School Board Meeting - October 27, 2025

001I call to order the reg the York County regular school board meeting for October 27th, 2025. Good evening and welcome to tonight's school board meeting. It's hard to believe how quickly the school year is moving along and that we're already settling into cooler fall days. As a reminder, the community survey for the superintendent search is open through Friday, October 31st. Your input is essential part of the success, and we strongly encourage everyone to take a few minutes to share their thoughts. The survey can be found on the division's website. And there will also be an opportunity during tonight's meeting for public comment specifically related to the superintendent search. Your voices play a vital role in shaping the future of our school division. And with that, I would now like to read you the YCSD mission

002statement. The mission of the York County School Division is to ensure every student is valued, supported, and challenged through learning experiences which prepare them for a successful future. I'd also like to say um that Chelsea Simson, a student of YCSD, passed away a couple weeks ago. And we want to extend our thoughts and prayers to the family. And with that, please join me in a moment of silence. Now, I will share some information about our pledge leader, Charlotte Phil, a first grader at Seafford Elementary. We are honored to welcome Charlotte Phil, a bright and enthusiastic first grader in Miss Stall's class at Seafford Elementary as our pledge leader. Charlotte is a model student who shares kindness with everyone she meets. She loves coming to school to play with friends, write stories, and read, especially Pete

003the Cat books. Her favorite subject is reading, and she especially enjoys visiting the Seafford Library during resource classes. Charlotte's curiosity and love of learning shine through in everything she does. She has a deep passion for animals with her favorite being a two-headed snake. Charlotte dreams of becoming a veterinarian, so she can help all kinds of animals from pets to zoo creatures and even animals in the wild. Her compassion, enthusiasm, and leadership make her a wonderful representative for Seafford Elementary. We are proud to have Charlotte lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance tonight and celebrate the bright future ahead of this outstanding bulldog. Please stand as Charlotte leads the 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

004liberty and justice for all. >> [clears throat] >> We shifted the agenda slightly to be able to recognize some outstanding students in our division at the beginning of the meeting. Dr. Carol. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, I am pleased to recognize our students who have earned distinction through the NA National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the nation's most prestigious academic competitions, recognizing the top scores on the PSAT NMSQT test. Each year, less than 1% of high school seniors are named semi- finalists, and a select group of additional high achieving students earn commended status. These National Merit semi-finalists and commended students exemplify academic excellence, perseverance, and a love of learning. And we celebrate not only their accomplishments, but also the teachers, families, and mentors who have supported them along the way. If you are here

005this evening, [clears throat and cough] please stand up with your families when I read your name. The commended students are [clears throat] from Brutin High School, Cullen Moyer from Grafton High School, Mason Aamina, [applause] Isabella Ditro, >> [applause] >> Camden Fowler, [applause] Leela Harmon, [applause] Felix Lynn, [applause] Eloise Narowitz, >> [applause] >> Austin Rider, [applause] Leila Ser, [applause] Landon Sue, [applause] and Alisa Winkles. [applause] from Tab High School. Brandon Eubanks, [applause] George Habib, [applause] Cat Loftess, [applause] Vivian Moore, Priy Pik, [applause] River Williams [applause] and from York High School, Ashira Ferrell [applause] and David Forest. [applause] And the semi- finalists are list from Grafton High School, Marcus Mason. >> [applause] >> from Tab High School. Arouchia Rosetta, [applause] Megan Wei, [applause] and Eddie Zoo. [applause] Congratulations to these incredible students. >> Okay, at this time

006we're just gonna have a really brief uh recess just to take pictures. >> Okay, [snorts] we will now recognize our seniors of the month for each school. When your name is announced, please stand along with your family members while we hear about your accomplishments. We'll first start with Brutin High School. Thank you, Isaiah Randall. Go ahead and stand on up. Yes. Isaiah is a son of uh Brandon and Mon'nique Randall. And this is number two of the family, I think, that's been senior of the month, right? Yes. Okay. Brutin High School is proud to recognize Isaiah Randall as our senior of the month. Isaiah is an exceptional young man who has displayed qualities of perseverance, leadership, and empathy. These qualities have shown through his roles as a Fellowship of Christian athlete, huddle leader, a two-time

007class president, and captain of the basketball team. Positions that reflect his ability to inspire and unite those around him. In the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Isaiah built meaningful relationships and helped guide others toward a deeper understanding of their faith. His genuine concern for others is evident in the way he encourages his peers. These leadership skills have been highlighted in in his time as class president. Also, in this role, he represents his classmates, organized and executed events, fundraisers, and found ways to support his peers in the Brutin community. As a captain of the basketball team, Isaiah leads by example. One honor include includes being named second team all region and all district. Isaiah's ability to motivate others is evident both on and off the court. Isaiah's academic journey is marked by perseverance or persistence and a

008commitment to excellence. Isaiah's achievements include winning an NAACP AXO award, which uh highlights his ability to excel beyond athletics. Congratulations, Isaiah. He's going to be attending Hampton Sydney College in the fall. And this year, Brutin is going to beat Grafton in basketball. Congratulations. >> All right. Next we'll hear from Grafton High School. >> Will beat the Brutin. I would like to invite Erica O and her family to please stand up. Thank you very much. Uh Erica O is an exceptional student whose dedication, leadership, and compassion make her a standout member of the YCSD community. As a class president, a scholar in the early college program, and a multiport athlete, Erica Con cons consistently demonstrate excellence in academics, extracurriculars, and services. Her involvement spans DECA, band, day at York County, and multiple honor societies, showcasing her

009commitment to growth and impact. Erica's kindness, work ethic, and outgoing nature inspired those around her, and her ability to balance rigorous coursework with meaningful leadership and volunteer work reflects her remarkable character. She has earned numerous awards for academic achievement, athletic performance, and community service, including MVP honors, and DECA competition placements. Erica's positive energy and drive to uplift others make her true role model. We are proud to recognize Erica as a senior of the month in Grafton. Congratulations. >> Okay, next we'll hear from Tab High School. Would Pripy Pathac and his family please stand? Tab High School is pleased to announce Pripy Pathac October's senior of the month. Priy exemplifies the qualities of a student le leader and all-around excellent human. In addition to an impressive academic resume, Priy has been a student at the New

010Horizon's Governor School for Science and Technology, where he has been completing courses in the rigorous engineering strand. As part of his academic pursuits, he seeks opportunities to stretch his intellect and his abilities. Priy has tapped into his creative side in the TAB theater program and helping to create lead the creative writing club. He was instrumental in making sure the TAB literary magazine was published after several years without one. Performing and leading groups is Prity pushing himself out of his comfort zone. But he accomplishes these activities with grace, talent, and kindness. Beyond Tab High, Priy is a skilled taekwondo participant and should earn his black belt by the end of June. He is hoping to attend either Yale University or UVA, where he plans to major in STEM and minor in creative writing. While he plans

011to own his own business in computer science or engineering, he also hopes to one day be a published science fiction author one day. Congratulations, Prity. Congratulations. And I have the pleasure of telling you about our York High School senior of the month. Would Kaylee Nordon and her parents Cameron and Jamie Nordon please stand? And family. [applause] York High is proud to recognize Kaylee Nordon as our senior of the month. Kaylee is a hard-working student who has made a significant impact on our school's community and she truly embodies the spirit of York High. As a prominent member of the IB program, she exemplifies academic excellence and a commitment to learning. Kaylee is also a member of multiple honor societies, has volunteered with numerous community service organizations, and is the current volleyball team captain. Her passion for

012the arts and commitment to excellence has also made her a valuable part of our drama productions. Kaylee also has a talent to articulate very well and is a key figure in promoting our students public speaking skills through the model UN club she started at York High School. In addition to her academics and extracurriculars, Kaylee is most well known for her exceptional kindness, positivity, and friendliness. Kayle's positive spirit and genuine respect for others create a welcoming environment for all our staff and students. Nominated by her teachers and counselor for this recognition, Kaylee displays the qualities of an outstanding student balancing academics, leadership, and community service. Congratulations, Kaylee. Okay. All right. Next, we have our student awards and volunteer awards. Um, Dr. Carol's going down on Barbara Nagel, Seafford Elementary principal, to step forward and remain down

013front while I share information about the student service award recipient and volunteer of the month for Seafford. Okay. All right. Let's see this one. The recipient for Seafford Elementary Service Award is Kalissa Anthony. I'll share a little bit of about Kalissa as she comes forward. We are proud to recognize fifth grade student Kalissa Anthony from Miss Holly, Mr. Holly's class at Seafford Elementary as the recipient of the student service award. Since joining Seafford in third grade, Kalissa has exemplified what it means to be a bulldog, leading with kindness, serving with purpose, and learning with enthusiasm. She's actively involved in the student advisory board, ambassadors club, military kids club, bulldog reading buddies, and chorus. This year, she joins kindness club, girls with pearls, and dodgeball club. Kalissa helped present professional development to teachers, engaging students with

014math games and serves as a junior educator for the for the right at school program. She's an honoral student, earning all A's since third grade. Her favorite subject is history with math a close second. She's proposing a bulldog math buddies club to support peer learning. Kalissa remembers how welcome she felt as a new student and works to ensure others feel the same. Her leadership and service inspire us all. Sever is proud to celebrate this outstanding bulldog. The volunteer of the month for Seafford Elementary is Miss Heather Montville. I will share some information about Miss Font Montville as she comes up. We are proud to recognize Miss Heather Montville as Seafford Elementary's volunteer of the year. Miss Mont Miss Montville has generously served the Seafford community for many years, making a lasting impact through her time,

015energy, and dedication. She has volunteered in classrooms, organized library volunteers, supported school events, and led efforts to update the PTA website. She also helped organize school spirit Fridays and played a key role in the success of the Seafford Walkathon, which raised over $40,000 last year. Miss Mon takes great pride in her volunteer work, knowing it benefits students, teachers, and the entire school community. She is the proud parent of three children, Addison, a fourth grader, Emma, a kindergartener, and Thomas, an eighth grader at York Middle School. Her commitment to Seafford reflects the heart of our school's mission, building strong con connections and creating joyful learning experiences. We are deeply grateful for all she does and proud to honor her tonight. The student recipient this month for Grafton Middle School is Tenley Frederickson. Mr. Dr. Pyovich will

016now share about Tenley as she comes up front. Tonight we honor to recognize Tenley Frederickson for her leadership, compassion, and remarkable commitment to our Grafton Middle School community. Tanley serves as a Clipper ambassador, a role in which she welcomes new students, helps them feel at home, and represents what it truly means to be a Grafton Clipper. Known for her kind and caring spirit, Tenley has a special way of comforting students when they having a tough day and making everyone feel included. Beyond our school walls, Tenley continues to shine as a member of the juvenile arthritis family, serving on the middle school planning committee. She has appeared on the Hampton Road Show where she has shared her story and raised awareness for the Arritis Foundation. Tenley has also inspired our entire grafting community by encouraging students

017and staff to participate in the jingle bell run, a local event supporting arthritis awareness. She has been a youth honore and an 11time participant which is a true testament to her dedication and perseverance. Tenley's kindness, advocacy, and leadership makes her shining example of what it means to serve others with heart. We are so proud to recognize her tonight for the positive impact she continues to make at the Grafton Middle School and beyond. Congratulations. >> The volunteer of the month for Grafton Middle School is Miss Rachel Schmecha. Miss KCA, would you please join us up front while Mr. Pyc shares information about you? Tonight, we are proud to recognize Miss Rachel Schmecha for her outstanding service and unwavering commitment to the Grafton Middle School community. Rachel has been an active part of our school family for

018the past four years. Even after her daughter Izzy moved on to high school, her presence at the Grafton remains strong. Whe whether [clears throat] serving on the PTSA, helping with school dances, decorating our halls, or assisting with the family engagement events, Rachel's impact can be felt throughout the building. Her son Anthony, now a Grafton Middle School student, shared that his mom has always volunteered in schools, even spending every Thursday helping in the library at Grafton Betton Elementary when he was younger. He says it makes him happy to see his mom in the halls, always ready to lend a hand because he knows she does it from her heart. He also shared that her example inspires him to give back and he currently serves as an usher at the church and looks forward to volunteering when

019he's older. Rachel's generosity extends beyond the school walls. She's the first to help family members, whether it's setting up a hot tub or contributing to family dinners, and she continues to volunteer at the high school with with Izzy through the booster club and concession stand. Her kindness, dedication, and spirit of service truly reflects the best of the Grafton community. We are deeply grateful for her continued support and are honored to recognize her tonight for her lasting contributions to Grafton Middle School. Thank you. Congratulations [applause] to all our award recipients. We will now have the York Foundation for Public Education Awards. Mr. Schaefer, you want to tell us about those? >> Yes. Thank you. Like to invite Mr. Jimmy Ruth, a York Foundation for for public education member to step forward and assist Dr. Carol as

020he presents gifts to each of our award recipients. Please come up front when you hear your name call. Congratulations to Charlotte Phil, a first grader from Seafford Elementary School for reciting a pledge of allegiance at tonight's school board meeting. We'd also like to recognize tonight's student service award recipients. Kalissa Anthony from Seafford Elementary School and Tenley uh Frederickson from Grafton Middle School. We also congratulate our seniors of the month for this month. Isaiah Randall from Brutin High School. Erica O from Grafton High School. Priy Path from Tab High School. There we go. Yeah. And Kaylee Nordon from York High School. Special gifts from Cookie Text and Edible Tweet are being presented on behalf of the York Foundation for Public Education Incorporated in partnership with a donor Jean Fioa of Cookie Text and Edible Tweet. A

021Sweet Frog gift card is also being donated by Derek Mahan from Sweet Frog. Join me in congratulating all of our award recipients. Anybody who needs to get pictures, please feel free up. >> Sorry. Okay. All right, you guys are good. All right. >> All right. We now will move on to the Virginia School Board Association Academy Awards. Dr. Carol, I'll turn that over to you. >> Thank you, Mrs. Goodwin. Each year, the Virginia School Board Association recognizes board members across the state for their dedication, time, and hard work in improving boardsmanship skills through VSBA meetings, conferences, board development, and training, and active involvement in the association. There are five levels of awards based on the points earned between July 1st and June 30th. Now, the board members uh receiving something tonight have their pins and

022certificates at their seats. The awards being presented tonight are first the award of honor and gold pin to Mr. Richardson. The award of achievement and bronze pin to Mr. Schaefer. Award of recognition, Mrs. Goodwin, Mr. Pavich and Dr. Shandor. And we'll make sure Dr. Shandor gets his certificate. >> Okay. Uh next we're going to have our accent on academics. Dr. Carol, tell us about that. >> Okay. Tonight's accent on academics will showcase inquiry in action AP seminar spotlights. I will turn the time over to Mr. Steven Gavin. Grafton High School principal, Mr. Gavin. >> Good evening, Madam Chair, members of the board, Dr. Carol. I am Steve Gavin, the very proud principal of Grafton High School. Tonight, we are pleased to present inquiry and action AP Seminar Spotlights, highlighting how our students are engaging authentic

023inquiry based learning experiences that strengthen their critical thinking, research, collaboration, and communication skills as they explore real world issues that matter to them. The AP seminar course was introduced at Grafton High School and across the division during the 20242 school year as part of the high school program of studies. Through this course, students engage in extensive research, analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives, and communicate evidence-based arguments. AP Seminar embodies the division's future ready graduates priority by empowering students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply their learning to real world challenges. skills essential for success in college, career, and civic life. The AP Seminar course exemplifies the future ready graduates priority by offering engaging learning experiences that mirror the rigor of college and the demands of the modern workplace. The course also advances college and career

024readiness by cultivating critical thinking, communication, and problem solving skills that prepare students to succeed in any path they choose beyond high school. At this time, I'd like to introduce Mr. Wallace Green, English department chair at Grafton High School, who will share additional information about the course and the exciting opportunities it provides for our students. Good evening. I'm Wallace Green, English department chair at Grafton High School. AP Capstone is a College Board diploma program designed to help students develop the skills most valued in college and beyond, critical thinking, research, and communication. The program is built around two year-long courses, AP Seminar and AP Research. At Grafton High School, AP Seminar was introduced last year as the first step in this sequence, giving students the opportunity to explore real world issues through inquiry and evidence-based analysis. This

025year, we have added AP research where students design and conduct an independent study on a topic of personal interest. Students who complete both courses can earn the AP seminar and research certificate, demonstrating their mastery of college level research and communication skills. Those who go further to complete four additional AP exams across their high school years, earning a three or higher on each, qualify for the prestigious AP Capstone diploma. a recognition of advanced academic readiness and a strong foundation for success in college, career, and life. Tonight's presentation will focus on the first of the two courses, the AP Seminar course. Having shared an overview of AP Seminar, the first of the two capstone courses implemented at Grafton High. We would now like to provide a closer look at the course in action. In this video, students

026share their experiences in AP Seminar, highlighting how the course has strengthened their research skills and public speaking abilities while engaging in meaningful real world inquiry and collaborative projects. The AP Seminar course prepares students for college level research, writing, and public speaking skills. >> So, AP Seminar really taught me a lot about presentational skills, working in group projects, and really just being a strong writer in the areas of research [music] and argumentation. And so that definitely translates into other AP classes such [music] as AP language and composition where you have to write argumentative papers and you also have to do a lot of argumentation in general. Public speaking skills to have a class of sophomores stand up for about a 12minute speech is very daunting. And so we spent a fair amount of the year just

027preparing them to be comfortable in front of a class, knowing good public speaking skills. [music] And by the way, at the end of the year they were fantastic. in college or any type of career, you're going to have to talk to a crowd or [music] like present something to them. >> Through AP Seminar, I learned how to become a good public speaker. And through [music] doing multiple presentations in that class, um I became less afraid to speak in public. >> Along with the public speaking skills, you have research skills, you have writing skills, you have [music] collaborative skills. So much of it is going to help them when they go off to college. They will walk in knowing more about research than I did as a senior and it just it amazes me how much

028they learned during the course of a year. >> From AP Seminar, one question that inspired my curiosity was a topic we did for our group for the TMP, the TM multimedia presentation and it was something that allowed me to dive deep into [music] the research and really explore and expand um my views. I think [music] just like picking a topic I like for performance task one and performance task two was the most memorable part for me cuz I like to research what I want to research. >> The seminar course gives a really great basis [music] for doing extensive research and this course can really help you with research in [music] college and also you're able to pick your own topic. So I was able to pick something that I was [music] very interested in in

029this course. >> So all of the skills that happen in AP seminar lead directly into research and research prepares them for academic research at the college level. It is now my pleasure to introduce two of our Grafton High School students, Rama Ereo and Timothy Anderson, who successfully completed the AP Seminar course this past school year and will share their experiences with the course. >> Good evening. In AP seminar performance task one, my team and I conducted a thorough literature review, analyzing multiple sources to understand different perspectives on our topic. This process was essential in shaping the development of our team solution, helping us identify strong evidence, and make connections between ideas. Collaboration played a key role as we shared insights, challenge each other's thinking, and worked together to strengthen our analysis. Through this task, I

030developed my writing skills, learning to organize my thoughts clearly and support my claims with strong evidence. I also had opportunities to present our findings, which helped me grow as a public speaker and gain confidence in communicating complex ideas. In AP Seminar performance task two, I worked independently to research a topic of personal interest and develop a well-supported argument. What I enjoyed most was having the freedom to explore something I was truly curious about and dive deep into the research. The process taught me how to evaluate sources carefully, organize my ideas effectively in writing, and create a clear, persuasive argument. I also had the opportunity to present my findings to others which helped me build confidence in public speaking and learn how to communicate complex ideas in a way that is engaging and understandable. Overall, this

031task strengthened both my research and communication skills and showed me the value of thinking critically and independently. >> Thank you. Building on the skills students develop in AP Seminar, the newly implemented AP Research course at Grafton High allows students to take their inquiry and analytical abilities even further. In AP research, students design and carry out independent studies, refining their research, writing, and presentation skills while exploring topics of personal interest. Together, AP Seminar and AP Research provide Grafton High students with the critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills that ensure they graduate future ready, wellprepared for college, careers, and life beyond high school. In fact, beginning with this class of 2026, students having met the criteria discussed tonight will have the opportunity to receive the AP Seminar and research certificate. And beginning with the class of 2027,

032Grafton High School students will have the opportunity to receive the AP Capstone diploma. This concludes our presentation. At this time, we welcome your questions and comments. >> Hi, I have a question of the students. if you each could give one tip for any student in YCSD that would help them both in school as well as out in the community that you've learned from these classes. >> Um, I'd say to when you're presenting something, you need to practice and have people watch you present. And it also helps to take videos of yourself before you prevent before you present so that you can know what you look like and what you might need to correct. >> Excellent. Thank you. >> Definitely one of my tips would be as Timothy said practice. It doesn't exactly make perfect but

033it definitely helps with the repetition and you can also take away you know vocal inflection, vocal projection. It really AP seminar really helped me personally strengthen my speaking skills and how I project my voice and how I make my points clear when I'm speaking. >> Wonderful. Thank you. >> I'd just like to comment it's obvious you both master public speaking very well. [laughter] >> Done a great job. I just have one question for both of the students. If you feel like sharing, if you don't want to share, that's okay. What was your personal topic of interest? at least one of them just cur out of curiosity. >> My personal topic of interest last year was educational imbalance and I talked about how different funding for different districts for school causes some students in certain districts

034to have less access to higher education. >> Very good. Just to clarify, are we discussing our individual multimedia presentation or the team multimedia presentation? >> Either one. I'll definitely go with my individual multimedia presentation which was on um [clears throat] second generation students and just how their parents and their immigrants um just came to the country and how it affects the mental health of both the immigrants and the second generation children because in my life personally I am a second generation child and there was one time in my life where it was really difficult kind kind of just trying to get through with my generation because I live in a very different era than my parents did and just bridging that divide was really something that I wanted to research and look into and through

035the individual multimedia presentation I was able to express myself and also touch on an aspect of my life that I was really really into. >> Very good. Thank you. >> Well, I can tell both of you guys have a very bright future ahead of you. Just so proud of you from being in Grafton. So congratulations. [laughter] So uh Mr. Green just want to say thank you for doing such a great job with the program. I know it's just start but obviously there is result that uh your program is showing and your students definitely shine uh here in front of us tonight. So just uh I want to ask you guys a question. Um, were you comfortable coming into this course with public speaking or you kind of took a gamble on it say like I'm

036going to go through this thing and I'm going to get the confidence because I know a lot of kids your age or younger they're looking at it they're kind of I don't want to be in the spotlight. They don't have that courage to step up. And if you didn't have it, how did you find it and how did you use it to get into this class and become what you are today? So before I started this course, I did have experience in theater and so that definitely helped me be able to do public speaking. And like I said previously, I used video recordings of myself and this helped me see what I looked like and what I needed to correct. When I went into this class, I was not afraid of the public speaking aspect

037because I had taken a public speaking class in 8th grade. That public speaking class really really helped me just develop my foundation of public speaking as my teacher was really harping on different styles and like themes of public speaking such as in a business setting or in a personal setting or in an argumentative setting. My bad. Um, and with public speaking, it really helped me because in my own life, my extracurricular specifically in band, I am one of the drum majors at Grafton High School. And public speaking is a really important part of that. Not just because you're just calling commands and shouting to over probably 140 people. You also have to make sure that you're heard. You have to make sure that the band hears you. And you also have to make sure that

038you are present within the band as an author almost an authoritative figure. >> And Mr. Green, quick question. Uh >> uh what what is the response from the kids trying to get into it? Do you have a lot of interest for your class or >> uh there is a fair yes there's a lot of interest in it. And when students understand that they're doing what essentially is PhD level work in the AP research class, it gets their attention. They realize that they're going to go into college just a leg up of everybody else. And so they're they're aware. >> Thank you. >> Sorry, I have a quick uh well question, I guess. So public speaking is a real fear for a lot of people. I mean, if you do the research, it's it's up there.

039It's up there on like one of the top three fears that people have. Um, so I can imagine as a high school student coming into a class, um, and you two seem like you were pretty confident kind of coming in, but what about for a student who wants to do that, but the public speaking part is just they're really scared. How do you help them kind of overcome that part of it to see that they can do it, they can get through it? Because I know that that is a big fear for a lot of a lot of adults that not just students, I mean adults. >> Uh it absolutely is a fear for a lot of people. I was nervous coming here. Uh [laughter] uh the answer to your question is we start from

040the very first week. There's a lot of scaffolding. We just we build we start with stand up in front of the class with a partner. We have a one minute presentation during the course of the year basic and we start with a very safe environment. We know we're going to be supported. It's going to be positive reinforcement and during the course of the year their confidence grows and the seminar class has two performance tasks and in both of those you know it's about a 12minute speech which you know as you said even a lot of adults would be nervous about so the growth is amazing. >> Thank you. It sounds like a great course. >> Thank you very much. >> Yes. I'd like to commend uh both Mr. Green and Mr. Gavin. Uh because I

041think that this is this is an excellent class. Your students here, I mean, they were confident when they came up, had great posture, eye contact. I mean, they had it all. All right. And it and I just think it it's great. And those are definitely skills uh that are needed. So, thank you. >> Thank you. All right, we're going to now take a recess, a short recess to meet with award recipients and their families. All right, we will now reconvene our meeting. I understand we have an Eagle Scout in the audience this evening. Hi. Would you like to come up and tell us a little about >> what troop you're from? troop you're from. And I see you've earned quite a few badges there. >> Just a few couple. >> Okay. So, um I'm Bryson

042Jones. I'm in Troop 103. I'm a life scout. I have I'm working on Eagle. I'm working on a M badge right now. I'm taking notes at this meeting. >> Okay. >> Um it's citizenship in the community. And yeah, what else? So >> I understand you've already done your project. So this is just a you just have one badge left or a couple badges or >> just this one badge. >> Just this one. This is it. >> And before your board of review. >> Yes. >> Excellent. >> For the project, I did a nine square at the Queens Lake Middle School. Um I did that a couple about a month ago. Couple months ago. And that is just wrapping it up right now. I'm just doing the paperwork. >> Good job. Thank you for everything you've

043done. >> Yeah. Congratulations. >> Thank you. Thank you. All right, we don't have any unfinished business, I believe, and so we will go on to presentations. We have an HR plan update. Dr. Carol, >> thank you, Mrs. Goodwin. Dr. Dave writes, chief human resources officer. We'll give you a quick update regarding the teacher specialist special education position. >> Good evening, Dr. Carol, Madame Chair, members of the board. This position was recently approved by the board um a few months ago. So, it's the teacher specialist special education position and we are looking at the approval to add 20 days to this position and the rationale for that is that we are looking at enhancing our recruitment efforts for this position. also providing more support for the summer programming, assisting endofear responsibilities and also providing professional development

044and planning and support um not only to our teachers but some of our administrators. So um does and that is it. Does anyone have any questions? >> One position. >> It is one position. >> Just one position for the whole division. Gotcha. >> All right. Thank you. All right, we now have the WHRO 2024 2025 annual impact statement. Dr. Carol, can you tell us something about our presenter? >> Yes, I would like to ask Mr. Elmer Seward to the podium to give us a presentation on the WHO 2425 annual impact statement. And I'll turn the time over to him. >> Thank you, Madame Chair, members of the board, Dr. Carol, I want to thank you for giving me a few minutes to uh speak to you this evening. My name is Elmer Seward. I'm the

045vice president of education at WHRO. Uh Bert Schmidt, who is the CEO and president, normally comes along and makes the presentation. Unfortunately, he's sick tonight, so tag I'm it. Um, the reason I'm here tonight is that WHRO is unique in that we are the only public media station in the country who is owned by a collaboration of 21 school divisions, York County being one of them. So, we do a lot in the field of education to support school divisions. And every year we submit a report to every school division. It's customized for that division regarding all of the education activities that we provided during the past year. So you have in front of you a hard copy and I think you also have a digital copy and board docs of the 202425 annual impact statement.

046We not only provide that on a yearly basis but on a by-early basis Bert and I go and visit each of the school divisions to give a report in person. So tonight, I would like to give you an overview of all of the education resources available to your county as a result of your ownership in WHRO. I have a brief video I would like to show you which summarizes these activities that you'll find in the report. >> WHRO stands out as the nation's sole public media station [music] owned by a collaboration of 21 school divisions. This distinctive ownership model places education [music] at the heart of our mission, influencing every aspect of our work. Our team of educators is committed to offering students, teachers, and families innovative, free, high-quality programs and services. One key service

047that WHRO [music] offers is E Media VA, Virginia's leading digital content repository. With nearly 100,000 free, top quality instructional resources, Edia VA provides educators [music] and students with videos, interactive tools, games, lesson plans, images, and more. This platform is designed to enhance personalized learning [music] and make classroom experiences more engaging. For our youngest learners, [music] WHRO offers exciting educational activities to spark their imagination. [music] Our three education bands visit elementary schools with programs tailored to Virginia's [music] standards of learning, covering literacy, numeracy, scientific investigation, and [music] technology. We also support parents and caregivers, ensuring children are prepared for kindergarten and set up for success in their early school years. For secondary educators, [music] WHRO provides a catalog of 29 awardwinning customizable online courses and digital resources. These mediarich aligned courses [music] are designed to integrate

048seamlessly with various learning management systems. They offer flexibility for face-to-face, flipped, blended, and fully online teaching environments, [music] enriching lessons with engaging content. At WHRO, we celebrate student achievements through competitions that showcase their talents. The Great Computer Challenge, for example, gathers school teams from across the region at Old Dominion University to tackle realworld technology problems. Another highlight is the Town Bank Regional Spelling Bee, where middle school champions compete at WHRO's studio for a chance to advance to the Scripts National Spelling Bee. The local competition is recorded and aired on WHRO each April. Elementary students also have an opportunity to shine through our PBS Kids Writers Contest. This competition invites young writers to craft and illustrate [music] their original stories, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Our student advisory board reflects our commitment to student engagement. This

049group of high school students offers feedback on WHRO's content and has opportunities to create their own, influencing our online courses and edia VA resources. We're equally devoted to supporting educators through our professional development programs. Our workshops and training sessions provide teachers with cuttingedge strategies and tools, empowering them to inspire and guide their students effectively. Visit WHRO's education web page to learn more about how these amazing free materials, programs, and resources can benefit you. At WHRO Public Media, we're proud to partner with our local school divisions and the Virginia Department of Education to shape the future of education, one student at a time. >> Now, one thing that you as schoolboard members are probably very interested in is how your investment in WHRO is uh returned to you. And so you'll find on page 12 of

050the document a return on investment report, you'll find that uh last year, York County invested $48,450 in WHRO and then received in return total direct annual total direct annual value savings of $676,371. This really gives you a return on investment. For every dollar that you invested in WHRO, you received $14.90 of educational services and products available to all of your students and teachers. I'll be glad to answer any questions if you have any. >> I have a quick one. When I was teaching full-time here in YCSD several years ago, uh, WHRO sponsored graduate courses for free that we could use for reertification. Is that what the education online courses are? And do you still do that or not? >> No, the online courses are courses that we have built that are completely textbook independent. They

051cover every so in that particular subject and they are for high school students with the exception of one which is the middle school career investigations course but those are designed for uh York County to be able to offer them and I believe York County uses a number of them in their online program with students. Yeah, we used to offer that um program for teachers and we've tried to re reinstall it. The problem is coming up with a college or university that's willing to partner with us to be able to offer it. And I don't I'm not sure if it was offered at no cost. I know we had some that were offered at low cost for um college credit >> and we would like to do that again. I've approached a couple of uh colleges

052>> and they weren't particularly interested unfortunately. That's a shame because it was an excellent way for teachers to get those reertification points and it also reinforced what we were teaching in our classrooms. >> I agree. I would like to be able to foster a relationship like that with a college or university. We've not been able to get one so far. Sorry. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. All right, we'll now move into the comments of citizens. This evening, you have two opportunities to speak. One for general comments and the other for a public hearing on the superintendent search survey. Before I open for public comments, I'll share some remarks. The school board provides public comment periods for the public to comment on matters related to the business or duties of

053the school board and school division. Schoolboard policy KDBDH governs these public comment 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 a clear violation of a law, such as abusive or threatening language that incites criminal behavior or that creates an actual disruption to the meeting. We ask that speakers direct their comments to the school board and not to members of the audience. Violations of schoolboard policy KDBDH may result in a warning or termination of a speaker's time by the chair. The sanction is immediately appealable to the whole board at the speaker option. Each speaker may speak for up to three minutes. Speakers will present their comments at the podium. A timer is visible to

054speakers from the podium 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. >> Our first speaker is Steve Fiser. >> Hello, my name is Steve Fischer. I live at 108 Old Dominion Road, Yorktown, Edge Hill neighborhood across New York High School. Um, I've been teaching at York High School for a long time. I I don't know if Dr. Carol was on the board back when Dr. Shandor first became superintendent or not, but I don't think anybody else up here was. Um, I've been an educator for 32 years and the girls tennis coach. I was a swim team coach for 17 years. And I had a quick story

055to tell about Dr. Shandor. And I wish I could have made it last meeting or when he was here before, but hopefully he'll be watching this. uh my first or his first year, my I don't know, losing track of years, 15th year. His first year when he came into the York County School Division, I had a tennis team that was very good. I've had very good tennis teams over the years. And we were going to have to graduate two of my girls without going to graduation. We would have to miss it traveling all the way out to Lynchburg or Blackburg or whatever. Far far away, too far away to make the graduation. And I called Mark Medford who used to be on the board and I said, 'Mark, could you just come as a super

056as a board of supervisors person while I do this graduation ceremony and he said, "Sure." And then the next thing I know, the brand new superintendent is saying, "I'm going to make it as well." And um and I'm going to bring as many people as we can. And I'm pretty sure the whole board showed up. And I knew that panic happened because I didn't inform my principal very well that we were going to be doing a graduation with the course that I had set up. and chairs from the Edge Hill Association. I had them all lined up there and I had a keynote speaker and a a saxophone player or something. I mean, we did it. We did it up and the principal came and brought me a sub and said, "You better walk me

057through the ceremony because everybody's coming." And the reason I'm telling that story is because everybody did come. He got there a little late. He was in Chesapeake or something and apologized. But it showed how much he cared about the students in our system. And and every student that comes through my class is one of my kids. and it proved to me that he thought of them as their kids as well. And so this was a public time that I could say thank you to Dr. Shandor. And piggybacking on your next thing, please pick somebody that cares about the students as the next superintendent. Um, whoever it may be, it's very important. Um, um, I mean, I've had family at York High School since 1954 when it opened. Uh, I graduated in 1981 from York High

058School and the communities are helped by a strong school system. So, keep that going if you would and that would be all I need to say. Thank you very much. Hey, family. >> Thank you. >> All right. Our next speaker is Pam Pusho. >> Good evening. I'm Pam Pusho, District 4. [clears throat] After last month's meeting, I now know that this board has no problem imposing its bigotry on York County schools and citizens. Meeting on Roshashana and voting to keep the name of a traitor, murderer of contraband slaves, and enforcer of slavery shows your contempt for the Jewish and black residents of this county. Kim Goodwin, while attending a Republican breakfast, was videotaped saying, "Don't worry, I've got this covered." She was referring to the McGrder name change survey before the results were even in.

059For her, it was always a done deal. Mr. Pyvic express expressed extreme upset when asked in private how he would feel about naming a school after Hitler. Mr. Py was born in Belgrad, Serbia, formerly Yugoslavia. Perhaps he had relatives who were affected by Hitler's reign of genocide. My father was born in, excuse me, I can't pronounce the name properly, but Zammoon, Yugoslavia. whereas it [clears throat] is now a municipality in the city of Belgrad. The difference between them is that my father was Jewish raised in a ghetto. I know firsthand why I had only three living paternal relatives. There are neo-Nazis who would love to name a school after their idol. I know why blacks would feel the same way as Jews would about naming a school after a lover of enslavement and genocide. Trump

060rails about the dilution of the Anglo-Saxon blood necessitating his terror inducing arrest of migrants and US citizens who do not look quite enough. Failure to exhibit compassion, understanding, or empathize with Jews and blacks is disgusting. But then your own idol, Donald Trump, said empathy is toxic, dangerous as hell. Due to Trump's budget, 302,000 Virginiaians will shortly lose health insurance and 204,000 of which 50% of children will lose SNAP benefits. Has this board contacted Rob Whitman to stop this so all our students can remain healthy and not go hungry? The federal department of education is contracting with Prageru Hillsdale College and Turning Point USA to spread white supremacist lies in civics and history classes. This is an authoritarian racist garbage propaganda. They are teaching slavery is just a historical blip. There is no systemic racism and

061America's founding was flawless. The Department of Education wants to strip schools of critical thought and replace it with loyalty pledges to Trump. The goal is to rewrite history and brainwash a generation by banning books and the truth. When you ban books before you ban guns, you've admitted you're more afraid of children learning than you are of them dying. An ignorant electorate is a pliable one. The white supremacist and neo-Nazi maxim states we must secure the existence of our people and the future of white children. In the federal budget, education funds were cut $27 million to predominantly white student districts. Districts with students of color saw cuts of 58 million. All ESL funding for migrant students was cut. All total, the deepest cuts were for Democratic represented districts with fewer cuts to Republican districts. Political hatred

062wins and students lose. Do you even care? Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Our next speaker is Sam Ray. Good evening. My name is Sam Ray from district 3. I come here tonight to express my deep dispar disparagement not only about the board's discuss dis discussion to rename McGruda Elementary School but with the process by which the discussion decision was me was reached. Chair Goodwin, you were seen on social media addressing a Republican group where you stated that the the that neither you nor the board ever intended to rename McGrder and that the public survey was approved quote for the optics. These words undermine public trust. When a public survey is described as being done for the optics, it tells the community that their voices were sought for appearanc's sake only. You also told

063attendees, "I don't think you have anything to worry about." in response to concerns to the name change. Even more concerning, the rest of the board knew about these comments and said nothing publicly to disavow them. From the absence of the open debate among members in this mis from the absence of the debate among members to the misleading cost estimate that included a sign already scheduled for replacement through these undisputed comments. The entire process surrounding this issue damaged faith in the board's integrity and transparency. Throughout this process, not one member of this board vote who voted against the name change gave a reason for their vote. The only member who did was Mr. Schaefer who voted to rename the school. This lack of openness is very inexcusable because you failed to express your reasons for keeping

064this name of a racist traitor on the on the marquee even after receiving evidence that the school was named after McGrder. I can only assume that you agreed with the cause for which he fought. If you truly are confident in the decision that you made to keep this school name, I challenge you to teach the true history of McGrder. Put a picture, put a mural on the wall explaining to the kids who this guy is that their school is named after. This is more than about a school name. It is about honesty, credibility and the kind of and the kind of uh this is more than about a school name. This is about honesty, credibility and the kind of leadership we expect from those entrusted in our children's education. This is not the end of

065this matter. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Next up is Mary Lacader. Good evening, Mary Lasser [clears throat] Brutin District. I'm disappointed in your vote not to change the name of McGruda Elementary. I realize the breakfast club advised Mrs. uh Goodwin to ignore those of us advocating for a change. Are you being uh operated or administered by the Breakfast Club? Um I'm disappointed in the way the survey was implemented. It was not transparent because you listed $25,000 as an expense to change the signage. That is a pre-approved cost that is not related to changing the name. You are planning to change. You are planning to change or add signage to other York County schools. Currently, there is no signage on McGruda Elementary. The school was established in 1920, 105 years ago. During that time,

066there has not been any attempt to honor the village of McGruda, which is a p which was a predominantly black community. There were citizens that expressed they do not want their history erased. However, you do not teach the history of General Mc General McGruda. I will offer a bit of history tonight. There was one McGruda school rather than multiple schools listed by Dr. Butler. The school had a unique situation of being displaced by the US Navy and moved to Chetum Annex. The new building was built on Pinnaman Road in either 1949 or 1951. It was the same school for white students of Brutin District. However, the black children of the McGruda village were not allowed to attend that school. they had to go to Brutin Heights um uh in James City County. Dr. Butler mentioned

067the heightened civil rest unrest during the 50s. This included massive resistance to school uh integration. Virginia was being led by the bird machine and led the country as Browns versus Board of Education was being discussed and enacted into law. We gave Dr. Carol and Dr. Butler documentation in September 2024 that showed the post office was named McGruda in 1896 to honor the general. the village um was named in the same manner the school was named in the same manner as the post office which was McGruda. The conclusion was neither factual nor logical. Black schools honored men and women of integrity and those that had made contributions to society or education. The last names are sometimes not used um in when All right, hold on a minute. All right. Is there anybody who uh did not

068get a chance to speak on this particular the p public participation of comments who wanted to speak? Okay, I closed the public participation for comments of citizens. We'll now open the public hearing on the superintendent search survey. Okay, we have one person that is Pam Pusho. Pam Pusho still live in district 4. I have a great concern about who this board will choose to uh represent uh the school division, who will run the school division, hopefully who will work for the students and the staff. [sighs and gasps] I fear it's going to be a MAGAT Trump supporter, which means education will be thrown in the garbage can. And that's being polite. The sole goal of the federal government at this point is to do away with the Department of Education in theory to turn it

069over to the states, but as we've seen, at least at the college level, it still wants to be run on whatever Trump is thinking about that day. I don't want to see that here. people move to this community for the education. Now, granted, we have a large Republican group of people here, but when they send their kids to school, it's not Republican or Democrat. They send them for their education, and I want those kids to have a decent education. Don't be afraid to teach the truth. Don't ban things. Children need to learn, and they can't learn with lies. And so far that's all our federal government is doing to us is lying and discriminating. And you may hate the term DEI. Well, first of all, it never applied to public schools. That was college level

070best. But that's not the point. The point is we should all be inclusive. There should be equality amongst our students and we should not discriminate no matter where they're from, what their religion is, who their parents are, what their sexual identity is, who the hell cares what they want to do in a bedroom. Hopefully, they're not doing it till they get out of high school. However, [sighs and gasps] um I want somebody who that will stand up for our community, who will stand up for our children and have as much love for the job and the kids as Dr. Staples and Dr. Shandor. Thank you. >> Thank you. I now close the public hearing on the superintendent search survey. We'll now move into financial matters and Mr. Richardson will discuss financial matters. >> Thank you,

071Madam Chair. Um significant expenditures for September. Instructional related expenditures totaled approximately 3,439,000 and included payments too. And I'll just highlight some of the the higher dollar ones. AMN Healthcare 19,200 for contracted speech language pathologist. Uh Instructure 77,700 for educational training services. One XL learning $110,100 for renewal of instructional software. Uh New Horizons 2,843,000 for tuition and career and technical in the governor school and special education programs. and Plan B Academy 56,200 for CSA tuition and Renaissance Learning 72,800 for near pod renewal. And all of this report is also on board docs if you'd like to review it. Uh payments for transportation totaled approximately 59,200 and included the payment to RK Chevrolet for two vehicles for transportation and payments for technology related services totaled approximately 549,500 included uh some of the top payments to ACES 21,200

072for building automation controls at Waller Mill Elementary, CDW 262,700 for replacement computers, miscellaneous computer supplies, is VMware software and annual support and daily computers 8 86,200 for high flex classroom equipment Tyler technology 77,300 for Versaan Vericuran I guess transportation software uh that tracks our buses and that sort of thing. Um and then Virginia business systems 31,100 for divisionwide copier fleet for the school division. Payments for administration total approximately 15,827 and it was a payment to VRSA for workman's compensation billing. Payments for operations and maintenance total $464,50 and included some payments to Dominion Power 311,900 Granger 27,750 for custodial maintenance supplies. Republic services, one thou $11,150 for solid waste disposable service disposal services and Riverside Hospital 75,000 for our quarterly athletic trainer services that we contract with them on and Riverside Paper 12,100 custodial bathroom supplies

073there. Payments to school nutrition totaled approximately $298,500. Payments to Alto Hartley for food service equipment at Bethl Manor Elementary was $89,300 and Sedexo was paid $29,200 for food service operations for the month. Payments to CIP projects totaled approximately 1,299,000. Some of those payments were to Centennial Contractors, 215, 500 for the renovations for the Tab High, York Middle Auditoriums and Yorkhai bathroom and the athletic storage rooms. Hav Tech Services for Yorktown Middle School HVAC unit replacement, $130,100. Legacy Construction Services for $26,000 for fitness equipment at Queens Lake. And that was a fundraiser actually that paid for that. Luxout Products 45,100 for the curtains at Tab High York Middle School auditoriums. Uh Mobile Lease 33,400 for the learning cottages. That's the trailers we have at some of the schools. um the Virginia School Equipment Company, $764,900 for

074replacement of auditorium seating for TAB, York, Brutin, and Yorktown Middle. So, significant changes relating to the operating budget. The state revenue for September of 2025 is about $1.3 million higher than September of 2024. And that increase is primarily driven by higher student enrollment, additional spe special education funding, and expanded funding for support positions. For expenditures, total operating expenditures for September 2025 is approximately $856,000 less than September 2024. In the first quarter of 2024, um our spending was down um because of the remaining of the federal ESER funds that we were spending and a significant payment was made for textbook purchases as well. Uh there were no significant changes relating to the f food service budget and consideration of approval of resolution 25-63 requires the board's approval authorizing procurements of more than $100,000 and change orders

075greater than $50,000. And there are two items on this resolution totaling $252,000. The details of which can be viewed on board docs. Madam chair, I move to approve financial matters as listed. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. Okay. Any discussion? >> I have a question. Uh on the resolution portion, the second one, it says CDW securely content filter subscription one-year renewal. Could you explain what that subscription is, please? >> Yes, I believe I can. Mr. Chairman, the content filter is what is used to keep uh content out of our network that is not acceptable for students to use. That's in compliance with the SIPA standards. It only it not only works on our network, uh our wireless network, but also for all of our uh laptops that we distribute to students, it it's

076blocked on those units at their homes. >> Thank you. >> Safety notes. Okay, Miss Howard. >> A motion was made by Mr. Richardson and seconded by Mr. Pyovich to approve financial matters as listed. Mr. Richardson, >> yes. >> Mr. Schaefer, >> yes. >> Mrs. Fairman, >> yes. >> Mr. Pyovich, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Goodwin, >> yes. >> The motion passed five to zero. >> I'll now go over the consent calendar. We have approval of personnel actions, approval of minutes for a regular meeting on September 22nd, 2025, a special meeting on September 4th, 2025, a special meeting on October 8th, 2025, and a special meeting on October 14th, 2025. Approval of donations in the amount of $10,65, approval of HR pay, excuse me, pay plan update. Approval of a lease agreement between the York County

077School Board of York County, Virginia, and Girls on the Run Hampton Roads. Approval of a lease agreement between the County School Board of York County, Virginia, and York River Concert Band. Approval of overnight field trips for the period of November 1st, 2025 through November 1st, 2026. Approval of student organizations and activities for the period November 1st, 2025 through November 1st, 2026. approval of consent calendar as listed. I'd like to have a motion and a second to approve it the calendar. >> Madam Chair, I have a point of personal privilege um reg there are two items that I would like pulled off of the consent calendar and in the past this has been uh denied, but I want to go over uh an issue with Robert's rules. Um, it is a basic right of every member

078to discuss and vote on each motion because a consent agenda takes away that right for a minute in order to save some time. Because the right to discuss is so important, consent agendas carry an extra safeguard. If even one person wants to discuss a certain item, they can tell the presiding officer, the chair, and then that item comes off the consent agenda and is placed back onto the normal agenda. Let me see. Um mount, it might sound like a lot of hassle, but there's a good reason um uh for this. it does follow Robert's rules and so I request that uh section B be pulled because there are two items that I wish to abstain from and then I would like section F pulled from the consent calendar because I have some questions to ask

079about it. Thank you. >> I need a motion and a second. >> No, you don't. Uh just according to according to Robert's rules, anything on the consent calendar by one person and so I am the one person requesting that it be removed. >> Hold. >> That's your motion. Okay. >> All right. That's your motion. >> It does not need a second. >> I need a second. >> It does not need a second. >> I'm hearing from our I'm hearing from our school board attorney that it needs a second. >> I I'll second to pull it up. You a second? >> Yes. For those items to be separate. >> Okay. Now we need a vote on it. >> There is no vote needed on this because of Robert's rules understanding that any member has a right

080to discuss any things. A consent calendar is put together for the idea that there's really no discussion. There's no issue with it. So for time wise, you just go with the flow and you do everything all at once. But if any one member has anything they want to question or ask about then it's automatically pulled so that that can handle >> and >> there are any yeah there's a section are there any questions >> are there any questions you could ask questions and plus the minutes >> you can ask questions you can ask questions about it >> I would say on the minutes if you're not there you've approved them before when you weren't there and our board No I did not you have but the board uh has said you don't you don't have

081to be there to approve the Okay. The >> But you do this every time, but so I guess we need to separate them each time. >> Mr. Richardson, I am asking that they be pulled. >> I I know. I'm saying you do this every time. So I guess we need to do that if it makes it simpler. >> Thank you. >> As well as well as number >> way to make it easy. >> Thank you. As well as number F because I have some u particular questions to ask about that. >> Could you ask the questions? >> Why don't you just ask the questions about F now during because it's it's said right here. I said, "Are there any questions?" You have the opportunity to ask questions about F. We can I mean pulling the

082minutes to vote on them separately. I can get that. But >> I think you can ask the question. >> So if you have questions, ask question. >> I will ask ask a question about number F them. I I want to be assured that on these uh overnight uh field trips >> um that >> that's not F, that's G. >> That's G. You said F. >> Oh, whoops. Sorry, my mistake. I circled the wrong one. I had it written my notes written next to that one. Um, so for G with the overnight field trips, uh, I want to have some formal assurance that biological boys and girls will be separated in overnight accommodations. I'm going to defer to you for that one. Miss Fairman, the students are the ones that pick their roommates and will make

083accommodations if needed. >> I'm asking for assurance that we have biological boys and biological g girls separated in the overnight accommodations. We we have always done that. >> Thank you. I just want to make sure that the asurances for this one. >> Okay. So, question answer for that. So, now we want to >> which minutes are we pulling? Can we just pull the one? >> I'm requesting to pull uh the uh regular meeting on September 22nd and the special meeting on September 24th. Let's pull those out. [snorts] >> I would like to make a motion to approve consent agenda as written except pulling out regular meeting on September 22nd and special meeting on September 24th as a separate separate item for vote. >> All right. So we have you made the second you made the

084motion second. Okay. Miss Howard, >> can someone please tell me the second set of minutes we're pulling, please? >> It's September 22nd and the special meeting on September 24th. >> Regular meeting on the 22nd and the special meeting on the 24th. >> Okay. A motion was made by Mr. Pyovich and seconded by Mr. Richardson to approve the consent calendar as listed with the exception of minutes from the regular meeting on September 22nd and the special meeting on September 24th. >> Mr. Richardson, >> yes. >> Mr. Pyovich, >> yes. >> Mr. Schaefer, >> yes. >> Mrs. Fairman, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Goodwin, >> yes. >> The motion passed five to zero. And I would like to make a motion to approve the uh minutes on regular meeting for September 22nd and special meeting for September

08524th. >> I'll second. >> Oh, Miss Howard, I'm sorry. Waiting on me, Miss Howard. >> A motion was made by Mr. Povich and seconded by Mr. Richardson to approve the mo the minutes from September 22nd and the regular meeting minutes from September 22nd and a special meeting on the 24th. Mr. Pyovich, >> yes. >> Mrs. Fairman, >> I abstain as I was not in attendance. >> Mr. Schaefer, >> yes. >> Mr. Richardson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Goodwin, >> yes. >> The motion passed four to zero with one abstension. >> Okay. All right. So I take it there'll be some consistency now moving forward since those were approved by you in the past. So >> of course we could take care of it all by just attending the meetings. >> All right, we'll move on to

086town action consideration of approval for a proclamation for American Education Week November 17th through the 21st 2025. Dr. Carol, do you have any comments? >> Yes. Uh the annual observance of American Education Week dates back to 1921. It was established for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs. American education week is a reminder that all children desire deserve a high quality education and that each and every employee of the school division be they teachers, administrators, custodians, bus drivers or office staff play an integral role in supporting and equipping students every day. >> Okay. Is there any discussion? >> I have a comment. Um I've I like the proclamation except the first line. It

087says our democracy. The United States is not a democracy. It is a constitutional republic. And I respectfully request that we change that to read either our constitutional republic or our republic as opposed to democracy. None of our founding documents state that we are a democracy. Thank you. >> Um let me That's what All right. I need a second to change that. >> Okay. >> Second. So, we'll proceed with the vote. >> So, we need to make a motion for the Yeah, I need to make I would like to make a motion for approval of proclamation of American Education Week from uh for week of November 17th to 21st 25. >> And I'll second. Sorry, [laughter] sorry. >> A motion was made by Mr. Pyovich and seconded by Mr. Schaefer to approve a proclamation for American

088Education Week, November 17th through the 21st, 2025. Mr. Pyovich, >> yes. >> Mrs. Fairman, >> yes, with the note that it really needs to read republic, not democracy. Mr. Schaefer, >> yes. >> Mr. Richardson, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Goodwin, >> yes. >> The motion passed five to zero. >> Okay. Uh, we do not have any policy discussion. U policy first reading. We have policy section C. Dr. Carol, do you have any comments? >> Oh, that's right. [laughter] See if we already talked about >> we already talked about >> No changes. Yes. Okay. Uh we have policy uh second reading action vote tonight. Um policy IGB online courses and virtual school programs uh that was previously presented to us. Um is there any discussion? Okay. Can I please have a first and a second to

089approve? >> I need a first a motion. for each policy or for all of them? >> Um, I believe we do them individually. >> We do them. >> Yes. >> Okay. I'll make a motion to approve the policy IG BGA online course and virtual school program. Second >> and I'll second it. >> Okay. M. Howard. >> A motion was made by Mr. Pyitch and seconded by Mr. Schaefer to approve policy IGBa online courses and virtual school programs. Mr. Schaefer. >> Yes. >> Mr. Richardson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pyitch. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mr. Fairman. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Goodwin. >> Yes. >> Motion pass 5 to zero. >> Mrs. Goodwin, I have a question. Did I miss something? Uh, it says policy first reading policy C, general school administration. >> We just did that

090in the work session. >> Oh, okay. >> There was nothing. No, no changes. >> Okay. I just didn't know if it needed to be reiterated here since it was on the agenda here. >> I think you did. >> Thank you. >> Thought you did. Uh next we have policy IG AE slashig AF the health education physical education. Any discussion regarding this policy? >> Motion first. >> Let's make a motion first. >> Make a motion. >> I would like to make a motion for approval of policy IG AE IG AF health education physical education. >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? Uh actually yes. Um, I'd like to know are these changes due to Virginia code requirements or for some other reason when we uh Miss Barry brought that up when she presented that? >> I know

091I'm asking again. >> Okay, I'll defer to her. Thank you. >> Can you repeat the question? >> The changes to policy IG AEIG AAF, the health education physical education. Uh, are the changes regarding those listings specifically regarding mental health, are they due to Virginia code requirements or another reason? >> That's miss. >> Yeah. Can we ask Dr. Skinner to come up and address this? >> Thank you. >> Sorry, it's a policy. So, I defer to you. >> The um when we added the information under the health instruction includes the following topics. I think that's what you're referring to. that has been a part of the um code and we just outlined it for more transparency with our families so that they would see what is included in that health instruction. >> Okay. So, it is

092in included by code. >> Um I believe it's code or it's it's it's I think it's part of the code. I apologize for not having that in front of me right now. Um, but it is outlined in the um, if you look down at the bottom of that that legal reference, it's there listed under that legal reference there. >> Okay, that's what I just was curious why it was being added now and had not been there before. So, we added the information on the junior reserves officers training to this and we also added the information on I believe it's um hazing to this. Am I correct? Yes. And so when we did that, we reviewed the whole policy. And when we we did that, we wanted to also since we were reviewing the policy, we

093thought it would be very helpful to put exactly what is part of that. It's not anything new. It's just what we've been teaching. >> Right. I was looking more at the bullet points above that. >> Right. That's correct. So, when we went in to make the policy changes for the other two, which were required by code, um those areas were already part of what has been included. And so, we said since we're already doing that particular changes in policy, we would go ahead and add the other pieces which have been part of our instruction ongoing. This isn't new instruction. This is what we've been teaching. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Skinner. >> All right. There's been a motion and a second. >> Okay, we're ready. A motion was made by Mr.

094Pyitch and seconded by Mr. Schaefer to approve policy IG AE IG AF, health education, physical education. >> Mr. Richardson, >> yes. >> Mr. Schaefer, >> yes. >> Mrs. Fairman, >> yes. >> Mr. Pyovich, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Gdwin, >> yes. >> Motion passed five to zero. I'd just like to uh state that all of this was discussed in the first reading that we had on policy. All right. We're going to review policy IG AJ driver education. I need a motion. >> I would like to make a motion to approve policy IG AJ driver education. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Any discussion, Miss Howard? A motion was made by Mr. Pyovich and seconded by Mr. Schaefer to approve policy IGA, driver education. Mr. Pyich, >> yes. >> Mrs. Fairman, >> yes. >> Mr. Schaefer, >>

095yes. >> Mr. Richardson, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Goodwin, >> yes. >> The motion passed five to zero. >> All right. Next, we have policy uh I IGAB acceptable computer system use. I'd like to make a motion for policy approval of I I agreeable computer system use. >> I'll second >> discussion. >> Miss Howard. >> A motion was made by Mr. Pyage and seconded by Mr. Schaefer to approve policy IA gab acceptable computer system use. Mr. Richardson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Schaefer. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pyovich. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fairman. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Goodwin. Yes, >> the motion passed five to zero. >> All right, we'll now move into the report of the superintendent. Dr. Carol, I turn that time over to you. >> All right, thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, my

096report tonight will focus mostly on my activities in my first month in the position. My prior priority has been to get out into schools. I've visited four Yorktown schools, York Zone schools with Mrs. Goodwin, uh, three with Mr. Richardson, five in the Grafton and Tab zones with Mr. Pyovich and all four in the Brutin zone with Mr. Schaefer. We helped with homecoming wall decoration judging. Uh visited some of the newly renovated high school auditoriums. But what I've enjoyed the most is getting into classrooms. Some of those highlights included our computer science resource classes in elementary, our new teacher laptop technology that allows all of our teachers freedom of movement in the classroom while they're carrying out instruction. the world language pilot at Bethl Manor Elementary and the first lesson of our new initiative for enriching

097uh fifth grade math classes that we'll be reporting out uh to the board on in January. I've also started visiting our new principles to check on their progress and to lend any support at Brutin High, York High, and Tab Middle, and I've got a couple more to do. I've also been touching base with leadership of some of our most important community partners, Sheriff Montgomery, the base commanders at Joint Base Langley and Naval Weapons Station, uh York County senior staff, and uh attended with our executive team to the uh county PTA meeting. I also attended the Division Band Expo last week, which was just a wonderful night, and that we had a great night for it. Also, the Yorktown Elementary School STEM night the week before. That event had a quite a turnout and provided the

098students a wide range of STEM related activities for students to do with their parents. Also participated in mock job interviews at York High School and was able to catch a few games of volleyball, field hockey, and football. The last of which included the honor of presenting the Hovus Cup along with Coach Hov's daughter Leah to this year's winner, Tab High School. Uh I know it's also been a month, but we were notified just after last month's meeting of the announcement of our 2025 NICH rating. Nichch uh rated us the number one school division in the state of Virginia. And uh yeah. [applause] And this came out just a a day before Dr. Shandor's last day. So, uh, a nice way to go out. Speaking of Dr. Shandor, Mrs. Goodwin shared some remarks in honor of

099him last month on behalf of the board, and I'd like to take the opportunity and liberty to take that option and speak on behalf of staff. Uh, we all owe Dr. Shandor a debt of gratitude for his service and leadership over the last decade that came at sometimes at personal cost. Every day he brought a passion and energy that left no doubt that he was intent on making this school division the best it could be. I think to put it best I'd like to quote a piece from the Teddy Roosevelt speech known as Man in the Arena that I believe he embodies. He who does actually strive to do the deeds, who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end of the

100triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold, timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. I think those words are apt. And on a personal note, I want to thank him for his investment in me, bringing me to York County as his first hire, coaching and mentoring all along, and placing great responsibility in my hands. I will eternally be grateful. And Madam Chair, if you'll indulge me one more thing, I'd like to give a shout out to my son and his wife who in the wee hours of last night brought us another grandchild. Eden Anne was born. Oh, some I was asleep. I don't know. But uh that's presumably our last grandchild and so I

101just wanted to mention that. So >> congratulations. >> That uh concludes the superintendent's report. Thank you. >> Way to go. [cheering and applause] >> Madam Chair, I just want to say to Dr. Carol that I appreciate him for taking the three days and uh visiting five schools with me. I enjoyed it. his interactions with uh the staff, administrative principles, assistant principles, kids. Uh we just had a good time. Uh me and him, we witnessed some good stuff. Uh like Matt, a program that just got launched. We were uh so excited to see the children being involved. >> Uh we within spark. We were there within the first five minutes. the very we were there for the very first class literally like 5 minutes in uh we walk in the principal Mr. Bay and myself and

102uh the teacher was shocked. I don't think she was expecting that on the first day. Uh but the the class went [clears throat] great. It's it's uh really great and we'll talk to you aligned with our PSAT uh conversation in January about how that's going to help us expand opportunity. >> And I just want to also add Dr. Y is doing a wonderful job. So, thank you. Thank you. >> And I echo those same sentiments, Dr. Carol. I really appreciated, you know, you hitting the ground running and taking the time to get out to all the schools with me and, uh, the extra piece, the extra emphasis on the educational piece in the classroom. Um, that was very helpful. So, I too think you're doing a great job. >> And I'd like to thank you

103for being flexible with your schedule. We met early in the morning of Brutin and after Brutin I said, "Jim, you're not going to make the schedule." [laughter] So, he cleared it and we ended up uh spending about four hours together going through the schools. It was fun. >> All right. Uh at this time, um I'm offering comments of citizens who did not sign up to speak previously. If there's anyone who wishes to speak now that did not get a chance to sign up before the meeting, speak now or forever hold your peace. Okay. Thank you everyone for your input and for being here this evening. We have a work session here at York York Hall on November 10th at 6 pm. We do have a close session this evening. Can I please have a board

104member make a motion to take us to close session? >> I move that the York County School Board convene close session. person went to Virginia code uh section 2.2-3711A1 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act for consideration discussion regarding specific candidates for appointment to the following advisory committee special education advisory committee as matters addressed in closed session are confidential. No minutes or recordings are permitted. >> Second. >> Miss Howard. A motion was made by Mr. Schaefer and seconded by Mr. Mr. Povich to approve the York County School Board to meet in close session as stated. Mr. Richardson, >> yes. >> Mr. [snorts] Schaefer, >> yes. >> Mrs. Fairman, >> yes. >> Mr. Povich, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Goodwin, >> yes. >> Motion pass 5 to zero. You're in close session.