If everyone can take their seats, please. Good evening, everyone. It's wonderful to see everyone here. And I'm so excited to see our all of our um student representatives as well. Um, I am ready to call this February 12th meeting of
the Albertar County School Board back to order. Do we do not have any motions coming out of our closed meeting, but do we have a closed meeting certification? >> Yes. I move that the board certify by recorded vote that to the best of each board member's knowledge, only public
business matters lawfully exempted from the opening meeting requirements of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and identified in the motion authorizing the closed meeting were heard, discussed, or considered in the closed meeting. >> Second. >> Moved by Mr. Dillanbach, seconded by
Miss Lee. All those in favor? >> I I >> I. >> Any opposed? We are we have certified the closed meeting and we are going to move into roll call. And during this portion um it is just a chance for each of us on the DAS to introduce ourselves um both so
that you can put a name with a face if you're in the audience but for those people who are joining us remotely so that they can as they hear a voice they can put a name to it. Um so I am going to start with Mr. Grant. >> Yeah. Jason Grant, chief communications officer. >> Maxwell Keys Almo High School student
representative. Kate Auff, Jack Dwitt district. >> Uh, Bob Beard, Samuel Miller district. >> Ellen Osborne, Scotsville district. >> Rebecca Berlin, Whiteall district. >> Allison Spilman, atlarge representative. >> Jim Dylan, Rio district.
>> Judy Lee Ravana district. >> Matthew Hall, superintendent. Josiah Black, chief legal officer. >> Deian Reading, uh, chief HR Officer. >> Christine Thompson, clerk of the board. Aaron Stone, Assistant Division Counsel,
>> and thank you to all of our officers who are serving to protect us tonight. We appreciate uh you and um the time that you spend serving us. I would like to move us now to the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> I would now like for all of us to take a moment of silence.
Thank you so much. The next portion of our agenda is uh 3.0, the approval of our agenda. Do I have a motion to approve the agenda board? >> I move we approve tonight's agenda. >> Second, >> Miss Lee. Second.
>> Moved by Miss Osborne, seconded by Miss Lee. All those in favor? >> I >> I. >> Any opposed? Our agenda for today has been approved. Our next section is 4.0. Um, and at this time, I will open the floor for any announcements from
schoolboard members or the in superintendent prior to our plan presentation. This is often a time that we will also do um committee updates. I have one. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um the TJ ACE committee, which is Thomas
Jefferson Adult and Career Education Committee, met uh a week ago, two weeks ago. Um just to discuss what adult education was happening in our area. It's a consortium. Uh TJ Ace is moving to the PBCC campus which might make it
slightly harder for folks to get there for services but they're working on transportation. Last year they served 883 students and of those 342 were Almar residents. So we have a good chunk of
people there. Um they're focused on core academic skills and career pathways. And one new thing is they're looking at the pair pro certification which could potentially help us with our teaching assistance. >> Thank you so much. Do we have any other
announcements? >> We uh had a meeting with the first meeting of the year of ACES which is for environmental sustainability and we heard from Katina Dudley about the work her team is doing on um understanding how environmental sustainability is integrated into our curriculum and um
what questions need to be asked. and that's as part of our state um mandate. So um I'll also note that it's moving to Tuesday. So if now anyone wants to jump on that committee, uh it's on Tuesdays uh at 5:30.
>> Miss Lee, do you want to note anything about our visit to Stony Point this week? >> What? >> Our visit to Stony Point this week. >> Oh yes, we had a lovely visit to Stony Point to just see um some of their needs. I I thought it was what uh Principal Jensen had done with the
challenges that they've had with that building has been wonderful, but I would love to see her not have to face those challenges and so she can put more into the instructional leadership there. >> Thank you so much. And I I also intended and appreciate the time that family council and the all the school put took
to put together that time. >> Um I have a few announcements. Um, Miss Osborne and I went to Mountain View this week with Dr. Hos. Um, had a great visit. Loved their immersion program. Blown away that kindergarteners who um I
think 80% of them are um had not spoken Spanish before starting kindergarten and they were already speaking fluently, which was blew my mind. Um, and then Mr. Dylan Beck and I went to family council last night um and they were talking about wraparound services which is just
the amazing things that um we're doing for our community members. And then um last thing was Dr. Kaiser asked me to join the board for Star Health Pathways, the advisory board. And we had a meeting today and we were talking about um how
to teach those students goal setting and and uh to think beyond uh high school and what their futures might look like and how to set those goals, what obstacles may be in the way, what supports they have. Um it was really impressive. Our next meeting is in April.
>> Thank you so much. And one interesting thing about the Mountain View visit is we kind of got to see how the sausage is made because we saw a few minutes of a PLC meeting for third grade teachers doing math. That's really cool. >> One last thing for me is I went to the
SEAK meeting this week and they had the presentation from the parent educational advocacy training center. um and that was about how students are um referred to and become eligible for special ed services. It was an overview of the
process. >> Thank you for sharing. >> I have Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Um I was just we had have had a few meetings of the Elmer Foundation for Education uh and uh we are looking for additional board members if people are
interested. One of the projects that AF has adopted is looking to provide um support for more dental care for our students. Uh in talking with some of our principles, that's the largest unmet need. Yesterday, um group on the task
force went to Augusta County which has had a program of dental preventive screening uh dental care in schools for the past 20 years where they send a team out to every school twice per school
year. So, we're looking into those sorts of things. Um, also just in terms of field trips, um, the school board was invited to, uh, one of the field trips of third graders to Paramount Theater. And Mr. Dillanach and I actually went
and you've you've not lived until you've been in a auditorium with 400 or 500 third graders who were very excited about the program. And the program was very creative. It was about space, but it was really about relationships and being adventurous. And it was great fun.
on and there were kids in there who had never been into the Paramount Theater. There were kids who had been there and they were acting like they were old hats and then there were I think the CEO of the Paramount program said and one of those student says well my mother's performed here. So we have all different
levels of experience but it also underscores how important it is that we have uh guaranteed every one of our students at least two two field trips during the year. >> Thank you so much. Um I think we are going to do um uh school board student
representative Maxwell Keys of Elmar High School introduce members of the Elmar High School Black Student Union and they will share an update on their spring ret upcoming events initiatives and will present a student crafted proclamation in honor of Black History Month.
>> Yes. Before then I would like to make a few announcements. >> Would you like to Would you like to do your statement before? >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Perfect. So um just for for the public so every time we have a a student representative here we have them um um make a statement and so this is
Mr. keys uh first time on the dis. Um so of course first welcome and then um please share. >> Yes thank you. Well madam chair members of the board February is school board appreciation month and on behalf of the ACPS student body I want to take a
moment to recognize and thank you for your service as a student representative to the school board. I've learned firsthand how much time, thoughtful deliberation and care you bring into this role. You dedicate long hours to engaging with our community, listening
to the challenges that are brought forward, and providing leadership to help find solutions so that students can succeed. I'm especially grateful for your shared commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, circumstance, or zip code,
has access to highquality education. You consistently ask how decisions will affect students and how you hold the school division accountable for achieving meaningful outcomes. As a student representative, we have learned that leadership in public
service often requires engaging in complex and sometimes difficult conversations. It means considering different perspectives and having the courage to bring forward not only our own voice, but the voices of those we represent. On
behalf of the entire student body, thank you for your service, for giving students a real voice in the decision that shape our education, and for your continued dedication to the success of all ACPS students. >> Thank you.
>> So, you have a number of things to do. Do should we move to the to the um the the Black Student Union presentation? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Do you want to probably go down with your your your with your partners or are you more comfortable doing it up here?
>> I Yes, I can I can introduce them from up here and they can come up. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. Perfect. Come on up. >> Great. >> Come on up. We're so excited to have you here. So, take it over, Mr. Keys. >> The Black Student Union at Al High School has long been a strong and
dedicated community of black leaders. In this school year, the HSBSU has reached new milestones. This evening, we are pleased to share an update from two of our senior leaders, Tupe Moneta and Sienna Robinson. They
are joined by the BSU's co-advisors, Miss Lena Barnes, an experienced science teacher, and Mr. Tim Hamlet, a wellrespected career specialist. So, without further ado, it is my honor to present the Almal High School Black Student Union.
Hi guys, my name is Sienna. My name is Toni. >> And we are from the Almoro Black Student Union. Our mission is to promote inclusivity, community, and interconnectedness throughout and about the black community at Almoral High School.
So about our spring retreat. Last month Alamar's Black Student Union hosted a retreat at Ivy Creek Natural Area with over 40 students in attendance and multiple faculty and administrators present. Our goal was to promote youth leadership, encourage stronger academics
from our black student population, and discuss how we plan to celebrate Black History Month within our school community. We started by learning about the rich history of Ivy Creek, a story of black excellence that we were surrounded by. We knew we wanted to take advantage of having so many different
black voices in one space, and we wanted to make the most of our time by fostering our connection early on. We continued on to planning for Black History Month to figure out how we then wanted to connect to our school community. Then we had an open and honest roundt discussion about our academic performances. students were
able to speak up about struggles they face that hinder their ability to succeed in classrooms. In sharing our collective stories and holding ourselves accountable, we were able to come up with strategies like taking advantage of our peer tutoring center and establishing a discipline within ourselves to balance the student athlete
life. These we hope will improve each of our students academic lives and make us one step closer to closing the achievement gap. Lastly, we were honored to host Ziana Bryant as a guest speaker because she has been a great example of using your youth to your advantage and kickstarting
change that is long lasting. She told us her experience of taking the initiative to get the Robert E. Lee statue taken down and becoming the youngest elected member of the Charlottesville school board. Having a young successful black woman in our space allowed us to ask questions that can prepare us for our
futures as successful black leaders. We were able to talk about dealing with microaggressions and professional spaces, what it takes to be a change maker, and even how to ma manage mental health during high pressure times of your life. In the end, our retreat not only brought us together for a moment of
community and celebration, but also inspired students to do more, prepare for their futures. So, now we're going to talk about our experience as ACPS students. One student, one challenge that a lot of black students face is a strong prevalence of low expectations. I know a
lot of black students who are straight A's who are not shouted out as much as their other peers. So, definitely something we need to fix. Also, there's very few black students in AP classes. I personally have taken 12 and I've only had, I think, five black students across my four years at Almar High School take
AP classes with me. AP classes prepare students for the future and we definitely need more black students in them as we are the future. Microaggressions are also prevalent from peers and adults throughout communities in general and also in Western Charlesville, Macho and Almar. Those
hinder our learning environment and when these those also need to stop. We also feel a pressure to to represent our entire race. Often during history discussions, students who are not black feel like they can't speak up. But definitely students of all races should feel comfortable to add to black history
and just discuss how we can make it better for the future. So some ideas that we came up with on how to help and counteract these issues were one to interrupt biased behavior immediately. We notice a lot of times the microaggressions and a sort of casual racism kind of get swept under
the rug and are not addressed. And we believe that if teachers and faculty hold these students accountable then the behavior will decrease and students won't feel so comfortable um expressing this hate towards us. Um, second, we think that creating safe spaces for open
conversations will allow other students and black students to engage in our culture and learn about history from different perspectives and will benefit all of our learning. Thirdly, we think checking in after impactful events, especially in our
current political climate, there's a lot of controversial things being said and a lot of tensions in the air. and knowing black students knowing that we have someone in our corner and someone that supports us through these hard times is really beneficial to our learning and feeling safe in our school environment.
Last, we think that we should or that students should be encouraged to take leadership roles in advanced coursework because they are how we remain competitive and how we prepare for the future and we want students to take the most advanced course possible
um so that they can be prepared for the future. And now we will read our proclamation for Black History Month. Whereas black history is American history and is fundamental to the story of our nation, contributing profoundly to the development of our society, culture,
economy, and democratic ideals. And whereas the legacy of leaders such as Harriet Tubman, Thood Marshall, Shirley Chisum, and John Lewis, along with countless other advocates, educators, artists, scientists, and community leaders, reflects the courage,
brilliance, and determination that shaped our nation and advance justice and opportunity for all. And whereas Black History Month provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrates the achievements, resilience, excellence, and lasting contributions of
black Americans while also acknowledging the historical and systemic challenges faced in the continued pursuit of equity and equality. And whereas the students of Alber County public schools, including the Black Student Union of Alber High School, demonstrate leadership and commitment by organizing
meaningful events and educational opportunities such as black STEM inventor lessons and cultural celebrations and the Black Business Expo to ensure all students feel supported, valued, and affirmed within our schools. Whereas Almor County Public School's
mission is working together as a team, we will end the predicted value of race, class, gender, and special capacities for our children's success through high quality teaching and learning for all. We seek to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that
every student succeeds. We will know every student. ACPS values are centered around equity, excellence, family and community, and wellness. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that Almoro County Public Schools hereby recognize and celebrate February 2026 as
Black History Month and acknowledge all students, staff, families, and community members to participate in activities, education, service, and reflection that honor the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of black Americans. Be it further proclaimed that we call
upon our school community not only to celebrate during Black History Month, but to continuously support, uplift, and affirm black students, black history, and black culture, recognizing that our shared history, present, and future matter every day of the year. Thank you.
questions. And I would like to thank um the Black Student Union for writing this. Oftentimes these are written by um our Elmore County staff. Um and this time we reached out and this was something that was important to me to have this written
um since it is for the students that it's written by the students. So thank you for the time that you took doing that. Um, did you do we want to have some questions or do you want to is there any are there any moves coming out of that? >> Um, I just want to say first of all that
was super impressive. So job well done and it's not easy to stand up in front of us and this group. Um, and I was really struck by your comments about microaggressions. Um, and I think that there has been a push amongst in the community um for right to be training
for our teachers and staff. Um, and I'm not sure it's made a lot of headway um, within the central office and within the um, division. And I think that that's something you guys really showed the need for that. And so I think I and I hope my fellow board members will push
to get that um, done in our schools so that um, teachers and staff members are equipped to handle those situations when they happen as they're happening and stop them right away. So, thank you for bringing that up. >> Thank you. questions. >> I thought you guys' points were very
realistic um and and very brave to say. So, thank you for speaking. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Okay. Thank you guys. >> Thank you. >> Would we like to would we like to move this into would I'm looking at my fellow board members. Um I would like to move
this into the record by doing a formal vote on this if that is okay. >> Sure. Um, so I'm gonna uh and what that what that is doing is there's a proclamation, but then by taking a vote and each of us taking a stand, we put our names uh in addition to you having your names on it, we put our names behind it, and it goes officially into
the record, which I think is very important. Um, so do I have a motion um from my uh colleagues? >> I would like to move to make the uh Black History Month proclamation part of our official record. >> Do I have a second?
>> Um moved by Miss Spilman. Um seconded by Miss Lee and also Mr. Dillanbeck. Um I would actually like to take a um voice vote on this. Miss Osborne. >> Yes. >> I'm sorry, Miss I'm sorry. Miss Miss
Thompson. Miss Thompson. >> The boys. Apologies. >> Dr. Auff. >> Yes. >> Mr. Beard. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dillbeck. >> Yes. >> Miss Lee. >> Yes. >> Miss Osborne. >> Yes. Again. M Miss Bman.
>> Absolutely. >> Chair Berlin. >> Yes. >> So move. I'm by a uh vote of for in favor um zero opposed. I am um so proud to move the proclamation written by the Black Student Union into our official record. So thank you very much for your
time um and for everything that you're doing. >> Thank you, Chair Berlin. I would just like to make ask a question of of staff. Um, we've been talking about the relatively few number of black students who take AP
classes for some time. I would just like to have some sort of update at that. I I mean, I absolutely believe that, you know, one of our speakers only had a few, but I would like to have some sort of update on on the demographics of who's taking AP
classes as well as dual enrollment. I mean, I know it's probably in our uh state of the division, but if you could just send it out to us, I would be greatly appreciative. >> Thank you. Thank you for me for uh asking that. Um and my only addition is
I'd like to see it by pure number as well as by percentage. >> Mr. Keys, do you have another anything else for >> Madam Chair? I do. Yes. Thank you so much. So, Madam Chair, members in the board, again, this my name is Maxwell Keys and I'm a senior at Almal High School and a
student representative to the school board. This evening, I want to revisit a growing issue within our school communities, especially at our mall high school. An issue that has contributed to division within our school community and demands our attention now for the
betterment of our students. But first, I'd like to take us back in time six years ago to Mountain View Elementary School, where conflict arose over a door poster seen on slide one.
This poster was put up during Black History Month, however, was forced to be removed because it was deemed disruptive to the learning environment. Some may say it's just a poster, but others may say it's a representation of
something much deeper. This past school year, an approved studentled club has continuously made students feel unsafe, unwanted, and discouraged from attending school. This club has displayed posters in targeted
locations containing offensive and exclusionary slogans. These posters are not advertising a club, but representing a judgmental and disunified community.
These messages directly contradict our division's stated goal of helping all students thrive. Messages that I believe simply do not belong in our schools. Panorama Education, a K through2
data-driven education platform with a focus on social emotional learning and school climate, recently released data stating, "Students who feel safe and supported are 10 times more likely to make significant gains in reading and math than peers in a poor school
climate." Likewise, teachers in a supportive environment are also 62% less likely to leave their school. So now I'm calling on the school board to revise and clarify our division's
policies regarding student le clubs and their place within our school communities. No club approved by administration should create an environment where students feel uncomfortable or even marginalized. Our schools must be a place where
students can learn and where teachers can educate without disruption. This is not an argument about free speech. It is an argument about whether we are allowing students to thrive and whether we are truly fostering an
equitable learning environment. As a school board, our responsibility is to stand up for equity in our learning environments. So I challenge the board and everyone listening to reflect on this question.
Is the work we are doing truly creating a better, more united school community? Because unification supports education. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Keys.
>> Chair Berlin, if I may. Uh, first, Mr. Keys, thank you. That was uh very powerful and very well said. I appreciate your comments. Um Chairlin, I'd also like to echo Mr. Keys's sentiments on the occasion of schoolboard appreciation month. Um
because I work closely with you, I know how many hours you put into your roles and you have busy lives outside of your schoolboard work. I know that being a school board member can also sometimes feel like a thankless job. you feel like you please none of the people none of the time. Um, but I also know that
you're all in this work for the same reason. It's because at your core, you care deeply about our students and our teachers and our staff. Uh, and I admire that and I appreciate your work very much. I'd also like to pass out some certificates to each of you from the
Virginia School Boards Association. Thanks Josh. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you, Dr. Berlin. So, following up on u the school board appreciation, madame chair and members of the board, February is school board student
representative appreciation month. And as Max so eloquently expressed appreciation for schoolboard members, I think it's important that we recognize and thank our student representatives for their service to the board as well. You're not here for a line on a resume,
as I think Max just demonstrated. You are here doing real governance work. You show up. You listen. You ask smart questions. You bring forward what you are hearing in classrooms, hallways, clubs, buses, lunchlines, and everywhere
in between. That perspective cannot be replicated by any report or presentation. You also do something that is harder than it looks. You represent students across the division, not just your own friends, your own school, or your own experience. That takes
maturity. It takes courage. And it takes a willingness to speak up even when it might feel uncomfortable and to do it respectfully and thoughtfully. Your presence keeps us honest in the best way. You remind us that
behind every policy, budget line, and program decision, there are actual students with actual lives. You help keep the work grounded in what matters most, learning, belonging, safety, opportunity, and preparing students for
what comes next. So, Max, Max, Millian, Amy, Claire, and Leighton, on behalf of the Almal community, thank you for the time you give, the voice you bring, and the leadership you are building right now. We are grateful for you, and we are
better because you're at the table. and uh our chief of human resources Dan Reading is distributing certificates to the students. While as as Dan finishes that up, I uh beg the board's indulgence. I did have a
few updates on various things that have been um popping. But first, uh, I would ask like to ask, uh, Miles Nelson to come up, uh, school counselor appreciation. Also, just to briefly describe a grant that he
recently brought to Alamal County Schools around student mental health wellness. >> Hello. Good evening. Um, good evening, chair, members of the board, and Dr. Hos. Thank you for this opportunity to speak with you tonight. Um, again, wanted to begin by recognizing that we are just coming off National School
Counselors Week. Uh this is an important moment to pause and to highlight the incredible work that's happening every day in our schools. Uh across Elmore County Public Schools, our school counselors along with their colleagues, mental health support specialists, school psychologists, um nurses, in addition to
administrators. They show up for students in ways that often go unseen. They listen to worries big and small. They help students navigate friendship, anxiety, academic pressures. They respond to crises. They connect families
and resources. They create places within our schools and communities where students can feel heard and valued. This work is the heart. This this work is at the heart of our schools, the foundation of student support services. On behalf of the division, I want to publicly thank them for their compassion,
professionalism, tireless commitment to students and families. Um, with that, I'm also excited to share an update that directly supports and strengthens these efforts. Uh ACPS was recently awarded a state telealth grant for mental health services through the Virginia Department
of Education and the Department of Behavioral Health and Human I'm sorry, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. This grant provides $300,000 with the potential for continued funding over the next five years for a total of $ 1.5 million to support student mental health.
Through the grant, we are launching a new partnership with Cartwheel, a school-based telealth counseling provider to expand access to mental health services for all of our students. Cartwhe is a school-based telealth counseling provider that specializes in working with children, adolescence, and families. When a student needs more
support, we will now have an additional option to connect students and their families quickly to licensed clinicians through secure virtual appointments. This partnership helps address one of the most persistent challenges we hear from families and staff. Timely access to care.
Right now, community weight list for mental health services can be weeks or even months long. For a child who is struggling today, that can feel overwhelming. Cartwheel gives us the ability to offer additional pathway for care that is faster, easier for family to access, and
coordinated directly through our schools. This service does not replace the critical work of our school-based mental health professionals or our community providers. Instead, it builds upon their work. Counselors will continue to be the first point of contact. They will help identify student needs, connect with
families, and coordinate referrals. Cartwheel simply adds another layer of support for ongoing when ongoing counseling is needed. Through this grant, services are available to students across all ACPS schools. This program includes individual counseling, family support, and consultation with
school staff to ensure that everyone is working together on behalf of students. This reflects our ongoing commitment to caring for the whole child. Over the next few weeks, administrators and school counsel health professionals will be completing training and setting up accounts and families will begin hearing
more information about the program, how it works, and how referrals can be made. We are truly excited about this opportunity and what it means for our students and our staff and our families. It allows us to respond more quickly and to partner more effectively with families and to support our counselors
and mental health team with additional tools and resources. So, thank you for your continued support for student wellness now public schools and I'm happy to answer any questions. >> Uh what is the timing and the length of the the grant? >> So, the grant is
it's per year um and it should be renewable for up to five years. Um, what types of mental health providers are available through cartwheel? Is there a a minimum? I know that like Better Help and things like that have all come under fire for not
having high standards for their >> They're all licensed clinicians. So, they all should be licensed professional counselors, a licensed clinical social worker. They should all be um anybody so through the Virginia Board of Counseling, it should meet any standard to um provide telealth counseling within
the state of Virginia. >> Okay. >> So, if I'm a if I'm a parent and have a kid who's struggling >> and how do I take advantage of this? >> Yeah. So, you'd reach out to your school, talk to the school counselor, tell them that you're interested in tele health services. And so they actually
have services available from 8 am to 8 pm. So uh generally services can start within seven to 10 days. So that's phenomenal for any mental health service. >> Wonderful. >> Okay. >> I know this is online. Um will all of our do all of our students have access
to the high-speed internet that they'll need to access this or will they access it >> I mean from school? >> So that's where families would need to connect with their school. Um if you don't have access to um highspeed internet um we've worked with technology in the past for um
>> what are hotspots right >> um and if and working through a school there is the potential to have um sessions throughout school but we always have to look at capacity space and timing. So >> if if you cannot get access at home there's a potential for school also but
you have to work with the school to make sure that we have space and availability. >> We just need to make sure families know that. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Any other questions? So, I know Dr. Hos, you said you had something else. I know Bilmanwood has one other thing and then I have one
other thing. >> Yeah, I've got a good handful here or so. So, thank you, Miles. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Congratulations on the grant. >> Thank you, Miles. >> I do want to uh ask uh Dr. Kaiser uh has
an update on the um requested revisions to our club policies. guest speaker policies, etc. that uh her department's been working on. >> Uh good evening, Chair Berlin, Vice Chair Spilman, board members, and Dr.
Hos. Um I want to provide a brief update on the review of uh schoolboard policy IGDA related to clubs and outside speakers. Um, in November, we conducted a comparative analysis to identify gaps
between the ACPS policy and peer districts. Um, grounded in themes identified by the school board. Um, the policy review committee discussed potential revisions aligned to those themes. Um, since then we've gathered input through a presentation to the
family council and through targeted interviews and focus groups with students, staff, and families uh most directly connected to this policy area. Um, we will also be presenting this work uh to the student leadership cabinet on
February 26 to ensure student voice continues to inform the revisions. Um, a revised draft will be shared with the policy review committee next week and is scheduled for presentation to the school board on March 12th. Um, we look forward
to bringing the revised policy forward for your review. >> Thank you, Dr. Kaiser. >> Thank you so much, Dr. Kaiser. And I and I truly appreciate the work that you're doing and the team are doing to bring student voice and family voice into that conversation. And again, thank you to um
Mr. keys um for continuing to to lift that up. Um appreciate it. >> Okay, got just two more items. Uh one that's kind of a hot topic right now. Just want to provide a brief update to the board uh regarding potential student walkouts that are being discussed for
tomorrow, February 13th, particularly at Alm High School and Montichello High School. At this point, participation levels are unclear, but we are monitoring the situation closely. Uh we certainly I guess I would say I certainly I don't want to speak for
everybody but I certainly applaud the students for their leadership and their desire to make their voices heard. At the same time our primary responsibility remains student safety and well-being. Uh we have been in ongoing coordination with the Alm County Police Department
and the Alm County Executive's Office. We have also provided guidance to the principles at both schools to communicate clearly within their communities, including advising students not to leave school grounds. All parties should or share a common focus on
ensuring safety while minimizing disruption to learning. And um I'll I'll keep you updated on what's going on with that. The other item is um we as everyone is I'm sure uncomfortably aware we missed
many days of school due to an unprecedented ice storm. Um and one of the things we're working on right now is a debriefing process and afteraction process with all of our departments. Uh it's it is going to be comprehensive.
I've just reviewed transportation. Um, we'll also look at building services, communications, human resources, and each are reviewing their operational response, staffing, communications, and also uh potential
policy changes if we need to make them uh moving forward. Uh, I want to emphasize that a whole lot went right during this event. um and that our staff in transportation and building services engaged in physically
exhausting work. I would describe it in many ways as backbreaking work uh so that we could actually be open now, let alone uh during the event. But we will we'll we'll keep learning from this and we will make improvements moving
forward. Um as this information is compiled and analyzed, we will prepare a highle summary report for the board. Uh that report will include operational recommendations and where appropriate potential policy revisions for your consideration. Our goal is to ensure
continuous improvement while making our focus on safety, clarity, and responsible decision-making. And that's all my items. I apologize for the length of >> No, thank you so much. Those are important announcements, Miss Bilman. >> Yeah, mine actually piggybacks on Dr.
Hos. Um we received many emails about uh snowmageddon and um everything that went on and one of the things that was repeatedly brought up was the potential for virtual learning during um a closed uh extended closure like we had um and
we have heard that there are equity issues um and coordination issues. Dr. Hos and I had an extensive conversation about this and I think it would behoove us to do a feasibility study um and and have uh his his office look at what
would be required for us to move um to having a virtual option what that would look like how many days um we'd be closed before that would kick in um what sort of training and technology and infrastructure would be required I think it would be less than precoid times but
um Dr. Dr. Hos was open and um thought that the timing was right for us to do that. So I guess officially, Dr. Hos, I would like to ask um for a feasibility study to be presented to the board on um the potential of having virtual learning when we have extended closures.
>> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. And I have one last um announcement. And in a way, it's funny because um this person um uh is the backbone of our school board. Um and
because of that, this is actually not on the agenda because she does all of that. So if we put it on the agenda, right? So um it is also schoolboard appreciation week. Um and we want to honor the essential administrative work um that Christine Thompson provides to the
school board, the staff, and to our community. Um, there's so much that she does. There is so much that she does um in front of you, behind the scenes, making sure that I call the right votes, I announce the right names. Um, we could
not do this without her. Um, she is our lifeline and I so so appreciate. Um, so I have a a small uh token of love from um the school board and um the cabinet to share with you. >> Sorry. >> Thank you so much.
>> You appreciate it. So when I started as chair, we said that we were going to extend announcements to share more with the community and we really did that, didn't we? So we are really working to keep you informed, but also I know we have some important votes today. So I want to keep us going. Um so
the next thing I have on my agenda is um is 5.0 public comment. Um and I have asked um Miss Spilman to oversee our public comment for tonight. >> Thank you, Chair Berlin. We welcome public input at school board meetings.
To sign up to speak during the public comment period, you can do so in several ways. Online, sign up is available from 9:00 a.m. on the Monday of the meeting week until 2 p.m. on the meeting day. By phone, call school board clerk's office to sign up until 2 p.m. on the meeting day. in person. Sign up at the meeting
is available from 6 pm until the public comment period for in-person meetings only. Please note that the public comment is not if that public comment is not received at special board meetings unless specified on the agenda. Each speaker will have three minutes to speak, but the chair with board consent
may reduce this to two minutes should there be 14 or more speakers. The maximum number of people or groups that may speak at a meeting is 20. In the event that there are more than 20 people or groups who wish to speak at a particular meeting, each speaker will be assigned a number and numbers will be drawn to determine which people or
groups will have the opportunity to speak. Those who do not have the opportunity to speak at a particular meeting may sign up to speak at a subsequent meeting and/or may submit written comments to the school board's consideration. Speakers should state their name, address, or voting district. Address comments to the school board.
Limit comments to schoolboard governance or school division operations. Provide written statements and supporting material to the clerk. The school board will use a timer to track each speaker's time. Once the time is up, speakers are asked to wrap up their comments. To maintain respect, please refrain from
clapping or other audible forms of support. You may raise your hand instead. Debate with the school board is not allowed and the projection system is for staff presentations only. Do I have the list? Looks like we have um three speakers
tonight. Um the first is Jimmy Belaloo, if I pronounced that correctly. Sorry if I didn't. >> Good evening. I'm Jimmy Belaloo from the Scotsville District. >> Excuse me. Can you move the microphone? Yeah. Thank you. >> All right.
>> I would like to get begin by welcoming the new board members. I hope that your service here will not >> Sir, could you move the speaker just a little bit closer so we could hear you? Sorry. I know it's a little tough. You're tall. >> Are we good now? >> Yeah. Thank you. >> All right. As I said, I want to welcome the new board members and hope that your service here will not just be defined by
discuss by discussion, but by action, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the families that you serve. On December 19th, I submitted an open letter to this board. Aside from a brief reply stating that the letter had been forwarded to the
staff attorney, no other board member acknowledged it, not one. At the same time, Dr. in Berlin apparently had time to review my Google I I'm sorry, my LinkedIn profile multiple times, but did not have the time to message or respond to my letter. Families deserve
engagement, not avoidance. The reason I am here tonight is to address the special education system in Alberone County. In September of 2024, I formally requested an IEP evaluation for my child. I was told it would happen quickly. Instead, it stretched out for
nearly a year and a half. At one point after months and months of delay, my child was deemed inel ineligible due to an eye exam by a school nurse who is not a licensed opthalmologist or optometrist. Only after persistence back and forth
did we finally reach a completed evaluation and receive a firm draft IEP on February 9th of 2026. That timeline is unacceptable by any means. At the IEP meeting on February 9th, there was no school administration
present. >> Apologies. >> There was no outreach from the school administration beforehand. The assistant director of special special education did attune attend only by Zoom. She couldn't be bothered to come out to Stone Robinson. Okay, that's fine.
During the meeting, both the special education teacher and my child's classroom teacher agreed that the supports I was requesting were appropriate, reasonable, and necessary. Yet I was told those services could not be implemented not because they were excessive, not because they were
inappropriate, not because the not because they weren't needed. It was because the school does not have the staff to provide them. Let me be clear. Staffing shortages do not erase a child's legal rights. So I asked the board directly, why are we drafting IEPs that cannot be fulfilled? Why are
teachers acknowledging legitimate needs that the system refuses to meet? Why are families expected to accept we don't have staff as an answer? If we lack the staffing, then the staffing must be addressed. If resources
are misallocated, they must be re-evaluated. But the solution cannot be to lower the service to match shortages. This is backwards. Our children deserve more than paperwork compliance. They deserve implementation. Our teachers deserve the staffing support to do their jobs properly. And families deserve
honesty and accountability. I also have reached out um >> thank you for your request one second >> to request the number of students at Stone Robinson the number of special ed students and the number of staffing. Why is that information not readily available? What is the percentage? >> Sir your time is up.
>> Thank you. >> Um you can submit >> I think my microphone is off. >> Sorry. you can submit um your additional comments to the chair um and we will address them. Thank you.
>> Um number two is Phil Reese from Ravana. Madame Chair, members of the school board, my name is Phil Ree. I'm from the Ryana district. I have three kids in the in the school system. As you begin the budget process tonight, you will have to grapple with two important but sometimes
competing interests. One, helping ensure our students receive a world-class education. And two, helping Elmoral County become affordable. The larger the school budget is, the higher our taxes go up and the less affordable it is to live here. There are a lot of pressing needs in our schools
as you all know that. And I think most of you want to build a new high school. As you know, it's going to cost around a quarter of a billion dollars. If you're going to ask taxpayers to foot that bit, foot that bill, the data to support a new high school must be clear and
obvious to the taxpayers. I don't it is clear and obvious right now. I've shared some of that data with you via email. According to ACPS's own estimates, this is not my data. 10 years from now, there will only be a 146
student over capacity across the three high schools. That to me suggests that a new 1500 capacity high school would be overkill. But regardless of what you decide to do about a new high school, I would strongly encourage you to start
finding savings in the budget right now. Find areas that do not directly improve educational outcomes for our students. In the last seven years, ACPS has only added 160 students. But in the same time
frame, the superintendent has hired 83 teachers, 117 support staff, and 69 administrators. So for every one student added in the last seven years, superintendent has hired 1.7 new employees.
That is financially unsustainable to our county. I'm glad to hear that our teachers are getting a raise. They deserve it more than anybody. But our superintendent and school board still need to find ways to trim the budget. I encourage you all to closely examine the school budget for our administrators.
They receive much higher salaries than our teachers, but not every administrative position is vital to improving the educational outcomes for our students. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Um and finally, we have um Mary McIntyre from the A.E.A.
and she has um requested a special request tonight for five minutes because she is speaking on behalf of the entire organization on this special night. >> Hi, my name is Mary McIntyre. I live in the Rio district. I'm a reading specialist, a mother of one ACPS
student, and I'm the proud president of the Alamoral Education Association. I'm grateful for the opportunity to address you today because today is a historic day for us and for you in more ways than you know. Today, after more than four years of work, we will become hopefully
the ninth school division in Virginia to have ratified bargain contracts. Most bargaining campaigns that last this long do not succeed. So, simply reaching this point is a major accomplishment. But I'm also excited to announce that we have surpassed 50% union membership in our
licensed bargaining unit. and we are two new members away from reaching 25% membership of our education support professionals bargaining unit. Since we started this campaign in June of 2021, our union has grown from 460 members to
173. We now have the second highest membership density in Virginia. For the second year in a row, we have the highest membership growth in the entire VA. And we now have a trained union rep in more than 90% of all work sites. You don't just have a unionized workplace.
You have one of the strongest public sector unionized workforces in Virginia and that is something that we should all be proud of. It has been my absolute honor to serve the employees of ACPS as the president of the A.E.A. for the past year and a half, but I want to make it clear that the accomplishments of our
union are not because of me. From the records I've been able to find going back to 1951, I am at least the 37th president of the A.E.A. We could have never gotten to where we are today without the work of those 36 people before me. Mostly thankless, frequently
frustrating, but really important work. I reached out to as many past presidents as I could get in contact with and asked them to attend today as special guests because I want them to see the fruits of their labor and to know and feel how much we appreciate the work they did that helped us get here today. I ask
now, if you are a past president of the AEA, will you please stand so that we can acknowledge your hard work? Everyone down. >> Thank you. Y'all really do not have to stand up. It's okay.
Um, now I want to say more thank yous. Thank you to the VA and the NEA for the resources and the support throughout this process, including our current uniserve director, Bob Frink, and our former UD's Becca Saxon, Dave Oberg, and John Badino. Thank you to our incredible bargaining team who you met at the last
meeting, and to your bargaining team for their hard work. Thank you to Tim Clolobashar, our lead negotiator, for moving here from Minnesota and bringing your union values with you. Thank you to Dan Reading, your chief human resources officer, who is willing to have the tough conversations and has talked me
off a ledge once or twice. Thank you to you for not giving up on this or on us. And last, thank you to our members for the faith and the trust that you have put in us. I remind you A.E.A. members that I am not the union. You are the union. Now, today is not the end of
anything. It's really the turning of a page. We still have a lot of hard work ahead of us. The road that brought us here was rocky and things will not always be smooth as we shift into the new reality we so aspirationally bargained for. It is our intention to strive for good transparent
communication, to operate with integrity, and to address issues as they arise and to give each other some grace as nearly all of us will be implementing bargained contracts for the very first time. These contracts are not perfect, but they are wide reaching and they are
creative. They bring clarity and consistency for both staff and leadership. In one big chunk, our employees have gained things that they have asked for for decades, and we are confident that this will improve employee morale and retention. We hope you will use them to recruit new
teachers and support staff. We want you to brag about them, advertise them, and like us, brainstorm ways that they can be improved in the future. I look forward to working with you and continuing to represent ACPS employees in a progressive and productive
relationship that makes our slogan, strong staff, strong schools, a reality. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Uh that concludes public comment.
Uh the next thing on our agenda is approval of our consent agenda. Um I do want to make one note on our consent agenda tonight. Um item 6.8 um for information family life resource for adapted curriculum. Um um the CIA uh
committee did not reach the the was not able to review the family life supplement at its February meeting and will review it in March. This information this item isformational and does not require board approval at this time. Uh, Chair Berlin, I would like to go
ahead and pull that anyway and allow SEAK to have time to review that um to make sure there aren't any changes and have it brought back next month in the March 12th meeting. >> Okay. So, my the motion that I would need would be for uh to pull that agenda
item and to approve items 1 through seven as well as 6.9. So moved that moved by um Miss Bilman, seconded by or I'm sorry, moved by Miss Dr. AOV
second and then seconded by Miss Spilman. Um all those in favor. >> All those opposed. Um we have moving forward with the approval of the consent agenda. So items one 61 through 67
include and then 69 have been approved and we um pulled item 68 to allow the CIA committee in its March meeting um to review that. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. Our next agenda item is 8.0. Um this is
an action item and this is um the a vote on the collective bargaining agreement. um for um uh the 2006 school year. Um I do we had a lengthy discussion, a lengthy presentation and a lengthy
discussion, but I do always want to make sure I give my colleagues um time if there are any questions or any comments on the floor before we take a vote. As I mentioned last time, I am appreciative of
the the progress uh toward greater benefits for teachers and support staff. I also would urge the board to consider future significantly better increases in wages for teachers, especially in the
competitive environment in which we live. Uh, as a former teacher, I recognize that a 3.75% raise is a raise, but not a great one. So, I look forward to continued discussion about increasing
those wages. >> Are you suggesting we look at a different market basket for our comparison shopping that we do? Is there an a locality you would like us to include in that that we're missing? >> I'd love us to look at Charlottesville City Schools. >> I think they were in our market basket.
>> Yeah. Yeah. So, >> thank you for noting that. I appreciate your comments, >> Madam Chair. >> Of course, Mr. Keys. >> As a student, it is truly incredible to see all the teachers gain what they want. Um, and it shows a representation of working for what you want and and
it's a great it's great to see um for the students. >> Thank you so much. Are there any other comments from my or any questions from um my colleagues? I just wanted to mention um one bit of feedback that I got from a principal just about um the
difficulty that we have hiring substitutes. And so um I I hope that there is some forethought into the HR work that's going to have to be done to do that if there are the extra hours
um within the contract. >> Thank you. So seeing no further discussion um so so we are v voting on the correct collective bargaining agreement that was shared with us and that we have all had the opportunity review um digitally
there are paper versions in front of me um if any of my colleagues need a second to take a look. Um this is a roll call vote um but first I'm going to see if I have a motion um to move this vote forward. I move that we as a school
board approve the collective bargaining agreements as presented to us by the Aea and negotiated between the A.E.A. and the school board. Second moved by Dr. Aub, second by Miss Spilman. Um, we will
move forward in a roll call vote. Miss Osborne um on the collective bargaining. My god, I'm sorry. I apologize. Osborne Thompson, we're gonna see I could just look at it. Miss Oz, Miss Thompson. Wow. I need more caffeine, everyone.
Apologies. >> Or maybe less. >> Or maybe less. Okay. So, Miss Thompson, we would like to take a roll call vote on this important matter. >> Mr. Dylan Beck, >> yes. >> Miss Lee, >> yes. >> Miss Osborne, >> yes. >> Miss Splman,
>> yes. >> Dr. Auff, >> yes. >> Mr. Beard, >> enthusiastically late, yes. and chair Berlin. >> Yes. >> Motion motion carries >> by a vote of seven in favor, zero opposed, and zero abstaining. Um, our
collective bargaining agreement passes. I would like to take a second to celebrate. Josh, it is it is important in life to take a moment to celebrate even though that is something we don't often allow. Um I am taking chair's discretion to
allow that today. Um it because that did pass we will now move into the official signing um of the agreement. Um I am asking um myself u Miss Spilman and Mr. Reading to move forward to um to to the
signing um and Miss McIntyre and Mr. Kobachar to sign um on behalf of the unions. series of hands and hand them. >> It doesn't matter. Okay, let's be efficient. They don't have them anymore. I mean,
they were never Now we switch. >> We could have planned this better. I mean the timing is awkward. I think I' never seen your >> Thank you. Dr. Mr. Black, we're gonna get all of you here if we
could please. >> But they stripped out all of the descriptive That's a great idea. >> Am I shaking hands? >> Negotiating the rules by negotiate. >> Okay. Awkward.
18 months just to figure out the ground rules that were not present because the legislation had strict up. You want the pasta? >> If you're a past president of the AA, will you please come forward and join us for a picture?
>> I didn't tell you that. want to come down here. >> No, you guys are great. Yeah, you're great. No, you're great. >> John, get up here. >> Here we go. Thank you so much. >> Sat down too soon.
>> I got You're gonna help me by getting Jennifer. >> Yeah. Um so I'm going to use chair's discretion um and we are going to take a break ahead of the funding request.
Um so it is officially um it is 7:40. Um we will be in recess or in a break until 7:50 and at that time we will have um Dr. Hos's funding request going forward. Thank you so much. >> Is that okay?
>> Yeah. meeting of the Alberark County School Board February 12th. Um, putting back into session. >> That's funny. >> I will give everyone a moment to grab their seats >> in their water. >> Yes. and their water and their snacks.
>> Thanks. >> Uh, let's take a slide. >> So, the next item on our agenda tonight is the superintendent's presentation of the fiscal year 2627
draft funding request. Um, and Dr. Haw will be presenting this. Um, before he begins, I just want to make a note. One of the things is this is the official presentation. Um and all of the all of the school boards have me members were
just given this um like what do you think Roslin and Maya 300 page 400 page binder um of all of the uh the he's he will be doing the over but this is all the background material. Um this is also not in paper form um but uh digitally
all of everything that we have is available to the public um so that they can also uh see all of the data behind it. Um the way this works tonight is this is the official presentation of the request. Um one of the things Dr.
hospital talk about is how over the next uh special work sessions as well as school board meetings um the school board um uh will be presented by different people from the cabinet uh uh uh information on uh multiple pieces of
information um and then that will be up for discussion and questions. So the way tonight generally works is you won't see the school board digging in and asking um questions and specific questions around this funding request for my colleagues. If you have a few that is fine but because there is so much
information one of the the the ways um we will often do this is we uh kind of listening to this funding request we spend some time digging into the details um because we literally just received this at the beginning of the the board meeting tonight um and then in the
subsequent uh meetings um we will have robust discussion um and questioning regarding it. So just wanted to to share that that format and Dr. Hos will be talking more about that in his presentation. So without further ado, >> thank you Dr. Berlin. So this yeah it's
a marathon and this is you're at about a 5K right now. >> So good evening board members uh members of the school community, our our staff that's here uh tonight. We want to begin by saying thank you. Thank you to students, families, employees, and
community members who shared their voices and priorities throughout this process as to where we are right now. Thank you to our school and division leaders who brought forward thoughtful ideas grounded in the needs of theirs. I also want to thank the superintendent's
cabinet for your leadership analysis and guidance and our financial services team. I want to thank Rosalyn Schmidt, our chief operating officer, our financial services team, Maya Kumasawa, director of budget and planning. of
course, uh, Jackson Zimmerman, who's our school's financial officer, and Brooke Conover, senior budget analyst, for their careful, collaborative work on this draft. Finally, I want to recognize Jennifer Butler, Deputy Chief Communications
Officer, Jason Grant, Chief Communications Officer, and Lauren Hunt, communications coordinator, for their excellent work on budget communications, community engagement, public responses, and the preparation of these materials. Our 2627 draft funding request is
grounded in a simple belief. The decisions we make today shape the futures of the students we serve and the future of the community. Tonight, we'll walk through the progress we are seeing, the challenges that remain, and the disciplined investments we believe will
move us forward. Can't seem to move my slides forward, though. Christine, you know what's up? or Jenn >> can't move forward. >> That's it. >> We're done. >> Oh, just clip on.
>> There you go. >> Thank you, Jennifer. Thanks again, Jennifer. Okay. Public education is our community's most important investment. One that strengthens our workforce, sustains a thriving Outlaw County community, and
shapes our students futures. Almalt County Public Schools invests in every student so they are prepared to learn, contribute, and lead in a diverse and evolving world. That commitment is not abstract. It's operationalized through
our strategic plan, learning for all. Our strategic plan anchors the work of this division and guides every major funding decision we make. At its core, the plan is focused on ensuring that every student has access to engaging, meaningful learning experiences and the
support they need to succeed. That purpose is reflected in our vision and grounded in the shared values of equity, excellence, family and community, and wellness. Our strategic goals focus on three priorities: thriving students, affirming and
empowering communities, and equitable transformative resources. These objectives shape how we evaluate needs, set goals, and align investments, and make decisions across our school division. So, the question before us is,
how are we doing? At midyear point, as we uh saw recently, our strategic plan continues to guide steady progress across academic outcomes, student supports, and organizational health. Reading and math results are trending upward overall,
including improved outcomes for several student groups, though significant achievement gaps remain. Science results are slightly lower than at midyear last year, but showing encouraging growth trends. At the same time, attendance has reached its strongest second quarter
levels since prior to the pandemic, and chronic absenteeism continues to decline across the school system. Taken together, these indicate these indicators tell us three important things. The system continues to stabilize after the pandemic. Conditions
for learning are improving across our schools. And the momentum we've been building is real, but progress alone is not our only goal. Equity requires that we look more closely where gaps persist. When we look across multiple years of
student data, we see consistent progress in key areas tied to our strategic plan. Standards of learning results are trending upward overall and we already meet or exceed state averages with the with the so test averages with students
with disabilities exceeding state averages for the first time ever last year. On-time graduation rates continue to rise and remain above state averages at the elementary level. Literacy data show continued progress in reducing the
number of students identified as high risk for reading difficulties. And this is a key indicator measure with the Virginia Literacy Act. Divisionwide, Almalt County Public Schools ranks among the top performing school divisions in the state when compared using the
Virginia Department of Education accountability framework. At the same time, achievement gaps persist and school level performance is not yet consistent across the division. While the majority of our 24 schools are cited as distinguished, we have the
largest proportion of distinguished schools in the state and the top performing elementary school in the state. Six of our schools are remained uh remain rated below state standards on the accountability framework. An important reminder that continued focus
and target support, targeted support remains necessary and we must keep listening to what is and what isn't working at the classroom level and making adaptations. These outcomes, both our successes and our challenges are influenced by the
stability and capacity of our system. Organizational health remains a critical strength for Almalt County Public Schools as we sustain the work of our strategic plan. Teacher retention remains higher than before the pandemic and our vacancy rate at the beginning of
the school year remains lower than prior to the pandemic. Both are beating state averages and outperforming our competitive peers. also beating national averages, reflecting the value educators place on working in Almalt County Public Schools. Results from the ACPS employee
engagement survey conducted by Gallup show that employee engagement continues to increase, supporting continuity, focus, and stability across the schools. Over the past two years, the division has adopted new reading and math curricula. With those major transitions
in process, schools are now focused on implementation with fidelity. And we are seeing that focus translate into improved student performance. In short, our 2,800 plus ACPS team has the organizational stability and expertise
needed to advance our strategic priorities. That strength positions us well, but it does not remove the capacity and infrastructure pressures we continue to face. More schools are now operating above 95% capacity, highlighting a key
constraint that affects school climate and our ability to fully meet student needs. When we look across both our student outcomes and our organizational health, a clear picture emerges. That picture shows a strategic plan driving meaningful progress across our
school system. Academic outcomes are improving, but achievement gaps remain and required focused supports along with increased accountability, particularly in our transformation schools. Attendance gains must be sustained and overcrowding continues to affect
learning environments in several schools. The draft funding request before you is grounded in these three realities or in these realities. It prioritizes investments that strengthen student outcomes, support staff,
and ensure resources are aligned with the goals of our strategic plan. The draft funding request is also shaped by six principles approved by the school board nearly eight years ago. Veteran board members will recognize
them as the foundation for how we approach every funding request. Fiscal responsibility remains foundational. We align resources with our mission to support student success while maintaining long-term financial stability. Community engagement is
essential. Families, staff, and business and nonprofit partners and community members help shape and inform our work to attract and retain a strong workforce. We prioritize competitive compensation through market aligned salaries and benefits. We also focus on
sustain sustainable operations using best practices to manage facilities, transportation and services efficiently. Every proposal brought forward in this request is aligned with the strategic plan and board priorities and decisions
are informed by data using performance measures and logic models to guide investments and ensure funds are used effectively. Together, these principles keep our budget focused, discipline centered on and uh centered on student
success. Consistent with our commitment to community engagement, we have engaged in intentional listening through the development of this draft budget. Starting last fall, we sought input from across the ACPS community through
multiple aligned processes. This included advisory committees and leadership groups, a communitywide survey that generated our largest budget response to date, and ongoing schoolboard feedback through the state of the division, accountability
framework reports, and mid-year reviews of division and school level data with the board. the engagement. This engagement identified shared priorities, highlighted areas of concern, and directly informed the recommendations reflected in this draft funding request.
Before we discuss our recommendations, it is important to understand the financial context in which this draft funding request was developed. Beginning with our revenue sources, ACPS funding comes from three primary sources, local,
state, and federal revenues. You will notice a larger percentage increase in the state side, about 16.5%. That increase reflects the restoration of the state funding that had been reduced in the prior years, the prior
two years, rather than new or expanded support. Local revenues are increasing by about 7.2%. Which aligns with growth in local tax assessments and reflects expected formuladriven
growth, not a material expansion in available funding. This comparison helps clarify that the revenue growth reflects restored state funding and structural local growth, not a significant shift in overall funding
capacity. That context is important as we examine how these revenues are projected and allocated. Local funding is the primary driver of Albal County Public Schools operating budget. This is because the Virginia Department of Education's local
composite index determines that Albamaral has a relatively strong ability to pay based on its tax base and adjusted gross income. To support long-term planning, we project local revenues based on commitments adopted by the Alm County
Board of Supervisors as reflected in the county's fiscal year 26 adopted budget. School operations are funded through a longstanding local tax revenue formula used for at least 30 years. Now, we know that because we found, I won't say the
oldest, but the longest standing member of our finance team, Jackson Zimmerman, who's not here, who's been here for at least 30 years, and he said it was here when I got here that they were using that uh allocation. That allocates 54% of the increase in
shared revenues to public schools. It is important to note that the board of supervisors is the only public body authorized to levy taxes and determine the total amount of local revenue available. The school board develops its budget with in the funding level
allocated to public schools through that process. We are grateful on behalf of our students, staff, families, and community for the board of supervisors valuing public schools in providing a consistent, predictable, and reliable funding stream.
We must all agree that when Almalt County sees revenue growth, it is fair that our public schools, who play a critical role in that growth, can rely on local tax revenue funding, a predictable funding stream to plan for our children's future. With our revenue
framework in mind, we can now turn to how this draft recommends to allocate our revenue to its best use for kids. This view of the ACPS operating budget shows how each dollar is allocated before any new strategic investments are considered. The largest share of the
budget, shown here in purple, supports our current level of service and accounts for 94 cents of every dollar we spend. This includes salaries and benefits, required staffing and services, and ongoing costs of operating
our schools. Additional portions reflect require required cost increases and the opening of two new school buildings this fall, Mountain View Upper Elementary School and Ace Academy Lambs Lane campus. And after I um had made some
comments about this presentation recently, Christine Peterson, the new principal at Mountain View Primary, reminded me that we're really opening three schools. Um not building three schools, but we are transitioning the Mountain View Elementary to Mountain
View Primary uh coming this fall. Commitments tied to our recently adopted collective collective bargaining agreement are shown here in green. This category addresses compensation increases and working conditions and benefits for all ACPS employees and
accounts for 3.8% of the total operating budget or approximately 4 cents of every dollar we spend. One strength of the collective bargaining agreements is that they bring greater clarity and predictability to staffing costs over the next three years while also
reinforcing the workforce stability I referenced earlier. strong retention, low vacancy rates, and growing employee engagement. Providing educators and education support professionals in a meaningful with a meaningful seat at the
table strengthens ACPS internally and helps us remain competitive externally. All of this finds its way to our kids and their quality of life and learning. Together, the commitments reflect or reflected in the purple and green
categories account for the vast majority of the budget and significantly limit the discretionary flexibility available. The remaining 2.2% or just two cents of every dollar represents the area where the school board has limited but
important strategic flexibility. This is where decisions are made about priorities, timing, and the scale of investments. Our draft budget was developed with significant fiscal constraints.
Large portions of our budget are non-discretionary or tied to contractual obligations, realities that shaped our work from the outset. Importantly, this process did not begin from a clean slate. Over the past two years, ACPS has had to reduce or
eliminate multiple programs and positions, resulting in approximately $10.5 million in operational savings. Those trade-offs have included the elimination of elementary foreign language program, the JOTC program, reductions in instructional coaching and
other school-based positions, reductions in division level and school-based staffing, and the deferral of investments such as furniture replacement, technology replacement, and guaranteed field trip experiences. I share this to underscore that the few
strategic investments before you this evening reflect careful prioritization after difficult decisions and continued commitment to fiscal discipline. We have been clear about the fiscal constraints shaping this budget and the trade-offs already made over the past
two fiscal years. With only a small portion of the budget available for strategic investment, we approach this work with discipline and focus while remaining grounded in the feedback we received from the community, the staff, and the board. When the board speaks, we
listen. You have been leading us through this process all throughout the year within the insights you find, the questions you ask, and the direction you provide. So, I don't think there'll be surprises. From that engagement, several consistent
priorities emerged. Maintaining small class sizes, strengthening math instruction and the use of student learning data, expanding hands-on career-based learning opportunities for secondary students, ensuring access to highquality instructional materials, and
increasing specialized supports for students with disabilities. A note on class size. Class size remains a clear priority for our community. Anytime we survey the community, it's number one in the survey. Given our constraints, further reductions are not
feasible. Reducing class size by just one student divisionwide would cost approximately $4 million. However, the proposals before you are designed to maintain, not increase, current class sizes, which do remain
below prepandemic levels at all school levels. Based on these priorities and our anal analysis of impact, sustainability, and fiscal feasibility, the draft funding request includes five targeted strategic
proposals designed to advance these priorities within our fiscal constraints. Over the next several slides, I will walk through each of these proposals at a high level. We will have opportunities for deeper discussion during the upcoming budget work sessions.
V Virginia's accountability framework emphasizes career readiness. In fact, they've got a a scoring rubric that they use. It's called the three E. Employee or um education, employment or enlistment. That's they call it the three E framework. Uh it emphasizes
career readiness, credential attainment, and successful transitions beyond high school. Career and technical education pathways required component of that framework reflecting the Commonwealth's expectation that school divisions prepare students academically while also
supporting workforce and post-secary readiness. To state it simply, preparing students for life beyond high school is central to our vision and it's the right thing to do. This proposal reflects the second
year of a multi-year commitment to Scholar Studios as the program continues to scale and enrollment grows and it is growing particularly at ACE Academy Lambs Lane campus. Scholar studios are not optional
add-ons. They are a core part of how ACPS meets Virginia's expectations for secondary schools and prepares students for post-secary education, enlistment, and employment. Scholar studios are intentionally designed around smaller learning
environments, specialized staffing, and strong connections to industry and post-secondary partners. Many CTE courses are capped at 20 students due to instructional design, equipment, and safety requirements conditions essential to program quality
and student outcomes. As enrollment grows, sustaining program quality requires staffing and operational supports beyond traditional high school ratios. This funding builds on last year's implementation work to ensure that student supports, access to rigorous
career aligned pathways, and program quality keep pace with growth and facility capacity. High-quality instructional materials are foundational foundational to equitable teaching and learning. Yet, our investment in these resources,
particularly textbooks, has not kept pace with either rising costs nor with the needs of our educators. Over time, relatively flat funding has led to uneven student access to update textbooks
and core instructional materials. This places a greater burden on teachers and contributes to variation in students learning experiences that we hear about. This strategic investment establishes a sustainable funding baseline for textbooks and other essential
instructional resources including technology and databases. It aligns with recommendations from the 2023 Bellweather report, an independent review that identified consistent access to highquality instructional materials as a key driver of instructional quality
and student learning. Across our division, we are seeing growth in both the number of students receiving special education services and the complexity of their needs. That growth places increased demands on existing staffing.
This proposal responds directly to that reality by adding targeted staffing, a behavioral specialist, an adaptive PE teacher, and a learning specialist to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements as well as
recommendations from our special education advisory committee. It also supports safe and inclusive learning environments and ensures students receive consistent individualized instruction align with their IEPs and Virginia standards of learning. This
is not an expansion of programming, but a necessary adjustment to meet current demand and sustain inclusive practices. The math and data support specialist proposal addresses a persistent challenge across the division. While overall math performance has improved
modestly, achievement gaps remain. This strategy responds by embedding instructional and data expertise directly in schools with the greatest needs. These specialists strengthen core math instruction and support teachers in
analyzing student data and help schools make informed instructional decisions dayto-day. This is a capacity building approach designed to improve the quality and consistency of math instruction across classrooms and produce sustained gains
over time and across enrollment groups. Over the past two years, Almar County Public Schools has built the capacity to make this one-time transfer through difficult reductions and disciplined budgeting decisions, including reductions in staff and
reorganization. During that time, the local composite index has returned to more typical levels, restoring state funding that had previously been cut. Rather than immediately reversing prior operating budget reductions, this proposal
reflects a measured and strategic approach. We are recommending a one-time investment of a portion of these restored funds into the school capital program. This approach mitigates future fluctuations in state funding, supports
long-term budget sustainability, and allows the division to address pressing facility needs while maintaining a stable and responsible operating budget. Our recommen recommendation to make a one-time transfer to the school capital
program is grounded in a robust communityinformed planning process through the capital improvement program and the work of the long-range planning advisory committee. School construction and renovation consistently emerge as a top community priorities.
Capacity, modernization, and accessibility needs are identified across multiple facilities with particular urgency at the secondary level. These are needs that cannot be addressed through the operating budget alone. They require long-term planning,
dedicated capital funding, and deliberate sequencing over multiple years. This approach allows us to advance critical construction and renovation projects while preserving operating budget stability, avoiding ongoing
commitments that may be difficult to sustain. In short, our recommendation aligns community priorities with sound financial stewardship, addressing pressing facility needs while protecting long-term sustainability.
After reviewing our strategic progress, examining our fiscal realities, and outlining our proposed investments, this slide brings those elements together. The 2026 27 draft funding request
reflects total anticipated operating revenues projected at $311.3 million. These figures incorporate current estimates across local, state, and federal funding sources and are aligned with the assumption that assumptions and
constraints discussed throughout this presentation. At this stage of the process, we are presenting a balanced draft funding request with anticipated revenues aligned to our projected expenditures. As in prior years, these figures
continue to be refined as additional information becomes available and as we receive further guidance from the school board. The budget development process is far from over and the work ahead will continue to be collaborative. When
the board speaks, as I said, when the board speaks, we listen. You have helped shape and guide this process all along with students and families at the center of every decision. And as I said earlier, we're we're just not at the
beginning of the beginning, but the end of the beginning. And I just want to pause with this young man uh here at one of our schools working on uh phonics and think about
the future, right? think about these uh young people, these young adults that are that have become a big part of our lives and we we're celebrating them as members of our student school board. I uh every once in a while you you work
in these jobs in schools and do it long enough. Um and I had an epiphany, which probably not be an epiphany for you, but for me it was. Um, have I know all of you been out to see our school musicals, right, at the high schools? I
mean, they are amazing. I remember when I first started in Alm County. Um, in 2004, I went to u went to see the musical and it was Chicago and I thought, oh, you know, I'm used to student musicals. This will be kind of a
snoozer. Uh, and I couldn't believe the quality of the production and the professionalism of the students. It was just amazing. It just blows you away. So, if you haven't been to one, I I really encourage any anyone that hasn't been to one of our musicals to please
attend. Um, you will it'll be well worth well worth the attendance. And, uh, so, but every year Sherry and I go out to all three of them and it's a it's a joy. Last year we attended uh Legally Blonde at at Western Mar and it was it was
great just as usual. I usually sit in that upper tier so I could stretch my legs out a little bit right there at the edge and students were lined up. There were students in the play that were lined up to run through the audience back to the stage. And I don't know why
in particular because I I see the kids almost every day, but looking at these students, I it dawned on me that none of them were were born when I came to Alb County schools back in 2004. In fact, most of them weren't the the
students I was looking at weren't born when I came to work in this building. And I thought about that and their lived experiences and how they play out annually. We talk about the budget. We say, "Well, we gather our revenue for
that year. We spend the money for that year. It's one year at a time." But the reality is is that it's not really one year at a time. It's when you back up to to this student, this is his
time in school. More than a decade. He'll he will I hope always be one of our students and make his way through the system. And I wonder what will he do as he makes his way. My
hope is that he can do what he dreams to do and be who he hopes to be. Will he have a lead in a spring musical? Will he study and practice engineering or culinary arts or civic impact?
through his gifts and the love and of learning, the love that he receives from his teachers and educational support staff, the learning he receives, what will he give back to us during that time like like
these students and giving back to us now because of all that was poured into them over their time in our school system. Every decision reflected here is guided by a simple question. What does this mean for students and the
futures they are building? That question and the commitment has shaped every recommendation before you. I'd like to close by highlighting several key milestones in the budget development process, beginning with our
first budget work session on February 19th, which will focus on expenditures, including the strategic proposals outlined this evening. Second work session on February 26 will focus on revenues and will be informed by the county executive's recommended budget,
which is scheduled to be presented to the board of supervisors on February 25th. That same evening, the school board will host a public hearing, providing an an important opportunity for students, families, and staff, and community members to share feedback directly with the board. On March 4th,
the board of supervisors will hold a public hearing on the county executive's recommended budget, offering another key opportunity for community input as the county budget moves forward. Our final school board work session on March 5th will focus on next steps as we move
toward finalizing the division's funding request, which is scheduled for the school board approval on March 12th. The board of supervisors is expected to approve the county's fiscical year 27 budget and set the tax rate on April 22nd, followed by the school board's
adoption of our 267 school division budget on April 23rd. Throughout this process, board members and members of the public can visit k12arl.org/budget to access up-to-date information, supporting documents, and
the complete budget development calendar. Questions may be directed to budget k12.org. Starting now, you start asking questions. And thank you for your time and your thoughtful consideration this
evening. I really appreciate it. Thank you, chair. >> Thank you so much, Dr. Hos. U and I Let's leave on the screen these two pieces um because I think they're very important. Um as I said at the beginning, um all of the documentation um that u the board receives is
available to the public um on the budget and this email on budget atk12.org. um as as individuals be be it myself, be it Maxwell, um be it my father um who is uh you retired and living here, anyone
in the county who has a question um about the budget, it gets sent in here, the team and the finance team answer it and then all of those answers are made public. Um so it is a wonderful and important um piece um as questions
arise. Um so I encourage everyone to take advantage of those two things. And then the third thing I ask everyone to take advantage of is the public hearings. Um just like um we are always available for public comment. Um there are meetings that we have specifically
designated a public hearings. Um, and I am asking the public, you know, uh, to consider, um, making sure that they come out, um, or virtually and provide public comment on the budget. Um, because it is something that, um, we listen to. Um,
and I encourage constituents, whether you have children in schools or not, um, students, teachers, um, it is important for us to hear from everyone in the county. >> Yep. Yep. So, as I mentioned, this because of the structure, this isn't a time where we go deep into questions because we now need to go into the
budget, but I do want to uh leave the floor open for um my colleagues to see if there's any points of clarification or questions that come up immediately. >> One quick comment. Uh I noticed in the uh list of five priorities
um in my opinion what's missing is uh improve focus on reading or continued focus on reading. Um I think I would urge uh Dr. Hos to include that as a top priority. Um, looking at the picture of
the young black student, I know that at Woodreck Elementary School, 75% of the students of color did not pass the third grade uh reading so last year, and that needs to be addressed obviously, and
we're making progress. I'm glad to see the the new curriculum, but I I would urge uh us as a board to consider um how we can continue that progress and speed up that progress.
>> Other comments or questions? Do we um have information about what is going to present be presented in that kind of that cadence of information or is that something that um um the team is still working on or that you would like input on? >> Um the plant, you want to know what the
agenda is for the work sessions, >> correct? >> The first one um will be an overview of our expenditures. So, um we'll talk about that that dollar bill and how those costs are broken out and what make up those costs in more detail. And there will also be a walk through um the
budget book to see where you can find all those pieces of information. And then the second work session will be focused around revenues um including special revenues because there were some questions about that. um our school fund state revenues and our school fund local
transfer. Um and that will follow the the day after the county executive's budget recommendation. So that what that's why that was planned. And then the third work session will be for followup and discussion and how uh you all want to move forward. >> Okay. Thank you so much.
>> Any anything else? Do we have a time yet for the presentation to the board of supervisors? >> I'm hold I'm holding 100 p.m. on my calendar. I don't know if we have if that has been finalized yet.
>> We usually won't we'll hear probably two weeks before. >> Okay. >> But it usually runs between 1 and 3. >> Okay. >> But it's March 16th. Is that correct? >> March 16th. Is that right? Um, yes. >> Matt, could you go back to the last slide on the list or Christine the last
>> the dates? I just want to make sure I have them all. >> Is it? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> A huge thank you to Dr. Hos and the and then the the the um operating and finance teams for for their work on this
and I look forward to many hours um reading through um uh with a magnifying glass and a um a highlighter um and I know um my colleagues do as well. >> The next piece I have on the agenda is
um agenda 10.0 other business. Um and today um Dr. Kaiser um is going to speak for a moment about um proposed adjustments to the 2006 2007 school calendar and remind me on this this is is this
something we are voting on or is this just a piece of a a point of information for >> for reviewing? Thank you. It's got I got to get it up there. There we go. But I can't see.
Can you see that? Thank you. All right. Good evening again. Uh Daffhne Kaiser, assistant superintendent for school community engagement. >> I'm having a Is it just me? Am I having a I'm having a little trouble hearing
today for some reason. I was >> try one more time. Apologies. >> Good evening, Chair Berlin, Vice Chair Spilman, board members, and Dr. Hos. I'm just going to do a little reach out in the audience. I don't mean to pick on
anyone. Heidi, can you hear? Okay. Or okay. Okay. Apologies, Dr. Kaiser. Keep going. >> That's okay. Uh, good evening. Uh, tonight's, uh, presentation is for, uh, board review of proposed adjustments to
the 26 27 academic calendar. Um this is not an action item um this evening. Uh we are sharing the rationale uh school community feedback and proposed updates before returning
for approval on a future consent agenda. Um the work aligns with our strategic plan commitment to highquality teaching and learning for all. Ensuring that our calendar supports sustained professional learning and predictable scheduling for
families directly uh supports student success. Tonight we are requesting uh board review of two items. Uh first adjusting the placement of two professional learning days in the 2026 2027
calendar. Second, explicitly listing potential snow makeup days on the calendar. We will also share school community feedback gathered through a divisionwide survey and seek board input before returning for action.
Um, as a reminder, over the past two years, we have implemented several intentional shifts, uh, alignment with the Charlottesville City Schools and surrounding division, earlier start and end dates, ending
semester 1 before winter break, maintaining consistent major breaks, uh, meeting state and contractual requirements, Um these shifts were informed by extensive school community input and remain intact uh under this
proposal. Across surveys and committee discussions, the community emphasized calendar alignment, early start and early end, semester ending before winter break, and predictability of breaks.
These priorities shape the current 2026 2027 calendar and are not changing with this proposal. During the implementation of the 2025 2026 calendar, we received consistent
feedback that the current placement of uh professional learning days is imbalanced especially the first semester. Um staff expressed that clustering the professional learning days uh limits sustained professional learning,
coaching cycles and instructional improvement. Um there was also feedback that pairing the professional learning days near holidays reduces fragmented instructional weeks. Um the feedback led to the proposed adjustments.
Um we are proposing two adjustments. Um move the September 25th uh PD day to September 8th. Um this places the uh PL day adjacent to Labor
Day and creates approximately four weeks before the next um professional learning day. And then the uh second adjustment move the February 16th um date to January 19th. And this provides approximately
seven weeks between the November 2nd and January 19th date. and again between the January 19th and March 18th date. Um importantly, uh no instructional days
are added or removed. Um teacher contract days remain unchanged and the overall structure remains intact. Um this slide affirms that uh school start date remains August 12th, school
end date remains May 27th. Uh we have 177 instructional days and the um contract structure remains the same. Nothing structural changes beyond the placement of the two PL days.
Um the purpose of these adjustments is to improve the distribution of PL days. Um s support sustained professional learning, reduce fragmented weeks, maintain alignment with neighboring divisions and preserve consistency
between the two calendar years. We gathered divisionwide survey feedback from both staff and community members. Overall responses were generally favorable to both proposed adjustments. Um those in favor appreciated the
clustering days to simplify planning and travel and creating more concentrated long weekends. Those opposed expressed concerns about potential learning loss, child care challenges during longer breaks, and continue cha changes to the
calendar that had already been adopted among staff. Feedback was generally favorable, particularly regarding the more even distribution of PL days and the need for additional early year professional learning. There was more
concern about the January 19th shift. Some staff noted quarter 3 as an important time for data analysis. um they preferred spreading breaks more evenly and several expressed interest in
making the day after winter break a teacher work day instead. Overall, however, staff sentiment supported the September shift more strongly than the January shift. Community feedback mirrored staff
feedback in several ways. Families were generally favorable to both adjustments. Many preferred fewer, more concentrated 4-day weekends over more frequent 3-day weekends.
Similar to staff, families expressed less support for the February to January shift, citing its proximity to winter break. A smaller group preferred more evenly spaced 3-day weekends rather than clustering days.
Um, in addition to the two adjustments to the um, school year 2627 calendar, we are proposing to explicitly list potential snow makeup days at the bottom of the calendar for clarity. U proposed
dates in order of consideration. Uh, January the 19th, February the 15th, March the 18th, and March 19th. Um the number of days will depend on weather conditions. Uh flexibility will
be maintained during the spring semester. This change improves transparency and predictability. Tonight we are asking the board to review adjusting the placement of the two PL days
um adding explicit snow makeup dates. Again, these changes do not alter the instructional time. They maintain contractual requirements, respond to school community member feedback, and improve clarity and professional
learning continuity. And then uh at this time, we welcome the board's feedback. >> This seems reasonable to me. Thank you for your work on this, Dr. Kaiser. The only question I have, this kind of goes back into my research days, is I
you rarely see distribution like that on a survey, right? It was just it's just that it would I was just pointing to Miss Spill a minute, you you often don't see like so many people against like it's definitely favorable, but you often don't the the number of people that were only gave it a star, right? You usually
see something a little more elker or something. It's it's just a very interesting distribution. So I don't know if there is anything in that data that we could look at. I've been again we're not move we're voting on it today but that is in into their comments or is there is there a concern and without
again making sure we keep it confidential of like a type of employee like I just am trying to understand it's just an interesting this is my geeking me geeking out a little bit so apologies for the late night. Um but it's just an interesting piece. So, I just wanted to look at those one if there's anything we
could do to look at those one stars again. >> Okay, we can definitely do that. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. >> Um, the next piece on our agenda is other business by board members and
superintendent. And I have an apology here. I failed to allow Dr. Reading to um acknowledge the negotiating team. I'm not a doctor. >> You are a doctor. >> I am not a doctor. My initials are DR.
>> See, I gave you a degree. You should I'm deceasing. Okay. So, I for I apologize that I did not ask Mr. Reading to um acknowledge his negotiating team um as part of our presentation. So, I just wanted to give a moment for him um to to be able to highlight those people um who
supported the efforts. Um, so if you would like to come up to the dire or speak there, wherever is you're most comfortable. >> No, I I would just like to thank uh the members of our management side negotiation team for collective bargaining. They did have to leave. Um,
but principles Stacy England, Ashb Johnson, and Joe McCaulay. Um, budget analyst Brooke Conover. Of course, uh, Josh Black, uh, chief legal officer was part of the team. and Jamie Gellner, our director of transportation, all uh
worked uh with me and worked the union negotiating team to bring out what we think is a a really solid uh collective bargaining agreement. >> Thank you so much, Mr. Reading, and please extend my apologies for not recognizing them during the um the
signing ceremony. So, is there any other business uh that or comments before us before I close for the evening? Um I had one uh I wanted to uplift what Maxwell and his um colleagues were talking about in terms of low expectations. It's
something that I have heard feedback on ever since I joined the board in 2019. Um I think it's a real problem and when we look at the work that we do as a school board obviously the funding request is very very important, the budget is very important.
I don't know how we can go about making that a better situation. Bellweather called it out, too. Um I I don't I can't think of any funding, you know, new program that would help that. Um we already have an anti-racism policy
and I I just I hear about it and I know about it a lot and I know it's a real problem. Um, I know that when Maya asked us for feedback on what we should be developing the budget on, we talked about closing achievement gaps. But when we talk about that, we talk about reading specialists, we talk about
materials, we talk about things, but there is a pervasive culture of the low expectations that we don't talk about. Um, I mean, we talk about it periodically, but I just I'm just struggling here thinking how can we actually make some change on this? So
that's something that I'd love to get your feedback on to discuss at some time. I >> mean this this is something that I would mean I think discuss but I would I would look to our students um you are the you are the people like the the foreign well's the four in front of me I have
her still there and um all the student all the students um you are the people who experience this in a daily basis. So you know maybe one of the things we can think about Dr. Kaiser is and uh and Miss Roberts is how do we you know is do we have a you know a conversation you
know is part of um uh student senate um but I mean I think thank you for lifting that up um and I you know obviously I would like like the cabinet as well to be involved but to me listening to those students who see it who hear it unfort
um and experience it um and to have them help us think about what we could do um would be very helpful. in my mind. >> Absolutely. Thank you for bringing that back up, Miss Lee. Um I I 100% agree
with that. Sienna um made a great point by saying she could remember maybe five or six other people in her AP classes that looked the same way as her. Two of them were in the same room as her. So if we think about what that means, it's a
true problem and and we most definitely need a solution. So I'd love to be on any committee or any advisory board supporting that. >> So if the if the if the cabinet can take that advisement particularly with a focus on how do we um lift up student
voice um as part of that what what their lived experience is and how and how do we address that are there any other comments in front of me or questions? Seeing no other, I um am going to adjourn today's meeting five
minutes before 9ine. Thank you all so much. Appreciate it.