Good afternoon, I called to order this February 4th, 2025 Loudoun, County, Special school board meeting FY, 26, operating budget adoption and public hearing. We will move to disclosures and I'll go ahead and start as a member of the Loudoun County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget and or health insurance and related
benefits. And any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member, I am eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee. These benefits, however, affect thousands of employees. Well, in excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may also be affected of which I am included, I can and will participate fairly objectively. And in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the
public records of the school, Clerk of the school board for 5 Years, miss Chandler, thank you. Madam chair as a member of the laden County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget, Andor health, insurance and related benefits from any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member, I am eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee. These benefits. However,
affect thousands of employees, well, in excess of this Statutory 3 employees. Whose interests may also be affected of which I am included, I can and will participate fairly objectively. And in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public records of the clerk of the court of the school board for 5 Years. Thank you. Thank you. Miss Chandler, Mrs. Griffiths Thank you, madam chair as a member of the Lan County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget and our health
insurance and related benefits in any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member, I am eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee. These benefits. However, affect thousands of employees will only access of of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may be affected of, which I am included, I can will participate fairly objectively. And in the Public's interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public
records of the clerk of the school board for 5 Years. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Griffith Mr. Strefy Thank you, madam chair as a member of the Loudoun County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget. And we're health insurance and related benefits. And any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member, I'm eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee these benefits. However, affect thousands of employees, well, in excess of the statutory 3 employees,
whose interests may all Also be affected of which I am included, a Canon will participate fairly objectively and in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public records of the clerk of the school board for 5 years. Thank you, Mr. Strefy. Uh, Miss LaBelle, Thank you, madam chair as a member of the laden County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget, Andor health,
insurance, and related benefits. And any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member, I am eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee. These benefits. However, affect thousands of employees, well, in excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may also be affected of which I am included, I can and will participate fairly objectively. And in the public interest, this disclosure will be
reflected in the public records of the clerk of the school board for 5 years. Thank you, Miss Lavell. Um, Miss chernoff, thank you. Madam chair as a member of the Loudoun County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget, Andor health, insurance, and related benefits. And any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member, I'm eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps
employee these benefits. However, affect thousands of employees, well, in the excess of the statutory, 3 employees, whose interests may also be affected of which I am included, I can and will participate fairly objectively. And in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public record of the clerk of the school board for 5 years. Thank you, Miss chernoff. All right, we will now move to um move on to the agenda. When Vice chair, Donahue gets here, we will do her uh, disclosure as well.
All right, we will move on to our public hearing on the superintendent proposed FY, 26, operating budget. Thank you for engaging with the school board through the public comment process, the school board, welcomes comments from Loudoun. County residents and believes that strong Community engagement and outreach are important. Components of a successful school system. Speakers must limit comments to the time. Allotted based on the number of speakers in the agenda. This evening all speakers have been allotted. 1 minute each for a public
comment speakers who missed their time slot will not be called at a later time. All audience members shall maintain civility, decorum and respect for the functioning and the Dignity of the school board at all times and abide by the public comment. Procedure set forth in school, board policy, 2520 entitled participation by the public and on the lcps, citizen participation website. Those resources also provide information on the distribution of materials to school board members. Given that under no circumstances, May a
speaker approach. The deis in accordance to school board policy. 2520 speaker should refrain from vulgarity obscenities defamation profanity and other like breaches of Civility decorum and respect. Target speakers may also not Target criticize or attack individual students Andor individual division employees during public comment or engage conduct that. Otherwise disrupts or displays the meeting inappropriately loud conversations or outbursts from those in attendance will
not be tolerated and security staff will be asked to restore order. Per School Board policy 2520, when reasonable the chair will warn a speaker of breaches of decorum, or of these rules, prior to the chair terminating speaking privileges or taking other action, to preserve the civility, decorum and orderly conduct of the meeting, which could include. But is not limited to the chair, directing staff to remove the attendee from the remainder of the meeting and or public
comment being concluded for the evening. The public is reminded that access to school board. Meetings is available through lcps TV on Comcast channel, Verizon FiOS channel 43. The live stream of the meeting May Also may be may be viewed on the website, we look forward to hearing your comments. We'll start with our virtual public comment. and, The first 1 is uh, Meredith Ray.
Over 19 years, there was a 20% increase in students with disabilities. Receiving special education services in inclusive classrooms due to increased funding for deia programs. Students and inclusive settings have been proven to experience lower rates of anxiety and depression. But he showed that inclusive, special education, services improve reading comprehension, and students with learning disabilities, and that children without disabilities in inclusive. Classrooms develop communication and Leadership,
skills faster. These are just a handful of measurable benefits of deia. Any attempt to defund lcpss. Dei work is reckless. Ignorant and actively harmful. It serves No 1 and damages, everyone. Thank you. Thank you, David paloni I urge you not to implement the proposed changes to the
retirees health insurance plan. At this time, instead, please defer the decision. Until next year's budget cycle. This delay would allow retiring employees turning 65 this year to remain on the lcps, sign Advantage, plan likely at minimal cost during the January 30th board, work session. Many questions were raised about the proposed changes that retiree health insurance. However, some of the explanations provided felt incomplete, I've had numerous discussions with current employees, who are nearing retirement, as well
as, with current retirees, who will be affected by changes to how lcps administers health insurance? These employees and former employees feel blindsided by the sudden change this change impacts many people and should have been properly presented and vetted through the board's. S uh committees deferring, the Decision would Al allow for Meaningful. Public, comment and input. Thank you. Thank you, Alex Bennett.
Spence has come to the school board. Good evening. Uh Dr. Spence has come to the school board, as a young, Oliver Twist and has asked for more money. But the budget is disguised as destitute and pleading for more, when the bureaucratic stomach has been filled. Dr. Spence has asked for a 100 million or will receive a hundred million dollars more from the Board of Supervisors. He's asked for an additional 23 million and instead of putting into salary and benefits, which he plans to
increase at a 12% rate with $150 deductible increase. He decides to wants to spend money on instructional coaches, that no teacher wants. I encourage the school board. If you want to know what the budget should look like, and what we are, what is needed and what will help teachers and students do not listen to the look at or listen to the lcps, budget and come, listen to the teachers to stop this
bureaucratic spending. Thank you. Um, the next 1 is Mildred. Perez Or Pettis. No Mildred, Pettis Doris Serrano.
No, Doris Serrano. Jerson, ramitas. No, jerson Ramirez. Marta Saban. And according to policy, 2520 e, the next speaker is being assisted by an interpreter and will be allotted 2 minutes for their comments. 1 minute for the speaker and 1 minute
for the translator. um, School. and uh,
thank you. Hello. Good afternoon members of the school board. I am a parent and my children. Attend guild war. Gilford Sterling Middle School and Park View schools. As parents, we are here advocating for the implementation of free after school. Programs in the title 1 schools. And
we are asking that at least 100 available spaces be offered. It is essential that low-income families have Priority Access to these programs. Because we do not have the capacity to pay for extracurricular activities. We appreciate your support in implementing these programs and hope that each of you will support this essential space for the recreation and education of our children. Thank you. Thank you.
The next 1 is uh, Kellen Ariana. Followed by Eric Canales. And there will be an interpreter for this 1 as well. Um, and so 1 minute for the speaker and 1 minute for the translator, please.
Thank you.
Hello. Good afternoon. School Board, representatives and superintendent. I am Ken a community organizer in education with a new Virginia. Uh, Virginia majority, sorry. Thank you in advance for providing the space, for our community, to voice their concerns and the changes they want to see to improve our children's opportunities in schools. We know that by working together, we can improve resources and programming for all students. We believe that it is critical to implement programs to ensure that students have
access to opportunities that allow them to develop their skills in our recreational and educational environment. It is also crucial to ensure that as part of its implementation plan, there are 100 spaces for students at each School whose families are low income. Avoiding long Waits and allowing them to be implemented in the necessary schools. We want to achieve positive and impactful changes in education, raising expectations to higher
Levels of quality and exclusivity we will continue. Thank you. Thank you very much. All right, Eric canelis followed by Brayden Willis. Oh, good afternoon. Um, again, we'll have 1 minute for the speaker and 1 minute
for the chancellor per policy. 2520 Okay, so a great my own speech to you. um, hello. Good afternoon. This is yeah. I am Eric and I am the father of 2 children who attend Rowling write in Sterling? It is our duty to shape good individuals for society and to
provide opportunities for children who lack access to these kinds of activities. Activities, that turn. in that in turn Foster values, such as teamwork, personal discipline, and healthy competition, they also create a sense of belonging that they may have been taken from them by the current system. We live in, this will be just a small step toward a better future for these children who needed so much. Human Talent should be used for more than just generating profit. Let's give these children the chance to Showcase
their potential potential that may remain undiscovered simply because they like the necessary resources. As their representatives, you have the power to provide that opportunity to them. Thank you. Thank you. Brayden Willis followed by Jessica Berg. No Brayden Willis.
Okay. Um, Jessica Berg followed by Julia Holcomb. Hi, good afternoon. My name is Jessica Berg. I'm a high school English and women and gender cities. And I'm here in regards to our Dei program in the county, frankly I had a hard time figuring out what to say because it is so completely irrational to try to get rid of a program that helps every single 1 of our students. So I am not going to
waste my time, trying to convince some board members. Um, who apparently got into this work, not to help kids, but harm them history will judge you for that instead. I want to address our excuse me, you really do have to and our students. That, in this time of anxiety and fear mongering, we as teachers will keep making our classrooms safe. Inclusive spaces for everyone because that is why we got into this
profession. And the Dei program is integral to that work. I am lucky to be a teacher here in the county and to have my 2 daughters attending. Thank you. Miss B. For your students. The next person is Julia, Holcomb followed by Samantha. Zaboli. I'm not sure I can improve, uh, on what the previous
teacher said. But I do want a cosine what she said. I'm Julia Jarvis. I teach English at George Mason University. This is my 27th year which seems impossible but there you are. And as I said, I want to co-sign what the previous teacher said and the students who come to me from Loudoun County. Um, and a lot of them do, a lot of them also come from Fairfax County, uh, reflect the valuable training that they have and their social skills, and their ability to
look after each other and be there for each other are partly a product of deia It's what people, what people sometimes don't realize is that. It isn't only the children who have special needs for their education who benefit from being in a deia classroom children who have no problems at all children who are neurotypical also benefit from being with other students. So if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Leave deia where it is.
Thank you, thank you. No, Raymond keshi. Followed by Carrie Alberts. I'm sorry I it was Samantha saboli followed by nariman keshi. I'm sorry. Hello, good evening, my name is Samantha zaboli. I am here
as a, um, a on behalf of Rolling Ridge, Elementary School, as a parent as a PTA, uh, as an Mack delegate and as a as an Alum as well. And I'm here to ask this, uh, board to consider after school programs for Title 1 schools, because a lot of our families are working families, low income. Uh, right now, the burden of after school is and I I I'm sorry to say it's a burden but it's on the pta's and for a Title 1 schools are pta's are very um overworked that a lot of
the burden. Um is on already working families. And people get burned out, pretty quick to run an after-school program. It's like a part-time job and we just don't have that capacity. So it's something that could really help, um, our students and our communities. A lot of these second, third, and fourth graders are going home and waiting for their older, siblings to come home and that's just not great. They could have structured activities. Thank you. Now Damon, uh no Raymond keshi. Followed by
career Alberts good. Afternoon, Madam chair respected board. Um, I'm actually just going to jump off where she's where she ended. Um, I was a family leas on for 5 years. And I can tell you that these after-school programs for our low-income families are crucial for a number of reasons. Um, 1 when I heard about this through New Virginia, majority I thought it was the most beautiful marriage of what we're trying to do at lcps
under our, um, 1 Elsie 227, strategic plan, I think it really adheres to that content. Um, it's 1 it supports 1, our core values of equity, and opportunity for every every single student across the board. It, it ties in, with 3 of our 4 goals, which are student empowerment and Rich division engaged Community. For our low-income families engagement is the biggest piece. And by providing him these Afterschool
programs, you will bring a huge level of Engagement. For these families I asked for The approval of this pilot program. Thank you. Thank you. Carrie Alberts followed by Isabelle Alcon. Good afternoon. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Carrie Alberts. I'm an lcps teacher. Uh I recently started coaching cross country and track and field at Broad Run which is my neighborhood, High School. Um, this
afternoon, I'm speaking to you, not just as a coach at Broad Run, but also as a parent of several student athletes and a member of The Wider Broad, Run Community, broad runs. Weight room is in need of refurbishment and has not been renovated for 18 years since 2007. During the course of a school year. Over 300 student athletes, use the weight room as well as all the students in the weightlifting and advanced weightlifting classes, this is over 20% of our student population. We are asking for 35,000 to cover the cost of refurbishment, I appreciate that. The budget is tight and each department has growing needs.
The amount I'm asking for is less than it would be if each of those 300 students using the weight room, join Planet Fitness for 10 months instead. And if you're unsure as to whether this is this expense is worthy of a line item in our budget. I invite you to come join my track team for a workout and see for yourself. Thank you for your consideration. Thank you. Isabelle Alcon, followed by David Liberto.
Now, Isabelle Alcon. Okay, David Liberto followed by Patricia Lockwood? No David Liberto. Okay, Patricia Lockwood, Lockwood followed by Aaron conco.
Good afternoon. I'd like to speak regarding the proposed changes in the insurance, cover for our pre and post 65 year old retired. Teachers I urge you to table this proposal until more information is presented to the school board, as well as the public. This has been very little transparency in this proposal change. Since little or no debt has been presented on how these uh changes will save money to the county. There's no no information on what changes with pre-existing conditions
will have to face. There's no information that if you opt for the monthly payment and then go off the county insurance and then a future date, you're not satisfied with the county has. In fact, decreased decreased, the monthly siphon. Would you be able to go back on the insurance plan? I retired from Len County. I did so. With the understanding that I would be provided insurance. And not have to pay a cost. And while this is still true for me, I'm old I am just worried that this change that you're considering there are future changes considering those already on the
sigma Medicare Plan. I think this discussion needs to be tabled and I hopefully you will do that. Thank you. Thank you, Aaron conlay, followed by lwanda Taylor. good evening, my name is Aaron kungl, and I serve as the current chair of Mack Mack stands for the division of deia because their work is critical to ensuring that every child
in lcps feel seen. Heard affirmed and above all. Loved deia is not about taking opportunities away. It is about making sure that every student has what they need to succeed. When we uplift all students, our entire School Division thrives, but make no mistake, undermining, deia does not protect children, it harms them. We cannot allow hate fear bigotry to dictate our policy at the expense of our students. Futures iMac urges this board to fully support the division
of deia because children's lives and their Futures are at stake. Thank you. Thank you, Lana Tailor, followed by Celeste, Laskowski. Hello on to Taylor. Celeste lookofsky followed by Jose Ayala.
Good afternoon. I'm here as a taxpayer and a retiree. And choosing to retire as a life-changing decision, both emotionally and financially and it's something not to be taken lightly. In observing the benefits process that is taken place this year. I'm really disappointed. There was no transparency in
retirees were not included in the process. Teachers have always had to show data and what little data I saw It just didn't seem to add up it boils down to a lack of information at this time. So who knows, retirement? Better than retirees. uh, the fall back of the consultant said was really insulting and Teaching is all about making connections. So why hasn't
anyone connected with us? We we're really smart. We really we have master's degrees. That's why we got where we thank you. Jose Halle followed by Sandy Sullivan. No, Jose Ayala uh Sandy Sullivan followed by Lola Caden.
Good afternoon, the specific budget items, I'm addressing this evening, all relate to recognition and support, the ultimately support all students and employees, both first. Make no changes or cost increases to ensure retiree Health Care. Your retirees have served our students and deserve stability in the benefits. They received in their retirement. Second insurer, competitive step increases and scale,
adjustments are funded for all employees. And for those, at the top of the salary scale, make sure their salary increase equates to what, employees moving up. The scale would receive and making those funds. A part of the base salary. Not a 1-time payment which goes, which does not go to retirement and our diverse Learners must have the supports and programs in place that Dei deia provides. Now in order
to support our diverse Learners deia programs must be maintained and strengthened Thank you, Lola, Kaiden or uh, followed by DJ Iraqi. Okay, thank you. Um no Lola. DJ Iraqi. Followed by Mahalat abdala.
Forever lies in my blood which belongs to a land that's been stolen from the Jordan River, to the Mediterranean Sea, a land that is sought in with the cheers of children's. Please I'm from this land, my eyes have never seen on land. I would return to even if it's the last thing I ever see forever. Also lies in my heart which is from a small Peninsula named kotar where my family and I could live in peace and me, my countless cousins ran around demolishing said Peace, this was my life, this was my childhood then a new life emerged, a little girl, my little sister and forever. She will be my brain is from right here
on the land, I stand on I learned to think like an American to act like an American and most importantly to be proud, like an American. But beneath an American I will forever be but beneath everything. There is my soul. My soul is not from 1 single place but it is a cultivation of Everywhere I've been whether that's from the river to the sea or from sea to shining sea. This poem is 1 of many me and tens of other students wrote yesterday in a meeting held by msac in the deia department which could have happened without proper support and funding. Thank you.
Thank you. M abdala, followed by Yvonne sental. Today I stand before you not only as an educator of the last 14 years, but also as a parent deeply committed to the principles of deia and our schools. These values are not just buzzwords, they are the foundation upon which we build a brighter more inclusive future for our children as an
educator, I witnessed firsthand, the transformative power of a diverse and inclusive classroom. When students from different backgrounds come together, they bring unique perspectives, Rich cultural experiences and varied ways of thinking this diversity Fosters creativity, critical thinking and empathy skills that are essential in our increasingly interconnected World by embracing deia. We created an environment where each and every student feels valued respected and empowered to reach their full potential Equity. Ensures that each and every student has
access to the resources and opportunities. They need to succeed regardless of their background. Inclusion means that each and every child feels a sense of belonging and is encouraged to participate fully in all aspects of school life accessibility guarantees that no student. is Left Behind due to physical cognitive or Ivonne, excuse me, demonstrating DIA. Please sit down, please. Ivan santala.
I am a found Santella. I'll start at the beginning. My grandparents were European immigrants when their country was denal demolished. They moved here for the safety and education of their children. It's the same story now. people are coming to our country for the safety and
education of of their children. I have taught for, oh, A long time. And at the beginning of my, um, Experience. I taught in the South American country that Would have. uh, the the the people in it would have liked to follow me home when, um, strikes, and and other
um, difficult times. came about at the end of my, uh, Thank you. Sorry. Um, ex excuse me, thank you for your comment. Um, I see, um, thank you all for your public comment. Um, I want to remind everyone that per hour. Um,
Policy. Uh, maximum allowable size of any sign Banner FL flag, or visual prop, is 24 by 30, any such item that extends Beyond these limits. And any Dimension may not be brought inside the building. All items must be handheld and not supported by any stick. Poll frame or handle. Items must remain on the person and may not be adhered to on the wall or any P surface. All signs and flags and Banners and visual props must be
constructed. A paper, non-core board, soft cloth. Pastor post paper poster, board signs mounted. On a constructed of Signs mounted on or constructed a plastic. Foam board wood or metal are not permitted in the building and this is part of our citizen participation guidelines. So if anybody has those items, if you would please um, exit them out of the um boardroom. I'd appreciate it. Thank you.
With that we will ask uh, Vice chair. Donna Hugh to go ahead with her disclosure. Thank you, madam chair as a member of the laden County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda, regarding employee salaries, the budget Andor, health insurance, and any other discussion that may include or affect salary and benefits for lcps employees. Specifically, my spouse, my minor children and I are
enrolled in lcps, health insurance, that may be affected by any potential changes to employee salaries the budget, and or health insurance. Additionally, my sister-in-law is an lcps employee who does not reside with me and is not dependent on me. These subjects include thousands of employees, well, in excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may be affected of which my spouse. My minor children, my sister-in-law and I am included, I can and will participate fairly objectively. And in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public
records of the clerk of the school board for 5 years. Thank you, Vice chair, Donna Hugh before we get into the main part of this. Um, I think I'd like to take a short recess. For, let's say. I guess until what 5 15. Okay, the board is now in recess.
All right. The board is back from recess and we will now move to what everybody is here for. Um, the budget adoption. so, um, actually will, there is an information item of responses to budget questions but my understanding is there were no questions and so we're going to move on to number 5.
The budget adoption. Okay, Vice chair. Donna Hugh. Do you have a motion? Yes, thank you. Madam chair. I move to adopt the FY 26 superintendent's estimate of needs and the FY 26 budget resolution. I have a motion. Do I have a second? I have a second by second by Dr. Dean. um, that motion uh, to adopt
The superintendent estimates of needs and the budget resolution has been properly moved and seconded. Are there, is there any discussion or amendments regarding the base motion? Vice chair. Donahue, thank you. Madam chair. I move to amend the budget by enacting staff's, recommended changes, that include reducing the student services specialist to coordinator, reclassification in the amount of 61,065.
Reducing 100,000 from the Department of the superintendent's training and continuing education, budget. Reducing 1,200,000 from the Safety and Security camera, AI project to support a more phased and approach. and removing 1 ER trainer from the Department of digital innovation in the amount of $163,154 for a total reduction of 1,524,219.
I have a motion by Vice chair denahi. Do I have a second? Second. I have a second by Miss Chandler, the motion's been properly moved and seconded. Is there any discussion regarding this amendment to the base motion?
Seeing no more discussion, uh, we will move to amend the base motion. By electronic vote. Clerk, please open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes uh 8 to 1 with Mrs. Griffith.
In opposition. Okay, do we have any other amendments to? Now that that has the base motion has been amended? Yes. Uh, Miss label. I moved to amend the budget by changing the athletic trainer Staffing, standard to 2 per high school and adding athletic Trainers for a cost of 773,224.
I have a motion by Miss LaBelle, do I have a second second, second second. Okay. We have a second by Miss chernoff. Um the motion to for the athletic trainers has been um properly. Moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Actually miss Bell. Do you want to speak to your motion
first and then I'll have Miss chernoff? Yes, thank you, madam chair. We have heard innumerable times about the value and the need for more than 1 athletic trainer at in our schools and to this, uh, An answer to these. These people who have been asking is, yes, I think we need to do that. And to that end, I made that motion. Commissioner off. Thank you, madam chair. Um, and thank you, Miss LaBelle and
uh, Miss lebell. And I were able to kind of collaborate on this together. I know it's a shared passion of ours. I think this is important for safety of our students, I've spoken about it before um and they've been out advocating for I think over a year now to to have these positions. So I think it's really important that we prioritize that and I would ask for the support and I'm grateful for the reductions in the first amendment that will make way for this and not increase the base budget. Thank you.
Thank you, m off any other. Yes. Miss Donahue. I'm Vice chair. Thank you, madam chair. I just wanted to thank my colleagues for putting this amendment forward. Uh I will be proud to support this uh because both because as Miss label already stated, we have heard the concerns of the community and also because it's a safety issue. Many of us ran, including myself on concerns of the safety of our safety, and well-being of all of our students and that applies in all circumstances, including
in our athletic programs. Uh, and I am excited that, uh, that this amendment is before us tonight. Thank you. Okay, we can go ahead and move make that motion to amend the base motion as amended. For athletic trainers clerk, would you please open the vote? Board members. Would you please record your vote?
Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes unanimously. Do I have any other amendments to the base motion as amended? Yes, Vice chair string. No longer Vice chair, out of respect for Mr. Stray Vice chair. Um thank you. Madam chair. I move to amend the budget by adding 280,278. um, and 1 coordinator to expand the international baloria
program to Park View, High School, By Vice by Mr. Astrophe. Do I have a second second? Second second. I was I saw a doctor. I saw Dr. Rashid. I have a second by Dr. Rashid, the motion has been properly moved and seconded. Is there would you like to speak to your motion? Mr. Astrophe. Thank you madam chair. Yes, very briefly. Um, I I I have, uh, spoken publicly about um, the expansion of uh
IB program to Parkview High School. I believe that this is is an opportunity to expand um, provide access to and opportunities for uh rigorous learning that the IB Program provides to Eastern Loudoun, where we don't have other special programs, um and how it's important that we um, continue to expand these opportunities in eastern Loudoun. Thank you, Mr. Strai um, yes Mr. Chandler.
Thank you. Um, I'm really pleased to offer my support in this, uh, Amendment as well. Um, all although I appreciate that leeburg is considered a central location, um, I I love to point out and we'll continue to do so that 85% of the loud and population lives east of 15 and having services. Like this in eastern Loudoun, we'll go a long way to making sure that we're providing access to all of our students.
Any other discussion? Seeing no more discussion. Um, we will Moved to further amend the base motion as previously amended. For uh, IB program at Parkview. By electronic vote clerk, please. Open the vote. Board members, please record your vote.
Clerk, please close and display the vote and that motion does not. It does pass with, uh, 8 to 1 with Mrs. Griffith in opposition. Do I have another amendment to the base motion as previously amended? I think I can. Yes, Mrs. Griffith. I have um several amendments that I'd like to go through but I would like to say that um Due to enrollment being down, I'd like to stay within the
FY 2525 budget. Um, all I see are programs that are not needed for achieve. The achievement of our students lcps is not being run properly, like a business. I see too much waste. So there should be cuts. Um, I moved to amend the budget by adding uh, well, first off, this is an ad. Um, I moved to amend the budget by adding High School Key Club, sponsorships, uh, to ban 10 of the
hourly banded rates schedule, increase the budget by 26,691 in direct staff to continue refining stock. Ripens, and additional compensation for inclusion in the FY. FY. 27 budget. That's number 1. But I have a motion by Mrs. Griffith, do I have a second Second. I have a second by Miss Donna Hugh Mrs. Griffith, would you like to further speak to your motion?
Well, based on, um, our discussions we have talked about adding, uh, these um costs for the key clubs. Um, I took the opportunity to provide this amendment. So I was hoping uh, this can be considered. Thank you. Any other discussion? Seeing none, we will move to go ahead and uh vote on Mrs. Griffith amendment to further amend the base motion as previously amended.
There's going to be a lot of amendment amending in this tonight. Um clerk please. Open the vote. Board members, please. Record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. That motion does not pass. Uh, 1 to 8 with, uh, Miss Chandler, Dr. Dean Miss Mansfield Vice chair. Donnie Hugh Mr. Strefy, Miss chernoff Dr.
Rasheed and Miss labelled, all in opposition. Is there another amendment to the base? Motion is previously amended, yes, Mrs. Griffith I have uh, several amendments. Um, and again, when I go through these amendments, I ask that uh, you think about being fiscally responsible, um, when you vote, um, I moved to amend the budget by removing resources and support of the recovery school by reducing the budget by uh, 900,000 TW 900000012.
900000012. I'm sorry 912,000 760, um, and and the associated 8.5 FTE. I have a motion by Mrs. Griffith, do I have a second? I do not have a second so that motion, I'll second it. Okay, Mrs. Shernoff is seconding, the motion, Miss Griffith, would you like to speak to your motion? Um, as far as the recovery school goes, I don't know. Um,
that will be able to sustain it within enrollment, and I think the money going towards this Recovery School is wasted. Um so that's why I'm putting this amendment forward. We will need the enrollment from uh Loudoun County or surrounding counties to help this uh, Recovery School continue. So I know we're starting at this year and they're not a lot of costs uh associated with it. But um I think that we need to re-evaluate whether or not we need this
recovery school. Thank you. Thank you Mr. Griffith, any other discussion? Seeing no more discussion. We will move to further amend the base motion as previously amended by the electronic vote. Uh clerk please. Open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion does not pass.
with um, 2 to 7 with Miss Chandler, Dr. Dean's, Miss Mansfield. Miss Donna, Hugh, Mr. Estrie. Miss chernoff, and Dr. Rasheed in opposition. Uh, is there another amendment to the base motion as previously amended? Mrs. Griffith. Thank you, madam chair. Um, I moved to amend the budget by removing resources in support of the elementary alternative program by reducing the budget by UH
60 630 and the associated 7.0 FTE. Thank you. I have a motion, uh, by Mrs. Griffith, do I have a second? Second, I have a second by Miss shernoff. Is there any uh Mrs. Griffith, would you like to speak to your motion? um, being fiscally responsible, I'm not sure why we would need an elementary school or alternative program that costs over
630,000. So that's why I put this amendment forward. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Griffith any other discussion? Seeing no more discussion. We will go ahead and vote on Mrs. Griffith's motion for the uh alternative school. Uh clerk please. Open the vote. Board members, please record your vote.
Clerk, please close and display your vote. And that motion does not pass 1 to 8 with Miss Chandler, Dr. Dean, Miss Mansfield Vice chair denahi, Mr. Esty Miss chernoff, Dr. Rasheed and Miss LaBelle in opposition. Do I have another motion? Yes, Mrs. Griffith Thank you. Um,
Again, I am looking at being fiscally responsible here and I don't see the need, uh, for an elementary. After school pilot program, that provides free Transportation. Uh, we already have, um, transportation issues at this time. So oh sorry my computer. Um so I am looking to amend the budget and removing resources and support of of Elementary after-school pilot programs, by reducing the budget by
1,463,409. Thank you. I have a motion by Mrs. Griffith is there a second? Second second, I have a second by Vice chair. Donahue That motion has been properly uh moved and seconded. Uh, Miss Griffith. Would you like to speak to your motion? Um, I think I, I spoke to my motion when I said, um, basically, we should be fiscally responsible, it's not
necessary. Um, and this would, we already have transportation issues and then we're providing additional free Transportation. I don't think, um, that's fiscally responsible and I don't think it would work. Thank you, thank you, Mrs. Griffith any more discussion Seeing no more discussion. We will move to further amend the base motion as previously amended by electronic vote clerk. Please. Open the vote. Board members, please record your vote.
Clerk. Please close and display the vote. That motion will not pass. 1 to 8 with Miss Chandler, Dr. Dean's, Miss Mansfield. Miss Donahue, Vice chair, Donna Hugh miss, Mr, struy, Miss chernoff, Dr. Rasheed and Miss Laval in opposition um, is there another amendment to the base motion as previously
amended? Yes, Mrs. Griffith I moved to amend the budget, um, by removing additional behavioral Resources by reducing the budget, 807,000 that is associated with 5 FTE. Again. Uh, it's about being fiscally responsible, uh, with this budget. Thank you. I have a motion by Mrs. Griffith, do I have a second Second. I have a second by Vice chair. Donahue um, would you like
to speak to your motion again? Mrs. Griffith. Well um I think it speaks for itself that I am looking to cut the budget um and stay within fy2. Thank you. Is there any other discussion? Seeing no more discussion. Um, we will move to further amend the base motion, uh, by Mrs. Griffith, that's previously amended by electronic vote clerk, please. Open the vote. Board members, please record your vote.
Clerk, please close and display the vote. That motion does not pass 1 to 8 with Miss Chandler. Dr. Dean's chair, Mansfield, Vice chair, Donna Hugh Mr. Esty Miss chernoff, Dr. Rashid and miss lebell and opposition. Is there another? Um, Motion.
Yes, Mrs. Griffith I moved to amend the budget by removing the Staffing standard enhancement for instructional coaches. By reducing the budget by 650,000 and 5.0 FTE. Um again being fiscally responsible and keeping the budget within FY. 25. Thank you. A motion by Mrs. Griffith, do I have a second? Second, I have a second by Miss chernoff.
Um, the motion has been properly, the motion to amend the base motion as previously am. Amended has been by Miss Griffith is Getting all mixed up now. Anyway, do you want to speak to your motion Mr? Griffith Um again um staying within the fy2 budget. Um, we have to make reductions. Thank you. Thank you. Miss. Griffiths, is there any other discussion?
Okay, we will seeing no more discussion. We will move to further to, um, Further amend the base motion as previously amended by electronic vote clerk. Please, open the vote. Board members, please. Record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion does not pass 2 to 7 with Miss Chandler.
Dr. Dean's chair, Mansfield. Vice chair. Donnie Hugh Mr. Strefy Miss chernoff, and Dr. Rasheed in opposition. Do I have another motion? Yes, Mrs. Griffith might as well just keep looking at me down this way. Um, yes, um, as far as my next uh, motion, I would like to mend the budget, by removing uh, the supporting the Lexia Core 5, by reducing the budget by 270,000. Um, this is another way to reduce the budget and
help us stay within fy2. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Griffith, do we have a second second I have a second by Miss Donna by Vice chair. Donahue uh would you like to speak to your motion? Mrs, Griffith. Um, it's really about um expenses that are not needed and keeping the the budget within fy2. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Griffith is there any other discussion? Yes,
Miss chernoff. Uh, thank you, chair Mansfield. Um, while I have many grievances with the digital component of the Lexia platform, we are moving that through our curriculum and instruction committee starting tomorrow. Um, and I feel that that's the best way to evaluate the program. Since it is a 1 year, um, renewal in this budget cycle. So while I saw myself getting their originally, I just wanted to clear up that I will not be supporting getting rid of it. Um, I'll also noted that this is really the funding that
supports interventions, um, that are supported by the Virginia literacy act. So whether or not that is Lexia, we do need those funds to help intervention with our students. And so that is where I have landed with this and I just want to make sure that was on the record. Thank you. Thank you, Miss chernoff. Is there any discussion? Seeing no more discussion. We'll move to further amend the base motion as previously amended by electronic vote. Uh clerk please. Open the vote. Board members, please record your vote.
Clerk, please close and display the vote. That motion does not pass 1 to 8 with Miss Chandler. Dr. Dean's chair, Mansfield, Vice chair, Donna Hugh Mr. Struy, Miss chernoff Dr. Rasheed and Miss LaBelle in opposition. Mrs. Griffith, do you have another motion? Yes, thank you, madam chair. Um I moved to amend the budget but uh by removing the child fine Staffing standard enhancements related to the full day, step program by
reducing the budget by 314,966 and the associated to FTE. I have a motion, uh, by Miss Griffith. Do I have a second? Second, I have a second by Miss chernoff. Miss Griffith. Would you like to speak to your motion? Uh, yes, thank you. Madam chair. Um, as I put these amendments forward um this is strictly to stay within the FY 25
budget. Um, And it just basically stay there and not have a lot of, um, items that are not needed for lcps students. That do not help in achievement. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Griffith. This is any discussion. Seeing no more discussion. We will move to further amend the base motion as previously amended by the electronic vote clerk. Please. Open the vote. Board members, please record your vote.
Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion does not pass 1 to 8 with Miss Chandler. Dr. Dean's chair, Mansfield. Vice chair. Donnie Hugh Mr. Estra Dr. Rasheed and Miss label in opposition. Is there another, uh Amendment to the base motion as previously amended? Yes, thank you, madam chair. Um, I moved to amend the
budget by removing the expansion of the eel. Uh, Welcome Center by reducing the budget by 651,024 and the associated FTE. Thank you. I have a motion by, uh, Mrs. Griffith. Do I have a second? Second second. I have a second by Vice chair Donnie who, um, That's been properly. Moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Actually miss Griffith? Would you like to speak
to your motion? Um, a welcome s, an additional Welcome Center is not needed at this time. I suggest we do a re-evaluation next year, uh, but I'm trying to stay within the FY 255 budget and stay fiscally responsible. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Griffith. Um, any other discussion No. Okay, so seeing no more discussion. We will move to further amend the base motion as previously amended by the electronic vote clerk. Please. Open the vote.
Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion does not pass. With 2 to 7 with Miss Griffith. I mean with uh Miss Chandler, Dr. Dean's chair, Mansfield, Vice chair. Donna Hugh Mr. Estreya. Um, do I have another amendment to the base motion as previously Amendment? I'm almost done. Yes, Mrs. Griffith.
um in alignment with the president's, executive order, I moved to amend the budget by uh removing all resources to the DI EA office, by reducing the budget, by 2,800 and 2,616 and the associated 11 FTE, and reallocating 2,780,332 fund 23, special education teachers, and reallocating
22,000 to the Department of school. Leadership to create a fun stream application and approval process for band or theater group trips. This action will result in a reduction of force in accordance with the regulations with regulation, 7910 all affected licensed employees. Will be notified as soon as possible within 2 weeks after the approval of the school budget by the appropriating body and no later than July 1st from the reduction of enforce
any leftover money for a booster, would be for booster club funds. This would provide supplemental funds to boosters, the booster clubs would need to fill out specific paperwork to be applicable for funding. It should be focused on trips for the ban theater groups, and sports teams that are traveling out of state or the country. Um, I do have a proposal, um, should I mention that as well? Uh, um, I think you need to stick with a motion. Okay. All right. So I'll just stay with my motion for that. Thank you. So I
have a um, I have a, uh, motion by Miss Mrs. Griffith, do I have a second? Second. I have a second by Miss chernoff. Miss uh Griffith. Would you like to speak to your motion? Yes, thank you, madam chair, I think. Um, in regards to the uh president's executive order, we should follow through with uh, um, reducing Dei department and
and taking that money and putting it towards um, much-needed teachers for the special education. And also, um, I have had, uh, several booster groups, um, sports teams, theaters bands, um, asking for supplemental money for trips. Um, that could be out of state or out of the country. So I think, if we started a fund with an application process that that would be helpful to them. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Mr. Griff is any other discussion? Yes, Dr. Deans I would like to. I would like to speak to that please. um, I do want to take a moment to affirm why the work of the division of diversity, Equity inclusion, and accountability is essential in our schools at its core. Dei is about ensuring that every child not some.
Regardless of race background ability or identity has the opportunity to succeed. Research consistently show, that schools will strong Dei initiatives. See higher student achievement. Improved graduation rate rates. And increased. Student engagement. A study from the American educational research Association
found that students in inclusive schools, perform better academically and report a stronger sense of belonging. If we are, truly committed to Student Success. We cannot ignore the proven benefits of these programs. Thank you, Dr. Dean, do I have any other discussion? Yes, Dr. Rasheed, I will not be supporting this motion. Um,
I am a firm believer in promoting deia. I refuse to hear any type of defunding dismantling, or taking away from deia, especially coming from a brown woman woman woman myself. I find that diversity, all of, all of what it stands for is imminent to a child's education. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Rasheed um, Mrs. Griffith. Uh, thank you very much, uh, for that. Um, I think that if
we had the data, uh, from lcps, that told us exactly how it's been helping our students that would help a little bit more. Um, but we do not have data and at this time I think we're jeopardizing potential funding for lcps, that could affect Title 1 schools. Um so that's why I'm putting this motion forward um, and thank you. Thank you, madam chair. Yes, Dr. Deans
some of the data involves. Creating safe and inclusive learning environments. Students, perform better. When they feel a sense of belonging. a 2022, edweek Research Center survey found that students in schools with strong Dei programs were 35% more likely
to feel valued and supported. Schools with Comprehensive Dei programs report fewer disciplinary incidents and reduce absenteeism. And we know that the state is going to measure us on attendance for the new year. So defunding Dei would hurt vulnerable. Students the most and as a result I am very much against.
Defunding. Thank you, Dr. Deans Any other? Thank you so much. I'm sorry, um, you've spoken twice already, let me get uh, Miss Chandler and then And then miss label. I would like to speak. To. Just can I get Miss Chandler and then oh, okay. Didn't know who was first. Thank you. Um I would like to go on the record of as saying
We Belong Together. Um, the fact that we are together is just a fact. Um, We have to look at how we as a division can be responsible to each other and expand the circle of who matters. Right. Um, education has always been and will always be 1 of the best ways to ensure access to the American dream. And um, we cannot falter
So, um, with that, I will not be supporting the motion. Thank you, Miss Chandler, Miss libel. Thank you, madam chair. while I feel like we are an inclusive community and I feel like all our teachers are inclusive and caring and kind. I would like to point out that currently we have been directed to not Implement, Dei from the federal level. The
president has said that he will take away any funding for the states that support Dei. The government has received uh, notice as of today, that they are going to look at what the various counties school boards are doing in the state of Virginia. And in particular, Arlington.
Arlington public, I'm sorry. Arlington. Public Schools Alexandria Public Schools, city of Alexandria Public Schools. Prince, William and Loudoun. And so we will be facing um, an inquiry and possibly the loss of federal funding, which yes, is only 1% of the seon that we are looking at today. But does come to over 48
million dollars, it would injure not only our Dei programs, but also all Title. 1 money would be gone as would our cafeteria um funding for nutrition School nutrition. Also CTE programs with the Perkins funds and additionally special ed Uh income for supporting our special students. So my question that I keep asking myself over and over again. Are
we willing to lose? Over 48 million supporting all these programs. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Bell yes, Dr. Spence Thank you, chair Mansfield. I hope it's okay. Based on the conversation. If I just uh share a little bit of administrative perspective on a couple of things that have been been offered. So I will say, uh, just first, I want to be kind of upfront is superintendent. I am committed to ensuring that every
student in our school division, has the opportunity to thrive, learn and succeed. I think everybody on the school board is as well. Um, but I would say the division of diversity, Equity inclusion, and accessibility is essential in that mission, and it ensures that our schools do remain welcoming and supportive for all of our students and staff. I do want to be clear about a few things. So despite what some have come to believe, our Dei efforts are not about divisiveness. Our deia efforts are instead about opportunity and about inclusion and has has been noted. research does consistently show that when students feel a
sense of belonging in our schools their academic success and overall well-being improve. We can point to multiple research studies around this but we can also point to our own data and I think it would be fair to say that we have seen Improvement in Access and an achievement amongst reporting groups and lcps. Since these initiatives came into being which came into being before my arrival and came into being before this board's arrival. I also think it is important to note that the work of deia ensures that our curriculum is inclusive, that our policies
are non-discriminatory. And that our teaching is culturally responsive as required by the State Board of Education. I think the work also upholds, a fundamental principle that every single child deserves equal access to education free from discrimination. I want to address the recent presidential executive order. The recent order, does not ban all Dei initiatives. As many legal experts have already noted, it targets, only practices that violate the law. And in fact, in point of fact, our work in this area is firmly rooted in compliance with federal and state
anti-discrimination laws. Ensuring that our schools do remain places of fairness and opportunity. Furthermore, I think it is important to note that the order does not prohibit state and local governments. Federally funded institutions or contractors from engaging in First Amendment protected speech. I do want to assure the board if I felt the work of the division was illegal or infringing on staff or student writes, I would ensure that we were addressing that but with regards to this order here's where lcps stands. Lcps is unaware of any policies and practices that violate applicable, civil rights laws, particularly in a manner,
that would be discriminatory to any individual. The existence of equity is not inherently illegal. Rather, the aspirational work lcps, engages and assures that all individuals experience a safe and welcoming environment. Lcps does recognize Merit and at the same time, does have an aspirational goal to prepare individuals for a diverse community and Workforce. Lcps does not engage in practices. Whereby it affords or replies. Preferential treatment, based on race color, sex
or national origin, which appears to be an aim of these presidential actions. Lcps will continue to make sure all policies and practices are applied in a way that is legal and not discriminatory. Lcps, legal council will continue to monitor relevant updates from any necessary action, to inform and necessary action. But at this time, further guidance from federal agencies may not be forthcoming until at least the end of March or Beyond. And there could be legal challenges. That may further delay such guidance or the implementation there of a require modifications and revisions to any kind of in
forthcoming guidance. Beyond the legal issues concerns about Federal funding also appear to be misplaced at this time. As noted, this appears to only be a concern where there are violations of the law which again is not likely the case, moreover, the majority of federal education funds, including some mentioned this evening like Title, 1 Ida and Perkins, grants funds, for Career and Technical education are allocated specifically in statute by Congress and cannot be unilaterally rescinded by executive order.
Any significant funding changes would require legislative action action which would make an immediate response on necessary. Additionally, the executive order itself, allows us has been said, 120 day assessment period underscoring, the idea that any drastic action right now would be premature, Moreover, eliminating. The division of Dei, is not going to erase the challenges, our students and staff face. And instead, I sincerely believe it would hinder our ability to provide a high-quality and Equitable education for all. our division provides vital programs and resources that
help remove barriers to learning offering students support from uh, all backgrounds including those with disabilities. Different cultural experiences, and varying, socioeconomic needs. Through initiatives like mentorship programs, cultural competency training and accessible Learning Materials. The division of deia ensures that every child has what they need to reach their full potential. Which matters because our role as Educators is to prepare students for the future in an environment where they feel valued and supported and the work of the division of Dei is
integral to that responsibility. I strongly urge the board to continue in the investment of this mission. I'll speak just for a moment about the recent. Call for an investigation into the 5 0, 0.
I do welcome direction from the board but I do think it's critically important that my perspective. The administrative perspective is clear and I do think it's important. Our community knows that our commitment to fairness opportunity and Excellence will remain steadfast. And I believe that includes supporting the work of our division of deia. And also I want our community to know that no matter what happens next. We will continue to ensure that every student in our division is known, seen loved and heard Thank you, Dr. Spence
is there any further discussion? Yes, Mrs. Griffith Thank you, madam chair regarding um, the Dei program. I think it's fairly new. We've had it for the past. What 5 years? Um, I have yet to see any data that. It's helping any students uh achieve especially with the title, 1 schools um scores have gone down. So without this data, it is very hard for me to uh be in favor of funding. Uh the
Dei department and just to reiterate, um, I wanted to move, I'm suggesting a motion, um, to move money from Dei into into special ed that needs it more. Uh, reallocating this money would get 23, EXT, uh, 23 special education teachers, so um, without the data for my constituents uh, for myself
myself and my constituents, um, I don't believe, um, here today, it's been proven that is it is effective in achievement and again, um, the executive order might be at the federal level, but, um, we are at risk of losing that money. Um, I just want to point that out. Uh, to be fiscally responsible. I think we should be taking
that money. That's much needed for special education. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Griffiths, is there any other discussion? Seeing no more discussion, we will move on to the vote. Uh, for uh, Miss Griffith amendment to further amend the base motion as previously amended. Clerk, please open the vote. Clerk, please click uh board members. Please record your vote.
Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion does not pass. With um, 3 to 6. I think you did. uh, can we um, Mr. Allen do we have to
we can do. Can we revote? Since we haven't moved on. Thank you, madam chair. Yes, that's that. That would be appropriate to take a reboot if there was an incorrect vote that you're aware of Okay, I think Dr. Dean has stated that her vote was incorrect. That's let's clear the board, please and revote. so, this is a motion to amend the base motion to defund
deia um, board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion does not pass 2 to 7, with Miss Chandler. Dr. Dean's chair, Mansfield. Vice chair. Donna Hugh. Mr. Strefy Miss shernoff and Dr. Rasheed in opposition.
Okay, we were moving on. Is there another amendment to the base motion as previously amended, yes, Mrs, Griffith. Thank you, madam chair. This is my last 1. Um, I moved to amend the budget by removing the additional 1 family liaison position added per the Staffing standard resulting in a budget reduction of 69,311. Um this is for the Department of communications and Community engagement. There was 1 additional position for FY. 26. Thank you.
I have a motion by Mrs. Griffith, do I have a second? Second. Yes, I have a second by Miss chernoff. Uh, Miss Griffith. Would you like to speak to your motion? Being fiscally responsible, we would be removing, uh, 69,311 from the budget. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Griffith, um, any other discussion.
No seeing no more discussion. um, we will go ahead and vote. On to further amend the base motion as previously amended by electronic vote clerk. Please. Open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion fails 1 to 8 with Miss Chandler. Dr. Dean's
chair, Mansfield, Vice chair, Donna Hugh Mr. Struy Miss shernoff, Dr. Rasheed and miss lebell and opposition. Is there another amendment to the base? Motion is previously monitored. Yes, Mr. Strefy. Thank you madam chair. I moved to amend the budget by increasing the budget, by 186,689 for the addition of 1 summer programs, and after-school services coordinator. I have a motion by Vice chair stray. Do I have a second?
Second, I have a second by Vice chair. Donna Hugh. Did I say Vice chair stray again. Nope, you didn't said Mr. Stray, Mr. Strike Vice chair. Donnie Hugh. Um, it's been properly Mo. Uh moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Actually? Um, Mr. Jeffy, would you like to speak to your motion? Yes, thank you. Madam chair. Very briefly. Um, just want to add that this was brought up in a previous discussion at 1 of our work sessions, um, by the board. Um, and I feel that the after school services
coordinator, uh, this relates to the after-school, uh, programs pilot. Um, I think this um, position would be vital to make sure that we can manage, um, all of the Afterschool programs that we have proposed as well as fill 1 of the gaps for a summer programs coordinator, um, that we know exists. Thank you, Mr. Esty um, Bought any other discussion.
Yes Mrs. Griffith uh once again I will add that we're not being fiscally responsible here and we're adding to the budget instead of making cuts and taking um costs away. So I will not be voting for this motion. Thank you. Thank you Mrs. Griffith any other discussion? Yes Miss chernoff. Thank you, madam chair. Um, and thank you. Uh, Mr. Strefy for bringing this forward, I just wanted to note that I had shared some concerns about a third-party vendor being involved in running these programs and I think having a
coordinator on the lcps side will help to be a liaison between the values that we hold here in lcps and a third-party vendor so sort of an accountability check. So while in general, I do not love increasing the budget. I do think that this is a necessity if we are going to move forward with a third party, so I will support that. Thank you. Miss shernoff, is there any discussion? Seeing no more discussion, we will move to the electronic vote.
Um, Board members. Uh my clerk, please, open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. That motion passes 8 to 1 with Miss Chandler with Mrs. Griffith in opposition. Um, okay. I have 2 amendments.
uh, I'll start with this 1. Um, 1 item. That's always been important to me is high dosage tutoring. And the research around high dosage tutoring to move the needle for struggling students is irrefutable. It needs to be done. According to what research has found to be highly effective in person in person with highly trained and supported tutors with aligned elev. Evidence-based School curriculum, small groups. During this school day,
it has been shown to be 20 times more effective than standard tutoring models for math and 15 times more effective for reading. And studies demonstrate that the practice increases students learning by an additional 3 to 15 months across all grade levels. So my motion I move to further amend the budget as previously amended. To reallocate 500,000 of vendor based online tutoring funds to in-person tutoring services for high dosage tutoring.
During the school day, by highly trained and supported tutors with structured curriculum, that is aligned with the school's instruction for Math and literacy grades, 3 through 8, having no Financial impact on the budget. Do I have a second? Second, I have a second by Miss LaBelle, yeah. um, and I think I did speak to it. Um,
I think everybody knows how um, passionate I am about literacy and struggling, uh, readers and writers and also math. And I think that the evidence is is and the research since, before the pandemic, and after the pandemic is irrefutable for high dosage tutoring in schools, not out of schools, um and I'm not a huge fan of online homework,
assistance, So, um, because I think we need to focus on the kids right now and evidence-based instruction and those struggling readers and write and uh kids in math. So um, is there any other discussion? Yes, Miss lebelle. I appreciate you making this motion as the new National report card came out. And it shows additional Instruction is needed. We're still not up to par here in
Virginia. So thank you for that. Thank you Mr. Bell any other discussion? Yes Mr. Griffith. Um, thank you so much for bringing this forward. I did have a question uh, for you. Does this mean we get a way for from all in for tutors and Varsity Tutors? And we would have instruction in the schools. Is that what you're saying? We're getting away from the actual vendors that we have been using. There could be the possibility of a vendor with University and instructors which are in-person and come to the schools. They are also being trained. They also
have training in the VA modules. Um, and so the the uh, principles would have the opportunity to either hire their own. Or move with the University. Okay, thank you. Any other discussion? Okay. um, okay, so we will go ahead and move for the uh
The vote, uh, for um, to amend the base motion as previously amended by electronic vote Clark. Please open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes unanimously. My next Amendment we have received several emails about
retiree benefits. I heard the fear the confusion, and the hurt. And I would like more public facing education, discussion input around this area. So, my amendment is to a pause on the vote. And giving the direction to staff to put together a separate work session on this item. In addition to it having to go through the board process of
information item in action. I thought about having it and committees after that board work session. But then concluded that it really is the whole board. And if And and I think we all need to be more educated on it and I would like, and it needs to be included from the beginning. And that will also provide more input. And more public comment from everybody else. And I think we should work through it together. Um, so I moved to further amend. I mean, I can tell you,
miss chernoff is also a part of was and and Miss LaBelle, I mean, there were a lot of us who were very Concerned, and we heard you. Um, I moved to further amend the budget as previously amended by increasing the health Self Insurance Fund expenditures by 890,000. Increasing the health Self Insurance Fund revenues by 890,000. And increasing the school, operating fund non departmental
expenditures by 740,000. Additionally, I proposed delaying any changes to the retiree Health Plan and directing staff to present the topic to the school board and a work session for further discussion and deliberation with the possibility of taking action on plan changes. Possibility. In the spring of 2025, to be ex effective, January, 1st
Do I have a second second? I have a second by Miss chernoff. Yeah. Um, I think you heard what I had to say about it. Um, board members. Is there any other discussion? Miss libel. Thank you, madam chair. I just want to make sure that by your motion. You are grandfathering. The current
plan that's in place until we make a change. Is that part of this? Nobody wants to go without health insurance. That's why I'm asking. um, So, I am keeping things as is for now. And we will have further discussions during the work session. And be more educated and have more input. So yes. It will stay as is until we vote differently.
Do we need to put that in the motion itself so that it's it's there. Okay, thank you. Any other discussion? Yes, Dr. Spence, I think just to layer additional Clarity for Miss Leal. So Uh, if the board votes on this motion and this is in the budget, then everything stays the same until such time as the board would vote to make any other changes post. Post
post a work session on this cam uh you know on this conversation. If changes were to be made the, the current proposal that we had in that you are now sort of backing away from and delaying any kind of implementation on would only result in savings. So it wouldn't have a negative impact on the budget that you would approve this evening. Thank you, Dr. Spence Yes. Miss sure enough. Thank you, chair Mansfield. Um, and thank you for your partnership in this work and the questions asked and this is just 1 of those instances. I
think that really highlights reaching out is really important. We need to hear your feedback. I missed this, my sad year, I listened to the presentation and I'm not retired. So I don't understand. And I I I thank the comments earlier, like, talk to us. And so that's really what made me pivot on this and take pause. And, I've had lots of conversations over the last couple of weeks with our retirees and our almost retirees. And, you know, it, we really, we need to hear from you, and so feedback matters.
We see it, we read it. We we will pick up the phone. We will talk to you, um, treating our employees, and the people that have served this County matters. I know to me, and I know to this board and so I just, I want to reiterate that, that that is important. You don't have to stay quiet. If something is bothering, you, please bring it to our attention and we're going to see where this goes. Like we said possibly changes. Um, but we are You're going to be more informed along the way and and hopefully you'll be part of that process with us. So thank you. Any other board discussion.
No. Seeing no more board discussion. We will move to further amend the base motion as previously amended by electronic vote clerk. Please. Open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk please close and spell it display, the vote that
motion passes unanimously. Okay. Um, I think. I think that's it. Um, are we under? Okay, so are there any other amendments? Seeing no more amendments.
Uh, We had IB and we had coordinator. Yeah. Okay. All right, I think. Vice chair. Um, Donna Hugh. Are we in the ya Mrs? Will be, would you please? If I could just kind of pause of where we're at and give a a quick recap, after all the Motions that have been made so far, the adjustments to the budget have resulted in a net
increase of 456,172, With the um, with an accompanying increase to the County transfer requests in the same amount. We've also increased FTE by 7 FTE. To maintain a balanced budget in maintaining the same level of requests to the county, we would, um, be looking for a reduction of 456,172 and so there could be a motion
staff's, recommendation would be. Um, we could easily make a reduction and the department of support services and move some purchases in the FY, 26 budget into fy2 year and funds and it would need to be the amount that is shown up here. The 456,172 Thank you. Miss Willoughby for keeping us in check. Um, Vice chair. Donahue, do you have an amendment?
Yes, thank you, madam chair and thank you. Miss Willoughby. I moved to amend the budget by reducing the department of Support Services, materials supplies and equipment account by 456,172 and funding. The associated purchases out of FY. 25 appropriated, unspent fund balance. Thank you, I chair Donahue. Do I have a second? I have a second by, uh, Miss Chandler.
Um, is there any discussion? seeing no discussion, we will move to We will go ahead and vote to further amend the base motion as previously amended. Uh, by electronic vote clerk, please open the vote board members. Please record your vote,
clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes unanimously. Okay, on to our last. Motion. Vice chair, Donna Hugh. Thank you, madam chair. I move to adopt the FY 26
superintendent estimate of needs and the FY 26 budget resolution as amended. I have a, a, um, motion by Vice chair Donnie. Do I have a second? I have a second by Mr. Steffy. The most been properly, moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Yes, Miss chernoff. Thank you, chair Mansfield. Um, I'll make this brief, but, uh, at the beginning of this process, I had really looked for us to get to that 100 million number, um, which was
projected by the Board of Supervisors. Tried a lot of different ways to kind of get there. Um, and just came up short, no pun intended. And, um, also just feel that there's a lot in this budget. Ask that doesn't reflect giving every employee a step increase and, and certain things that are just that just never are that, we're not addressed. And so I have struggled with the terms of you know, questions creating you know, information, creating more questions and needing more
answers and and just never really Landing there. So, I, um, I'm grateful for the good things that have gotten in this budget and, you know, should try to show that with my votes tonight. I will Not be supporting the overall 123 million because it exceeds the ask that we were offered. Thank you, miss chernoff. Any other discussion? Okay, seeing no more discussion. We will move to our final motion.
Uh, Clerk, please open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes 6 to 3 with Miss Griffith, miss shernoff and miss Lille in opposition. Thank you everyone for your hard work.
We are going to move to adjournment. Um, the February 4th, 2025 Loudoun, County school board meeting for the FY, 26, operating budget adoption and public hearing is now adjourned. Please drive safely home.