Nottoway School Board - Monthly Meeting

001All right, we shall move first to awards and recognitions. Uh, first, the Nom County Public School teacher of the year from Dr. Martin. I can suck it in. >> Good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. This evening, it is truly my honor and privilege to introduce our Nawway County Public Schools Division Teacher of the Year, Miss Meline Duffy. that feel ready to applaud. >> Maline is not only an exceptional educator, she's a proud graduate of Nawway County Public Schools who chose to return home to serve the very community that helped shape her. That decision alone speaks volumes about her heart and her commitment. I've had the unique privilege and honor of knowing Meline for many years. First as her teacher and now as superintendent. Even as a student, she demonstrated compassion, determination, and a

002natural ability to connect with others. Watching her grow into an outstanding educator and leader she is today has been incredibly rewarding for many of us that are in this room with her. As a special education teacher and our dropout prevention coordinator, Meline is a fierce advocate for students who need someone in their corner. She ensures every student is seen, heard, and valued. Her work goes far beyond academics. She builds confidence, independence, and life skills that empower students long after they leave our classroom. One of her most impactful contributions is the Cougar Cafe, a student-based enterprise that she leads with passion, and purpose. Through this program, students gain hands-on experience in teamwork, responsibility, problem solving, and employability skills. It is a powerful example of real world learning and action, and a testament to Meline's innovative leadership.

003She's also a participant in our notway lead program, our aspiring leadership program where she continues to grow her leadership capacity while remaining deeply grounded in service to students. In every role she serves, Meline exemplifies what it means to be noddway. Committed to excellence, dedicated to students and leading with both her heart and purpose. Our division is stronger because of her. Our students are better because of her. It is with great honor and pleasure I present to you Maline Duffy as Nawway County Public Schools Division Teacher of the Year. >> Can we get your family now here? >> Yes, indeed. Yes, indeed. lose fiancé indeed. >> Okay, do this on three. One, two, >> perfect. Thank you. speech. >> Looks like she might have super somewhere down. All right. All right. >> Well, >> I think

004I got a VSBA notification today. >> All right. 30 years. >> 30. >> Yeah. You know, by the time we get there, private age be by the 80. SO, >> all right. Thank you very much. >> All right. Uh, going to be a national school counseling week. Dr. Martin, >> Mr. Chairman, you get to >> come again. Exit in the middle. Get your chair. Just >> put your chair over here. We'll just pass on the next thing. Yes, indeed. But tonight we recognize our school counselors and the vital role they play in making our schools great. Our counselors do far more than guide schedules. They support the whole child. They are advocates, mentors, problem solvers, and trusted adults who help students navigate academic challenges, social pressures, and plans for life beyond graduation. They are often

005the calm in difficult moments and the encouragement students need to believe in themselves. because of their dedication and compassion, our schools are stronger and they're more supportive places for our student. So this evening, I'm excited to recognize our school counselors and school counselor week was last week. So I know a lot of their schools have done things for them, too, but we are excited to recognize them this evening. Angie Dumont at Blackstone Primary School. They didn't give them to me in order. You got >> Miss Dubai. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Caitlyn Adams AND Miss Adams. Thank you very much. Congratulations. It's >> a family affair tonight. Morgan Duffy AND NOT ONLY CASEY BOILS AT NA Middle School, Lenicia Barner at Nawway High School. >> Thank you very much. This

006is another uh class of 9 to 8. Thank you very much. I DON'T MEAN THE MOST. >> AND Jonathan Staylor at Nawway High School. I don't think he's here this evening. >> All right. >> We are truly a remarkable talented group of school counselors and we're very fortunate to have them. Two of you. >> All right. Look at there. Mr. Bro, my job smile. One, two, three. >> Thank you all very much. >> All right. Next under awards and recognitions, school resource officer appreciation day. >> I need my MY BOOK BACK. DON'T GO ANYWHERE. We got several things this time to do. >> Miss Wood, can you help him? >> Yes. >> All right. >> So, Mr. Chairman, members of the board, safety in our schools is not something that we take lightly and not

007away and our SRO's are a critical part of that commitment. But what makes them truly special is not just that uniform that they wear, but it's the relationships that they build with our students across the school division. Our officers greet students each morning. They attend school events. They check in when a student is having a hard day. And they serve as mentors and role models. They take time to know their students by their name. They listen, they guide, and they care. And with that, we're grateful to have each of our school resource officers here um with us in Nawway. and I'll introduce them in a minute. Each of them represents the very best of a partnership, professionalism, and heart. I am deeply thankful for their service and the way they support our students, staff, and

008our families each and every day. So, please join me this evening in recognizing and thanking our NCPS school resource officers for their commitment to keeping Nawway schools safe and their dedication to our school division. And with that, we are grateful for Sergeant Robert Sawyer at Nawway HIGH SCHOOL. SRO BECKY Lassour at Nway Middle School. >> Thank you very much. Thank you very much. >> This is Becky. >> Becky, can you stay? >> Oh, yeah. >> Danny Stanley at Nawway Intermediate. >> Thank you, sir. Yes, indeed. SRO J Chanette at Crew Primary SCHOOL and Christy Booth at Blackstone Primary School. And I have to say they are always there if you need them, if we need to call on them for something. Uh they're willing to pitch in and help out wherever is needed throughout the

009school division. And we're very fortunate to have them. A great team. >> Okay. Can you stay there? Thank you. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. May I say a few words? >> Yes, sir. >> I have a granddaughter that goes to Nawway Intermediate School, and my wife uh took her to school the other day. And when she dropped her off, she said, "Please say something about this." And this by no means takes away from any of the other SRO's. You all guys and gals are just amazing. But she saw Mr. Stanley, Deputy Stanley, give my granddaughter and all of the other kids a piece of candy and a fist bump. >> And each one of those kids went into school that day knowing that at least one person cared about them. >> Yes, indeed. >>

010And that is amazing. >> Yes, INDEED. >> All right. Three. One, two, three. One more. One, two, three. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> I'll read it aloud if it's okay. Sure, it's fine. Thank you. >> On behalf of the chair, >> career and technical education month, Dr. Mark. >> Thank you, sir. So February is career and technical education month and tonight we recognize the incredible impact of our CTE, career and technical education on Ottawa County Public Schools. I will say that CTE is not an extra. It is essential. It provides students with real world skills, industry credentials, leadership opportunities, and hands-on experiences that prepare them for college, careers, military service, and ultimately life. Our CTE programs allow students to discover their passions to explore um career pathways and graduate with a competitive

011edge. From skilled trades and technical certifications to business, health sciences, agriculture, public safety, and beyond, our students are learning by doing in those classrooms. They are building, designing, leading, problem solving, and preparing for meaningful futures right here in Ottawa. This work is not possible without dedicated CTE educators throughout the school division. I have to say they are a remarkable group of individuals. I have the pleasure to work with them very closely with Dr. Gravely and our Perkins program. Um and they do incredible work um getting students prepared for things. So with that, I want to celebrate our CT technical education month and thank these educators for the work that they do and the impact that they have on our students and our community. So with that with Nawway Middle School, we have Janice Scrubs. >>

012Hello, Miss. >> Thank you very much. >> Samuel Clark, Miss Clark, you'll have to stand up here. Nice try. Nice try. It doesn't work like that. Uh, Ameilia Ottawa Technical Center, Dina Brandon, Charles Watts, Simone Dejet, Christopher Meyer, JUDITH NELLER, AND SEAN SPRDLIN High School CTE department. Mr. James Brown, Megan Haley, Alan Hardy, Ava Hill, and she also serves as our CTE lead for here at the high school. Chief Joseph Lynn and I have to commend him and his cadetses. They uh passed their inspection today. I got that right before senior chief. Congratulations to them this morning. Dale Duffy. I want to thank the family affair. IT'S A FAMILY TONIGHT. Senior Chief David Parin, who's not here this evening, and Ricky Rash. And just to put a plug in for FFA, they're selling strawberries right

013now. But they are truly dedicated to their work and to ensuring students have the life skills that they are necessary in order to be successful after high school. So, thank you to each of you for your passion and your dedication. >> Thank you. Okay. >> All right. Do this. One, two, three. >> Thank you. >> Down now. It's okay. Okay, you can leave now. school board appreciation month. >> Oh no, >> this is not a voting part of the agenda. >> Well, you played an important role in the work. Schoolboard appreciation month is recognized in February. So tonight, we take the opportunity to recognize and thank the dedicated individuals who provide leadership and governance for Nadawway County Public Schools. Serving on a school board is a significant responsibility. It requires decision-making, preparation, a willingness to

014listen, commitment to students, staff, and the entire community. Our board members work to set policy, allocate resources, and ensure our division continues to move forward with purpose and accountability. Each of you plays a critical role in shaping the direction of our division. Your leadership supports academic growth, safe learning environments, fiscal responsibility, and opportunities that prepare our students for success beyond graduation. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. You serve because you care deeply about Nawway. On behalf of our students, our staff, and our community, thank you for your service, your leadership, and your commitment to excellence in Nawway County Public Schools. And so, I would like to recognize Mr. Outlaw District ONE >> answer to Charlotte. Mr. Abbott, District 2, Mr. Ro district 3 Wilson district 4 in district 5. And I also want to recognize

015our student liaison now. Um Avery Flyburn who is our our student rep on the board. It is her BIRTHDAY THIS EVENING. SHE'S NO WITH US. ANNA >> LIBY FOR THIS EVENING for her and we appreciate her always coming to fill in as well. >> The board stand with Anna and just get close to get Mr. Atlaw if you can get next to Mr. Abbott. >> I told you you were going to end up in a picture with her. Anna, if you can guess. There you go. this way. >> Nope. All right. Ready? On three. One, two. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> All right. Next, we have school board clerk appreciation week. That is the glue. >> So tonight, uh, Mr. Chair, members of the board, we recognize and honor two individuals whose work

016is absolutely essential to the success of this board. Charlotte Wood, schoolboard clerk, and Heather Meyer, deputy clerk. >> Charlotte truly bleeds maroon and gold. Her love for Nawway County Public Schools is evident in everything that she does. She ensures every eye is dotted and every tea is crossed. From preparing agendas and maintaining official records to ensuring compliance with state requirements and supporting board members behind the scenes, Charlotte keeps the work of this board running smoothly and with precision. She anticipates needs before they arise. She assures everyone is where they're supposed to be >> and that everything is exactly as it should be. >> Yes, she do. Her attention to detail, her professionalism, and her unwavering commitment to excellence provide a steady foundation for the important decisions made at this table for our school division. >>

017Heather Meyer as deputy clerk works alongside Charlotte to complement and strengthen this work. Heather steps in wherever needed, providing support, continuity, and collaboration to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Together they form a team that exemplifies organization, dedication, and service. Much of what they do happens behind the scenes, but the impact of their work is visible in every well-run meeting and every carefully prepared document. Charlotte and Heather, thank you for your loyalty to the school division. >> Yes. >> Your tireless work ethic and your commitment to ensuring Nawway County Public Schools operates with excellence. You have to have your picture taken now. >> Come. >> Well, I got to wait for them to get behind y'all. >> Mr. Wilson's knocking down his >> stuff over there. >> What do we need to do? >> I'm

018going to get y'all and then I'm going to get them. Ready? One, two, three. >> All right. And also on behalf of the entire board, we have some tokens for y'all. Like like has always been sh said, Charlotte, you are the glue for our division >> and we could not do what we do without you and without honorary Dr. MEYER AS WELL. SO, this is a token from the board and this >> and this is a little token for you. >> Yes, indeed. >> Thank you VERY BEHIND. >> They get behind. >> Find your little window. That's what we tell the students. Find your window. That's your >> I was going to say Michelle nice try. >> Found it. >> Ready? One, two, three. >> Was it good, Jay? >> I know. No, it's a

019little off. Mr. You have to act like you like Mr. ABBOTT. It's >> hard to do. >> Let's try it again. A little off. >> Yeah, I just know. That's the best we can do. >> Charlotte's not there to get them straight. WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? >> Thank you very much. >> I can't know. You put back in. See how you do? She does. He's perfect. She's perfect. You are perfect. All right. Thank you very much. So you don't want to stay with all this good news. >> All right. Uh first under delegation for public comment. We have the second budget hearing for 202526 community input. Uh board members general will not respond to comments made during delegation from the public. The regular board meeting is a meeting before the public and not a

020public forum meeting. Follow be provided as appropriate. Do we have anyone signed up for community input for the budget hearing? >> Heather has a presentation. >> All right. >> Heather has a presentation. >> Heather does have presentation. Okay. >> Miss Maya. >> Good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. Dr. Martin. Um this evening, I'm going to present the updated information that we know right now about budget. Um the first few slides are the same slides that you saw in January, but I wanted to just kind of re go through those just briefly. I turn that on. Um here we go. So just going over what we know about state budget. These numbers are based upon um the former governor's proposed budget in December. Um we don't have any updated numbers right now, but those

021should hopefully be coming in the next few weeks. So currently based upon that budget, we are looking at a total estimated state revenue of $22 million. The local share that goes towards that is a little over $7.3 million. Um the governor's proposed budget, former governor's proposed budget included um rebenchmarking, which is done every two years anyway, but normally it's not fully funded. And that's where they go through and they upgrade and upgrade update all the per pupil amounts and all that that the formulas are based on. This year the budget actually has um it fully funded which is a little bit different than years before. Um there's also increased funding for special education, 2% salary increase and a potential for a VRS rate reduction. Um but these are all subject to change because we have

022a new governor sitting in office. Um this is just talking about some of the rebenching benchmarking and the per pupil amounts. These are not all of them. These are just the ones that um I kind of picked out as as most important. And you kind of see the dollar difference um from the current fiscal year to the the upcoming fiscal year. Um going through just budget comparison from last year to this year, it is an increase in to in um total revenue of about $6.1 million. a good chunk of that goes towards salary increases. So, going over budget information that we currently know, um this year's budget was based on an ADM of 1700. We are anticipating um the budget for SY25 to be based off the 1675 there. Again, that is still subject to

023change as we are continuing to to gather information and put together the budget. Um the local composite index which is the percentage of the amount that the state says the locality has to pay has increased to 28.2%. This year it's currently at 26.96%. Um and that'll be in effect for the next two fiscal years. So the anticipated local requirement as I said earlier is a little over 7.3 million. And I'm going to break that down just a little bit. So there's two areas. You have the required local effort and you have required local match. The required local effort is the county's required portion of the standards of quality. That is the largest chunk of the budget. Um so their m required local effort for that is a little over $4.8 million. That's not a negotiation.

024They have to to fund that. Um, now the required local match programs. Technically, the county could choose to not fund these programs, but I want everybody to be understanding as to what these programs include. That is prek, that is our atrisisk funding, that is our K3 class size reduction, that is early reading intervention, um algebra readiness, the compensation supplement that funds the raises, infrastructure and operations, BPSA technology, and the special education add-on. So, what does that mean for the budget? Well, if the state or if the locality does not provide the $2.4 4 million almost 2.5 in low match funding. That means we're out $8.9 million total in our budget. That is a huge huge loss. That is salaries. That is positions. Um I think about the K3 class size reduction. There's six teachers that

025are funded with that money. That means we would not be able to pay them. Um it it is there are major consequences if the county does not provide that funding because it's not like they just don't provide it. We still get the state. No, we don't get any of it. Um so we would be out $8.9 million on our budget if they decided to cut all of those programs. Um and all of those programs do mean a lot to our students. I know last year we kind of went through each one of them. We will probably do the same again when we meet with the the board of supervisors just to go through them and what they mean what they do for the the school division. Um but it is it is a huge loss

026if they decide not to fund that. Miss Mary, can I jump in real quick? Um I I want to add there too. So there was there's a document that's out there that says that they fund us above the percent. Well, that takes into consideration this required local match funding. So yes, while they give us above the required amount, if we choose if they choose not to fund us, we cut these. And as she said and we shared last year with them how detrimental this would be to the school division and the progress that we are making and moving forward. Um that would be all of our prek programs. You're talking at least six staff members that would be gone from prek because we would not fund it at that point. >> As Heather said about

027class size reduction, that's at least six teachers that we have to cut positions for if they don't fund it. Um early intervention reading, those are reading specialists. Those are supports in those areas. So, it's really important that it's understood. While yes, that might be considered slightly above because they have to match it, it's still a requirement and a dedication to the people of Nawway County. Our kids cannot afford >> not to have prek. >> That's right. >> Foundational skills. >> We can't afford for class sizes to go from 18 to 24 25 in a kindergarten class. Um, I don't know about you, but I don't know if I want to be in a kindergarten classroom with 24 students that are actually when they when they when they start school, they're actually four for most of

028them. They're not five yet. >> And keep in mind, they don't have prek. >> Uhhuh. >> So, they don't have foundational skills to get them ready. >> That's right. >> For kindergarten. So, these are huge infrastructure and operations. >> We all know what a concern that is. That's our maintenance departments. That's that's all these other things that we have that we can't afford to do without. We have roofs, we have HVAC, um I mean just numerous projects for our schools. So we cannot afford to be without these. So um compensation supplements that's trying to get our salaries up to where they need to be for staff. Um, so those are things and I know we're going to share more of that with you, but I do want to put that out there. I asked her

029to share that this evening as well as she goes through just so that people understand while yes, it is slightly above that $4 million that they have to and it is if we choose to accept the matches, it is required of them then. But I don't believe we can afford to lose special education add-ons for our students and servicing the needs of our kids. These are pretty key areas and if we don't get the matches where we're going to step back to what we're expected to do and what teachers are expected to do in the classroom and maintenance and whoever else with less. I mean, as I've shared with you plenty of times, we have an a amazing dedicated group of individuals in the county, not just teachers, all of our staff, but we would

030be asking them to do more with less. And we can't afford to lose a single staff member here. Okay. >> So, sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt, but we'd want to share that. >> Can you go back to the previous slide? >> Mhm. >> Could you explain I I mean, I understand it, but can you explain why the LCI increased? So um the LCI is made up of several different variables. One of those is the value of real property. Now LCI is always a couple years behind. Like the current LCI is based off of 2021 data. The current or the new LCI is based off of 2023 data. Um and so that value of real property has increased between 2021 and 2023. And if you think about in two more years how much the increase

031is from 2023 to 2025 is going to probably go up to I'm going to guess closer to 30%. Um in two years down the road but that is and and that's a state calculation. That is not us. They pull that those numbers. They make that determination. But that is the one key piece that is really the biggest factor for the increase in that LCI percentage. >> Thank you. Um, so going on to some other information, salary increases, we are targeting a 3% increase. Um, I say targeting, we're still going through budget lines. Um, and we'll be talking more about that at our cabinet meeting tomorrow. Um, but we are still going through budget lines to determine if that's something we can afford. Um, the 2%, a lot of districts across the state are not happy

032with that 2%. um it doesn't really follow the cost of living increase. Um but we are trying to target at least a minimum of a 3% increase. Now that also does not mean that we are not continuing to focus on starting teacher pay. That is still a focus and that is still being built into the budget as well. Um there is a potential for a minimum wage increase January 1, which there's always a potential every year. Um, but there's a couple of bills out there right now that are gaining a lot of traction to try to get us back on the state back on track to get to that $15 minimum wage. Um, so trying to keep a little bit ahead of that curve. Um, because especially with our cafeteria budget, um, minimum wage can

033have a huge impact on that. And to be honest, you know, you can go to McDonald's and make $15 an hour already. So trying to make sure that we're able to to you know get quality cafeteria staff in in that position. So we're trying to stay a little bit ahead ahead of that curve. Um but that is always in the forefront of our mind is to make sure that you know we are compliant and and wage across the board. Um we are projecting an increase of 10% our health insurance premiums. Um, now we're trying to hopefully we're on the high side and once that dollar number actually comes in, which should come in probably in the next two weeks, um, we'll know exactly, but that is right what we are budgeting right now. It's a

03410% health insurance premium increase. Um, and then the cafeteria budget, and I kind of mentioned this a little bit with the minimum wage because the cafeteria does not get any state funding or very little. They get like a little bit I mean under 20,000 for like breakfast um from the state. They get no local money. The money the caf that funds the cafeteria budget is solely off of USDA reimbursements and what they actually sell as far as snacks, alle cart items, um teacher meals and all that. That is what funds their budget. And unfortunately, because pay increases have gone up and really and truly the USDA reimbursements are not necessarily going up as much as we would like, um we are looking at potential cuts to that budget this year. What those are going to

035look like, I don't know. Um I met with our food service supervisor this morning. We brainstormed and we came up with some ideas. Um hopefully that will be enough. Um but there are some potential cuts that will have to happen within their budget. Um but that is something we'll closely monitor as we continue to try to finalize. Um anticipated ENTC funded needing from needing needed from the county. Um now the county does fund ENTC school division funds portion of it. The county funds the other portion. Um, and right now based upon initial budgets with them, um, it looks like we're going to need to ask the county for about $265,000 in funding for the technical center. That is actually down from last year. Um, so, you know, we we try to be frugal and mindful

036of the budget there. Um, the big ticket item is cap improvement needs. Um, and you're going to hear crew HVAC replacement quite a bit over the next several weeks. that is a huge focus of ours. Um, but that is our biggest capital improvement needs. We have more, but that is probably one of our highest priorities. Um, so, you know, remind you again, I talked about this a little bit, there is a potential to apply for a state school construction grant, which would provide up to 30% of that that project. Um, so you'll continue to hear more about this as, you know, we we move through the budgeting process. So just some some general assembly updates just for knowledge base. The 22nd is budget Sunday. That is the deadline for the house and senate committees to

037provide any additional amendments to their budget bills. Um the 26th is the deadline for them to actually vote on their budget bills. And then on March 4th they have to vote on each other's budget bills um and appoint a conferees if it has to go to um a budget committee conference. So there's some key dates coming up. um once they pass their budgets on the 26th, we'll get more information from VDOE as far as one, what the difference is between the two, see how what the difference is between the two versus the proposed governor's budget, so we can kind of know if we need to make any adjustments to ours. Um so that is budget update for what I have so far and we'll continue to update as we get more information. Any other questions?

038>> Any questions? Good. >> Thank you, Miss >> Maya. All right. Now, we are under delegations and public comment. Um, as as I read again, the board members generally will not respond to comments made during delegation for the public. Regular board meeting is a meeting before the public and not a public forum meeting and follow be provided as appropriate. And tonight we have with us uh Mr. Chris Page. Well, that budget thing was a lot to hear. >> Yes, indeed. Uh I don't think our the citizens are going to allow them to cut those programs, those essential programs. >> Yes, indeed. >> I'm on your side there. Um, I'm actually here to talk to you about I know you guys received the CTE proposal for the bowling alley. What better month to come talk to

039you about it uh than um career and technical uh education month. So, uh, and you guys have a great CTE staff here. Um, and you know, obviously the bowling alley has been kind of plaguing the county itself and and to, you know, so this proposal, you know, it's not about just reopening the bowling alley about creating a a real live not simulated workforce development hub and a workforce development pipeline for the community. So, you know, we're actually I'm, you know, the Chamber of Commerce is proposing that that we partner up um to create a school-based enterprise for the uh the bowling alley. It would be an expansion of the CT program you already have. Um this would would provide a live lab for note students who won't be just guests, but they'll also be operators.

040There'll be no alcohol service, so it will have no problems. There's um you know they learn things like managing profit and loss, marketing, point of sales systems. They learn how to count change even when the computer's down. They learn what 25% of a dollar is which because of co there's a lot of students who are in algebra but they don't know the basics but more importantly preparing them to enter into the workforce and hopefully uh learn about entrepreneurialship and we could hopefully keep them in Ottawa County. This program actually uh goes well with some of the CTE programs that you already have um in place. you know, um I believe you guys were expanding on mechanical atc. Is that correct? Mechanical >> classes, >> carpent machinery, >> we did carpentry, >> carpentry and all that.

041Okay. Um Okay. And again, and of course we we work on that. So, but students would learn like surf safe certifications, bookkeeping certifications. They learn about business. Um, and I and I don't need to go over the whole proposal with you. Uh, I think you guys know what it is. I will say along with business center to reach out to me on this. They're willing to work with the school and create the comprehensive business plan for the project. If you're willing to at least at least consider, we're not asking for a decision today, but can we explore the project? I also was reached out to by the Rotary Club. One of their missions is uh Votech. Uh they asked me to come speak to them proposals. I did that. They want to be involved with

042mentorship, teaching people about entrepreneurship, possibly running the alley on the days that you cannot, of course. Um and then it's being pitched to BSU and VU who's currently operating the armory teaches some of the same things to call on the collegiic level. uh this would be a great thing for their students to partner with you guys as well. I know it take this is a large program. I understand that. But it would be community based ran by the students. Who doesn't want to go to the bowling alley and spend their money there where the students are working and learning and getting graded and receiving certificates that are good for the workforce? So, I think you would have high community support. I think it would also increase your um CTE numbers. I think you'd have more

043students wanting to be involved with it. And the other thing is uh I think there are other programs like children credit unions that are operating and other things like that. They've proven to be successful uh in a real world and non simulated CTE program. Now as we just saw you have a lot on your plate. It takes a lot of partners to make this happen and we understand that. But I know not only when things are tough we don't just give up. We put our heads together for something that's good and we figure it out. And when you get a lot of people are interested in in exploring something, you can get something great out of it. Um the the level of education children will learn about business and other things that could expand on

044the current ATC uh CT programs in a real world sim uh live lab uh is something they're going to learn for a lifetime. It's going to help them out for a lifetime. something that we could try to simulate here at the school and do a pretty good job, but it's not going to be like the real thing. So, there'll be mentorships. Um there could be um sponsorships of lanes and money from those going to scholarships to send children to tuition. So, there's a lot of things that we can do here. On the financial side, the chamber itself is eligible to u partner with a public entity like yourself and get workforce grants. We could do it now with what you currently have in place, generally up to 100,000, but we would like to see that

045building be used for what it is. Uh and also educate our children on entrepreneurship, which is part of our ex reason for existing. the financial side. All that's negotiable. If you don't like it coming out of the match, maybe we could take it out of the revenue on a small percentage. Maybe there'll be so much interest in working together with so many people. We could get some money through the grants to back commission like we did the armory. There's so much more that we can do to get that down to where it's not hurting coming out of your your extra local match this year. But again, my understanding all negotiable. I'm not asking for a decision. I know you guys had a work session and you're here and it's a large project. All I'm asking

046for is can we get some time to explore? Can we can you be with us? Let us get these folks who are willing to help together with you. Tell the county, hey, we're at least interested in exploring it. Maybe hold off on selling the building, which could be another disaster. And let's see if we can turn this into the Nawway um county student enterprise center. And if you have any questions, I'm willing to answer them for you. barring against typically how we don't respond and um >> I have a couple questions with you being representing the town of Blackstone. >> No, I'm here for the chamber. >> The chamber >> on the proposal says from the chamber. >> Does the chamber cross outside of the town lines? >> Yeah. So, we serve county and and

047re we have members in South Hill, Farmville, all over, but our our area is not county. So then the biggest one of the biggest questions I have not to mention about some of the legal and student ramifications is what if revenue is not there and it's going into the hole who's going to be fiscally responsible for >> I would like I would like to remind you that those are things that we'll look at with the Longwood Business Center as we're creating those business plans. It was a successful business for a very long time until alcohol got involved. Uh it was almost 10 years it was operating just fine. Young lady drove a car through a building landed on the lane. After they fixed it took a long time and insurance co hit and then you

048had some some things that the community didn't like with the new owners that was going on there. So even and they were happy with the money that they were making. I just I don't think the county was happy with with the way that they were making it. So what we're trying to do is that's why we're trying to offer good food. the lady at VSU and VU, they have that famous restaurant up in Richmond. So, bringing that type of food to the to the alley. Um, teaching the kids about culinary arts, serve safe certifications, those types of thing that'll draw the customers in. But the the main thing I didn't even talk about on this is is that when the revenue does come, it's dedicated 100% to capital improvement program. So, that's that what the

049proposal is. And I think that the county likes that because it reduces their burden. It also gives you a steady revenue stream to help fix the schools. Now, again, it's all I think what you're saying is if it doesn't work, what do we do with the building, right? >> Well, no. If my question is if it doesn't work and it goes into a deficit, who's financially liable for that deficit? >> Well, I think those are things that we're going to have to discuss over the exploratory period. Um, and um, but I think you're going to see very high scoring grants on all sides on this thing. So I think there's things that you have to get the building up and running. But those are things that we have to discuss. Those are things that we

050have to work out. I know there's a lot of ifs and whats. This is an idea in its infancy. And if we don't say, "Hey, let us explore." We're going to sell the building and lose the opportunity all together. All together. So I'm not ask for anything now. Yes. Let's get together and work those things out. Let's see who's all interested. Let's see how we can shape it. Let's work with the Longwood Business Center and see what those things are like. Um, and that's kind of what I'm just asking from you guys today. >> I have one question, a simple one. U if I were to buy the building today, could I walk in and turn it on? >> I'm sorry. No, there they're not. And that's what we were talking about. The grants from

051the chamber would help get the building back to where it is. There are some some things that need to be replaced. I think damaged from previous tenants. Uh again, those these are things that are going to take time. It's not a program that's going to be up in 3 months or whatn not or four months. Um we'd have to apply for those grants, but those grants can be used to get it back. And I don't I don't think the whole thing needs to be done, but there's a machine here or the system might need to be upgraded or this might need to be fixed. And u there's like I said, we'll have to generate the money for that. >> Yeah. Any other question? >> You guys do have my number. So if anything pop up,

052feel free to give me a call, shoot me an email. Um, and Dr. Martin, I would love to meet with you and talk more, you know, if you're willing. So just let me know. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Mr. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> All right. >> Is there a motion to approve agenda? >> Mr. Chairman, I move that we approve uh the consent agenda items A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I. Is there a second? >> Second. Any discussion? I have a couple of questions. >> Yes, sir. >> Uh item G. Uh when I looked at board docs, I only saw one uh religious exemption request that talks about two. >> It was two separate ones. >> FNG. >> I only saw one in board. >> They're both

053there. Okay. Don't they are both there? >> I saw both of them. You did? Okay. They're both there. And uh when the book of beautiful uh item H uh the gear up program couple of questions what is the goal? What what do you hope to achieve with this field trip? >> Right. So this field trip you previously approved in October. Um so this was a date change because of the federal government shutdown for the program. Um and so their goal is to provide students with the opportunity to experience different um post-secondary experiences. Um and so you know sometimes they'll do uh trade school, sometimes they will do um a four-year school, a two-year school. Um, Gear Up does require that this one um, they have approved it at the federal level um, that this is

054an allowable trip for them and the outcomes is to provide students with additional opportunities of exploration of different career paths after high school. >> So expose them to different opportunities >> different opportunities. That's the whole foundation of gear up is all focused on um secondary or post high school whether it is a trade whether it is a military uh college two four different opportunities for them. We're going to be very fortunate. We also have the Gear Up program now that is starting with our seventh grade that will follow them all the way through as well. So, there'll be some different opportunities for our seventh graders as they move through this opportunity because it's a Gear Up grant and the Gear Up cohort is our 11th grade class. It is specifically dedicated to them and the

055work with them and it has followed them through since 7th grade. So, they're in the last two years of their grant program, but it really is to provide them with different experiences, things that they don't see or have opportunities right here in Ottawa County. >> Where did they go then? I'm sorry. This one is to the um make sure I tell you the exact place. This one's going to the Universal Technical Institute and it's in North Carolina. Um is where they're going this time. >> I didn't mean to interrupt about that. >> No, no, no, no. It's fine. So, it's a STEMbased opportunity for them for coding. Um you know, any anything along those type of lines, the computer engineering, the coding. Um Miss Barner is here. She is our gear up coordinator and of

056course she could add to it if you had additional questions about that trip. Sorry to put you on the spot. Miss >> putting somebody on the spot. >> I know I didn't bring my backup documentation cuz it was just a date change. So I'm sorry. >> Well, that's your resource right there. >> She's right here. >> Uh one other thing. Uh are you familiar with the apprentice school associated with Newport New Ship Building and Dry Dock? Mhm. >> Have we ever reached out to them to see? >> My son wants That's I wanted to find out about that myself cuz that's what he want. >> Yeah. So, I think that's actually come up on y'all's list before and it's hard to get a date. >> Well, it's hard to take a group of kids. They

057have to have uh certain uh >> qualifications to get on the base >> identifications. They they have to have a two forms of ID. >> They come here. It's very It has been very difficult to even get them to respond to an email or a phone call. We have been with Mr. Wilson some we've gotten talked to a couple times, >> but um had to take a group of kids down there. They'd have to have two forms of ID. It could be a passport and a and a driver's license, which many of the students don't have those two things. If it were a birth certificate, it would have to be their original copy of the birth certificates. I know a lot of mamas aren't going to want to give that up. We can't take a

058copy. So, it's it's not an easy uh >> campus visit to to make, but efforts have been made. >> My son deal. >> We may be able >> They've been in existence since 1919. >> Uh I've known several people. I know of two right here in Ottawa County. There may be many more, but uh I've known of several people that went to that school and then later went back to work for Newport New Ship Building and Dryd dock. of very very highpaying jobs and >> my son is dealing with that now. It's not easy. >> No, it's not >> easy. You can't even get them can't even get them. Eat them at them. >> It's it's not easy thing. >> Not everybody can or wants to go to college. I mean, it's >> and that's

059that is a key component of this program as well. Um and a a key component of career and technical education is not every student is no >> to go to college. We need people to do trades very much. So we need people to go into the military trades and there's the collegebound path. Um so that's one of the other reasons why we've also worked with Southside to offer some additional certificate programs uh and certification programs for students as well for some trades that they could go into. But um Miss Barner and them do a great job of of hearing what the students interest and where they want to go and trying to work with them to line up these trips. Just some of them are a little bit more difficult to get into than others.

060One of the things we may be able to think about with that, and this just came up in my head while I'm sitting here, which is never a good thing when Marca just starts thinking um like they're all shaking their head. No, it's not a good idea when she starts thinking. But we may be able to reach out to one of the neighboring school divisions down there and see if they name for you. >> Yes, I know you have a name. >> I have a name for you. >> And see if we can deals with it. >> If we can get them there. >> Oh, >> to maybe bring them to a school that's neighboring that is connected with them and maybe we can do something like that. We can get them on base, but

061we could get them >> close enough that maybe they would meet us at that location. Uh we can work work possibly with that. We do have a good partnership too with um Hampton City Schools. So maybe they can can help us in some of that as well. We just can't get them necessarily on because of the ID, but maybe we can figure out something that's close by to have those conversations. >> What school was that you were just >> Hampton City Schools? They do a lot of >> See, I thought you mentioned Hampton Sydney City. >> Hampton, you know, she never HEARD OF THOSE. I DON'T THINK SHE COULD even speak THAT >> Hampton City schools, you know, they often they don't get stung by yellow jackets, SYDNEY. >> All right. Any other discussions? >>

062Just so you know, I I attended a uh forum on international trade in Richmond about a month and a half ago. The CEO of this shipyard was there. I have her contact information. She's at my house. I will send it over to you and I think they can probably hand help you out. Can >> you send it to me, please? >> Please do. Thank you. That's a >> Any other discussion under the consent agenda? >> All right. All in favor? >> I. Any oppose? >> All right. Thank you. >> All right. Our first uh action item. No. Emma. Hi. Oh, no. >> No, >> it's on the consent agenda. >> Yep. >> Uh, okay. First action item, Nway Middle School, uh, new course additions. Dr. Martin. >> So, Mr. Chairman, members, members of the board,

063in your packet this evening, you have a request to add two courses right now for Nawway Middle School for next year. One is a chorus course. Um, there's been an interest in that from students. we do have a teacher that can teach that and we have been um very creative in working with um our schools in scheduling so that we can provide some of this additional opportunity. So the course course there it would be for grade levels 6 through 8 um and then an adaptive PE course. This has really been a focus of ours to provide adaptive PE for our students with disabilities um and need. So this evening I'm asking for you to add those two courses for Nawway Middle School. There may be some future course requests as we're working through scheduling, but

064right now these are the two that we would like to add to the schedule for next year. >> All right. Do we have a motion to approve these new course additions for NI Middle School? >> Motion. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> I do have a question. um the adaptive PE course helped me understand um why that's necessary versus or is that meaning that it's going to be included in with the general education PE. >> So can I ask Dr. Gravely to speak to that department? So the premise would be they would still participate in the general education classroom um as well for PE but also have the opportunity to participate in adaptive PE um for sportsbased um application of skills specifically designed for for them to actively participate

065within the sport. So they would have both um opportunities. So would they would still be a class member with the general education um classroom and >> quote gym time general education but an elective select as an elective >> and it would be written into their IEP as they need to have adaptive PE as a service. >> So it would be a service >> as a CL saying >> yes >> potentially. Yes. And a class credit for it. >> So, they'll have the option for both, right? I just have a um and perhaps it's my understanding you know um using um if it's a service then it should come into the general education not in the an elective. It in order to put it in the schedule it has to be as an elective within their

066within their schedule time frame. So it will it's a added course but it is a service. So I think if we're getting into kind of like the semantics of of it all. Um so it is it is a course that they will participate in their PE class as their general elective through their genetic class. But in order to to have space within the schedule for it to be able to be provided, it has to be added as a course. >> I hear that. I just in my mind I'm thinking if we have a child that's in let's say a wheelchair, you know, then why are we not automatically providing those adaptive sports in the general education classroom? >> And they do. So it wouldn't necessarily be that per se for adaptive if they are able

067to fully participate in their in their regular gym class. So, it depends on I guess it would depend on what the nature of the activity is on whether or not they would be able to participate because I'm just thinking specifically at the middle school off the top of my head there's not anybody that would serve in that capacity that would fit that. I see where you're and I see your your thought process behind it too. But because it is different than what's been offered in the past, that's why they're getting approval for it to to happen because it has not been anything that has been offered in in the past. >> And and I fully believe that you and Dr. Martin both have students best interest is not questioning any of that. Um I'm just

068coming from the stance of um and as Dr. Martin has shared many times, you're a general education student. Absolutely. You know, I know that that is your belief. I'm not insinuating that you're trying to remove that. It just raises a concern for me that it might project >> and you know to our students that we're not going to provide you the adaptations necessary in gened where you in our now gym class >> and our PE teachers do a great job as it is um in their participation and it's one of those things that it's come up in conversations that we have had in meetings um as it being offered and we don't have it as as an offering. Um, so we want it's one of those things that we don't need it right now, but

069if it comes out and it is a need, we can't provide necessarily because we don't have time within our schedules because it hasn't been an approved course for us. >> It hasn't been proven and then we don't have dedicated time within the schedule to be able to to provide if need be. >> So I'm I'm going to say okay, but I would still love to talk to you more. >> Absolutely. at a later time to get a better cuz I still have that that that little hangup there. >> Absolutely. >> And maybe I just didn't explain it well enough. >> Well, it could be that I'm not processing it is, you know. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> All right. Any further discussion? >> All right. If none, all in favor? >> I. >>

070Any opposed? All right. Passes. Next we have Nawway High School new course edition. Dr. Martin. >> So Mr. Chairman, members of the board, I'm requesting permission this this evening to add early humanities. Um this is actually a dual enrollment class through SVCC. Um this would be a complimentary course to currently we offer an IT 115 course. It is a we have been stretching it over the course of the year but with Southside it truly is a one semester course. Um, but if we only offer it in one semester, meaning they would have it every day, we need a complimentary course to go with it. And this is what Southside has recommended to us. This also will satisfy um if a student elects not to go to governor's school, they are required to take four additional

071courses on their own outside of Nawway County Public Schools if they want to earn their associates. So adding this course in takes out one of those um courses for them. So then they would have to have three. There's a couple of other opportunities that we are looking at in some grant funding that possibly would allow us to add the option of students fully getting their associates through not so they would be able to get those four this course plus the three others before they graduate when they choose not to go. That's a process for that. But our goal is to eventually add in these additional courses into our offerings here for students to take. So, um, this is one of the courses that would satisfy for students that are pursuing their associates degree. >> All

072right. Is there a motion to approve the addition of this new course for the high school? >> Move to approve the new course early humanities for the 2627 school year for Nawway High. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> If not, all in favor? I. Any opposed? >> All right. Next is Nway Middle School multi-year support plan. Dr. Mark, >> Mr. Chairman, members of the board, in your packet this evening, you have the multi-year support plan for Nawway Middle School. The board should approve the plan, which focuses on areas of improvement for the middle school. The plan is based on current data and the work that they currently have going on. It is a focus on what you've seen in their school-based improvement plans and evidence-based strategies and interventions that they

073highlighted. I believe it was last month they highlighted uh their work at their school and their progress um and updated you on that. This plan has to be submitted as part of the school improvement grant process. Um so it is a requirement this year and this will be submitted to the department of education um once approved tomorrow morning along with several other documents that we have to submit with it. So it is based on the work that they have already been doing a focus on reading math um special education and improving our scores and progressing Nawway Middle School forward. All right. Move to approve the multi-year school support plan for Nawway Middle School. >> Great. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Yes. And this will apply equally to the one for

074the intermediates. >> Okay. >> We got this just this week. Did anybody else read this? I read it. Well, I got through it one time and it was like word salad and I could make no heads or tails of it. I didn't have the time to read through it a second, third, maybe even a fourth time. So, where I'm going with this is anything lengthy like this, we need advanced notice of 2 to 3 weeks minimum so that we can have a chance to read it, try to understand it, and if we don't understand it, come up with questions that we can answer be get answered before we're expected to vote on it. I can tell you I will do the best that I can. A lot of these opportun or the I don't say

075opportunities requirements come up very last minute for us and there is a very tight turnaround for this. Um the I believe they had the online meeting regarding this not but a couple weeks ago. I think we were during the snow days and then to turn around these documents that the state requires. I do my best to get them done as quickly as possible to them. I certainly can try to get them to you earlier. Um, but it is a lot of work. I understand your your your concern with the the words and those type of things and that they have here, but they do meet what the state says that we have to put in there. It's very particular things that are required in that document. Um, but I will tell you getting them turned

076around in a short period of time. Um, you know, this isn't a quick project to try to to get those and and get them in, but I will definitely try to get them to you sooner if you so choose. >> Well, if you would provide me with the name from of someone that handles this at VDOE and a contact phone number, I'll call them and tell them that they're not giving us enough time. >> Well, they have heard that multiple times from me. I've heard things. they they hear from school divisions, the superintendent of instruction or the secretary of education would be the two that um would be the ones that you would want to talk to. Um but and and the interesting thing about this is this plan is due. We had to take

077I will tell you a lot of what's in here is what's already actually it is it's all what's in their school improvement plans that y'all have had the opportunity to read and review multiple times. But the state is requiring now that because the middle school is a CSI school, a federally identified school, and the intermediate school is a TSI school, that I had to take the same information almost that was in their school improvement plan and put it into this template for them. >> So you have had this the the information is really no different than what you've seen in their school improvement plans and the past plans that have been written. It is in the form that meets the state's requirement. >> We would know this this is one and the same. How >>

078um >> well trusting that I'm telling you that but um >> actually supposed to vote on this actually our job is to trust you. We hired you >> to do this. So I'm I'm fine. We hire you to do something then do your job. >> We're going to trust going to give us information. >> So, thank you. I will also tell you that um most school divisions place this work on their principles to write these themselves. I am a firm believer that they have things that need to be done in their building and they do not have time to do work of copying and pasting documents over. So, um, with any of our schools when they have school improvement, I I let them work with their school improvement plans that they have and I try

079to take that load off of them to get these things done. Um, and so it is and both principles received a copy of their multi-year support plan and reviewed. So, I believe they can attest to you that it is very similar to what they already have in place with some wording that the state required us to put into to this one in focus. And that doesn't mean that I don't have to modify it because I can assure you they were actually due last week. Um they were due on the 6th. However, it requires board approval. And so when we found out that we had to get these in and get them done, most school divisions could not meet the deadline of the 6th because their board meetings were not until after that. So I already

080requested an exception to get this in. Of course, it has to be into them tomorrow so that they can review, but they said they would work with us. So, um, the state has worked with us very closely over the last few years, and we've taken the feedback that they've given and adapted to their 90-day plans and their and their schools. So, that's where we are with this, but it is it very closely resembles what you already see in the in their current plans that they've been reviewing and going over the last couple of months. Well, I make no have no intention of of making it sound as though I don't approve or appreciate all of your efforts, but I have to make an informed decision. I don't have to, >> but I think it's one

081of my responsibilities. I think it's the responsibility of each member of this board to make an informed decision when before they cast a vote. And I can't do that with this. I'll vote for it tonight, but again, please give me that contact information at VDOE. Uh maybe they've heard from you, but another voice. Uh >> yeah, I I definitely would like to I have a close sign that as well. Anything that requires board approval, they should not be rushing us. >> If it if it requires board approval, they need to give us enough lead time. And I don't I don't think that's too much to ask. >> Yep. >> From being We're talking about talking about the state. We're not talking about a public. We talking about a state. >> I know, but it's just

082I don't >> really I I don't I know that they do they put a lot of pressure. They going to do what they want to do. >> They put a lot of pressure on division and then told that puts a lot of pressure on us because we if we don't do it then it's we're kind of stuck. We're often I can tell you we're often given deadlines and we meet them, but it's weeks before we ever hear back on anything that we feedback. Um, a prime example, um, we finally got feedback on our financial monitoring for special education after it's been submitted for >> months, like two or three months. And we finally got feedback. We met our deadline and our requirement to them, but then once it gets there, we don't get it back.

083>> And I'm a deadline person. If you ask our this I will tell you this here being that I had to ask permission to turn it in a week later cuz I'm a I'm a deadline person and probably everybody in this room will shake their head. Yes. If she has a deadline, she's going to turn it in in advance. Um and something I could not do with with this. So >> just one last thing. Everybody at VDOE works for me and you and you and you and you and you and you. >> They work for us. >> Exactly. >> And that's they lose sight of that. >> That's nice to hear often. >> We already know that it's not going to work. We already know that. >> With that attitude, it won't it was it

084ain't either. >> All right. All in favor? I I >> All right. Next, we are at the United N School multi-year support plan. >> Move to approve. >> Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Dr. Martin has to say her spiel. >> No, I don't have to say my spiel. My spiel is going to be the spiel that I just gave. He really similar to the Nawway Middle Schools plan that we have >> made to mirror their school improvement plans and meet the modifications and request the request for the state. >> All right. Is there a motion to approve the now school multi-year support plan? >> Motion second. Any >> discussion? No. All in favor? I I >> All right. Next we are at the math innovation grant. Dr. Martin, >> Mr. Chairman, members of the

085board. So Nawway County Public Schools applied for the math innovation grant. So this is going to be a prime example that I will use from what you just talked about. We applied for this grant October, >> maybe November. >> I I don't remember the date. It was it was ways back. We just received notification a couple weeks ago that we awarded the grant. The grant period started months ago, but we just received notification. But it was a competitive grant offered by the Virginia Department of Education and we were awarded $193,913 to support the purchase and implementation of high-quality math materials, training and support and math best practices. Uh supplemental pay for teachers to work on curriculum planning and alignment outside of their contracted hours, family engagement nights to support learning and understanding of mathematics and

086math manipulatives to support an engagement. So this evening, we request permission to accept the mathematics innovation grant and the associated budget adjustment in the amount of $193,913. >> All right. Is there a motion to approve the math innovation grant? >> Move to approve the math innovation grant in the amount of 193,913 and the associated budget adjustment. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Is there a match at all? >> No, ma'am. There's not. All right. Any further discussion? If not, all in favor? >> I. Any oppose? All right. Motion carried. Next is approval of travel for superintendent Dr. Martin. >> Mr. Chairman, members of the board, in your uh board packet this evening, I am requesting to attend several conferences and meetings that are outside of the school district. The region 8 superintendent meeting, which is

087February 18th and March 18th. The governor's school evaluation meeting, which is March 2nd. the VSBA regional spring network forum which is March the 24th and the BAS spring conference which is April the 26th through the 28th. However, I'm only attending on the Sunday and Monday and I'll be back in the school district on Monday evening. >> All right. Is there a motion to approve travel for superintendent? >> Move to approve the five conference meetings outside the division for Dr. Martin. >> Second. >> All right. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? All like to say I I. >> All right. The last action item is the HVAC HVAC project. Maya. Good evening again. So, I told you you're going to hear a lot about crew primary HVAC project. Um so this evening

088we're coming to you to ask for permission um to allow us to actually fully name this as a capital improvement project. Um this permission will allow us to do a few things. It allow us to go through the process of starting to look at different options. Um and that involves getting you know engineering involved um on the HVAC side. It'll allow us to look at cost um so we can get an actual true accurate cost for that project and then it'll also allow us to to start looking into the funding options. Um because I said before, we've got the ability to apply for that school construction assistance program. However, in order to do that, it has to be um a board approved project. Um, so this this approval to move forward with this to at

089least name this as a capital improvement project is very important. It does not mean that we're going to start it tomorrow or start it two months from now. It has just given us the permission to start going through the process of actually um determining how big this project is, scope, cost, and then obviously funding cost. >> All right. Do we have a motion to approve the HVAC rep HVAC project? >> So move so >> yes we have a second >> second. >> All right any discussion? >> All right if not all in favor sign of I. >> Any oppose? Thank you Miss Ber. >> Thank you Heather. >> Thank you very much. All right, the non-action items. Uh we have two uh first reads tonight. Uh the first reading is first reading of file BDHR,

090school board member compensation and benefits. Uh as we discussed in our work session, uh the file as you have it in your packet, it will remain the same except for the highlighted portions that I will read. Uh the first highlighted portion reimbursement will be provide it will be added reimbursement will be provided for registration fees and associated costs lodging meals travel at the GSA approved rate for participation in professional development events and this part will be stricken. Reimbursement will be provided only for registration fees related to signing up to participation in the event. Reimburing will not be provided to cover the cost of dues or other associated costs for the professional development. So the rest of the policy will remain the same except for those two changes. And this is our first read uh for

091this tonight and this will come up for a vote for approval at next month's regular school board meeting. >> Mr. Chair. Yes, sir. One of the things that was discussed specifically uh was the payment of dues which are currently specifically denied and dues is not mentioned in the uh revision as I thought it was going to be. >> Uh would you like me to respond? Uh, so we played back and we listened to the wording that was provided back to the board at that meeting from us and this is how it was worded in our response. If that is something that the board so chooses they want us to modify, we're happy to go back and make a modification and bring it back to you uh for next month. If you would like it to

092specifically say payment of dues, but we'll need to know from the board how they would like us to proceed on that. Well, let me ask this question. Maybe keep it simple. And I'm expecting to get a membership renewal notice from the schoolboard member alliance any time now. this gets passed and I submit that for reimbursement, is it going to be accepted or denied with the changes as indicated? >> Right now it doesn't say do. So we would have to add that >> you would need to add that as a um possible bullet under underneath it if you would like to do that. I believe during the work session I I think I mentioned to y'all about the possibility of you could add something underneath that if you wanted to say membership in one other educational

093group if you wanted um at at your request we could do that but that was not what we heard in that. So if that's something they yall want us to consider we're happy to to go back and reddraft that and bring you a modified one for the next board. It's in my notes and I specifically remember I don't remember the exact wording but it's in there because that was the the crux of the whole thing that one word. >> Mr. Chairman I I appreciate what Mr. Allah was saying, but I asked you specifically at the end of the work session, were you satisfied with the verbiage that was and you said you were >> as I understand it to be. I believe. >> Well, that's this was the verbiage that was Let's don't get all

094wrapped around the axle. We're going to add this or not. >> Uh can we make sure >> you'll have to tell it as another first read for next? >> You don't have to do another first read. You can u wave your first read too. You could wave your first read tonight if you so choose and you want to adopt it a particular way. Um but if the board so chooses they want us to make a modification to it and present it that way. We can bring it back to you next month with those adjustments to it. You can either choose to adopt it, have more discussion, modify it right then and there. I mean you could do that tonight if you wanted if you want to dispense with the first read and actually vote on

095it tonight. We just need to know direction from the board as to how we need to modify this or do we modify it. >> All right. What's the board's pleasure? >> I mean, I clearly remember when this was put into place, I'm going to try and paraphrase it the best of my memory cuz I haven't gone back and reviewed it. Um, if we added in the reason why this was put in, I recall it saying something about um, if we didn't signal this out, if we didn't sign this out, a removal of dues and that means you could be a member of a cat dog society. I remember distinctly that being shared that we needed to ensure that the dues were not covered and that was the opinion of the board a year ago well

096almost two years ago now >> and let me suggest may I if I may suggest wording and I'll just read the entire uh paragraph reimbursement will be provided for membership in professional organizations for our professional development organizations, comma, for registration fees and associated costs, parentheses, etc., etc. Of course, it's going to be board ruling. My thought on it is we are one unit. We are one board. We wish to get additional training outside, then then so be it. Um, my opinion is we leave it as it is. Um, like I said, I'm I'm not in favor of paying for dues for other associations. I understand the paying for the other costs, but like we are VSBA as a board. I ain't going to say much, but I agree. How many professional development organizations do you

097belong to, Dr. Martin? >> Um, VSBAs, uh, for the school division because y'all are, and I'm a member of VAS, and then I personally pay to be a member of VASCD, which is a curriculum association. Um, and I personally pay to be a member of um the Virginia EL Association, which is paid for by myself, not the school division. >> So, what we doing? I just need direction from y'all as to how you want if you want us to or you want it to go like this with an I mean you could you could ask to amend it. Um you can vote on it that way the next meeting you can leave it as is and vote on it take it back and modify it whatever the board direction is. Well, I'm fine with leaving

098it as it is as a first read and voting on it as it is at next month's regular meeting like we discussed in our work session. >> I'm fine with the change as it is written because I do believe that when a member of the board goes to um an organization that supports board training that we should support them in that >> I go back to we're one unit, one board, we pay for one membership. But you're fine with the board paying for my attendance at one of their functions. >> Yes. Because you are receiving education to better benefit yourself and to strengthen your knowledge and we support that. >> Yeah. I believe all of us can be could should be compensated for training wherever it's coming from meals, lodging, travel, but I don't agree

099with paying for membership in another organization. the dues. That's why I'm fine with this as it is and leave it as a first read tonight and vote on it as it is next month's regular meeting. >> I'm fine with it also. >> What's your thoughts, Sunny? >> Well, that makes a little difference. >> Still curious to hear your input because you might change my opinion. >> Well, I I doubt it. Seriously. I uh I was under the impression that this was acceptable language and apparently now it's not. So I'd have to take into consideration some of those other things that I didn't when I read all of this initially. So I'm I'm okay with leaving it till next month and then make the determination at that point if whether it's going to be changed or

100not. >> So as of tonight we're leaving it as it is as a first read. All right. The next first read we have file GCP the resignation of staff members. In your packet, you will read the entire file and the what part of it that will be stricken uh recommended to be stricken is within two business days of the superintendent's receipt of notice of a teacher's request to resign. The superintendent will notify schoolboard chair and vice chair of the teacher's request to resign. The superintendent will also report to the schoolboard chair and vice chair the stated reasons for such requests to resign. So this portion within the policy will be stricken and the remainder of the policy will remain the same. >> Mr. Chairman, I'm the one that proposed this change simply because the superintendent

101is extremely keen on making sure this board is informed of every significant situation in the division. >> Yes. and basically has taken the position that when and I think we've only had one school year. I could be wrong there, but I think there was only one this school year and it's the one we're talk that is in a that we we'll hear about at some point in time. She takes into consideration the reasons why and how it impacts the division. We did not have that under the previous administration. That's why this was put in under the previous administration. So I would recommend that we wave the first read and approve this tonight. >> All right. We have a into a motion. >> I'll turn that into a motion. >> We have a motion to wave

102the first read. Is there a second? >> I will second it. >> Not sure what we did. That just means we'll vote on it tonight rather than wait till >> No, I'm talking about the read itself. I got to see it again. Oh, >> it just the notification um >> we received the notifications now. >> Yeah, it just taken out that part that has to do within a couple of days cuz we're already getting it. So, we felt the need just to take it out of the >> I got you. I got you. >> All right. All right. So, we have a first and a second to wave the first read of the policy file GCPB resignation of staff members. All in favor of waving the first read sign of I. >> I. Any oppose?

103>> No. >> All right. So, it passed to wave the first read. Uh, so that means we can move. Is there a motion? >> Move to approve the change. >> Is there a second? I'll second it. All in favor of of >> Is there a discussion? >> Oh, excuse me. And u any discussion? >> Yes, please. Thank you. Um I oppose this for the simple fact that as I shared in the work session, I don't want to appear to be wishy-washy. Um I heard the argument taken lightly, but discussion. Um the reason for it was that the previous administration was not forthcoming with information. I feel like if as a board if that's the way we felt then it should have been handled by discipline procedures rather than a policy move. Schoolboard policy changes as

104we all know um if it's based on the identity of a superintendent and we all know that by many people she was disliked due to performance. it can open and this is my concern the division up to legal ramifications um any decision based on um policies action or driven that's delivered that's based on personnel and if we change our policies based on personnel it could leave us open um anti-discrimination laws contract laws administrative procedures um if if it got to the point to where um it was questioned that we put this in because of performance and now we remove it because of performance. Why wouldn't just because an employee does a good job and or they meet or exceed the expectation, why do we change policy? if I arrive to work on time, do we

105change the manual to say I no longer have to come to work on time? I'm just really concerned that this is personal preference rather than um designed in a way to support the school system. And I just I I'm just concerned that not only the perception, but also any potential legal ramifications if there is an argument that it was changed simply because she was disliked. >> All right. Any further discussion, >> Mr. Chairman? Uh first of all, I resent the indication that it's wishy-washy. Huh? If you change something back and forth, >> I resent the insinuation that it's wishy-washy. The paragraph did not exist at all until this board made a change back in March of 24. And the reason the board made the change was because the board was being blindsided with resignations accepted

106by the superintendent. Now, I can only say that this that superintendent does not work for Nawway County any longer. Would I have personally removed that superintendent sooner? Answer to that question is yes. Could I have legally done that? The answer to that question is no. But I questioned that. Now I would like my friend to explain to me what law this possibly breaks if it's removed. >> I wasn't sharing that it could potentially break a law. >> Well, you indicated that. You indicated. Let me interrupt you. You indicated that there's the possibility of legal ramifications. Well, I'd like to know what those legal ramifications are. >> Then to answer that question, I would say that it is um the legal ramifications would be political or personal bias. And if we needed to correct an action

107by a superintendent, then we should have brought cause against her, not simply change a policy to and from. when we see that somebody is doing their due diligence. >> I don't believe that political bias is legal or illegal. There there there would go a lot of the basics or the bases that this country was founded on. That would throw all that right out the window. >> I probably shouldn't use political. I'm sorry. Thank you for that. Well, like I said in the in the work session, I just said I I our policies should reflect the current situation. That's that's all I that's all I said. I I and I don't know if it seems wishy-washy or but but our policies reflect the current situation that we're under. And if there's a situation that arises, policies

108change all the time. >> Well, then it should have been not because of another administration. It should have been because okay, things have changed. Why would you throw another administration under the bus? That that's my only concern about the change. What What difference does it make of what that administration doing and what this one doing? Let's change the If you're going to change the policy, change the policy. not discuss what another administration did. That's unfair. >> Mr. Chairman, >> yes, Dr. >> So, um, just for reference for y'all, this does not change the way that I mean, if you change it, it's fine. If you don't change it, it's fine. It doesn't it's really not going to affect me because I'm still going to proceed with the same level of communication that I always provide

109you with. So, um, just to to reference that for you, this either way, however you decide to do this, it is not going to impact or affect the level of communication or notification that I will still provide you with when we have resignations. Um, you know, I try to notify you of those situations as soon as possible. So, just I would like to put that out there. There's no impact on the current way that I will handle things. >> Any further discussion? All right. All in favor of making this revision, please sign a I. >> Any oppose? >> Nay. >> All right. Motion carried. >> All right. Next, we have the discussion of work session meeting. Miss D. >> Thank you. Um, so in a nutshell, same thing as what I think I've discussed the

110previous meeting. I'm not sure. Um I would like the board to consider um firstly for our joint board meeting that we have coming up that we conduct that meeting at their facility to where it can be recorded and posted and we could share that. Um in addition future work sessions if we can hold it here doesn't need to be live but if it's recorded um so that way individuals can come back and view it later. The reason for that um very brief promotes transparency. We all said that we want transparency within our schools to our public. It increases our own accountability. Um it improves accessibility for those who want to attend but cannot attend or maybe um there's a question later and you want to go back and review it and get a better understanding.

111Creates an accurate public record. Currently, there's really we can get the the notes from the meeting, but there's really no public record of our work sessions, encourages civic engagement, and best of all, it has a potential to build community trust by letting them know, yes, you can come to a meeting. Of course, we know that, but we're going to open our doors and show you everything that we're discussing and and what we're doing. I just would like the board to consider that especially for the joint work session and we all know that there was kind of like a difference of opinion on some things in that meeting and if we had a recording we could go back and view it but unfortunately we don't have that. Yes sir. >> You mean a well what is

112acceptable a voice only recording or does it have to be a video recording? I mean, if if we do a video, then we can see who's speaking and we can see who's in the room. I mean, what are your thoughts? >> Well, we can v or voice record >> anything. I don't know if we do in in work sessions. Uh, Charlotte, do we do you record uh by voice only uh work sessions? Yes. But after you approve the minutes, they are deleted. >> There you go. >> Is it publicly accessible? And it's deleted after the minutes are approved. So then it's no longer it removes the public access. >> I know I discussed with Dr. Martin and Charlotte uh the concerns they had with that was just the feasibility of doing it and having it

113set up and all of that stuff. >> Um >> for them to >> Yeah. for it to be set up for it to be for it to be done. Um I don't know if they want to speak to that, but >> it just wasn't not something that was feasible to have it set up to have it done like that. If >> you would like me to speak to that, I will. Um so of course this is the only room that we have that has the capability of broadcasting or streaming services. Um, so when our full-time network administrator comes on um later on, it might be an easier possibility, but it does require a lot of setup on our end um to get it up and running. Dr. Lewis has been in training back there. She's

114like, I don't like this seat back here. uh to get those items up and running. The camera system, it has to be angled at a particular way like for us to get it on there. Uh with a joint meeting, we would really have to play around and and work on that to see what it would look like. If I remember correctly, and Miss Wood can please correct me if I'm wrong, the county requested that it be in the mini auditorium because of I guess I'm assuming the space at wherever they meet is not a lot of space in their >> building where they do the their work sessions is very small, >> right? And so they typically will ask us to have it here. past practice has been we have not done work sessions as

115public meeting or video streamed meetings. Um but of course we will do and and work for whatever the setup in here is just a little bit more difficult as this building is used um or this room is often used by school things in here. For instance, today we had to turn this room around for this meeting because there was a training in here that did not end until after 3 and we had to um mop clean the room from the training cuz there was lunch in here, reset everything up, get the custodians in here. So, it does require a little bit more setup on our school end on board meeting days than what of course the schoolboard office does for us. Of course, there's limitations at the schoolboard office as well. We don't have some

116of those streaming capabilities there to set up. Um, but whatever the board chooses, this does require a little bit more setup for us in events like that. >> Uh, Miss Duncan, I have another question. >> Do you feel that we're trying to hide things from the public? >> No, I don't. But I feel like it could be advantageous um not only for that community outreach but also if as we're pondering things in the work session we can go back and we can view it we can digest it more. >> I think the public think that we are hiding things from them sometimes. I think they I think they do think that. I don't I know we don't, but I think they do. >> Where is the public? >> Except when we've got awards. Where is

117the public? >> But I mean, they might be viewing it at a later time. I mean, I don't know. I just I'm I'm from the stance of, you know, total transparency. I've always been, you know, that stance. And if the the decision of the board is that no, they don't want to, I support that decision as a unit. Um, it was just an idea that I've had. I feel like it is something that is important and valuable for our community. Um, and as I withdraw to whatever the board's thought is, >> well, that's just a discussion. I mean, something we put on the table. I mean, it's definitely something I'm not against it if it's something that can be done and it can be set up without a great deal of >> right work. That's

118what I said. >> I'm definitely I see no problem with it. So clarification, it can be done. That's not a thing. It does require a little bit of extra. >> But I'm not about putting maintenance or custodial services to come in. We've got to get about more putting more work on y'all. If >> it's not broke, if it's not broke, why do we need to try to fix it? >> I agree. But if this puts too much on you have enough >> but we are happy to do whatever the board >> something we can take under advisement and something we can we can continue to study. >> All right. Next we are atformational items. Uh Mr. Outlaw is there report? >> Nothing uh at this time. They're still trying to play catchup uh after all

119the the closings because of the Alaskan weather that we experienced. >> Indeed. >> All right. Is there a governor's school report from Miss Duck? >> There is. Um and some of the information I'm going to bring you tonight. I will tell you we're going to have to get followup information. So, I will give you the book cover jacket version of it. Um I asked Dr. Martin and she very quickly replied to provide information for attendees for governor school over the last few years. Um the reason why I asked for that information is because there is a steady decline in attendees for governor school for the next school year. We have a total of five students testing. Doesn't mean that they will qualify for it but it is five students testing. Why does that matter? The

120reason why that matters is because we have to pay for what is called slots for our students to attend whether they attend or not. Currently, we have and correct me for anything that I say incorrectly please. Um we have 10 slots that we have to pay for at a um individual slot is $85.90 with a slot fee of 7500. Is that correct? So that brings a total of $15,000 that we're paying for each slot. >> That's for the two-year. >> Yes. Yes. I apologize. >> That's not for one year. That's for the entire associates degree. >> For the entire associates degree. Um that is the humanities course. Now, we also do send students for STEM. STEM does have a lower rate because we're not paying for the slot fee. Um that cost for the two

121years combined is $9,277.20. Um so I'm bringing this to you more as anformational item. Now I have shared and I know Dr. Martin has shared with the evaluation for the GSSV our concerns regarding this. We do have the potential to quote unquote sell a slot. Um, we are researching what all that would look like, what would have to be done first, and what parameters that would fit into. Um, but I did want to share this information with you that I felt like it was very important. >> Any questions? >> Uh, Mr. Chairman, uh, Miss Duncan, what are your recommendations? Well, I think first thing we need to do is do some additional research into what the requirements are to get a school division to buy it. Now, mind you, if they don't buy it, we're

122still financially responsible to maintain it. >> Um, >> are we responsible in in forever? >> Yes. >> May I go, please, >> can I add to it for you? So, um, I did reach out to the director of the governor's school just to make sure that I understood this correctly because this has come up a couple of times just in conversation. Um, so we could seek and we have a governor school meeting next week. I do believe the >> 18th, I think. >> Yes, 18th. Um, and we could ask if another school division wants any of our slots for next year because they would be committing to a two-year commitment. You just you get a slot, but you've got to get it for two years. Um, and then of course at the end of that

123two-year, it would come back to us if we want if they so choose to take it. Um, if they have extra people that have applied and they want somebody to get in or things like that. However, I did ask her if the board wanted, which you would have to first we would have to know the process for that. Um, which she's got to do some work on. It may come up at their their meeting next week is if we permanently wanted to reduce our number of slots. That means to go down in the number that we have historically done since um, Governor started. That was many, many years back. And that's why she's got to do some research to see what is the process if we wanted to do a permanent reduction in the number

124of slots. So we can next week ask if there's anybody during the process because we're in the process of governor school um selection and testing. Now if there's another school division that wants to buy one of our slots for the upcoming year um and take on that responsibility. So that's an easy option. But if somebody says no, as Miss Duncan said, we're still responsible for that no matter what, whether we send them or not, because that wasn't the original agreement that NI had x number of slots in that program. Um, so there's a process there that we would have to go through with the governor's school board to determine what it is. And, uh, Miss Swain said she needed to do some research and discussion, so she may bring it up next week at the

125meeting on that part. But right now we pay for the humanities because that is actually part of the governor's school program and as Miss Duncan said for the slots for those students to attend uh five juniors and five seniors. Um the STEM works different. It's still housed there but we don't have to pay the slot numbers for that. So with our students that have applied for governor school this year uh those that are selected to attend will have to attend as humanity students because we are required to pay that money. And um Dr. Martin and I spoke about you know the causation for this. Why do we feel like this is happening? Um there's a variety of reasons which we have addressed with um currently GSSV is under an evaluation. So they're they're selecting feedback

126not selecting but they're asking for feedback from um the schools and the representatives. and we provided that feedback on some things that concern us. Part of that is um I know Dr. Martin mentioned um advertisement. What are we doing to attract these children? But also tonight we approved a new class for do enrollment. So sometimes um and quite often it's easier for a student to take the classes here at the high school and still receive that college credit versus leaving and traveling and having those different set of expectations that's on them is still at the college level but it seems to be a little bit more demanding than if they were actually in the physical school receiving those those same. So if the board has anything they would like for me thoughts to share between

127now and I think Tuesday, right, is our meeting >> Wednesday, please let me know and I will definitely share that. >> Do we regularly have slots that we've paid for that we don't fill? >> So I have the numbers. Could you forward this to them at a later time? >> I will. >> Um, so for this year, was this a mathematical error because we got >> 10. Yes. >> Okay. So for humanities, so you have a junior slot and you have a senior slot because you sign up for two years. So for the 2526, we had a total junior senior attendance of six for humanities and that's the slot we pay for 10. >> Well, right, but I'm saying that's the one we're m Thank you. We're required to pay for. So we use six

128out of the 10 required slots for this school year. And I'm just going to focus on humanities because that's the big one for us. For the school year 24-25, we used five. For the school year 23 24, we used 7. For the school year 22 23, we used six. And for the school year 2122, we used eight. So we have historical value of not using all 10 slots. So that's why um if the board approves it, that is something that we're going to move forward with is asking to sell and or remove some of the slots. And if it is, how many slots would you like us to remove? >> We can remove slots, right? And then we don't have to pay for them. >> We're doing the research on >> doing the research. I

129believe in order for that to happen. Um Charlotte may be able to speak to this from historically. throw it over here on Charlotte. Um, we that's why Miss Wayne's got to research it, too. But I do believe it is that another school has to agree to your slot. They because the original agreement was forged with the school divisions that are part. So, we're part of the Alberta >> Governor School program. That's where our goes. There's al there's also a Keysville one. Our program is made up of Meckllinburgg, Nawway, Brunswick, and Greensville are in our program. So, we would have to have one of those school divisions that are willing to permanently buy our slot. Now, they may be willing to take it for a year to say, "Oh, we or two years, right, for a

130student." They are >> They have a higher demand of students that have applied. Once they reach their cap, they can't add >> membership in the governor's school comes with a mandatory uh acceptance of so many slots. >> I'm sorry. Could you say that again, Mr. Outlaw? I'm sorry, I didn't hear the first part. >> Membership or association with the governor's school. If we do that, then they say you have this many slots. >> We we have committed to that in the initial agreement and I don't even know what year it was drawn up. I mean >> that's how it was. It was an initial agreement between those school divisions that each school would fund this number of slots because it's based that bases their budget for them as well. So that's the other reason why

131we are committed to paying that because it would be >> if you based on >> fluctuated every year they would have fluctuations in their budget. So when the original agreement was signed I don't know how many years ago because I know I attended governor school and Dr. gravely attended Governor's School before me. Um, that's been many years ago for both of us. It's been >> it's been that it's been that way for a long time that these are the slots we >> prior we had a significant number of students that would apply. We would test even in my days of being a gifted um >> our ADM back then >> our ADM was hybrid. would have and I don't I can't tell you what it is off the top of my head but >> we've

132had a declining AD for a while >> but I will tell you logical logical maybe not factual that we would have fewer applicants to fill those slots >> that that is correct but we also are testing a significantly less number of applicants over the years and this has just been in the last few years um well in my 20 years in the school division at some point we We were testing almost 40 kids were coming to sit for a test and for the number of slots you see 10 slots that was filling five humanities and five STEM. Now I mean even last year we tested 14 students for our slots and you can see that we only we only filled uh four >> well >> four humanities STEM we >> we didn't put any we

133didn't put any in STEM because we had to pay for those slots last year. >> Yeah, you're right. You're right. Four. Uh so we had like 14 or 15 students test last year. We've only had four except to attend. I believe we only offered to five maybe that met the qualification. There's there's tests that you have taken. There's score points and if their score points not high enough then the student may not be successful if that's the option we put them in. We don't want to send any student over there that's going to end up coming back to us. Um, and so this year, so last year we tested 14 and we only had four 14 or 15. We had four attend. This year we're we only tested and they tested yesterday or today. We

134only tested we were supposed to test five. Only four chose to be tested. And if you go off of that and that doesn't mean that they all I mean they meet the minimum qualifications. That doesn't mean the prerequisites for it. >> You know, we may be paying for >> extra slots. Well, by that rate, we will be paying for extra slots if we let them all in, too. So, that's where we are. Th >> This is what I've heard. The governor's school has a budget and they don't want it to fluctuate. >> Yeah. >> They don't want their budget to fluctuate. They don't care if ours does. >> Yeah. But there's needs to be a specific number. I would respectfully request that the four schools or four divisions that you mentioned that are part of

135the governor's school, we determine if they're maximizing the number of students that they have slots for in each of the previous years that Michelle Duncan mentioned because we haven't filled a year yet. >> Mhm. And at some point we need to have a rational discussion with the governor's school authorities to say you're going to have to reduce the size of your whatever to meet the expectations of the four schools that are providing students there as opposed to just >> Yeah. That way we >> sending them a check >> paying for things we're not using >> things that aren't being used. May I please? >> So, we have an agreement with that right now. So, it's not as easy, I'm sorry, unfortunately, as as that to do it. Um, and we have to keep in mind

136it is a governor school joint board. So, it's not just the four school divisions with us. Then we also have taken the ones that are on the other end of a county when we meet. Miss Swain is already is aware. Um I've already had this conversation with her at our last meeting that she was at and explained the number of students we had testing um and the concerns that I had and that the where our numbers were going. So definitely at our meeting next I think the the process to ask another school division to assume our slots for two years that's one thing which we definitely can do. We can put that out next week >> Wednesday. But until we have there's got to be some research on her end to go back because that

137was an agreement between all of the school divisions in the region to be a part of this and it was spelled out very particularly in this agreement. Um I I would use it very similar to the ENTC agreement between um Amelia and Nawway and how that's funded. It's spelled out very very particular in this agreement. I do. We would have to research see if we have a copy from >> we should we should >> we should have a copy from the original agreement but um >> and it's probably not going to so I will tell you if we do choose to if if once we follow the process it it's not going to be a this year thing. >> It is something that we're going to have to do moving forward to see what that

138process is and they have to have those discussions because that is the joint board and that agreement that is there for them. But we are certainly happy to have that. we are certainly happy to put out there um at our meeting next week if there's anybody that's willing to take any of our slots temporarily at least right for the yeah we can definitely put that out after and I will tell you some of them will not probably come up and say anything until after we finish the selection process which is March because they want to see who they've had applied >> same type of thing how many people they are letting in but we can definitely had the conversation at the next meeting that We definitely um have the possibility of having some slots available

139if anybody is interested on our side um to purchase them. And then of course they're supposed to get back with me with additional information on that. >> Does this agreement have an end date? >> How would my question? >> I would probably say it doesn't because it's very similar to unless it's dissolved or something. You're in >> you're in that sounds like a life sentence. >> My I don't know if this is a simple request. I think it is. >> The four schools that you mentioned, the four divisions that you mentioned in the Victoria section, >> Alberta side, >> Alberta, right now it's one school, not away, that has an issue. But if two, three, or four schools have the issue where they can't fill all their slots, there's >> that's the question I was

140>> there. There's always support in number. >> Well, I will tell you that >> more schools involved in not being able to fill the slots. Now, and I appreciate that this is a a a look to the future, but we have to take into consideration that we have in in the in the five or six years that Miss Duncan mentioned, we haven't met the expectation. It would seem to me that we're at a point with the governor's school that we need to make a determination if that membership is meeting our needs and if it is not then we need to get out of that arrangement >> the first process to of that to get out of it. >> Well then then that's when call say hey >> that's part of the research that um Marcia

141is having her do. I was going to ask you for the original documents from when we made that agreement if I could get those so I could read through those as well. Um but for the meeting next week with your permission I'm going to offer slots um whoever would be open for them. Our next meeting after this one would not be until May. Um, but other than that, um, I don't think there's anything else we can do other than do some research and see how we can operate moving forward after this year. >> Yeah. I mean, you we can't cut things off between now and and >> but I will definitely if if I have y'all's approval, I will offer um for anybody who'd be interested >> because we're not selling though. If we were

142if we were physically changing our reduction in the number, like if we were saying, "Oh, we're going to go from paying 10 to we only want to have eight slots or five," then yes, the board would have to prove either through the budget process or here to say we can reduce, but we can um and we can I can offer that to them too. Yes. >> Right. Well, my my purpose on it is is I'm not going to make actions without them knowing, but I just want to know they don't have to. Correct. What Marcia was saying is there's not a vote to be done, but my intent on it was to make sure that any actions that I make in that board is our board approved. >> Well, let's you think about ENTC for

143a minute. You read the agreement, there are exit provisions. If either school division wants to get out of this agreement, there's provisions and it spells it out how you go about it and who does what and so forth. So, does I think we need to look at this agreement and see what it says >> and go from there. But it it's sure not looking like this is something we want to continue. I will support your request, >> Miss Duncan. I supported his will >> to suggest to other divisions that may want to purchase a slot that we have available. >> Yeah. All right. >> Next, we have the SEAK report. Miss Duncan, >> thank you. Um, we recently had um our SEAK meeting this week. Um, I was extremely encouraged by it. I see growth

144in our SEAK. Um, based upon a year ago, it is night and day. So, I applaud those within central office and those in the community who are stepping up. Um we had a total of sorry six I count six individuals who was present not including myself um for the meeting. In this meeting um Heather did attend and she made a presentation on how funding um how special education funding is allocated. some of the rules that govern it. Um, and for the most part, that was the update on that one. >> All right. Thank you. >> Am I missing anything? Okay. Gotcha. >> All right. Next, we have our student less on report. >> We've had uh three field trips this week. Uh, two of them were on Tuesday. One was ODU for the seniors. They

145got to tour that college. And then there was an ENTC trip for the sophomores. Um February 11th, there was a VSSU trip for uh juniors and Mr. Rash's class. There was like a agricultural program. That was pretty cool. I I didn't go, but I know my friend went. Next week, uh, there's going to be, um, Edgar Allen Poe Museum field trip for the Dan World English seniors. And then February 24th, there is a Hampton University uh, field trip for seniors. Um, and then in athletics, the JV girls, they finished their regular season and they're going to play in the district championship on Wednesday, February 18th. Um the varsity boys also finished their um regular season and they're going to compete in districts this week in the second seat. They finished second season. We also qualified

146for a regional tournament that starts next Friday uh February 20th. >> Nice. >> Um wrestling, they are competing in their regional uh championship this Saturday at Pakosen. That's pretty cool. One of my friends also does that. Does pretty well in it. Um indoor track, they are competing in regionals next Wednesday in Hampton, Virginia. And then spring sports are starting up pretty soon. We start February 23rd. Um and then there was a dual enrollment presentation at Nawway for current juniors on February 11th. Uh progress reports are going to come out next week, February 19th. And like Dr. Martin mentioned, Dr. uh not Dr. Mr. Rash is selling strawberries uh for FFA. And then some important dates that are coming up is cap and gown pictures for seniors are February 19th. And prom for juniors and seniors

147is Saturday, April 25th. And then senior night is June 4th and graduation is June 6th. >> And um I just want to say thank you for all the stuff. I APPRECIATE IT. >> Thank you very much. Happy birthday. >> Not me. >> Even what it is. >> All right. Thank you very much. Next day, superintendent report. Dr. Mark, we haven't heard from you tonight. >> I was going to say >> with your voice. >> I KNOW. I'M SORRY. I SAID I wasn't going to say very much, but um I do have to to share a few things with you this evening. I mean, it's been a busy couple of weeks suddenly. >> But, um, tonight I want to focus on something that's simple, but I think it's very powerful. It is the people who show

148up each and every day in our school division. And you've heard me say these things before, but I mean, it is the truth about our division. In Nawway County Public Schools, excellence is not just a slogan. I shared this with the board of supervisors, I believe, the last time we were there. It is demonstrated daily by the people throughout the division that are ready to serve our students and our community. Over the past several weeks, we've experienced unpredictable weather, including last Friday's unexpected snowfall that quickly fell and accumulated faster than any of us anticipated. What stood out was not the snow. Well, it did, but it was the response that happened with it. Our bus drivers navigated slick and icy roads to ensure that every student arrived home safely. They did so very calmly. They

149did it very professionally and they did it without hesitation. Their commitment to student safety is something that we do not take for granted in this county. Our maintenance custodial teams and transportation teams worked tirelessly behind the scenes. They were working to prepare buildings, to clear walkways, to monitor conditions, and to ensure that our facilities could be opened as quickly as we possibly could. And as you are pretty much aware, what do they call it? Snowcrete, >> it was it was very it was very difficult >> to get broken up out here. >> Our food service team adjusted very quickly. They prepared meals and planning for students who just don't rely on us for instruction every day. But we have students that rely on us for a meal each and every day at school. Our teachers

150prepared instructional materials in advance and remained accessible to students and families, ensuring that learning continued despite the disruption in the weather. Our administrators and support staff coordinated communication, monitored road and weather conditions, and made decisions that are focused on the safety and the continuity of learning. But I also have to say there's a group that does not always receive public recognition, and that's our schoolboard office leadership team. They work daily to serve staff, support schools, coordinate operations, and ensure compliance and communications are very seamless. Dr. Lewis, Dr. Dr. Graveley, Dr. Greger, Miss Meyer, and Miss Wood work many hours planning and considering that what we have will be the best. They don't get thanked often enough, and they are truly appreciated for the work that they do. What I witnessed last Friday during the snow

151and what I continue to witness daily is a division that does not hesitate. When the moment calls for action, our people respond. That is not accidental in this county. That is pride. That is culture. And that's commitment in Ottawa County Public Schools. Our staff jump into action when needed because they care deeply about our students and the community. They take pride in their work and they're committed to excellence. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> IT WAS SHORT. YES. >> Thank you very much. >> Yes, indeed. All right. Under matters of schoolboard interest, uh February 25th, 2026 is our next school board work session. 6 p.m. at school board office. Uh March 2nd, 2026, we have a joint board work session board of supervisors and school board scheduled for 7:30 here in the uh

152NW High School meeting auditorium purpose of discussing the 2627 budget and capital improvements. On March 19th, 2026, there's a VSBA hot topic conference. Engage in person at the VSBA office Charlottesville or virtually. On March 24th, the VSBA regional spring network forum in Greensville County. On April 23rd, uh VSBA training, the board's role in school budget development. That's virtual. All right. Uh under other Miss Duncan, do you have anything? >> Um I do. Um the first thing is evaluation of schoolboard operational procedures. um once a year and I brought this up before once a year we are to evaluate ourselves and our performance um at a work session. So I'd like to mention it to the board that is something that we are due for. Um the next one is um that hard conversations are hard

153but they're useful. Um, I appreciate everyone here on the board, the staff um, of NCPS as well as the parents who are pulling together to make us the best that are possible. Um, we all make errors in life. I've made plenty. The true lesson in errors is how we handle them and learn from them, own them, acknowledge them, and make amends. That is what makes a true leader. Um, as elected officials, we hold positions of authority. Um, with authority comes the responsibility to model professionalism and civility, especially when we're dealing with other people who don't have the power that we do. And yes, there is a certain amount of power that this position holds. I am asking for acknowledgement that the previous interactions um have been inappropriate and a commitment that the future discussions with

154citizens will remain respectful and constructive. A community deserves leadership that listens, not leadership that is contri or belittles. That's all. >> All right. Mr. Wilson, do you have anything? Not at this time. >> Outlaw. Do you have anything? >> I have a civics question. Who is our state senator? >> I believe it's uh Tammy. Tammy. Tammy Moi. I think >> I don't know how to pronounce your last name. >> Mai. >> Good. Good. >> I don't think I ever heard it pronounced. I've seen it written, but >> I used to pronounce it like you did. Moai. >> Oh, it's Mokai. Is it >> Mokai? It's like I thought it was Mo. You get the gold star. >> All right. Um, >> Mr. Abbott. >> Yeah. just uh briefly, I I feel extremely privileged to sit

155in this chair and represent the folks in district 2, but I feel even more uh thankful for those of you that are sitting out there and those that don't come to these meetings, but show up every day to teach, to lead, to shovel snow, to run a school bus, to do all of those other things. Uh it is not necessarily amazing, but it is it is truly impressive to watch how all of this seems to come together so effortlessly. Yes. >> Despite knowing that there's all kinds of effort involved, it just seems to work. And I'm extremely thankful for each and every one of you and for all of those that may or may not ever hear my voice say that out loud. But I am extremely thankful for all of you. >> Amen to

156that. Thank you. >> Second that. >> Yeah, I can definitely uh second that and and pick it back off of what Dr. Martin said in trying to navigate this unusual is putting it mildly this kind of weather. I talked to a gentleman who was 93 years old the other day and he said he never seen coal like this but and and all the work that it takes to just to keep things going and and and I I I applaud all of our staff for all the hard work that they do on a daily daily basis and I it's not an easy job at all and I appreciate all the hard work. All right. Yes, indeed. We have the update. >> I got it. All right. Is there a closed meeting resolution? >> Pursuant to section

1572.23711A of the code of Virginia, I move that the board convene a closed meeting for the purpose of discussing the following specific matters. A1, the consideration of personnel for 14 appointments. One teacher, six substitute teachers, one assistant soccer coach, two food service workers, one instructional assistant, two assistant baseball coaches, and one computer technician, and on an information basis, three resignations. All right, there second. >> Second. >> All right, all in any discussion? All in favor? I. Yeah.