Nottoway School Board - Monthly Meeting

001graduated last time. [Music] I'd >> like to call the Thursday, October 9th, 2025 regular Nawway County Public School Board meeting to order. We will begin with a moment of silence followed by a prayer if you choose to pray with us. Immediately following that, if you're capable, we would appreciate if you would stand for the pledge. [Music] Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you once again for this day and for this moment in time. Thank you tonight for our school board. Thank you tonight for our superintendent, our acting clerk. Thank you tonight for the citizens that are here, for the staff that are here. Thank you for the members of the media that are here tonight. We pray, Father, tonight you will continue to guide us, to protect us, continue to help us to continue

002to do the work that we were put here to do. Help us to put our children first. Help us to be mindful of your will, of your guidance, your mercy, and your wisdom. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. [Music] Ice 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. [Music] I will need a motion to approve our agenda with uh two uh minor adjustments. We will be moving uh 4E which was part of the consent to uh action items 5 B1 and we will move uh action item 5A consent agenda 4G. May I have a motion to approve that agenda with those adjustments? >> So moved. Second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in

003favor signify by saying I. >> I awards and recognition of the 2425 perfect so well scored. Dr. Martin. >> So, good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. I'm pleased to share that four Nawway County Public Schools students achieved perfect scores on their so assessments last school year. I don't think they're here this evening, but I do want to still recognize them for their achievements. These exceptional results are a direct reflection of our students hard work, our teachers dedication to highquality instruction, and our school's collective commitment to excellence. Earning a perfect score is a remarkable accomplishment on an SO test. his um mastery of the content and their persistence in learning. We are proud of these students for setting such a high standard of academic achievement and for representing we are not away committed to

004excellence. So with that um we have Yoritza Bernardo Garcia. She had a perfect score on her grade four Virginia studies test at Crew Primary School last year. Mlin Austin had a grade four Virginia studies so test 600 on that at Crew Primary. Um Trejan Watson earned a perfect score on the grade eight civics and economics for the middle school and then Khloe Klyurn earned a perfect score on the grade eight civics and economics at Nawway Middle School. So congratulations to each of them and they were all invited. any school highlights, Dr. Martin. >> So, this evening, our schools will be sharing a collaborative presentation that highlights their ongoing work to promote kindness and bullying prevention across Nawi County Public Schools. Each school has developed their own way to build positive school climates, strengthen relationships, and

005ensure that every student sees are seen, valued, and safe in their school building. So, these efforts reflect a divisionwide commitment to um fostering both academic and social excellence, not just teaching it, but also making sure that we create atmospheres that embody that in our school. So, I'm going to turn it over to I think Mr. Paige is the lead. they worked collaborative collaboratively all the principles on this and of course um October is also bullying prevention month so we have a lot of different activities going on um so I'm interested to see what they have come up this evening >> good evening uh thank you for allowing us to talk kids today so unfortunately it's not going to be too cute it's just going to be us rambling for a little while uh so we're

006each going to share what our schools are doing first off uh crew primary Uh we got these awesome TVs in our in our lobby now. So we we highlight all our kids there. Do uh kind things. Uh Miss Clark, assistant principal, she takes pictures of the staff and posts them. Uh each week on Monday, we do uh little strips of paper. Teachers uh uh indicate if a kid does something kind or nice to one another. We're having a competition between the grade levels. Uh so there's a couple pictures of that later on. And then uh Miss Adams who's our awesome school counselor uh she does for the this month she's talking uh every every morning she gives the students scenarios they have to decide is it bully being mean or if it's rudeness unintentional rudeness.

007Um so next slide please. Um, so this is the uh bullying aspect of it and um we're gonna have a at the end of the month we're gonna have a a celebration and at the bottom there is rude mean or bullying. There's some of the situations that uh in the morning she'll ask the students and she started at the beginning of the week with defining what rude meant, what mean meant and what bullying meant. Um so next slide this is the kindness corner. Uh that's Miss Adams with several of our second grade students there. And that was is the same corner. Uh that was progress over the last week and a half with with the kindness links there. Uh the long link there is is our first grade and the second longest link is our

008fourth grade. So it's a little competition between the in the grade levels. Next slide please. Uh just collage of pictures here. The upper right hand corner is example of one of the highlights we have on on our TV as you walk in. uh and just examples of some of the things we're doing. Next slide is going to be a cool video and we're not going to watch the whole uh two minutes of it. Um but it is the students on the playground. They were cheering each other on uh with uh going across the monkey bars. So if you want to hit play, please. [Music] Yeah. So these are just the kiddos like cheering each other on. This is our first graders and it happened pretty organically. They start cheering each other on and Miss Eubanks

009is pretty much dead center there. Uh she was down, you know, supervising that area. She got up and she started dancing and singing with the kids on. So there's our cuteness factor right there. >> I shared last month. So mine are similar, but I did add our bull. But at Blackstoneone Primary, we're also doing a lot of fun and meaningful activities to prevent bullying and promote kindness. And as I presented last time, we're doing the kindness 101, which is a program where we present to the classroom a little video with a vocabulary word and a writing prompt and they're learning about how to be kind every day and expressing it through their writing. Uh we also have the caught being kind referrals that the teachers will fill out and turn in when students are being

010caught getting kind and we are using a caught being kind pencils as well as earning a cougar coin cub coin that they can receive a free book. Uh we do morning announcements and reminders and we say our cougar cub pledge every day. Um, as well as Miss Duman is going in in during class time um for the we had Pizzy come out and we have a workbook 30-day workbook that we're our students are working through with um Miss Dumont, our school counselor. [Music] And for our bullying, I just said we have the PT program that we are utilizing. Um this is October bullying month. So we are doing a lot this month with bullying. We have daily announcements and guidance lessons to go with that. And I have the four weeks and the different topics

011that are being um announced every day. I get on the announcements and read something about understanding bullying or recognizing bullying. We also do some scenarios that they are to talk about in the classroom as well as their workbook. And we sent home a flyer to all our parents to engage them and for them to discuss each week what the student learned about the topic. And then these are some of our kindness. We also are doing the kindness chains. You can see the kids holding their different grade level chains. Um our lessons in the classroom. How can we be kind? Everybody did a kindness um activity where they answered questions and colored how to be kind to make a kindness poster. And then we're just uh up in the right hand corner that's our lessons with

012the video and the students writing about the lesson and then just us going around giving out kindness to all our teachers. Um, and here in the top left is uh what a lesson would look like, understanding bullying. And then in the bottom is the students work pages where they are working on the topic. And then that's Miss Duman presenting our lessons. And then our students collaborating on understanding bullying. And then I have a little this didn't play last time. You try this, you will see the world's a better place. >> Kindness kind >> I don't have a beautiful thing. Next one. Go this line. Go back. >> Kindness. Kindness. Oh, whenever you try this, >> we're up stage just a little. >> I know. >> Kindness. Oh, whenever you try this, you will see the

013world's a better place. Kindness. Kindness. Oh, whenever you try this, you bring a smile to someone's face. >> Oh, that's nice. [Music] >> Go back there. I miss you. [Music] >> Up stage, Dr. Smith. >> I know. Ain't that something? But at the intermediate and middle school, [Music] >> we're doing the same various things at other schools. >> That's my distance. There you go. >> There you go. >> So, at the intermediate and middle school, we're doing very similar to what other schools are doing. We caught being kind. We have the the little strips of paper that we do each week. We pick about three students and we celebrate them. We put them on our announcements. Uh we put them on our kindness board. Um you also have our our um division um kindness challenges

014in which we um look at for our students to learn how to lead um by having like the gratitude which is next month which talks about you know they they're going to write actually thank you notes to their teachers and then you have some about being nice and is we had in September which our students every every week they're doing three times compliments to to teachers or to other students. So this has been our our divisionwide kindness program. Um we also have in in intermediate school we have our our kindness classes. Our miss um Miss Boils and Miss Duffy. Uh they're doing kindness classes which is also a wonderful way to create our kindness program. And then um we click on the next one and you can see this is our kindness program for the

015the whole division. As you can see say something nice. That's what we're doing in September. And then including others is this this month in which you are students are inviting people they usually don't sit with and and and become friends with. And then the gratitude month we just talked about. And then up on the top right you can see where they caught being kind. That's the that's the little sheets that they fill out. Our teachers fill out catches somebody being kind. And they have some of our students that have voted that way. And then at the end um you see that we are having this is our actually our bullying resources. We also use PATC as well and which flows right into our bullying awareness month which is October. Uh I get on announcements um

016last two days and talked about you know about bullying but also talking about you know stomp out bullying. Everyone's wearing blue today. Uh we did wacky tacky or um bullying is whack. And so we had a wacky tacky day in which students addressing different different clothes or or shoes. So we have something each day for this month with a bullying awareness and we also use again the PATC resources which um we use for investigation and bullying. Um so we really push that as well. So that's kind of the combination of middle school intermediate about bullying and um kindness program. Thank you. [Music] All right. Like Dr. Spence said, um, at the middle school, the high school, we are doing some similar things as well. um with the the caught being good. Miss Duffy has started

017that program and and we've created um tickets that the students get caught being good, but at high school they'll be able to get things from the the Cougar Cafe with their tickets. And we also use the the PC um program and I was actually surprised that um I was in a class today and I was pleasantly surprised at the kind of conversations that come about. Um the the one in the middle is the the excuse me the one on the far right is the students one and it has some elementary graphics but it's it's good questions and it's and then once the teachers talked through it it's supposed to be 10 to 15 minutes but I I was in a class today and it actually lasted a little longer than that because the kids had

018a lot of questions they had a lot of things they wanted to say and it was it was a very lively conversation around it and I been pleasantly surprised. Uh we had planned also to do different um announcements around bullying and all but uh our PA system has died so we are not making announcements. [Music] >> So that's all we have at this time. >> Megaphone out. >> Yes. This is tough. Thank you all. [Music] >> VSBA School Board Academy Awards. Dr. Martin. >> So, this evening we recognize you, our board members, for VSBA School Board Academy Awards um that are earned by attending the VSBA's trainings and conferences. So, the following individuals are recognized for their commitment to effective school board governance through participation in the VSBA School Board Academy for July 1st of

0192024 through June 30th of 2025. And I think Miss Meyer has your certificates. So, uh, Mr. Abbott, board chair, recognition. I guess you just want to pass them down the line. Damian Row recognition. [Music] Bernett Wilson recognition. Michelle Duncan recognition. And William Outlaw recognition. So congratulations on your certificate. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> No. So begin with uh our delegations from the public that portion public hearing on the Burkeville Elementary School property. Uh please be advised that the board does not generally uh respond instantaneously. We do keep notes and and if uh followup is required it will happen. And you said that uh first name on the uh signup sheet is Jackie August. >> Good evening, Dr. Dr. Martin and the board. I come again here just to talk to you about Burkeville Elementary.

020I want to give my speech again because it's the same type of speech. I want to pose a question to each board member for a response. What's to think about? Have you spoken with your constituents about the pantry, some of whom are pantry guests, and if so, what do they tell you? I've informed this board twice about the impactful work of the pantry. But tonight, I just want to discuss the significance of the building again. In that building, 20 adult students come every Tuesday. They come to socialize, learn workforce skills and communication skills. We have volunteers who need community service hours. They're there at Burkeville Elementary. We help steps with their point in time count. We assist people who need help with their social benefits applications and programs. there at Burkeville Elementary. The Medical Reserve

021Corps comes and I'm a member. We do training there at Burkeville Elementary. Did you forget that we also have the emergency shelter there for Burkeville? At Burkeville Elementary, we provide opportunities for first aid, CPR, and AED training there at Burkeville. fitness classes at night and during the day at Burkeville Elementary. We have some of our super seniors there every day walking 30 and 40 laps at Burkeville Elementary. Recently, we were able to hire four community healthcare workers to go out into the community and teach the community about becoming healthy and improving their health there at Burkeville Elementary. I could talk to you for hours about our work and how important that building is. It's been sitting vacant for eight years. Eight years. And I hear $70,000 a year. Well, that's about $560,000 that we could

022have done something with for Burkeville Elementary. We can't close that school. We've done it before. Look at the county. Crew Junior High, Blackstone Primary. Are we going to do it yet again? When our kids need things, they need mentoring. After school programs, there's not one public swimming pool in all of NA. Did you know that one in four drownings happen for children under 18 because they don't know how to swim? How many of our kids know how to swim? We need a niatorum that we can teach them. We need somewhere for our seniors to gather safely so they can learn how to age in place. There are 400 right now. I think there are 420 families I serve twice a month with Fedmore and it's growing every single day at Berkeley Elementary. You just put

023a gym on there. What in 200 87? It's not even that old. 15 years old. and we're already going to tear it down. We barely got to use it at Burkeville Elementary. So, I come to you again just to ask you one question, two questions really. What now? And what next? When are you going to stand up and do what's right for our citizenry? They deserve a place where they can gather and be a community. You talk it, but we need to see action. So, as a board, your next steps determine the fate of this community. After eight years of abandonment, will you attempt to renovate and reopen the defunct school with a rapidly declining enrollment? Will you tear it down, sell it to someone who's not from here, who doesn't know this community and

024doesn't have the heart that we do? If you love this community, you will do what's best, and that's to turn it over to the hands of the community and allow them to make the decision of what happens. Whether it be a community center, whether it be a learning center, something for the community so we can do what's needed for our next generation. It's up to you to decide. My hope is that you vote wisely and consider your constituents when their needs, their health, and their happiness. Again, this is thank you for my time to speak and I open the floor to any comments or questions. Thank you so much, >> Sarah Allen. [Music] Good evening. Thank you for allowing me to speak today. I come in opposition to closing Burkeville Elementary School and selling it.

025First, a little backstory. Earlier this year, two school board members, Mr. Abbott and Mr. Outlaw, were pushing to reopen the school despite there not being a physical need and resources. This led to FEMA and the registars's office to be given a notice to leave the premises by June 30th, 2025. This was done by two members without the approval of the entire school board. The board of supervisor the board of supervisors were not even aware that the school board in its entirety nor the superintendent at the time had agreed to remove the occup occupants of the school. This attempt was done solely by Mr. Outlaw and Mr. Sunny active. So due to these past events of procedures not being followed, I have several questions. No accusations, just questions. So if the school could not afford if

026the school board could not afford or justify 70,000 in operating expenses each year, how could the school board afford to spend 65,000? Or better yet, why would the school board spend 65,000 on a feasibility report, which is over 85% of the yearly operating budget for Burkia Elementary School? How could the school board afford to reopen and operate a fully functioning school if you were already struggling to afford $70,000 a year? In my opinion, you had never had any intention to reopen the school. You were just setting the stage to sell it. Had any So, here are some of my questions. Had has any member of the board or had any member of the board been contacted by any buyer before the feasibility report was discussed and ordered? Was the feasibility report only completed to assist

027as a preliminary building inspection to prospective buyers? Does any board member or their family members plan to invest in or have any stake in the property located on 507 Ingleside Street, Burkeville, Virginia 23922 after it's sold. And I specifically didn't say Burkeville Elementary because once it's sold, it would not be known as Burkeville Elementary. How do you plan to spend the money from the sale of this property to assist the children you are supposed to serve? Why not surplus the building to the county instead of closing the building that feeds students that you took an oath to care about? And that's it. Take your time answering the questions, but make them public. Thank you. Thank you, Dyson. [Music] Good evening. Thank you for allowing me to use this platform to support the saving of the

028historical Burkeville Elementary School for community use. and doing these things with decency and order. I'll try to keep this as short and sweet as possible to allow other taxpayers to speak in a timely fashion. In a world of chaos and confusion, our country is facing a lot of challenges that have and are trickling right down to our little note county. As you know, it takes a village to raise a child, right? Well, as responsible adults, it is our responsibility as that village to take care of our children, our seniors, and our taxpayers, meaning provide food, support, resources, etc. Everything that they need. Note, changes in SNAP are here and dictating a change in our lives. I remember working for the county many years ago and telling clients, I'm sorry, sir, we don't have a shelter

029here in Nawway County. So, I thank you, John Ro, for the struggle and your fight. I mention that because this is 2025 and is your responsibility. It's my responsibility to fight the struggle and take care of our own community collectively, not individually. Collectively, I repeat, by the way, I attended Burkefield Elementary School under the name of Engleside and my uncle James Dyson senior taught there as well. By selling this school, it would be selling a historical landmark right from under the under the noses of taxpaying citizens who have already paid for the school once. The school also serves as a home for a home hope pantry and provides food for children and families. Ladies and gentlemen, our children cannot learn without food. I've seen the faces of hungry children who acquire adverse outcomes such as

030developmental delays, behavioral problems at school, and physical and mental health issues due to food insecurity. I challenge you to keep the Burkeville Elementary School with our community where it belongs. The school is perfect for a community center to enhance, I repeat, to enhance the services in Nawway County to include hope pantry and voter registar. Ladies and gentlemen, we are a small county here in Nawway and I feel confident that your decision will be a favorable decision to benefit the committee and the community. Take a minute to ask yourself this question. How far have we come as a society? How far have we come as a community? Let's not go back now, but how far have we come? In closing, as a registered voter, I must say this, with all due respect, I'm not impressed with

031your job title, nor am I impressed with your salary. But what I am impressed with is the positive things that you do for your neighbor and your community. Note, we will continue to put up a good fight to get where we have to go to help our community. Again, thank you for giving me the opportunity to share those concerns with you. >> Linda Jones, >> good afternoon. One, my name is Linda Oliver Jones. I was born and raised in Ottawa County. I taught fourth grade for 38 years in this county. My first 16 years were at Crew Primary. My next 15 years were at Berkeley Elementary School and my last seven years were back at Crew Primary School from which I retired in 2017. In 1995, the superintendent and the board made the decision to

032move grades three and four from Crew Primary to Berkeley Elementary and all preK through two students went to Crew Primary. Construction started shortly after we moved to Burkeville and most of the school was renovated and four classrooms and a gym were eventually added to the building. A few years later with another superintendent, the board voted to be consistent with Blackstone Primary that all elementary schools in Nawway County be pay preK through four schools. So the board voted to make Burkeville Elementary and Crew Primary preK through four schools. We remain at Burkeville until 2010 as a preK through four fourth grade school. after which grades 1 through 4 went back to crew primary leaving ele leaving Burke Elementary to house I believe Head Start pre kindergarten and kindergarten. Then in 2018 another superintendent and the board

033decided to close elementary school for good stating that it was too expensive to keep it open with only 75 plus students. When those 75 plus students came to Crew Primary, believe me, we were bursting at the seams. Pass were put in place they had never been before. The best years of my teaching career were at Berkeley Elementary. The school was conducive to learning in all aspects. quiet environment, small class size, safe learning environment, small staff, strong teacher, student relationships, and parental support, just to name a few. Most of the students knew and respected each other. Overall, there were not many discipline issues at Berkeley Elementary. with all with all the other renovation including the regulation size gym. What will we what would what what what would serve best in this building? As a former teacher,

034I can only see Burberry Elementary as an educational setting. One thing that should be strongly considered before doing anything with that school is what if Crew Primary becomes overcrowded? Where will you put the students? There are many things that this school could be used for while keeping it as it is. These are just a few samples of what can be done with Burberry Elementary if you decide not to keep not to reopen it as an elementary school. A preschool for all four year olds on this end of the county. A place for church services. Additional skill classes for high school students. discipline students school for students with behavior issues and somebody else had mentioned that early. I saw it in the newspaper and I agreed with it. That's why I have the aster by it.

035Ready for community events. You could also move the school board up there because you all seem like you need some some more space. >> I read in the newspaper that repairs need to be done at the school. I realized that the school had not been totally used for maybe seven years but the entire office complex all of the classrooms the flooring windows air condition in addition to the gym and four classroom were added to the school. The only parts of the school that weren't renovated were the bathrooms the cafeteria and kitchen but keep in mind what would you do if pre primary became overcrowded. Thank you. Kevin Huitt. [Music] >> Good evening and thank you for giving me a few minutes to speak. My name is Kevin Hwitt. My wife and I are retired residents

036of this county. We moved here in 2000 in 2020. We purchased a land and we built our our home. For the past several years, we volunteered at the Hope Food Pantry, which operates out of the Burkeville Elementary School. We serve more than 400 people every month, families, seniors, individuals from all across Donway County who depend on the pantry in order to make ends meet. I stand before you tonight, not only as a volunteer, but I as a witness to the compassion hope that happens within those walls every single week. I have watched people walk through those doors burdened with worry, wondering how they'll feed their children or if they'll have enough food to last for the rest of the week. And I've also seen them leave with tears in their eyes, a box of food

037in their arms, and gratitude within their heart. More than once, I've seen people hug my wife, complete strangers who are simply overwhelmed, and that someone cares enough to be there for them. That's what Burkeville Elementary has become. It's more than a building. It's a place of dignity, a place of kindness, and it's a place that uh that's there for community in a time when so many people feel left behind that uh this pantry reminds them that their community still cares. So, closing Burkeville Elementary School and with it displacing the Hope uh food pantry would take away more than a building. It would take away a lifeline for many people. Now, I I completely understand that buildings cost money. But I want you to know that this building is still serving a vital purpose. It's not

038sitting empty. It's not decaying away. It's feeding people lit literally, literally and spiritually. I'm not here to argue or to criticize. I'm here to appeal to your sense of community, your compassion, and your shared commitment to the people of Nawway County. As volunteers, my wife and I do this work because we believe in giving back. We believe that when you're blessed, you bless others. And we see every week, the spirit of giving brings hope to people who need it the most. This building, Burkeville Elementary, is more than brick and mortar. This building is a lifeline. It's a place where love is shown, where needs are met, and where hope is restored. So tonight, I'm asking you to please consider the bigger picture. Consider what this school gives to the community. If at all possible, allow

039the Whole Food Pantry to continue using this space. The good that comes out of Burkeville Elementary reaches far beyond the walls that we see each time we go there. It touches hundreds of lives every month. It represents the best of who we are as a community, neighbors helping neighbors, neighbors caring for one another, and refusing to let anyone go hungry. Thank you for your time and for your willingness to listen. And I pray that your decision will reflect the compassion and care that make Nway County a special place for all to call their home. Thank you. Reynolds hurt. [Music] Good evening. Thank you all for the opportunity to speak before you. I just wanted to give you a little bit of history about Burkeville Primary, Burkeville Elementary School. Engleside Training Institute, also known as Ingleside

040Seminary, was built in 1892 for the purpose of educating African-American girls. Its current its original Burkeville location is the current site of Burkeville Elementary School, and it consisted of 40 acres and five buildings and was initially funded by Northern Churches. In 1894, Engleside was recognized by the Virginia State Board of Education as a teacher training institution. It served as a preparatory school for individuals furthering their education at St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, who and that's where I graduated college and Virginia State College, now Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. Page four of the Kruebergville Journal dated Thursday, July 31st, 1997, noted that in 1937, Engleside Feed Memorial Institution of Burkeville, and this is a quote, holds a unique position in the field of Negro Education and is the only one of its kind when

041within a radius of more than 150 miles. Bergville Elementary School is of great historical significance to Nawway County educational history and specifically Nawway County's educational history as it relates to African-American citizenry and it should be preserved for his historical significance by Nawway County. Citizens of Nawway County authored a publication entitled Nawway Virginia Heritage 1789 to 2006. This is a historical document that ma that's maintained by the Nawway County Historical Society of which I am a member. And this document references the existence and importance of Burkeville Elementary School to county history. and our governor, Governor Yonan, is currently very involved in VA250 as we celebrate our country's heritage and history. I think that we should you should understand that our education is quite an in intrusive in important part of our county's historical um and it

042and we insist that our history be inclusive. So we're not interested in getting ready rid of all our historical historical markers and buildings either. The fact that Burkeville Elementary School houses Nawi Countyy's voter registration office and a county food pantry justifies and reinforces its lasting contributions to this community. I petitioned the school board to transfer ownership of the Burkeville Elementary School to Nway County and that the school be maintained and utilized to benefit its citizenry. the not the Nawway County citizens to include providing a location for the county's voter registration office, election officer training, Virginia State Police training, food bank distri distribution and etc. and to continue its critical role of allowing voter access all over the county and not just in Blackstone. We say no sale. Thank you. Chris Paige, [Music] excuse me, I

043got a little cough today. All right, thanks for having me. Uh, so the fate of the Burkeville Elementary School uh building is a matter of profound importance to our community. Uh, it's not just a simple real estate transaction. Some may argue for a swift sale to generate revenue, but I'm here to speak on why that approach is shortsighted and why the proper legal process, the declaration of the property is surplus must be followed. This isn't about blocking progress. It's about doing things the right way. It's about ensuring accountability, transparency, and the best possible outcome for Nawway County and its future. The process for selling schoolboard property in Virginia is clearly laid out in the Code of Virginia 22.1-129, which requires a public hearing and a resolution declaring the property surplus before a sale can proceed.

044Of course, you can ask the board of supervisors for a waiver, but by bypassing this legal requirement is a failure of leadership for several reasons. It undermines the public's trust. The declaration of surplus is a crucial step that demonstrates the school board has thoroughly considered all alternatives for the property's use. Skipping this step gives the impression that decisions are being made behind closed doors, eroding public confidence in the process and in our elected officials. It shuts out the community. A public hearing manated by law is an opportunity for all residents to voice their ideas for the building. I'm sure this is the first of two. The Burkeville community has already shown interest in the former school becoming a community center. And by following the surplus decoration declaration process, the board ensures it hears all suggestions,

045allowing for a decision that truly reflects the community's needs, not just its own. It risks future liability. Proper declar declaration of surplus protects the county from potential legal challenges down the road. If the required process is not followed, the sales legitimacy could be questioned, potentially lit uh leading to costly litigation and tying up the property for years. And it also ignores the bigger picture if you skip surplusing this property. A rush to sell for a quick cash overlooks the building's potential as a long-term community asset. The building could be a community center, a small business hub, or facility for county services. A hasty sale would be a permanent loss, sacrificing a valuable resource for a one-time gain. The cost of a vacant building to a community in terms of blight, crime, and reduced property values

046are significant. Berkeley Elementary building is more than a piece of property. It's a part of our shared history and future. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to explore every option before relinquishing control. And I urge the school board to slow down, respect the law, and follow the mandated processes to declare the Burkeville Elementary property as surplus. And only then we can have a fully transparent and accountable discussion about its future. Thank you. Rodney Reynolds, man. >> Dr. Martin, what happened? Member of the school board. >> Good afternoon. Good evening. >> Good evening. Um, I've been sitting here listening to citizens of historical, legal, um, humanitarian type of responses to what you're proposing. As the school board, you do have the authority to do just what is being suggested. Or do you? [Music] I

047didn't really I don't really understand that or uh believe that the school board would have the authority to engage in the sale of property since no fiduciary responsibilities I believe were transport were passed on to you when you took these seats. It is my understanding that that is still a responsibility of the county administrator and the board of supervisors. But it appears and this is what I have read and heard that there has been some engagement in regards to selling property. [Music] The authority of the buildings belongs to you. The oversight of the school, the students, um the educational aspects belongs to you. Um these folks have spoken about a humanitarian effort that is going on that has been for the last few years that is servicing the citizens of Nawway County. These citizens these

048citizens have children. They have children that don't have food. They are providing that. I stand before you somewhat in a somewhat um in a more kind of I guess I could say professional capacity. I am the general register for Ottawway County. My office resides in the Burkefield Elementary School. Has been for the last almost 5 years. The proposal were put to move the office. I have been given multiple dates to vacate the premises. Right. I found it interesting that the entity that hired me as I was excluded from the conversations from the beginning. So let's say this. Let's suppose that my office moves to the school board office and they move you guys wherever. Would that be okay? I don't understand. Um, why would my suggestion be as preposterous or so unbelievable as yours? My

049office is a state office. The county supports it. Um, but it has been treated as something less than material. So, it's not an anger that I stand here. It is in astoundment that this board has seemed to put itself above every entity in the county. Almost as if your roles and the supervisors have switched. Not my responsibility. But as a general register, my responsibility is to serving the citizens, the voting citizens of Nawway. We seem to have come to a point where every aspect of Nawway's functions moves to Blackstone. I have nothing against Blackstone, but I live in Crew. I believe some people here do the same. Crew Brookfield. Why is that part of the county being ignored? Why is there no growth conversation? Why is there only destruction and demolishing existing structures? historical statues,

050historical uh foundations. I attended Burgl Elementary. I'm sorry. I attended Engleside Elementary >> in the fourth grade. I was 10. It was quite overwhelming to walk into that building the first time when I took on the role of that general register. But I considered an honor then and I still do. Me being involved or being left out obviously is irrelevant to some but is extremely relevant to me. I don't believe anyone else in this room can stand and say they have the title of general registar other than me. So it's almost as if I'm telling you I'm coming to sell your house and get out without you Mr. Wilson being in the conversation. I find that disrespectful. But irregardless, um there will be decisions made that I'm sure will exclude me as this one was.

051Um but I just am amazed that the leadership of our county has chosen to allow the western part of the county to die in all aspects. Um, I hope your constituents and the children of those constituents stand and applaud your decisions that you will be making because it will be more of an effect on them than on me. Um, my tenure is short. Praise God. Um but it has been a struggle other than learning the job and trying to perform the functions to serve the citizens of Naw had to battle outside influence that had nothing absolutely nothing to do with voter registration and election. Amazing that the entity that put you where you are you are now trying to destroy. I find it quite an amusing story, but as Mr. Coburn said some time ago,

052it's the Payeyton place that has yet to be found. The chapter has not yet been written. So, we are still actors in the play. I challenge you to stop acting, better yet, to act as representatives of each of the five districts you were voted to represent. and look at serving the community more than yourselves and whatever entity that influencing you other than your constituents. I thank you all for your time. Thank you. We'll go on with uh regular delegations from the public. Uh, Kimberly Clayber [Music] here. Kimberly Clayber. [Music] Uh, we'll move on to the consent agenda. Uh, may I have a motion to approve items A, B, C, D, F, and G? So move. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? [Music] >> Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I.

053>> I. I. [Music] >> Action items. Uh the uh school security grant. Dr. Martin. Mr. Chairman and members of the board, this evening I request permission to accept $110,819 in school security funds for Blackstone Primary, Crew Primary, Nawway Intermediate, and Notwway Middle School, and the budget adjustment that's associated with that. That is now part of your um agenda, action item agenda. Funding will assist with the cost of the new open gate weapon detection systems that are installed at each school. The original funding requested was $174,181, but the final award removed the high school as a funded project. And we don't get a reason why, but this is the second year that it has removed the high school as a as a funded project, but has funded at the other four. So, so I'm asking you

054to please approve accepting the school security grant and the associated budget adjustment that goes with that. I'll ask for a motion to approve the uh school security grant along with the budget adjustment associated with that uh increase in funding. >> So move second. >> Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. I. the uh resolution establishing the intent to sell the property located at 507 Miller Street, Burkeville, Virginia. Dr. Martin, >> this evening you have the resolution establishing the intent to sell property located at 507 Miller Street in Burkeville, Virginia. The res resolution states the following county school board resolution establishing the intent to sell property located at 507 Miller Street, Burkeville, Virginia. Whereas the property located at 507 Miller Street, Burkeville, Virginia, served the community as Burkeville Elementary School until 2018

055following a 2017 decision by the school by the school board to close the school. Whereas the property now serves an Ottawa County registars's office as well as other community groups including a food bank and a local church. Whereas the school board initially closed Burkeville Elementary School in hopes of cutting down on unnecessary operational cost and using resulting savings to further student educational opportunities within the division. Whereas the school division currently has no use for the property, yet maintaining the property costs the school division approximately $80,000 annually. Whereas the school division receives no rent but utilities from the Nawway County registars's office and continues to maintain the property to the financial detriment of the school division. Whereas the school board acknowledges that the property has served the Nawway County registars's office as well as other community

056groups well since the closing of Burkeville Elementary School. Whereas the school district remains committed to promoting the best interests of the students, staff and families in Ottawa County, which includes ensuring that the division's resources are appropriately managed. Whereas the school board acknowledges that the ongoing expense of managing the property fails to further student educational opportunities within the division and that if sold, the proceeds from the sale of the property may be used for improvements in other Nawway County public schools. May it there be there therefore be resolved that in the judgment of the Nawway County School Board, it is in the best interest of the division to sell the property at 507 Miller Street, Burkeville, Virginia, formerly serving as Burkeville Elementary School, to use the funds for the furtherance of educational opportunities within the Nawway

057County Public School System. Further resolved that the school board plans to undergo the process necessary to sell the property in accordance with section 22.1-129 of the code of Virginia and will subsequently sell the property to an appropriate buyer and then it would be signed and dated by each of you as long as as well as myself and Miss Wood. >> Uh you've heard the resolution. May I have a motion to approve the resolution? So moved. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Yes. I would suggest uh just I think this clarifies the uh resolution. Uh if you look at the last whereas on the last line it reads the property may be may be used for improvements in other note county public schools. I would suggest a change in the wording to

058strike for improvements in other and add as needed by. That way it removes any doubt that let's just say something happened to a school bus and we had to buy a new school bus. The way this wording is, we could possibly uh not be able to do that. with the change in wording, we would have the freedom to meet our needs as they arose. And I think the fiscal responsibility of Nawway County has demonstrated that we are fiscally responsible. [Music] Are there any other discussions? Um, I think tonight we were posed with many different opinions and thoughts. We were also posed with good questions from Miss Allen. I don't recall all of the questions that she asked. But I am also interested, has any member of the board been in contact with anybody with intent

059to purchase? My answer is no. I'd just like to say the we have been saddled with this problem issue because of a bad decision made by a previous board. Burkeville should never have been closed initially. >> That's true. >> Burkeville schools should never have been closed initially. The savings that was supposed to been made never even came close and now we have been saddled with this. Now I do understand the vital need for feed but this board wasn't even aware that feed was there. That's not true. Also the board of registars that was supposed to be a temporary arrangement. The board that was in place then was never consulted about that either. >> So we understand processes that should have been followed >> were not followed. Now if we go back in the past we

060can't do anything about that. Our schools, many of our schools are in vital need of essential things to make it usable for our students. We've recently had issues at Crew Primary where it was literally raining inside the building and we don't have the money to fix the things that are necessary. Our county supervisors, we get the bare minimum from our county supervisors. Our newest school is the one we're in now is over 30 years old. Burkeville has a place in my heart. I went there as well. My church in Burkeville is a stone stroll from Burkeville Elementary School. I attend that school in the fifth and sixth grade. It has a place in my heart. Has a place in community, an important place in community. And it's my hope that if we close, if we

061sell the school that the county will use the building, they can buy the building. They have a need for the building. Then they can leave there what they want there. But as Mr. Outlaw has stated many times, our first job is the education of our students. That's our first job. And we had an issue right now where uh Crew Primary School if the HVAC system failed, we we don't have the money to replace it and have no way of getting the money to replace it. We have many issues at several of our school. When we did the feasibility study, I know it was my intention to see and find out exactly how much it would cost to reopen that school to alleviate some of the overcrowding that's already taking place at Crew Primaries. Well, we

062it was what we probably figured out it was going to be an exorbitant amount and we got to that exorbitant amount because of the what we saw would need to be done. All the things that would need to be done for that school to be reopened as a school for students don't have the money for it. I surely wish we lived in a utopian society where our money reach up and here it come. But we don't live in that utopian society. So, and I can't speak for anybody else, but I know I don't take any decision that I've made in the three years I've been on this board. I don't take any decision lightly. If I got to the point where I was taking things lightly, I would resign off of this board. I'm not

063here to promote an agenda. I'm not here to to grandstand. I'm here to do what I was elected for, to support the students of Nawway County. That's what I was elected for. Otherwise, I wouldn't have even sought the seat. Wouldn't have done it. So, we we are in a tough spot. We have work to do, but we got to have the resources to do it. >> Any other thing to be said? >> Um, yes. I had other questions that Miss Allen had posed to the board. >> Oh. >> Um, well, I don't remember what all of them were. I know one of them had to do if there was any members on the board and hopefully we can all answer open. like to ask the board those questions >> if I knew exactly what they

064were. Yes, >> I can pass you the paper. >> Please do because I feel like the transparency is important. [Music] You're welcome. [Music] This at the bottom bottom. >> Yeah. >> My women's head. So, I might be asking you mental health questions. >> You need Miss Allen's assistance. Get it. [Music] Well, the first question is, had any member of the board been contacted by any buyer before the feasibility report was discussed in order? >> Oh, that's Christian. >> Okay. So, the question is, has any member of the board been contacted by any buyer before the feasibility report was discussed and ordered? No. >> Not a buyer. [Music] Was the feasibility report only completed to assist as a preliminary building inspection to pro to prospective buyers? >> No. >> Are there any currently prospective buyers? >>

065None that I know of. Does any board member or their family members plan to invest in or have any stake in the property located on 507 Ingleside Street, Barkville, Virginia 23922 after it is sold? And I will add an addition to the additional parcels of land. >> No. No. >> No. >> How do you plan to spend the money from the sale of property to assist the children you are supposed to serve? And I believe that's been a collective thing that has already been shared as in as it says in the resolution. Um >> any money that the division has functions under a budget process that is closely monitored because the school division must fall within its budget. It cannot overspend. If it overspends, somebody loses their job. It's not like the county. The county

066has allegedly has a reserve. Do they follow their budget? Heaven only knows because they can go into a a reserve. The division does not have a reserve. >> And the last question is a um not a direct question. And I was looking for direct questions. Here you go. I was looking for direct clarifying questions from the board. >> Thank you. >> Um the only other thing I have, Mr. Chairman, thank you for your extra time on that. Um I hear it. >> You know, say again. >> I hear it. I hear the concern. >> You know, I have been a community member since I don't know when I I am a giver. That is who I am naturally. I am a helper. That is who I am naturally. I have seen those same faces that

067y'all have seen by operating a food a local food pantry. I know the good work that you do. I agree not needs a community center. We do. There's there's no question there. Um there are some who feel like that the sale came from Alternative Motors. All I can tell you is that what has been shared here and my thing is there is no alternative motives behind this. We had a joint work session. In that joint work session with the board of supervisors, not once did they share that they wanted to obtain the building for usage for either to continue to house the registars's office or to continue for a community center. I understand it, but I agree with Damian and that it is our fiscal responsibility to ensure that the funds that we use are

068for the education of the children and to support them. We do have the feed more that partners with the local schools in an attempt to reach those families. I personally would like to see that expanded to not just the elementary schools. I too wish that we had buckets of money to where I can say keep it, invest in it. But then I also question that I don't know. It's just my heart hurts over the whole thing. My heart truly hurts over the entire situation. >> That's all, sir. >> Any others? >> Yeah. >> Did I Yes. >> Yeah. Charles, >> I also do understand exact, you know, kind of what's going on. I never been schooling breakfast, so I really don't know what Damian and the rest of y'all know. But here here's here's a

069suggestion for some of you. when we have our budget work session, please come so then you can see exactly what we see. Let me tell y'all something. We don't have no money. We have a great finance director with a superintendent that moved this money around to make sure that we can teach our children. We I think we the lowest paying for us our teachers in in region 8. one one of the you next to the last or next to the last. So there's not money that we can say, "Hey, we'll just take this $80,000 and we'll just leave it here and do this and and then let them do what they need to do." I don't have no This is school. I have no um uh just sit around and go, "Yeah, you know what?

070Let's just close schools down. Let's just do what we got. Let's just do it." That's that's not what we are here for. We don't want to clo We don't want to close that. The whole idea was to open the school, but I think it was 25 million. >> Yeah. >> 25 million. What? We don't have that kind of money to sit around, open up a school. Let's redo it. That been That would have been the best thing we could ever did was to spend 25 million and say, "Hey, that's a drop in the bucket for us." But it's not a drop in the bucket. $80,000 is not a drop in the bucket for us. We don't have that type of money in this school. I'm going say it one more time. When we have our

071budget session, please come. >> Yes, indeed. Since my name was specifically mentioned, you were uh partially accurate. Personally, personally, as a board member, and I do have a personal opinion, I chose a date of June to close the school. That was my choice, my date, because that would would have been more than enough time before the November election to make all of the changes appropriate. What was the pleasure of the board? Uh, you can watch the video on that one. That date bounced around several different time frames and ended up January 15th. That was the board's decision. Now, Sunny Abbott's decision is the board's decision >> and it was not my decision. >> Well, did you get the board's permission before you came to the school and asked us to leave and before you? >>

072I never asked anybody to leave. >> So, what's that email that is completely foable? >> I never asked anybody to leave. >> I never asked anybody. How do you know how much time it takes to do an election when you're not on the electoral board and have not been in a new in a couple of years? So, help me to understand that. >> All I know is is that >> that's it. That's all you know is what >> what I know is what I know. And what you know is what you know, >> right? >> What I know is that if $80,000 a year is a burden on the school, you can save it right now and your expense can end right now by surplusing that building to the county. I would suggest, Mr. Paige,

073that you run for the school board in a couple of years. >> Well, the county has the option to say no. >> That's right. >> County has the option. We have the option to ask and that's what's happening. We are considering the option to ask. County can deny that option. >> Code of Virginia that was quoted very accurate. [Music] easily understood doesn't take [Music] a a huge >> and I'll I'll find it again. It's >> 22. >> There's no dispute that you can ask for a waiver. I said that. >> Yeah. >> So, there's no reason for that. 12 221129. >> Whenever a school board determines that it has no use for some of its real property, the school board may sell such property. The school board may sell such property >> and may retain

074all or a portion of the proceeds of such sale upon approval of the local governing body. >> There you go. So this is the first step of taking it to the board of supervisors which will have it I would anticipate on their next agenda. Now let's get back to where we were when it comes to changing some words. My position on the change is is that once money is appropriated, much like a budget, when the board of supervisors appropriates the budget for the county, which includes the school, they can't tell the school division how to spend the money. That's the code of Virginia. That's not Sunny Abbott. That's the code of Virginia. says that the division gets to determine how it's once money's appropriate. >> Once money is appropriated, it's our decision. >> So, if

075we're given if we're given permission to sell the building and we're able to sell it, there's a lot of may here. if we're able to sell it. And I will digress for a moment. We suggested at the joint board meeting that the board of supervisors buy the building from the school division at a reasonable price and then when they sell it, if they don't need it anymore or whenever they are finished with it, then they can recover their money. But there were some comments made about that. I'm okay with the verbiage the way it is. I'd be okay with it with a minor change. But I will ask is there any more discussion? The only thing that I have is um in consideration of the verbiage um it really seems you know to be tit

076for tat on the words but I do know that what we have before us was presented by the attorney and approved by the attorney. Yeah, with and with that in mind, I'd probably be good to leave it as it is as it's been reviewed by the journal. So, we have a motion to accept the resolution. It was asked to make a modification that was never moved on. So, we have a motion to approve the resolution as was presented by Dr. Martin. I will call for a a vote. All in favor of accepting the resolution signify by saying I >> I >> opposed by the same sign. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That was unanimous. Correct. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Hear everything. >> Information items. Uh the strategic plan update. Dr. Martin, members of the board.

077Um I gave you this evening a copy of the overview of the strategic plan and then the updates and the progress that we have made. Um the we've done a lot of work on it. So the NCPS strategic plan is structured around six major objectives, physical, mental and emotional health and safety, instructional programming and student supports, meeting diverse needs, organization responsiveness and communication, building stakeholder engagement and support. and then recruiting, retaining and developing highquality staff. And embedded within each of those is technology and digital citizenship into each of the area. So, I just wanted to highlight some major progress for you in each of the areas, though your packet is much more in depth um than what I'm going to go over with those with those items. So, in health, safety, and well-being, um I

078try to break them down as to things that have been completed and things that are ongoing. And you'll also see that some things cross into multiple areas, and some things may be completed, but they're also ongoing sometimes, the initial pieces that we've done, but we're still looking at how do we revamp and move forward things. For health, safety, and well-being, uh we have completed the following items. Um implemented the open gate security system divisionwide. Originally the strategic plan, you will see that it talked about the evolve system that was taken out. There was a lot of safety concerns with evolve and not doing what it needed to do and so it was replaced with the open gate system. So I did just change the wording there so that you knew which one we were talking

079about. Created a confidential reporting system for students and staff that's on the web page where somebody can report a bullying uh problem or really any problem or concern within the division on each of the school's web pages and the division web page. We have launched safety patrols at each of the elementary schools. Um, and I believe crew just inducted theirs. >> You're doing your smart tomorrow. Black did theirs last week if I'm correct. Yeah. Uh, we have expanded mental health counseling and behavioral supports, including adding our reset academy to help of students that we have. And we've improved radio communication, exterior doors, and cleaning protocols across the school division. We actually just got some of our new radios that came from the school security grant last year. Um I think the principles will tell you

080they are nice, big, and bulky. Um they're huge, but it allows them not to have to carry two radios outside to buses all the time to flip their channels back and forth for school and bus communication. So we have that. Some of the things that are in progress as we shared before with some of our uh carryover funding is that we are able to go ahead and start looking at a security vestibule construction at Blackstone. Um while we need them at every school in the division, Blackstone is what we can afford with some of the sec the carryover money that we have. It's the least expensive but it's still expensive in that sense. So we'll start looking at that. >> Great. Yeah, >> most of them cost upwards of a million a million plus. Blackstones

081is the easiest to do at 300 >> 300,000 but the rest are over a million plus. Um so we have that we have worked diligently on intercom systems. So you heard Mr. Wilson say that his is now gone. We have some and some with some of this carryover money uh we have bids out right now to redo the intercom systems in all of the buildings so that we don't have the ins and outs that we have had. Having an intercom system is a safety concern. Um and it's a huge huge area that we need to make sure that we have in place and that it's correct. Uh we have updated cameras so that we have more visibility that we can see cleaner crisper images and in areas that we maybe didn't have them before that

082we need to make sure that we have some video feeds for and then we've also developed as you heard tonight the school kindness program and we've revamped our bullying procedures within the strategic plan that was in multiple areas. Um I have to say that Py has been wonderful to work with Tina Norris who um has helped us a lot with the bullying. um she's going to actually be here on site Monday doing the parent session for us on cyber bullying and understanding the basics of bullying. So we do hope to have a good turnout because ensuring that our students feel safe at school is a priority but also ensuring that parents in the community understand what bullying is, what it is not. And she does a very good job of going through what is bullying,

083what is rude, what is mean. even though rude and I mean rude and mean are inappropriate just as much as bullying, but really making sure we clarify the difference in each of those. Um she we adopted their bullying plans. Um Dr. Lewis has spearheaded the work with the kindness programs um and the bullying and works very closely with them. So we have really taken that under our belt this year and made that initiative for each one of the schools. Instructional programming and student supports. Um some of the things that we have completed yet they're in progress because we are implementing now is high quality instructional materials. Um last year we started with HMH for K through 5. The high school or 6 through 12 has adopted HMH for English instruction. This year it is implemented

084across the board. Um we are monitoring implementation. We're looking at what's going on. Uh we've also adopted math curriculum for 6 through 12. Um high quality instructional materials there. The teachers are very excited because they already have access to online. So while next year becomes full implementation year, they are eager to go ahead and get started and use the materials. Um they're looking for the books every day. They have not arrived yet, but they're in route. So we have that. We've expanded electives at the middle school and the high school this year to provide some additional opportunities. And we also adopted um a new Spanish textbook for them. So those instructional programming and student supports. Um we have success courses to track mastery. We use Mastery Connect at our schools to look at careers and

085different opportunities. The high school has the career success course to work with nth graders as they're coming in. We were able to add reading specialists uh K through 8. And then we shifted and moved to the coordinator of teaching and learning so that we would have better support in what we were doing in our school. So we're very fortunate to have um a reading specialist for 5 through 8 that also serves as the math. So we have an instructional coach for 5 through 8 to work with our teachers. Each elementary school has a reading specialist on site with them. And then they also have a shared math interventionist and we also have a math coach. So we have multiple areas of program and support for our staff. uh we've developed learning pathways and then student

086engagement at the high school and really looked at our scheduling that we have placed in place at the middle and the high school um and it seems to be working really really well with what we have going when you change something it's a learning curve um so it's a learning curve at the middle school this year I think the high school finally settled in to theirs after last year and so it's become a little bit more more natural in the process um a couple things are in progress just like I said is the implementation of these these new curriculums within our school. Um we have student success teams that are in progress where we're really looking at attendance um discipline student success overall making sure that they are on track to graduate by the time

087they get to Nawway High School and that's at all of our schools. And then we are really focused on a special education manual development um and then enhancing our professional learning community strategies and procedures that we use in the school. that special education has been a huge focus at every professional learning training that we have. In our principal meetings, it's been a focus on special education. Um, and you'll hear a little bit more later in our quarterly meetings, we focused on special education and compliance that we need to have in place as well. Um, building stakeholder engagement and support. This was before we kind of rebranded NCPS and are strengthening our communications with our website, our app. Uh schools are pushing out newsletters. Every school pushes out communication every single week to their families um

088as to what's going on. Um and they I have to say the principles do a really nice job with that um with making sure that they're getting things out to their their people in their schools. Uh we've had community engagement events, parking lot parties, career fairs, lunch and learns, just really trying to build that connection in our schools. Other things that we continuously work on is those workbased learning partnerships. Our internships during the summer continue to be extremely successful. We're excited about the start on success grant to offer to offer some um internship opportunities during the school day for some of our students with disabilities to partner and do that as well. Um they have been doing really well with the aspects of that grant and some of the things that are in progress to

089uh we started today. We actually had our first one and central office kind of debrief really quick after because we didn't have a lot of time but we had our first quarterly central office meeting um at a school. So we were at Crew Primary today over the month of October. We're going to each school in each department and it's a chance for us to share what's being worked on in each school in each department. teachers were able or not just teachers, school staff in general were able to submit any questions or concerns in advance of us coming so that we could try to answer some of those things for them. But it allows us to go and be a part of the school team and hear concerns that they have, see if they're trends across

090the division. Um, I think we feel as central office team, I haven't had a chance to debrief with Mr. page, but we thought that it went really well today and that the staff seemed to like that opportunity to share and to provide some clarifying points to them that sometimes in the past there was teacher advisory and one person represented the school and sometimes the things didn't get communicated necessarily back because we know everybody hears things differently and they share them back. But, um, this way it's out there in the open. It's an open communication. So, we were really pleased with our our visit today and were able to share some things with the crew primary staff and I don't know who's next, but we'll show up somewhere. Is it you, Mr. Wilson? Um, but we

091also are going to transportation to maintenance. We have one scheduled at ENTC. So just kind of making our our rounds and then we're able to come back and debrief a central office staff as to what do we need to look at, what do we need to focus on, where are the needs, um recruiting, retaining and developing staff. So this one's huge of the strategic plan. It is always ongoing. I it doesn't matter even though you might hear me say things are completed, it's always ongoing. Human resources, right, R.J.? Um, so things that we have completed is we have improved our interview. I think the heat cut on all of a sudden. Okay. Thought it was just me over here or something then. Uh, we have improved our interview and hiring. >> I feel that. >>

092Okay. I was going to say it's getting a little warm up in here. Um, improved our interview and hiring turnaround times. We are really monitoring when people are applying for things. We're looking at them. We're checking in to make sure R.J. turned the heat on. >> It was a 68. I put it >> Did you try to kill me up in here? >> Feel good. >> I was shaking. >> I was there for a while. I put on >> prepared for winter. >> We initiated the EPI partnerships for staffing. um that has been a great experience. Our international teachers are here. They're on board. Um we're excited to have them and to work with them. And then we've introduced staff recognition initiatives. Um you may see us starting to share the excellence that we see

093in the schools. We're really highlighting our staff. Uh one that we're working on now that we're pushing out is called rooted in excellence. and we have sent out to the staff that graduated from Nawway that went through the school systems that have come back here to teach why why are you here and highlighting those staff members. Um we have another and I'm not going to say it right so R.J. may have to help with me but it's showing um the commitment to excellence of our staff members. We've put it out to the community for parents, for community members to highlight a staff member um what they've done or it could be somebody inside that highlights somebody else, but to really share what people say about our staff cuz so often we hear the negative about

094things and we have fantastic staff throughout the school division and they deserve to be recognized. Um we have other things in place each of our schools. So, one of our initiatives is each month we try to do something whether it's small or big, just little things along the way because we go back to our salaries aren't where they're supposed to be or we want them to be. So, how can we encourage and motivate our staff along the way? Central office um starting next week as well. And when I say central office, I mean all of central office, secretaries and all. We're going to provide duty-free lunch at each one of the schools over the next two weeks. Um, we're going to have lunch for them. Staff can go enjoy their lunch, including the administrators and

095everybody else, and central office staff will go out and do lunch duty in the schools over those days. Um, I truly believe in being visible in our schools and supporting our staff and people need to understand what's going on, um, and who they're supporting. Um, and just different little initiatives. Last week, I I think the teachers enjoyed, we went around for motivational Monday, I think is what Charlotte named it, but we split up. We just had a cart of treats and just went around for every staff member to get a treat and just to say thank you to them. Thank you for being there. Thank you for showing up. Because just like we want students to show up, we need staff to show up every day as well. So, anything that we can do to

096motivate our staff, to recruit, retain them. Um, you know, that's what we want to do, highlight and spotlight our our staff that we have. Other things in progress, um, we still work on expanding the substitute teacher pool as much as possible. As of today, we have 70 on the list. I know there's some more um that have recently applied for it. So, we are still working on that. We're still working with substitutes as to what you do when you're in the buildings to make sure that they have the supports that they need as well. Um, strengthening teacher leadership pipeline. So, we had we've had our first two meetings of our note leads program and I think uh Dr. Greger highlighted it last month. We did one our initial meeting with them last week where they

097did a self assessment. We had our follow-up meeting with them yesterday during the PD day where we looked at um what is the role of a principal now in a school and what it's not. Uh it was great conversation with them. So we're really excited about the 10 people that are in that program and the work that we are are doing with them as well. um talked about that. And of course, uh we're always looking at budgetary supports, whatever we can do to make sure that the schools have what they need, the teachers have what they need because that's key to recruiting and retaining our staff. They have to know that they're valued, they have to know that they're supported um with everything that's going on. I listed technology and digital citizenship out a little

098bit separate even though it is intertwined with other things. We have um completed the divisionwide integration of Lexia and Zern. Those are the two programs that we use that are technology based. Lexia and Zern. Um we've expanded authentic technology- based learning experiences. Technology has to be used with a purpose, not just to be on a computer or to be on a device. Um we still look at ways that we can implement STEAM in classrooms and embedded into the work that we're doing. And then looking at digital citizenship, getting kids to understand what you post, what you write, what you do follows you. You create a digital footprint. And a lot of them don't think that it follows them. A lot of adults sometimes don't understand that this path is created. So we've worked with that.

099Being responsive and communication, as I shared, we have weekly communications to parents coming out of the schools. We send notifications about things from the division level as well, trying to keep people involved and engaged with what we have going on. We redesigned the website. We're continuously updating and adding new things for it. We are in the process soon of getting the Nawway family supports page out, which will focus on the counseling aspect, the bullying, and having resources right there at hand for them. We want to make sure it's where we want it to be before we we publish that and put it out. I shared with you about the responsiveness of the quarterly cabinet meetings and trying to really strengthen our two-way communication with staff so that they know that we're in the work with

100them and hearing from them. Uh meeting diverse learning needs. We have differentiated instruction in classrooms with small groups. That has been a huge focus of ours this year is really tailoring our instruction in our classrooms to meet the needs of the students that we have. Um, we've expanded the social emotional learning, the counseling aspects because we know students have needs. We need to hear what those needs are. Staff have needs. We need to hear what staff needs are and make sure that we have the resources and the materials in place to in place to support them. Um, one of the ongoing areas with meeting diverse needs is strengthening our our IEP compliance. Um, making sure that that's where it needs to be. making sure that people understand what a child's IEP or a 504 says,

101what their role is, what their responsibility is. Um, and that's on multiple levels and that goes back to holding people accountable and high expectations. And so we're working directly. Uh, we say we have a shared um, ownership. We have joint custody in the schoolboard office with things. So, Dr. Dr. Gravely has jumped on and has taken the bull by the horns with the IEP, but Dr. Lewis has uh shared custody and visit visitation rights for special education still. Um the same thing across the board. Um I share visitation rights with uh Dr. Lewis for homeless still and alternative education. Um and Heather and Sean, Dr. Louis share um visitation rights on transportation when it comes up. So I will say we are truly cross-trained in our office. So you notice I left out R.J. we

102always leave out R.J. because he says nobody wants to be cross-trained with him. But at the end of the day we're all human resources. So he's got the support of all of us. But we do find it very beneficial that we all have a knowledge base in a lot of different things. so we can all step in when we need to step in to provide support to our teachers and our schools across the board. So, just a couple of key takeaways for you. We've made substantial progress in our strategic plan um in the last year, last couple of years, especially in operational safety, increasing that instructional rigor in our schools and our classrooms, our staff support, and really trying to engage with our community. Um the division is moving from planning now to refinement of

103processes. How do we refine them? How do we monitor them? How do we make them even better and move forward? Uh focusing on that sustainability piece, the accountability and then the fidelity of implementation of what we're doing. We just can't do it and then walk away. We have to do it and monitor it and check it and see if we need to revise or change things. And then of course there's an ongoing priority that emphasizes student engagement, teacher development, um digital innovation and partnerships kind of all under that vision that you've heard us say that we're not away committed to excellence. So um I will share with you the slides that talk about each of the areas just to give you that information. I also gave you the one-page handout that has a lot of

104it on there as well for your reference. Um, but that's kind of an update that was requested on where we were with the strategic plan. The uh fiscal year 25 school activity fund audit report. >> Good evening, Mr. Chair, members of the board. Dr. Martin. Um this evening you I put placed at your your desk um copies of our school activity fund audit report. So this is the audit report for the um student activity funds that each of the five schools holds um for them to be able to do things within their school buildings. Um overall it was a good audit. We do have a couple of areas of things that we need to work on. Um, but I will preface to say our our audit team that comes in has kind of changed leadership.

105Um, so last year our lead auditor retired. This year we have a new lead auditor. So some of the things that were not findings last year or kind of findings this year under a different leadership, different lens, but they're fixable. Not not of huge concern because there again there's no money missing. It's always my number one priority is money. there is no money. Um, so everything is just is minor little tweaks that we just need to work with staff, with administrators, um, with the bookkeepers, things like making sure that um, money is deposited on a daily basis, that it's not, you know, held overnight. Um, which I will say if they can't get it in overnight, we do have safes in the school that, you know, so they can make sure things are safely. Um,

106but just making sure that, you know, if we have outstanding checks that are over a year old that they're sent to Virginia Unclaimed Cash. um you know making sure that we have just have all the backup documentation needed. Um so it is some very minor things that we will just continue to work on. Um maybe where something was was inadvertently paid out of a wrong account that is something that you know if it's caught early enough I can help them fix. Um so it's just making sure that they have the knowledge that they need um to be able to to see these things. I do a mid-year review with all of our bookkeepers and there again I miss things too. Um but my goal is always to try to find them, correct them before we

107get to the end of year audit. Um so I wanted to be able to provide this to you this evening just so that you had it. Um you can see it. If you have any other questions about it, please let me know. Um other than that, you this is something that our bookkeepers know they have a direct line to me to ask any questions. Um, the principles know that they have, you know, direct line to me to ask any questions about student activity funds, what they can be used on. Um, if they make a mistake, I'm there to help them. I sat with one of them last week. They were reconciled in the books because the statement was a little wonky. So, I'm here to help support them and make sure they have what they

108need. Um, I said it's just a continuing education with them and their staff to make sure their staff also understands how important it is to to follow the processes that we have outlined. Um, so this will be just a continuing ongoing conversation. Um, and as we do our quarterly meetings, if a school has something that needs to be addressed to the full staff versus just the bookkeeper and administration, it will be something that I bring up that way they all hear it same time, same understanding from us. Um, so that is our basic general overview of where we're at with our student activity funds. Um, but I said no money missing. So that's my number one priority. Everything else is fixable. >> Most, >> but it does say in doesn't say in here the edits

109that or the adjustments that need to be made. >> It does. It gives us an outline of what the findings were so that we can then work with each bookkeeper and their staff and um administration to make sure that the following year we don't have any of those same repeats. And you know our goal is always for a perfect audit but you know auditor's jobs are to find something. Um so sometimes perfect audits are not realistic especially whenever your um audit leadership changes hands because each auditor is a little bit different and they look for things a little bit differently. Um, so it's always just a constant challenge to try to make sure that they are as happy as can be. >> There's still Robinson farmer. >> Yes, Robinson Farmer Cox, but Paul Lee was

110the lead auditor. He retired. Dave Nudo is now our lead auditor with them. >> Uh, I'm curious. You used a term that I'm sure is highly technical in your field. Honky. >> I don't want to miss any. >> No. So, you're fine. Um, you know, yes, some sometimes there's not a technical word, so you just have to find one. Um, but you know, sometimes whenever we we go through processes and we think they're they're foolproof. Sometimes things go a little bit haywire um or it's not followed through quite the way we anticipated it. So, we got to make course corrections and and try maybe a different way. And that's kind of what we've done over the past several years with the bookkeepers is really trying to find the best processes. Like the process here at

111the high school is completely different from the other schools mainly because they take in a lot more money. They have all the ticket sales from um the games, the concessions, they have prom, they have homecoming, they have all this extra stuff. So we've revamped their process. So their process is different from the other schools. Um, and sometimes we try it and it starts to go this way and it's like, "All right, it's it's working. Oh, nope. Okay, let's try it a little bit different way." So, it's always just about finding that good balance of what works in school. And sometimes, you know, get correct. >> Now, you understand that's our word of the day. You understand a little budget update. >> Yes, indeed. up here for the next thing. So, >> yep. >> You can

112go with that. >> I can go ahead. Okay. Just want to make sure >> update can if you want. >> So, I don't have an actual budget update on where we ended up first quarter. Mainly because my finance specialist and I were still reconciling first quarter today and we didn't quite get finished. But what I do have for you this >> Oh, that's not good. You You're fired. >> I think I think the wheels that can take over agenda for having trouble. >> So what I have provided for you this evening is our proposed budget calendar for fiscal year 27. It seems so strange to say that. Um was we we have already started we had our initial leadership team meeting budget kickoff on October 1 with leadership staff where we really kind of did

113some um fun budget activities to kind of see where each department and um principal would kind of spend money if they had it and what their priorities would be. Um so that was a very fun little activity that we did and Dr. Martin had mentioned our quarterly meetings with each school. Those meetings will talk about budget, where we're at in the process, um what the priorities are for budget. So, as we evolve into the budget season, and we start having, you know, works um work sessions with you all with budget, then those um conversations will get back to the schools is where, you know, we are putting putting forth our effort and you know, where our parties are. So, we had, you know, our first one today, we have the rest through the rest of

114the week. Um I did provide um budget request sheet to each of the schools and this year I asked them for what their wants are and for what their needs are. Um wanting to really kind of gauge both cuz wants sometimes are that one time purchase of you know I need new desks for a classroom. Um needs are really that thing that needs to be budgeted every single year. Um so we can kind of really get a good idea of what the schools need and those are due by the end of the week. Um, also put in here staffing projections due sometime in December. Um, haven't quite, you know, hammered down the date for that. We will have our first pre-budget um, well, our one and only pre-budget hearing for community input on December 11th

115at the school board meeting. Um, and then we go into the actual um, public hearings um, in January and February. And the governor's budget is typically released sometime in December. Um, we don't ever know when that is. We usually is around before Christmas. Um, it's typically when it comes out. So, as soon as that comes out, then we can start working on numbers. I will say we're going into a new ban bianium. That means our LCI will change. What that'll change to, I don't know. Those numbers usually come out in November. Um, so as soon as I know that, then I'll provide that information to the board as well as we'll make sure that the um, county administration gets that as well. So more than likely the LCI will increase which means the the locality

116will have to end up paying more um than what they currently do. Um general assembly session is um a much longer session this year because it's the first year of the b um next bianium. So it starts January 14th should end around March 14th. Um also in January we'll have the first presentation of the of the proposed budget um which is usually kind of minimal. we just kind of go over what um the governor has kind of proposed and how that will fit into you know our needs. Um hopefully we will have a schoolboard work session in January to talk about budget. Um we'll have our next quarterly meetings with schools in January. Then we'll go into February. I know the last two February we've done a joint meeting with the school board and the

117board of supervisors. Hopefully we can continue that. has been I think very beneficial to be able to teach everybody about budget and you know all the ins and outs of it. Um and then you know the February schoolboard meeting we have the second presentation of the budget along with the second public hearing. Um hopefully another maybe another work session with the board in February to kind of hammer out the final details. um should hopefully, you know, have budget action from the general assembly sometime in March. That hasn't happened the last few years, so not overly hopeful. Um but we do by um Virginia code have to approve our budget in March and we have to have it by to the board of supervisors in March. Um so technically our final presentation would be March 12th

118unless you know something else happens and we have to postpone that. Um and then we would need to have it to the board of supervisors shortly thereafter. Um right now typically in April the governor um will call you know the general assembly back to consider amendments and vetos to the budget bill or anything else. Um and then sometime between April and June, the county will hopefully approve and appropriate our budget um as we have presented it. So that's just kind of a rundown of our budget calendar. Now, a lot of things are subject to change as far as dates as we get information from the state as far as where our state funding is going to be. >> So that >> any questions? >> I have one. we uh presented our uh carryover amount to

119get reappropriated by the board >> that will go next Thursday to the board of supervisors. It should be on their agenda because that could be an interesting element adding to all of the other circumstances. But I would >> I would just be prepared to remind them of July, August, September, and October of what they don't do those four months. >> Mhm. >> Well, I'm sure Dr. Martin and myself will be there on Thursday night, so we won't be able to answer any questions. >> I'm sure there'll be a few of us there also. >> I told >> Any other questions? >> Next, next Thursday. >> Thank you. uh the ENTC report. Mr. Outlaw. >> Yes. And in the words of our esteemed principal at ENTC, uh ENTTC is in full swing. They are wrapping up

120uh the the culinary program uh making 500 500 brownies for homecoming. Wow. the new carpentry class. Uh they are working on proposals and once they have decided on which proposal they're going to use, they will rebuild the roof on the compressors which are outside and it's about to fall in. >> Awesome. >> That's done in house. Also, apparently there was another uh ding on one of our uh county vehicles or state vehicles and uh the auto body repair is in the process of fixing that. >> So, they're they're getting some real, you know, not just makeelieve fixing stuff, they're actually fixing things that matter. So that's that's really uh we've had problems in the past with the septic system and they're in the process of clearing out around the drain field so we can maybe

121identify problems as they come up. So Miss Linski, did I miss anything? >> They were just asking what was for lunch tomorrow. >> That's it. >> Governor's school, Miss Duncan. Um, we have a meeting coming up next week and at that time I'll be able to provide more information at the next meeting. Nothing at this time for that. >> The CK report, >> I am ecstatic about what Nawway has done in the span of one year regarding the SEAK. I've been affiliated in some type of way with NwayC since either 2020 or 2021. And typically what I would see in meetings is school staff. Next meeting school staff. Next meeting school staff. According to the regulations, the participation for SEAK is to be at a minimum of 51% parental participation. And there's requirements for a

122parent to be considered um a member and 49% of um school staff or con. Yes, school staff. That's what it must be. You can have higher parental percentages, but you cannot have less than 51%. I am ecstatic to say that at the last meeting and previously when we approved members for we now have nine parent members on the special education committee, four consultants. Now your consultants are going to be your c your people such as uh Dr. Gravely, um, Miss Amanda Atinson's, Miss Stealth Bean Simmons folks, um, uh, of course, Mwah, your schoolboard liaison, those are your consultants, but nine parents is impressive on what a little bit of work can do. And when the community gets involved, the uh members made requests that they would like to see in future agenda items communication. They

123identified that they see great things happening in the be kind and kindness movement in the school and they would like to see that expanded to a be kind and understanding of special education individuals, individuals who are differently aabled. Um it was also shared that they would like to have an agenda item of communication meaning communication between um the school and the parents and they would like to see more information on how to increase that. It was discussed um that potentially subcommittees could be commi could be created in order to bring some of these other things into futation. At the next meeting, we will appoint the officers. Typically, it is done in April, but due to, again, we really didn't have these things in place. We didn't have the people who could hold the chairperson position,

124the secretary position. Um, and now we do. So, I'm I'm very excited about the future to come with our SEAK. There's still it's still open. Um, I can't remember. Forgive me. I don't remember the next meeting, but it is on the website listed for the next meeting dates. >> November. >> Thank you. Do you know November what? >> I think it's the 11th, but don't don't quote me, but I think it's the 11th. But it is and and all in all it is it has been exciting to see in one meeting how it has literally like confetti popping and it is November the 11th um at 4 p.m. and it is being held virtual. So again, thank you chairman. >> Thank you. This next line item is a little more difficult to see on the

125regular agenda, but our student liaison. >> Mr. Chairman, >> may I ask you a question, sir? >> Sure. >> Can I deflect my other comments to her so we can stay with our approved agenda? >> Yeah. >> Uh, we can we can move her to other if we need to. The super uh if you'll just hang on, young lady. Superintendent report. >> Um, so Mr. Chairman, members of the board. So tonight I want to focus on two main areas just to share with you. Um National Custodian Appreciation Day was last week. So we celebrated uh with our staff, our custodial staff, a time to recognize the incredible individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes each and every day to keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming. Um, our custodians take great pride in their work.

126Whether it's preparing buildings before students arrive, responding to immediate needs during the day, that there's no toilet paper or paper towels in a bathroom somewhere in somebody's gotten sick somewhere, or ensuring our classrooms, hallways, and cafeterias are ready for the next morning. Their dedication creates the foundation for successful learning. If you're not in a clean environment, that makes learning a lot more difficult. So, uh, we truly are grateful for all that they do to maintain spaces where students and staff are able to thrive. So, they're not here this evening, but we do thank them for their work each and every day and the buildings. Um, you know, the kids see them, they they know them. Um, which is great because they're part of our school team. So, I wanted to highlight them. And then October

127is National Principles Appreciation Month. And I want to take a moment to recognize the outstanding leaders across the division. So I'm going to ask them to call stand as I call their names. They don't like to do those things, but um I am. So Amanda Painter at Blackstone Primary, Roy Cage at Crew Primary, Dr. Smith at Nawway Intermediate and Middle School, Greggy Wilson at Nawway High School, and Lawrence Ledzinski at the Millionaway Technical Center. I firmly believe that our principles are the heartbeat of their buildings. um they get a lot thrown at them every single day and they're often running around in 50 million different directions, but they are the heartbeat of their school. Together, they're focused on academic learning outcomes, building relationships, open communications with families and staff. But let's be clear, these are

128not principles who sit behind a desk all day. They know that that's not where they should be. They should be out in their buildings, um in the classrooms being visible. They are not behind those desks all day. They are on the move. So, I would say if you probably check their step counts at the end of the day, you think they were training for a race sometimes because I'm sure there's quite a few days where they have a lot of step counts going on. Um, they know leadership does not happen in the office. It happens in classrooms, the hallways, the cafeterias, and sometimes the car rider line uh with two walkie-talkies in hand trying to communicate with staff. Hopefully now it's a little bit better with one big bulky wonky uh radio since wonky is

129the word of the night. >> Thank you. >> Um and I will always say when you see them they do have a smile to greet their students, to greet their staff. Um there a lot of things like I said are poured at them and they do it very gracefully and very tactfully and very respectively. They balance instruction. They balance operations, community engagement, and all those things are not not easy to do at one time. But I can tell you that each of our pre principles brings unique strengths, energy, and most importantly, their heart to work each and every day. Um, their visibility, their commitment, and their creativity, what's it's what makes our school strong. Um, and it shows in the progress that we're making across the division. So I truly thank each of you for

130the work and their leadership that they do each day. So with National Principal Appreciation Month, they are the best. So for >> Thank you. >> So just a couple of last thoughts. While I did recognize two groups that are part of the school environment, I do think it's important to remind us that everyone, board members, staff, families, and community partners are a team in learning together. And we truly are. and we truly have to operate as a team for our schools to move forward. Um, that's where the success comes from is that shared ownership, us having the communications and the partnership and the commitment and then really being committed to excellence. So, that's my report for this evening. Uh, matters of schoolboard interest. Uh, October 22nd will be a work session. Uh I would suggest

131that we are prepared to discuss some of what uh happened here tonight. Uh we do not have a schedule a work session in November or December. Uh the annual conference the 19th through the 21st [Music] and now for other and I will digress to our student liaison. Um, this week on Tuesday, the honor society sponsored a blood drive. Uh, they received 31 units of blood. >> That's good. >> Nice. How many? 31 units. 31. >> Very good. >> Awesome. >> I know. Mr. >> I think he did. Power red. Mr. Wilson did. >> Very good. >> How much did you donate, Mr. Wilson? A couple gallons. >> One. >> Yes, sir. one gallon. >> We have a homecoming football game this Friday and that same day is going to be military appreciation and announcing homecoming

132court. Um and then that Saturday we also have homecoming dance. Um there's also going to be a trunk and treat event at the complex October 30th from 5:30 to 6:30. Um and then in our athletics, the marching band, they did well at their um competition at handover. They received third in general effect, second in percussion, and fourth out of six on Saturday. Um the golf team, they are regular season champions and district champions. Um the volleyball team, they're going to have a pink out game to support breast cancer awareness. um on Tuesday, October 14th. Their senior night is October 28th. And then um football is going to have a senior night on October 24th announcing every year from their sport. Um cross country has their district championship Wednesday, October 15th, and I think they had

133a meet yesterday at Rand. and scholastic bowl season has started. >> Thank you very much. >> And I owe you an apology for not having you on the agenda. I missed it late. Uh well, try not to have that. >> It made everything wonky. >> Uh Mr. Outlaw. >> Uh nothing. Mr. row. >> Nothing, sir. Mr. Wilson. >> Yes. I want to I sit and think about this all the time to thank our principles and our teachers. Uh what bothers me is what is what we pay them and what we pay. And that's like a pet peeve of mine because without teachers I couldn't sit here today. I wouldn't know how to read when I do math. I took a real estate test. This is one of the hardest test in the world. But I

134passed it. So I want to just continue on to say thank you very much for what you all do and I and probably the board members appreciate that. Um because it's very very important that we have our teachers. That's all. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Duncan. >> Um yes, thank you, chair. Um principal appreciation and when we do teacher appreciation and then seeing the cart going around, it really got me to thinking about how much each person invests of themselves. They could be somewhere else. they could be in a different profession. Um, and it really got me to thinking about how much I really do appreciate the individuals that come in tirelessly and they work and they dedicate and the the time that is spent off of school grounds and to all of the teachers,

135all of the staff, all of any part of the school division. No one area is better than the other. And I I wanted to say thank you. Um if I could give the sun, moon, and stars to you, I definitely would. We really do have good staff members. And also the other thing that I would like to say is tonight we saw community in action. Tonight we saw the community speaking out. And I challenge the community to continue speaking out, continue to bring ideas Mhm. >> We are not in this alone. My door, quote unquote, is an open door. I want to hear people. We're not always going to agree. It's not going to happen. But I value every single person's opinion and thoughts and ideas. And if we want the division to continue to

136grow, we have to have continued community support. And if there's something going on that you love, share it. If there's something going on that you think could be done better, bring it. And if there's something that's going on that you don't like or that you disagree with, mention it. But we cannot grow without continuing to see what we saw here tonight. and I'm very thankful for everybody that took their time to come out and just share their heartfelt opinions. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. Uh two uh issues. First of all, I got a every now and again I get a a phone call or two and some of them you don't mind. Uh I got a phone call from a member of the board of supervisors that attended the intermediate schools program on bullying

137and that training process. And this board member was amazed at the way our students conducted themselves during that session. And I said, "Well, how did they conduct themselves?" Well, surprisingly enough, they conducted themselves very well. They were attentive. They were organized. They were paying attention. It was all positive. Like that's not what's supposed to happen. So change matters. And although it takes a while to get there, I think we're on the right road because I also got to attend along with Mr. outlaw part of the training program for all of the teachers and staff the other day and just to be a part of the interaction of how they greet one another, how they talk to each other, how they treat one another, how they support one another says that things are going Well, yes,

138there are always things to improve and make a little bit better, but it was it was encouraging to see all of that activity uh especially in the what I'll call the next up group, those that are interested in leadership roles. Uh, I have been a strong supporter of trying to promote from within. I am thankful that we're able to go out and find people that will come and work here. But I'd like to be one to encourage that internal promotion so that we develop our own. uh and we do that because we've been able to bring resources from the outside in to help develop those. Having said that, we'll move on to the closed resolution. May I have the closed resolution, please? >> Yes, sir. Pursuant to section 2.2-3711A of the code of Virginia, I

139move that the board convene a closed meeting for the purpose of discussing the following specific matters. A1 the consideration of personnel four A six seven appointments >> yeah seven okay >> six seven in the book >> okay >> seven >> sorry >> we're going to change the word >> seven appointments Three substitute teachers, one title one instructional assistant, one assistant B, excuse me, baseball coach, one EL teacher, and one softball coach. Bformational, two resignations. C, one retirement, one computer network administrator. D, three resignations, one >> reassignment, >> I'm sorry, reassignments. um one NIS principal, one intern MNS principal, and one intern NMS assistant principal. Two terminations, one bus driver and one food service worker and personnel matters. >> You've heard >> that was wonky. >> You've heard the motion. May I have a second? Second.

140>> Any discussion? None. All in favor signify by saying I. I. We are in close session.