001Good evening. I call to order the York County regular school board meeting for May 18th, 2026. As we begin tonight's meeting, I would like to take a moment to recognize that graduation is now just a few short weeks away. This time of year always brings a sense of reflection and pride as we look back on everything accomplished throughout the school year. Our students, staff, families, and community have all played an important role in making this successful year. From academic achievements and extracurricular accomplishments to the everyday dedication shown in our schools, there is much to celebrate. On behalf of school board, thank you to everyone who has contributed to supporting our students and helping them grow and succeed. We look forward to celebrating the class of 2026 and finishing the school year strong. I would like
002to share the YCSD mission statement right now. The mission of York County School Division is to ensure every student is valued, supported, and challenged through learning experience which prepare them for successful future. Please join me in a moment of silence. Thank you. This evening, we are pleased to have Rishab Warra, a fifth grade from Mount Vernon Elementary, here to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Rishab is kind, creative, and highly dedicated fifth-grade student who consistently strives for excellence. He actively seeks out new challenges and demonstrates a genuine love of learning in all subject areas. Rishab excels both inside and outside of the classroom. Serving as a fifth-grade class representative for our student council association and participating in Battle of the Books team and chess club. In the classroom, he shows strong critical thinking skills,
003contributes through thoughtful ideas to discussion, and takes pride in producing high-quality, detailed work. He approaches challenges with perseverance and a positive attitude, often going above and beyond expectations. Rishab is also respectful and supportive of his peers and teachers, frequently offering help and encouragement to others. He truly embodies our Mustang motto >> [snorts] >> of being responsible, kind, safe, and ready to learn each day and every day, making a positive role model in our school community. Please stand as Rishab leads us into the our pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We now will recognize our seniors of the month for each school. When your name is announced, please stand along
004with your family members while we hear about your accomplishments. For Bruton High School, it's Bella Prince and Mr. Shaver will introduce her. Sure. Yeah, there you go. Uh Bella Prince is a dedicated student-athlete at Bruton High who plans to pursue a degree in marine science after graduation. She has played club lacrosse for 9 years on travel, youth, and high school teams. In addition to lacrosse, Bella's participated in field hockey, basketball, cross country, and indoor track. An experience that deeply impacted her was attending the 2022 World Lacrosse Women's Championship game, which further inspired her passion for athletics and teamwork. Bella's held several leadership roles throughout high school. She coaches at the Girls Sports Academy, where she teaches young girls a variety of sports and helps them develop confidence and athletic skills in an early age. She's
005also served as captain of Girls Basketball team, encouraging teamwork and supporting her teammates. Additionally, Bella was a camp counselor at the Edgar Randall Battle Basketball Camp, where she assisted younger players in learning basketball fundamentals. Through her dedication to athletics, leadership, and mentorship, Bella demonstrates strong character and a commitment to growth that will guide her success as she attends St. Mary's College in the fall on a lacrosse scholarship. Congratulations, Bella. I would like to now invite Devon Taylor from Grafton High stand up. Grafton High School is proud to recognize Devon Taylor as our senior of the month. Devon's journey reflects perseverance, adaptability, and strong commitment to personal growth. After moving frequently, Devon learned to quickly adjust to new environments, a skill that has shaped his positive outlook and determination. He describes himself as adaptive, kind, and
006patient, traits that are evident in his interactions with others and his steady approach to challenges. Devon is interested in pursuing studies in aviation, engineering, or finance and is considering Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, James Madison University, and Christopher Newport University. He's especially proud of earning the WASP scholarship, his membership in the German Honor Society and Rho Kappa, and his work as a school board office intern, where he applies his photography and videography skills in a professional setting. Through part-time work at Cinemark and as a soccer referee, Devon has developed strong customer service skills, fairness, and confidence. We are excited to celebrate Devon and look forward to all he will accomplish in the future. Congratulations, Devon. And now I would like to invite Mr. Richardson to share about Tabb High School. Yes, if Lilian Kellogg would stand up
007with her family. Perfect. So, it is with great enthusiasm enthusiasm that I present Lilian Kellogg, an exemplary student at Tabb High School whose journey has been defined by academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to service. She has pursued a rigorous curriculum, demonstrating both intellectual curiosity and resilience, particularly through such uh challenges such as AP Calculus AB. She has further enriched her learning through programs like William & cognitive psychology pre-college program and a volunteer experience at NASA Langley Research Center where she has explored Python programming and machine learning. As a commanding officer at the Tab Navy JROTC program and a 2025 recipient of the Legion of Valor bronze cross of achievement, Lillian has led with distinction strengthening professionalism and expanding student engagement despite limited staffing. She has organized leadership training, led orientations, and introduced
008new initiatives that revitalize the program. Beyond academics, she is deeply committed to service through honor societies, Key Club, and community outreach. Lillian aspires to study data analytics or statistics and pursue a career as a data analyst with Disney. Congratulations, Lillian. >> [applause] >> Ms. Goodwin will introduce your high school senior of the month. Yes, thank you. It's with great honor that I introduce you to York High School senior of the month, Emma Lindquist. York High School is proud to recognize Emma Lindquist as our May senior of the month for her outstanding achievements on and off the field. Emma has demonstrated dedication and exceptional leadership abilities as our girls soccer team captain contributing to their success with their excellent team management skills. In addition to athletic abilities, Emma is also enrolled in some of our most
009rigorous courses where she has achieved high honors consecutively each year. Emma is also on track to successfully complete VPCC's EMT program at the end of the school year where she will earn her emergency medical technician certification. On top of her many achievements through York, Emma has also volunteered her time at the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, where she has helped start their teen program. Nominated by her teachers and peers, Emma is well-known at York for her kindness and positive attitude. Going forward, Emma will attend Longwood University, where she has accepted a position in their nursing program. Emma exemplifies what it means to be a well-rounded student, and we look forward to seeing all the great things that she will accomplish. Congratulations, Emma. And Mr. Richardson, it will he will introduce York River Academy's senior of the
010month. Thank you. I get the pleasure of doing two tonight. So, Jaylen Farnam, if you'd stand up with your family. And YRA is proud to announce the 2026 Senior of the Year, Jaylen Farnam. Jaylen is the daughter of Eric and Danielle Farnam. And Jaylen is a caring and deeply feeling young woman with a focus on serving others. She has been an instrumental part of the Principal Advisory at YRA Charter Renewal Team, YRA Wellness Club, and is a student ambassador, a role model for all students. She has written a personal letter for every student that has been accepted to YRA since her junior year, sharing her kindness and welcoming presence with all she meets. Jaylen has volunteered to the Life Church in Williamsburg, skated for Tidewater Figure Skating Club, and worked for Chilled Ponds at Yorktown.
011Jaylen has challenged her challenged herself academically, taking multiple dual enrollment courses, including travel daily to earn her EMT-B license through the DE program at Virginia Virginia Peninsula Community College. It sounds like a ditto of right next door here. So, she will graduate near the top of her class with over 18 college credits, and was accepted early decision into Longwood University's competitive nursing program. Jaylen has lived the W I R A model of resilience, integrity, service, and excellence taking every opportunity to learn and grow personally and professionally. We wish her the very best and will miss her wonderful spirit. Congratulations, Jaylen. Good job. WE'RE GOING TO MOVE WITH THE STUDENT SERVICE AWARDS AND volunteer awards. So, Dr. Kilt, would you please go down to the front? I will ask Ms. Jacqueline Barber, Mount Vernon Elementary Principal,
012to step forward and remain down front while information is shared for both the student service award reception and volunteer of the month for Mount Vernon Elementary. The student service award recipient for Mount Vernon Elementary are Avery Kroll and Jane Temple. Mr. Shafer will now share about these two as they come to the front. Are they coming up? Yeah, there they go. Okay. So far this year, Mount Vernon Elementary School has donated over 700 lb of food that would have been discarded uh to the Virginia Peninsula Food Bank. Avery Avery Kroll Kroll and Jane Temple have been integral in this service project, collecting, sorting, and encouraging their peers to do donate food that in prior years would have ended up in the trash. This project is an example of community connectedness where our partnership with the
013food bank has expanded access to nutritious food as well as helped our students understand and learn about the extent of food insecurity. Avery and Jane are invested in the idea of preventing food waste and supporting the neediest citizens of our region. We're so grateful that they are such committed Mount Vernon Mustangs. Congratulations. The volunteer of the month for Mount Vernon Elementary is Mr. Jack Klein. Mr. Klein, please come up to the front while [clears throat] Ms. Goodman shares information about you. We are proud to recognize a new military connected parent who despite being new to Mount Vernon Elementary School has already made a meaningful impact on the Mount Vernon Elementary community through his extraordinary commitment. He has attended PTA meetings, participated in helping hands, supporting teachers by preparing classroom materials, and consistently volunteers alongside his
014son at Mustang Meadows outdoor cleanup events. He also supported our field day activities and most recently dedicated his time and effort to assembling picnic tables, creating a welcoming outdoor space for our Mustangs to enjoy lunch together. His son Damian's teacher shares that Mr. Klein always asks how he can help and is very involved. He always a very appreciative of the school community and his family always chaperones on field trips. His service to our country is deeply appreciated and it is matched by his dedication to serving our school. As a new parent, he has fully embraced the spirit of partnership, working hand-in-hand with staff and families to support the success of Mount Vernon Elementary School. We are truly grateful for his commitment, his generosity, and the example he sets for our students and community. Thank you
015for your service both in uniform and here at MVES. [clears throat] I now ask Ms. Mary Lugo, principal of Tab High School to step forward and I'll remain present for a student service awards and volunteer of the month for Tab High School. Uh the student service award recipient for Tap High School is Clara Cho. Mr. Richardson, will will you please share about Clara as she comes to the front? So, Tap High School is proud to announce Clara Cho as our student service award winner this month. While Clara has been an extremely active member of clubs and organizations within our school, she has also amassed over 450 community service hours during the past 4 years. Serving [snorts] the most time at Hanaro Hangul School for Children, Clara has been volunteering at this school since 2021. She
016spends 3 hours every Saturday volunteering with children. During her time at this school, she assists teachers with weekly activities, teaching children about cultures and the Korean language through structured lessons through structured lesson planning. She also participated in the summer junior volunteer program at Riverside Hospital, working in the post-anesthesia care unit and critical care unit, and gained insight into standard nursing practices, patient service skills, and common medical procedures. Clara is especially honored to by nominate by this nomination and states, "I'm happy my service to the community is recognized because my passion truly lies in service." Well, thank you, Clara, for all you do for our community. >> [applause] >> The volunteer of the month for Tap High School is Ms. Elizabeth Sapko. Ms. Sapko, please come up front while Mr. Richardson shares more information about her.
017So, am I saying your last name right, Sapko? Yes. Perfect. So, Ms. Sapko, uh Tap High School is pleased to recognize Ms. Betsy Sapko as our volunteer of the month for May. Ms. Sapko is currently leading our PTSA, taking on a role as president this year after years of working on our after-prom committee and in various other capacities within our PTSA. Under her leadership, we have been a thriving PTSA in the way of our volunteers, parent membership, and student membership. Our PTSA recently received the membership milestone award from the Virginia PTA for our efforts in maintaining 400 plus leadership. Ms. Sopko's volunteers of working as one of our after prom committee chairs has been a key ingredient to our success of the continuing tradition of the Tab High School after prom celebration. Even as president,
018she works alongside the current chair to recruit sponsors, gather donations of food and gifts, and throws herself into the setup and takedown of the event. There's no doubt that Ms. Sopko is a driving force in our success and the reason our volunteers spend time giving back to our school. With one child currently in high school and several more on the way, we are hopeful to have Ms. Sopko around for quite a while. Thank you for all you do for Tab High School, Ms. Sopko. >> [applause] >> And finally, could Ms. Holly Sheffield, principal of York Academy, York River Academy, step forward as we share our first student service award for York River Academy. The student service award recipient for York River Academy is also our senior of the month for YRA, Jaylen Farnham. So, Jaylen,
019please come forward while Ms. Goodale shares some information about you. York River Academy is proud to announce Jaylen Farnham as the student volunteer of the year. Jaylen has spent her high school career seeking to serve others. She has volunteered through babysitting for the Life Church of Williamsburg, spent many hours teaching young skaters as a volunteer through Chill Ponds of Yorktown, formerly Hampton Roads Iceplex. She has provided a handwritten note to every new student that has arrived at Y R A often giving them a tour when they are making a decision to join the Phoenix family. She has been generous with her time and energy to promote the positive environment Y R A provides for its students including giving up many hours this summer to help rewrite the Y R A charter for future students. She
020has spent many hours this year on ride-alongs and in house sport excuse me and [clears throat] in house support for York Fire and Life Safety as she earns her EMT-B license. This in conjunction to the service hours provided through the Y R A service learning course and the American Red Cross blood drives she will earn her civic seal on her diploma in June and a service cord from the American Red Cross. Jaylen's contribution will be missed as she transitions to Longwood University this fall. >> [applause] >> Congrat- congratulations to all award recipients. We're going to be talking about York Foundation for Public Education and I'll ask Mr. Shafer to share more about it. I'd like to invite Mr. David Blanks, York Foundation for Public Education member to step forward and assist Dr. Carroll as they
021present gifts to each of our award recipients. Please come up front when you hear your name called. Uh congratulations to Roshan Vora a fifth grader from Mount Vernon Elementary School for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at tonight's board meeting. Yeah, go ahead and stay uh stay up there Roshan. Uh we also like to recognize tonight's student service award recipients. Avery Croll and Jane Temple from Mount Vernon Elementary School. >> [applause] >> Clara Cho from Tab High School. >> [applause] >> And And Jaylen Farnam from York River Academy. >> [applause] >> We also congratulate our seniors of the month. Uh for May, that's going to be Bella Prince from Bruton High School. >> [applause] >> DEVON TAYLOR FROM GRAFTON HIGH SCHOOL. >> [applause] >> Lillian Kell- uh Kellogg from Tab High School. >> [applause] >> Emma
022Longquist from our Lindquist from uh York High School. >> [applause] >> And And again, Jaylen Farnam from York River Academy, who also is also a student service award winner. >> [applause] >> Okay. Special gifts from uh Cookie Text and Edible Tweet are being presented on behalf of the York Foundation for Public Education in partnership with our donor, Gene Fiocca, of Cookie Text and Edible Tweet. A Sweet Frog gift card is also being donated by Derek Madan. Join me in congratulating all our award recipients. >> [applause] [laughter] >> We're going to move along with Accent to on Academics. Dr. Carroll, would you like to introduce our presenters tonight? Yes, thank you, Mr. Piovich. Uh this evening we have with us Yorktown Elementary School and they're going to showcase the innovative ways students in grades K through
0235 engage in hands-on environmental science learning through the school's greenhouse and community garden. And I believe Mrs. Gavin is going to lead this. So, Mrs. Gavin, when you're ready. All right. Good evening, Mr. Piovich, members of the board, and Dr. Carroll. I am Megan Gavin, the proud principal of Yorktown Elementary School. Tonight we are pleased to present growing together, cultivating environmental science at Yorktown Elementary. Highlighting how our school is partnering with families, local organizations, and community partners to bring environmental science to life for our students every day. Yorktown Elementary's environmental science program directly reflects two key priorities of our division's strategic plan, collective commitment and future-ready graduates. Through our greenhouse, community garden, and family engagement opportunities, we are strengthening our collective commitment by bringing together students, staff, families, and community partners in support of environmental
024stewardship and student learning. We also partner with students and volunteers from York High School and Christopher Newport University providing meaningful service and learning opportunities that strengthen connections across our community. At the same time, we are preparing future-ready graduates by giving students hands-on experiences that build scientific thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and responsibility. Through authentic, real-world learning, our students are developing the skills and the mindset to become thoughtful innovators, leaders, and stewards of their community and environment. Next, our garden club sponsor will share more about a unique partnership that supports our community garden while turning student learning into real-world environmental impact. Good evening. I'm Amber Collins, the STEM teacher at Yorktown Elementary and sponsor of the garden club. In this role, I have the opportunity to work alongside students, families, and community partners as we grow and maintain
025our school garden through hands-on environmental science experience experiences. One of the most meaningful partnerships is with the Peninsula Chicken Keepers or PEC. Three times each week, students help collect and sort excess cafeteria food waste into designated buckets. PEC then picks up the food scraps to help feed chickens, turning waste into a valuable resource and helping students see sustainability in action. Our partnership with Yorktown Elementary families is equally important. Before summer begins, families receive training and opportunities to help in the in the garden, ensuring it continues to thrive even when school is out. During the summer, we host story time, a family literacy event where students and caregivers come together to read, learn, and enjoy the garden as a shared community space. We also welcome families to our annual STEM night where students participate in hands-on
026activities connected to the garden and environmental science. These partnerships help students see the power of collaboration and demonstrate how schools, families, and community organizations can work together to create meaningful learning experiences that benefit the entire community. Next, we invite you to take a closer look at Yorktown Elementary's community garden in action. This video demonstrates how students actively engage in planting, nurturing, and harvesting while applying science skills, building teamwork, and learning the importance of sustainability. When we think about the garden here at Yorktown, it is a true community garden. You could come here in the summertime and we had families. We had multiple families that signed up to help us take care of our garden throughout the summer. We would make posts on our Facebook page throughout the summer when families could come and just get
027anything they wanted. The cucumbers, the tomatoes, you know, it really was that whole process all hands in. >> So, primarily my 10-year-old and I would come out during our week and prune parts of the vines that were a little more worse for wear to kind of keep the plants healthy. [music] We um would weed the garden. We would take some of the compost and move it to the compost pile. Mom showed me what some of the um plants were. We took out um weeds and then to reward us for all of our hard work, we saw a monarch butterfly. When you think about a garden, it's something that's very easy for our kids to connect with and to for them to know about and then they are involved in the whole process here from planning
028out where the garden beds go to the doing the research to decide what can go and grow next to each other to the best times of year to plant and to harvest. Being out in the world, you're constantly problem-solving. And so, when we come up to the garden, if a plant has a problem, we have to think about what could be causing that problem and how we can solve [music] it. And I don't always know the answer, and I think that's the best part of it is that the kids and I get to learn together. I like how like we can like work together with my classmates. It feels amazing because all the hard work that we put in, it just feels really good. Because of the state of the world right now, we need
029a lot more trees. Trees are getting cut down. Uh pollution in the air. I just want to help out the environment. I I appreciate feeling so included and that my experience and uh knowledge is appreciated. And just hearing my kids talk about it and get excited about it is what I'm looking forward to. This is an amazing place for children to learn. It is now my pleasure to introduce to you two Yorktown Elementary School students, Keegan Rolling and Cash Stevens, who will share more about their experiences with our garden club. Good evening. My name is Cash Stevens and I am a fifth grader at Yorktown Elementary School. One of my favorite parts of garden club is harvesting what we plant. It's exciting to go out into the garden and see everything we have cared for
030and turn into real fruits and vegetables that are finally ready to pick. There is a lot of care that goes into making sure we harvest just at the right time so nothing gets wasted. I remember one time I tried some kale straight from the garden and it was amazing. Way better than anything I had from the grocery store. That moment made all the work feel worth it. Harvesting shows me that patience and teamwork really pays off and it feels good knowing we helped grow something from the very beginning all the way to the end. Good evening. My name is King Owen and I am in third grade at Yorktown Elementary School. My favorite part about going club planting seeds and help take care of the garden. As the plants grow, we work together to water
031the plants, pull weeds, and make sure harmful bugs and diseases do not damage the garden. Keeping the garden healthy is important because it helps our plants grow strong and produce fruits and vegetables for our school community. Being a part of going club has helped me learn more about science, teamwork, responsibility, and how small actions help can help our environment. Before we close this evening, I would like to sincerely thank the entire Falcon family and Yorktown Elementary. Our community garden is truly the heart of our school. Beyond environmental science, it creates an opportunities for collaboration, family engagement, and even sensory experiences that support students with diverse needs. This work would not be possible without the dedication of our staff, families, and community partners. Thank you for helping our students grow in learning, confidence, and connection to
032the world around them. Our student presenters have a special gift to share with each of you in honor of this work. Straight from the garden. At this time, would we we would be happy to answer any questions you might have. So, I have two questions. So, when should I plant this? >> [laughter] >> When should you plant it? You could probably plant it anytime now, but you might want to act fast. Okay. And this came from your garden, right? Yes, sir. Okay. The seeds were harvested by our garden club students in the fall. And for the students, you said kale. Was it kale that you ate that was the best? What was your other favorite vegetable from the garden? Um It was a lot of other things. I think it was nasturtium. Oh. I don't
033even know what that is. >> [laughter] >> What did it taste like? It was I don't remember. Yeah. Do you grow a lot of tomatoes? Do you grow different types of tomatoes, too? Now, you don't like tomatoes, yeah? >> tomatoes. Yeah, I didn't I didn't used to like them, either, but yeah, good deal. Good deal. All right, thank you. Good job. You're welcome. Okay. I have a couple questions, also. Uh I mean, this is awesome. I've seen it over at uh Yorktown, and uh I'd love to see every elementary school have one, because it it is very cool. Now, question for you. Uh did you get any of the funding by chance from the York Foundation for public education? For the compost program we did. We got um a grant this year from for our
034compost program to expand it. >> Cool. Cool. It grew so quickly uh the compost program grew so quickly and the kids were so into it we kind of couldn't keep up and so we use the York Foundation for public education to help us. We have little like compost pails that stay in the cafeteria on the cafeteria tables and we've taught the kids what goes in a compost bin and what doesn't. >> Right. And then our green team and our garden club take those and transfer them into bigger compost bins out in the garden and that did come from York Foundation. >> see one of the rotating Okay. >> Yeah, we have three or four. Yes, we have four of those. >> Okay. The other question I had was about the stuff for the chickens. I
035have chickens myself and I know you have to be careful with what you give them. Uh do you have the the kids do they learn what the chickens could eat? Uh they don't learn specifically what chickens can eat but chickens I I grew up having chickens of my own, I'll be honest. Um but I learned as child that chickens will eat almost anything you give them. They're not supposed to all the time but they only get fruits and vegetables. We only compost fruits and vegetables. There's no bread or anything that goes into it that might fill up their stomach when they're not supposed to. So the students all know exactly how to take care of it. Well, I just want to say first of all, thank you. Well, thank you for the all the tours
036I get of the garden. I love that it's in my district and I get to be a part of that and I want to thank you for the lavender. This actually happens to be one of my favorite things and I'm growing a little bit in my herb garden but I have wanted to always try growing from seeds. So this is perfect. So thank you. And she's actually doing a week this summer. Yeah, I am. I'm excited about it. >> [laughter] >> So guys, you grew vegetables. Uh What was the most fun part doing this work? I think honestly picking them and trying them out after we pick them because we get to taste the different flight Very good. So, what's your favorite? I'm not sure. You're not sure? Well, in Keegan, too, I think it's
037going to she is making the impact of our garden go even bigger than just our school. Can you talk a little bit about what you're doing this summer with your Girl Scouts and coming to the garden? Um So, I'm going to be bridging this year to juniors and I'm going um there's going there's um plant um badges. So, I think um since they're doing some summer taking care of the plants over the summer, um since we have a plant badges, um I think we should go there because then we can learn about them and try them out. And maybe there might be strawberries to try. >> [laughter] >> And do you have your garden at home by any chance? No. No, but I did plant um a pumpkin seed. Pumpkin seed, that's good then. Is
038there anything out else you need to ask? I'm really impressed with your shirts, guys. They're they're really awesome. >> [laughter] >> Uh I I think you guys doing a phenomenal job. Uh this is a skill you guys learning. Uh and it's going to serve you in a life uh because before in the day everything used to be grown at home. No grocery stores, it was gardens. Uh that's how it starts. So, you you guys learning that skill it's very important. Preserve it. Keep it up. Do it at home because the that's the best tasting vegetables you're going to ever have. Good job. All right, the board will now take short recess to meet with our award recipients and their families. We do not have any unfinished business this evening. And at this point we're going
039to move to the board member committee updates and board members will give updates on committees that they're part of. We're going to start with Mr. Shafer. All right. And as you can see some of the work of York Foundation for Public Education is the composting equipment for York Yorktown Elementary. And they do so much more. They do scholarships, they do grants for the schools, for the whole school, specific teachers that put in grant applications, and they do all this by fundraising. And their biggest fundraiser of the year is about to come up. And that's going to be on June 17th at Kiln Creek Country Club. Go get a foursome together. See Bonnie Gray about signing up. And they would be happy to have you. Play. And if it say that that can't play, if you'd
040like to become a trustee of the York Foundation for public education, that would be great as well. We are always looking for volunteers to help out and it is a worthy thing that takes care of York County School District. Thank you, Mr. Shafer. Uh we will move with Ms. Goodman. So, I sit on the GIAC Committee and um we had a meeting at the end of April. In this meeting, we reflected on the current gifted education plan and participated in an activity to re-evaluate any developments and changes that needed to be made to our current plan. And I have to say I really enjoyed participating in that activity. I didn't know if I was just going to sit there and kind of watch cuz I'm the liaison, but I actually participated and I I had
041a good time with that. I really got into that. Um it was we also elected officers for the upcoming year. And then um in April, myself and board members contacted students who submitted applications to represent their schools as the student liaison to GIAC. And first of all, I want to thank all those students who applied and I want to thank my fellow board members for helping me with those that selection process. We actually had a lot of applications and it seems like every year we're getting more and more, which is a good thing. Uh we do have the new student liaison selected who will represent GIAC for the 2026-2027 school year. And I also want to thank those seniors who served on the GIAC this past year and let them know that I I wish
042them all the best in their future endeavors. All right, Mr. Richardson. Yeah, so on the WHRO, um they covered uh the WHRO student competitions that were going to be upcoming for next year. So the town bank spelling bee will happen of course in March. It happens every year in March. And that's for middle school students. The enrollment for the spelling bee will start in October of the next school year and goes through January. And then they're going to have the great computer challenge again and that'll be split into two different events. Levels three and four that's hosted in March for middle and high school and level levels one and two that's hosted in May for K through five and that's hosted at ODU. And PBS Kids Writers Contest that encourages kindergarten through elementary school children
043to submit original stories and illustrations. Stories that are accepted through January through March. And then of course they did the routine mundane business of the supervisory advisory report a superintendent's advisory report and the WHRO Board of Directors report and that's all on our on the board docs that's posted. And then also in March we had the the outstanding youth awards committee met to discuss nominees for the outstanding youth to pick the outstanding youth awards. We're having that reception tomorrow night to meet the those that were selected and they'll be presented at the Board of Supervisors meeting tomorrow night. So we'll have the reception at the freight shed tomorrow night between 4:30 and 5:30 just before the Board of Supervisors meeting and then they'll be at the Board of Supervisors meeting to be presented there. So
044and that's all I have. Thank you Mr. Richardson. Now I will present my committee updates which I have for the CT advisory committee. We last meeting was on February 25th which I think I already updated on a previous meeting which we discussed during that meeting Perkins grant and comprehensive local needs assessment as well on the sub committee work that covered business information pathways as well as community partnerships. Our next meeting is actually on May 27th, so it's going to be a sooner I'll have the updates on next meeting. On New Horizon, it was a busy couple of actually few weeks, which from the last meeting that was on March 30th where we had a culinary culinary students presented us with their meal, which we enjoyed thoroughly. It was really really good. On April 29th, the
045Governor's School of Science and Technology had a senior symposium where we had our students senior students presenting their research papers, their work, which was really amazing to me to see how the students that are seniors can accomplish and know so much. Uh It's just beyond my understanding that we have that many opportunities with this with this area. On May 7th, we had Good Life Solution Career Selection Day where the local business leaders who are partnering with the New Horizons actually offered job opportunities to our students. Those opportunities come rare, but it just it shows how much is needed in the in the CTE industries to have future ready ready graduates to be ready for what what's coming. On May 13th, we did have a New Horizon Teacher of the Year Awards. On our previous meeting,
046we also approved our 25-26 audit report and we had presented the calendar for the first year for the fiscal year 26-27 and executive director proposed the budget. Our next meeting is going to be on May 26th and senior recognition night is going to be at the Air and Space Museum on the June 3rd. So, with that I conclude my report and we're going to move to the public participation at the board meetings. So, tonight we'll have the opportunity to speak. The first is public comments and the second is for public hearing on proposed school board salaries for FY 26-27. Before I open for public comments, I will share some remarks. The school board provides public comments period for the public to comment on matters related to the business or duties of the school board and
047school division. School board policy KDBDDH governs these public comments periods. I would encourage citizens to review this policy prior to speaking before the board. Briefly, the school board expects speakers to refrain from any speech or conduct that is clear violation of the law, such as abusive or threatening language, that incites criminal behavior, or that creates an actual disruption of the meeting. We ask that speaker directs their comments to the school board and not the members of the audience. Violations of the school board policy KDBDDH may result in a warning or termination of speaker's time by the chair. This sanction is immediately appealable to the whole board at the speaker's option. Each speaker may speak for up to 3 minutes. Speakers will present their comments at the podium. A timer is visible to speakers from the
048podium and speakers should conclude their remarks when the red light comes on. The timer will begin after you state your name and district or area of residence. I now open the public participation for comments of citizens. I have a Clayton Valentine. Is this good? Yes. All right. Good. Good. All right then. I wanted to ask some questions about the recent decision for next year to roll the roll of IB coordinator in with the AP and dual enrollment coordinator for York County. I wanted to ask if that was a decided on permanent decision yet. Or if there was still time to alter it. So, this is actually the time where you make comments. Those questions, if you have questions, we can take it down and try to find the answer for you later on. Ms. Skinner
049can probably answer your questions, I think. Okay. >> More so. She's the director of of Right. instruction, so she could probably answer your questions after you speak to. >> All right. Um in that case, I wanted to talk on the negative consequences on in doing so, in rolling a vital part of the IB program into with AP and dual enrollment because IB coordinators do a lot more than just paperwork. They a main part of their job is advocacy for the IB program, going to every middle school, going to the course nights to talk with parents and future IB program students and current IB program students. They provide personal one-on-one training and guidance to students of the IB program. And I worry that by combining them into a single role that will not be housed within
050a school and will stay instead be with the school board that a lot of IB students will lose out on that. Which will inhibit their growth and their performance in the program, which would reduce their academic rigor. And I worry that this would overall reduce the academic and uh just overall competency and academic excellence of students of York County. And I worry that this measure is only in order to save money and not to improve the academic providence of schools in the district. I also worry that dual enrollment is not fully uh it's I worry that dual enrollment's advantages are less understood than they should be, and that it is more it is given more weight than it should. I worry that dual enrollment does not prepare students for college in the ways it should.
051It does not teach them how to write long papers or how to uh withstand long lectures. I worry it does not teach them proper responsibility to go into college, and I worry that by giving them the ability to progress past uh a lot of general education and go straight into their degree, uh earning college credits in high school instead of in college, I worry that this can cause them uh to perform worse in colleges um because they do not have as much experience. Thank you for your time. Thank you. I appreciate it. All right. I now close the public participation for comments of citizens. And I open the public hearing for proposed school board salaries for 26-27. Uh we don't have any. I now close the public hearing for proposed school board salaries for FY
05226-27. We are going to move into the financial matters, and I will ask Ms. Goodwin to discuss financial matters. Okay. so this is the consideration of approval of claims certified for payment. We have instructional related expenditures that totaled approximately $146,070. Some of those payments included payments to Protherapy, ProCare Therapy, excuse me, for $21,000. And that was for contracted nursing and speech language services. And also for SH Bark Varsity Acquisition Sub LLC for $67,000 and $67,600. And this is the Children's Services Act tuition for YCSD YCSD students. We had some payments for technology-related items that totaled approximately $1,618,740 and included payments to CDWG LLC for $1,546. 1,000, sorry. $1,546,520 for IT hardware installation and student devices. Um Dominion Energy for $134,500 for division-wide utility services for March. And Treasurer of York County for an expense of
053$750,900 for division-wide sewage service. Payments for administration totaled approximately $36,460 and include payments to Scenario Learning for $14,400 for Vector Training and VRSA for $22,060 for workers' comp claims. Payments related to school nutrition totaled approximately $570,500 and that was for payments to Sodexo for our food service operations. We had some payments related to CIP projects that totaled approximately $367,900 and included payments to RRMM Architects for $275, $800 for Tab High School main entrance A&E. And let's see significant changes related to the operating budget. State revenue in April 2026 is approximately 5 million higher than in April 2025. This increase is primarily driven by higher student enrollment, additional special education funding, and expanded funding for support positions. Total operating expenditures for April 2026 is approximately 5.8 million higher than April 2025 and this is reflective of
054the 3.5 salary increase for this year, an increase in health premiums, and additional positions added in FY26 due to SOQ mandates, and the increase in enrollment. Uh there are no significant changes in revenue or expenses in the school nutrition budget. Um resolution 26-27 requires the board's approval authorizing procurements of more than $100,000 and change orders greater than $50,000. There are 22 items on the resolution for FY27 totaling 9.3 million, the details of which can be viewed on BoardDocs. Mr. Chairman, I now approve move to approve financial matters as listed. Second. All right. We have first and second. Uh is there any questions or discussions? Okay. I actually Dr. Kill, I have a question. Um I'm uh kind of seeing the energy going up. And um I saw the fuel charges on it that we have.
055Do you Do you know by any chance uh what is it compared for this for the March uh expense compared to the previous months? Okay. Thank you to um Mr. Pivic. I think we're all seeing our fuel go up. I'd ask uh Mr. Bowen, the CFO, to come up and uh address your question. Thank you. Thank you, Chairman Pivic, members of the board, Dr. Carroll. Um thank you for that question. Uh we have seen an increase in our cost uh for particularly for diesel um fuel. Um just to give you some uh perspective. In November of '25, our total cost um was about $57,700 for the month. In February, it was $60,700. So, very comparable between November and February. Uh however, when we got to March, it was $91,500. Uh an increase of $30,800. So,
056more than a 50 50% increase in just in that month. So, it's having an impact on our operations budget. Uh we're not through the process yet. We're going to probably see uh April higher than than March. We haven't received that bill yet. Um but that will be a challenge for us as we close out the fiscal year. What that might mean for us is that we might need to ask the board to approve some move some moving of money from the instructional category where we tend to have the majority of India your funds just due to the uh represents about 75% of our budget that we would ask you to move that to operations category to cover those increased cost. But yes, the it it's having an impact on our budget. So, with April coming
057in, we did have a spring break, so that's about one a week of not transporting kids. That would help us out a little bit, yes, sir. >> bit, but in May, we had a full schedule. Full schedule. And the cost is probably even higher. That's going to It's coming. I would agree. Yes, sir. Uh So, the funding will we be able to cover in one move of the money or it's going to be play by play kind of like whatever >> We We typically have some um fluctuations in the budget um just based on needs. If there's operational needs, um we might see increases there where that we ask the board to move money from instructional um budgets to um to operations. Um so, that's not uncommon that we see that. However, in this case,
058we we might see movement to the operations budget and to transportation budget to cover those costs. So, we're monitoring the process right now, our end-of-year spend, and I will say it it it looks like it's going to be we're not going to have a significant end-of-year fund balance at this point. And uh as far as like the the next year budget, did you consider this increase already for the coming budget season? We did not. So, when we prepared the budget, we didn't anticipate what was happening in the Middle East. So, um we pretty much budgeted based on our current experience where we might see small minor fluctuations up and down during a given year. However, this is not a small fluctuation. Um I think I predict that we'll have to come back and readdress this
059line item in particular once the state completes its budget. And if we do receive some one-time money, that might be something we could use some of that one-time money for. Um unless this is very prolonged and we need to address it in a more Yes, Chairman Pivic. I'd add that, yeah, we did not include it in this year's budget because we presented it in February just when all of this was starting. And as uh Mr. Bowen shares, it's it's the prices just keep going up. So, we'll see the full brunt of that. Uh but I think we will be including that uh when we do find out what's the final numbers from the state state budget. So, that's expected in June. So, we'll need to make some adjustments. Any other questions? All right. Well, we
060have first and second, Miss Howard. A motion is made by Mrs. Goodwin and seconded by Mr. Shafer to approve financial matters as listed. Mr. Richardson? Yes. Mr. Shafer? Yes. Mrs. Goodwin? Yes. And Mr. Pyevich? >> Yes. Motion passed 4 to 0. Thank you, Miss Howard. Uh consent calendar. Uh I have presented approval of personnel actions, approved minutes attended by all board members at regular meeting on April 27, 26. Approval of donations in the amount of $200, approval of resolution 26-29 to continue the salaries of members [clears throat] of the County School Board of York County. Approval to authorize the division superintendent superintendent to sell surplus vehicles via online auction. Approval of resolution 26-30, a resolution authorizing the school board chair, division division superintendent, and the high school principals to apply for membership with Virginia High
061School League for school year 26-27. Approval of 26-27 student handbook and conduct code. So, I need approval of consent calendar as listed. Mr. Chair, I'd like to pull item D from the consent calendar um about the continuation of the salary so we can discuss that separately, please. Uh so, can I have a motion for the removal of the consent calendar item D? I'd like to make the that move that motion, please. >> Okay, do we have second? I will [clears throat] second. All right, Miss Howard. We have first and second to pull the item D from the consent calendar. A motion is made by Mr. Richardson and seconded by Mrs. Goodwin to remove item D from the consent calendar. Mr. Richardson? Yes. Mr. Shafer? Yes. Mrs. Goodwin? Oh, sorry. >> Yes. And Mr. Pivich? Yes.
062>> Motion passed 4 to 0. All right. So, if I can have the motion >> I'd like to make a motion now to approve the consent calendar as amended. Okay. Do we have a second? I'll second. All right. Ms. Howard? A motion was made by Mr. Richardson and seconded by Mrs. Goodwin to approve the consent calendar as listed with the exception of item D. Mr. Richardson? Yes. Mrs. Goodwin? Yes. Mr. Shafer? Yes. And Mr. Pivich? >> Yes. Motion passed 4 to 0. All right. Under action items, would you like to take up item D or the action items first? Item D first or the action items? Which one you want to do first? We'll do item D. Okay. So, I guess we should just start with the discussion probably first. >> On item D, um
063So, Mr. Chair, the the salaries of the school board haven't really changed since 2021, I believe it was. So, that's been Is that the case, uh Mr. Bowen? It's been 25 years the salaries have been the same. And >> [clears throat] >> even if we were to increase the salaries, it wouldn't affect necessarily the current board members. It doesn't take effect until the next uh election year. So, what if we get elected, it would affect us, but if we don't get elected, it it doesn't affect us. So, that's how that works. Um but it's certainly, um the salaries are certainly out of sync for the for the times, I believe. Um but I think it certainly bears to to look at, and I would suggest maybe that there be a study done at least by
064staff to look at the area just to see what the salaries are to see if it's even something we want to look at. Um to increase the salaries or keep it the same. Um and then they would give time to for the public if they want to weigh in and and see what they say. I mean, there was nobody that showed up tonight. Um and we could have discussed it and and moved on or whatever. But um I certainly think we ought to at least discuss it to be fair for whoever takes this this job. Um well, you're not in it for the money certainly, but it it certainly needs to be fair um for whoever sits up here. Um but but I think if if staff were to do that, I don't know what
065a good time period would >> Dr. Carl, yes, sir. that would be. Good time for it. Oh, we could probably do that in a month or so. We would just check with the uh the surrounding divisions just as we do when we do our quadrennial salary review. Uh so if we're only looking at one position, that that could be done fairly quickly. Basically, what like the beginning of the school year, August meeting work session? Well, August we don't have a work session, so we we certainly can have it for you at the September work session. >> work session. >> And then we could discuss it and and bring this on the agenda in September and make a decision then. Would that be appropriate? >> And we would know whether any of the other divisions had
066upgraded it in their current pay plan or their new pay plans. So, it would be up to date. And and then too we would maybe know a little bit more about what the economy's doing and where we're at with our budget-wise too if it's a meaningful for us to even consider. I mean, it's it's certainly it's not it's not that significant of a of a budget item anyway. Um but any we would know economically if it would be feasible to even increase it a little bit too. Um if we decide to do that. I know it's we're not in sync with the Board of Supervisors for the chair and vice chair positions too. We were going to try to adjust that. Um anyway, um worst case scenario, I think, to try to get that in
067line. But um we could still look at the salaries also at the same time. Um but that would just be the the thing I think we we should do, but that's really up to the board if they want to do that. And uh I would suggest maybe we table the item until September. >> Table till September uh with the work session. And if you, Dr. Calvin, your staff can help us out with uh some regional information from the other boards. Yes, sir. We'll review it in August and have it ready for you at the September work session. So, do we need to make a motion to table it until I make a motion to table this item then until September uh work session to discuss it and then put it on the agenda for the
068September uh meeting. To uh Uh do I have a second? I'll second. All right, Ms. Howard. A motion is made by Mr. Richardson and seconded by Mr. Shafer to table item D, school board salaries, until September. Mr. Shafer. Yes. Mr. Richardson. Yes. Mrs. Goodwin. Yes. And Mr. Payavich. Yes. Motion passed 4-0. Thank you, Ms. Howard. And uh under action items, we have consideration approval of minutes from the special meeting board retreat on April 30th, 2026 and a special meeting board retreat on May 1st, 2026. Can I have, please, motion and a second for this time? I move to approve the uh minutes from the uh school board retreat and the special meeting. Second. Thank you, Ms. Howard. Actually, there any discussion? No discussion. No, we were there. Second. A motion is made by Mr. Shafer
069and seconded by Mrs. Goodwin to approve the minutes from special meeting / board retreat on April 30th and May 1st. Mr. Richardson? Yes. Mr. Shafer? Yes. Mrs. Goodwin? Yes. And Mr. Pyevich? >> Yes. The motion passed four to zero. Thank you, Ms. Howard. Under policy discussion, we don't have any. We don't have any first reading. We don't have any Purchase of the DARE program supplies. DARE? Action item. All right. I'd rather have them I'm out. It's number 12. That's fine. Oh, yes. Consideration motion to authorize the purchase of York County DARE program supplies at a total cost to the school division not to exceed $4,000. And if the cost exceeds $4,000, the DARE program will reimburse the school division any amount above $4,000. I make a motion to authorize the purchase of the York County
070DARE program supplies. Second. Second. All right. Ms. Howard. A motion was made by Mrs. Goodwin and seconded by Mr. Shafer to authorize the purchase of York County DARE program supplies as stated. Mrs. Goodwin? Yes. Mr. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Richardson? Yes. And Mr. Pyevich? >> Yes. The motion passed four to zero. >> [cough and clears throat] >> All right. Now, policy discussions, we don't have any. First readings, we don't have. Second readings, we don't have any. And we're going to move to Dr. Carol for the superintendent's report. All right. Thank you, Chairman Pyevich. >> [clears throat] >> So, certainly we're at the end of the year now. Uh students are working and schools are working on SOLs, and the high schools are getting ready for graduation, making those final uh planning uh items, making sure they're
071all checked off so that we'll be ready. Uh recent activities included uh for me are attending [clears throat] the State Teacher of the Year event with our region two Teacher of the Year, is April Insley with Yorktown Elementary School. She was here earlier tonight. Uh she uh unfortunately was not selected as the state Teacher of the Year, but she represented Yorktown Elementary School in region two well. Also attended the New Horizons uh Good Life Solutions signing day. I believe we had 87 YCSD students and they were that are going directly into employment uh with good-paying trade jobs and uh so it's always a great event to see them uh go and and make those decisions and sign with those employers. Also attended our uh Blue Ribbon ceremony for Seaford Elementary School. I know a number
072of us were there and that was uh that was a great uh afternoon with the kids in the school. Also we had a a nice event last week with our entrepreneur classes and the pitch night. And uh so once again uh that's always fun to watch and the winners uh really did a great job. Uh then we also had our retirement and 25-year uh service banquet and we didn't have a lot of people there cuz we only have 32 retirees and nine 25-year uh recipients this year. So it's kind of a small affair, but everybody had a great time and hopefully we'll keep those retirements down. Uh also attended the 200-plus men's breakfast on Saturday. And that that's kind of all the activities I've been involved in. Um also want to announce that uh we've
073been working on formation of a safety advisory committee for the board. And we'll be uh I know as Barry has been working on the bylaws and we'll be uh getting that ramped up and putting uh for next fall and having uh parents uh volunteer to be a part of that along with other uh first responder agencies and our staff. Also continued at my entry plan activities. I've now visited every faculty except for three. I've got two on the 26th and one on the 2nd, then I will have been to every school for that. Also met with the executive director of the SERN Center, William and Mary, had a nice discussion with her, so I made sure I understood that program. Uh continued to talk to Dr. Skinner and her team to make sure I have
074a full understanding of what we're doing with the instructional department. And I have been now as of today been to all schools uh for a second round of getting to to schools with board members. And I think Mr. Pyevich, I think uh we've been to all the schools together since October, so that that was nice to do. Um also wanted to we had a public speaker earlier to speak about IB, and I just wanted to remind the board that this was one of the things that we talked about in our reorganization plans with you uh last month. And the staffing adjustments, you know, the purpose is I have a dedicated team uh and approach that advances the division's strategic effort to strengthen the level of support available to students preparing for and pursuing any advanced
075learning pathway, including IB. So, bottom line, the point is to build and strengthen all of our pathways for higher education. So, uh you know, I hope we understand that and that we are not uh forsaking anyone one department. I also wanted to make some budget comments. As you know, we still do not have a budget from the state. Uh so, I'd like to remind everyone that when I presented my budget uh to the board in February, I outlined my priority recommendations for any additional funding. And I'd like to update those remarks now, just remind everybody where we're at. So, uh the state still has not finished that work, and we expect it at some point in June. Uh the number one additional item was additional compensation across the board for all employees. We were starting
076at 3.25% and I want to add uh more, especially in light of the inflation effects that we're all feeling, uh but especially our employees over this last year. Uh I'm confident that we can hold to the 10% health insurance premium that we presented that night. We are currently working on the best options for lowering uh costs to that plan, and that will go into effect when that the new plan year happens starting in January 1, but the discussions that we're having so far are we're going to have to take steps uh to control costs in that plan, and I think it's if we're going to uh have as big an effect as I think we need to on our budget, it's going to be a multi-year plan, so it's kind of a softer landing as
077we go we go through that. Uh but that's something that we're going to be looking at. Uh we also uh we were making contingency plans in case collective bargaining had passed up in Richmond, and that we knew that was going to cost us some additional funds, uh but I'm uh was pleased to learn last week that the governor vetoed that bill, and so that will not be in uh the upcoming budget. And last, uh we talked about any costs, uh both startup costs and recurring costs for lacrosse, and so that will be one of the priorities also if we have sufficient funding for both the one-time and the recurring, uh then we can include that as placeholder funds while all the other criteria is uh considered. All right. So, we're going to stick to that.
078I just wanted to remind everybody about that. And finally, I'd like to end with uh speaking about uh the bonus. Um I think everyone's aware that we uh were granted additional state funds. They were placed in the FY26 budget that are earmarked for employee bonuses that can be used either this year or next. Surrounding divisions are handling it differently dependent on their circumstances. And there are a lot of strings attached that differ from previous bonuses that we've been funded for and there are matching fund requirements also that were not budgeted for by us for this year due to this surprise. So we will be distributing a bonus for an undetermined amount but that will happen next year in the fall at some point. So we plan to do it next fall and then we'll make
079when we're sure of what our plans are then we'll let everybody know beforehand but it will be after the summer for the for the employees that are still with us at that point. And that concludes the superintendent's report. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Dr. Carroll. All right. We are at the comments of citizen who did not sign up to speak previously. Is there anybody anyone wishing to speak? No? Well, thank you everyone for input and for being here this evening. Our meeting will be work session for our special meeting here at York Hall on June 8th at 4:30. We have some closed session this evening. Can I please have a board member take us into the closed session? >> [clears throat] >> I move that the York County School Board convene a closed session
080pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 A1 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act for consideration and discussion regarding specific candidates for appointment to the following advisory committee: the Gifted Education Advisory. As the matters addressed in closed session are confidential, no minutes or recordings are permitted. Second. All right. All right. A motion is made by Mr. Shafer and seconded by Mr. Richardson to approve the York County School Board to meet in closed session as stated. Mrs. Goodwin? Yes. Mr. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Richardson? Yes. Mr. Pibworth? >> Yes. Motion passed four to zero. We are now in closed session.