Are we wanting to kick this back to governance or >> so, >> and I know you miss me on governance, right? >> Oh my god. >> I mean,

170it's practically empty. It's a shell of itself. I just wanted to chime in as the only parent up here that lives in elementary land. No policy, no regulation is going to cover all your bases. I have a newly minted six-year-old who has PE for the last chunk of the day. He comes home with all sorts of stuff. You know, doesn't know how it happened. He doesn't know why his shirt is on back. Like, he is clueless, right? So just because we have a policy and a regulation where where wherever we have six-year-olds and recess and you know playground equipment with tubes does not mean we are going to know how the kid hit his head or skinned his knee or scraped his elbow. We will do our best to get to have our children report

171that to an adult who will report that to the nurse, but >> they're still gonna come home >> to that. Our Yeah, our school nurses when they do find out about they do reach out to the parents immediately and let them know. But then there is um we do have a letter especially for head injuries that we do send home and we have had them translated into multiple languages and we have just met again recently with our school nurses to review that that protocol. So I want to make sure that we have that out there. We also do have a uh concussion and uh traumatic brain injury um group that gets together to make sure that our um concussion protocols are in place and if we need to update them or do things differently that

172we do that as well. >> I just worry I just worry sometimes that concussion protocols tend to be very much part of athletics and that we sometimes forget about concussion protocols in other settings in our schools. So I I mean I don't I'm just >> and that is something we look at as well because we do have students off campus that come in after having a concussion that we have to make sure that they're ready to learn and make some you know supportive means for them in the meantime as they're recovering. So we do look at that as well. >> So um do we fail this motion and then please cast your votes? We're going Motion fails six to one. My guy still wants this policy. I I just as a as a mother whose

173son came home once and said he had bumped his head and required four stitches. I mean, if the teacher asked him, he said he bumped his head and for him it was no big deal, but he still needed four stitches. It's just sometimes kids are like that. Okay. Uh, final >> Madam Chair, just to be clear, is this is going to go back to governance? Okay. >> Next week, Alyssa, >> next week. >> The next meeting is on December 17th. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I think it'll normally I would do it so quickly, but we are all here to make to have the conversation. Uh, final board member comments of 2025. >> Oh, yeah, we did. Sorry, I skipped you. How did that happen? Because I feel like I called this >> Well, I called

174him before and you reminded I'm with you. Yep. >> All right. So, uh, good evening members of the board and our community. I'd like to begin by acknowledging several of our outgoing board members and student representatives. First, I'd like to say take a moment to say thank you again to each of our departing school board members. Um, we did get a chance to recognize them during the reception, but I think it's worth noting here as well publicly. I do want to first recognize our current chair, Miss Maren Sigman. Maren, your deep compassion for our students was every was evident in everything you did, particularly as a fierce advocate for student nutrition. You were instrumental in leading efforts like Stafford in action to com combat student meal debt and ensure our students had consistent access to

175healthy meals. Working tirelessly with organizations like serve. As a parent with children in our schools, your focus on removing barriers to learning has made a tangible difference in the lives of many children. Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do for our students. Next, I'd like to recognize our vice chair, Miss Maya Guy. Maya, your thoughtful leadership brought significant focus to our military families. Thank you for your leadership and standing up of the military advisory committee, ensuring we were responsive to the unique needs of our military connected students and families and providing them with the support they deserve. We're stronger because of your efforts to fully integrate these families into our community. We wish you continued success and we look forward to your continued partnership as you take on your

176new role with the board of supervisors. >> I think I said that before, too. Okay. Uh, next we'd like to thank Miss Alyssa Hollstead. Alyssa, your voice on this board consistently raised the profile of a student and staff mental well-being. Your commitment to student mental health was essential, and you played a significant role in connecting vital community resources to our division, ensuring that mental health support is viewed not as a separate service, but as an integral part of student success. Your work has helped us to build a more supportive and resilient school environment. Thank you for your tirelessly work to support our students. Finally, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and sincerely thank our outgoing student representatives, Gabrielia Irish and Lillian Een. Serving on the school board while maintaining your academic responsibilities is

177tremendous undertaking, and we sincerely appreciate the time, effort, and insight you provided and brought to the table. Through your tenure, you've been been invaluable voices to your peers. You shared their student passion for student mental health and made sure that it the needs and concerns of the student body remained a priority in our discussions and decision-making. You provided us with firsthand perspectives on the challenges and opportunities our students face every day. We're incredibly proud of the leadership you've demonstrated. Thank you for your service to the students and families of Stafford County, and we wish you both the very best as you move forward. I next want to turn your attention to the Virginia Department of Education performance results. We received our first ratings under the Virginia's new school performance and support framework, sometimes referred to

178as SPSF. This focuses on student outcomes like academic growth, college and career readiness, and graduation rates. I'm proud to share that four of our five high schools, Brook Point, Colonial Forge, Mountain View, and North Stafford have earned the highest possible designation distinguished. It's also important to note that Stafford House High School, Rodney Thompson Middle School, and Margaret Brent Elementary were very, very close to this distinguishment. Um, less than.7 points away from the distinguished category. This is a reflection of our incredible dedication of our administrators, teachers, and staff, and it shows that our students are being wellprepared for success after high school. The new system isn't without some challenges, including it. It includes automatic adjustments for federal identification status that led some of our schools to be downgraded by one rating. But even with that, our

179schools continue to do amazing work each and every day. Our graduation rates are above the state average. We awarded thousands of industry certifications last year and chronic absenteeism is going down. These results tell us that we are on the right track and we are making a real difference in the lives of our students. I'm also very proud to let you know that all of our schools received full accreditation under the new model, which is a huge accomplishment. Looking ahead, we'll continue to focus on supporting every student and every teacher. We're proud of the work that's happening in our schools, and we'll keep strengthening the systems that help our teachers teach and our students succeed. Together, we're building a strong foundation for every every Stafford student to excel. To start the month, Widney Creek Elementary welcomed

180the Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Governor Glenn Yncan, State Secretary Amy Gada, State Superintendent Emily Anne Gullixson, and Kimberly Richie, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Civil Rights, for a nonpartisan visit celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, also known as IDEIDA. The visit provided an opportunity to highlight the important work our school is do doing to support our special education programs. Legislators tooured special education classrooms and shared brief remarks with parents, teachers, and district leaders. They saw firsthand the commitment of our teachers and the engagement of our students as they work to achieve their best. We also heard from one of our young students that told us how they were going to become the next president of the United States. As I've shared before, this work is critical. It begins

181with strong, steady leadership. and I want to extend my appreciation to Miss Wllo for her consistent dedication to high-quality instruction. Her leadership is grounded in a clear vision and a laser focus on what students need to be successful. Winding Creek was selected this for this visit because they far exceed uh the state and division average in both students with disabilities for reading and history and several other subject areas. Miss Wllo, her work empowers our teachers, giving them the tools, time, and clarity to understand each child and respond to their individual needs. That approach is reflected in the impressive gains that we've seen at Winding Creek, but also the meaningful growth across our division. Next, I'd like to recognize the incredible success of our chart your future event that was held last month. This critical initiative

182is a direct manifestation of the goals outlined in our schoolboard strategic plan. It specifically states that we want to prepare every student for post-secary path and chart your f future helped each student to get there. The event provided students with invaluable opportunities to explore diverse career options and pathways and we owed a debt of gratitude to the many business partners who volunteered their time and expertise as their participation was essential in making the career readiness experiences impactful. Discovery nights. I also want to emphasize the importance of our high school discovery nights that are taking place right now. These critical events are taking place throughout December and are designed to give rising 9th grade and current high school families an in-depth look at our specialized programs, career pathways, and unique educational opportunities across all five now

183becoming six of our high schools. While several successions successful sessions have already occurred, I would encourage you to visit staffordschools.net/discovery /discovery nights for information on the remaining dates this month. We had one at Colonial Forge last night. We and we have upcoming events at Stafford High School um and at um one more sorry which one? >> North Stafford. You're right. Thank you. Uh the proactive planning is key to charting our students future and their academic and career successes. Learn and serve turkey drive. I want to share this fantastic community success story. Our annual turkey drive spearheaded by the dedicated learn and serve programs at Mountain View, North Stafford, Stafford, and Brook Point high schools was a resounding success and truly embodies this the spirit of this giving season. Through the generosity of our entire community,

184these students collected over 165 turkeys, hams, and chickens, all that were donated directly to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. This collective effort ensured that over a hundred families in our region will have a warm, nourishing centerpiece for their holiday meals. And I could not be prouder of the commitment and compassion demonstrated by our school community and supporting our neighbors in need. On November 20th, our parent teacher resource center hosted critical decision points workshop for parents. This workshop pres was presented by the Virginia Department of Education for 16 parents that attended and focused on critical decision points for families of children with disabilities. The information presented was developed to assist families of children with disabilities in understanding the keys to their child's academic success and the crucial decisions they will encounter throughout their child's public education

185career. The a bridge workshop was so powerful that it was also presented to our special education design and department chairs just last month. And finally, as we enter the holiday season, I do want to recognize the work of scouts. As you know, Scout is is stands for strengthening community through outreach, understanding, and trust. And this is our mobile resource vehicle. Scout is our commitment to breaking down barriers and directly connecting with families in their neighborhoods. In the last few weeks alone, we have been proud to bring Scout to a host of community events, including the Rodney Thompson Middle School fall festival, the Rising Star and Northstar Early Childhood Education C Center's Thanksgiving Dinners, the Monure Elementary School Multicultural Night, and the Conway Elementary School Cougar Connection in Old Forge. This mobile initiative is vital to

186ensuring all of our families has access to the resource and support services they need and it is making a measurable difference in our community engagement efforts. Thank you for your support. This concludes my remarks. I'm on track now. Uh board member comments. Uh Dr. Chase. >> Yeah. Um, I I would just like to take a minute to thank um the residents of the Falmouth district for um putting their trust in me to reelect me for the next four years. Um I it is it is a great honor to have the opportunity to continue this work and um I think the entire board um gets credit for all the many things that we've accomplished in the last four years together and um it has not been um a small amount. So um yeah, I just wanted

187to thank that. And then uh I was invited to Virginia organizing's know your rights workshop in Spennsylvania. And I just wanted to say that was really um very interesting to me. It's for um members of the immigrant community who are concerned um about uh being picked up by ICE. And um I just mentioned this because it was kind of a shock to me to hear before even the know your rights was to point out that they should um make arrangements for their children to be taken care of somebody else should they be picked up. And it was something that really hadn't hit me what that must be like. Um, I I certainly know people in the military community know what this is like when um a spouse gets deployed and you have to pull together

188all your legal stuff and you have to make arrangements in case the the parent who is still there um gets hurt that uh you have somebody else who can take over. So, um I I think we really need to continue to to have a lot of compassion for what some members of our community are going through. Um, so thank you, >> Dr. Warner. >> Thank you. Um, I wish to thank our outgoing uh, school board representatives, Miss Irish and Miss Een. I wish to welcome our new representatives and I hope that um, I hope that you get as much out of it as they did. I think that it is a good experience and we look forward to hearing what you have to say because it's really it is important to get a student perspective.

189Um, I want to remind people that um, there's all sorts of fun activities going on at our schools. We have chorus concerts and musicals and discovery nights and performances and bands and um, orchestra and all sorts of um, different events going on all through December to the end of the year. And I think you will find many of those events pretty enjoyable. Um, I want to wish our outgoing schoolboard members well. I never thought that it was a pretty rough start four years ago, but I have come to appreciate all of them and I wish them the best going forward and whatever endeavors they choose to take on next. Thank you. >> Miss Randall. >> All right. Um, can you come back to me? My comments have disappeared. >> Miss Hilly. >> All right. It

190won't be long, maybe. Um, I I want to wish my colleagues well. You're all so special. And I mean, I knew I knew this guy before you came on. I I I had never met these other two characters, and I've grown to love them all. But you you have you've added a lot, and you're you you will be remembered, and your influence will be felt. and Miss Guy, we're really looking forward to working with you on the other side when you're got a hold of those purse strings. Um, I think you're I'm just you I tell you what, well, we we've graduated Mrs. Bumkey and Dr. Young and now we have Miss Guy. We're we're doing pretty good. Now, you notice I never made it to the big leagues, but you know, I never really

191wanted to to to move because this is my my spot. But I do want I do want to recognize Miss Irish and Miss Eastston. I think that you have worked so well. It is East, right? East. I can't even read. >> Can I call you Lillian? >> Lillian and Gabby. That's That's easier for me. Y'all have been amazing. And I I I think you're an inspiration. The the way you've worked as a team has has really been terrific. And you've you've learned from each other. You've leaned on each other and and I think you will probably be friends for the rest of your life from this this experience that that you've had. And I I think you set a good example for this board. I mean, we work together and I think we could do

192better in listening to each other and learning from each other and leaning on each other. So, I I'm going to, you know, leave that for us as as a challenge to follow in your footsteps as well. And I think you'll notice that our new schoolboard representatives are not a representative and an alternate. And the reason for that is that we have recognized that really you've been two school board representatives. I don't think we've considered you an alternate, Lillian, you know, dur during this year. I mean, I'm if there was room, we would squeeze you up here in in, but but that we made a deliberate u decision not to have an alternate because we recognize that when we have, you know, you know, two representatives who are are working together, it's it's not, you know,

193one's in the lead and one's, you know, in the follow that you really do work together. and and I think that your um your successors will will do well to to to learn from you and and don't hesitate to contact them because they're still going to be around for the next semester. So, thank you. Thank you for everything you've done. I mean, you had big footsteps to fill and you did it, you know, exceptionally well and it's it's just continuing to to lead the way and thank you for bringing the student voice to us because that's something that is so important for this board. I mean, we make decisions and we make policy and our policy directly affects the students and it helps to to have that insight. I mean, we can't always do what

194the students would want done, but it helps to have that that input so we can take that into consideration when we're formulating those those policies and and you know, future decisions. So, thank you all and I I'll miss I'll miss you all, Miss Sigman. you've been so special and I tell you you you deserve a you know like a a heart at for these past two years you and Miss Kai stepping up and and and you know taking the the chair and the vice chair roles because I know it's not not one bit easy so thank you for for all of that and I I appreciate you pushing us on the on the no the mental health the bullying I mean we needed that we really did and when you think back four years ago

195when you came in here we're sitting here most of us with little mask on and you know it's it was a it was a tough time. So you you you've all left an indelible mark. So thank you and and you will be hearing from me with help from my kines. >> Can I come back to you, Miss Randall? >> All right. Um first of all, every December just always feels a little different. um because it's a it's like a high and a low for me. Saying goodbye to some really great women leaders from our schoolboard representatives as well as to our school board members. Um and change is hard and but necessary and um some bring some sadness but others bring excitement all at the same time. So, I also want to congratulate Gabby for

196her OP uh for her scholarship that she won at VSBA, top honors in the state of Virginia. We're really happy for her. Um and also because we got to give extra nods and winks to Miss Healey for her 25th completed year of school coming up. Coming up. >> No, no, I finished 26. >> 26 left. >> Two more. Yes, we know. So, but she was given honors at our VSBA. So, I did want to congratulate her um there as well. Also want to say goodbye to Moren and Maya and Alyssa. I won't be saying any more about that um but I will send it in writing. Um I would also like to welcome uh back Dr. Chase, but also welcome new Wanda, Josh, and Shannon. I'd also like to welcome new to our new uh

197school board rep co- representatives. We're happy to have you guys, Tia and Sophie, come and serve with us. We appreciate that. Um, I have uh taken some time over the last couple weeks to visit some schools and meet with principles that I have never met with before. And um at all three levels I learned a lot and I had went in with some um what I thought was some clear thoughts of my own and some were okay. But what I also got was schooled in these schools because they told me where I was not okay and uh not right in my thinking. So I definitely appreciated that little set straight as well. Um, I look forward this week with Dr. Chase to visit the three CGS campuses and the CTE centers at North Stafford. Um,

198I also got to visit with my own hard hat. I love it. Um, Hartwood High and Falls Run Elementary School. both were um with excited principles, exceptional um tour guides with the new board members as well as uh Dr. Chase and Dr. Warner. So, I really appreciated that as well. Um I got to attend Chart Your Future. It was my fourth year and every year it's done different, but it's lots of energy there and next year is going to be even different. Um, so it was this year was juniors and seniors and now we're going back to juniors and when it's not going to be in the fall, it's going to be in the spring and all kinds of fun things I'm sure are going to happen. Um, I know some of us, and this

199is kind of I know uh something Miss Hollstead has in her heart and mind as well, that holidays can be super challenging for those that are dealing with changes, whether it be a change in uh who's in your household and who's not. Um, and or things being just done differently like torture of future different every year. Um but um for myself, I have worked really hard this year. I had a couple things that I set up for myself for goals. And one of them is to help with brain health, formerly known as mental health, because I think the word mental makes a little bit of a stigma. So I've changed it for myself. It is my brain health. Um, two things that I do especially for myself that I thought I'd share and if I

200find useful, great. Otherwise, flush it. I'm good. Um, one is when I wake up in the morning, I take an hour before I touch my phone. I need to get myself straight before I let the world get inside. So, if that helps for you, I hope it does. Um, just give yourself an hour. Take your shower, get dressed, make your bed. always stress that one. Walk your dogs. Yes, mine. I always have to pee, poop, feed, whatever you got to do. Um, but take an hour to give yourself just that for yourself. Um, you'll be busy. You don't have to sit and look out the window or anything, but you could do that, too. The other thing that I do is very oftent times your brain has part of brain health, your brain has a

201purpose of trying to protect you. So, it will start telling you things like you need to worry about or did you take care of, have you thought about like all these little things that'll trip you up? So, I get to the punch before my brain does and I ask myself um or I tell myself something good is going to happen to me today and it never fails. My brain goes and finds it. And it sometimes can just be as simple as, "Yep, I had the best cup of tea this morning." Or, "Yep, I did have a warm shower." Or, "Yep, all my dogs went potty the first time out the door." It could be anything small. It could be something big. But I just always make sure I tell my brain what to look for

202in my day. So, those are my two tips. Hope that helps somebody with their winter stuff and Christmas holiday things. And I hope everyone has a very super safe and fun holiday season. Thank you, >> Miss Hollstead. >> I thought you were gonna play music like >> where's Listen, I got all night because we're early. So, and I got notes. >> Oh, I'm not worried about that. All right. Um, wow. It's been a ride. A roller coaster ride of which I can't stand roller coasters. But anyway, this one turned out to be more fun and more adventurefilled. That's right. Than I ever thought it could be. Um, you know, when I first got on this board, I really thought that God was mad at me and that's why he put me in this place. Like

203somehow or another I was being punished for something I had done. Um, and it was only a short time after that that I realized that the uh the power of recognizing that God blessed me with this position and to be here with you ladies to help get through what we had to get through at that point. Um, I I would definitely want to spend a lot of time talking about what I've learned from each and every one of you. Some of it all good, some of it all bad, on other ends all bad. But but at the minimum um you have all taught me something individual about finding my own voice, using my own voice. Um and I think more importantly hearing all voices when they're coming at you from all angles. Um I can't

204I don't have enough words to express how important it was for me to really um sit down. A lot of you don't know this. When we first got on this board, this guy and I went to Panera. >> Oh yeah, we did. Uh-huh. Um because we were the two that everyone said was going to be the most >> like this. >> And we sat down together and said, "We have to learn how to hear each other." And we spent about four hours that day sitting at Panera and that was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. So I thank you for that because >> Yeah, I do too, right? I know. Oh my god. Okay, send the time then. No, I'm just kidding. two minutes. >> Um, but that was a really important

205moment for me because um, I remember and I don't know if you remember it, but we were talking about something and you literally said, "I hear you. What about this and how do we get there?" And I said, "I don't know." And you said, "I don't either." And that was really important to me because Oh, you're gonna make me cry. But um it was really important to me because we showed a little bit of vulnerability, a little bit of the fear that we had moving forward that we weren't going to effectively be able to represent our people. But the knowledge that we had to do it together and that that was the only way to build a bridge and to forge forward was something that really turned the corner for me and it really helped

206me realize um the impact of what being on this board um would be. Um, I definitely want to thank the community for putting their trust in me four years ago and for for helping to lift me up through all the struggles. There's um there's a core group of friends of mine that we actually um are known as the moth mom's on fire because we tend to get very passionate together and I could always no matter what go to those um wonderful women um when I was down when I was up when I was searching for the answers they were always there. They are um the backbone of everything. So, they get a special shout out um tonight. Um upcoming board members, Wanda's not here. Shannon, um I've met with Shannon and we've chatted and I

207appreciate Shannon asking me what she can do to continue to carry the bastion of what this board has built over the course of the last four years. Um and my message to her then and my message to all of the new board members is to just remember solely you represent everyone whether you agree with them or not. They are your constituents. It no longer matters whether they voted for you or not. They have a child in your care. And that is the most important message that you should view every decision you're making from this board, every policy decision. It's not about the parent. It is about the child sitting in that seat and the future that they are hoping to have and that you are responsible for forging for them. um to from teachers to

208principles to support staff to central office to admin. There hasn't been a moment of the last four years that I haven't seen every single one of you in this system shine in some way or another. from conversations that you have openly had with me, from letting me hear your voice to hearing my concerns as well. It's been immensely powerful in terms of feeling very confident that Sapper County kids are in really good hands and that's comforting to me. Um, and I guess finally to the students most of all and most importantly, life is not a destination. It is a journey. It is a place that you get to enjoy all of the time along the way. Sometimes that journey is filled with rocks and thorns and and all kinds of storms. You will get through

209them. I have 54 years behind me to show you you too can do it. Believe me, there were times my mother thought I wouldn't. But anyway, um I really want to encourage you to stay flexible in life. Stay flexible for the changes that are coming your way as you grow and as you get um whatever your next steps are from kindergarten straight on right up through to your senior year. Stay flexible. Life is going to throw you some challenges. You can do it. I assure you of this. I encourage you to laugh with as much joy as you can. Cry with as much passion as you feel. And speak loudly and often about the things that you think and feel. Someone is listening. I assure you, you don't know who it is. You don't know

210how that will impact what the next move is, but they hear you. They cannot hear you if you are not speaking. So speak and speak all the time. Ladies, it has been my honor to serve with you in the last four years. Thank you for all of your support, your encouragement, your fights, whatever it brought us. It has made us all grow. And I thank you Stafford County for being one step in my journey. Um I ain't done yet either. though. So, you'll see me around for the next few months anyway. I do. I got a meeting on Thursday. Anyway, thank you. Happy holidays. Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Happy New Year. >> Miss Guy, Dr. Smith, I timed you. I don't know why. I never done that before. I'm sorry. Anyway, um I didn't prepare

211anything because I didn't want to be vulnerable because I knew I was going to cry and I'm not going to cry. So that's why I am not gonna say much, but I will say um it has been an honor. Um I love Stafford County Schools. I've been an avid volunteer for since like 2009. Um mostly because I didn't have a life, but also because I just really really enjoy um not only working with students, but I I love working with the educators. Um both my parents are educators, my grandma's an educator. Um, I just know the special breed of human it takes to be one and I thrive amongst those type of people and I love it. So, um, it has been amazing serving. I I knew I was going to like it. Um, I

212know I'm going to cry on December 31st because I don't want to leave, but um, but I have to because I love you guys enough to enter the devil's d. No, I'm just joking. I'm just joking. But no, um, I love I love the greater community of Stafford and I want to step up, but I am going to miss you guys so much. I will probably still continue to text you, Dr. Smith. I'm not Don't block me if you block me. Okay, I'm gonna call I'm gonna call somebody, but >> it's a violation of policy for supervisors to contact the dire the superintendent directly. >> Um, >> the county administrator, >> I don't think so. Um, so anyway, I will continue to stay engaged um because Stafford County Schools has my heart. Um, I also

213want to say to um each individual one of you guys, okay, there have been times when y'all have gotten on my nerves and I know I Yes. Okay, I'm just being honest and true. I've cursed you all out, but >> you've also affirmed me. Excuse me. It's my time. I'm reclaiming my time. But you've affirmed me and I really I really enjoyed working with you guys. And I didn't think that I would find something that I like about each and every one of you, but I did. And I'm so thankful for that. I really am. And I hope that we can still continue to work well together. Um, to Moren, I'm excited about what the next four years has in store for you and I because our journey is not done. We're like the dynamic

214duo, right? Okay. Okay. So, that's it. I just um I also want to um Oh, well, they're left. But the student reps and the new student reps, I'm excited for you guys. I'm so sorry you didn't get to know me, though. But I'm I'm I'm still going to come. I'm going to come meet you and I'm going to come do all the things. Um and that's it. I'm going to let you guys go so that you can close this out and we can go into close session. And I hope everyone has a fantastic new year. I would like to say that four years ago, these two promised that they would end on a musical number and we were Yes. >> And um >> you have the song. >> That's it. That's all I got. >>

215We were also promised a haik coup which has not been delivered. >> Not do I couldn't I couldn't do it. I'm sorry. Too emotional. >> Um tonight's been great. I'm really grateful for the celebration we've had today and for um Colonial Forge Orchestra that was here for us this evening and Chef Raven and Stafford High School's culinary kids. They are fantastic. I agree with Dr. Warner. We have lots and lots and lots of shows to go see. Uh Colonial Forge is on Thursday. Rodney Thompson and Mountain View is on Tuesday. Just to have a couple um on your calendar. Um but uh tonight's bittersweet. Um it's my last time as a member of the school board and I am just so overwhelmingly grateful. Um I have so much gratitude for this community, for our students,

216our educators, the families who entrust us with their children and for the colleagues who have walked alongside me through every challenge and every triumph. When I look back on these years, I'm incred incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together. We've made unprecedented investments in maintenance and infrastructure, catching up on decades of needs that have gone unmet. We've tackled the hard work of improving our employee pay uh because the people who care for and teach our children deserve to be valued and supported. We made real progress in reducing our teacher vacancy rate uh which is a testament to our commitment, which was one of my favorite things, uh to making Stafford a place where talented educators want to come and work and build their careers. and we stayed focused on what matters most, academics. Uh today,

217our students have not only reached but exceeded pre- pandemic levels in many areas. And that's something that every employee, every parent, every volunteer, and every student should take pride in. Together, we didn't just plan for Stafford's future, we built it. We opened a lab school and specialty centers, expanded opportunities for students in exciting and innovative ways. We're opening three new schools to finally address decades of unchecked growth. And we've secured approval to rebuild two schools that are long past their useful life, ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has a safe and modern place to learn. But these achievements only tell part of our story. The real joy of this work has come from people. I've had so much fun meeting so many wonderful people, educators, staff, parents, community leaders, and neighbors who

218have become dear friends. Together, we've not only met the educational needs of this community, but we have strengthened the very fabric of it. We've filled food pantries, stuffed backpacks, distributed coats, reduced meal debt, and opened clothing closets. We've shown again and again that when Stafford sees a need, Stafford shows up. Serving on this board has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Representing the Garrisonville district has been a privilege I will never take for granted. But I've, as I've said before, sitting in this seat is not the only path to serving our community. My view may change, but my mission to serve to serve Stafford remains absolutely clear. And I encourage everyone listening, everyone in this room, everyone watching to find your way to serve as well. Join a PTO or PTA, become

219a member of a booster club, join organizations like Protect Stafford or the NAACP or the American Legion. Volunteer with the fire and rescue, with a church mission, the food pantry, the animal shelter, even in our schools, uh, or on the playing fields as a parks and recck coach. Step up in your HOA, apply for a county or schoolboard committee or commission. The opportunities to serve are endless and the possibilities are infinite. And if my time here has taught me anything, it is that service opens doors to friendships, to purpose, to community, and to surprising moments of joy. So, tonight is not goodbye, it's just see you around. And, uh, our next meeting, which I will likely not be at, um, is on January 13th. Um, it should actually be 2026, uh, the school board annual

220organizational meeting in this room at 7 p.m. And Miss Guy, will you read us into closed? >> I sure will. I move that the board convene a closed meeting at this time pursuant to section 2.2-3711. 2-3711 A okay A7 of the code of Virginia to consult with legal counsel and staff pertaining to actual litigation case number CL 2100 3042- CL240092-0000 and CL24001092-0000 filed in Stafford County Circuit Court. Two, pursuant to section 2.2-3711A8 of the Code of Virginia to consult with legal council regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such council regarding a settlement proposal involving an elementary school renovation project and three pursuant to section 2.2-3711 2-3711 A3 of the code of Virginia to discuss and or consider off-site easement acquisitions associated with a school construction project in order to protect

221its bargaining position or negotiating strategy. Second, >> I also move for a fivem minute recess so we can go to bathroom. >> All right. >> Second f, >> please cast your votes. Motion carries unanimously. We're enclosed. >> We have a fiveminut recess. I put that in here tomorrow. >> I have a governance review. Gross. >> Yeah, let's turn that off. Hold on, Rachel. Go >> now. >> Pursuant to section >> I missed. >> Okay. Pursuant to section 2.2-3712 of the code of Virginia, I moved at the closed meeting held by the school board on December 9, 2025 be certified by adopting the following resolution. Now therefore, be it resolved that the school board of Stafford County, Virginia, hereby certifies that to the best of each member's knowledge, one, only public business matters lawfully exempted from

222open meeting requirements were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies. saying two only s excuse me only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard discussed or considered by the board >> second >> Dr. Agree >> Miss Guy >> agreed >> miss Holston >> agree >> Miss Healey >> agreed >> Miss Randall >> here agreed >> Miss Sigman >> agreed Dr. Warner agreed. Madam chair, the motion passes. >> We have we have three motions coming out of close session. First is move that the I I move that the school board accept settlement agreement proposals for an elementary school renovation project and for actual litigation pertaining to case numbers CL210003042-00 and CL21003603-0000 filed in Stafford County Circuit Court as presented during the closed meeting

223and to permit the chair or vice chair in the chair's absence to sign the settlement agreements on behalf of the school board. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Oh, opposed. Sorry. >> Who is that? >> All in favor? >> The guy instead opposed. >> Right. Um, I move that the school board one has determined the necessity of the offsite site water sanitary easement and the construction of the school that it will serve and two authorized legal council and staff to initiate quicktake condomination proceedings for the acquisition of an off-site water sanitary easement for construction of the school on tax map parcel 46N-1 including a providing the required 30 to 45day notice to the owner of the school board's intent to file a certificate of take negotiation impass. B, filing the

224certificate of take within that 30 to 45 period is applicable. C, if necessary, filing notices and petitions in condemnation within the time period required by law. And D, permitting the chair or vice chair in the chair's absence to sign any documents necessary for such notices, petitions, and filings. >> Second. >> Wow, I fell asleep halfway through that. No, just kidding. That was a long one. >> I >> Any opposed? And I abstain from that one. Okay. So, six I and one missing. >> Yep. >> Thank you. >> All right. And then the last motion. I move that the school board consent to allow settlement negotiations and actual litigation pertaining to case number CL24001092-00. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Does that is that as discussed in the close session? >> Yes. >> Yeah.

225I just don't want any confusion about who we're settling for. >> Yeah. >> So, all in favor? I >> I >> Any opposed? >> No. >> We done. >> Merry Christmas. Happy holiday.