001like to call our meeting to order. Is there a motion for the board to reconvene into open session? >> Rosemary may hand. >> Is there a second? >> Daniel Wallace second. >> All in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. I heard all eyes. So, we are now in open session. Good evening to everyone. >> We appreciate each of you joining us. Uh, and what an awesome crowd here this evening. It's really nice to see that. And also for those that are watching remotely or welcome to you as well. During our meeting, I'd like to ask each of our board members to state his or her name when making or seconding a motion or when speaking. At this time, I'm going to ask each board member and our student representative to verbally indicate their
002presence when I call their name. Mrs. Rosemary Maym >> here. >> Mrs. Rebecca Miner >> present. >> Mrs. Amy Richards >> present. >> Dr. Daniel Wallace >> here. >> Miss Bedford >> pres. >> Okay. And I am Ralph Fallon. At this time, I need a motion to verify that I close session was conducted in accordance with the Code of Virginia section 2.2-3712 2-3712 paragraph D and that only matters exempted from open meeting requirements and only matters identified in the motion to go into close session were discussed. Is there such a motion? >> Daniel Wallace. So moved. >> Okay. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay. >> Miss Mayan, how do you vote? >> I. >> Mrs. Miner, >> I. >> Mr. Richards, >> I. >> Dr. Wallace, >> I. >> The chair votes
003I. And our close session has been verified. If there are no objections, I would last like to ask uh Dr. Wallace to lead us in prayer at this time. >> Okay. If there are no objections, let's bow for a word of prayer. Our Father God, we come before you right now just asking for your guidance, your help, and your wisdom. We just ask that uh we may be used by you as a um as a board to to better reach out to the children of this community and again we need your well your wisdom and your help in this and we ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen. >> Amen. Thank you Dr. Wallace. At this time, let's stand and honor our country by reciting the pledge of allegiance. >> To the flag of
004the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Miss Maym, would you mind reading our statement of vision and statement of mission, please? Certainly. Our vision is to provide an exemplary learning environment that empowers all students to find their voices and make meaningful contributions to the world. Our mission together we nurture the unlimited potential through inclusive authentic learning. >> May. >> Okay. Do we have any suggested changes or addition to our agenda? suggested changes or addition to our agenda. Okay. Hearing Okay. Hearing none, our agenda is approved by unanimous consent. Next, Miss Rice, our student and staff attendance recognition. >> Yes, sir. >> We have some nice attendance uh this past month at Copel Elementary School. The average daily student
005attendance 49%. Washington District Elementary 95.02%. Montras Middle School 9 middle school 93.65% and West Morlandy 3.65% and West Morland High School 9th High School 92 with 95.49% [Applause] I've got the right one. >> Okay, awesome. >> And next we'll roll right into staff attendance. Um the staff attendance was not quite as high as the student attendance. Uh but at Copel Elementary School, staff attendance uh was 90.48%. Washington District Elementary 93.82%. Montra Middle School 94.41%. And West Morland High School 92.31%. So our winning staff attendance goes to Montro Middle School. [Applause] Okay. Hey, congratulations to Copel and Montro Middle, but we do appreciate all of our schools uh putting so much emphasis on attendance and I think our staff uh has some motivation to increase their attendance and thank you to the students. >> So, next
006we're going to have our character trait honores. I think the word of the month is fairness. Uh, Miss Steel, I believe you're going to do that for us this evening. Yes, sir. >> Good evening, everyone. At this time, we're going to have our principles come up and present our students of the month. As Mr. B has shared, the character has always been up here. I just >> Good evening. I'm Angel. >> Good evening. I'm Holly Angel. And tonight I was a proud Copel and tonight I would like to recognize Maris Rich in second grade. Like to recognize Maris Rich in second grade for being Copel's um character honore. Demonstrates fairness in class. He listened respectfully. Demonstrates fairness in class. He listen to his classmates opinions even when they differ from his own. During group work,
007Maris ensures that everyone has a chance to contribute and that tasks are divided equally. He treats all his peers kindly and tries to be fair even when it's not the easiest choice. His sense of justice and respect for others helps create a positive and inclusive learning environment for everyone. [Applause] I don't know. >> See this? >> Whose name is that? >> You earned this. >> Thank you. [Applause] Good evening. I'm Michelle Pass, the principal Washington district. Um, and it must be a second grade theme night because our um, student of the month is also a seventh grader. Um, our student of the month is Elena Hoskins and her teacher, Miss McMonicle. Have a fan club over there. Her teacher, Miss McMmonicle, nominated her and wrote, "She is one of the kindest students in our school.
008She is always patient and helpful with her peers. She makes a point to treat others fairly and to include other students in all activities. Elena embodies the trait of fairness and how she conducts herself every day at WD. I'm very proud that Elena is a fellow crab. Know our house system and I hope that other students follow her example. [Applause] >> I can grab one last. >> Oh, really? I think you had a crab thing. >> Oh, this >> Oh, miss him. >> I'm sorry. >> Excited about watching him come up. >> There you go. Congratulations. What a nice smile. [Applause] >> So, good evening. I'm Janet Girl, the principal at Montress Middle, and I'm really excited and honored to present this to you, Terry Rich. It says, "Terry consistently demonstrates fairness by listening to
009others, considering different opinions, and making choices, and respectful and just. He always includes others, follows the rules, and always does what is right. He makes sure all voices are heard and valued. Keep story, Terry. Your sixth grade team appreciates you. [Applause] [Laughter] Good job. [Applause] >> Good afternoon. My name is Michael Basky, principal at Westmore High School. WH student of the month for September goes out to Haley Williams, grade 10, nominated by Miss Lewis. Here's what Miss Lewis had to say. I would like to nominate Haley because she consistently demonstrates patience, kindness, and maturity in everything she does. She has a calm, steady presence that makes others feel comfortable and supported no matter the situation. Haley is always respectful towards not just towards her teachers and staff, but also towards her classmates and teammates. She
010generally cares about the people around her goes out of her way to make sure everyone feels included and valued. Even on the basketball court where emotions can run high and the pressures to perform strong, Haley remains composed to focus. She never lets her frustration or or competition get the best of her. Instead, encourage her teammates, celebrates their successes, and make sure everyone gets the chance to participate. Her leadership shines through her actions. She leads by example, shown that teammate shown that teamwork and good sportsmanship are justice for fairness goes out to Haley Williams. [Applause] >> Is your family for bullying prevention. Thank you. >> Congratulations. [Applause] >> Okay, I think uh our next agenda item, you're going to be in for a real treat. We're looking forward to this uh in celebration of bullying prevention
011month. And I'd like to uh ask Miss Rice to lead us off. >> Thank you, Mr. Fallon. So, we patients this evening for uh bullying prevention month and we'd like to ask Washington District Elementary to lead the way. So, I'm going to ask Dr. Repass to please come up and Miss Calhoun and introduce uh your students and then uh they can take it away. Come on. Why are you guys that? Thompson and I am we have a lot to say about students here to represent our school and use the table. Now we will let the poster. Please step up and show your poster when I call your name. Please step up and show your poster when I call your name. [Music] from kindergarten. Lillian Roz. No bullying. Isaac Roz. Be a buddy, not a bully.
012>> First grade. [Applause] Morris, no bullying. Gabriel Lopez, no bullying at WTE from third grade. Murphy, things to stop bullying from fifth grade. Also bullying Charlotte Thompson bullying is not good. Thank you from all of us at Washington District. [Applause] >> This is awesome. Oh my god. Let's see. All right. Next, um, Mrs. Angel is going to share a PowerPoint presentation of some bullying prevention activities that Copel Elementary School has been doing this month. >> Good evening again. So um we started our anti-bullying activities um last month with our first Ove uh class meeting and our kickoff. So our students made posters that say stomp out bullying. So each um class had posters and they depending on their grade level either drew or wrote things that could hurt someone else's feelings and they did this
013throughout the week of our obey kickoff each morning during their morning meeting and they were displayed in the hallways and on Fridays at recess students were able to stomp on the posters to stomp out bullying um and then some even ran through their posters. And then our um school counselor, Dr. Kato, facilitated some anti-bullying activities throughout the month of September. So depending again on the grade level. So in the upper grades, students learn the difference between being mean, being rude, and bullying. Um so she had them roleplay different scenarios um and to talked about what they could do to prevent bullying. And then the littleer kids learned the difference between kind and unkind behaviors. And again, they did some role playing and they determined if the behaviors were kind or unkind. So that's a picture
014of Dr. Kolado and um one of the upper grades. And then here are some pictures from the lower grades and one upper grade. Here's some more pictures of the unkind and kind. And then the um top left you see fifth graders doing their role playing. >> That is it. >> Thank you. [Applause] >> Thank you. Next we'll have uh Mrs. Garland and I believe you have some students with you. Okay. Good afternoon. Good evening. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Malia Madson with fellow students John Carlo, Jir Zara, Eliza, and Aman. We are proud to represent Montros Middle School as a part of kicking off our school's anti-bullying campaign. Moving forward, Eliza will explain to you this week's unity. So these are this is this week is unity on Monday which was today we
015had hat tomorrow Tuesday where we team up against which you can wear Thursday and dress up as your Friday is costume day here just as your favorite inside out character. >> Hello everyone. I wanted to talk to you today about bullying. There are many misconceptions when it comes on to the identification of bullying. So, all the board members up here are going to receive a questionnaire and they're going to answer questions three, four, five, and six. Is everyone finished? >> I am. >> Has anyone up here picked um true on any of the answers? >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Well, the real answer is that all of those are false. >> Oh, really? The thing actually typically involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time. The behavior is normally aggressive and shows an imbalance of
016power or strength. Many people think that picking on people is bullying, but but bullying has many key factors to it. Okay. Well, this is a video that we took Well, this is a video that we took about we made about bullying. >> Middle school, a wild place where pencils disappear and sometimes people forget to be kind. Yeah, not cool. >> Did you see the scar I was wearing today? Total disaster. Did you see what respect looks like? Because that's what we're learning today. >> Welcome to Should You Post That. Have your thumbs beside your reputation. All right, let's welcome our first contestant. Come on now. How are you? Right. What's your first post? >> The group chat. >> Wrong. That's a one-way ticket tonight. Cool. So, >> all right. What's your next post? >> Sending
017a compliment. >> Ding ding ding. [Music] >> Being kind doesn't make you weak. Sometimes you have to go to a farm. >> You don't always realize someone really hurting. >> And standing up for someone. That's what girlfriends do. >> Bullying doesn't make you popular. It makes you forget who you really are. Choose respect. Choose kindness. Choose to be the reason someone smiled today. [Applause] Now welcome. [Applause] [Laughter] [Music] Be careful on the steps. [Music] Thank you for being our guest today. [Applause] Thank you to Montros Middle School. And finally, we have for West Morland High School. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Sydney Bford and I'm the city representative for county public schools. I'm here today to share what we've been doing at West High School to recognize. >> During rotation one of Plex,
018I participated in the student council association, most commonly known as SCA. As a group, we wanted to make a difference by mentoring our underassment. Together, we decided to create a short skit that will be presented to them on November 7th. Our skit highlights how bullying can escalate from verbal comments to physical alteration and the serious consequences that can follow. Most importantly, it encourages students to speak with a trusted adult early on so that the behavior can be addressed before it gets worse. We also developed a slide presentation that includes supportive school resources. And this is a rough draft from a figure presentation. Um, in our presentation, we're introducing a schoolwide initiative focused on empathy, kindness, and communication, which we call the peace trio. Our goal is not only to prevent bullying, but to help everyone
019understand why it happens, whether it be through misunderstandings, peer pressure, or stress, and how we can respond with compassion and respect. Be the change start with you. >> That was excellent. Cindy, thank you. Um, also for anti-bullying week, we have the following activities that we're going to be doing. Um, next week we're going to do a together we fly unity event. Um, that's kind of like where we're going to be uh bringing students together on a football field for a drone photo kind of like we did last year. We're going to kind of change it up to promote unity and kindness. Um, also next week we're going to have our anti-bullying messages where students will create, sign, and hold messages showing the commitment to stand up against bullying. Um, next Thursday, November 30th, we're going
020to do class meetings. Um, this is part of our digital literacy uh, event and our class each class will participate in a discussion to focus on cyber bullying. So, that's three extra events that we're going to be doing. It's kind of like our next week. Um, and then also that following week, we'll be having our skit on November 7. Um, and that was pretty much designed pretty much by Steve Bedford and her team. her and another student have the principal part of the presentation of but we will be bringing our nth and tth graders to come down so they can so the upper classman can show them what this looks like out thank you [Applause] >> I would like to see if any of the members of our governance team would like to make any
021comments on what we just saw All I heard >> I love the creativity. Good job and the student involvement. Love it. >> Yeah. >> Can I have one um comment? I heard you say that you would never do this again. >> You did an awesome job. Your reading was very well. So, just know that you did a great job. >> Absolutely. I thought this was just absolutely outstanding and I hope in the future we can uh continue to involve more students in our schoolboard meetings. Uh anyway, and we are very thankful for everyone that uh led this and participated in it and we appreciate all the uh family members that came out to see it as well. So, I just rise to you. >> Just a a thank you to the principles and the teachers
022who have made bullying prevention uh a focus all year long, but especially during bullying prevention month. And well done uh to all the students who presented this evening. >> Yes. >> Thank you all so much. It makes me really proud of you all. >> Yes. >> Okay. Next, we will move on. Do we have any public comments that were submitted prior to our meeting? Miss Rice. >> No, sir. >> Okay. Do we have any public comments from anyone present? >> I don't believe we do. So, uh, our public comment period is now closed. Next, we have our consent agenda for personnel appointments and resignations. >> Skip letter D. >> H >> 3D. >> Oh, did I miss one? >> The governance. >> Oh, I did. I was trying >> trying to get it before we
023lost. >> Yeah. I'll let everybody leave. >> So they saw the best part. >> Yeah. We have a couple left. >> Thank you all for coming. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Our next agenda item uh is the SBA school board governance awards. Uh Miss Rice. >> Yes, sir. So, um, I'll let the public be aware. The board is certainly aware, uh, that the school board members participate in ongoing professional development through the Virginia School Board Association. So, they spend, u many hours uh, giving up their free time or their work days uh, to be able to attend professional development. And the VSBA recognizes uh the achievement of members of the governance team who do spend hours participating in professional development pins uh for levels of achievement. So an award of recognition is given for 15
024hours in professional development each year. An award of achievement and a bronze pin are given for 24 hours of professional development. An award of excellence is given for 48 hours in two years time and that comes with a silver pin. An award of honor is given for 66 hours in two years and that comes with a gold pin. And an award of distinction is 84 hours of participation in two years and that comes with a starfish pin. So, I'm really excited because every member of our school board uh earned both a certificate and a pin uh for their achievement uh with the VSBA governance team. So, I'm going to share those with you now. So, we have an award of excellence going to Mrs. Rebecca Miner and we have the pin going to Mrs. Miner
025as well. And then for Dr. Wallace, we have an award of honor. >> And Dr. Wallace also earned a pin. [Applause] Mr. Fallon uh received the award of distinction and he also earns a pin. [Applause] Mrs. Rosemary Mayan also earned an award of distinction and that comes with a pin. And finally, Mrs. Amy Richards earned an award of distinction and her pin. And I didn't read any of the plaques, but um it says the award of uh distinction. This award is presented to board member for your commitment to effective schoolboard governance through your participation in the VSBA school 23 to 2025. So congratulations to our board members. [Applause] But >> oh, you're good. Do what I was about to say. >> Okay. >> But we do have one left >> and this is for our
026superintendent, Miss Kathy Rice. And she also receives the award of distinction. And I don't know where your pen is. You got it. Okay. And a pen. So, uh, thank you very much. All the time, additional time that you put into this in addition to your other duties. [Applause] Okay, now we'll move on to our consent agenda and resignations. You have copies of the board minutes from the September 9 work session and also the September 15 regular session and you have copies of the school division bills and school nutrition bills. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> Daniel Wall is so moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. Rose Mayan. >> Okay. Miss Maym, how do you vote? >> I >> Okay, Mrs. Miner. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Richards, >> hi. >>
027Dr. Wallace, >> hi. >> And the chair votes I. And our consent agenda is approved. Uh, next, Miss Rice, donations and school gifts. >> Thank you. We we have a a long list of very generous donations this month uh from different individuals and organizations in the community. Starting with donations to the school division from Ebenezer United Methodist Men. They donated 27 winter coats for our students and that was valued at approximately $700. Ebenezer United Methodist Church donated 32 coats and that was valued at $842. United Methodist Mission Rivers District. And this also came by way of Ebenezer United Methodist Church. Um, but this was a grant award for 61 winter coats for our students valued at $1,586. And then Ebenezer United Methodist Church also made a food item donation. And this was uh pull tab
028uh cans of Campbell's chicken noodle soup and Chef Boyardd ravioli chicken breast and snack pudding packs. And that was for the backpack buddies. And that food donation was valued at $880. And we do have some pictures that accompany uh the the donations from Ebenezer United Methodist Church. one of the members uh who is involved with the missions work sent us pictures. So uh Mr. Pelen, do you want to speak to the pictures since this happens to be your church? >> Uh surely. Yeah, I can do that. Uh the gentleman on the left is Scott Flickinger and he basically coordinates our food pantry. uh the last couple of years he also uh has uh actually purchased the coats that are contributed and uh we have a couple of school teachers up there on the right uh
029and in the middle uh the children that attend that church. So we're very fortunate to have so many young young children attend that church. So uh and they get to participate as well in this. So uh and on uh Sunday a Sunday morning this past Sunday morning uh the coats are actually uh shown off in church and and they are blessed in church uh uh sometimes after distribution and sometimes before distribution. And u you'll see a young man up there on the service uh that some of you might know. I think this was ley Sunday I believe. uh and and so Mr. Barry Sutiff who is our music teacher at Copel uh delivered the message. So it was an exciting Sunday. >> I think you do you have one more or is that it? That's
030it. I guess >> one more. Yep. So uh again you see uh some familiar faces there on some of that teachers. So anyway, uh we're also fortunate Eenea to have a number of teachers uh that attend that church and uh you know with the teachers and their children and young people and and the generosity of everyone that attends uh we take great joy in doing this. So thank you. >> Thank you. And we understand a number of the winter coats have already been distributed to children. Uh so that's exciting. And then continuing with our donations, Copel Elementary School received from the Alpha Kappa Alerty in Incorporated uh 30 Power Pack bags of food. And the power pack bags of food, 30 packs is valued at approximately $500. And Miss Angel did clarify for me, this
031is not a one-time donation. um they are receiving a weekly donation uh in this amount to give out to their children for the remainder of the school year. Um so the number you see there multiply that by 30 and that's the donation from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. And then the Omega Sci-Fi Fraternity Incorporation also donated backpacks and school supplies for students at Copel Elementary valued at $500. At Washington District Elementary, St. Peter's Episcopal Church gave 36 $15 Walmart gift cards for teacher appreciation, and that was uh valued, of course, at $540. The Dylan family gave mums pumpkins and hay bales to decorate the front entrance and that was valued at $150 and was a mystery for a little while. Right, Dr. Reass? They were um they they were quiet about their donation. So, and then
032Ebenezer United Methodist Church donated water bottles for Washington District Elementary valued at $300. At Montros Middle School, the William M. Cage Library Trust gave a monetary uh donation in the form of a library grant valued at $500. Helping Hands gave items for the nurses clinic valued at $25. Morning Star Baptist Church donated school supplies valued at $75. The Montros Town Council uh provided a a prize really to Montros Middle School of $200 $250 and that's because Montros Middle uh won second place for a school unit in the fall festival parade. The Knap family donated drawstring bags with a snack and a t-shirt inside for the cheer team. Those were valued at $450. The Sherm family uh gave candy for the parade and the ma monster mash dance and that was uh valued at $10. And
033then we have some additional folks who donated candy for the parade and the monster mash dance. Uh the Melissa Nawaki gave $20, Shannon Henry $20, Leslie Rich, Lydia Velasquez $15, and Megan Lynch $20. And then finally, at West Morland High School, St. Peter's Episcopal Church donated new clothes and hygiene supplies valued at $500. American Legion Post 148 made a monetary donation to the cheerleading team in the amount of $1,000. Mr. Wesley James for the W now practice field. >> In favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Okay. So with deep appreciation, Miss Rice, please donation is all accepted. >> Yes. So, next we have an update on Virginia's accountability results. Ms. Rice. >> Yes. And everyone's laughing because by now you would think we would have accountability results to share with you, but um
034we do not. Um so I am going to share with you uh the information that we have received thus far from the Virginia Department of Education. So, initially uh we received communication on August 15th from the Virginia Department of Education indicating that the reports providing our accountability status for the current school year based on last school year's uh state assessments, our attendance, our dropout rate, our uh graduation rate, ETA, our 3E uh readiness, many components. Um those accountability results were scheduled to be released to the public by the end of September. And then school divisions, you can see on the left side, uh were to receive the results at least one week prior to the public release, giving us an opportunity to review uh the information and make sure there were no errors or anything
035we needed to be concerned about. So August uh 15th communication came uh September came uh and then as we neared the end of September we received an updated communication from the Virginia Department of Education and I've linked all these communications for you all to um read later. Um but on September 24th uh we were advised that the public release of the information the accountability results was being moved from the end of September to the week of October 6th and that school divisions would receive the accountability results. Sorry, the week of September 29. On October 6th, as we anticipated the release, uh we received a new communication saying that public release of the accountability results was being moved to October 13 and that divisions would receive the results for first review during the week of October
0366th. Wait, there's more. >> Wait, there is more. On October 16th, we received another communication and I would like Mr. Evans to open this particular link. You can see now that uh the VDOE is no longer providing us with an anticipated date of releasing the accountability results. It's simply unknown. Um >> they decided they're not accountable. So, um I'm going to share with you what is now occurring and and what I before I share this part um in between all of those official releases from VDOE with an update on the timeline for accountability results. We were um being in an online system called SSWS. So there's a school performance and support framework application within SSWS. So school divisions could go in and look for our reports um and check our accountability results which which we're
037all very anxious uh to receive. So we logged in uh every day, multiple times a day and um we would get reports uh notices within SSWS that said um next data refresh will be uh 9:00 a.m. And so we'd all jump in and check at 9:00 a.m. That said, uh now the results will be released at noon. Check back. So we would check back and then now the results will be released by four o'clock. check back at 4:00 9:00 a.m. And I'm making up the time. That's what has gone on uh from the time of the first until this communication. So the most recent communication from the VDOE is uh that they are committed to implementing effective and transparent practices that meet the highest level of data integrity and quality in alignment uh with best
038data governance practices. So VDOE is finalizing a third party to independently update the school performance and support framework and outcomes to each school and division. This is being done uh to promote transparency and reinforces confidence and trust in the final framework outcomes. >> Are you getting all of this, Richard? Once the independent validation is complete, you will receive your division and school summary reports along with the resources to support communication of outcomes to stakeholders in your community and guidance on next steps forou divisions and federally identified schools. No less than one week after receiving these reports, the department will publicly release the validated data. So um the other thing I forgot to mention is uh divisions throughout this time period in addition to uh go in and check for your reports, we did receive some
039data, not the final reports, not the division and school summary reports that give us our accountability scores and ratings. We haven't received those but we have received some data and divisions have been um asked to check the data for accuracy and report errors to the department. So school divisions have been doing that and VDOE has been doing data refresh um to incorporate corrections in the data into what they have. Um but evidently they have now reached uh the stage where they have determined they need a third party to be able to review and validate the data before they can be confident in giving us our accountability reports. Um, and in school divisions, uh, we I can say West Morland is happy to see that a third party will be validating the data, um, for the
040reason that they stated it. It would be hard to trust the uh reports and the accountability uh ratings at this point with the amount of time that has passed and and at least the implication that they're relying on divisions to correct the data as opposed to uh correcting the data themselves. So, we have not received details about what it is that's uh tripping them up, making the delay in releasing the data. We don't receive details as to where the problem lies, why it's been so challenging to compile the accountability reports and get those out to divisions. We don't receive the that kind of information. Um we we've simply received um it's going to be a little later. It's going to be a little later. It's going to be a little later. Um and now we've
041received the communication that a third party will be validating the data and then we will get results. But you see from this latest update um what's missing is any kind of time frame as to when we might expect the accountability results from last school year. So, I wish I had more to share with you. Um, I was originally uh Mr. Fallon and I had planned for me to present our accountability results at the September board meeting and then when we didn't have those, we made plans uh to make this an agenda item for tonight's board meeting. Um, we've started to tent tentatively plan our state of the schools um event where we will share our accountability results with the public. Uh but we don't have the results yet and we don't know when we will
042be receiving the results and if you can tell we are a little frustrated uh by the the way this process is rolling out. So, uh, and I'm not going to go into it tonight, but you'll see the very next item in this particular correspondence, uh, is related to the VDOE, uh, and the board of ed raising the cut scores for the so assessments to increase the rigor um, and what's required from students and divisions in order to get a passing score. So there is information there about uh raising the cut scores for the accountability system. We do know that the reports we're waiting for in the accountability framework that's being used for the current school year will change. Uh we already know that it will change. Um in addition to raising the cut scores the
043the company that they're using for the growth data which is one component of our accountability is BVOS. And we know that VDOE uh no longer has a contract with Vivos for growth data moving forward. So what we don't know is how growth will be measured uh for the current school year and how that will factor into our accountability ratings for next year. So uh we're waiting on reports based on the current accountability framework. We don't have those yet and we are waiting to see what the accountability mechanisms will be for the upcoming year because we know that this is a one-time use of the current growth measure through Vivos. That's just this one time. And there will be an alternate method for measuring growth in the upcoming school year based on this year's performance um
044this year's so assessments. So stay tuned. Uh the board of ed will be taking votes on the new cut scores and on how they're going to determine growth for the upcoming year. So if if you're interested or meetings um and you can watch that and if Chris if you'll scroll down just a smidge more um VDOE has been doing listening sessions uh to get input from various stakeholders on the new cut scores. So they did do a session for board members, they did sessions for superintendents, they've done uh principal groups and teacher groups. they have some more sessions uh I guess today was the last one that they've announced so far um targeting parents and um but I think they will continue then there is a form uh to be able to provide feedback on
045uh the VDOE website so there's still a lot up in the air there's a whole lot up in the air with how did we do last year how did we do last year and what is our accountability status for the current year and Then how are you measuring us this year? We don't know. So there there is a whole lot up in the air with with VDOE and the board event. So stay tuned. >> Um okay, just a a question. Um obviously the the whole framework has been a bit of a mystery >> wrapped up in an enigma. Okay. >> Yes. Um, but the the I'm thinking in terms of, you know, our ability to at least do some self assessment between now and the bid, but it seems like those cut scores are the
046big unknown that even if we did all of the analysis ourselves, we still would have no idea where we fall because those cut scores >> for next year. next year. Okay. >> The VDOE has provided us with some modeling data on if the new cut scores were in place right now >> for the 25 data. Um what would our pass rates have been as a school division? Modeling data from VDOE to let us know what the impact of the new cut scores would be for our division and for the state. So, was that always the case to wait until next year for the cut scores? >> Yes. Yeah. For the new cut scores, they will take effect. Um, >> okay. I watched the u one for the board members and uh obviously there was a
047lot of frustration. Uh there was also uh quite a few of the ones that participated that requested that the cut scores be delayed an additional year. >> Mhm. >> And I guess you probably got something similar, but it was I won't say it was unanimous, but it was probably pretty close. >> Yeah, the board of ed has received uh quite a bit of feedback. Uh I think initially the idea was they would adopt the new cut scores and they would apply this coming spring for next year's uh accountability. Uh there was a lot of uh feedback from various stakeholders. So they are now looking at a four-year >> uh roll out of the new cut scores. So they would be phased in over four years time which is a a really critical thing for our
048current seniors in particular our current high school students um because they've already taken their so the majority if not all of their so assessments assessments uh for graduation. So uh what's being proposed is that seniors at least uh would be held to the old cut scores for their graduation. And there's been a lot of feedback that not just seniors should be held to the old cut scores, but all students currently in high school um should be held to the old cut scores for passing their so assessments credits. >> Yes. And that the new cut scores should take effect with the incoming freshmen. Um, but we haven't heard how the uh board of ed will receive that, but they are now considering a a 4-year >> implementation of the cut scores as opposed to immediate. >>
049And there was some interest uh at least on the one for the board members to make it five. >> Yes. Yes. >> I don't know. I don't know how strong that interest was, but there was certainly discussion on that. How tied are the members of the board of the VD the board of education tied to the administration and and who is an administration at the time? In other words, they're making plans for four to five years down the road and they don't even know who's going to be. That's I mean, how tight is it? How what how long is their term usually? Uh it's it's my understanding and I don't have a great understanding but of course superintendent were asking that same question. So it it's my understanding that with a change in the governor
050we could we could very likely see a change in some of the board members not all but some could be rotating out. >> Okay. >> Any other uh did you have anything else miss? No sir. Okay. >> When I get an update, >> you'll share it. >> I'll share it. >> Okay. Any >> and then we'll see if it sticks. >> Any uh additional comments or questions from Miss Rice? >> Okay. I think we have some better news next. >> Yes. Veteran news. >> Yep. The 2025 2026 uh school security equipment grant. >> Yes. Uh, West Morland County was one of 121 school divisions and regional programs that applied for uh the school security equipment grant for 2526. And across the state, there were 433 schools that were awarded funds uh based on rank ordering
051of applications point total on a competitive set of application criteria. So you see the long list of schools that and counties that did receive uh funds and the dollar amount ranges from, you know, just over $5,000 up to uh the maximum award of $250,000. And West Morland County applied for $240,000 and we were approved to receive um the full amount of our grant application of $240,000. So the those funds will go to Copel Elementary and Montrust Middle School. And we wrote uh the grant application to work on uh replacing door hardware so that um we can add some uh panic alarms uh to exterior doors and uh strengthen the consistency of how every door opens within the building. So all the classroom doors, >> any questions, comments? Anyway, that's outstanding. So grants grants can help.
052>> Yes. >> Okay. So we appreciate the effort that went into that. So thank you. Okay. Miss Mayan, do you have any report from the Northern Technical Center? >> Um I was just going to share a few things that have been going on over there. Um, I don't know if anybody is on Facebook and checks out the Northern Neck Tech Technical Center. They're always posting all kinds of wonderful things that are going on. So, they're in the schools. They're recruiting right now trying to get in for their next year. They're already planning for um the next next and all kinds of things. So, um definitely check that out if you haven't been doing that. Um, and then, uh, I wanted to mention that our chef, whom we love very much because he makes awesome foods,
053um, he got an award. So, let me give that to you. He um was recognized as the um Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association's ProStart teacher of the year award. >> Awesome. >> Um so yeah, he is awesome. He gives he feeds us every other month the most wonderful wonderful decadent food. So, um, anyway, just want to do a shout out for him and just say, um, if you ever get the opportunity, he and his students are top-notch and, um, yeah, everything's going well. >> Okay, great. Okay, so, well, thank you for sharing that. >> Sure. >> It's it's always nice to see folks that get recognition. So, thank you. >> Um, Dr. Wallace, do you have a report about Chesapeake Bay Governor School? Um there's nothing new to report. Um kind of in a
054little lull right now. Maybe they're just cranking away doing doing their thing. Um uh students are working on their um senior projects. So looking forward to seeing that um in the spring. >> Okay. Well, thank you very much. >> Okay. Miss Rice, uh upcoming events, please. We have quite a few uh upcoming events for the remainder of October and for November. So October 21 tomorrow. Uh I know some board members are registered for the virtual VSBA basics of budgeting for student needs. So just a reminder that that's happening tomorrow if you're registered. We have our first communication forum meeting of the year on Wednesday at two o'clock in this room. And Mrs. Miner is the board representative uh for this communication forum meeting. Then on November 6th, we'll be working with Dr. Scott Baker from
055Berkeley Group uh to develop board goals and personal goals that are aligned with our new strategic plan. So that will happen uh here in the boardroom starting at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until 3:00 p.m. Uh but we'll have at 8:30 a.m. and I won't be cooking it. the art of coffee will be cooking it, so you'll be happy to eat it. Um, and then November 7th, the very next day, we have the region three legislative breakfast. And that's all the participating uh school divisions of region 3 are banding together to host a legislative breakfast. And Spennsylvania County has graciously offered to host again this year, providing space. So, we'll be uh meeting in the Spotsy School Board meeting room. Uh I did want to ask if board members are are willing to indicate whether you're
056able to attend the legislative breakfast and if you've had a chance to RSVP. >> I haven't RSVPd yet, but I'm hoping to. My hope is yes. I'm still looking for someone to take my place. >> Okay. Okay. >> And I applied to go attend. >> Thank >> I currently have a conflict work related, but >> Okay. >> If I can clear that um >> I'll let you know. >> Okay. >> M >> I've got a workman. Okay. Okay. >> Thank you. >> So we have up to one, two, three, four. Is that correct? Hopefully. >> Hopefully. Yeah. >> Three to four, but >> three or four. >> Hopefully four. >> Thank you. That just helps us with the count. >> And then uh moving on, we have November 19th, uh the VSBA workshop for student
057schoolboard reps in Williamsburg and Miss Bedford is registered to participate. And then we have uh the VSBA annual convention November 19 through 21 in Williamsburg. And I think we have two board members signed up for early bird I believe. >> Um and then everyone is signed. >> That's great. >> Any questions for Miss Rice? >> Okay. Next we'll move on to school board member comments. Uh I would like to make sure that on the 7th that uh any travel arrangements are are very clear. Uh will you be driving, Miss Rice, or will somebody be driving or you looking for volunteer? >> Looking for a volunteer if we're going to ride together. >> Okay. It's always nice to ride together. >> Yes. If I can make if I can make make it there. Yeah. I'll I'll
058let you know in the next day or two. >> Okay. Okay, I'll try and make sure I have someone make Let me just say yes and I'll find some of you. >> Okay, that's even better. Okay, >> I'm working to do it. If not, I'm I'll just close it down. >> So, uh, and time of departure is seven. Good. Miss Rice, >> it's at 8:30. That's pushing it if we don't >> think we should leave early. Yeah, >> I would. I mean, that's only an hour and a half. Although, if it's at the PL place where it was last time, that's not quite at Mass Ponic. So maybe an hour and a half would be enough. >> It should be maybe 6:45 to give us a little buffer. >> Okay. 6:45 then >> Ugg that'll
059get >> I know. I know. >> Once I said open my mouth I was like what are you saying Rosemary? >> For those of us that make it here at 6:45 we will go. >> Okay. Amy would probably want you to pick her up in Oak Grove though, right? >> Yes. If I don't drive myself I would. >> Okay. All righty. Okay. Uh, Miss Mayan, do you have any additional comments? >> Um, only that I'm gonna have the pleasure of being one of the mock interviewers at the high school. Um, what's today? Monday on Wednesday. So, um, yeah, just >> cool. >> Having a good time with the CTE class there. So, yeah. >> All right. Good. Anything else? >> That's it. >> Okay, Mrs. Am I? >> I'm good, >> Mrs. Richards. >> Nothing.
060Thank you. >> Okay, Dr. Wallace. >> And one thing that we had talked about, you know, in years past several times is getting members of the governance team involved in some of the college visits for recruiting. And um I'd just like to throw out once again that if you you know have have something you know scheduled and you would like to have a a board member or two there you let us know. I would I would love to participate because I think having >> um just that prioritization of recruiting you know from the board I think says something to the potential um candidates. So, >> thank you. Be happy to do that. >> Okay. >> And I would be interested if I can. I mean, sometimes all of us have conflicts at times, but um
061I do think having board members and of course teachers as well that are motivated about our school system >> can go a long way. >> So, like got an event at University of Honolulu. [Laughter] >> Yep. That would be it. >> Okay. Anything else, Dr. Laws? >> No, that was it. >> Okay. Miss Rice, do you have anything? >> I I would like to ask Mr. McConville and Mr. Bathgate. I know Mr. McConville, you shared a college career fair. Something's coming up at the high school that you told me about >> Friday. >> Thank you. >> Miss Jackson's putting together the college career fair from 9 to 11 a.m. They come down this Friday. Nothing. >> Yeah, this Friday >> because I'm just hearing about this. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Because normally the museum is
062involved. Um we try to have a table there and I didn't know about it. Um Okay. >> Is this one the college fair? >> This is the college fair. >> Oh, excuse me. I was hearing career fair. >> That's because that's what I said and I realized I misspoke. >> Oh, yeah. College fair. >> Yeah, there's Yeah, there's no college at >> college this week at high school. >> So, we get a lot of Our seniors are not putting applications in. >> Yeah. >> Friday. >> Very cool. Okay. >> Okay. Anything else, Miss Rice? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay, Miss Bedford, we're very pleased to have you this evening and uh also pleased that you'll be going to Williamsburg. So, so thank you for your participation. Our next uh board meeting on Monday, November the
06317th, we have our regular board meeting uh beginning at 5 with the well beginning at 6, but with the executive close session beginning at 5. And is there a motion to adjourn? >> So move back. >> Is there a second? >> Second. Res mayor may hand. >> Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. I. We are journ. Thank everybody.