>> All right. This May 19th 2026 governance committee meeting will come to order. We can go ahead and start with
the meeting minutes. Get the the wave of folks settle in. So we're at ordered 4 o'clock.
Mr. Fresh. Make a motion to adopt the minutes. Thank you. Seconded by Doctor Anderson. All in favor 3 of us. So that
will carry. So madam clerk, the minutes Kerry fresh. Dr. Anderson, and they're in.
Okay, let's just give. One more minute until remaining members come back. We will start with the standard school
year calendar, though, when
begin in just a moment.
Madam clerk, able to please put that killed a policy on the screen.
Thank you so much. Okay. So let's begin with our first
agenda item, which will be the calendar policy 13. 44, as a reminder, also, today's agenda will be the calendar policy. And then we're also going to be discussing discussing the
instructional technology policy as well as 2 related. >> Ms. Meren: Policies in the Six-thousand series. So my goal is to get us to sending a
policy for calendar out to the board from this committee meeting as well as doing so for the instructional tech policy. But first, let's over the counter policy. So where
we last left, it was we had a work session. We had because. So we had a work session and
the raised several items for discussion and as a result of the committee, you know, I took the comments back and did
a final read to push pull all these policies together. So it was 2 for 6 policies. But then we found that one, 30, 40 was not really relevant to calendar. So we excluded that's we have 5 policies and
upon reviewing is brought to my attention, Dr. Some point out that there really wasn't a uniform voice because of these policies are written different times and we wanted to try and make it a succinct as possible
and not just plunk pieces together. So it is more woven together. Then when you last saw it. But that is in an effort to. get to read more
clearly for our public who we know want to see this. I will say, though, it does not include an element of the guidelines, which was about the holiday is because that
was unclear. So I did leave that part out. People can bring, you know, comments and motions. So our goal here, we set ourselves like a timeframe
of 30 minutes to try and give ourselves some benchmarks here. To We could start with. Does anyone want to make general comments and also
specific things that you'd like to have changed and or perhaps starting with an overall temperature like how close are you to supporting this policy? Are there things that you think could be fixed
and we could get to? Can we get a consensus? >> He's do you want to start at 3 minutes or 2 minutes to 3 minutes, please. And then go back. Said 2 minutes.
>> I don't know yet. And no, okay. We have a lot to discuss that. Okay. Dr. Anderson. And then misleading. Mr. Within Minutes. Thank Yes, first of thank you for accepting my
comments regarding the chop as I think we just had put them together. But we didn't organize it. So it looks really good. And thank you for just kind of form adding it because there were also some
of those discrepancies I do want to say, I think I'm close. I think what is missing here that you just referred to, which is the list of
holidays is actually very helpful as we have more conversations as we're trying to have a community engagement process. >> Dr. Anderson: That's going
to allow us to be perhaps with Spahn said, I think carving out all of those dates kind of in Stone makes it difficult to be more responsive because we're already locked in. So I
think that office flexibility to us as a board and perhaps to the superintendent, not sure yet how that's going to work out. But I think that is a plus. It gives a little bit
more flexibility. What I like to be thinking about that I think is missing is as we talk about the community engagement. More and more even
hearing from one of our >> and I think I said this at the. >> Dr. Anderson: At the May meeting at one of the main meetings, even our one of unions have shared how they want to have more
opportunities to sit around and discuss the calendar. It's making me wonder, could we consider for a calendar committee? Not as it was
previously structured, but structures in the way that we are organizing the Tech committee. So that there is
wide array of representatives in order to build consent or to build feedback around the calendar. So that would be something that I'd like for us
to add to the engagement peace that can perhaps be more instructive. And I think stop here for right now.
>> Ms. Meren: Thank you. So to summarize you prefer, not including those holiday. So as it is and you would prefer more and there about a committee. Ms. Lady.
>> Ms. Lady: Thank you for the work that's gone into I have lots of sort of editorial notes. I think I'm in. Complete opposition to my
colleagues. I would like to add. Under an page. 3 under student holidays. I would recommend that we keep off. Federal holidays said Veterans
Day or designated student holidays, remove the rest of that paragraph. And then add a new number 8, which would bump those down and called that religious holidays. And lists
the 6 religious holidays. Those being Christmas to Wally. You know, I you know, for tear Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I think we need to
name them. I've heard an overwhelming out e-mails from people love celebrate different religious holidays and protecting those. I do not
want to put it up on the superintendent 2. It like the paragraph above and the chief equity officer and chief of Schools. To make determinations on annual basis
of whether we're going to keep all 6 of those are not. I just don't think that's good practice. We are very diverse
school system and we need to celebrate each other's diversity. And these are to me. The ones that are impact operations. The most because
the percentage of people who celebrate them. And the reason I want just be does dated as a religious, not religious and cultural is because I don't
want to get into. Giving off. Additional like New Year's or that day of the dead or Saint Patrick's Day. a I mean,
there's all kinds of days the people celebrate that are more cultural. These are purely like prayer prior days. There's something in the Torah or in the. >> You know, they're
literature that they that they. >> It's been important important days in them. So that's all I'll say that much >> then I have other sort of
editorial and it's but but that's my main thing. I didn't know. Number 9, that's on Page 3, the national day of mourning. I'm assuming that was a stand-alone policy.
That's been folded into. This was part of something that. >> Ms. Meren: That I think me and my team tried to special together, we omitted it. But it brought to our attention that it's still as relevant to
the most. The most recent one we had was President Carter's death. But it was school day. So I guess from that perspective, I don't know why would a long a condom may
bring some? It said it all together. I do know that we need it. Obviously, if it's a national day they tell us what we have to do, its flags at half-staff. But that's my only other question. For now. now probably have a go back. Okay.
Thank St. John-Cunning. I believe that S decision coming so. >> First of all. Again. >> I appreciate all the work
that has gone into this. And a little bit confused as to why we agreed. 2 one policy and then another. Thing was
brought to us. The crosswalk was extremely difficult. So and doing this crosswalk, there are some things that are here are some things that are not. Can you please explain to
me what you took out of the original. Calendar policy that we had agreed to explain to me why.
>> Ms. Meren: Well, by agree mean that we agreed to send it to the work session for further discussion that. If that was the status. And as I said at the beginning, what I took out was language that didn't quite mash everything
together. And so some of it was just for the like writing an editorial. I did also say that I did remove the holidays because they were in the guidelines and not the policy.
So, you know, based on that discussion, a different product emerged and that's that's this product. >> Ms. St. John-Cunning: Can you explain to me why you
admitted lining our practices with neighboring school divisions? >> I don't think that that was in any of the policies and it was was in the initial one
that we looked at. Okay that well. I know the one quite a bit. So if there are things that you think should go back like I said, I was trying. I'm
trying to understand what your thinking was. That's what I'm trying. My thinking again was trying to take 5 policies that were written at different points in time and make it a uniform that included like rearranging things. And even
just by rearranging things, sometimes the language needed to be smooth out. So I did my best to try make one document please proposed things to put back in. And I know for a fact
that we have a lot of employees that work in different jurisdictions. And when our holidays aren't aligned with theirs, it's a hardship. >> For our employees. So I think that that has to be that
language has to be put back, which is a we're committed to aligning practices with neighboring school divisions whenever possible review attendance, Tatum, providing opportunity for community and
step in putting calendar development. But a significant amount of our staff. Unfortunately can't afford to live in Fairfax County. So they work in other
jurisdictions. And We have days off when when when we do not align, that does provide a hardship. So I would strongly
recommend that that be put back in. I also agree that the holiday should be included. I
happen to know communities that work for over 20 years to get some of those holidays included. I think that they feel that if they are not named, that they run risk of
being removed. We received I know I received several letters from different faith groups and from. Organizations that represent them of how
hard they fought to get certain holidays and by them not being. Enumerated the feel very threatened that they will not be kept. And so I think that that's really critical. I
believe that in one I mean, I do have other at it's going to that when we look at. It's hard because I'm flipping between 2 different documents
here. But when we go to philosophy, the school board acknowledges the diversity of cultural that. I buy that word acknowledges. Putin to replace
respect. I think respect is a stronger word and I would like to see if knowledge is changed to respect. Just because I happen to know for a fact, the people that really hard to get some of those holidays
included. I mean, take the go back because and even though I spent a lot of time Cross section reviewing this, there's still some more things I need to. Come back to. Mr.
Bush. >> Thank you. And I appreciate everybody's kind words about my friend. So thank you. From my past away. Which delayed
some of my work here anyways. I do want to say I'm not always a big fan of combining about policies, but in this case, I think there is some
merit to some of these being included in terms Makar level feedback. I would be supportive of MS ladies
intention to create a new number 8 with religious observances. days. As described I did want to.
Double a little bit into the definitions to scroll to the exact one. So full school week says a school a school week consisting of 5 consecutive days of student instruction.
Typically Monday through Friday, the structure is prioritized to maintain academic momentum and provide schedule flexibility for families. Interesting about
that. Definition income. It's in the definition section 3 on Page one. There's argumentation and I don't disagree. But the second
sentence could be removed entirely because it's making Acclaimed versus defining the term right? Now. Later in the
document we get to like setting up the claim right and I'd also like to delve into that a little bit because as
I've said before, the last calendar that we voted on. I opposed primarily because I think at 3 less five-day weeks, then the other alternative at the time, I don't even remember what the
colors were. But but one thing that I'm curious about is weather. Students are better served by a five-day week followed by a three-day
weekend. This is, you know, just an example out of no reality necessarily or are they served better by a four-day week, followed by a four-day week right that doesn't mean that like if
staff goes back and do some research on academic continuity, that we revise the policy in the future. But one way that we could address
that. In the in the. Philosophy section. Is committed to clear reliable academic calendars that
prioritize full school weeks. It could say. That prioritizes academic, continuity, parentheses, typically in the form of full school day, it
typically in the form full school weeks, comma. 5 days of instruction. doesn't week and
there again. so it could be something like that that gets at that question because I can imagine based on the other parameters that we're putting on the calendar, which limits some of the flexibility
already. That limit some of the flexibility that the board may may want. 4, 4, versus a 5, 3, or 5, 2, scenario. But
we wouldn't necessarily be presented with that. If we're specifically saying. The other thing that we could put on there is that when a week is offered or win back to back
weeks have a day that doesn't have instruction. The superintendent in presenting the new calendar as the policy kind of lays out could explain why that choice was made to the board in offering the
calendar. So I'll have to go back as well. >> Ms. Meren: So so thank you. So kind of mix. My turn, his chair and myself. So I.
>> I think that >> there's not enough data to make decisions about the religious holidays. So I would prefer to not list them. So I would not be in favor of that. I would still be in favor of
putting a counter policy forward. So I would just be in the minority for that public committee. I could go either way on that. I think within we have a committee about every topic we talk about these
days. So, you know, again, I this I want to win, go to battle for and the policy of consideration of practices with neighboring school divisions that was in the
March draft. And I think the reason it was changed is that it didn't bear out in the discussion of the full board that that was something that resonated that we wanted to
make our decisions Fairfax. So that's just an explanation. And if you want to put that in. >> The full school week, you know, I think that's one of those really good things that we could put on the parking
lot list like the 2 point. Oh version, because we've also discussed having that balance. >> Ms. Meren: Calendar and right now we're at such a deficit of 5 school day full school weeks. I don't think we need to put more flexibility
in there. We are trying to rein things in a bit due to the outcry of, you know, what's happening. So I prefer to not adjust that language and or philosophy, but I do agree Mr. Fishes comment that
under the definition of full school week that that second sentence could be removed because it does add more subjectivity than a definition. And it is also discussed in philosophy. So it
cool with that. when we do another round and then maybe we get 2 votes on some of these things and sewer Soma, St. John-Cunning. And then
Becky Anderson. >> Interestingly enough in my. In my red line, I crossed out that second sentence in
philosophy. In philosophy which the school school weeks enhanced engagement and morning while reducing the childcare and logistical burdens placed on families cost by school closures I've
spoken to this before. >> The current I'm the one
that. Are you >> So it's cool. It's cool. Weeks, enhance student engagement and learning while
reducing the childcare, a logistical burdens placed on families caused by school closures. >> Okay. When we talk about
the calendar, we talk about a school community. I say this and I don't say this lightly because I was a family liaison apparently Zahn and I worked with families to provide
wrap-around services. And I've talked about the creep of responsibility of schools having to be responsible for things like child , mental health care, feeding kids.
That was my job. I totally believe the not I did it as a family liaison. don't think that with the kind of budget cost cuts were talking about with the things that we're
looking at. That this should be in policy. Childcare is not our responsibility. The burden of childcare is not ours. Our burden is to provide academic
support to kids. So when I see language like this, its proponents something I would I would just come out that whole sentence. Well, how about?
>> Ms. Meren: Represent the whole sentence? But how about just reducing or just the childcare? Because it does prevent logistical burdens that have nothing to do with child care. It's the childcare peace. Perhaps you can
proposed just reducing moving. Does works. >> I mean, my proposal is the whole sentence. It's you know what other people feel. But I just okay. So we'll take that.
So that's been a proposal. Then to remove that philosophy cent. And the Nikkei again, when I had mentioned that I would like to see in that philosophy acknowledges change
to respect. Knowledge is with due respect, respect, respecting the diversity of our culture's. I spending carries more weight. Okay. So what I'm doing and I'm just tracking these that we can do a vote for all of these ideas,
perhaps after this round Dr. Anderson. Next relief. I have a couple of questions. >> Dr. Anderson: share my
comments. Mister Smith and Doctor Dre. Perhaps you can help me better understand what does that collaboration look like currently without a neighboring school divisions
in terms of aligning calendars? >> Dr. Anderson, I will check
in with my team and make sure that that board is updated. >> Dr. Anderson: Right up for me. That's kind of important as we're speaking about whether or not to hold that language because when I did a
little chart of my own, just like I've done in years past in terms of the day's off with the neighboring school districts and really focusing on Loudoun Prince William Arlington Falls Church. And
they're kind of all over the place there. fairly inconsistent some days are consistent for sure. But I know the conversation is it is
hard for our employees who live in those places to come to work when their children off. What I will present is
they have a ton of teacher work days and these other divisions where their children are off. We still don't have those days off. We don't align
teacher workdays which pose the same issues as the holidays. So we are definitely inconsistent there. So that's
one of the things that I want to raise in terms of alignment because then we'll have to do it for everything as much as possible. And I don't think that's the case. Secondly, I
do appreciate the conversation regarding the burden on our employees when their children off. And childcare is not our should not be one of the
things that we prioritize. But it makes me wonder what is the burden that we're willing to bear for parents when they have to work in their kids off. So that's a question that
wondering that I would love to get some feedback on. Thank sir. No, I'm going to just finishes in the rest of my
time. >> Miss Saint John wanting statements 2 respects. >> I have >> Dr. Anderson: Opposition to that. So I'm happy to support
that change. And you can mark that. In other wondering that. I want to be sure that we're being responsive to our community in the same way that
board raising that parents are really adamant about some of the holidays and for us to be mindful of that, I also feel that we need to be mindful of the part of our community that
has been screaming that we need to be more consistent. Instruction. 5 days. I would not want to dilute. That
language because it would not be reflective of what I have received as one board member.
>> And if we are adding holidays back into this, I will be bringing a motion to add Ash Wednesday. That is a religious holiday that many people in this community
celebrate but shows up nowhere. Thank you tears and misleading and them are fresh. >> All right. I'm a drill down a bit more on some wordsmith. Thing of things. So on Page
one academic calendar, one of the terminology is missing and that is teacher work days. It's not the same as APD days on the same as a school holiday. So somewhere in their
50 and where's that? Most of page, definitions, academic calendar somewhere needs to also include teacher work day. >> Ms. Meren: Which isn't in the academic calendar definition. Definition. Zach
in the calendar, it says PD days but does not say teacher workdays their distinctly different days. Okay. Okay. So
without objection. ould ask us on the first page on the first page 100. Listen. Definitions. ACA definition for academic calendar, adding
teacher workdays after professional Mondays and before school holidays. So without objection, is there objection to that? You could
Dr. Anderson. Okay. Or we could also go back and do this as well. That but that's when seemed pretty I'm gonna go through in order subs. Hang okay. So the maybe. All right.
school week. We don't have school on Saturday or Sunday. So why do we need to pick Monday through Friday? Typically Monday through
Friday, just keep it as a weak consisting of 5 consecutive aces students. Truck shun. Then when you get to religious cultural observances, here's where it gets sticky because
hold on a second. Yes, Mr. Fresh. Okay. I'm so sorry. That is not a point of order
point of order. Do we want to pause and at these things in? I think I've already been tracking some learning track and then we'll just go through but thank you can go either
way. So okay. So Ms. Lady, we've got the adding the teacher work day and then the second when you're saying was full school week, not having the typically Monday through Friday, and then the rest of that, which Mr. For sure. He
said we should move. I agree with. And then the last definition on this page, religious and servants. Here's
where get sticky. The last sentence such absences are considered verified and shall not result academic or extracurricular penalties. I know we're trying to say. >> Ms. Lady: And it also comes up again somewhere else but
the bottom line is it still counts in terms of chronic absenteeism. And so and there what I mean, the end of the day verified or unverified doesn't matter in our system
anymore. Parents think it matters. But there is really no such thing. So I'm not telling you how to fix that. I'm just making an observation. I'm going make a
comment related to the 40 weeks. I can tell you at a high school middle school where you have a days inn be days. four-day week is far superior three-day week, every every week. There are some
systems around the world the to four-day weeks. So I would advocate repeatedly for 4 and a 4 versus a 5 and a 3 because then every kid sees each class
twice in each of those weeks. It's much better for the momentum instruction. I will stand behind that as a
professional educator from my life's work C. Yet the second
places page 2. The front and well, we still under. We're still under definitions. Verified goes along with religious and cultural because
it's mentioned twice again. I just think that somewhere we need to put something in about if we're going to talk about that, a chronic absenteeism like it still matters like it still counts against us for for that particular
perspective. I agree with my colleagues about replacing acknowledges with respects in the philosophy section. I'm I like merits. Compromise too,
to St. John-Cunning request to eliminate the second sentence of philosophy. And we just eliminate the child care. I think that's a fair. That's I think it's a nice coming
together of 2 different perspectives. with us all the
time they're done there. I am gonna keep looking through to see. But the ones that mean the most to me, I have a lot of notes about need state them all. Okay. Mr. Fresh and then
I will go. Let's rewind a little bit to section 4. Which I think it's Yeah. Page 2. So
here's the language that I would use. The Fairfax County School board is committed. A clear, reliable academic
calendar that so that's all the same. Prioritizes academic and instructional continuity in the form of full school
weeks. To period. And then, you know, you can continue on from there if the if people are amenable to it. Now, what
I would say. So after can we pass my time on repeating myself after the word reliable academic calendar that.
Prioritizes academic and instructional continuity in the form of full school weeks. Now, I want to stress that this is the philosophy section. It's not a binding
part of the policy and started to drive at that. If you join me on a little trip down the page, 2 section 5 number, a one instructional time. I
think we should add a sentence to the end of that. That says to the greatest extent possible within the confines of school board policy full school weeks will be prioritized. That puts it into
the actual policy like that's to be followed by the. The philosophy is telling the public hears why we've done this policy. If the policy doesn't then tell, doesn't
Pratt provide the guidance we're seeking? It doesn't matter what the policy says. So at least that would indicate. Okay, we've provided you with this policy
superintendent and it says this about professional development. It says this days. This is this about holidays, etc. Now that, you know, those confines. We want
you to prioritize acts. Between now and the and so that's the end of that coming between. Now and when the board votes on this. I may
talk to colleagues and everybody on the committee about how we might we're this is such a way that we're that we are saying is we want five-day weeks, but for the
sake of academic continuity, we might be open to other things. If there's no other choice. As long as the superintendent kind of explains that when providing us with a new calendar, I don't know how that language working. That's far too
complicated to figure out right now. But it could be figured out between now and when the vote. All right.
Going a little further down lady's comment about religious and cultural observances to fix what she was getting at
that sent the bottom of page 100 definitions, religious and cultural observances. It could read the last sentence of that could read. Well, such absences are considered verified and shall not result
in academic or extracurricular pound penalties. Comma. They do. Impact the school division
for the purposes of >> getting that not impact and the school division, they still count towards the students. Absences for the for that? Well, for the purposes
of measuring quite well for purposes of measuring iconic absenteeism. But that's only they get to. 10%. I have a thought on how to deal with
the is if you want to. Well, let you pick that one up. that's ram. For now. I'm a new another. Go back on I'm
hearing a lot of stuff that I agree with. So out. Share that. I agree. Ms. Lady, I also was positives going over the verify credits. I'm like this isn't exactly right.
>> Ms. Meren: I wonder we. Maybe we just take it out for now. And that's something we come back to. I mean, we can adjust this in the fall. The can come right back into it after or maybe even in the
next 2 weeks. We get some clarity. So if we were to remove language that last sentence and religious and cultural observances and then the other one that says verified absence. Maybe we just take that out for now.
See if we can improve it. If it doesn't happen by June, we could do it in the fall because I think that's where we need advice from the superintendent who hasn't
provided that as of yet. So. Do not result in penalties. Okay. So that could be. That's true. That's true for that
one. But I would hate for the opportunity to inform folks that any absence, right? And an excuse. And it gets to that. Well, that's 2 within. So we should be take out the
verified absence, peace or maybe right in here. Absence. The superintendent shell specify what counts is an absence of how absences will be tracked. Immune again,
trying to so. So that's one Just some questions to try and clarify decisions. So on. The full school week, I like
Mister Frisch's idea of moving the removing the typically or someone's idea the full school week removing typically Monday through Friday. In addition to that last sentence and then
again, putting the Monday or full school week support under responsibilities, instructional time. So that was, I believe, Mr. For Senate, the cultural or those religious and cultural
difference misleading, didn't you say that you wanted to keep it just to religious and not cultural observance. Was that correct? But I
misunderstand it. I see. So the part so that definition would remain the same as religious and cultural
observances okay. And so and so the days off would religious observances. Okay. Got it. One. I do think the
absenteeism. So that needs to be addressed by some more than we can do right now. So I think we've got a lot of places we can start getting
consensus on and just a time check. We're doing great 4.37. So to me, one to one more round and then I can start seeing if we can get a consensus on pieces. Keeping
in mind that we can get this super far. If we get a 95% of the way there, we can add a thing or 2 tweak it when it comes time to vote. But Miss
St. John-Cunning and then Dr. Anderson. >> Ms. St. John-Cunning: I mean, I do agree to take out the verified absences and at the end of that sentence, what
we're trying to get up as religious and cultural services, such absences are considered verified. Intial not result in academic or extracurricular. Hannah penalties but are documented
as all school absences. >> So how would use a gun? How you like how you would like it just yet, but are documented as all school absences. says Shelby documented, as according recorded or recorded
is all school absences. It's also bizarre. Yet it doesn't matter even if you even if you're in the hospital for 10 days, it's still could be something like such absences shall be recorded as all
school absences are. Yeah, yeah. Then go ahead and cross out the verified absences.
Whole definition. We're just going. No, just no. It's just add that where where Mr. trying to add a sentence at the end and where Doctor
Anderson was trying to make sure that we informed. I think that we just put our documented as all school absences. Yes, as yeah, yeah. So verified since that's all
gone. where are. And those as the dresses that okay. Okay. I'll take a go back because I was just looking at the case. Do and once we will walk
through all this and will verify of a separate the clerks, >> yeah. Okay. So Dr. Anderson, and the misleading.
Thank you. I do see on Page 2. I don't know if that's what you guys were talking about here where there is a definition for verified absence. >> do we need to leave that or remove that?
>> Dr. Anderson: Because the only thing I care about in this area is one that we communicate. >> That an absence is an absence is an absence. It doesn't matter what reason. I
don't want it to only live in the regulation because people do look at the policies themselves and there's always and all of my years in working in Tustin schools, there's always been this
misunderstanding on the part of parents while he was excused. Yes, excuse by the school because we know your kit is but not excusing any sense of what the state looks at. So any opportunity we have
to educate. I want to take advantage of that. So I'm very much in support for the language here. >> Dr. Anderson: And if we're going to strike the verified piece because, again, I don't know if that helps. I know
this is a carryover from another previous document. Then perhaps we remove the verified absence language on Page 2. Note that to take it
because I agree with you, but let's see what others think. I I think I am in favor of I can be supportive of what Mr. Fish just said regarding
philosophy. But I still want to be sure that we are offering a stress on 5 days because the philosophies, when we talk about our beliefs
values, we are nowhere near a four-day week in Fairfax County, Public Schools. I just don't see any space that's just as list because year-round school at this point, it's way down the line
in terms of needing to do a lot of work to get us there. But I want us to be responsive to all public and make sure that we are adding that value
there. Teacher work days and professional development. >> I think too. No, that's not that's not what I wanted to
say. I don't I thought I saw it here. But one of the other all I'm going to go back to national day of mourning. I'm fine with moving that all together. So I can be
supportive of that. I do want to ensure that we have some language in here because I don't know if I see it in. Excuse me, if it was there,
some language about. >> What when we have our calendar, why did he reflective of all the day's even the ones that we no, we
don't know exactly. When the holiday or the day off for students example, the elementary really stays because it's kind of on a rolling basis. It's not the
whole division at once, but some sort of asterisk like elementary will have sex more days early release. Similarly with high school, some high
schools will have X number of days of early release, which can I just ask the one question that's going to help me find some language to that.
>> Do we have a consistent number of days for the high school early release or al all high schools? Very different. Some do threesome do 5. Because I've just heard that
would send had a day off so well. So my kid wanted to know why they didn't have a day off so well. >> Is it the same number of days? Her high school's boys that inconsistent.
>> Some of the for the but Presidio that because I think that >> the attempt is to be similar, expect depending on the graduation rotation. >> Graduations don't all
happened at the same time. So there may be some difference there. But asked Doctor Presidio. responded like to just say, I think we're going to discuss that in within the
realm of today. I just one is to be really focused. That's a great discussion for the next time. I mean, my my daughter went paddle boarding today with her friends. She have school. You know, it's kind of
a mess the way that what just may be language that I bring forward in terms of what the calendar should include a get it. But we have a list of things we want to get consensus on and we're not going to start talking about
how to make the high school calendar. >> No, I'm not talking about what I'm just talk about. What currently exists is not how to make it better. I just want to get an understanding of what currently exists. So if I can get that, that would be very
helpful. >> Dr. Presidio: Well, unfortunately, I don't have a lot to add beyond what Dr Reid already mentioned, the largest factor towards the end of the school year is the graduation schedule. But all of those early releases are coordinated
and approved through the chief of schools and regional We have to double check with them. But I would think there's much more similarity. The difference with the one
variable being graduations schedules. Thank you. Okay. >> Ms. Meren: I've lost track of where we are. We do. We have remaining things. Mostly deacon. We get close to getting to some agreements.
You have more questions. >> Just want to read a couple things. First of all, I'm spring break. We have to to. That's the one where we have to. Courtney, other jurisdictions? Because it's 5 full days. That's the one I
think referencing in the or something in there in one of the versions. It said Spring break. We will take into account the other jurisdictions. >> We have a we have a we have
fallen a shutout serving the community. So >> do. We know where we are. I know you're waiting on some consensus from which survey. >> So, yes, ma'am, we have
several iterations of a survey of think we've shared with the board in several Friday letters. I think we're having to iterations translated to be ready to go if the board's
policy a rates, the religious holidays than we don't need to survey the community about the religious holidays because it's already in the policy. So that would be the one distinction about the surveys.
But we're prepping both and waiting to determine. You know, where the policy Lance. And so I've heard a lot since
we started calendar, which was not on my radar to do it all about this overwhelming number of e-mails. The only overwhelming number of emails I have received are in support
of religious coming in. I'm just making comment. it's their new. think they want consider had shared that. I had received a lot of e-mails
on Page 3. Actually page 2 of the very bottom. Well, first, agree with Dr. Anderson. I could get rid of verified absence altogether from the policy. I could keep it to,
but I can get rid of it. The very bottom teacher workdays, oppression, development. I personally want to scratch the last sons whenever possible. Teacher workday, suppression development days will occur during weeks with student
holidays. I understand we're never get to for your school year. But with cut cut, continuity of instruction. I can't emphasize enough the going the class is the same amount of times in a week.
>> Is is that? >> No matter of instruction. And I would much rather see to 40 weeks than a 5 and a 3 as someone who worked in the system. is my life's work is
being an educator. need to reiterate that. And then there was one last thing which is on Page 3. Under days observances
about halfway down. The sentence starts to the right on these dates. Staff should avoid scheduling major tests. I'm fine with that. But I would like to delete or activities. We need to let
people teach. People will need the momentum instruction. So the S I agree they should avoid major tests, but I don't want to say or activities. It's on number 8. Yes, I just
would like to scratch or activities. stop there. >> If your pocket, Mr. Fresh. Okay. >> Couple things under
calendar adoption. It says that we will. You know, get the 3rd year out calendar in July for our first meeting. I think it should be part of the reorganization. The governance
manual says that's in July. So I'd be fine with it. Just saying at our annual rerun is a shun meeting so they can counter This under the section called calendar adoption make it during the business to
freshen just going to flag that we do have an annual report meeting in January at the beginning of every new port. >> a school board term. So if we only say annual R-word, I
don't know if that would cause of the confusion because once every 4 years we have the annual reordered, I know I believe that the code indicates that the
reorganization meeting is when. >> The chair and vice chair are elected when contracts and other things are approved, cetera. We do all that in January. In addition to the
previous July. Yes, okay. Well, that I would say the July reorganization meeting.
>> So adopted at the regular school board we are in is a shun meeting business meeting in July. Yeah. Something to that effect. Yeah.
>> Secondarily, just to put a finer point the comment about the philosophy and it's saying 5 days, I think the point of
full school week is that full school week is already defined in the policy. So 2 then redefined it again in parentheses right after its
said, what's the purpose of a definition? If we're going to follow up the terms and the policy with the definitions again? So I think that's why that was to be stricken. And
are elections. We use the word substantial. Dr Reid, how would you define substantial? If a substantial number of schools are holding the
elections. >> More than we can effectively provide security for which >> would probably. It would
likely be more than 50 for sure might be less depending on needing to provide security at schools where election polling sites aren't existing, depending on where the sites
are, but that's a it would be were substantial number would be the number we could no longer a sure safe and secure That's helpful to me because it provides like with the operational lens on that term
and I'm comfortable with that. >> Because in my head of had trouble thinking, well, ocean to be a majority because that's something we kicked around like a year ago should be a majority of schools. But that takes away from the idea of like, well, why are we closing them in the first
place? Whether or not we can keep them safe. So I like that answer there >> so just to I do want to
ensure that we include something under the the actual policy portion of this under instructional time about for weeks and in the time between
this meeting, hopefully when we get this out of the committee and when we need is a full board debate and vote on this, I may be circling colleagues with thoughts about
academic continuity. And how do both incentivize five-day weeks, but also give space for the super intended to provide greater academic continuity. For example, if she has the
calendar already and she's looking at it and there are 2 places where we could have to four-day weeks or a 5 and a 2 or 3, I think the board would
probably be open to to force right. I just want to figure out what the smart way of saying that in the policy without dissuading from a five-day week. So and I'm sure we can get there. I just don't
think it's something we can do with it. Be a whole lot of sausage-making at this dance right now. Between now and then. >> Ms. Meren: Well, great. So
let me go through here we We just start at the top of the clerks. Could please go to the top and let's just walk through all say what I've tracked. Please let me know if I've missed something, will
take votes for consensus. Okay. We're just agreement. So the purpose it sounds like the purpose is intact. Is that accurate? think we're all okay
and that it would help if you verify like, yeah, gimme and thumbs up or some eye contact or I okay. Okay. Great summary of changes. It's been changed. Definitions academic calendar.
already said by consensus that we want to add make a professional element days Mondays teacher workdays and school holidays. Okay. So we got thumbs up from 2 and
clerks. I'm also going hand write the sun and then we can make sure you got all that are not okay. And the full school week. So there was a I am fine
with what was just described because it does live in the definition. Okay. So the sentence would then read a school. We consisting of 5 consecutive days of student instruction. Is that accurate?
The Centre County? >> I'm sorry. I just wanted to go back to where we were with academic calendar. We said in school holidays do want to delineate between school holidays in student holidays because we don't have a
delineation. >> That's a good point. We have student holiday. So should we make that student? Today's? Okay. Right. But
she's you're raising that. It's school holidays. So. 1, 0, we. We have a definition for student holiday is. know
it's a good point. Maybe if we could just leave it. The for now says not among the ones that rose to the top, but full school week. So full school. We consisting of 5 consecutive days of students, truck shun
period. that accurate? Synods? Yes. Okay. Instructional day and instructional hours had no change, religious and cultural services. This was a sentence.
Missy John coming. You had named it. Just calm. But a document or medical moment.
The full school week back to full school. We could have done more to last sentence More than one percent. We decided to remove that. Yes, so it will just be. 5 days. The students truck shun,
period. That was the consensus, religious and cultural deserve. An says the
sentence yeah, I think we'd all such says shall be recorded as all school absences are. >> It may be that that
language. We don't know if language. But Robin, one of the things that I said is let's take the opportunity make sure everybody knows right absences app. >> Dr. Anderson: So what I had
captured a such absences shall be recorded as all school absences are. >> Well, what's important I believe what we want to put those that were not penalize scene. I just wanted to add
but are recorded as all school absences because if you're taking off for isn't a and religious holiday as a student, you know, want to keep and a way that isn't. But
I thought the agreement that that that was such absences will be required is all school absences are? But if you're upset, I could clarify. I just wanted to add but are recorded
as all school absences and keep that other where. Your verified that you were absent for an observance and so that you're not gonna be penalize
the student preserving your holiday. This. >> Mr. Dannan: Language that's currently up there in red reflects Marcia and Robbins comments. It removes quote, unquote verified, but it
keeps. Hey, everybody, this is still an absence and you won't be for You won't be penalized. >> Does that work though? English? I'm okay with that.
We have OK, it's just that puts in my where it went. Okay, great. >> All standard calendar guidelines student holiday.
think at a tiny little typo in there to fix well, at Oriole verified absence, do we want to remove that all together? Yes, okay. So we're going to remove verified absence.
Philosophy. There are a bunch of changes here. Okay. So remove the second. Remove Make
it respects rather than acknowledges. That was one. I think that had consensus in the last sentence isn't. Right. Okay. So the board respects the diversity. And
then we're going remove in the second senses. The child care and so it'll cool for school weeks and has and learning
love, reducing logistical burdens placed on families. Is that accurate for those 2 things? There's still more on that section. Yeah, the second
sentence there is. What was the deal with. The second set was in the first sentence. The first sentence.
>> would read the Fairfax County school board is committed to clear reliable academic calendar that prioritizes academic and instructional continuity in
the form of full school weeks. Demick instruction. Prioritizes. So picking it up from the word prioritizes.
Academic and instructional continuity in the form of full school weeks.
>> And then are we removing in print the seas. Onward? >> Yes, well, not up to the part that we just before this comment that I just made. >> Okay. So we're moving the
print. The seas. To uphold instructional continuity in state stability right?
>> That's right. Get so we've got the there's a school board coming to a clear, reliable academic calendar that prioritizes academic and instructional continuity in the form of full school weeks, period, full school weeks,
enhance student engagement and learning while reducing logistical burdens placed on families. What's my school closures right? The school
board respects the diversity of culture religious observances impact the counter throughout the year. And this is. >> The thing that I probably come back to in the in the in
between times. Okay. >> Ms. Meren: OK, Greta. So then we've got the responsibility section. The counter developing. This is where the language about. Oh,
go ahead, That's At the end of instructional time. >> We would add the sentence to the greatest extent possible within the confines of school board policy full school weeks will be prioritized. To greatest
extent possible within the confines of school board policy full school weeks will
be prioritized. So this is another area that may get massaged more proposed from a
session. Okay. Talk to your son. >> Dr. Anderson: I'm not in favor of that either but probably for different reasons because once we said within the confines of school board policy and we've already state
here. We're going to list federal holidays. We're going to list a bunch of religious cultural religious holidays. We're going to be a little bit
more broad with the professional development development days. I just don't see. Have we achieved much? Okay. So there's not consensus on that. That statement. It sounds. Well, I don't know. It depends how the St. John-Cunning feels cause I
could get in, but I can afford with that. But my opposition is what I've reiterated to 40 weeks. Absolutely better than
5 and a 3. I will say for elementary school families. That's not the case. And that's also why I forgot to mention that I I will fight
hard for whenever possible. Teacher work is a professional occur on weeks with student holidays. That's what crushed our families this year is that Wednesday's after four-day weekends. That's why that's
important to me. That's not what Guardian, which we haven't started. Well, but I'm just saying your perspective, this time of high school, so middle and high, right? But but but point, you may know, I guess when you when think
about specials. guess easier for me to miss. Well, let's let's keep going. It sounds like there's not agreement on that portion of instructional time. Let's just put a pin in that for a moment. OK? The
standard counter structure. We had no comments on teacher work days and professional development. There was already a red line put in there,
fo Okay with that. We're in number 3 teacher work days and there is a already a red line up there. It is it is
that they're on the yeah. People are agreement with that. I'm not the when we saw census. Is there a majority
that agree or disagree? I'm OK, Mr. Freshman St. John-Cunning and you to know if you're in agreement or not. Yeah, I. >> I I agree with my colleague
in terms of in collaboration. Well, in terms of the student holidays will occur. With
those those weeks. I I I agree with mislead the with that and seeing how it works out in schools, even and I was in elementary schools. So so
okay. So you don't agree with that red line which? >> Could you? This was done
before you explain why that right out of the work session. This was taken as what the conversation lend itself to.
And I do want to be mindful. It's 5 after 5. And I know we're doing hard stuff. But it doesn't have to be perfect. Lets. Finish these and we could always tweak it. And I
don't disagree with you. If I may say something will coming kind of finishes looking at her thing. We have to make sure that this works for the
entirety of the division. I to spend my entire career in schools, elementary and middle schools in classrooms. >> Dr. Anderson: And so that's the lens that I bring to this.
And while in high school, the AB schedule. That is definitely true. I wish they could figure out how to make it more consistent. We have to make sure that we are thinking about all of our kids, the majority of which are in
elementary schools. And even just this past spring break, they came back with spring break a day off in another early. Really it we have to be mindful of that. So for me,
the 4 by 4 is not an easy solution because it just leaves out the rest. And I don't see. This language a
challenging one because we want to make sure that. All of the weeks. Not interrupted if we could call late them a little bit. I think that's
what this speaks to. Rather than this week is interrupted by a holiday. The next week is interrupted by a staff development day. Just connecting those together to give more consistency because
I will tell you my principals and teachers in my district are saying how hard it is for kids to called the things that they need to know because of the interruption. But let me
just clarify regarding the redlined. I think that's what we're discussing. It sounds like we're discussing the second sentence, though, about the OK? Well, a case. We have
a consensus on removing that. We don't have consensus on the last part we're doing. Dewey who is okay with keeping the
last sentence, though it is. That is to. Is that it? I can't. >> Can we know? I don't. But could we highlight the ones that we don't have consensus on just that? We have major
stations and keeping track of them. But yes. >> Yeah, I I the for there's just 2 of those. Okay. great. We'll still a doctor. That red line, though. And then that
last sentence, though, needs to come back to okay. to. But the PD together. Okay. So on.
We have. >> Ms. Meren: start of school. Last day, the school summer holiday. We did not have any changes to those student holidays. Oh, yes.
>> Is is the last day of school shall not be, on a Monday or Tuesday, Zion code. It was in a previous policy. What why can it be on a Tuesday? I love it to be on a
Wednesday. On Thursday. >> No, but the why we go extra day just to go. And I just I just want to say we've asked the superintendent for input on this and >> it isn't. There was no
guidance whether the should or shouldn't be anything that we're changing now is just totally subjective and not based on data. So I'm just asking a question because this was built prior to me being on
the board. I just whatever out just about changing things that this is actually an policy right now. So still,
would recommend we believe the word and or Tuesday, I don't. I would really like to keep facilitating to get us through the things we've already talked about. It's it's tough when we. Have to do everything
in this 2 hours. So I really would like to table any new stuff. And can we please go through what we already have point of order to point of order?
>> Just as in regular meeting of a board member wants to bring something up for consideration. I think we should let them. >> The only time limitation is
self-imposed. Like if we get a much better policy affairs says on a point of order. >> Ms. Meren: I would like to say as chair trying to facilitate the work. I did ask
everyone to please go through what we had already levied issue. So if we could please go through that and we can return to add more things so I
would respect, please, my my plan. Thank you. Sure. And I guess in fairness, I am going through the whole thing thinking that we did go through everything. So perhaps
if you could help me skip to the next part, the student holidays. Was there. I don't recall. I don't have. Notes
about that. I have notes about observing stages. >> Ms. St. John-Cunning: So I we discussed I'm just going to say that when we started doing this process, we landed on certain things. And then you said we want to go back. And so I was going sequentially so
sequentially. There are other things that I have comments on that. Then you went back to so that I thought as we come up to them sequentially, I will make my comment.
>> Sure. And as said, realize now that I asked us to go through sequentially. So if we could go through with just the topics that we talked about sequentially and then go back to the ones we have and that would be. Thank you. Fantastic
for this one. I think the feedback was at least one of the comments was to remove after. Additionally, if I'm not mistaken. All federal
holidays except veterans. They are designated student holidays, period. Is there consensus on removing then additionally, onward. Thanks.
Okay. So that's going to be removed. Alright, observance day this is the new 8 that Robin was talking about would
go in between 7 and observance days. And what would be the new 8 holiday was that religious observances, religious holidays? >> remember let Robin speak to
it. >> Sorry, the bold would be religious holidays and then it would indicate that. smiling,
Russia, that the basically the following religious holidays will be. There will be no school in the falling religious holidays and I was going to put them out. But a
quarter and list out Christmas to Wally. You you'd offer tear Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
realizing Christmas isn't is actually addressing the bullet before because it's federal holiday, but because it is also religious You know,
holiday, felt we need to stay to both places, but it is included about okay. >> Ms. Meren: So consensus to adding language that says the religious holidays, including
those specific those 6 holidays. Mr. Fish, obviously, Lady missing are coming. Okay. So there's consensus to put
that in. There will there will be no school. Okay. Also, we to add that then missed that
doctors. And you said you would want to add Ash Wednesday. The holidays going is that yes. Anderson did. Yes, it did. So that is there a very the definition that you
used earlier, which I'm not disagreeing with. It meets the criteria for Ash Wednesday. >> So doing here or at the Dias. I will definitely be bringing it.
>> So is there consensus to add Ash Wednesday in? And the Dr. Anderson? So no, there is
not consensus okay. All National day of mourning agreement to remove that Observance days. I suggested
absurdly everywhere, activities, insect. Okay. The suggestion under observance days to delete or activities.
Is there. >> Dr. Anderson: Can I just ask clarifying question the activities that you're referring to are like for my or sports activities because I think that was the initial
conversation way back when. >> Then it was the extracurricular because I'm thinking instruction. My brain was on instruction. As I read this, instructors need to
teach on these days, but they don't need to give major assessments. So if I could share. And I don't know the intent of the real Ray intent was that until a few years ago was very common to have
back-to-school nights on the holiest day of the Jewish year. Or to have a big homecoming game. So that is what that speaking to. That he
wished keep it and add extra curricular. I think that worked after-school major, even after school. Well, I didn't want it wasn't like it's a practice, right? It's like a major. again, it does
say shell or should avoid yes, should avoid. >> Whenever practical. >> Yeah, that's for that's You're good. With the status quo. Okay. With the word
extracurricular. Okay. That also means we need to get rid of the rest after students since we had that conversation regarding verified correct credit. Right. So from
students. for the veterans they will keep Veterans Day. Right. So we're going to remove incorrect. You've got it clerk. Thank you.
Extracurricular. National day mourning. We had agreed to remove that. Is that right? Okay. Because we already do
Mast flags win. You know? I don't believe we got to the rest. What would that? We had something under community engagement around a committee
and calendar So well that would finish us out. Right? I headed to a specific thing about doctors option. Please
go So many. Where it says >> maintain 3 years of approved calendars with the 3rd year adopted at the school
boards regular reorganization meeting in July. The fact that speaks to that, please, this. >> Dr. Anderson: I would love
consideration. Missed a fresh for us to added to the we in January that miss set low referred to. The calendar is an important thing to community. And in July, a lot of our community will not come
to our meetings. I think. >> It's only in January the year of an election. I would like to not adopt the Callan
in July when our community is not present because I'm just kind of thinking back if we're going to adopted and >> Dr. Anderson: and July, whether it's the first second meeting, it's going to be posted for new business likely
after school ends, which means we will lose some attention to it. And I would not want for it to be seen to be at least interpreted that we're trying
to do this under the cover of everybody's away and we're not being transparent as possible. So that's the time that that makes me uncomfortable. I love the idea of having a very
regular time frame to do it. And if there's some way to do it in January than I'd like to do that but July, I cannot support that. It makes me uncomfortable and I don't want people to think that we're
trying to do it when they're not around. So what are we like to do here? Yes, I hear
you. I hear, but I also know that like it's it's a calendar that goes from like. August 2, the following June. So doing
it for 3 years out, right? So then we're going to be doing it 3 and a half years out. Just so we're clear. >> To make sure we have a full 3 years out calendar. We would be doing this 3 and a half years out.
>> Except once we approve it were not not. We are not likely to change it after we've just approved it. I just want us to be transparent folks at. They know everybody is like a multiple your
calendar. Every 3 years out. It was right. We will be approving it 3 and a half years out, right? I get that. But the idea is when we approve it, when am I as the representative going to have
sufficient time for the people of Mason District to tell me what they think. So I know how to predict how to present my vote. If this is happening at the school is over. We're losing a large chunk of our
community who's no longer has on higher alert as they are on things. Let's just find another date and whether it's 3 and a half years to win 3 quarters years, July just
makes it a little less likely to be response, OK? So the the my preference of disaster for Shrek, a missus that I oppose And so we could take consensus
and Let's let's keep going on that mode. So >> I would like to continue this, but I am open looking at the work plan just to see where it makes the most sense.
>> Ms. Meren: Okay. Let's go ahead and do this because it makes a clear and then it could always be adjusted. So is there consensus our agreement ever majority new language be supporting of a specific not necessarily
commit us to July right now. >> I don't I don't fall. >> Just to have consistency around when rather than it had because the language right now, states July.
>> Well, the the language before central as well. >> If we could have just some if we could agree in this room that it will be a particular date and not July. I was just
specified so that you have the time that you just, you know, supposed to bring things forward before the meeting date? So it's not there on the possibility to bring the proposed counter forward. Well in advance. mean, shouldn't be
the week before meeting. has become a custom that should be. I would like keep as is for the time being happy to entertain other things after looking So thank not supportive. Okay.
>> Is there a who also supportive of this? Okay. It does have support to be adopted at this time.
>> Okay. I believe that's everything. And the 2 that we've discussed so far. And the 2 things that we have not.
Well, the committee. Is one thing the public committee and the 2 outstanding things are both under calendar development under instructional time, adding about, you know, the greatest
and possible, the full school we One and under teacher work days and professional development. That last sentence. Under 5 responsibilities, a calendar
development number one, number 3 is where we did not get to consensus and more discussion is needed. So let me ask you all this. It's 5.20. We've
awesome work. We also want to get to our tech policies. So what do we want to do here? This do just want to clarify with the steps substantially
down below in elections. We're good with that, right? We did have a clear is no change. Recommended. >> Okay. So we want to true I'm not sure that elections belongs under closures during
the school year. Because this encompasses the November election every year. So it's not like an emergency closure. That makes sense. I think it's
been a county development that's all just moving. It is my only suggestion. And then I also under very top of Page 4, it says it says adjustments.
Wait before you move. I could learn a following. So it's something we're going to keep going through the counter. I think get to finish line.
>> Okay. I'm That's fine. But let's be really like do only things that really need to be picked up. Okay. Your point about the election.
>> What? don't it. We can be pause for just a second. Everybody catch their breath. Chairman Aaron. Pick people
who have their turn and then if we have something to say about their turn. We can take a turn. That was a good point of order, Mr. Okay. Just said
the word. The quorum okay. >> Ms. Meren: So let's go back. And the missing are coming in. Lady had comments so mostly targeting when we up to 2 minutes. To help us Okay.
Well, I have comments and one of the which I apologize when we're talking about federal holidays, the one thing that we do not address with federal holidays is that we do celebrate. >> we do take.
>> Thursday is Thanksgiving, but we take that Friday off and that's not addressed in this. So it's kind of an outlier and how we're going to codify that because that is not a federal holiday. So
that's one thing that has to be fixed. The other thing that I agree with Lady about elections, not 100 closures, that it should be moved. And they also have a question
about closures during the school year. And of that should be that stand-alone policy that already exists. I don't know that that should be in this. I think that the stand-alone policy, there's a
lot here in looking at that policy which I have marked just don't think that that should go the calendar. It should be the stand-alone policy as it stands like. They
do agree that consolidating some things are good. But I just don't see with this. Closures in the school year
were consolidating policy. 35, 0, one into this. I just think that so what you can post and what you're proposing to move,
what? Closures during the school year. It's a stand-alone policy already. 35. 0, 1, And I think that it can be a stand-alone put
That's that's just what it was. >> Ms. Meren: OK, so that is your that's my gestion. My suggestion and alone to remove closures altogether. And just letter E yeah, just leave it
where it stands now is 35. 0, 1, So we will come back to see agreements about that. Is that
on the Centre County? Okay. Ms. Lady. >> Thank Actually on the top of Page 4 number 3, which is
adjustments. I would suggest we remove that all together because it's encompassed in closures during the school year under emergency closures. Thanks to the cage for forton,
the very top number 3 adjustments. I would get rid of because it's exactly what is under he at the bottom of the page, which is emergency
closures. They're 2 in the same. Well, that is what exactly missing. I would not. I would I don't you know policy. I like the fact that us put this in this policy.
You're suggesting we remove 3 Let's put that. >> In the next year, right? I would move number 3 because I think it's in compass. An emergency closures. Got it.
And then the elections, all I'm saying is move it verbatim. But I think it you go under calendar development. Okay. Moving got it. Yes,
doctor Anderson Mr. Fish. >> Dr. Anderson: Okay. I just want speak to what was just raised. Number 3 adjustments. I agree that adjustments can can go because it's embedded
enclosures. I do not agree with having the closures be a stand-alone policy again, just when we can make something more robust like to be able to do that. So I want to leave
here. And I also want to leave elections there because outside of and we learned this from this year outside of the general Election Day that we all know and can predict because it's the same date
every year. We've had a lot of other things that are more emergent. So it speaks to not necessary in emergency, but it speaks to other closures during the year not planned.
So I think that's why it kinda lives there. It's the unplanned things that we don't know about that. We've had to be responsive to because how many did we do this year? Doctor Reed, that we had no
idea of. This is correct. So I'd like it to be there because it's not under development because we're not planning for because we don't know. It's us being responsive to whatever's happening that
we're not controlling. So I think should live where it is. Okay and Mr. And Fish right?
>> I agree that election should stay where it is and that we should get rid of number 3. Under community engagement. I think this is an
unintended word choice. find where it is. I just had it. In the second paragraph. It says address start and end dates. Timing of breaks and alignment
with regional school divisions. Talk about boring survey. We would be limiting the superintendent to serving on 3 topics. Because we're
saying it may include these things. We have a couple options here. I think you can either change the end of the sentence to say and other
topics and remove the first reference to the word and say what I mean. We just the take out the sentence. altogether,
knowing that the surveys going to encompass all sorts of issues. But I don't think that we want to get in the business of listing 3. Discrete pieces of the calendar for surveying
and only 3 discrete pieces of the calendar. >> Ms. Meren: All right. So let's go if we could go back through what we've listed out
here. Okay. Good catch. Adding that the day after Thanksgiving will be a holiday because in original policy it was added because veterans was a day in school. But now we've changed that. So Well, we've
removed that policy. So we need to add, where can we add maybe it's federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving. I think. >> Yeah. Understand how offer
hold a or stay or does name student holidays. But it's not a student holiday to school how they fall. So shouldn't go into student holiday. It should go into some and or something else because staff
is off that day as well. Okay. So we're going to Do we have consensus to figure that out and put it somewhere where it's going to go? We need to correct that. I would say yes, but can also raise something
else for me. The student holiday, as we've just provided except for Veterans Day the other holidays that I think we're just listed.
>> Dr. Anderson: Our days off for everyone was at a hodgepodge of some of days off for everyone in only for kids. >> Has that it's a hodgepodge. So that doesn't really aligned
fully. So we don't have to do it here because that's just a placement thing. We could just find wherever that make that the student holiday topic is
on the inclusive of the students. >> Days it just says there'll be no school doesn't. Reza is not reference of faculty are insured to be often just as there will be no school in the following religious holidays.
>> Right. But then didn't we add? Because I don't have it listed in Wheless the federal holidays and not all of them unnecessarily days off for kids as per your amendments.
>> Again, it's a student holidays, all federal holidays, except for Veterans Day Point is is that teachers have workdays on some student, Khalid wrecked and on some federal holidays. Yes, but if we say the day after Thanksgiving, it is a school
holiday for everyone, right? That's why can't actually there's no place to put it right now. We agree that needs be put somewhere somewhere. Okay. So we agree that it needs to be put somewhere.
Okay, quite frankly or not because I don't see any superintendent who's not going to give that they off settlement has to be in policy. Well, that's to be.
Moving election Day to the counter development section. Is there a consensus to move the count Election Day to the counter development? No, a C 3
knows. So that's a no. >> Okay. And then moving E. >> To its own thing closures keeping still in policy.
That's a no. I see no consensus for that can I just? Do added to that. We're going to keep it in. I don't know
why would fall place. What is it? So it so where it says the division superintendent. I think the language is granted. The authority is kind of like
arcane. I don't know what we can change that, too. And we could work on that later. Or can whatever. Granted is authorized would be better because that's kind of clunky.
And then I think we would just have period after due to inclement weather in consultation with staff and local public safety officials. I think that's that should go in regulations. I think that's
being too prescriptive like to be in policy. I think we've talked about that quite a bit at the meeting, though and talked about how decisions are made in the snow days and
>> Ms. Meren: so just offering that I'd rather stick with the part that were going on. If that's okay, so keeping emergency closures and they're also we need to put a number one in front of emergency closures and a number 2 in
front of elections because they're actually too distinct things. Okay. I agree with you because I know we talked about how people are feeling that we
could take days off. It was it's long. Convoluted conversation and frankly, the clear we are here, the better it is for the regulation. There's something about the
length of the school day 3 adjustments. Robin, I think you said that could go if he was kept in, correct. I think
that's redundant. >> I think that the encompasses the number 3 from be. Okay. What others think.
>> That's removing adjustments. Giving the superintendent a 30 make adjustments and folks are saying because we have emergency closures language, it gives that flexibility that would be needed. Okay. So
we're going to remove adjustments. So the only thing remaining, it sounds like is the community engagement,
peace. There was language about the survey and also talked to Anderson had committee. It's 5.30. Is there a chance that that could come as a nice amendment to the
policy flushed out community engagement, peas. I Thank you. I would not like to kick. Something that's easy to a
board meeting where going to be easy. Please go ahead. And all right. you're like, well, not for Dr Anderson's just going to say at this point, we're probably not going to anything on AI. And I think
that's really think we should reserve some time. So I get it that we're almost there. But >> I would strike the sentence
feedback, man dressed start and end dates. Timing of breaks and alignment with regional school divisions. May I ask a question?
>> Being that? >> Dr. Anderson: We have articulated and the fellow federal holidays, the the all of the day's on a supposed to be off. What else is left on the calendar survey that you would ask Doctor Reed? And this is just the wondering
because is there something beyond these things here that I may not be thinking of? Yes, ma'am. We? >> When you go back to the original directives that were
written in November of 23, there's language around starting school 2 weeks prior to Labor resign with ground. The survey would be language
around the 2 weeks that winter break spring break. I think the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I don't think the 3rd the Friday, but the Wednesday before that, sir,
that's been kind of a new. They also more. So the ice. Yeah. And the number of five-day turn. Remember, I mean, you've seen the survey, but the number of 5 day week
sources not is that the higher priorities alignment with the regional folks, a higher priority. We're looking to get some type of you know,
priorities So that even with holidays listed those other pieces that we put those into place become important.
>> Dr. Anderson: No, that's very helpful. Imam, pretty agnostic because it's not an exhaustive list is just presents some things. That doesn't mean these are the only things to talk about. Does it does so what granting permission to the
superintendent? To do 3 things? Well, then it's a wording issue rather than I to exhaustive list. But I see what you're saying, though, that offer to solutions and I
don't think we need to leave the witness on like what the survey is going to be about. We have direct surveys coming up with just a couple examples of things that could be surveyed on is pointless in
the policy because it's not requiring those things to be discussed either. So why include the middle or maybe just add, I may address, but is not limited to. I mean,
that's what I'm getting at. Why those things. Over other things. That's why if we just write that, we're going to a survey. It says that that's one of the tools in the tool
belt. that's a strike. straight. >> All right. Well, then let's keep going, then I but let's not use our time we have. So the consensus is to strike.
Okay. This consensus is to strike that language and community engagement but it's not striking. The second sentence scratches. Okay. So kiper's one more question.
Sure. And I don't. >> Ms. Lady: Recall from before. But there isn't any notation in here that we will have a winter break and we will have a spring break. Does that need to be delineated in
here? I understand the survey could get more intel regarding placement of said break length of Saint break.
>> Instructional time it says under one count. also includes stand for holidays Winter Spring holidays. It does say that would pay The 2 responsibilities, a counter
development. To counter structure last sentence. So
>> Okay. Thank you. turn again. Thank doing great. Let's let's wrap this up. Let it sit. Other people might have ideas. We've got to
conclude this. Okay. So if we've got that sentence, we just removed about what was it? The survey? Dr. Anderson, what do you think about the
idea? I will bring language as an amendment, OK? So one I don't have the exact language here. Okay. So tremendous progress. Can we send this
forward? Is it absolutely urgent? >> Well, I have brought I had brought up the point about. >> Ms. St. John-Cunning: Us aligning our practices with
neighboring school divisions whenever possible. I would like insist to add, I would like to see that. I just don't know where we could at this. And I'm not saying that we have to do all. I think Lady brought up a good point about like when certain breaks are
important, are. >> Those awesomely great amendments? we've been talking about this for an hour and a half. We've done great work. And I also asked has to happen
outside of this meeting to okay. We have to it can all be just now. We have other responsibilities. We have to talk about the AI tech policies. We've pushed off the data security policy for
months. It is from 2015. We've got to talk about it today. I just also say one thing number 5 was also in the tape. Well, I would like to the chair and say at this point I'd like us
to take a vote on it. Okay. We've done great work. It's not going to be perfect. I have tracked here that there are certain areas where we don't agree yet. Okay.
Instructional time I mentioned the 2 before the instructional time, a teacher work days the after day after Thanksgiving being a holiday. It sounds like Dr. Anderson. will be something. Something about a
committee. It sounds like there's interest What you just said missing on cutting about aligning to other school divisions. Okay. And that is the work of amendments. So do I have a motion to send this
well. So what will happen is if we approve this, I will work with the clerk. 2. Review. The edits ended to all
of you. But I'd like to post it today as new business and the document will come soon after sunset is something we do. We postings for new business in the document come soon after. Okay. So that would be the plan, OK? Can I
have a motion to send this policy 13? 44 to the school board. Mr. Fresh. Just want a
second. Dr. Anderson. Okay, Mister Fitch, would you like to speak to it? >> I'll just reiterate. So it sounds like we're amendment
around what a committee could look like Dr. Anderson, I trust. I know reach out to all of us when she developed some thinking on that. And then
I'll talk to each person on the committee and colleagues as well about how to balance the the want for a five-day
week. The efficacy of academic instruction. Continuous academic instruction. So the idea of the for 4 or 5, 3,
whatever and to make sure that there's something in the policy that actually drives that that because the current draft does not include anything about the board wanting that other than it being our opinion, that that's
a good thing. I imagine there'll be other things as well. And I look forward to the conversation. Thank you, Mr. First check, Anderson.
>> Dr. Anderson: Just very briefly. I just want to ask Ms Lady and you don't have to answer in here. But the last day of school language. Is that something that you think you want to follow up on? As I
I want to hear more. I'm pretty interested in that. >> other than that, I will. yeah, I forgot to go back to that. Yeah, I it doesn't make sense to me why we would say
it can't be Tuesday. I but I do understand why to moving in motion. Okay. So you think your motion? So I'm fine Yeah. I agree. Fine. Okay. Anyone
else like to speak to this? No, seeing no others. Okay. The motion that the governance committee, some policy 13. 44 standard school year calendar has revised to the full board
for adoption. All those in favor that Lady fresh Marian Anderson. The St. John-Cunning. Are you in favor Yeah. Yeah. Says hey. That is unanimous. Congratulations,
everyone. The government, a breath here before we totally
switch gears. I just need.
Let's just reset.
Is
>> And it's so fun should be okay. should be so happy because it's so hot today. So I'd like to be asked Cali what you like. All right. Let's
come >> Ms. Meren: So just to get a pulse on here, what's happening? So we? Had a very productive discussion. The
instructional tech AI that whole body of work obviously cannot fit into a 15 minute discussion. So I have 2 ideas. One is to hear just, you know, a minute on people's
temperature on where they're at with the different policies with the different versions. And then the next is can we approve the 68 60 a way?
That's not. That's not the one. That's the other one. 60 to 20. Okay. Because that is the one from that isut data security. So I think it's
important to update that one. So. It is the combined. Yes, and I will explain that once we get through. So I see Mister for sure he has his
placard to do. So. They were to 6,000 policies. We've been looking to review 60 to 2068, 60, both over 10 years old.
version was edited by the superintendent for each one. And one was edited by our clerk. They were not married together because I didn't have the word document of both. So
today I went through and hand Putin together to make one document for the most important one, which is the information security disaster recovery in contingency
planning 60 to 20. That was last updated in 2015. So how about we each take a minute and say our temperature on where we're at with the
policies that are listed for the AI intentional tech today. And then let's see if we can approve 60 to 20 to go forward. Is that an animal?
Seems good, Mr. For seems good. Okay. So I do want to just get on the same page. So what was posted in board docks for the instructional tech policy were 3 things. One was
the intentional tech policy for draft. That's the policy this committee has been developing. The committee has agreed on several components of that. One is the purpose.
One is the definitions. The philosophy section had a place holder. That was something that Dr. Anderson and Mr. Fresh. We're going to come back with. And then the responsibility section. We had
agreed at the last meeting. Everyone would come with ideas on that. I didn't receive ideas on the responsibility section. So as chair I updated
to move us to the next place in the discussion. I combined things I heard I did put in there are very specific information about device use. And so that is where that
intentional. So that is the committee's policy for all intents and purposes. Then there's the 2 other drafts that we've heard from a non committee member Ms Anderson,
that were provided. And certainly can be considered. But because we've adopted approach at the board, too post in public documents that we would be talking about at the table. That's why those
are posted. Okay, so Mr. First, we'll start with general temperature on the policy and then Dr. Anderson. will be after that, that's 2,
1, 2, minutes. Madam Clerk, please thank you. >> So I think progress has been made on the philosophies. Okay. Dr. Anderson and I tried
to coordinate. We had not yet connected on. Whether or not she like So I think progress
has been in the approach we took depending on where the committee ends up or where the borden's up is a philosophy that would work for an AI a policy. >> And instructional tech
policy and I think that was important because we don't want one that speaks to both. If it's not both and we don't want one that feels hollowed out. If we end up doing a
separate instructional technology policy. So the very minimum I think we're close to having a good philosophy for either both. And a in
anticipation of this meeting last week I started after Cherrie Anderson her thinking along I started taking what we
currently had and diagram meeting. My thoughts on what I wanted to ensure made it across if we did split things
up and so I think can your mind you in our next meeting is don't have one scheduled. >> But we can schedule one if we wanted. We had tried to, but it was very difficult. And
with graduation forthcoming, we don't even have a next regular meeting after this week until June. 11th. Which is the impetus trying to get
this today? Madam Clerk was found. You have something at about that. >> June I had not. I don't focus so we could have 2 in May, but I'd be happy to look at June. May just end. We'll have to see because we know
that. >> The next living serve is >> I think a lot of great work has lot of people I've talked to Tom, Mr. Danon about a bit
as well. And so. So, you know, what's interesting is that my thinking has evolved quite a bit from the beginning. I think the first meeting that we had of governance where we
talked about this. I was advocating for a singular policy Dr. Anderson. was not advocating for singular policy
and you know, I think it would be fantastic at a minimum if in AI policy was adopted before the end of the school year. Instructional tack could
take a little longer and potentially be informed by the work of rtc. But that's kind of like a and outside thinking there. So that's generally
where him on that in terms of. 62 I've not seen anything objectionable. And yet it's. >> Thanks, Mr. For second,
Anderson, thank Thank you from U.S.. Official bring it up because I think I've been fairly adamant that we needed to have 2 policies. So all I was actually very surprised
that Miss Anderson's. Edits. Were bifurcated, which I've been for the entire time. I think there's some good things there. I think there's some good things and what you are
able to co late. Clearly we're not going to get it today, but I do want to say it is paramount that we find a date so we can get them out the door because I think lots of work is pending to make that
happen. I could not stress that enough. But I'll be honest. I'm glad for the little bit of time because it spoke with Mister Dan and I've spoken with others. There's a
lot of ideas that need to be Calais did so that we can better understand them because there's no red line of anything. But there's just lots of things that I think we
could benefit from. So I would be in support of finding a date regarding the technology infrastructure >> I'm so sorry to ask you to
do this. But Dre, can you speak a little bit about the red line? What he I know the language is no red line that set But what here is like? The
energy or new like new in terms of content, not in terms of structure. document 60 to 22 which I'm so sorry. Yeah. 60 to 20 s it 80 to 20. I just was saying or general. So I
think it's really just to bring the policy into alignment since it's outside the five-year review cycle. I will share It's important that the board know that what I
forwarded from staff has been legally reviewed and I have not had whatever the amendments I haven't had a The long gone see what might have been posted for this meeting.
I don't believe that Mr. Foster's office has had a chance to legally review it. So I always want to make sure that whatever I bring to the table to governance because I
mean, often these policies are high stakes. I want to make sure illegal team has reviewed those so it's entirely possible that the edits that
were made to the staff draft are perfectly fine. I just haven't had a chance review those and haven't had a chance review them with Division
Council. And so it would be my advocacy. Then after we leave here because by taking a quick look with what we had with yours, the seems to be structural in nature. I just
wanted to confirm that. But since we're unable to knowing that we have 8 minutes left to this meeting, could we? After
everybody's had an opportunity to speak remand this back to the Superintendent for legal review. >> Dr. Anderson: And pending any activity there, then it goes to the full board for
approval. Possibly. >> Okay. Miss decision coming to do want to speak to the 2 post prompts here. This Asian relating head the point
clarification. version, the policy that's got all this formatted. Down the side. your
work you did on the policy. Now the one that has for money down the side is from our clerk. >> And the superintendent sent one that I think added some definitions and change the
order. And I thought that it was onerous to have to look through 2 of the documents. And so this morning I went ahead and combined them by hand to make one document. So
it's easier for you all to read. Now I hear with the superintendent is saying that she did not have legal remove them, but this policy has been on the agenda since March. And again, it is 11 years old. So
so I I did not print anything from this morning. So. It sounds like the best thing to do is going to be to send it back to the superintendent.
Yeah, I mean, I think legal has to review whatever it is. I just. Im trying understand which version is. I'm trying my best. There's a lot of
promises that were kept. So I try my best to cure that. But it sounds like we have, but we have a set of his left. So can we take a vote on demanding 6,
2062 20 as it is back to the superintendent for review, which as it is, are the one that is posted on board docks, which is the combined one.
It's a format. It's not just for amending. The current policy is a paragraph. I will
move that we would mandate back to the superintendent for review. Thank you. Do you have any further comment, Anderson, Mr. Fresh. Does anyone else
have a comment on this? I will say I don't know when it's going to come back to us for a view now, will sit for months more even though it is about data and information security and disaster recovery, which
given the situation with cyber terrorism. Is there really concerning. May I ask the questions that I failed to speak to my emotion that 3. What do you think is a time
frame by which we can receive this back? I would want you know, take the document work with Division Council. I think we have another meeting scheduled June 11th. do not.
We do not. >> Dr. Anderson: So by the next meeting whenever that occurs, do you think this will take more than 2, 3 weeks to review? I don't think it would take more than 2 to 3 weeks now.
>> Dr. Anderson: So I what I think I'm hearing and tell me if I'm wrong, is that bout next meeting? This could be reviewed so we can then move along as long as the Knicks me is that within that should put
us live today, isn't it? So okay. so what? So we're just to summarize. We have a motion moved Dr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Fresh to bring this. I
don't know to remand it. I don't know where it's going after. I personally want to say the lack of urgency is so.
Frustrating. It is literally information security. I just question. I guess I'm confused
by that because this has been. You've had review by legal and when did you make it available to us as a government committee to look at. It's been done for months. That's and excuse me. That's untrue. Got them set the pulled it
from the agenda earlier this year and we waited for it. And then it came back to us. So I
will call I will call for a vote because we still have 2 members that need to speak to what they want to do. get but it all from Mr. Something. We've talked about it before. We're just reiterating
discussions. It's done. There's nothing else we're going to hear. I just like to get clarification because I'm telling you. The situation has
to question okay. I would like you to continue. Well, let's take a vote on this motion to remand this to the superintendent and I guess it will stay there until you have the governance committee or the board picks it up again.
all in favor of the governance committee remaining policy. 62 20 has stated to the superintendent. That is unanimous for the committee. Ms. Lady. Did you want to
continue sharing your thoughts on the policy? The AI Tech, all of the 3 policies that are posted for today. >> Ms. Lady: No, I was just hoping for a timing.
Clarification, Mr. Something on the last conversation. Okay. Miss enjoy coming to you. Have thoughts. You want to share your temperature of the 2 to site right now? Yes. >> Ms. Meren: Is understood, Mr. Zetsche. Let's go ahead
relitigate this thing that is over. The superintendent. >> The as it was mentioned a little bit earlier, we had somebody that was on the policy, but there were changes made after the submission,
which was that if you cycle that had us pull it back. So when we had some of it changes. Man has been a few origins of this. If you look at the headlines, this quite a few inches of it floating
around The policy we had submitted the changes we had submitted was talking to was saying a few months ago. Between that and this kind of was and there's been some
changes done, which we just asked to the last time we had said we want to look at changes that would not things. There were some formatting, I think before winter holidays. >> There was some discussion.
I know it's been I just say, I just like it's been ready for quite some time. I just want clarity cause. I don't like It does matter. It doesn't matter because I I think that I like I like accountability. And I
want to make sure that staff are accountable to what we ask. And I don't want to miss communicate or put
subjectivity into timeline. Thank you. >> Ms. Meren: I will be happy to look for the e-mail and Misgendered Brown actually can confirm MS MS Pound. Would you please do you remember? I had asked you to confirm was this
policy asked for to be reviewed by the to that it director by the chief technology officer and pulled from our work line. Our workflow. Yes. There you go.
Confirmed. Can we please have a temperature Ms. St. John-Cunning. I asked everyone to to give their thoughts in 2 minutes on the policies that are posted for today. I
appreciate all the work that's gone into I do like the idea of 2 separate policies. into this like I can even see the possibility of 3 different. You know, policies
with this. I appreciate that. I also appreciate the gift time I received a lot of correspondence today and in big bold letters, it was like
you are rushing this. Take your time. There's not enough information. So when we talk about her agency, there's one thing. But when we talk about making informed decisions that are well thought out, and I
think that that's what a lot of the correspondents that I received today. indicated I think there's a lot of things that we have to look at and try to understand. And I'd
rather get it right than to rush up. So I do appreciate the gift of time with this and I think that if we take the
time to do it thoughtfully and to take all the stakeholders into consideration, we're going to have a better policy than we tried to rush through.
Better 2 or 3 >> Ms. Meren: Okay. I will go ahead return and then we'll wrap up the meeting. So I actually think that, you know, I had a calendar that I went over and initially as chair, I
was trying to help facilitate us get to a policy by this meeting to send over to the board so that the superintendent, we could set her up for success the best way possible by giving her the policy before the end of the
school year. There were times when the board to approve the students responsibility at the last meeting in June. And we knew how much of a hardship that was to get that out. So with that in mind, vice chair
was trying to set us up to approve this today. The goal for today was to approve it to get it on to the June 11th meeting. So that will not happen. That means then we're up to the June 25th meeting,
which is after the school year ends and summers under way. So that already puts the superintendent a disadvantage for doing her best work. I'm pleased to hear that, you know, especially St.
John-Cunning. You're able to look at the new versions because they were crosswalk to red lines. And I know that's often a criticism you offer from my work. So I'm glad that you're able to to review those
way. I did review them all. We also got some other documents other school board member that that we just got up. I have I just, you know, for the committee to do its work. >> Ms. Meren: We have to be
responsible. Work was not done according to timelines. And now people are waiting. So what I want to say is the policy that is the committee's policy.
>> I would want to add language about the Rtc, the Electronic Resources Review Committee. I also will be sharing motions. I'm gonna post them by 7 o'clock today
for the following. I'm going to post a motion that moves the superintendent to require proof parental or guardian permission at each school year for any instructional technology going home. I'm
going to post a motion that prohibits one to one devices in Pre K one and prescribes intentional use for elementary school and storage for elementary grades. And number 3 directs the superintendent
to provide digital literacy instruction in guarantees professional development. So I will post those and whether they get attached to a forthcoming policy or their stand-alone votes, I would
suspect that they would an action for June. 11th. So with
this meeting is adjourned 603.