and I sound like a broken record but I caution my fellow board members uh to think about this a little bit more closely rather than simply going ahead and approving it year. After year, I'd like us to take, um, more of a closer look and ask more questions about it. Uh, to see if the contract as presented is, what's in the division's? Best interest for all students? Again, I'm going to go ahead and vote to approve the consent agenda today, but I did want to raise, I wanted to raise this as I'll be reviewing the contract more closely next year and would ask my college to
do the same in the future. Thank you, chair. Thank you, Dr. Rasheed. I think part of that also is to maybe have it come a little earlier than when it's supposed to be, um, adopted. Like a month or 2 earlier. Okay. Um uh at this time, we will go ahead and take a moment. Uh a vote to approve. The consent agenda clerk please open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes 5, um, with Mrs. Griffith, abstaining
abstaining for the vote and Mr. Strefy, mrop, and Miss LaBelle absent for the vote. Um, we'll move on to the work session Department of teaching and learning CTE update development of. 5-year, plan presented by uh Mr. Neil, slovan assistant superintendent for teaching and learning. uh, And um, and I'll have him introduce everybody else. Good evening, chair. Mansfield board members, and Dr. Spence we are excited to be here tonight. Um, I'm particularly excited to be joined by our department. Uh,
members of our department of Career Technical and adult education, and I'll have each of them introduce themselves briefly, before we begin. Good evening. I'm Michael Grubbs. I'm the director for Career Technical and adult education. Good evening, Jennifer alfers, supervisor Career, and Technical education. Nick Rosita, computer science, supervisor Good evening. Christina Lee work-based learning coordinator for division of Career Technical and adult education. I'd also like to knowledge. We have a number of uh members of the team in the back who will be joining us during this
presentation to have a little bit of dial dialogue with you around the content of our presentation. I just appreciate the whole team being here to support this conversation around CTE in lcps. Tonight's conversation is Guided by the lcps, Strategic plan specifically action. 1.2 around the development of multiple accessible Pathways to success expanding student access to participate in special specialized educational opportunities. While that is goes beyond CTE. There's definitely plenty of room for conversation about those
Pathways within the the, um, division of CTE. We also in that strategic action, talk about revising the program of studies to expand, elective opportunities, and new course offerings based on student interests and Workforce demands of the local community. And then we also are connected to the work of the superintendent's post entry plan uh with the vision of offering a robust Career, and Technical education program and evaluating our current offerings. So tonight we're going to dive into a little bit of the process. We're taking um to make those recommendations and
we look forward to the conversation with you all at this point I'm going to turn it over to To our director of Career. Technical and adult education Dr. Michael Grubbs. Thank you, Mr. Sloven Before we begin, I want to share a story about a student that guides how I approach career and Workforce Development. And I'm hoping as the foundation of our 5-year plan that we have spent the year discussing and will impact tonight, almost 15 years ago, I was facilitating, an engineering Shark Tank event for our senior Capstone students. And a student named Andrew who took 4 years of our engineering program, was presenting to a room of
Professional Engineers. When asked what Engineering University he would pursue, he shared, he would not be pursuing engineering. Shocked the engineers in the room asked, what he would be doing after high school and he responded that he would be a lawyer even more shocked. He went on to share that he took the engineering courses, because they would provide the opportunities for him to be a better, critical thinker collaborator, technical writer, and communicator. To me, that's the purpose of current technical education.
And so before we get into the 5-year plan and program specifics, I think this story illustrates um, how we're going to approach this work. Moving forward. It's not just about the programs that we're going to put in these school buildings, but it's more about how how we're going to change the conversations we're having with students. And so the days of posting a flyer about a career and how much money they make is not working, like the flyer in the middle of the presentation, and the career ladder is not working with our students rather the career jungle gym and having meaningful conversations with students about their careers. Is the direction that we need to head.
That end we think it's important that before we jump into all of our exciting programs, we want to expand it's important that we develop a common language on how we plan to discuss. CT programs with our students because if we focus on just programming and how we promote them, they would just be empty spaces. We will be taking you through the rise Sac model. A theory, also known as Holland codes, the categorizes people in a 6 personality types. This model is not new. ASVAB is based on these 6 letters
and it's also the components. It's also the components of our career links platform that many of our students have taken the square However the conversations and connection programming is the area of growth that we want to bring to you tonight, before we get into our 5-year plan discussion. So we're going to start with a short video, highlighting the letter R for realistic. The realistic is about Hands-On doing it's about physical activity, it's about being outdoors, it's about working with your hands, it's about manual dexterity. So when I
think about the careers Carpenters, for example, score very high on the realistic theme. 1 thing about the realistic too is that they like to see the output of their labor. So at the end of doing the physical work, they like to see the accomplishment, whether it's a house that's built something that's been drafted or designed or created so electricians Builders Carpenters, but also your physical therapists typically leading with that realistic Athletics and sports. You know athletes typically leading with the realistic theme also your
military professions, many of them also will fall into that realistic side of the house. Those who lead with are, they're a realistic, they are doers they tend to adapt a problem-solving approach and can be assertive competitive and interested in activities that that require motor coordination, skill and strength possible careers may include Landscaping firefighting, or civil engineering. What you'll notice or what? I hope you'll notice about these Illustrated slides. Is that not 1 of them calls out a
specific career. They are based on skills values and interests to reduce biases for students. If any of these realistic attributes or characteristics are resonating with you, please raise your red realistic card in your packet. Cabinet is also included and encouraged to participate in this interactive activity. The next letter is I for investigative gate of sorry. So the investigative theme is all about using math and
science to solve problems. So our investigators are deeply curious. They are your lab rats, your scientists, they're going to be in the library, they're going to be in the stacks, they're going to be reading, they're going to be processing, constantly in the experiments and constantly troubled around. Why the solution isn't working. So, again, it's your scientists. It's your professors, it's your researchers. Uh, they are very commonly. The ones that we're going to think about wearing lab coats and are going
to fall into that investigative category. So our investigative uh students are thinkers. They're they are curious analytical independent logical. Enjoy learning and solving complex problems. These tend to be careers such as scientists, researchers, Doctors Data, analysis, software, developers detectives. If you identify as I for investigative, please raise your letter. Thank you. And I have the pleasure of a artistic.
So, the artistic theme, we often talk about creative self-expression, right? It's the artistic. And they are just as it sounds often times found in the Fine Arts. So, dance music theater, the artistics are definitely going to be found in that environment. They just have a different level of creative self-expression. And so that takes us over to journalism authors writers designers. They might have colored hair unique, clothing, whatever it might be, those are
Statistics are using their creative self expression in order to create the things that we appreciate in life. So those that Live. They enjoy. Unstructured environments. Self-expression and Innovation, they're drawn to music art drama and design. And they also, they prefer their work environments to be flexible and open for emotional excessive, um, expressive spaces. Um, some of the career paths for these individuals, their graphic designers, your
photographers interior designs and they enjoy Project work. Uh, Project based work. If anybody resonates with a please, raise your card Thank you. We are now going to introduce you to social. So social helpers is a really important thing to think about because it truly is a helping theme. So it's about caring and nurturing service to others and they can be found in hospitals as nurses or they can be
found in schools as teachers, they can be HR professionals as well. But at the core of who they are, they wake up every day, wanting to help others. So social is often confused with being extroverted or social. It is also associated with being a helper helpers often are seen as helping others teaching counseling, leading groups, providing care, working with people, they are empathetic Cooperative friendly understanding. They
enjoy social interaction and overall helping others occupations tend to be associated with teacher, counselor nurse social worker, Human Resources. Clergy, if you identify as s, please raise your letter. Love it. Thank you. So, I have the pleasure of eating surprising. Enterprising is all about public speaking and persuasion. So the Enterprises like to start businesses. Take risks, they're Brave when it comes to finances, uh, they might be
willing to roll the dice on a new big idea and put a lot of money towards that investment. But they're also politicians in a lot of cases. Public speaking and persuasion Falls within those political Realms. We'll also find that lawyers will often times lead with that enterprising theme. You think of a case that a attorney is speaking on behalf Half of getting in front of a court, getting in front of a judge so that enterprising interest is really important. So, based on the video, Our Enterprises, their leaders. Persuaders. And they're very business-oriented. They are confident
their natural-born leaders and motivators they enjoy taking risk and making strategic decisions. Um, they enjoy public speaking and effective communication, some examples, as they mentioned in the video, lawyer, entrepreneur sales manager politician, and they um, involved leadership and strategic and influence. Do many of our school board members resignate with e. And the final letter here is c for conventional.
Conventional, the organizers. It's all about organizing facts, data and figures and the conventional is a really interesting. They appreciate structured environments. Typically within traditional business settings, they can be your accountants, your actuaries Financial analysts. But also your software developers when you think of how software is written the structure, the organization that software requires is typically a conventional leading disposition. But there's also this other interesting play on conventional
which could come from Logistics and organizing how products make it around the world. Many logisticians that work in that work in warehouses and organize, uh, the materials that come in, they're leading with conventional as well. But again, that core organizing theme is what is the driver. Our conventional in individuals are often our organizers. They are methodical. They like to get things done on time, and to a very high standard, those who are conventional, you may find them in careers such as in medical assistant a
pair legal, a logistics, analyst those who are conventional like to create structures and systems. They like to keep accurate records and find patterns in data. So, if any of the conventional attributes or characteristics are resonating with you, please raise your card. So, we hope you enjoyed this activity and learning a little bit about the risk model. Researchers asked that most people have a combination of these letters with typically 2 or 3 being more dominant.
This combination creates their Holland code. We're going to ask that you take some time to identify your top 3 risk, letters. Please turn to a colleague as members of our work-based learning team. Um help you navigate the process. So they're going to come up and engage in some conversation with cabinet in the board and then we'll ask if a few board members and cabinet members would like to share out their results. So we'll just take a few minutes to have some conversation in our seats. Hey, we're here in a bit of a lull. So we'll take a, take a moment to finish our last thought.
so, with a board member or a member of cabinet like to share, Out their letters and reflect a little bit on the risk model. Thank you, team. Would any board member or Cabinet member like to share out their letters and a little bit of reflection on how they're thinking about the risk model? Okay. Um is that okay Madam chair? Do I need to read my disclosure first? Oh wait till after. Okay. Um, I knew I was going to be a little bit late today
due to some carpool conflicts. So, um, I took a test online, I cheated, um, I took a free test. So, I would knew when I came in hot, I would be ready for this conversation. Um, I was very high on social which I don't think is um, a surprise to me or anyone else and the extrovert of all extroverts. I am energized by being around people. And then after that, enterprising and artistic, we're a close second place which I think also aligns with. Um, my career path and where I'm sitting now, in terms of the
enterprising piece and I have always been a proponent of the Arts, but I have also was an Arts kid. And both of my kids are very involved in the Arts and have those inclinations. So, all of these things really seem to align and in the dialogue, we were talking about how when I was growing up at you needed to keep your traits to yourself. I felt like that growing up as a kid, but I think now, with everything being so external, um, and a much more collaborative environment. I think that these kinds of exercises are very powerful for for students to help to
learn to shape their future. What what I would share. So mine was more realistic, artistic and social being the music therapist that I am. And, um, So, and it's funny because my husband's the complete opposite and we do Halloween decor and decorations and props and like, I'm the 1 who comes up with everything and then he is the engineer and the computer programmer, that puts it all together. so,
um, and I guess, you know, the therapist in me is that social person, I guess that's why I was a music therapist, but the art and the and the therapy together. So anyway, that was me. Can I put any of my friends in the back on the spot? And would like to share from cabinet. Thank you, Dr. Ellis Thank you, Mr. Sleman. So I was, um, investigative
realistic and social, and just interesting listening to miss. Shernoff talk about social because I am not at all an extrovert. Um, But I do very much like to help people like to help them solve problems lead discussions or facilitate large groups. Um so I definitely fall into that category but the word I got kind of hung up on the word social so I can't remember who was speaking to that but I appreciate you saying that it's really not an in introvert, extrovert thing because that's definitely not me.
so we appreciate your participation in that activity, as we move on, to further discussion on the specific 5 year plan plan for CTE. We'd like you to, please consider how these attributes might affect your own interest in advocacy, and program expansion in lcps. So, at this point, I believe I'm turning it back to Dr. Grubs Thank you, Mr. Sleven so thinking about risk and actionable strategies, uh, as we move this work forward and consider expanding and promoting Career and Technical education Pathways, it's important that we continue to have these conversations. We've already
mapped all of our CT courses, back to the rack model and for the student to maybe is Artistic and doesn't think that they align to computer science, they would be surprised that some of our courses actually do have connections to a for artistic. We think that this is a better model as we start to talk to students about CT Pathways and career expansions rather than promoting how much money you can make in a future career. We are also infusing this into our professional development model. We have trained over 300 of our CTE teachers. And we are looking for opportunities to
incorporate into our curriculum career, exploration activities, and we even presented to school Business Partnership last week, to our employers, and business partners. And it was extremely well received Talk about the changes that are happening in regards to work-based, learning starting July 1st. Um, so starting July 1st, we will be having 5 new team members, join work-based learning to, uh, support and grow the workforce in K through 12 education. Some of these individuals you met for of them. Uh, they had conversations with you
earlier. Um, it'll be a total of 5 again and they will be working to build Partnerships alongside with myself with the schools. And local employers alignment with CTE. Um, not only will uh these work-based Learning Resource teachers. Along with myself, be expanding work-based, learning but also increasing the number of students that are participating in internships and apprenticeships, especially those 2 opportunities along with other work-based learning opportunities such as workplace, tours job shadowing. Um,
Etc. Um, also we plan to build a regional ecosystem for career fairs and career development, um, mock interviews, resume review. Um, and then also, um, these individuals will help support the work. Uh, not only in high school level but also K through 8. So here's a great vision uh, visual of the resource that will be supporting um work-based learning, moving forward. Um so they've been broken up in clusters, based
upon Loudoun County, we have um Group 1, which is Kirsten, Kirsten, she's at the bottom, uh, with the yellow Board of the, uh, the yellow green orange border. Um, she'll be supporting, uh, the independence Rock Ridge browerwoods in Riverside, cluster, we have group 2, which is Angie Shield, she's in the purple border. She'll be supporting Heritage Tuscarora allowed in Valley and Woodgrove, um, good group 3, which will be Susan. She's in the the reddish, uh, border, she'll be supporting John champe Loudoun, County
Light Ridge, and freedom. And group 4. Uh, Derek. He's at the bottom with the blue border, he'll be supporting broadrun Dominion Roi, High School Park, View Potomic Falls. Um and then group 5, uh, Kelly she is actually with the academy is allowed and already, but she'll be supporting special programs, including the academy is also Northstar our new Access program and then also our Health and Medical Science Academy that we have. And then also I'll be taking on the
school as well Stonebridge. Um, with this team we will again, help and grow and develop, um, our students getting our students into opportunities. Um, not just CTE students, but also all our students, that are interested in Opportunities, because we know that, um, it is a a huge, um, opportunity for our students to get into experiences before college. And so, we want to make that happen for our students, um, and then uh continue to grow. K through 8 as well. Um, like career.
Investments um career interests. The ra rasac model with our students um to continue to grow work-based learning. And also, finally want to share with you all some save the dates of opportunities that are happening in the fall. We will be again hosting the workforce Summit. Um, last year, we had our first annual Workforce Summit back in October, we're going to bring that back. Um, again in the fall in October 8, 24th that is an opportunity where businesses come to have conversations with our staff with our
students. And then also, our community leads to talk about how we can continue to grow. Workforce Development, our program expansion. Um, we plan to have a few other things happening different than we did last year. So we're very excited about that. So please save the date. Um, if you're interested in attending that that's going to be at the National Conference Center, um, from 8:30 to 1:30 again on October 24th and um, for over 20 years, I know that job for day has been around at lcps. Again, we'll be hosting job
for a day on November 19th. Um also I Nova does 2 days so they're going to do Uh, uh, November 19th and then all November 20th. Um, this is an opportunity we last year. And in the past year, it's been an opportunity for 11th and 12th grade. Students this year, we're going to open it up to 10th and 11th grade students to get the shadow of business for a day. It's an, excuse absent from school, and they get to Shadow a business. For either a half a day or full day. Um, and we hope to continue to grow our numbers from this
past year. Um, this current current year that we were in. Um, we had a 536 students participate in job for a day. Um, 80 B, 80 plus businesses participating in job for a day. So we hope to increase that number from last school year as well. Thank you. Thank you, Christina. So we spent some time talking about how we plan to talk to students about careers in the ecosystem that we're building for supporting them in a sustainable way. We're now going to spend some time talking about our 5 year plan, uh,
progress to date and where we're heading to inform our 5 year plan. We've examined current CT programs offerings. You have a chart in your packet, or you can start to look at, uh, all of our representation across the county. Um, across the top, we have our 6 planning zones, which also map back to our transportation zones. As we think about program expansion, along the left are our career clusters. And so red is where we have no cluster representation Beyond The Academy is allowed in, in our Comprehensive, High Schools, green captures schools that have programming
in that cluster. And so gaps that we have discovered to school year, for example, is that we have no agricultural, education Beyond academies of Loudoun. We have no energy cluster programs in Loudoun County Public Schools. We also have a finance cluster that is not available to all students. In all planning zones, we also have business management and administration. That is not in every single high school. Thank you, Dr. Grubs, uh, on the next page, you can see we only have health and medical sciences and 2 planning planning zones, Human Services. Cluster is an all but 2
high schools and we also have found that we're lacking in Law Public Safety. Um that particular Career Cluster as well right now. Thank you. So, as we continue through the next few slides, we encourage you to review the current program offerings chart. Uh, that's in your packet and consider program distribution by location. Specifically, what sticks out what surprises you, what concerns you may be. Um, we're also going to ask that you consider program offerings or
program types and if you happen to take a few notes while you're reflecting over the next few slides, we hope that you'll share them with us. Thank you Jen. So again, it's not yet a matter of what to expand. There isn't a day that goes by that we hear from a Community member or a parent, a student. Um, even the school board around more programs to add to Loudoun County, Public Schools. 1 recent example is, do we offer agricultural education to Western Loudoun or do? We ensure that Human Services is offered to all students?
And so as we've been approaching this work, we've been focusing our energy on how we expand, not just what we expand. There's a lot of different ways to go about this work. We could ensure that every single high school has a minimum of 3 CT programs. We could ensure that every Geographic Zone has all 17 career clusters. We could focus just on Innovative programs, like aviation technology, and data centers being brought to Loudoun County Public Schools. We could also make sure that we're aligning to the County Economic Development, 7 key, sectors. Those are all
very different strategies as we consider program expansion. so to guide our work, we've been spending significant time, um, talking to our advisory council member our teachers, our employers, our business partners, even our staff, on our own team. And so recent survey, um, yielded 75 responses and this is a start. This is a draft to give us some feedback on how we are going to prioritize program expansion program and pathway expansion Within lcps. These are our top 3 priorities right now, based on the survey
that we sent out that we're going to continue to go back and review. But the 3 Priority areas are economic alignment to high demand fields, we had significant feedback that we should focus on programs that are aligned to Industry recognized credentials, uh, even programs that, do not require a 4 year. Agree that are high needs in Loudoun County. Priority, priority area 2 is around the importance of equity accessibility and comprehensive off offerings throughout the school system. So we had almost 80% of our
uh participants rank that ensuring 17. Career clusters are offered somewhere within lcps as a high or medium priority. And our last area in terms of feedback is that there is an interest in Innovation and Regional relevance. So 50% of our participants indicated new and advanced and Innovative programs was a high priority for them. And almost 83% of our participants ranked expansion that is aligned to Loudoun. Economic Development 7, key Industries
as high or medium priority. To ensure that as we get new requests that we are transparent and we are methodical. That's the C coming out in me. Um in this approach, we are going to implement a decision Matrix moving forward. So once we have our 3 priorities, anytime that we get a new request, whether it's from a school or a Community member about a program, we can simply map it back into our decision, Matrix to see where it ranks in terms of our priority. So it really helps us, this is just an example of a previous 1 that I've used. Um,
it helps us as we get program requests throughout the school year to have a very methodical organized plan for how we expand programs moving forward. So currently students have access to health care, programs through Mata and health, and medical Sciences Academy. It's important to note that these programs are open to all lcps students through the lottery system, and we're at a point where we know Healthcare and Human Services cluster has a place in all 6 planning zones. So this slide illustrates
where we believe there may be an opportunity to add, hamsai to Western Loudoun and to explore Healthcare programs that could exist in our Comprehensive High Schools ensuring access by planning zones. And this slide illustrates an example of agricultural education. A program area that may not fit into all 6 planning zones but 1 that we can prioritize by planning zones that allow for regional access. So in this example, Phase 1 includes Western Loudoun. And Phase 2 includes
Dulles North. On this slide we're taking a look at Innovative programs that we could possibly offer uh programs such as Aviation Dental data, center operations. And So currently we don't offer those programs but in a phase 1 we could be looking at uh High School, 14. Uh connecting to Leesburg airport. Uh connecting data center operations, we do uh host 70% of the world's internet track. Traffic in Loudoun County. So it makes sense to look at Pathways that, uh, that connect to that. And then finally,
in Phase 2. We look at what we can do to expand those programs to other schools. Thank you. So, we just talked a little bit about data center operations. Dr. Grubs had mentioned that in the past, um, in a couple slides and offering those Innovative programs really align well with the K through 12 computer science pipeline model that we've established and County Public Schools. So we are taking those Innovative programs and aligning them with things that we already have in existence with our computer science pipeline for instance. Thank you.
Thank you, Nick. As we close out. Our goal is to have a 5 year. Plan document. By summer, or early fall we already have a draft document mapping out example, programs map back to our decision Matrix in areas of need and our top 3 priorities. We would like to take an opportunity to get feedback from you, we encourage you to take notes on your feedback form that is in front of you and to share out input on the following prompts. It will impact our draft document that we plan to release again this summer and early fall. And we
encourage you to share out priorities uh, for your zone or your geographic area. Information or tours as a board member such as the 1 in front of you. Visiting north of Grumman with Dr. Spence and chair, Mansfield and programs that you are interested in for your zone. So, at this time, thank you again for the opportunity to be in front of you, we are going to open up for, um, any feedback to the prompts that are on the slide or just open discussion for the team. Thank you, Dr. Grubs, um, I'm wondering. So we're talking
about like data centers, all the rest of that but what and um we're even thinking about pipelines and transmission lines and those kinds of things. But what about environmental kinds of things, where is that in the grand scheme of this? Because we want to think of balance, right? For me, I do. So, I'll start and then Dr. Grubs good to talk a little bit about environmental, um, programs within the context of CTE. Um, but just a reminder to the board that this conversation around CTE Pathways is happening within a
larger conversation in lcps around special programs and opportunities. Um, we recognize there's interest to interest in expanding science programs, Fine Arts Pathways, and things of that nature World languages, that's not the context of tonight's presentation. All that being said, we're very mindful of the board's interest in those areas working with Dr. Rasheed and the special programs committee. Um, we actually do have an environmental science program, that is in a pilot stage working with some teachers. Um at Woodgrove Health, High School to develop a number of
electives um and um Pathways for students to progress through environmental science. Um, it hasn't got to the point where we're ready to propose a Academy or special program but it is it is in development. Um, we also are, um, at the direction of the committee, um, survey surveying our community in the fall, um, for and, and our students as well in interest in special programs. And we're tying that to our recruitment season. Next year, as families are really paying attention to what special programs exist.
We're also going to ask them. What would you like to be a part of and environmental science? Programs would be on, uh, will be included in that particular survey. Um, so, I don't know if you'd add anything about CTE. When you're talking about environmental service, I'm sorry. Uh, are you talking like, we're talking like geothermal Wells solar that kind of thing? Oh, I I'm I apologize. I I made an assumption with your question, so maybe with the in the energy. Cluster sure. Yeah. And I can actually, um, I think that's a great. Question, because I think, sometimes what's deceiving around the egg culture or the Egg cluster is that it's
only, um, veterinary science, or it's only egg mechanics. Um, that cluster has, I think between 7 and 10 Pathways that are all really well connected to environmental, science biotechnology, those types of um areas. And I think a um focuses and could bring some of those environmental science Concepts out. Um, the energy cluster also has Concepts such as geothermal heating cooling. Um, solar wind solar off. Store energy. So I think those are 2 really interesting programs and clusters that have multiple tentacles to the
stem and steam fields that we could explore. And soil regeneration. Yeah, yeah. Hydroponics and vertical farming and and all those things I think. Um and that's some of the work that we need to do which is why again I think it's so important the rasac model if we just say we're starting an a program. But we don't change how we talk to students about those connections and what those fields really are. Then we're just putting in um programs that maybe already have inherent biases in them that students aren't going to be interested in engaging in. In, uh, was it the step-up program that allowed them to
up? I think where, um, they were talking? They made a furniture out of fungus. Basically and mushrooms. I thought it was fantastic. So that kind of thing, board members chant, Miss Chandler. Thank you, madam chair. And thank you so much for this presentation. Um, there's so much to learn and it it is exciting to see how um, this possibility is expanding in Loudoun County, um, in terms of areas of particular interest to me or to algani and District, I would love to
see government and public administration expand. Um, I think there's so much opportunity to harness, what's here already, um, that that could be an easy 1 to facilitate. And, of course, um, law and Public Safety. Um, that also Seems like a natural fit for our region. So um, thank you. Dr. Rasheed, thank you, chair. Um, I I I too would love to see along many of the um topics that my colleagues had
mentioned. Law was a big 1 for me. I thought we did have a program for law in Academy of Loudoun but I wasn't sure. I I know it wasn't mentioned but I would definitely would like to see uh law really being developed especially since we're so close to DC the DC area and I know that Mr. 7 and I had many side conversations about that but yeah, thank you so much for this. Vice chair. Thank you. Madam chair. I Echo the comments of my fellow board members. Um, I'm a little bit biased, since
I'm a lawyer in my day job, and spent 19 years working for federal and state, uh, government offices. Um, I I also think it would be really useful to, um, to develop a kind of Law, Public Safety government service. Um, I don't know path or pipeline or or something. Um, And but and uh and also I did have a question. Um, how do you determine where you're going to cite some of these?
Uh some of these programs, for example, I'm looking at slide, 29 with your example, of agricultural education. I completely understand why if we're going to do that, we would be focusing on Western Loudoun as a starting point, but then you've also added the Dulles region. So I'm curious like why the Dulles region as opposed to any other parts of Eastern Loudoun. Yes, that that's a great question. Um, those are all, um, things that we would unpack with more Community involvement, right? So um whenever I want to add a new
program, we have to have Department of Labor data and student interest data. We would need to make sure that we open this up to principals and have Regional conversations with the high school office. Um these are just Draft plans from our our office. We then were feeling very strongly about the types of programs based on the priorities in that decision Matrix. We then would engage with deeper conversations with, um, is the student interest there. Um, Western lens is a really good example. If we were to move forward with a program in Western Laden with a, we would probably approach both schools and, and, and look at space.
Look at feasibility have conversations with the principles. Um, so again, we're not locked into some of the examples we shared tonight, this is more, um, the direction that we're heading, um, I'm trying to solidify our ideas and plans Thank you. Any other? Yes Mrs. Griffith Thank you, madam chair. Um, Uh, as far as I, I believe we did have a conversation about the hospital is right here, so maybe we'd be, they just expanded, uh, that hospital may be having nursing programs
there. Um, you had mentioned there were programs there previously, but now, with the new expansion that's happened in the past couple of years, I think that's something that should be considered. Um also um I had mentioned previously, the cast program uh that's at AOL and I've had some people come to me and ask me why don't we have those the people on the the students in the Cass program going around and doing the inspections, and fixing things um in
different schools. Um, they can learn how to fix things they can learn about HVAC. Um, they could paint, they can do all kinds of things. So I'm curious to know how soon we can get that going, uh, because I think that'll be a great program for the people at AOL. And also, Uh, the fine arts program. Um, I guess my question is and I've talked to some, uh, people in theater did and you can verify for me. Did we take credits out? Um, where students,
Uh, you know, they don't have a requirement of theater or Fine, Arts anymore to graduate. Is that true or we've taken credits away? Can you explain? Explain that. Thank you. If you have a, I'm not familiar with what specifically you're referencing, but if you have a specific inquiry, I'm happy to to run it down and get an answer for you related to that. Um as far as your comment around iova and Partnerships 100%, we cannot do this work that we're talking about tonight without our community and Industry
Partners. Um, and I, I can't think I know enough for their long-standing partnership with lcps, um, and their commitment to existing programs, as well as interest in supporting us, in developing new ones. Um, as far as our relationship with cast and expanding opportunities related to um, that program, as well as um, transition Services, I'm really thankful of the relationship. Dr. Grubs has established with our special education department as well as cak and the work that he's doing. So this continues to be part of the conversation um in the bigger picture, in
terms of how we're um needing the needs of that community. if I met um the the credits um used to let me clarify maybe when I'm trying to say used to be able to um Have a requirement. You had to take Fine Arts to graduate. Um, and you don't have to any longer. So, the theater and Fine Arts are losing students to special programs. Um all the programs that we're offering now, they're losing
losing people to the Fine Arts and, and I'm curious to know that is and why it's not a requirement to have a fine arts uh if I have Fine Arts. To graduate. So we we do um file. The graduation requirements for standard and advanced diploma from the state of Virginia. And there there are options for students, um, 1 piece of feedback that we have received is that there is the more options we have for students. Their their uh, it does have impact on programs at the school
level, um, and that's something that we need, we need to be conscious of. Um we want high quality programs for students regardless of their particular interests. Um I would note that while Dr. Grub's and his team have focused the risk model around our conversations around CTE, there's really can help um, our students think about other course Pathways that we're offering as well. I mean, if we have artistic students that have a strength in artistic then they may find those Pathways within our Our Fine Arts programs. Um, and so
I believe what I'm hearing you asked is about the pressure that schools students feel about specializing and I do think that's part of, um, a natural consequence of the more options, we're putting in our high schools. The more choices students have to make. Unfortunately, when they get to that level, M, sure enough. Thank you. I think Dr. Deans was before me. Okay sorry Dr. Deans Being a farmer's daughter. I like the agriculture. But I think it's more than just in a certain part of the county because even in my retirement community, they buy
those. Those boxes and grow their own. Um, Um, food. So, uh, so so I think, I think you were on the right track to start it in in that part of lden. But then expand it because it is something that is of Interest across the county. Thank you Dr. Deans Merna. Thank you, madam chair. Um, I thank you so much for this presentation and so much of this is so exciting. We live in
a very exciting area, there's lots of opportunity, the workforce Summit was honestly mind-blowing to see that many people come together in support of our schools. It's, it's truly amazing. Um, my question really surrounds sort of around mental health and the pressures and how to balance all of that because with all this opportunity and with all of these sort of, I don't want to call them tracks, but sometimes they feel like tracks to me. How do you all anticipate collaboration with student services or other different departments to help students
understand? Not only that these opportunities exist but what those requirements require of them? I mean we already hear from our students so much about the pressure to have a 4.5 billion GPA to get into our local colleges. And, you know there there are a lot of choices that these kids have to make at a very young age. Kids are filling out course planner now in elementary school so that pressure is is adding on. So my my question is what is the plan for that? Is there a plan for counseling services to be involved?
Guidance, around course planner, what kinds of conversations are we expecting parents to be having with kids so that they can make smart choices so that kids are successful? Great question. Um, I think we've been drawing closer and closer to school counseling. I really appreciate. If I had the Ross, she attended our session and took, I think 10 stacks of the rack cards. Um, when I think about the instructional framework, and I think about a sense of belonging, um, these cards are Beyond career developments. Um, I sat in a session, a few weeks ago, where we took this in front of principles and we had a principle that shared
that she was a ballet dancer years ago, No, 1 in that room. Um, knew that she had that background, they've known her for 20 years. And so I think about mental health and health and talking to students and counseling them. Um, I think this is taking away the, let's just find the highest paying job. Like, let's, let's first know who you are as a person. Uh, what are your skills? Your values, your interests. And so, I think, I think that this helps with that conversation, um, I just want to Echo Mr. Sleven comments. Um, The Rise tech cards are larger than just, let's find
you a career. It's who you are as a person. I would just add it and it's a really good feedback, um, but that's why it's essential that the division of and learning CTE um has a strong ongoing collaborative, relationship with student services with School counseling and that is, that's happening. Um, related to the program of studies. Making sure our schools know how to talk to their families about the offerings understanding where these Pathways will go, um, and it also takes um, you know, strong family engagement. So we also appreciate the support
of our Communications office and and making sure that we have a row Bus communication, plan around these offerings. Um, so your point is well taken. We want to continue it to improve in that regard. So any feedback is a is appreciated along the way. Miss solorzano. Thank you, madam chair. Um, going back to what you were saying. There is a lot of pressure that we feel especially in high school. Um, and I actually love the idea with the cards and the personality tests, um, because I feel like a
lot of times high schoolers, we kind of default, to whatever does make the most money. And we really, I really like the idea of going to what Attracts us what our interests are, like, who we are. And that is something that I've noticed over the years that the advertisements with like, oh like you can go on this track it'll get you this income. Um I've never really been a fan of that and I know a lot of um my peers agree with that. So I just want to say that I really like the cards and I think
that that will really help, um, take off some of this pressure that we feel Thank you. Thank you, Miss solorzano. Um, any other questions? Seeing none. Um, thank you so much for your time. And your presentation. um, we'll we have like 15 minutes and um, I wanted to get this in, um, 4.02 select committee on retiree health benefits. Um, I wanted, you know, in response to the feedback from the community. Uh, we voted to establish the select
committee focused on retiree Healthcare. And so in talking with Vice chair, Donna Hugh. Um, she and I thought that we should talk about that. Um, as to the reasons for and uh, possibly flesh it out a little bit more. Um, Vice chair. Donna, do you want to have? Do you want to speak to anything? Thank you, madam chair. Um, I thought it could be useful, um, drawing on my experience
chairing. The Joint committee on collective bargaining or whatever, whatever. The official title of that working group was, um, Drawing on my experience in those meetings. Um, I just thought that it would be useful to flesh out um what the that if we're going to go forward with this select committee, that it would be useful to flesh out what we want to. The committee to achieve, what their Authority will be, um,
what their um, you know, are they? Are they going to be able to invite people to come and present information to them? Are they going to be voting on anything or making recommendations to the full board? Um and what, you know, what do we foresee as their mission? will they judge if they have achieved what we want them to do. Um and I thought that that could benefit from some conversation
so, um, And I'll open up to the board in a minute. Uh, The thought is that this would be an information gathering, uh, committee period without any know. Um, voting no decisions know, anything like that, it was it would be purely informational. Um, maybe the history of the of the historical context of what has been going on. Um, look at evolving policies and our current practices.
Um, So it's more of a fact, finding effort than anything else, and I would suggest that it would be like, maybe 4. um, Sessions, uh, keep it smaller, um, because it really is only informational GA gathering. And then, perhaps, for board members be a part of it as well as, um, perhaps retirees, some retirees. And, um, Still flushing that out a little bit. Um, any other thoughts from board members?
Yes, Miss chernoff. Thank you, madam chair. Um, I appreciate the chance to discuss this publicly since we voted to have the select committee. I have heard from a number of retirees and current employees that would like to be involved in some way. So I'll put that out there. I don't know exactly what that could look like. Um also I love the idea of it being a fact finding Mission. I fully support that, I don't really really think. I think the decision points will come to the full board. I think that's appropriate through the budget cycle and I think that's where we felt or I'll speak for
myself. That's where I felt caught off guard in terms of trying to gain an understanding of something that is very vast and wide. And deep that I had never Entered into before. Um, and so trying to learn that quickly, uh, was difficult. I'll just say it was challenging and frustrating at times. Uh, the town hall that I held had almost 100 people attend and that was more of a fact, finding Endeavor for me. And that was very powerful. It was good to hear from the public about what they were experiencing and how they were feeling. So I'm
hopeful that it will be a healthy space to learn. My 1 ask would be that if we're going to have a specific number of meetings that each. This is the planner in me. Each meeting would sort of have a theme. Um at the last presentation, Miss Willoughby went through sort of a brief historical overview and I found that very enlightening and also gave me some ideas for next steps that we might need to take even including the Board of Supervisors. So I would like to see some clear specific topics outlined for each meeting so
that we really have a nice trajectory um and I would love to be a part of it, if and I will volunteer to share it if nobody else wants to. So thank you. um, well I was going to share it but and then um, but, Yes, Miss Chandler. Thank you, madam chair. I I will just um, say that so much of what my fellow board members are saying here. Tonight really resonates with me. Um, I think this is a great opportunity for us to show um, the retiree community and
the larger community that we heard the feedback, we received throughout that process. And and we have an opportunity to, um, reach out and work together, um, in the spirit of transparency and Um, try to find a solution. Although we're not in a fact finding way um together. So I'm also happy to volunteer. For the committee. So board members, if you would look on board. Docs and
members outside in the audience who have an interest in this look on board docs as to some of the scope and timeline and structure and intended outcomes and provide um some thoughts and feedback about this and um and then we can synthesize it more, and come up with a better plan for um, Maybe even our next meeting depending on what's going on in the next 2 weeks. Yes. Uh Vice chair. Donahue, thank you. Madam chair. I just
wanted to add 1 point for clarification um, at the risk of making myself look foolish, but when we, when we initially had this conversation at whichever meeting it was that we talked about having the select committee. I thought that we were looking at laying the groundwork for deciding what to do when Cigna stops carrying the 1 plan at the beginning of 2026. And I did not entirely realize that
um, my understanding Subsequently is that is already determined. So, This. the select committee going forward, would be for a different purpose. So I in the event that I was not the only 1 who had a misunderstanding of what the, um, scope and purpose might be, I just wanted to throw that out there. Yes um Mrs Griffith uh, thank you, madam chair. Um you had
mentioned you are going to chair it. Are we able to nominate anybody else for the committee today? Um, per School Board policy. It's the chair who decides the and and correct me if I'm wrong. Mr. Allen is the chair that determines the makeup of the Committees. Thank you, Jerry. Yes, that's correct. Pursuant to policy Answer your question to service. Are you going to decide today? Um, I'm I'm gonna decide I'm still, I mean, I still want to gather interest from the group. I think Miss chernoff has
expressed her interest. Uh Miss Chandler has expressed her interest. I have expressed my interest and I know that at at 1 Point uh Mr, strefy. And that would be 4 has expressed their interest. Um I just wanted to mention Carrie's, not here and she's interested as well. I wanted to know, I have talked to Carrie. Oh, you have. Okay. And she um, And and and I'm still talking to Carrie about it. Sorry, Miss label. So yeah. Is there any other discussion? Seeing no more discussion. Um, okay, so to be continued
um, We have about 10 more minutes, I would suggest that we just go ahead and go to dinner. And come back at 6:30. Um, So, the school board will now recess for dinner and reconvene at 6:30 p.m. thanks. So, you won't hear. Me in between test. Test. Good evening. The board is coming out of recess at this time.
And we will continue with item 7, The Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem. Uh, today, we will be um, the national the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem will be um, Performed by the Sanders Corner chorus group, who is a group of fourth, and fifth grade students, who love to sing. They meet once a week as an after-school Club rehearsing with their music. Taker, uh, teacher Allison Briscoe. Will everyone please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem?
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands 1 nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all. oh, By the light. What? So proudly we hailed at the
Last gleaming whose stripes and bright stars. Through the perilous fight or the red. Parts. We watch. We're so Cal. And we streaming and the rockets red. The bombs bursting in. Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet way? Or the. Land of the Free. And the home. of the thank you so much. Um, Sanders Corner, um, we will move on to item 8 our recognitions Good evening, everyone. Actually, first is uh, Mr. Estrie going on yet?
Has he arrived 7 oclock? Okay. He is not online yet. Okay, before we start can I have Miss shernoff um, go ahead and read her disclosure please. 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 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, while 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 records of the clerk of the school board for 5 years. Thank you, Miss chernoff. Um, good evening everyone. It is with great honor and gratitude that we gather here today to recognize 2 individuals Senator Perry. And 1 of our own lcps students,
Milo Jackson Whose tireless efforts have made a profound impact in raising awareness and fostering understanding of alers danau syndrome. Aer's. Danlos syndrome can significantly affect the lives of those. Impacted posing challenges and daily living mobility, and overall health. Recognizing the importance of awareness and education in supporting effective, individuals Senator Perry and Milo have dedicated their time and passion to advocate for this
cause within our community. Their unwavering commitment has led to the successful promotion of a joint resolution declaring May 2025. As a aer's, danlos syndrome Awareness Month. Through their advocacy, they have created vital platforms for dialogue, support, and Outreach, inspiring, countless individuals, and providing hope, and resources to those living with EDS. Today, we celebrate Senator Perry and Milo for their exceptional dedication, compassion, and Leadership.
Their work exemplifies, the power of community and advocacy, and making a difference. On the behalf of the Loudoun County School Board and our entire community. We extend our deepest appreciation for the remarkable contribution to wa raising awareness and supporting individuals affected by EDS. Please join me in honoring Senator Perry, and Milo for their outstanding efforts and in continuing to promote understanding support and action for this important cause I would like to ask both Senator Perry and Milo to step up to the podium and take a few moments to share with us how this
partnership came to be. And how the impact of this joint resolution will be felt in our community. Come on up. Hi. So I'm Milo um and uh this all started with an email um um, and I'm so serious, I was fundraising for the ehlers danlo society, the global organization that fund raises for and does research for the ehlers danlos syndrome, and hypermobility Spectrum disorders, And I wanted to do something big.
So that's how this came to be and I'm just so honored excited all the Fantastic words. To be able to do this partnership and be able to come to the Senate and raise awareness for this. Cause A very good evening to everyone. For those of you. I don't know. My name is, uh, russet Perry. I'm the state, senator for the 31st District. Um, here in Loudoun County and fauler counties. And it's my, my very distinguished privilege tonight to, um, be able to present this Senate resolution from the Senate of Virginia. Um, Milo came to me
some time ago, um, and discussed with me, either xan Los, and to be honest with you all, I was aware of what Eran Los was. um, and you know, it's like many of the children in um, in in Latin County and in Fokker counties, that I represent, they're very gifted And uh, Milo is part of her advocacy, really sought to educate me in my office on on what eilers danlos was. And um, as part of her advocacy, I was able to understand that it is um, a syndrome that is often undiagnosed
Unrecognized and unknown to many people. And so people, struggle for many, many years to have someone, to be able to understand, and to be able to, to give them an appropriate diagnosis. And in the time that I've known Milo, Milo has grown and changed and gotten better health care. Um, then she had and has really blossomed and grown and, um, more importantly. Um, most importantly, um, been able to really lead On this issue in so many others. Um, and really be a shining star. And and since I
introduced this resolution sometimes, um, sometimes as a senator, you get credit that you don't really deserve. And people come up to me and say, hey, this really made a difference to me. I felt unseen. People didn't know, people didn't understand. And really it's a reflection of Milo and Milos leadership on this. Um, not mine. I just have the privilege of being able to, to introduce this tonight and to give this um, to Milo and and to really um, highlight, Milo's accomplishments, not mine. Um, so it's with my, my distinguished honor to be able to present this from the Senate of Virginia, um, which is the oldest serving
legislative body, uh, in the western. Hemisphere. So it's a big deal and um what it says is the Senate joint resolution. Number 254, it says designated May in 2025 and each succeeding year is eilers Dan Lowe syndrome Awareness Month in Virginia Um, it says it was agreed to by the Senate and by the house of delegates, it's hard for us to get to agree on anything, but we agreed on this. Whereas eyler's anlo syndrome are a group of heritable disorders that affect the body's connective tissues, which provides support protection and structure to various parts of the body, including the skin tendons, ligaments blood
vessels, internal, organs and bones and whereas EDS was first described in the early 20th century by Dr. Edward Lawrence, Edler. And Dr. Henry Alexander. Danlos, and the classifications of EDS have evolved over time, with 14 types of EDS recognized today. And whereas a different types of EDS are hyper mobile EDS. Classical EDS classical, like 2 EDS, vascular, EDS periodontal, EDS, uh, cosic EDS, I was calling Oh, she's she's correcting me on the pronunciation. How you How how how, how Milo is?
um, spawned plastic EDS brittle, cornea syndrome artho coalesce, EDS musculo, contractual EDS classical, like EDS Dima, spora EDS myopathic EDS and cardio, valvular EDS. And whereas the different types of EDS are caused by variance and specific genes that affect the way, the body produces collagen, the primary components of connective tissue and other related proteins. And whereas each type of EDS is unique and has its own signs and symptoms. All those disorders are most commonly associated, with excessively, flexible joints and stretching flat fragile skin. And
whereas in addition to the variability across types of EDS different individuals with the same type of EDS may experience. Different signs and different symptoms, complicating, diagnosis and treatment. And often requiring patients to see multiple providers across different Specialties and whereas the most common types of EDS hypermobile, EDS is, believed to affect, at least 1 in 3100 to 5,000 people. Although the true prevalence is not known and may be greater. Although, with Milo's assistance, hopefully greater and whereas certain types of EDS maybe be identified through genetic testing, however there's currently no such
tests for hypermobile EDS. And whereas EDS, shares similarities with hypermobility Spectrum disorders, which are connective tissue disorders that cause symptomatic joint hypermobility and Joint instability, and which cannot be explained by other conditions, they are referred to as Spectrum disorders because people experience a wide range of types and severities of symptoms and whereas EDS can greatly impact 1's. Quality of life. Depending on On its severity. And as often associated with comorbidities such as Dio datonomy, Mass cell diseases and postural
orthostatic, Taca cardio syndrome and whereas there is currently no known cure for EDS and greater medical research is necessary to offer Aid and relief to those coping with this disorder and whereas by bringing greater awareness and understanding to EDS and Untold number And on cell number. Of individuals and families May hope to leave healthier and more filling lives. Now, therefore, it is resolved by the Senate. The house of delegates concurring that the general assembly of Virginia designate, May in 2025 and each
succeeding, year as eer Dan Lowe syndrome Awareness Month in Virginia, and be it result further that the clerk of the Senate who served there for 50 years transmit, a copy of his resolution to The Ether Stanley Society. So that members of the organization may be apprised of the sense of the general assembly of Virginia in this matter and be it resolved, finally. But the clerk of the Senate post the designation of this month on the general assembly website. Susan Clark Shaw, who is a very formidable woman Clerk of the Senate So thank you Milo. Thank you for your leadership on this issue. Thank you for um raising awareness for all the
people here in this room tonight. And more importantly, all the people across Commonwealth of Virginia who may have to struggle with this, who have family members, who do your true hero to all of them. So my, my appreciation from the Senate of Virginia um, whoops. Never. Yeah. Dad. You want to come for a picture? okay, we're moving on to 8.02 human resources and talent, 2025 lcps, service award honores and all uh let um Miss
Lisa Boland. Uh, start with the um introductions. Thank you, chair Mansfield. Tonight lcps is proud to recognize 4 employees, with 40 years of service to the division, these 4 employees have shown invaluable dedication, expertise and commitment to the division. And we extend our deepest gratitude to each individual, reaching these service anniversaries recognizing their vital role in shaping our success and
fostering a culture of loyalty and growth for years to come. At this time, I would like to turn it over to Carrie. Sims supervisor of employee recognition to announce tonight's honores. Dr. Spence School Board, cabinet and guests tonight. We celebrate 4 removable individuals who have each dedicated, 40 years of service to Loudoun County. Public Schools 2, our teachers, who have shaped countless Minds with their knowledge. And passion leaving a legacy of Excellence on generations, of students in transportation. A dedicated.
Professional has ensured the safe journey of children to, and from school. A crucial part of their daily lives. And in school nutrition services. Another individual has nourished students and built positive relationships. Understanding that her role equips kids to learn and Thrive. The collective commitment has directed has directly impacted the well-being and success of lcps. Students for 4 decades. We were thrilled to have created a new tradition in Loudoun last week, when Dr. Spence invited these 4 distinguished employees to lunch, where they learn more
about each of these accomplished professionals, both inside and outside of the educational setting they learned what inspires them in their work. The changes they've seen in these past 40 years and how their families have supported them in their careers. Tonight we honor each of them with their 40-year service pin along with an award packet. That contains a certificate, a letter from Dr. Spence and an invitation to select a gift of their choice from our partners at awards Network. Our first Honore, is Ella Hopsin. Good morning.
Ella was hired in November of 1985 at Loudoun. Valley, high school and has spent all 40 years in the same school as a special education, teacher and accomplishment. A very few divisions a very few employees in the division. Principal Susan, Ross has this to say about Ella. Ella Hopsin is the consumate, professional treating all stakeholders with respect, dignity and compassion throughout her 40 years in Loudoun. She has served students with disabilities as a
dedicated member of the lden Valley High School community in this. Service. She has helped both families and colleagues normalize high expectations for students with disabilities. In addition, to her teaching roles, Ella has been a part of recruiting teams for Loudoun in her early years with the county and she is part of the equity work. She has done in loud and from her very first year in this school division. Congratulations, Ella. Next, we have Deborah strickman, Stickman. Debbie's full-time employment, with lcps began in 1985 at
Broad, Run High School as a cafeteria worker where she served for 10 years, some of, which included time. As an assistant manager, she moved to Leesburg Elementary School in 1997, before heading to Loudoun Valley. High School in siclen Creek, Elementary in 2007, in 2014, she was hired at Kenneth culbert Elementary School where she has remained for the past 11 years. Principal Monica Edwards shares. This about, Debbie, Beyond her professional life. Mysticman shares, a warm home with her, husband of 54 years. And
beloved cat. Education is a family affair. With many of her relatives. Also working for lcps, she always been has been passionate about baking finding joy in creating treats for the staff in of the schools in which she worked. Mrs. Stickman's Legacy is 1 of kindness dedication and a deep commitment to community through her years of service, her thoughtful traditions and her love for bringing people together. She has left an indelible mark on lcps and the many life she has touched. Congratulations, Debbie.
Connie wacker. Connie began in 1985 as a bus driver and was promoted to lead bus driver, in February 2004. 8 years later. In 2012, she was promoted to an area transportation supervisor, in 2015, she became transportation, coordinator and continues to serve in that role, Sue, Carlson Transportation, supervisor tells us this about Connie, Above all Connie loves her family. Some of us have only met 1 member of that family, but through her stories we feel
like we know them. All Connie has 3 children and 8 grandchildren that make for a busy yet fulfilling life. She has been an invaluable member of Transportation Rising through the ranks to the leadership position, she holds today. And she has been a pleasure to work with, just a heads up. Don't ask Connie her opinion, unless you're ready to hear the truth because she will tell you like it is. Congratulations, Connie. Our final Honore is Wes. Walters West was hired in October 1985 at Sterling Middle School. As a technology education teacher from there, his expertise
in tech, ed, led him to being asked to help open 4, different lcps, schools, farmwell station in 1995 Harper in 1999 Stonebridge. High School in 2000 and Eagle Ridge Middle School in 2001, where he remains today. Principal Scott Phillips said this of West West Walters is a charter Eagle Ridge Middle staff member from the 2001 school year West is always willing to assist. He hangs banners fixes anything that is broken designed solutions for things that
don't work and is a resource for the entire School in this aspect. He's also the first person anyone asks when Home Improvement or car car car repairs are needed as well. He loves working with his hands and shares his passion through the Robotics and teched courses, that he teaches, as well as the TSA Club he sponsors. He has been a mentor and division-wide resource for new tech, ed teachers, for decades and is of an invaluable asset to Eagle Ridge and lcps. Congratulations, Wes. Please help me. Congratulate these 4, amazing employees, and
their families who are here to support them for their years of dedicated service to Latin County Public Schools. Okay, we'll continue with item 9. Our student School Board representative comment. tonight, our first student School Board representative is Delilah, so Lozano Delilah solo is an active student at Heritage High School where she holds leadership roles in several clubs and organizations. She serves as Secretary of the Heritage student council
Association co-editor and chief of the Heritage yearbook Outreach officer for Heritage hearts and vice president of both the Red Cross club and environmental Club. Additionally, she is a dedicated member of multiple honor societies, passionate about student, advocacy and service, Delilah strives to Foster Community engagement and amplify student voices. This fall, she will be attending the University of Virginia, where she plans to major in Psychology on a pre-law track.
Welcome, Miss solorzano and the floor is yours. Thank you, madam chair. Good evening, members of the board and community members. My name is Delilah sorso and I'm honored to serve as the students School Board representative as a senior at Heritage High School. At Heritage our motto, Roar Pride reflects, Who We Are. Resilient connected and driven by something bigger than ourselves. Heritage is a place where students come from all walks of life. We are diverse in our perspective, our stories and
our strengths, but we are united by the community, we built together. whether it's sharing each other on a games performing side by side on stage or staying after school to serve, we show up for 1 another This year, we adopted a new schedule structure centered around wind time. What I need. Mondays are for Pride time, a space for Home Room, style, connections and announcements. Tuesdays and Fridays are dedicated to clubs which is brought new energy to student leadership and service.
and Wednesdays and Thursdays gives us academic, support time and opportunity for students to get extra help collaborate with peers or simply catch our breath in the middle of a busy day. Academically, we continue to stand out as 1 of only 2 IB diploma schools in the county. We're proud to welcome students from all across lden who come to challenge themselves and grow AS Global Citizens through the IB learner profile. In the Arts Heritage Pride Productions. Shined with clue in
the fall and big fish in the spring. Earning 20 glammy nominations including outstanding play. On the sports side, our athletes made history. Boys cross country won both individual and team District titles for the first time. Girls basketball, not only reached States for the first time, but won it all with a score of 46 to 37. And more recently boys lacrosse just secured the district championship title. But perhaps, what defines Heritage? Most isn't just what we
accomplished. It's how we come together. After the loss of raquela Lardo. A beloved student, and friend, our school responded with compassion and purpose. Rocky cares. A club. Founded in her honor. Now leads service for the school and local community. Keeping Rocky's radiant Spirit Alive through action and kindness. Thank you to my principal, Mr. Adam, and the school board for giving me the opportunity to represent such a
remarkable School. I'm proud to share the spirit resilience and unity, that make Heritage more than just a school. It makes it home. Thank you and Roar Pride. Thank you, Miss solorzano for being here and for your comments our second student School Board representative is Landon kones. Landon konas is a senior at poem Falls High School and was a captain on the varsity football team. He is involved in numerous clubs including president of the student council, a competitor in Deca and a member of the
Key Club. Landon plans to attend, Virginia Tech in the fall and major in business information. Technology and his free time. He enjoys hanging out with family and friends, golfing, and spending time outside. Welcome Mr. Canones, and the floor is yours. Thank you, madam chair. Good evening, everyone. My name is Lana konis and I'm honored to be representing with to Falls High School tonight. First, I'd like to thank the lcps board. My principal doctor wolf, and the pmic Falls Administration
for allowing me the opportunity to highlight the incredible things. My school has done this year and my senior year, or my last her role, as I like to call it, I've had, I've learned that creating opportunities for others to shine, not only build school spirit, it builds community. Whether I'm hyping up the crowd of Pep rallies organizing events or helping other clubs, promote theirs. My goal has always been the strength strength in the panther community aatmik Falls. We are a 1 School 1 Community 1 family that Spirit has been especially strong this year with 11 new
clubs added to our 68. Existing clubs. Student involvement has soared our Affairs, the falls in October saw participation from over 60 clubs while night at The Falls raised over dollars and Drew massive turnout from feeder schools, From our International speakers, helping others program supporting English Learners to Key Club, delivering Christmas cards to assisted living homes. Our students show. What Panther Pride is All About. As of this year, student council Atomic Falls is an
accredited class, which is now referred to as a student leadership. As a result of this change, student leadership members are given the opportunity to brainstorm develop and execute a way to improve the school and better strengthen the panther community. The student staff basketball game at our, in our 3v3.lol? The performing arts department has had a standout year. The fall play Emma kicked off the season. Followed by All My Sons, a special production granted by the panther the Wolf Trap education. Grant our 1 act play lockdown took second
place in Virginia and earlier this month, the spring musical Hairspray became the highest grossing musical in ptoc Falls history selling out at Saturday show for the first time in over 10 years. The music. The music program was a equally impressive. Earning a superior rating at marching band assessment, trophy finishes at multiple competitions and having 9 students qualify for all district band with 2 finishing first in the county during the band's time playing in New York. Our band
was 1 of only only 1 of 18 groups to receive the spirit reward for the professionalism and positivity. I would also like to congratulate PTO Falls, very own Carter. Leu who won was 1 of only students in the county to place an all Virginia jazz band and all Virginia honors band. Congrats Carter. Athletics brought our community together week, after week, as Panther athletes gave us a lot to cheer about, I would like to congratulate the girls varsity basketball team for winning district and Regional Championship this year. The
team on a went on a historic run advancing further in the vhsl playoffs than they ever did before. I would also like to recognize the This year, our Real Life Squad dominated the competition bringing home, a State title and showcasing their speed endurance and teamwork. Beyond the field and stage with Tomac Falls continues to build an inclusive and academically strong environment. Our Global Ambassador hosted, our Global Ambassador Club hosted, a Dutch and French exchange students and offering
them. Full, Atomic Falls experiences and giving our students a chance to share their culture. Our science. National Honor Society, held monthly tutoring sessions and our academic team was invited to the Scholastic, Bowl, the national Scholastic Bowl as quote. The team to watch the debate and speech team will be going to Chicago to compete in the w. A CFL Nationals after successful run, on the state level over a 100 students were inducted into the National Honor Society and Potomic Falls was selected as a
model school. Once again, I would like to also, congratulate Atomic Falls, very own yearbook advisory Emily adviser Emily. Everett Miss Everett has been recognized in the procedures HL Hall National yearbook advisor of the Year competition and as a special recognition adviser by the journalism Education Association Miss Everett is Only 10 advisory Educators to receive the special recognition distinction. She will be honored at the jaw
spring conference in Seattle, Washington, congrats Miss Everett. I know it sounds like I'm just lifting off listing off a bunch of statistics about my school, but I truly believe that Atomic Falls builds Community where everyone has a chance to grow lead and be proud of their Excuse me to be proud of their accomplishments. It has been an amazing year and I'm so grateful to be a part of it. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Mr. Kunes, for, for being here and for your comments. Um, we will now move on to item 10 superintendent report,
and it will be presented by Dr. Aaron Spence. Our superintendent Dr. Spence. Thank you, madam chair and members of the board. It's my pleasure to share some good news from around our School Division. I'd like to start by asking Dr. Frederick Rico Mack to stand up. Um, please note that Dr. Mack has been selected as the principal of the lcps recovery School. The lcps recovery school, which will open. Next year is designed to educate and provide services. For students who are in recovery from substance use disorder. Dr. Mack is currently the assistant principal at Tuscarora High School
a position. She has held since 2019 previously. Dr. Mack was first the principal and then the assistant director of The Grafton School part of the Grafton Integrated Health Network in Barryville and Dr. Mac, also served as a teacher and then principal of the North Spring, behavioral health education center in Leesburg Dr. Mack we welcome you to this new role in. Congratulate you On also invite Cassie golisano to stand up. Miss quisano has been named the next principle of PTO. Elementary School Miss quisano is currently the assistant principal of Sugarland elementary school and was previously
assistant principal at Goan, Post Elementary and Dean at seldon's Landing Elementary School. Miss Koso began her educational Journey with lcps as a second grade teacher at katakan. Elementary Miss coloso. We welcome you to this new role and we congratulate you Next, if I could ask, John, cornelli to stand up. Mr. Cornelli has been selected as the next principal of Round Hill. Elementary School Mr. Cornelli has been the Principal of Mill Run Elementary School since 2015. He started his
career with lcps at Mill, Run as a special education, Teacher took a brief detour to be the assistant principal of Mcnair Elementary and Fairfax County, saw the light and returned to be the assistant principal. And then principal of milun elementary school. We welcome Mr. Canelli to his new role in. Congratulate you, as well. And although she could not be here this evening. We do want to acknowledge Miss Lindsay, Civic. Miss Civic has been named in the next principal and Creek Elementary Miss. Civic is currently the principal of Chavez Elementary School in the Little Elm Independent School District in
Texas. Previously, she was an assistant, principal at menahal, elementary school in the Plano Independent School District. Also in Texas where she also served as an assistant, principal at Huffman Elementary, and previously, served as a teacher, and we do, welcome Miss Civic to Len County, and to her new role and congratulate her. moving on, I want to, uh, note that more than 900 lcps, students took part in a transformative learning experience during the annual geospatial science Symposium held in late April at Watson Mountain Middle School. This event marked the culmination of these students work in the geospatial
science. Dual enrollment course offered in partnership with James, Madison University, our students demonstrated, how data curiosity and collaboration can shape a better world. Many thanks to science department staff GIS teachers, JMU faculty and the division of planning and GIS services for mentoring and inspiring the next generation of critical, thinkers and problem solvers in geospatial science. I'm very pleased to note that 3 lcps teams are plant the moon challenge, winners plant, the Moon is a NASA sponsored
competition that challenges students to design and conduct an experiment to grow plants, and simulated lunar or Martian soil. In this Springs, competition The Aquatic agriculturalists and the minty moons both from Heritage High School and coached by Heritage High School, biology teacher, Amy Goodyear won Best in Show in the state competition. The Aquatic agriculturalists whose experiment focused on growing water. Lilies in lunar soil, also won Best in Show in the International Plant the moon competition.
Freedom, High School Team 2, a 1 student team, composed of Junior Shruti Gana sear and coached by Freedom, High School, science teacher, Mike Thornton won best experimental design in the state and international competition, her project focused on adding nitrogen fixing bacteria to lunar soil. These teams will all now travel to Richmond at the end of May to attend a reception at the Science Museum of Virginia, where they will present their results to scientists from the Virginia. NASA space
Consortium. We want to thank all of the Educators who guided the students in this Innovative activity and the loud and Edge account Education Foundation, which provided support for these projects. From projects that address solutions to the problems caused by microplastics, to protecting biodiversity to repurposing. Fabrics to make new fashions, Loudoun County. Students exhibited projects and experiments that address real world. Environmental issues and the sixth annual student environmental action. Showcase in total 149
students participated in this year's showcase which was coordinated by the Loden Environmental Education Alliance and supported by lcps students presented their projects to judges and Leah. Awarded prizes to the top 3 projects in elementary middle and high school categories. Many thanks to all of the students who participated and to the LCB sta lcps staff and Community Partners, Who provided their guidance, and support for our students. We also want to recognize Dominion High School, alum megie
medinger class of 2006, who was recently, named USA baseball's sportswoman of the Year Maggie, who is an 8-time national team, Alum and 2006 World Cup gold medalist returned to Dominion high school on Monday, May 12th to receive her award. So why Dominion? Well, while a student at Dominion, she was the first female to earn a win and pitch. A perfect game in a men's varsity, baseball game in the state of Virginia. Outside of working competition. Maggie is passionate about
growing, the participation of women in baseball and coaches various Major League Baseball development events throughout the calendar year. Congratulations again, to Maggie. It was wonderful that she shared this experience with her former high school and coaches. And then finally this evening, I'd like to give a shout out to our dedicated and creative Student Assistance Specialists or sas's who led fentanyl Awareness Day activities at their schools. Each lcps, middle and high school is assigned a saas. These mental health professionals have expertise in substance, use prevention
and intervention they provide services to students which enhance resilience educate about the risks of substance use and encourages a healthy substance-free lifestyle. During fentanyl awareness day which was April the 29th SAS is coordinated messaging campaigns and mobilized students to support this message, around the division, sas's could be found in hallways with colorful displays and engaging students in discussions and handing out informative stickers and other information. Also, in many schools students received advisory lessons about the dangers of
Fentanyl and parents and staff held video discussion groups. We want to thank our SAS ta staff team members and the student mental health services staff, who supported their efforts. We know that prevention activities. Like these are making a difference and Madam chair that concludes my report. Thank you, Dr. Spence that brings us to item 11, which is public comment. I'll read off the very lengthy procedures of public comment. Thank you for engaging with the school board through the public comic 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 and the agenda. This evening, all speakers have been allotted 1 minute each for public comment. Please be advised that all 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. Please remain, seated and less arriving
departing speaking at the podium or during a break. Violations of Civility, decorum and respect include. Shouting heckling jeering Applause or other noise which disrupts or delays the meeting. Obstructing speakers from being able to see the school board and vice versa. Interrupting speakers attempting to speak when not called to do. So, by the chair. And approaching a speaker or otherwise attempting to intimidate, disparage, or distract a speaker staff member
or other meeting attendees. Speakers should refrain from vulgarity obscenities defamation profanity or other like breaches of respect nor mates speakers Target criticize or attack individual students and or individual division employees during public comment. as a reminder School Board policy, 2520 State speakers may not Target criticize or attack individual students during
public comment, Speakers should communicate those concerns to their school principal or an appropriate School official. The school board requests that comments on an individual student or employee related matter, not be shared at public meetings where the disclosure could violate applicable confidentiality requirements. I do want to take a moment to clarify a few things as I've explained. Previously speakers, can personally identify a student or an employee without stating a student's or an
employee's names? That is personally. Identifiable information is any information that a reasonable person can link together to pinpoint an individual student or employee. And where that individual student or employee is known to others in their school and surrounding Community. Based on the context that is shared The school board, welcomes you to share your concerns. But asks that to the extent you have prepared remarks, that
Target, criticism, or attack any individual students or employees that you generalize such remarks to ensure compliance with board policy, For example. Comments, that Target Target criticize or attack a student or an employee. Or a student or an employee from a specific name School. Or a student or an employee with any characteristics, where the information would personally identify that student or
employee to others in the school or broader lcps. Community would violate School Board policy. However, comments that discuss General concerns with students. Or employees at schools. And do not Target criticize or attack an individual identifiable student or employee are permissible. while other entities such as the media and or law
enforcement might be able to share information that relates to a personally identifiable student at their discretion based on re relevant student, privacy laws and relevant School Board policy targeting criticizing or attacking individual students is prohibited in this forum. Under School Board policy. I as the school board chair. Am charged with the responsibility to maintain order during school board meetings. accordingly, when reasonable
I will warn a breaches of decorum Civility and respect and ask speakers to redirect their comments prior to possibly discontinuing individual speaking privileges or taking other actions to preserve the civility, decorum and orderly conduct of the meeting. Such action call includes calling a recess in order to maintain or to restore order. If speakers fail to comply with board policy regarding public participation, you will receive a warning and a
request to redirect or generalize your comments. Should you fail to redirect or generalize your comments? After that warning you may be asked to yield the microphone at which time you should yield the microphone as well as the floor and take your seat. And I will then call the next speaker. To the extent necessary. I will also warn a brief's of decorum Civility and respect from attendees prior to taking other actions to preserve the orderly conduct of the meeting.
Speaker should face the dayis and direct their comments to the school board per School Board policy. 2520 members of the school board will not answer questions or respond directly to the public during the public comment period. Violations of decorum or civility. By any meeting attendee, may result in the chair, directing staff to remove the attendee from the remainder of the meeting. Repeated or persistent violations of decorum, or civility by the audience, may result in, on the decision of the chair. Public comment being tabled until a later point in the
meeting's agenda. Limiting the number of attendees in the meeting room during public comment for safety reasons, or the public comment period ending for the evening. Copies of materials for board members. Should be given to the public information officer in the media box at the back of the boardroom before the start of the meeting. Please provide 12 copies of the materials. Under no circumstances. May a speaker approach. The deis The public is reminded that access to school board. Meetings is available through lcps on Comcast channel, 18
and 1078, HD and Verizon FiOS channel 43. The live stream of the meeting may be viewed on the website. We look forward to hearing your comments. Um I just want to mention that given the number of public commenters. We have tonight. Um I think there's like 130, um, Vice chair and Donna, he Vice chair, Donahue and I will share the responsibility of calling the names of speakers and maintaining order during the public comment period. and so, um, we will now take the virtual speakers um
It actually. Hold on, I need to uh I think Mr. Effie is joined us for public comment and for the rest of the school board meeting. so, um, I think we're going to have to agree to let him in to vote to let him in. So after all that, if you guys can remember, all of that, Um, I've been notified that Mr strefy would like to remotely participate in tonight's school board meeting. Is he here? He has not joined the meeting yet. Okay, we're going to move on.
Well, we'll have to when he comes on, we'll have to remember to do that. Um okay. We'll start with our virtual speaker starting with uh Meredith Ray followed by Nikki Maples Reynolds. I think that is biological red hair, a real genetic trait. So I assume we'll be hearing testimony tonight from someone saying my kids feel uncomfortable sharing a bathroom or locker room with a red head or maybe I'm not a ginger folk. I just think red heads are being forced on our kids, maybe
we'll see legislation. Requiring red heads to register with the school nurse or be banned from playing girls volleyball because it's not fair. They have an advantage, sounds ridiculous, right? The focus on trans kids isn't about Comfort or safety. They are just about generating fear and the need to bully. Someone more vulnerable. And who better than a child just trying to exist. Let's be clear at trans. Kids are not the problem. Trans kids are just kids like redheads, black kids brown, eyed kids and tall kids. the real problem is adults who think they're brave for going
after children and adults, who are running for political office who just want power and have no ideas or plans that plans that would actually improve the lives of the con constituents, they wish to represent. So if you're scared of Thank you. Uh, Nikki Maples Reynolds followed by Glenn Cunningham. We do not have a speaker by that name. Glenn Cunningham, followed by PJ Cunningham. We do not have a speaker by that name. PJ Cunningham followed by Emily gapao.
Hello, can you hear me? Yes, ma'am. Could you please state your name? Yes, my name is peejay Cunningham. Okay, thank you so much. title, 6 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination based on race color, religion sex, or national origin, Loudoun County, Public Schools, who referred to as lcps chose, not to sign the assurance that it complies with all federal education laws. And the Loudoun County Public Schools office of parent and Community engagement in Title 9, as well as other loud and
lcps offices violated federal education laws in their own policies, to save face while discrimen discriminating against the complainants for over a year. Now, our family has submitted multiple Foya and fera requests to a charter schools, where 1 of the 2 Charter Schools, security camera, video footage, 15 interior and exterior cameras to which we are being denied to this day. Their Charter Schools video was shed, more light on our sons and students horrible bullying experience at 1 of the Latin
County Public School, charter schools, the charter school board and the Loudoun County admin School Board. Appears to go to Great Lengths to conceal this video footage as our child. Thank you. Emily kapaya. Gapo, followed by Brenda bankson. We do not have an attendee by that name. Brenda Bankston. Uh, Benson followed by Linda boram. 2025 is marching orders targeting lcps made for TV outrage
failed recalls out of state, Interlopers fictitious, fears charges, dismissed yet the frenzy starts again, fueled by a governor Ag and media monger. Anti-trans sentiment is a 1-hit Wonder trotted out for election Cycles. Aid. Buyer knows the underlying concept is that something dire is happening to children and schools are at fault giving constant fuel for the outrage machine.
Mobs for bigotry, are bullies. Not Role Models. Trans kids are not prey for a zealous. Reporter Virginia's top electeds or a church. Stop the hate. Thank you Linda bowstrom followed by nading niku. in the threshold of retakes dropped to a 7-Day, we'll have unintended consequences on students ability to fully Master
material but also limit their comprehension due to the lower expectations. Now being permitted, when students know they can achieve a passing grade with a lower score, they may be less motivated to engage deeply with the material. Initially, this shift in focus from mastering content, content to merely achieving a passing. Grade can hinder the development of critical thinking, and problem solving skills, the lowering of the grade to 70 appears to be
motivated by Angry. Fearful parents who have students who do well. But these parents may be anxious about students who were allowed to show Improvement. from perhaps a c minus to a B minus as a threat against their own children's chance in getting into a specific College due to perceived competition. Thank you Nadine, niku, followed by Jennifer Coram. We do not have an attendee by that name.
Jennifer Quorum. Followed by Rachel talero. Hello, can you hear me? Yes, we can hear you barely though. You might want to speak up. Okay. Um, good evening, I'm a parent and lenah Mill. Residing in Dallas, South District 7.2. And I'm here tonight to voice my concerns regarding the proposed. Zone changes and strongly oppose plan. 289, I've seen firsthand the impact the previous rezoning has had in our neighboring, families and strongly believed 289 will create further unnecessary
disruption. For many 289 does not account for the logistical changes. That would force our families to literally cross paths, while driving to Mercer and champ with other communities, who will be passing us to go to Willard and lightridge this will undoubtedly Worse than dangerous traffic patterns on Miranda Road. 289 will exacerbate overcrowding as it simply moving crowd, 1 students from 1 crowd school to the next. We understand that there is no perfect plan, but we do believe that the staff plan is 1, that is unbiased balance is long-term stability. Considers proximity in the logistical needs of
the district, keeping all zones, west of champ, assigned to Merion champ, we are urging the board to reject 289 and prioritize the safety of our families. Thank you. Thank you, Rachel terico terico followed by an Northern. Thank you. I am speaking tonight to ask the school board to drop the investigation into the 3 students at Stonebridge. High School. I do not know these boys but I have 2 Sons of similar ages. After viewing the video. I do not see how anyone can logically say there was sexual harassment. These
3 boys, were simply stating what they saw and 1 on how he felt about the situation. If students are afraid to speak their truth, then you have created an unsafe environment for them. You state, you want to protect the rights of all students. But how are you protecting the rights of these 3 students who are videoed against school policy? What I do see from this video is that none of the students including the transgender student felt comfortable and I would even argue safe. There is a reason why the transgender student felt the need to video before anything
happened. The 3 boys were taken by surprise and felt. Excuse me, could you stop the thing real quick? Mr. Allen could you, uh, were you listening is was there a a violation of policy at that point? Your mics not working. Thank you, madam chair. Uh, I believe based on that, this the policy that, um, you referred to and you're opening. Um, Dialogue, uh, any criticizing attacking or targeting of
individual students, uh, would be a non-compliance, or violation with policy. 2520, um, so to the extent, there's, um, generalized, Um, statements that do not Target criticize or attack individual lcps students um, though that would be in compliance with policy 2520 School named with that being compliance with the school, with the Thank you, madam chair for that clarification. So to the extent of reasonable person could, uh, connect dots, um, to
discern the identity of an individual student. If information information information, such as the naming of a school would identify a student. Um, and again, the comments would need to be, uh, criticizing targeting or attacking an individual student, then that would be in non-compliance, or violation with policy. 2520 I also have a student. Would that be in violation of policy to a student? I'm just asking, I just need to be Excuse me, point of order. Are you kidding a student?
I have a point of order Mr. Allen So, what is your point of order, Mrs. Griffith point of order is whoever was speaking, had every right to speak and they were doing a generalization I'm just clarifying. Excuse me, please refrain from clause. Refrain from Applause, please. I need to clarify, too. A student. Because that is in my script. Would you please clarify Mr. Alan thank you madam chair. So to the extent, there's information regarding a student who
could be identifiable based on other information, shared to the extent that individual student or a student is being attacked, criticized, or targeted. Then that would be a violation of 2520 within the context but it it depends on a student. And what other information is provided to determine whether a reasonable person, could connect the dots to identify that individual student. Um, Mrs. Griffith. Your point is.
Not well taken at this particular point in time because I do feel like there was a student, but I'm going to allow the the, um, uh, commenter some to continue. But I think if you remember in my, in the very long, Speech that there is a student and no discussion about schools and things like that. So we need to try and generalize our our comments I apologize, Madam chair. I'm just frustrated that we have
empty seats and there are people waiting outside to come in and they might miss their chance to speak. Thank you for reminding me that excuse me. Please refrain from clapping Um, I appreciate that. You said that and um, if people need to come in come in and when they hear and uh, when you hear the second name that I call You can um, come in line up and wait on the side. So um if you the second name that I call come on in line up
and wait to the side of the podium. Thank you for telling me that Mrs. Griffith Okay. Um what was uh it was with this, uh, Mrs. Talero is that, that okay, would you like to continue? um, yes, I would Um my comments were in no way to criticize any of the students involved. They are children. I'll see if he has. You created this situation with your policy 840, I asked that you revoke policy 8040 and put into place a policy
that actually provides a safe environment. Thank you, please. If please refrain from Applause, that's the third time that I have had to ask. Um, okay, the next 1 is and Northern followed by Michael Dal. Name is an Northern and I'm a parent from lenah Mill Community. I'm speaking tonight to strongly oppose, the redist plan 289. My son is currently a sixth grader at Willard Middle School. He has already built strong relationships at his current school with both staff and
classmate, and he's looking forward to continuing on to light, Rich, high school as we plan for, since the beginning of his school career changing, his school path in eighth, grade would be disruptive and unfair, these are critical years. In consistency matters, we've invested in our schools and our relationships within the schools and plan. 289 would pull our family and many others away from schools. We've been deeply connected to, I strongly urge you to support the staff plan, which keeps the limo community at Willard. And lightridge is the plan that supports stability. Continuity and student well-being. Thank you.
Thank you, Michael Dell. Good evening, school board members. I am a parent of 2 lcps, students. I'm speaking to you today, to thank you for your past support of lcps, policy 840, And to urge you to maintain that support in the future. Our children are the reason lcps exists. Not just some of them all of them. We must ensure that all of our students are treated fairly and equitably. Policy 840 does this for our trans and gender expansive
students. It does this at a time when some in our country would single out those same children. To score political points. I appreciate your continued efforts to protect these students by supporting policy 840. Thank you. Thank you and now um we'll move on to in-person speakers and to Mrs. Griffith's point, if you are the second name that I have called um actually Let's I see Mr. Astrophe on the board and we're going to
have to allow him in the meeting for right now. I'm sorry. Um, I have been notified that Mr. Strai would like to remotely participate? In tonight's school board meeting Mr. Struy. Would you please State your location whether this is a medical or personal matter? Thank you, madam chair. I'm in a hotel room. Um, and this is a personal matter. Is anyone present with you at this location? If so, please State their names, No, No 1 is present, I'm alone. Um, if you're using your personal, uh, exemption, uh, this is your, I think this is your first remote participation
for this calendar year. In a school board meeting using your personal exemption. Therefore, I will entertain a motion. That Mr. Strefezza request to participate. Remotely, be granted. Do I have a second? Oh, actually, do I have a motion? Yes, thank you. Madam chair. I move that. We allow Mr. Roughy to participate virtually. Thank you, Vice chair and you do have a second second. I have a second by Miss Chandler. It's been probably moved and seconded. Um, is there any discussion? Seeing no, we will go ahead with the vote.
Um, board members. Uh clerk please. Open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. And um, clerk, will you please close and display the vote? That motion passes unanimously with Mr. Estrie, and Miss label absent. For the vote. Welcome to the uh, Meeting Mr. Strefy, would you please, uh, read your disclosure? Sure, thank you madam chair. Could you just give me a moment? 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 where health insurance and related benefits, and any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as, 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 employee, who's interested? Be affected of which I'm 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. Mr. Strai. Okay, we will move on um to our in-person speakers starting with uh Miss uh Eric Sutton followed by Yoko Jolly the second person if you want to just go ahead and stand close so that you know, so we can get through this. Thank you. Board members. Um, I'm here tonight to advocate for the immediate um, re um reinstatement of my daughter's theater teacher. Um, recent evidence shows that Personnel Within These Walls
have been unfortunately trying to retaliate against this man for more than 3 years. They didn't like it. When he advocated for higher teacher pay, they didn't like it when he advocated for parody among fee, Fine Arts. There is audio, there are emails and former school board members have warned about the retaliation efforts against this teacher. We've seen this pattern over and over again a student and their parents, don't get their way and try to get the teacher, uh, or coach fired.
Now, some people with working Within These Walls, are trying to weaponize it and trying to get rid of him. School board members. You're the you're the are the last stand for common sense and decency in the school. District, you could end this Insanity today. You are our last hope. Thank you. Thank you, please yield to Mike Yoko. Jolly followed by Katie Rivers. Hi. I'm also um requesting the immediate reinstatement of
the theater teacher. um who has been a critical part of my 2 boys development, not only as performers and artists, but as human beings um, The this teacher has had an impact on hundreds of students across lcps over the past 10 years and has created a legacy of Excellence, around theater education. Um, teaching these students not only the value of hard work commitment. Teamwork, empathy inclusion but also in how to be a leader
and also to follow. uh, which is very important and um, Based on what I've seen being involved as a as as part of the program, since my kids were really little till 9 years old. Um I have not seen anything that is consistent with what this teacher has been. Um, Uh, dismissed for and I the the circumstances surrounding dismissal is very, thank you. Katie Rivers, followed by Kaylee Rivers.
Good evening. My child is a special permission senior at an Ashburn high school. She drives 42 miles, round trip, for the specialized theater, education. Offered at only that school. I've been a volunteer there since 2016 and a part of the directing team as a volunteer. Since 2019, I was in any rehearsals. I wanted to be in, I traveled with the company. When they traveled shows, I was the primary chaperone on multiple field trips in and out of state and Country. After April 1st, I was removed from all engagement other than the
standard parent volunteer through the booster program as well as all other parents being excluded from any engagement, The administration in the school has worked actively to eliminate parental engagement since April 1st. I was even escorted out of the building by security for sitting in a hallway during a rehearsal. As of last week, they severed the relationship between the high school. And the drama booster program due to the outpouring of support for the theater teacher, that was removed and the regular questions about what is the plan for the future of this program.
Thank you. Kaylee Rivers, followed by Lily Thompson. Good evening, my name is Kaylee rivers and I am a senior in high school. I'm here to ask for your help in bringing my theater teacher back. My teacher was put on administrative leave on April 1st and our school administration is doing everything. They can to silence us as students. In our teachers, absence, our program has begun has begun to shatter. The directing team is separating, the students are losing faith in the magic of theater, and you may be our last hope.
This program has seen this type of Devastation before approximately a year ago and there is no way to tell if we can make it through. Any more of this, we have fought this fight before and we will continue to fight for our teacher mentor and inspiration. We so desperately need for this program. These students in this community to feel whole again, I implore you to look into how our director was removed and how you plan to fix this. Bring him back, thank you. Thank you. Lily Thompson. Followed by Isabella, broski. Hello. I'm Lily Thompson from Broad, Run High School and
today I will be talking about our limited space deck stage. I recently was the assistant stage manager, for our Show, 2 of my main responsibilities were managing everything and everyone during the show a major challenge we faced was having very little space backstage. We had a lot of set pieces that needed to be stored and fitting everything was tricky but we did our best during our first dress rehearsal. We quickly realized there wasn't enough room for everyone to move around safely after talking to the other stage managers and our directors we realized that we should use the wood room as a place for actors to wait, although we ease the crowding. It also brought new problems. The
wood room was loud. Making it hard for actors to catch their cues. Plus it was cluttered with tools and sawdust for raising safety. Concerns. Even though we Face these problems, we adjusted and continue to show. However, this isn't just irritating, it's a safety concern. I stand before you today asking for expansions and storage solutions, for broad runs Auditorium so students can move around safely. Thank you. Thank you Isabella. Broadsky followed by Hailey Sutton. Good evening, my name is Isabella bradsky. I'm a junior at Broadway High School and I'm also speaking on expanding broad runs woodroom after working. As part of the paint
crew, for our school's leaded Department. I've been faced with risks every day because of the lack of space in our woodroom since the place is small, we have to work in the cramped woodroom or work outside. We painted next to working saws, with no production from dust below freezing temperatures, where we had to paint and shifts and wind that blew away our materials and set pieces and alone in the dark, using our phone flashlights to see It's not that the teachers didn't care for our safety. Is that there isn't a place indoors for us to paint in the size of what we work on. We're hoping for funding to expand our woodroom or CL climate controlled storage. So we're able to work safely. Thank you.
Thank you. Uh, is it Hailey? Hailey Sutton followed by Reagan Sutton? Hello everyone. I'm a recent alumni of LCP. For the immediate reinstatement of my former theater teacher and Mentor. My high school was truly the D1 theater program of Loudoun County, the training. There is actually considered better than many prestigious College Programs. My former theater teacher has helped numerous students including myself, get into the top musical theater colleges in the country through his connections and his reputation.
He secured more than 12 million dollars worth of scholarships. Now, all of that is at risk, I would have never even had a chance at the college audition experience, if it wasn't for my teacher support, my college instructors, even credit him for preparing us for the tough industry. I chose. Please don't take away the opportunities, the training and the mentorship that I was blessed to have this program, truly changed my life and I really want to see it continue to inspire the Next Generation. You will only get that by reinstating him. Thank you. Thank you regen Sutton followed by Ella.
Diaan. Good afternoon. I'm currently a junior in high school and I stand here today to advocate for my theater teachers, resignment when I first joined the program freshman year, I was struggling, Middle School had been a rough couple of years where I developed severe anxiety and didn't know if I would ever find a place where I would truly fit in, but then I found theater and it, Wasn't just about acting. It was about him. My theater teacher made the Black Box Art Theater, rehearsal room, a safe place. He provides a positive environment for students students, no matter their background, which isn't
you find everywhere. He saw. So, didn't. to get outside my comfort zone. Perform on stage. Help cry out from multiple shows. It was just voted by my peers to be the next CEO of our program. I am a new person now and that is all thanks to him losing him would mean losing the heart of this program so please bring him back to us. Thank you. Thank you. Ella Daton followed by uh, May dauin. Good evening. My name is Ella dwin and I'm currently a junior at I'm here to speak, not have been directly impacted by the removal of our theater
teacher. What Hurts the Most is seeing? Someone who has given so much to your school and your community faced a wave of misinformation and judgment. This isn't just about a teacher, it's about the lies, they've impacted the students. They've lifted, and the mental health of the students. I asked this board to listen to the students to the families. And to the truth, give us the grieving students of the unfair removal of our theater teacher, their safe base back. Thank you, thank you. May I direct and followed by Aaron Burns. As you can see, the sudden removal of our trusted teacher
has a deep has had a deep negative impact, especially on our seniors who are again, dealing with a loss for them. This should be a time of achievement, not confusion and loss the effects pick. Go beyond just 1 class. The theater program, has long been a safe inclusive space, a Cornerstone of our school, That bu and corn of our school culture, it builds confidence, discipline and connection, removing a trusted teacher with with without clear explanation or Community input has damaged that foundation and eroded trust among students parents and faculty. What's even more concerning
is the way the situation has been handled parents have been treated differently and in some cases shut out. Uh, communication has disappeared decisions appear to have been made without transparency due process or factual Clarity. Instead of dialogue or restorative practices. We've seen resources and taxpayer. Dollars redirected towards unnecessary additional personnel and investigations driven by perception rather than truth. This is not about 1 teachers. Its students its Educators and the values of fairness and accounting thank you.
Thank you. Um, let's see Aaron Burns. Followed by Andres. Marrero. Marrero, I think. Good evening on March 24th. I received this disturbing text message for my son. My teacher put his hands on me. After I was cursing, he put his arms around my neck and like a choke hold. This incident involved much more, this teacher also held a wooden Mallet up to my son's face, as well as made comments to the entire classroom, that my son should go back on his
medication. The next few days. My son refused to go to school, still feeling, anxious and scared. This teacher returned to the classroom on May 12th. CPS determined that the case was unfounded for physical abuse. Human Resources was unable to terminate this teacher based on CBS findings. Reportedly, there was 3 student witnesses to what occurred who corroborated my son's account. CPA, CPS might not consider it to the level of physical abuse, but it was still completely inappropriate in an abusive power.
This was not a calm teacher trying to guide or coach with the use of their hands or arms. It was an aggressive move that left. My son, feeling scared intimidated and threatened. I demand. Thank you. Andreas Marrero Marrero followed by. Yanni basis. Hello. My name is Andreas Morrow and I'm a part of a theater program of an lcps school. During my time, at this program, under the mentorship of my teacher, the other
students and I grew in numerous ways we were given opportunity after opportunity and it was all, thanks to him. throughout my time with him, he had shown me, nothing but kindness and his genuine intention to care for the students was evident Now that he is gone a program that was once defined by unlimited opportunity. Has shifted into a couple classes that students dread due to his unfair dismissal. When a football coach has a player that doesn't show up to practice, the player can be benched or not allowed to participate in the game and no 1, bats an eye when a theater teacher, does the same with the student. They are held to an impossible standard.
Right now, you're faced with a choice. You can choose to ignore the cries of countless students. Who want their beloved teacher back or you can do? What is actually best for them. My teacher cared about all of us. I urge you to do the same and please read in statement. Thank you. Yanni basis, followed by Adrian Marrero. Good evening. I am a sophomore at Broad Run High School. I'm here today to discuss our wood room safety and utility problems. Our wood room was originally a storage room. Meaning it was not designed to be used for our purposes
because of this. It has insufficient heating and AC capabilities. Poor ventilation from Saw and dust and paint fumes. Insufficient electrical outlets and moisture buildup, which leads to Wood warping and rotting all of, which causes us much discomfort and inconvenience. Now, more importantly, the safety issues, the room's small size causes many issues when building our sets, especially when we are in the middle of a production. The room comes filled with set pieces with nowhere else to put them making it very cramped and hard to work. And especially when our pain crews in there too. The space also has many safety concerns as the room has no sprinkler system or fire alarm, as well
as dismissal Bell or PA system. If there was some kind of emergency such as a lock down or fire, you would be completely oblivious to what's going on. I asked, do you please allocate funds to expand and renovate a wood room as well as help us find storage solutions. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you. Adrian meero. Followed by Jolly Palmer. As a 14-year-old boy. Eager to start high school. I faced this encouragement from my football coaches. Who focused on my weaknesses, they called me fat. They fat, shamed me, they called me names as of 14 year old
boy going into High School. Fortunately, I had a theater teacher who put my weaknesses aside and accepted me for who I was looked at me with a smile, every day on his face. It made me feel like I was worth being. There made me feel like I didn't have to hide or pull my shirt down. Every time I was walking in the hallways because I thought I didn't look good in my shirt. He made me. Regret, you know, doing a bad decision, 1 day to myself,
that I would regret for the rest of my life. A teacher who made a positive difference in my life is now at risk of being fired. Please bring him back. Thank you. Thank you. Adrian mordo, followed by, uh, Jolly Palmer, right? What's your name? I'm sorry, it's Palmer doll. It's okay. I'm sorry. Jolly Palmer. Wait, what was your name? It's Palmer. Jolly Palmer, jolly, it's okay. I'm sorry. Palmer Jolly. I apologize now it's
all good. My director has been gone for a month in 20 days and in that time, I felt a significant change in the program. I've noticed a massive loss for passionate of passion for the art of Performing all across the company. A classmate of mine walked out of class today to go to counseling, and she came back crying. And she said that she felt like she was losing her family. Another teacher recently stated that the hardest part about all of this has been trying to keep together a family that is broken. And the people who have been chosen to replace him aren't
exactly helping things. Please just bring him back. If you won't do it for him, do it for the countless people that are affected by his absence every day. Thank you. Thank you. Aubrey Travis. Followed by Stacy Perkins. Travis. And I'm allowing County, High School student, theater means everything to me. It's why I've always felt safe supported and free to express myself without judgment. It is giving me a sense of purpose and help me manage the pressures of school. Everyday life, in my severe anxiety, but since
April 1st, Everything Has Changed without my theater teacher. The program I've been a part of for several years has become stressful confusing in its organized, the sense of community and direction. We once had has now completely Fallen apart, it breaks my heart to see something. I love being completely destroyed from the inside out. I hope the people in charge understand how much this program and the teacher who built built, it means to the students. This is our education and our future is at stake. We just want to feel seen and heard and supported again. Please listen to the students. We are struggling. Please bring back my
mentor teacher and the person who helped me survive. Thank you. Thank you. Stacy Perkins. Followed by Grace Mane carper. Hello. I'm a parent of a high school student and I'm here to speak again about the response to the situation involving our theater teacher. Last time I spoke about unfair disciplinary procedures and a lack of communication while those concerns Remain. The situation has devolved further and And troubling events. Continue to negatively affect our students recently under the guise of a counseling session
for theater students, and unbeknownst to parents students, who have spoken out or whose parents have advocated on their behalf or singled out by staff and administration. This type of retaliation whether overt or subtle is completely unacceptable. It, undermines student morale creates Division, and sends a chilling message that voicing support for beloved educator, comes at a cost, no student. Should fear retribution for exercising, the right to be heard. Adding to the distress Administration, has created a climate of exclusion and mistrust of parents they have gone gone so far as to completely sever ties with the parent
booster club, clearly displaying their complete lack of interest, in any parent involvement of any kind. I urge the school board to thoroughly investigate. The actions being taken at the school. Our students parents and Educators deserve better Thank you. Stacy Perkins. Followed by Grace Monae carper. I need to get better. Okay, so stay Grace Monet Carper, followed by Jack Wright. Hello, all my name does not matter, nor does my grade or my age. What matters is that many people in this room have come together to stand against the unfair removal of our
theater Community? Most loved and committed member or director. We ask you to allow us to reunite with the father of our chosen, family and relieve us of unnecessary stress, which is plagued us throughout the past few weeks for us. Theater is a safe space free of any judgment students May face as it allows free expression and creative flow. It is what empowered me to explore myself as a gay as a boy. It is an art and at the center of that art used to be our director. Not only was he a Herald of happiness for our program, but he is also an amazingly talented and highly
regarded teacher. As is recognized across many people within the thespian culture around the world. I hope you truly hear my, my words as I speak them and understand that, I am not just another kid speaking, I'm 1 of your students. My name is Angela and I hope you remember it when making your decision. Thank you. Jack Wright followed by thank you. Jack Wright. Followed by Patricia Roxy cordillo. Good evening, my name is Jack Wright, and I'm speaking on expanding broad runs woodroom out of 17 high schools. Our
woodroom is the most terribly constructed. The ground area of the room is roughly 35 ft by 10 ft about the size of a small classroom. Most of the space has to be taken up by wood and equipment and the rest of the floors. Supposed to be a safe place for our set and paint crew to work. It isn't we had 8, set crew members and 6 paint crew members in our latest Musical and for everybody to work, they had to put themselves in harsh conditions. They had to cram in the room and work next to dangerous equipment and safety hazards. All while there aren't any ways to know if there
was a fire in the building loud and Valley, High School is older than we are has the same layout of our school and has received very sizable expansions to their woodroom. We need woodroom. We need to expand our woodroom for safety reasons. And we have to the ability to expand. Please consider this for our safety, and thank you for your time today. Also, like bring back, uh, CJ or something. Um Patricia please hold uh refrain from Applause. Um Patricia Roxy CIO CIO followed by Mike Kelly.
Is there Patricia? Roxy Korea. Is there 1 outside? Is everyone in from the hallway? Yes. Okay. Okay, moving on. We'll move to uh Mike Kelly. Followed by Kayden Sorensen, Sorensen. Good evening. My name is Mike Kelly. I'm a parent of 3 with 2 currently at Broadway and high school. Both active members of the theater Department, 1 of them will speak to you shortly. I serve on the board of the theater booster
club supporting the program that continues to do remarkable work with very limited resources. This spring, our department earned 15 glammies nominations despite building sets in the smallest woodroom of the county and having to work Outdoors where students have been approached by strangers. The wood room locks lacks secure tool storage the doors don't lock. I even built and donated a workbench to help secure equipment, but that's just to stop Gap. I spoke to you last year in response to provided equal storage to all schools. But the solution missed the mark because it was
the equal. Not Equitable, Broad, Run needs a targeted solution for its unique needs. We ask for a lockable tools cages, now, and long term, a renovated secure woodroom. That truly meets our students needs. Thank you for your time and for supporting our Arts app. Thank you, Cadence Sorensen, followed by Chris Stevenson. Hello, my name is Kayden Sorensen. I'm a freshman at brierwoods, and I've been playing volleyball for almost 5 years. After trying nearly every other sport volleyball, is the 1
that I love and Excel at and I hope to go on and play in college. Unfortunately, to play competitively, I have to go an hour away to Fairfax County, 3 to 4 times a week because of the options and allowing are, so are so limited. With Fairfax County rolling out, boys. Volleyball this past year. I'm now the only student in my club team. Who isn't able to play in high school. I would really love to have the high school sports experience before I graduate and I'm hoping Lan County can follow in Fairfax footsteps and bring voice boys volleyball
to our schools here. Thank you, thank you, Chris Stevenson followed by Hayley Smith. No, Chris Stevenson. Haley Smith, followed by Katie Herbert. My name is Hayley Smith, and I'm advocating on behalf of Broad, Run High School theater Department. We are here asking for help with a climate safe, storage solution, to alleviate some of the issues, we see regularly at broadband's Auditorium, as an actor. During the most recent production here at broadrun, whenever I was on stage in the next minute or 2. I had to go sit in 1 of the chairs in the
wood room because of the lack of the space in the wings. This was not only inconvenient but also dangerous. There were large pieces of wood everywhere loose Nails on every table and huge power tools. Next to the chairs that were placed for the cast. Additionally, the floors were, were were still covered with dust and place. We're still covered with dust and wood chips which is not good for the costumes because of all the loud noises in the wood room. It was very hard to hear anything on stage if at all. So everyone. Everyone was going in and out, periodically to see where we were on the show. I personally almost missed some cues
because of the lack of space and inability to hear as well as the chaos going in and out. This got in the way of stage crew, moving big set pieces and other cast members who were in a rush to get back on stage. This rough accommodation made it unsafe for cast and crew to be. Thank you. Thank you. Katie Herbert, followed by Gina Thompson. Good evening. I'm here to speak tonight about the need for boys volleyball in high school. I have 3 kids. I've had the privileged coach each of them at some level. Unfortunately, when my oldest entered High School, briarwoods in 2019,
there was no option for him to pursue volleyball as a high school sport. Fortunately, for him, we're able to provide a club experience and his love for the sport and his skill. Grew, not all families can do that adding boys volleyball at the high school, level would provide an opportunity for more athletes to pursue a sport that they otherwise may not be able to do um participate in due to financial time and travel restraints. When I was coaching Jackson's first club team, we had boys checking volleyball out for the first time as a season went on their parents, could not afford the fees. Luckily, we were able to subsidize their dues and the boys finished the
season. They couldn't return the next season, due to financial constraints. Imagine if they'd had the option to play in high school somewhere close to home. There was affordable. I would like to ask our board to help us open a new door for the boys of Ling County. I know a big question is, do we have the support? But I'm here to tell you, I think if we open it, the boy, thank you. Gina Thompson followed by Ashley long. Gina. Yes, ma'am. I'm not Gina. Hello, my name is Gina Thompson. I'm a parent. And now the new theater booster president at Broad Run 3 years ago, my
husband, and I noticed something inspiring students pouring in their time energy, and passion into our theater program with stronger, performance, bigger additions and more students, involvement. Students are building larger and more complex sets. This is happening outside in unpredictable weather or an overcrowded unheated room without Secure Storage for tools and equipment, which is a safety concern. We're asking for your support, for a new climate controlled woodroom. In the meantime, temporary outdoor climate controlled storage unit
unit near the theater Department, would make a real difference. Broad Run, may be loud in's, oldest high students shouldn't be left behind. They deserve the same resources, other schools enjoy. Let them have the space. They need keep building something extraordinary. Thank you. Thank you. Ashley long. Followed by Melody Visser. dear board members, you may have moved on but Ethan hasn't 15 days later this district has done nothing. No answers,
no protection, no accountability. My son is just a 5 years old. He was racially harassed on the porch of istan Hong. The middle schoolers filmed, it isn't quite and now he lives in fears. He doesn't understand why it happened. What have you done to prevent things like this happening again? If you don't have any policy, please address this issue. I request the school and board to create 1. Not only for Ethan, but also for all the other children, by ignoring this, you're
telling kids, like Ethan. Your pain doesn't matter, we will not accepted that not now, not ever. Thank you. Thank you. Please hold your applause. Um, Melody, Visser, followed by Alison Kelly. I'll just remind people that, um, in the, uh, in the decorum and civility, uh, violations of Civility, decorum and respect include shouting heckling during Applause or other noise which disrupts or delays the meeting. Thank you. Go ahead.
Good evening, my name is Melody Visser and I speak to you as both a parent and The Treasure of the Broad Run. Theater boosters broad 1 was the first High School in Ashburn, a school that helped build this community while new schools benefit from state of the art facilities Broad Run is being left behind today. I'm here to highlight a critical need climate control, storage and a functional Workshop space. The current would room is not only undersized but unheated students are forced to work outside in the cold and dark, raising safety concerns. There's also no security storage
for tools, putting equipment at risk of theft and misuse as a temporary solution. We propose a climate control storage unit, right? Outside the woodroom, long term, we ask for investment in proper renovation. Our students deserve equal resources in the same pride in their school as their peers. Let's give Broad Run the respect and future. It has earned. Thank you. Alison. Kelly followed by Kellen Herbert. Hello. I'm Alison Kelly. I'm the stage manager for our schools department and I have spent a large amount of my 3 years at Broad Run. Reorganizing our space. Currently our
storage consists of janitorial closets sewage pipes and boilers included and curtains to attempt to separate the space, but these Creative Solutions are not enough. We still end up with set pieces in the prop closet props in the dressing rooms costumes, in the wood room and set pieces. In the wings, the set pieces Being held in the wings would be fine if not for the cramp nature of our space. It's a game of Tetris to not only fit everything back there, but also to maneuver it, something you'd hope is not complicated when moving 8 pieces on or off simultaneously. This cramped nature creates safety hazards, making it more likely for people to get hurt during a show. The public
nature of Backstage means leaving up to our shows, stop can be stolen lost or broken all all while putting others who may not be aware of the screw that had fallen earlier in the day at risk, please continue to follow your goals of empowering students and allow us to engage our community by giving us the space to grow. Learn and exceed. Thank you. Thank you. Ken Herbert, followed by Barbara Davis. Hello, my name is Kellen. I go to Eagle Ridge and I'm in seventh grade. It'd be a great opportunity to have volleyball in high school for boys and Lan County. It'd be
an easy addition because we already have all the equipment we would need in addition. It would not be too expensive to have it. If we decide to have it there would be an interest in many boys who went to play. Thank you. Thank you. Barbara Davis, followed by Jaiden, Thomas falcon. Good evening, board members. I am Barbara Davis, I live in Kirkpatrick Farms. I also serve as the president of the Community Association. And I am here again to ask you guys not to split
Kirkpatrick Farms apart as a community, in the rezoning effort, reject the staff plan, um, both Braddock Braddock corner, and Kirkpatrick Farms, are coalescing behind plan 40, which we ask you to, seriously consider. And an idea just came to me tonight. Of, why don't we ask the geospatial students to take a look at it themselves. get a students perspective on this anytime a redistricting or rezoning is coming up, I think it would be a good, a
good, a good exercise for them. And I think it would be really good for the board to get students perspective when it comes to this, uh, thank you plan 40, re the staff plan. Thank you. Thank you. Jayden, Thomas followed by Deepa Rajan. Good evening. My name is Jayden, Thomas, Falcon and I am a senior at a laden County Public School. I'm speaking to you today to please look into the dismissal of my theater teacher because of him, our program has flourished become more of a family. He was a Father Figure, 1 of my safe
spaces and made theater a home for me and many others. I was a cheerleader for my High School cheer team for All 4 years of my high school experience and thanks to my theater teacher. I was able to do both of my passions, cheer and theater since he's been gone a classroom where we once learned different things about theater, quickly became a study hall, where we do nothing as my college, as my college audition experience, came to a close and it came time for me to choose where I would spend the next 4 years. I had to make a very hard decision without his guidance. The school building that once echoed with his laughter in good energy is now silent. Please look into his dismissal.
Bring him back, thank you. Thank you. Deeper Rajan, followed by Ally Mis. Is there a deeper? Paran. Okay. Ollie. MCE followed by Melody mes. Good evening. School board members. My name is Ali, Mis, and I'm currently a seventh grader at Willard Middle School, and I'm here to share my thoughts about the risk of any part of the lenah, mill, neighborhood. Being resand to another school. I would like the board to stick to the original staff plan to keep lenah Mill Zone to Willard and
light Ridge. My reason for this is that I have worked really hard to create to make many connections with light light Ridge, even though I am a seventh grader. I'm a part of Willard's 8th grade symphonic band. This is an opportunity that I worked hard to earn. I've already made connections with all the band directors at lightridge, as I I map out my academic and music programs for high school. I was also lucky enough to have 1 of the Irish band directors, offer me 1-on-1, guidance, as she sees how dedicated I am to the clarinet, and to prepare me for marching band to rezone me away from this opportunity would
be devastating after I have worked so hard to keep connections. Please keep lenah Mill, line to Wood and light, rich, thank you for your time. Thank you melody. Ms. Followed by Katherine Thomas. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be here tonight. I'm here to speak on my behalf of my neighborhood lenah Mill, and request to keep us aligned to Willard. Middle School and light Rich High School ever since I was in third grade, my friends have been resand moved, moved some more and moved. Back, this constant changing is being like a military child.
Making new friendships is tough. It takes months to build friendships, then they are destroyed by rezoning and moves. This is hard on kids too hard connections between teachers and students are really important and should be impossible to break. Too many changes are happening and it's making kids scared for their Futures. I will I have always known what school I was going to Willard. Then to light Rich, switching schools causes students to get off track. They can no longer focus on their studies because they're trying to find the a bathroom in the school. This isn't good for students being in sixth grade. I'm so
excited to be a wild cat in a future bolt. I need my friends and I need stability. Not a new school again. Thank you. Katherine Thomas, followed by The Pora ganty. Good evening. Um I just want to say that Ali and Melly. Did Melody, did a great job expressing. Um some of the student reasons why they might we may want to stay with um litter Willard and lightridge. I am also the parent of um lenah lenah Mill students who currently attend Goan post and I
would like to speak in favor of the staff plan and against plan, 40, and 289. Um, moving our kids to another school, um, would be detrimental to the relationships that they have already formed. And the plans that they have already made as well as um, plan 40 which splits our neighborhood. Our neighborhood does not have a natural split. There is not a major road going through the middle of it to make a natural split. you would be creating a split in our neighborhood and our elementary schools already split between, um, 2 sections so that would leave just a small section of our neighborhood. Um, continuing to Willard and light Ridge
which would um kind of alienate those students from not only their neighborhood friends but also their elementary school friends. So I would like to advocate for the staff plan or other plans that um, keep lenah Mill aligned with the Willard and light Ridge. Um, it also traffic would be really bad if you make go, thank you, thank you. Uh, 3 Poe ganti, followed by Nancy sare. 2 boys in school zone, 7.5. They both attend Willard and are on track for lightridge.
I'm here tonight to respectfully ask that our Lena will Community stay in the school. Track. Willard and lightridge are the closest schools just 1 Stop away when we exit our neighborhood, but the proposed plans of 040 and 289 are, kids would be sent further away to Mercer and John champe requiring longer commutes adding to already congested drives through Rush Hour, having to risk lefty uh a risky Lefty turn uh on Braddock Road uh Crossing through 4 lights 1, stop sign and a yield. A 4-minute commute, essentially turns into a 15-minute drive
drive on a non-rush hour time and you can imagine easily turning into 60 Minutes Plus during rush hour. Our neighborhood functions, we rely on carpools. Tight, uh, routines and Community Support Systems our neighborhood functions like an an extended family rezoning would break those networks apart. My boys will be displaced during their 8th and 10th grade. Thank you, Nancy. Sirar followed by. Amoo ganty.
Good evening board, I'm the Nancy SAR. I'm a parent of 2 kids at in lenah Mill. They are rising will be a rising middle and high schooler and I would like them to stay at Willard and John at Willard and light Ridge segregating us with 40, is you're going to segregate us from the rest of John champe and Mercer that are across the street since we live behind those schools with no connection to them whatsoever. And again, the rest of the Lena Mill, going there you would again segregate us as the only Community behind those schools going across.
And those left-hand turns, our kids are learning to drive making left-hand turns that take 10 minutes to get out of our neighborhood would create accidents and we want our kids to get safely to school and get home. So we would appreciate it because there's no light, there's no roundabouts. And right-hand turns are safer to get to light Ridge, the difference of distance between John champe and Willard for my house is 1 tenth of a mile. No, it's negligible. So let's keep our kids safe and keep them at Willard and light Ridge. Thank you. Thank you.
Followed by Nicole Kennard. Hi. My name is emo ganti and I'm a sixth grader at Willard Middle School. I live in Lena Mill. My school zone is d d, s7.5. I'm here because obviously, I really don't want to be moved to a different school. I make great friends, but Sean connections with my teachers and I'm involved in sports. Well, It Feels Like Home to me. I want to finish middle school with my friends and have the same great experiences. My older brother had it would be really hard to leave and everything and start behind or all over at a new school in
my last year of Middle School. Plans like staff plan would let me stay at Willard and go to light Ridge with my brother and friends. Just like we expected, please, oppose 040, and 289 and help keep my friends community and family together. Thank you for listening. Thank you. Uh, thank you. Uh, Nicole Kennard. Followed by Sally Yates. Members of the board. I'm here. As a parent of DS, 7.2, 1 of many who is deeply concerned about the potential impact of yet. Another school rezoning for our family, my son is
currently thriving at Willard, both academically and socially. He's a straight. A student who has been recommended for honors next year by all of his teachers while he's always been well regarded by staff. He's never been considered a standout academically until now Now the environment, the teachers the support he's blossomed. In ways we didn't anticipate, we've already rather Des disruption once in lenah Mill with the first rezoning then again, for my son personally. When hovat are open to being separated from many of his closest friends. They've now been reunited at Willard and the idea of separating him from these bonds and knew his final year of middle school is heartbreaking. So many families are
sharing similar stories but I'm here to advocate for what makes most sense for our children for traffic patterns and for Community, continuity, the staff plan is grounded in logic and intention. It considers proximity future, reasoning and avoids, even more children driving past more search champ to attend Willard light, Ridge, my husband, and I strongly oppose plan, 289, and support the staff plan, and others, that keep him at Willard and lightbridge. Thank you. Thank you. Sally Yates. Followed by Gladis Johnson. Good evening. I live in ds7, Dallas South, 7.2, and I'm
here to oppose Zone plan 289. My son is a sixth grader at Willard and is thriving in all areas. Willard has been the perfect environment for him. And since seeing his growth has been incredible, we were shocked to see plan 289 under consideration. 7.2 already went through a difficult zoning in 2020 and since then our neighborhood is nearly doubled in size plan 289 moves our large community from over 1 over capacity school to another creates unsafe traffic conditions with
the left, turn on Braddock, Road and uproots our community from schools. They love please. Prioritize stability safety and existing Community bonds. We urge you not to move forward with plan 289 and please strongly consider the staff plan instead. Thank you. Thank you class Johnson, followed by Clare Weber. Members of the board. I'm a homeowner in District this DSO. 7.2, a community impacted by the current resoning proposals. I have a 6th grader currently at Willard and we chose this
area, specifically, for the wheeler and lighter schools, the staff plan will let our children stay by proposal. 289 was sent them to Mercer and champ a schools within not planned for We move here with careful thought, not just about buying a home, but about finding a future for our children. How is it that new construction continues to expand in areas where schools are already nearing or exceeding capacity? I respectfully ask is there enough coordination between the zoning commission and the developers building these homes families like mine are doing our due diligence
research School boundaries, planning long term. And yet we're the ones caught in the middle. When those boundaries suddenly shift. Please don't make my child start. Over. Please. Only raise the Comfort. She's finally found, please give us kids the school. They work so hard to belong to. Please do not choose proposal. 289, thank you. Thank you. Claire Weber followed by Ren how sweet? Hello. I am Weber and I am a part of broadrun theaters theater department for 2 years. Now within that time
theater, the theater would room has changed a lot. When I first joined there was minimal space to work or for storage. Then Senior saw this as a safety concern and there was a Capstone project built to organize a new system for the wood room. So it could be a safer and more efficient place. Even after that, there was still a lack of space and apparent in our community had to build us a movable work pit bench to increase space further. And yet, we are still at a lack of space are the theater department has been doing everything we can to make this, the safest and best
possible place for our students and yet they still need help. There are aspects simply out of their control such as heating ventilation and pure floor space. Many of the set crew members would tell you that their crew could have been formed better if there was a simple expansion of the wood room. Thank you for your time. Thank You Ren Hao, sweet followed by a delegate Gary Higgins. Good evening. I'm here today, not just a concerned Community member, but as someone deeply troubled by the
inaction of this board. We've seen over the past month, nearly 4 weeks ago, a video surfaced of middle school. Students in our district verbally, assaulting a 5-year-old Asian child with hateful racist. Slurs taught in him while he cried and pleaded. And yet from this board silence, no formal statement, No public plan, no accountability. How long does it take to acknowledge a known hate incident? How long does a family and entire Community? Have to wait to see what this board takes the safety of every children.
Seriously, including Asian-American children, summer is around the corner. If the message to our students is that, these kind of behavior goes unanswered. Then we accomplished it. I urge this board. Speak up act now and commit to a visible transparent response before. Another child is harmed. Thank you. Thank you. Delegate Gary Higgins, followed by Beth Hess. Thank you. Madam, chairman members of the board, my name is Gary Higgins. I stand here today, as a, former lcps, School
Board member lcps parent, as well as a current lcps grandparent and elected State Delegate. I must say, I am thoroughly disappointed specifically with regard to the treatment of the 3, boys at Stonebridge, high school and the disregard lcps has for state and federal mandates. Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry. You you named the school and that's part of what we were talking about earlier about not a targeting criticizing. Please redirect and continue, I'm sorry. I spoken with the parents of the students involved, I have
also contacted your government government Affairs staff for a meeting but was told no 1 was available to talk to me. Lcps is failing these young men and his potential to ruin their Futures. Should this ridiculous Title 9 investigation, not stop. The boys weren't comfortable with a girl in their locker room who was filming them and yet the boys are the ones in trouble at the 14y old young man. I cannot imagine a more inappropriate awkward or embarrassing situation than having. Are you going to give me the time back? Because you took
from me, um, delegate Higgins? Um, What we you there was directed comments. And I needed to you to redirect and, um, and then it would continue. So, um, I can let you have about 15 seconds if that would, but please follow our rules. Thank you, madam chair. Like I said, as a 14 or 15 year old young man I cannot imagine a more inappropriate or
situation. Where is your common sense further as a taxpayer? I'm absolutely amazed that you all would potentially walk away from a 100 million federal dollars rather than comply with Federal policies. When I sat on this board every dollar count. Thank you. Please refrain from clapping. Please refrain from clapping the board's. Going to go into recess for about 5 minutes and we'll be back in a minute. The board is back from Recess. And we're going to start with uh, Miss Beth Hess followed
by um Beverly McCauley. Dena Griffith has asked twice for the policy to be put on the agenda for vote and not a single 1 of you agreed to that. if the board had taken action in January to ensure our schools reflect the current executive order, defining sex as only male and female, the current Title 9 investigation would not be happening. This board has delayed putting politics over parental rights and Community concerns. Constituents have a right to
know your vote on policy 840. Stop using the Grim case as a reason to delay because Grim may very well come to an end in June. When scotus decides on the scrum EDI case? No amount of money spent on the Communications Department, or the public information. Office can save lcps from the national news until you do the right thing. Thank you. Thank you. Um, that uh, let's see. Sorry, I need my glasses Beverly McCauley, followed by Cassie McCauley.
My name is Beverley McCully and I've been a mom to 41 children. So I come here to speak with an experienced that very few of any of you have. Kids in middle and high school face. A Litany of things bombarding them, not notwithstanding a locker room, where kids are very vulnerable, they're physically and mentally exposed boys made a comment out of being uncomfortable with a female being in the locker room with males. It's not about who you identify, its biological truth It was uncomfortable for them to be changing in front of a girl. They were stripped bare. Videotaped. In the locker room
where their clothes are not exposed there. Please pause the clock as I share during the comments during the outside of public comment period. Speaker should refrain from targeting criticizing or attacking an individual students during public comment as that's against School Board policy. Please redirect our generalize. Your comments. We want to hear your comments while ensuring compliance with policy time people. Please resume the clock. Okay. It's against the law to videotape in a locker room. We have reasonable expectations of privacy and privacy. They were stripped bare of their rights to privacy. So, rather than
investigate, I wholeheartedly believe we should have reversed 8040 and it never would have been an issue. We're talking about biological differences, not feelings. It's imperative that we teach kids. Truth Booker T Washington said, a lie doesn't become true. About it. Thank you Beverly M uh Cassie mcaulay followed by Ryan King. Hello, I'm Cassie mcaulay. Um, I graduated high school and have multiple siblings who have moved out of public school
because of transgenders and children claiming their horses and jumping on them saying sexual terms. It has made my siblings and Foster siblings, very uncomfortable. In the Bible, it says God Made 2 genders, male and female. The fact that you guys are allowing transgender in schools is ridiculous. Children are being ruined and scared to death to the to go to school because of your guys's lack of finishing. What you're supposed to people concern, voiced their concerns
and you just disregard them like it's nothing. Multiple parents and adults in general, keep saying that they need transgenders out of their kids' lives, and you could keep pushing them on saying it's okay. Um you can just work around them, nobody wants to work around them. God Made 2 genders deal with it. Thank you, please. Hold your applause. Uh, Ryan King followed by Ryan Hart. No Ryan, King Ryan, Hart. Followed by Matt Malone.
Hello. I am a junior speaking here today to advocate for the reinstatement of my theater teacher because he has been a pivotal Mentor in my life ever since I met him in my class freshman year that class was genuinely the most fun. I've had in school in my entire life. Every day I looked forward to learning new methods to improve my acting and to bonding with my friends and classmates 99% of that fun and excitement was due to my teacher, not only creating an amazing curriculum to teach us more about. Acting. But to also teach us how to be better people in
general. He directly gave me the passion that would fuel the rest of my life, and he's giving me many opportunities to grow and experience the world of acting. And Personally, I suffer with severe self-doubt issues, and when I doubt my own capabilities, he was always there to show me that I am able to do anything. All I want is for the man who did all of this, to be able to seem my growth and see how far I've come as an actor and a person make that happen. And also grow the wood room. Thank you. Um,
Matt Malone, followed by Lori Walsh. And after Lori, Walsh, uh, Vice chair. Donna Hugh will be the 1 he's uh in charge of the meeting. No, Matt Malone. Uh, Lori Walsh. No Wally. Uh, Lori Walsh. Our next speaker will be Megan Jenkins followed by Hannah Visser. I am here in support of the 3 boys from a high school that were charged with sexual harassment for objecting to a female student. Videotaping them in the boys, locker room,
lcps, allowing a biological female into the boys locker room deprived, the 3 boys of their dignity and privacy. First, I urge a school board to drop the sexual. Harassment charge against the 3 boys. This charge could unfairly haunt their reputations for years and it is completely absurd. Second, I would like to call on Governor yugen to revoke State. Funding. To lcps, lcps is still following policy 840, which is in violation of the Statewide vdoe model policy which requires bathrooms and locker rooms to
be separated by biological sex. Therefore L lcps does not have a leg to stand on and must drop the harassment charges. Thank you. Dina for standing up for the 3, boys. I urge the rest of you to find your voices and stand up for these boys. Boys cannot be girls and girls cannot be boys. Sorry when the brain is in conflict with the body, the brain needs to change. Thank you. Our next speaker will be our next speaker will be Hannah Visser, followed by Lisa Wolfe Good evening. My name is Hannah Vista and I'm the president
of the international thespian Society at Broad Run High School. Our teachers, and students have been advocating for years for more storage space or more Equitable opportunities within our department. When compared with other spaces, we've usually been told no, or told it would happen at some point in the future, yet never did. Last year, we spoke and this school board approved a $1 million budget That was supposed to be used for storage for theater or our music department. However, the money went to storage on the other side of the school and was not given to our theater department at all, we've adapted and utilized our space, the best we can even still no matter how much we
organized or clean our woodroom or other areas, there's never enough space to store new materials. We're hoping we would be able to receive any sum of money to either extend our wood room or provide more space to store our sets and set design materials. That will certainly go to us. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker, is Lisa, Wolfe followed by Jesse Travis. Hello. I am a 34 year, resident of this County and a former employee of lcps. But tonight, I'm here, as a grandparent of 1 of those 3 boys being accused of sexual harassment,
under the title 9 investigation. The video released by local media clearly shows there's absolutely no valid reason for investigating this matter. Unless it is to charge the person who illegally recorded that those minors in their safe space. The video was premeditated. In the video. You can hear. Thank keeper, please. Stop the time. As the chair shared during her comments at the outset of public comment speakers need to refrain from targeting criticizing or attacking individual students during public
comment is that is against School Board policy please redirect or generalize your comments. We want to hear your comments but also ensure compliance with our policy. Timekeeper please. Resume the clock. In the video, you can hiraliy, you can plainly hear the students saying, we'll see. And then the screen goes dark. And then you can hear some of the young men reacting to what they saw. As a girl in the boys, locker room at that point, the phone is taken out of hiding and the recording continues. The local policy 8040 in effect, supersedes both Title 9.
Which is National and Common Sense. Thank you. Our next speaker is Jesse Travis followed by Ella Stevenson good evening. I'm here to speak about the recent dismissal of our theater teacher. This occurred with vague disciplinary claims, a lack of transparency and contradiction of Loudoun County Public Schools policy, parents and students have been left in the dark, no, communication on the program's future or college support for juniors and seniors, the theater program. And its students are being neglected with the associated support
programs being designed and claimed that they don't help students. there has been a systemic decrease since the dismissal of Educators and dissolution of external programs for support of theater students, and their activities, this directly contradicts Loudoun County, Public Schools for Ace of success. The theater program built over a decade self-funded. And awarded millions in scholarships is being dismantled with no plan or justification. Why is Loudoun County Public Schools choosing to single out 1 of its most successful teachers and inclusive student program that they
created without reason or accountability bring back the mentor and teacher these students should never have lost. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Ella Stevenson followed by dead glass. No, Ella Stevenson. Deb glass. Followed by Reena Sinha. Good evening. By listening to us tonight. Thank you for recognizing like, Alexander Hamilton wrote in the Federalist Paper. Number is 78 that our elector Representatives. You cannot legitimately substitute their will for the will of their
constituents. I commend your desire to help and protect our children. Thank you for your hard work to do, so. Since many of you are parents too, I'm sure you'll agree that no 1 want to protect our children more than we are parents. as a parent of an lcps student, I can tell you that policy Does the opposite? It's a destructive policy and it harms our children. I assume you had Noble intent when you voted for policy However, much like Einstein said success is failure in
progress. This policy is a failure and needs to be revoked so that it can be successfully benefit all of our students. The recent incident at lcps showed how it I'm fairly puts our students in a situation, they should never have had to experience, and didn't have the maturity to handle, please, revoke it. Thank you. Our next speaker is Reena Sinha followed by Beta Nagi. Good evening. My name is Reena essay and I have been in Spartan stage Studios since 2022 during rehearsal many
other actors and I would stand in the wings or sit on the stairs or chairs there for the mystery of Edward, dude, they were D's moving flats and other parts for the set up to show that was movable. The room backstage becomes came especially tight and a safety. Hazard day for a week could no longer perform in the wings. I mean being in the wings and were required to sit in the wood room backstage during the performance, which wasn't convenient because the wood room was really small. So I couldn't practice singing or choreography without disturbing others or hitting the many
things in the wood room it was also a bit hard to breed with all the sawdust and wood in that room. On many occasions, I was close to missing my cues because I could hardly hear what was going on on stage, if it wasn't for the other actors telling me to get ready or if I didn't wash them, leave the wood room. I wouldn't have known it was my cue. Thank you for your underwriting. Attention, please consider funding storage for broadband's Auditorium. Thank you. Our next speaker is beta Najee, followed by Nadia Nagi. Hi. My name is Bea, Nagy, and I am a parent from lenah
Mill. District, S o7.5. I know many parents have been speaking tonight about the rezoning and about their own children and that's completely understandable. After all, I'm standing up here in front of you, but this decision is bigger than 1 family or 1. That's why I'm urging the board to trust and adopt the original plan. Presented by the staff, it's rooted in data, it's unbiased and it takes into account. The broader needs of our community, on a personal note, my kids have went through 4 different schools in 4
years back to back. They are finally settled and thriving. Um to move them again especially apart from their lenah Mill. Friends would be deeply disruptive academically and socially I do not envy your positions and I thank you for what you are doing and I trust that you'll choose what's best for to serve the entire Community. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Our next speaker is Nadia Najee, followed by Zay Nagi. Hi, my name is nigh and Ai and I'm a sixth grade at Willard Middle School. I'm here tonight because I love my school.
I've made great friends, and I feel safe and happy at Willard changing. Schools are made starting all over new teachers, new hallways, and not having my friends around. That's really hard, especially after everything. We've already been through in the past few years. I've had a church schools, a lot because of things like Co and moving, it was tough. But I'm finally in a place where I feel like I belong, I don't want to lose that lenah Mill, is a closed community. We carpool do after school activities and support each other. Please don't. Split us up. I hope you'll keep us at Willard and go to the original staff plan. Thank you for listening. Thank you. Our next speaker is Zane Najee. Followed by Sim
Javon far. Hello, my name is Zane Najee. I'm an 8-year-old and I'm in third grade, I want to talk about my big sister. She goes Ward and I've heard her talk about how much she loves it. it. She tells me about her awesome teachers and all the fun things they do. I've been to the campus and I've been really excited to go there 1 day, too. It makes me sad to think. She might have to leave her friends and everything. She loves about school and I don't want to go to a different school for my friends either. When it's my turn, our neighborhood is really
close. We do so much things together and I want to stay with them. Please don't split us up. I hope you let it. Let my sister stay at Willard and keep lenah Mill together. Please choose the original staff plan. Thank you for listening. Thank you. Our next speaker, is Simeon Javan. Far, followed by Yuga poop. No Simeon Javan far. Our next speaker will be ya. Pooh, followed by Jessica a Good evening. It has been nearly a month since Louden
county. Middle schooler filmed himself, racially harassing a 5-year-old Asian, child mocking, his ethnicity while the child cry and backed to be left alone. This act was intentional hateful and deeply damaging and yet we have seen no public consequences. No accountability and no leadership from this board. This is not an e-soul. Incident lcps reports, hundreds of haste speech incidents. Every single year, this is a crisis when racism becomes routine and Leadership remains quiet, the damn. The the
damage spreads far beyond 1, child or 1 family. This students must face real consequences the schools must take ownership and this board must act with policy training and accountability. Because if you cannot protect the 5-year-old 5 year old from hate in this community, then you are failing. Every student you are sworn to serve. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Jessica UA followed by Michael stanbury.
Good evening. My name is Jessica Ava and I am a sophomore and the advocacy chair of the international thespian Society at Broad, Run High School, the lack of storage in the wood rooms becomes unsafe for everyone, especially when people are crowded backstage because many large set pieces. Have to be stored in the wings which are rather small. This contributes towards a safety issue as many actors and crew members, especially in larger, Productions must stay backstage. This makes the wing areas crowded, and harder to navigate through in many cases. Actors have tripped over set pieces while trying to travel backstage and while no,
serious injuries. Have occurred the possibility remains in addition. It impedes on the crew's abilities to perform their duties since they have to maneuver around the other actors to get the set pieces on stage. This has resulted in actors, staying in places such as the wood room and costume room to save space, which is an ideal. In the case, of the wood room, where there are many tools out in the open, which could lead to further safety issues or accidents, please consider funding storage for broad runs auditorium today. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Michael Stansbury, followed by Kate Marshall onus.
A node to the school board. Some years have passed since the school board has caused a scene. And it's all because 3 boys were thought to be mean. We know recording in locker rooms is against the rules. And the boys were brought up on charges, which makes you look like fools as a coach and a dad. I would stand in the way of this 8040 crap that will ruin the day. God made all boys and girls. Perfect at Birth, it's in his eyes that we all find our worth you wish that as Christians
would swim with the fishes. But why wouldn't you? You're doing what the Evil 1 wishes? And bring that teacher back and build Broad Run a wall and let's play some volleyball. Thank you. Our next speaker is Kate marchalonis, followed by Lindsay Merit. Today, I'm going to share how our lack of woodroom. Space up Broad Run, has impacted me in the rest of the costume crew. Although we have no connection to the space based on our title and responsibilities, we have been forced to be surrounded by it. During our shows, we have such little space backstage. It's required for our Ensemble. Actors to
wait in our wood room in rows of chairs. We place when actors. Wait in the wings of the entrance. We are unable to make any costume changes. Let alone, quick ones, their C can't be any movement of set pieces and our stage manager on that side. Can't get close enough to whisper to in order order to communicate any important information along with that me and the costume crew have adapted to to do changes in store, costumes in the wood room. Despite the temporary fix. This runs the risk of our hard work being ruined by sawdust paint or screws. Scraping the delicate fabric along with just the costumes, having the potential to get ruined. We also on our knees are moving quickly to do costume
changes. We are surrounded by screws nails and pieces of wood that can cause splinters we are asking today to receive climate control storage immediately so we can alleviate Broad Run on torium Space issues. Thank you. Our next speaker is Lindsay, Merit followed by Abby Platt. No Lindsay, Merit. Our next speaker is Abby Platt, followed by Kate Hudson. 4 years ago, I came to speak to this board about policy 840. After my son, then in the fifth, grade had a horrifying experience in the school bathroom. A girl from his class walked in stood next to him and stared at his
penis, while he used to Ural. He was embarrassed mortified. He came home in tears since then, my high school daughter is spent years, sharing locker rooms and bathrooms with boys. The toll, on our family has been significant, we have been forced to have conversations that no parent should have to navigate all because of policy 8040 which is titled titled the rights of the transgender and gender expansive students. What about the rights of all the rest of the students? It is discussing that an entire policy was crafted to Plate less than half of a percent of 81,000
students in lcps while the other 99% or ignored sidelined or even punished for speaking up. And now Title 9 is being weaponized to Target and harass students who should be protected, not villainized enough is enough this board must represent all students. Not just the ones that fit your personal. Agenda, our kids deserve better. Thank you. Our next speaker is Kate, Katie Hudson, followed by Muhammad chair. Hello. My name is Katie Hudson and I'm the theater teacher at broadrun since my employment in 2020. I have been
advocating for renovations to be done to Broad runs Auditorium. As you see, many students have spoken up here today to say what issues, they have personally faced in terms of safety due to lack of space, having to send students outside, in order to build. And paint is just not acceptable, yet. It's the reality. Our students live. I am here today to say I am tired. And I'm burnt out from having to find, alternative solutions to storage and safety issues. That frankly should not be safety issues. I have personally had to work with my staff to address multiple safety, concerns as our students worked outside, including
strangers coming up and talking to them, and even a, um, a strangers attempting entry into the building. You all have heard from myself and my community for years now, and we need storage solutions to happen for these safety issues. Today, I'm a mom of 2 and 1 being an 8-month old, and I can no longer give up my extra time on the weekends and on holidays organizing and reorganizing Storage Solutions. And putting in extra hours of work, on top of mounting shows, it is disheartening Our pleas are not heard. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Muhammad chair. Followed by
Jude Armstrong. Good evening. I want to make it clear God creates perfect. World. And we try to make it more confusing for us. But let's not make it confusing for our children. Title. 9, it's basically used. To Advanced Personal Agenda, I don't know who. The invisible force behind this.
Loud and I lived in so many different countries. So many different states, so many different counties. And I I never seen a, you know, a public school system that's more confusing than loud and Kearney so basically, we are allowing the minority to govern. The life of the majority and that's not democracy. It's It's we better change it before it's too late. Otherwise it's better to check. Thank you. Our next speaker is Jude Armstrong followed by
Jason Harding. Hi. So how many of you have had a kid run up to you excited to meet you simply because you're old with my increasingly white hair. My laugh lines, my chronic pain. I stand out because I'm a 40 year old trans person ask yourself why that is Don't let politicians twist this moment to attack 8040 just to win votes. I commend lcps and ask that you continue to protect trans
kids because if we don't their best case future, Might be to become like me, 1 of the few rare survivors carrying the stories of those that I have lost. Thank you. Our next speaker is Jason. Harding followed by Larry David Ratliff. My name is Jason Harding. I'm a longtime resident voter and parent in Loudoun County. I come for you today to express my concern about the bias by the lcps title 9 office. I've personal experience with
the bumbling incompetence of the title n office and the conveniently sloppy approach to investigating sensitive matters. The rights of parents and all students are consistently disregarded. If they conflict with a certain agenda, a few years ago, horrific sexual assaults, forced a new and improved title n office to be organized, unfortunately. Fortunately incompetence and special treatment for favored victims. Remain the office's primary mission. All kids deserve to be safe and treated fairly not the select few. This board is responsible for this ongoing
incompetence and should hold the title in office to the highest standard and and ensuring accountability if not the voters will. Thank you. Our next speaker, is Larry David. Ratliff followed by Mike Clancy. Good evening. My name is Larry David Ratliff and I'm an employee at Broad. Run High School. I'm here to ask for Equitable spaces, for our theater Department. We've missed deadlines and wasted time and materials because we lack the proper storage pricey. Lumber gets warped, tools aren't
able to be safely locked away. And students spend valuable time searching for what they need worse. Our students are forced to build and paint outside sometimes in the dark and cold because there simply isn't space inside. I've personally purchased fans, heaters, flood lights, Etc. You name it just to make that possible out of my own pocket. This isn't just inefficient, it's unsafe, it's a liability, our students deserve better theater is not a luxury. It is
a classroom and it deserves Equitable treatment. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Mike Clancy. Followed by elen capati. Good evening. I'm Mike Clancy. I have been here numerous times to urge you all to repeal policy 840. 8040 violates the Bill of Rights of the Virginia Constitution, including the prohibition on discrimination and the right to free speech. 8040 violates federal law, 840 is itself. A title 9
violation and your handling of the investigation is itself. A title 9 violation, It's time to restore common sense. It's time to protect the Privacy safety, dignity and constitutional rights of every student. It's time to bury 8040. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker will be elyn, kanapathi, followed by Daniel Brubaker. Hi, my name is elen. I'm here to My deep concern about an incident, that happened involving
male students in a girl student. 3 male students, who are in the locker room and a girl student entered. The locker room and started recording them. When the boys asked in question, the girl, why are you videoing me timekeeper please stop. Once again, I need to ask you to refrain from targeting criticizing or attacking specific students during public comment, please redirect or generalize your comments. Timekeeper please resume. Well, I think we all know about the incident that happened, so I'll just continue.
2 years ago. A male student went into a girl's locker, a girl's bathroom and a sexually assaulted. Another girl, allegedly lcps, covered it up and all they did was transferred him to a new school. He did it again. Yes, he there was consequences and there were legal actions taken. 8040 is a policy that needs to be stopped because it's affecting many students and not just a couple schools all schools especially Loudoun County and Loudoun County is
supposed to be a really good County for kids but this policy is making kids feel so unsafe that they don't even want to go to school anymore. Thank you. Please. No applause. Our next speaker is Daniel Brewbaker followed by Lynn Davis. No, Daniel Brewbaker. Our next speaker is Lynn Davis. Followed by Michael Hart. After sitting through 77 speakers, I feel like I have about 100 different comments.
The first 1 is that, I don't care if it's less than 1, half of a percent of students that are transgender They still have rights and this is the same exact reason that lden County didn't desegregate. Because, you know, it was only a few black people. So, it's a, it's a, it's a flawed. Reason. Additionally, I've heard people come up here and totally misrepresent. Actions that have happened.
uh, again I don't want to say who said it, but The they just are misrepresenting so many things and I hope that the truth will come out and I have to wonder where the separation of church and state is when it comes to pastors at the pulpit jinning up people to come here. Thank you. Our next speaker is Michael Hart. Followed by Michelle Statton. Hello. I come here as a taxpayer, allowing County resident
and allowing County parent, and I asked you to immediately end policy 840, And fully exonerate the odd. Number of young men. Who have been accused of sexual harassment. I'd like to publicly, thank Mrs. Diana. Griffiths, I understand from looking in the media and and learning about this story that the entire lden County Public School Board was asked to comment on a potential incident. There was 1
comment made to the public I come here because I remember about 4 years ago, when we still had open comments going on about the potential for policy 840. During that time, a teacher spoke up or a number of teachers, spoke up were improperly terminated and And then the the board was ordered to restore them. This is another case, I can't talk to specifics because I'll get cut off. Thank you. No applause.
And I have been advised that a rude gesture was made towards 1 of our previous speakers. We will not be tolerating that kind of behavior, actually. It was your speaker. I actually witnessed it. She hit a sign on her way out. So, what you got to say? I'm a witness, I saw it. Nothing. Please let us speak. May I be able to speak, please. Okay, before you speak.
I will remind the audience to abide by our code and our rules. No, rude gestures. No heckling no applause. Our next speaker is Michelle Staten followed by Samuel yawn. Hi. My name is Michelle and I'm a mother of 5 children. I want to be at home having dinner with my family but I have to be here because the Loudoun County Schools can't seem to stop making national news for all the wrong reasons. Brave boys that I don't even know are unfairly investigated
because you've created policy, that allows girls to go into boys bathroom and locker rooms your policy created this abusive situation. You've put our children at risk to appease your own ideology. This is child abuse. You sacrifice the safety and well-being of students in favor of a handful of gender confused. People who wish to become something that they are not parents. Raise children to tell the truth, only to send them off, to Loudoun County Schools, where they'll be shamed and punished for
recognizing biological reality. Dean Griffith. Thank you for speaking up, to, for these children to the rest of you, you are on the wrong side of History. Do not let these boys suffer because of the sins of their school board. Thank you. Thank you. No applause. Our next speaker is Samuel Yan followed by to my Harding? Good. Good evening. Uh, I want to talk about the 5 year old Chinese boy with humidity bed uh by some uh Northern County uh students public school students. So instead suggests that, uh, the
school board need to re, uh, re-establish code. The conduct of a student, to extend a coat outside school. A police officer is still the, uh, Please student outside the school still? Uh, uh, Student another instance video taping instant once again, tell us that policy 8040 is a big distraction. Uh, to education a big divider of the community, the policy should be. Seriously, we consider or simply replaced. Thank
you. Thank you. Our next speaker is to my Harding, followed by Mia Johnson. Good evening, Louden County School Board. I'm here to address the unjust Title 9 investigation underway regarding alleged harassment. In a boy's locker room, the accused Guided by their religious beliefs, expressed valid privacy, concerns protected as free speech. Under the First Amendment, their statements captured on video were neither sexual Noir harassing. Yet they face severe consequences
lcps, policy allowing opposite sex locker room, access, contradicts Federal, Executive Orders, and Virginia law, which mandates sex-based facilities, the allegations lack evidence, and credibility, especially uncorroborated claims of threats. I urge you and the title 9 office to dismiss these investigations to protect these students Futures and align with state and federal policies. Thank you for ensuring fairness and privacy for all students. Thank you. Our next speaker is Mia Johnson, followed by
Omar but Members of the board. My name is Mia Johnson. I'm a sixth grade scholar at Willard Middle School. It has come to my concern that you have plans to rezone my community lenah Mill. District D so7 point2 from Willard and lightbridge to Mercer and champ. Not only would this disrupt my academic progress, but it would also affect the connections. I have made with my Administration and peers. I'm currently in the student council Association and have enjoyed helping my community and school and being the best, it can be, I have worked really hard to make friends and find where I fit in.
I've joined clubs talk to new people and have built real connections with my classmates and teachers. It took time and a lot of Courage, but now I have friends who feel like family, teachers, who know my name and a routine that makes me feel safe. If you change my school, it's not just a new address, it's like tearing up everything. I've worked hard to build. I would have to start over again, and that's really scary. I'm asking you to see the students behind the number. We aren't just names on a list, where kids with feelings. Friendships and Futures, we are trying to build 1 day at a time. Please don't take that away. From us from me. Thank you.
Thank you. Our next speaker is Omar, but followed by Leslie McFadden. I'll come over here. Good evening. My name is omir but and I'm here to address 2 2 different issues after waiting for more than 3 hours. My 6 year asked more than 117 times. When can we go home? When can we go home? So I hope this 1 minute really counts. And you guys are listening bullying calls. It causes serious emotional and economic harm. It leads to anxiety,
depression, and even Suicidal Thoughts. It doesn't just affect individual, it damages, the entire school system. So please do something about the recent incident that happened. Secondly, policy 8040 has been controversial from the start. It has taken many, uh, lives in mental issues and physical issues to a lot of kids and parents who are sitting at home. No, 1 is born in the wrong body. There's a boy and a girl and we need to protect all children like Dr.
Martin Luther. Luther King said the time is always right to do. What is right? Thank you. Our next speaker is Leslie McFadden followed by Michelle Visa. No Leslie McFadden. Our next speaker is Michelle, Villa followed by Renee Whitmire. Thanks to you and your predecessors. My dream is to someday, be a wife within a god-centered marriage and a homeschool mom that supports inquiry-based learning and focuses on preparing my kids to successfully pursue their
careers and serve within their communities. I Now understand this is in the best interest of children to keep them mentally emotionally and physically safe while they're learning because you are failing. If I want to raise children that are respectful and curious, I must believe and trust in God alone. As a former student of lcps, I was taught that scientific discoveries were made by asking questions to speak up and collaborate with others who disagree. It saddens me. This
is not what this board stands for and is ignoring our community that's spoken against policy 840. I pray you recognize my conclusion, not to trust this board. As a result of the decisions it's made along with my experience spending over a decade in lcps. Thank you. Our next speaker. Quiet. Our next speaker is Renee whitmyer. Followed by Jackson Herbert. No, Renee Whitmire. Our next speaker is Jackson Herbert followed by Corey Bernay. Good evening. I'm Jackson Herbert. And I'm here to speak on
boys, volleyball in high school. I graduated from Brier Woods in 2023. And I'm currently playing Division 1 volleyball at George Mason. I've been fortunate enough to have opportunities to play boys volleyball, but it hasn't been easy to get these opportunities. I have had to cross state lines. My family has had to pay a good amount of money to make this happen. All of high school. I wish to play varsity boys volleyball, but I was never given the opportunity. Schools have the courts, the Nets, the polls, and the balls. All the facilities are there to have the sport that has changed my life, counties around us and States all all over offer in high school. Why can't we give
boys the same opportunities girls have to play volleyball in high school. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Corey Berne. Followed by Rebecca Ratliff. No, Corey, Renee. Our next speaker is Rebecca, Ratliff followed by Santosh Munoz. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Rebecca Ratliff, and I'm the mother of a first grade little girl. Who attends Loudoun County Public Schools. It concerns me deeply to think that lcps, put my daughter in a situation where she's forced to share a bathroom or locker room with a male or be
punished for expressing discomfort in such a situation. That's why I'm here to express my opposition to policy 840 and the outrageous way in the district is choosing to address the female on a boy's locker room while filming them issue. You should be focused on providing an excellent education. Not pushing an ideological agenda. Dr. Spence, you recently said in an email quote, we recognize that strong schools are built on. Trust. Every student deserves to feel safe respected and supported. In quote, if I were to grade lcps on the board in this regard, I'd give you an F. How can I trust that? My daughter will receive a quality
education and not be told nonsense like you can choose whichever bathroom according to how you feel and how can I trust that? My daughter will be safe from a boy, being in the girl's block. Or when she's trying to change clothes, I can't trust that and I don't with respect drop. The nonsense and get back to the important business of educating children. Thank you. Our next. Our next speaker is Santos Munoz, followed by Chris Countryman. good evening, my name is Santosh Munoz and I'm calling um, talking about policy 840, As parents, we want our children to feel safe respected and
supported in schools. Since the school board adopted policy 840 in 2021 many families. Have raised serious concerns about privacy and fairness in 2025, January, a Federal Court ruled that title 9 protects students based on biological sex. Not gender identity in 2023, Governor Junkin, uh implemented policies to reinforce this prioritizing student safety and parents, right? Yet, this board is not aligned to this guidelines. Tonight, you can replace this policy with 1 that
prioritizes children's, privacy and safety. I urge you to include this as a new business and vote to repeal, or revise, this policy, By listening to the overwhelming voices. Parents are acting decisively and you can change the course and uphold your responsibility as public servants. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker, is Chris Countryman followed by John pepper. No, Chris Countryman. Our next speaker is John pepper. Followed by Karen Lear.
Greetings, my name is John pepper and I'm a resident of Kirkpatrick farms and we are also part of the dullest South rezoning and I've heard the beautiful words spoken by the members of the lenah mill community. And when looking at plans, the staff plan is a disaster for us because like lenah mill. If you go with the staff plan, my daughter loses, the ability to be with her elementary school friends when she goes to middle of high school. So I looked at the plans and the compromised plan This plan 9:35 that keeps us where we are. It keeps lenah Mill where they are and everybody wins and gets to stay
with their friends. There is no more dangerous time for kids to lose love of school. When they're transitioning to middle and high school and to be separated as a neighborhood kids, you play with at the pool kids. You've got an elementary school with. Let's keep our kids together. Let's look and support plan 9:35. Thank you guys so much. Thank you. Our next speaker is Karen Lear followed by Julia Holcomb. No, Karen Lear. Our next speaker is Julia. Holcomb followed
by Susan Cox. No, Julia Holcomb. Our next speaker is Susan Cox followed by Fred a villa lcps in the news again for another Scandal. And when you hear the details, you think you're in the Twilight Zone, where is the accountability for the violation of the policy against filming in the locker room? What happened to transparency in building trust? Do you still think it wise to keep secrets from parents? This goes against common sense, and decency, and policy that a road trust such as
policy 840. Many constituents think you are not capable or ethical enough to handle issues. So, once again, there is an investigation by the Attorney, General into lcps. It seems many on the school board are compromised, aren't you concerned about filming and private spaces? Don't you care? Where's your empathy? We are your check and balance and you are letting the community down especially the students. Trust issues abound. Stop the bullying and intimidation.
Wanting privacy in the locker rooms is not hate. Filming in the locker rooms is against your policy. Thank you. Our next speaker is Fred Avila followed by former Senator Dick black. No, Fred Avila. Our next speaker is former Senator Dick black followed by Christine Dixon. I'm Senator black who served on the education committee. This board is known for racial and sexual discrimination. And now, your investigating boys who didn't want a girl
filming them in the locker room. What is wrong with Loudoun? County School System. The US recognizes just 2 Sexes. Yet you insist on letting students intrude into locker rooms based on gender preferences. 8040 makes us a laughingstock. It Fosters dangerous hostile environments violating Title 9 of the Civil Rights Act. Sexual assaults have occurred. Citizens can file complaints, online at civil rights
justice.gov? Tell the Department of Justice that policy 8040 created a sexually hostile environment. It's time we got the Department of Justice involved. Thank you. Our next speaker is Christine Dixon followed by Shaun Murphy. I speak as a parent, a grandparent and former teacher. I would like to um, uh, Talk about 8040 policy in the hopes of it being abolished.
My concerns are that, um, excuse me, for a minute on my phone, it my concerns are that we are not giving the best interests of all children. Um, In in Loudoun County do consideration, I say this, in light of the recent locker room controversy, I don't feel that people should be penalized when they're, they're exercising Free Speech there. That's not doesn't constitute sexual harassment. I think we need to care about bullying in school, but we need to differentiate as teachers and
parents and educate our children, the difference between being insulted because of a rude comment, or, um, true bullying and we need to Define it. Not only that, I think that, you know, we need to also understand that feelings aren't necessary in an indication of truth. Thank you. Our next speaker is Sean Murphy followed by Amy ricciardi. Thank you. I'm here at the vice president of equality. Lden has an
lcps parent. Policy 840, ensures. Every student is treated with dignity and respect is firmly rooted in state, and federal law, reflects the will of loud and voters and upholds, the right of students to be free from discrimination based on their gender identity, including their right to use facilities, aligned to their gender. But that it has nothing to do with the incident in question nor are our schools investigating or disciplining students for their personal beliefs thoughts or opinions. Once again
we see news outlets, Faith leaders and elected officials, spreading false and misleading information, and exploiting the situation for their own cynical motives. As a parent. I appreciate that lcps. Prioritizes student privacy and won't discuss specifics of disciplinary matters publicly. Let's remember that all of our students deserve support the right to a fair disciplinary process and not to be made into Political talking. Thank you. Our next speaker is Amy
ricciardi, followed by Lily Howard. Good evening. I'm going to say what everybody in this room that has Common Sense wants to say but hasn't gone up here to say The way you all are conducting. These school board meetings now is abhorrent and Incredibly disrespectful to the public that holds you accountable. These rules, these rules that you have put in place. Continue to grow weak after week. Meeting after meeting, they a little bit more, a little bit more every single time I have yet to. I've been to every school board meeting
basically for the last 3 years and I have yet to see you all vote on these public rules that you've now created and they don't violate fura. These people are not violating anything. You all in interrupt people that Have viewpoints that you don't agree with. And it is time to stop the shenanigans. It's absolutely ridiculous. 68% of this county is not in line with you. And do not want boys and girls bathrooms or sports or anywhere else. There's only 18% of the county that does you all need
to put your personal policy aside? Thank you. Our next speaker is Lily, Howard, followed by Jessica Greenberg. Good evening. I'm Lily, Howard. A student at Broad Run and member of broad runs theater Department. My mom works at a different lcps school and I've done many Productions over the summer at other schools in the county. These experiences have allowed me to see the inequities, between Loudoun County Schools firsthand as a young student, who is very passionate about the community that we've cultivated at broadrun. It's been very disheartening to see other schools with spaces, at least double the size of ours. I
know our department is just as worthy and I want for us to have Equitable spaces where we can learn and grow as performers and technicians, thank you for your time. Please consider funding storage and expansions from broad runs auditorium today. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Jessica Greenberg followed by Elizabeth Whitley. Good evening members of the school board. My name is Jessica Greenberg. And I'm here today as a mother, an advocate and a voice for my son, because loud and puff County Public Schools have failed him. Let me be clear. I'm not here to play politics. I'm not here to mince words. I'm here
because my 11-year-old son, a fifth grader, at an lcps. School has been bullied sexually assaulted physically, attacked threatened and harassed throughout this school year. And your Administration has done nothing to protect him. And they were results. My child said, he has thoughts about suicide. My 11-year-old child is having suicidal thoughts because what he's enduring, let that sink in He? The lcps. Promises every student a safe and respectful learning
environment free from harassment discrimination and bullying. You promised accountability. But where was that accountability? When my son was sexually assaulted on the playground by a fellow? Classmate last month, my son, reported it immediately. There were Witnesses who corroborated his account. Thank you. Our next speaker is Elizabeth Whitley followed by Hilda maltase. I'm Elizabeth Whitley, a resident of Kirkpatrick farms, High 4 children, and my family is deeply involved in our schools. Our community is in strong opposition to the staff plan. We are in support of plan, 40, but have compassion
for our neighbors and support, keeping all communities intact, and at their current schools. Plan 9:35 keeps us and Lane a meal, Where We Are. We have been rezone multiple times household batteries and entire Kindergarten for 2 years and are always targeted to suffer for the greater good because of a road that goes through our neighborhood. Now, we're being asked to shoulder. Another burden, that isn't our fault and 1 that fractures our community. Our community's children are already experiencing anxiety around rezoning poor planning between lcps and overbuilding
in the county, shouldn't create problems. That citizens are sacrificed to solve the staff plan. Fractures are a sense of school Community, as well as our actual Community. A road is not a natural boundary for a community established in 2005. Long before wealthier and larger communities were built. Please don't punish us for living on the wrong side of Braddock. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Hilda, maltase, followed by Heather gote. No, Hilda, malts. Our next speaker is Heather goatee. Followed by Lee garinello.
How can you tell? It's a gubernatorial election year, Senators. Delegates, and a bunch of failed. Republican candidates are here. Nick Mano is back pedaling his propaganda like it's 2021. The usual grab bag of transphobia, fear-mongering and fake outrage straight out of Ian priors Dusty Republican Playbook. But here's the thing. Laden county has changed. We're smarter, we're paying attention and we will not allow a repeat of 2021. Dr. Spencer shown us what real leadership looks like
leading with facts, focusing on students and refusing to be pushed around by a loud perpetually. Outraged, minority. I want to thank Dr. Spence, and the school board for continuing to ensure that all students feel safe and seen at lcps. Shame on the pundits pushing this trash targeting vulnerable students and exploiting families, to score, political points, and weaponizing children and their desperate attempts to stay relevant. We will not obey in advance. Oh, and boot lifts are gender affirming care. Thank you.
No applause, please. Our next speaker is Lee garinello followed by Seth wolf. Hello, my name is Lee garinello. I am board president of equality Louden. I want to thank lcps for upholding their policies and respecting the dignity and privacy of all students and Families. Policies. Like 840, send a clear message that all students are welcome and protected. 41% of lgbtq plus youth have. Seriously considered suicide in the last year and only half found their schools
affirming. But when schools like lcps, do a firm students suicide attempts drop dramatically. Reversing policies like 8040, not only puts vulnerable students at risk. It undermines our commitment to engage students. With compassion. Empower them to grow. And enrich their future by ensuring their right to learn in safety and dignity. Please continue leading with compassion integrity and
evidence-based decisions. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Seth wolf followed by Michael Rivera. Good evening, members of the board. My name is Seth wolf and I'm here tonight as a father and a concerned Citizen First. Thank you for your service. Leadership isn't easy and I respect the difficult decision you face while making decisions that affect our communities and families. I'm here because I believe protecting our children from policies that can confuse them or harm them especially regarding complex issues like gender identity.
Schools should focus on academics critical thinking and character building free from unnecessary distractions and radical ideology. I urge you to review revise and redo any policy? Not rooted in law facts or the best interest of our children. Prioritize compassion common sense and rebuild trust between parents and Educators. Align Loudoun County policies with state and federal guidelines and mandates our children. Futures depend on your leadership today. Please act with Clarity and courage to ensure the safety and the
success of all children, protect our children, not our policies. Thank you. Our next speaker is Michael Rivera followed by Renee Smith. There's something looming over all of us that everyone is overlooking. The fact is that, our that fact is that our ability to air our grievances lies at the feet of 1 person on the deas, Melinda Mansfield. 1 person has arbitrary ability to cut you off to limit your speech. Correct? Your grammar and to initiate retaliation. I know this because it happened to me.
When I spoke on our October 8th of last year, critical of lcps, someone from the school district, call my employer and attempted to get me fired. They didn't care about my family, my special needs daughter or my career. They only cared about the fact that I criticized the school board and I needed to be taught a lesson. I persevered after 6 weeks of suspension, the school board is currently in litigation for First Amendment violations for that same meeting. When you vote this November, remember that? The school
board is supposed to represent us not silence retaliate and litigants against us. While you're at it, do your jobs. Fix the woodroom fund. The boys volleyball and stop over renovating the admin building. Thank you, our next. No applause, please. Our next speaker is Renee Smith followed by Carrie Kidwell. I am speaking on behalf of my son who is wrongfully accused of a title 9 violation lcps, claims to prioritize safety dignity and respect. Let me be loud and clear. No 1 felt
safe No 1 felt respected and no 1 walked away from that locker room with their dignity intact policy, 840 was implemented under the guise that it's helpful, but in reality it's created more problems than it's ever claimed to solve and it's time we stop pretending. Otherwise to Loudoun County parents, what happened to my son and to the others involved could happen to yours. This policy has created a system where schools focus more on managing Optics than protecting. Any of our kids. We cannot stand by
while our children's safety and dignity, are sacrificed for politics and appearances, I urge every parent to speak up demand transparency and assist that policy 8040 be repealed immediately. Our schools must prioritize protecting all students. Not punishing them. It's time to take action. Thank you. Our next speaker, is Carrie Kidwell followed by Amy Paul. Good evening. I'm here to speak in strong support of policy, 840, a policy created with input from experts data
and Community feedback to ensure that all students including transgender students are safe seen and supported in our schools. Let's be clear, transgender people exist. They always have and know executive order sermon or headline or public comment can erase them. We cannot in good faith, debate policies, impacting students if we deny the existence of those very students, that's not discourse, that's whom dehumanization. We have seen this Playbook before, fear-mongering
misinformation and political theater. All at the expense of vulnerable children is happening again, just as it did. For years ago, happens to be another Governor's election this year. Our kids deserve better and they deserve schools that protect them and not platforms that use that are used to exploit them. Let's redirect our energy toward real issues like literacy food. Insecurity, apparently theater in volleyball, thank you very much. Thank you. Our next speaker is Amy Paul followed by an Miller. Uh good evening. I'm here to show my support for the 3,
young men from a certain high school and also to demand that Loudoun County end its insane 8040 policy. You all have helped facilitate this charade for long enough, and it's time to put an end to the madness, your investigating 3 young men for having Common Sense, enough to State the obvious girls. Do not belong in boys, locker rooms. Please don't tell me that he or she is really a. He were done playing that game. There is no such thing as a child born in the wrong. Body 8040 has damaged. So many children,
you're taking kids, who have serious issues. And instead of trying to understand why they're rejecting their true selves, you encourage them to go down a path that could lead to irreparable harm to their bodies. It's time for you to act like the adults instead, your investigating these young men for sexual harassment but in reality you're the harassers. If you don't end 8040 it's my hope that there will be so much press that the Trump Administration will pull every dime. Thank you. Our next speaker is Anne Miller followed by
Followed by Suzanne Satterfield. Good evening. Last year, I spoke to school board members about my son's uh high school football team who was terrified um, to speak up about being uncomfortable, having to, uh, dress in a locker room. With a female student. They were te they were terrified, that they were going to, um, that retaliation and retribution was going to come against them. And that's, um, exactly what happened. They waited till the end of the season. They held a walk out and they,
um, were harassed and experienced disparity. I come to you today. Not to give you hell, but to give you heaven, we speak the name of Jesus over this school system. We pray father, God. You will be done for, uh, you your will will be done for the children of this County. We pray Lord, God, that you would remove policy 80 and all other destructive policies that are harmful to the children of this County. We speak to these mountains of Destruction and we say be thou removed in Jesus's name. Amen. Our next, thank you. Our next speaker is Suzanne
Satterfield followed by Benjamin Callaway Jones. Children rely on adults to be truthful and protect them from harm. Every girl and boy has the right to feel secure using private spaces without being invaded by the opposite sex. Every day that policy 8040 remains in play children are being lied to so that they that they could be born in the wrong. Body can change their sex and this board Administration actually cares about their safety dignity and mental health. You pride yourself on saying you were,
you support transparency yet this very policy states. You keep secrets from parents and harmful policy 8040 today or get off. The deas cut the millions of dollars in unneeded admin jobs, building unneeded schools and fund. The broadrun woodroom expansion and Guilford School, Renovations and all other necessary. Renovations stop pulling apart neighborhoods with unnecessary redistricting. Redistricting, let the boys play volleyball. Thank you. Our next speaker is Benjamin Callaway Jones,
followed by Philip woodis. Good evening. My name is Benjamin Callaway Jones. I'm here to speak with you about my desire to bring, boys, high school, volleyball to Loudoun County. Um, I'm a lburg resident, and my son Gregory is a ninth grader at tuscorora. Uh, he's a passionate volleyball who wants to play very competitively, which Necessitates a 250 Mi weekly commute to play on a boy's travel team in Springfield. Uh, many of his teammates attend high schools in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, and Montgomery
County where they are also able to compete on their boys, high school, volleyball teams. Um, men's volleyball is a increasingly popular sport all around the world and I hope that we'll provide that opportunity to our high school boys. Here in Loudoun County. I think it's probably inevitable. So please, let's bring it sooner rather than later. Um, I want you to know that you can count on our family support in this initiative. Uh, thanks for your attention. Thank you. Our next speaker is Philip woodis followed by Alicia bran ludman.
Um look, I want to address this ring as as an Englishman. I do find something very funny about this board. School Board, you act like the US Supreme Court. I thought you were principles were by the people for the people and it's a kangaroo message, stop the time. Please. I'm not allowed to say something like that. I'm an objective evaluation of how I see sir, sir, the rules require you to address the members, not the rest of the room. Okay, good. So people it's not time keeper. Please continue. Hello. Let me adjust 1 member of the board who looks like
she's asleep this evening Dr. Samira Rashid. You are on April the 24th chair, the special permissions board committee, and a bar. Denied the appeal for my son, to go to Blue Ridge. Middle School. um, I don't think you're impartial enough to sit on that board, given the feedback I've had since is that you create the rules. And the policies for special permission and told someone in confidence that therefore you can vote an exception. Such
as my kids case to go to Blue Ridge, Middle School. I also think Carol Le Belle and her absence is not fit to be my cockton representative. She petitions and pitches. The fact she has a sister with autism, yet couldn't look after my son. Thank you. Our next speaker is Alicia Brandt ludman followed by Scott Smith. No, Alicia brand ludman. Our next speaker is Scott Smith followed by Jessica Smith. Good evening, everyone. It's the first time I've seen you
here. I sat this year out, but I thought tonight was a good night to come talk to you. This policy 840 has hurt. So many people. Sense, my daughter was raped at Stonebridge. In 2021. Because of this policy 840. But what I really want to tell you is is what you're doing tonight is to these 3 boys is the same thing that you tried to do to my family. I had to testify under perjury that. My family didn't know anything
about policy 840 because there was testimony in the special grand jury that said, we made this up. Can you believe that? We got accused of making the rape of my daughter up. And now 4 years later you're doing the same damn thing. You're victimizing innocent children over the priority of kids that don't know what. Thank you, sir. I'm not done yet. Please yield the mic.
Your time is expired. Since I watched you all night tonight, you have to be dancing, sir. Your time is expired. You guys are sick and pathetic. Our final speaker. No applause, please. Our final speaker is Jessica Smith. It has been almost 4 years. On the 28th of May. There are only 2 genders. Male and female boy, and girl.
You know. This is like an SNL skit. Tonight. We have the gables going. Nobody paying attention. Nobody understanding the devastation that you have caused. My family personally. Title 9 wasn't even in place. There was no title 9 when when it happened there was no title 9. You still have this Administration over here? That failed.
And policy 8040. Thank you. That is the end of our public comment list. Thank you, all for engaging with the Loudoun County School Board. The board will now take a 10-minute recess. All right, the board is now in session and we are going to um continue with item 12 and our action items starting with item 12.01. Uh, finance and operations committee revision of policy 6130 unpaid mailed uh, meal debt presented by, uh, Mr.
Estrie, chair fno committee. To have a motion Mr. Struy. He's not talking either. Are we on mute? Yeah Mr. Sty, can you, um, unmute or frozen, or Hold on, hold on. The Wi-Fi is still not working, is it? Is it working now? Yeah. Okay. Okay, I'm gonna have um, Vice chair. Um, Donnie Hugh, which you go ahead and make a motion.
Thank you, madam chair. Uh, I move that the aloudn County School Board, adopt the finance and operations committee approved revisions of policy 6130 on unpaid meal debt. I have a motion. Do I have a second second? I have a second by um Miss Chandler. It's been properly moved and seconded um, Miss Willoughby since you're here and Mr. Astrophe is not could you help us, uh, remind us that remind the board with
this is Please. Of course. this policy, um, went through the fno committee and was brought to the school board with some edits to the policy, Um, the edits was to provide, um, additional definitions related to unpaid meal debt. We also provided additional Clarity regarding, um, our communication efforts and our efforts related to when, um, or what the threshold was whenever we do start our
communication efforts, which is when an account becomes 5 dollars or more delinquent and then we also at the end, um, provide additional clarifying, information regarding what happens with the unpaid meal debt. At the end of the school year, And so that was what was proposed. And then during um, committee and during the school board meetings, there's have been, you know, discussions regarding edits. And I believe there are some possible motions in board Docs Thank you, Miss Willoughby. I think we got Mr. Strappy back on. Do you want to add anything? Mr. Strappy
Thank you and apologies for that. Um didn't have audio. couldn't hear you all? Um, no, I don't have anything to add. Um, just was going to, I think Miss Willoughby covered it. Um, there were 2 potential amendments that were contemplated um, in when this was an information item. So, um, That's it. all right, I will, um, I'd like to since we're having we it's been motion seconded and this is our discussion part. Um I'd like to make an amendment.
I move that online 55 after on the red line after male removed the punctuation and insert in Ada accessible format period. The communication is also available in multiple languages. Um, so I've made a motion. Do I have a second? I have a second by Miss Chandler. It's been properly moved and seconded. Um this is just to kind of um make certain that this is an accessible formats and multiple languages, which
they pretty much do multiple languages anyway, but this is just to put it in policy to make sure that things are accessible. Um so we can go ahead any other discussion. No. Um, where's my thing, go? Here it is. Uh, we can go ahead and vote on this motion and then It'll go back to the base motion clerk. Please open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk please. Oh Arin, would you please Mr? Stray would you
please State your vote? Yes. Uh, clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes unanimously with Miss LaBelle, abstaining absent for the vote. Um, and we go back to the base motion. Is there any other discussion? Yes, Mr. Chandler. Thank you, madam chair. I also would like to make a motion. Um, I would like to move um that on the red line version at line 50 after a will not be allowed to incur debt for
alicart items that we add language to include items available to purchase such as chips, beverages additional Entre additional meals, Etc, and strike line B are not allowed to charge a second meal. Um, after expressing some concerns with the language as it was initially presented. Um, we worked with staff to develop language. That aligns more with our current practice and does not contradict any other provisions of the policy. There's a motion on the floor. Do I have a second? Second. Oh, I have a second by Miss chernoff.
um, so the motion's been, uh, Made and seconded. Um, Is there any other discussion? Do you want to speak to your motion? You kind of did, but do you want? Uh, any other discussion? Seeing none. We'll go ahead and move forward with the vote clerk. Please open the vote. This is for the Second Amendment. uh, board members, please record your vote. Arban Mr. Strefy, would you please State your vote? Yes. Clerk, please close and display the vote.
And that motion passes unanimously. We'll now go back to the base motion, as amended by both amendments. Um, is there any discussion? Seeing none. Um, Clerk, please open the vote board members. Please record your vote. Clerk please. Oh sorry. Uh Mr. Struy Please uh, State your vote. Yes. Miss Chandler. And clerk, please close and display the vote.
And that motion passes 8 with uh Miss label absent for the boat. Okay, we'll move on. We'll continue to 12.02, human resources and talent development HRT, committee revisions to policies, 7306 Personnel records and files. Uh Miss Griffith do you have a motion? Yes Madam chair. I would like to make a motion to adopt revised policy. 73006 personal records. And file and file. Uh, I have a motion by Mrs. Griffith, do I have a second?
Second second I have a second by Vice chair. Donna Hugh. It's been properly. Moved and seconded, would you like to speak to your motion? Um, Mrs Griffith, thank you, madam chair, uh, policy 7306, personal records, and file was an information item on March 27th, 2025 at the HRT, uh, meeting after reviewing, the committee, voted to bring it back as an action item at the April 24th 2025 HR. TD meeting, the poly policy was made available for public feedback by the Loudoun County School Board, uh, school's
website. We also discussed this policy at our May 6th board meeting Miss Bolan, please speak to the straight forward policy. If necessary. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Griffith. So, I'm happy to add, um, a few points. Uh, policies 7306 provides the framework for the proper maintenance confidentiality and accessibility of personnel records for all lcbs employees. Its original intent was straightforward to ensure complete accurate
employee files. And other offer a process for employees to correct, factual inaccuracies. The proposed revisions to this policy are part of a broader. Strategic effort to create Clarity and consistency. Across policies, governing employee, complaints, and grievances. Uh and to ensure alignment with this effort, the proposed revisions which begin in section g, CL clarify that request request to amend or remove records, must be based on a
factual inaccuracy, such as incorrect, dates or other objective errors, not as an Avenue to challenge past employment decisions, um, recognizing that our revisions aim to clarify the intent of this policy, we did also add section H which directs employees to the appropriate grievance and appeals. Policies when seeking to rebut or challenge a disciplinary action. And I'm happy to answer any questions if there are
any Thank you, Miss, Poland board members. Do you have any questions any discussion? Yes, Mr. Enough. Thank you madam chair. I have a slight Amendment so I would like to move that on the red line, version line, 33, we strike the word authorizes and replace it with May authorize an online 34 after employment ad, where consistent with applicable laws. So in section C2, it would Now read in the event that an employee or former
employee engages in conduct, which becomes a subject of public concern as reported in the news media or such person, otherwise discloses matters, related to his, or her employment, to the news media. The school board May authorize the superintendent or designate disclose accurate and relevant information regarding such persons actions and employment. And then switching over. Sorry. Where consistent with applicable laws. Could you tell me where, where, where consistent with
applicable laws would be, um, after employment? Did I read it wrong? Okay, no. Okay, okay, um, we have a motion on the floor. Do I have a second? Second, I have a second um, by Vice chair, Donnie Hugh. Uh, Miss chernoff, would you like to speak to your motion? Yes, yes, thank you, madam chair. I apologize for the late arrival of this amendment. I was contemplating whether or not to do that. And having some discussions with other board members, but just giving our conversation about what our best practices already are, um, I think this language
just tightens it up it also, the way it read to me seemed funny that a policy would authorize that for all situations for the superintendent. And I just feel like this puts a shared accountability on both the school board and the superintendent as we may authorize in a case by case basis. Um, and obviously with consistent with applicable laws is just to provide clarity. Thank you. Miss. Sharon off, Mr. Allen, could you give me an understanding of how that authorization would work? Would that be a vote? Would that be? What?
Thank you, madam chair. Uh, I I think that's within the discretion of the board, but I it appears that that's fairly vague. So to the extent, the board is, um, uh, willing or or has the will to incorporate such a, uh, an amendment. Um, perhaps it would be suggested to provide some greater Clarity on on how that mechanism might work just for clarity. Dr. Spence, do you have any? um,
I think there are throughout the board's policies. A number of instances where the superintendent is authorized by the board to take specific action. And I think that's just a reflection of policy being specific about delegated authority to the superintendent on certain things. Um, in this case, I, I think this amendment would require to your specific question that the board take a vote. So you would need to discuss the situation, take a vote to then tell the superintendent that they could release information to the media.
um, because I don't know, know any other way that the board corporate could authorize me to do that, you know, on a Case by case basis That's what I was wondering that um, just thinking out loud. Uh, if we did that, then that would disclose matters. Already, it makes a little complicated, right? Or you'd need to go into executive session and then come out and take a vote in each of those scenarios for that might be appropriate. So that really would Probably be the only way you could accomplish that.
um, given That given that language of it being on a Case. By case basis, Any other discussion? Could you tell me? Sorry. Could you tell me the line again? Yes, line, 33. And 34 234 okay. No to 33 33 and 34. You said May yeah. Section C2 and then it says, um, so we would strike the word authorizes and replace with May authorize. Miss Chandler.
Thank you, madam chair. Um, I'd like to ask Mr. Allen. If there are any other places um, That are specific to this exact issue where, um, it's already codified. Thank, thank you Mr. Chandler, um, to not to my knowledge. Uh, we can certainly look in into that but not off the top of my head. Um, am I aware of the any specifics, you know, to the extent. There's like a subpoena per se or or where
it's legally required, um, that that would be a different story, where compliance would be compelled. Um, but I'm not sure about my recollection but I was wondering if it would have been in the superintendent's contract. That the provision is already. The relationship. The responsibility is already contemplated. That that there would be discussions with the board as well. Yeah, I think. We'd we'd have to look into that. Um, further okay, I I
would be worried. Um, I do appreciate the desire to want to um codify that relationship. Um, but I would worry about the added um burden of having to do it in closed session because in the worst case scenario, we might need to move quickly. Any more discussion? Yes, Vice chair. Donahue Thank you, madam chair. Um, I share Miss Chandler's concerns. um,
About being able to respond quickly if the need arose and the logistical challenges that that would present. if we were to, add, in a requirement of authorization on a Case, by case basis, um, and I, Would like to. Make a motion to amend the amendment. I know. Okay. Sure. I move to amend Miss, chernos proposed amendment.
To. Not. so that so that it would read um, after employment adding in, Um, what did you say as consistent with law where, where consistent, with the political laws? So then you would keep that but keep but but not put the May authorizes. Yes, okay. So just delete the may but keep the other. Yes. So lines 33 to 34 would read the school board, authorizes
the superintendent or designate to disclose accurate and relevant information regarding such person's actions and employment comma. Where consistent with applicable law. Um, okay, we have a motion on the table uh, to amend the amendment. Do I have a second second? Okay, I have a second by Miss Chandler. Um, so now for the discussion part, um, Mr. Strai, I I don't want to leave you out. I might have a it's even though your face is right in front of me, I still might miss. So if you want to say something, raise your
hand or something. So Mr. Allen, I'm wondering if there's any way that it wouldn't be contemplated by law. Applicable law or against flickable law. Thank you for the question. Yeah, I I I think if, if the board seriously contemplating this, it might be worthwhile. Postponing until these questions can be. Looked at further. Um and we were kind of spontaneous tonight and we want to make sure we look at them if that's
the board's. Well, so in order to do that, we have motions on the table and we have an amend the amendment so What would be the next step? We would have to close 1 of the amend the Amendments out? Or to make a motion to postpone for next week. Or or the next school board meeting, is that correct? Yes, that's correct there. There can't be an amendment to an amendment um, upon an amendment. So you have 2 levels of
amendments and I think 2 are already open on the floor, so you would have to close 1 out. Okay. So let's go ahead and um is there any discussion on the amend? The amendment? Yes ma'am. Yes, Vice chair Donahue thank you, madam chair. Uh, I just wanted to ask Miss Boland, if there would be any concern from Spa staff's perspective, if we were to postpone approving, these revisions Now, I mean, of course, we'd prefer not to. But there this
isn't a um, A time constraint policy? No. Thank you. Okay, so there's emotional any other discussion. Let's go ahead and vote on the amend the amendment. just, um, Okay. So Clerk, please open the board members. Please record your vote. Clerk o r Mr. I'm sorry Mr. Rafi, Mr. Estray please, uh, State your vote.
No. Uh, clerk, please close and display the vote. That motion. Is a tie. How is that? Oh my goodness. Okay, so then do we revote? It is what it is. No, it doesn't, it doesn't pass. Mr. Allen could you please give us a little bit of guidance. Yes, I'm I'm checking policy to make sure I don't mistake. I seem to recall that there's 1 opportunity for Revo before
but just if you can give me a moment, I'll But in any case, if it's I guess we have to figure out if it's passed or not passed and then we can just make a substitute motion. Thank you, madam chair. That's correct. But I'll refer to policy, 2440 D2, um, under the header of voting, in any case, in which there is a tie vote, when all members are not present, The question shall be passed by until the next meeting when
it shall again, be voted upon even though all members are not present. Okay? So there we go. We don't have to vote anymore, it just goes to the next meeting. That's correct per policy, okay per policy, okay. We're going to use that. All right, per policy. We're just going to move, um, some uh, policy 7306 to the next meeting, which is when June What is our next meeting?
June 10th. Okay. All Right, Moving On. uh, 12.03 students Services committee, revision of policy 8125 admission requirements. Um, presented by uh, and Donnie, who chair of the student services committee. Do you have a motion advice to your Donahue? Yes, thank you, madam chair. I move that the Leon County School Board. Adopt the student services committee's approved revisions of policy 8125, admission requirements.
Motion on the floor. Do I have a second? I'll second. Um it's been properly moved and seconded. Um, vice mayor Donahue would you like to speak to your motion? Thank you. Madam chair. Um, the the policy 8125 was due for its cyclical 5 year review. Uh came before the student services committee earlier this year, for in as an information item um, was passed unanimously on to the full
board for consideration and was presented to the board as an information item on May 6th uh prior to being referred to the full board, it was sent out for uh public feedback and review um and there were minimal comments received um um, and that's, I would defer to miss Richardson for any other, um, details or contacts. Miss Richardson. Thank you, Mrs. Donahue um that was a great summary just the notable changes. We did update the federal codes for
students eligible under the May, the McKinney vento Act as well as the addition of section D, which pertains to students who are children of certain federal employees. and the revisions were also moved to the full Board of the removal of the tuberculosis test, because the code of Virginia, only requires the screening, um, we also clarified the requirements for non-public or International School students and non-resident students now
aligns with um, the language in policy 8155 Thank you, Miss Richardson, um, board members is the other discussion. Yes, Mrs, Griffith. Thank you, madam chair. Um, with regards to this policy, I had asked at the last about, um, language changes. Um, and I was told, uh, we follow the APA. So I would like to say changing pronouns is pronouns is not always changing language. Sometimes it makes sense. However, a deliberately changing pronouns in 9
in a 9-page document. Doesn't sit well with me. Uh, and policy 8125 would like the public to know that using the APA to make changes for this policy are only recommendations that lcps has chosen to adopt not regulation. I invite the people of Loudoun County to check out the American Psychological Association apa.org. This is not only policy. We are changing. Uh, we're changing the writing style. We are following a writing style, that changes the English language. I do not believe we.
We should be changing the English language in our lcps policies or using the APA recommendations, not a regulation. Um, their website here is a blurb, um, from APA style and APA style. It's crucial to use language that is inclusive and respectful particularly when referring to individuals and their pronouns. When referring to a person whose gender is known or relevant use the singular, they or their Identified pronouns. If the person's pronouns are unknown,
avoid making assumptions and rephrase the sentence to avoid using pronouns, or to use singular. They avoid chender, gendered pronouns avoid using gendered pronouns. He, she, unless you specifically know, the person's pronouns, if you can't use identified, pronouns or singular, they rephrase the sentence, I will tell you that, I read news articles all the time that have adopted the style and it's certainly confusing. I keep seeing they them, um, when they're referring to 1 person and it's totally confusing. Um, I
don't know that we need to do that here. Um, I have to say that I think the people I think uh, our county is getting a little sick and tired of butchering of the English language. I want everyone to know that this is being done to our policies here at lcps and I am against the process of changing the English language with a style that lcps has decided to adopt. So I know how the vote will go today. But I wanted the people of Latin County to know that we are changing. Uh, language in our policies. Thank you. Yes, Dr. Dean
I just wanted to note and asked Mrs, Richardson, um, would, we need to cross reference Section 8. A and B. with the admissions policy that the office of school administration has before us at this time, about students who are expelled or on long-term suspension. These 2 policies are not saying the same thing. So, maybe
since we haven't voted on ours yet, if we vote on this 1 tonight that needs to be some consideration of cross referencing the wording with Mrs. um, with office of student. This is scan. Miss scan. It's s back. Correct. S back. Yeah, the S back, uh, policy that we are we now have on the table. Yes. The student the the department of student services will certainly work with school leadership on policy 8225.
Um, I'm not sure the status of that policy. Is it going to be coming before the board so that we know which sections need to be cross-referenced. But we're certainly happy to do that Dr. Dean okay. I'll share with you because it was a discussion, a big discussion in esbach this week and um, carries not here to speak to it, but I wanted to bring it before us be um, so that we won't have to policies that conflict in any way.
Thank you, Dr. Deans. I think I actually brought that up at the student services meeting. Um, when we did this. Uh, but I I I think that they thought that they did something, they checked something out, and it was going to be fine, but maybe Just check it again because my memory is not so great. Um, so if that's going to be the case, then, Then we don't then we wait on this policy too. Mr. Allen Thank you, madam chair. Uh, yes, if it's the will the board
to run uh, Dr. Jeans inquiry to ground then uh, it appears that the board would not be taking a vote, um, and it would be reserving this matter to the the next board meeting. We have a motion on the table for this. Um, I kind of would just like to do my Amendment first and then Yeah, Dr. Um, Vice chair, Donahue Thank you, madam chair. Uh, I was going to ask a, a, a
question for clarification and or guidance related to that because we did When we had this on for information previously, chair Mansfield made a suggestion of adding language about International transcript, evaluations being conducted by The Welcome Center, and I see on board docs that there is a Mansfield proposed amendment. But when I am looking at the red line of policy 8125 that language is already in the red line on board docs. So
Just for clarification of how to proceed. Do we need to? Vote on an amendment or are we just voting on the red line since the red line includes the language? At page 2 or at page um, from lines 283 to 285. Thank you, Mrs. Don, if you for highlighting that we had the discussion in Committee in April about Um, the process that we currently have through the Welcome
Center for international transcripts. So staff obviously, included it in the red line, that is now before you. So, um, chair mannsville. I'm sorry that you've made the additional Amendment but we've already integrated the language into the red line policy coming out of committee in April because that was the discussion that was had Mrs. Donny, you thank you for bringing that to our attention. No need for an amendment, okay? So there's no need for amendments so we can just wait do then someone needs to
make a substitute uh motion to postpone this To next June 10th. Correct. At least. Yes, Dr. Deans I, just, it's admission and expulsion or reassignment of the student. the language in there is not the same language as Microphone is off. Oh yeah, I thought I turned it on. I'm sorry. 8225 is the other policy that I'm referencing? Um,
Mr. Allen, I'm sorry. Um, and I just wanted the 2 not to conflict with each other. okay, so, in order to move this forward uh or wait, if we want to wait on it, then someone needs to make a motion What? Uh, Dr. Rashid chair Mansfield, I'd like to make a motion to wait on this till the next meeting so we can have better clarification. Okay, I have a motion to postpone until June 7th so we get clarification to have a second second.
okay, motion has been Properly moved and seconded. Uh clerk please. Uh, is there any discussion? I think we just Um clerk, please open the vote board members. Please record your vote. Mr. Steffy. Can you please State your vote? Yes. And clerk, please close and display the vote and that motion passes 7 to 1 with uh Miss with Vice chair, Donnie
Hue, and opposition and Miss label in um apps is absent. Okay? All right, are we moving on to information items? It is past 10 board members? Do you want to continue with the um, Meeting. Uh, Thumbs up if you want to continue with the meeting. Um, Cabinet members. Could you, could you look over real quick and everything's, uh, is there things that are time-sensitive on the information items?
Oh dollars. That's right. Okay. We do need to do 1 more. And then I'll take that. So do you want to move on to? Um, That. First. Okay. Where is it? Thank you. Okay. We'll move on to 13.05 first then I'll um, Department of s, uh, Support Services, Della South Secondary School, attendance Zone presented by
Uh, Miss Tate director planning and GIS Services, Miss Tate. Thank you. And while I have a presentation, I'm happy to go through it. Um, In light of the hour, we have 5 plans that have been Advanced for additional consideration. That are part of tonight's item. Would you like for me to go through them briefly? Yes, please maintain. All right. Thank you. They are the staff plan which was presented April, 22.
we have redistrict plan 040 that um, both Miss chernoff and chairman. You asked Vance for additional discussion And then miss chernoff. You asked for 3 more again, for additional discussion redistrict plan, 289, redistrict plan, 293 and redistrict 935. I'm happy to answer questions on any of them. But for brevity's sake. I will um,
Simply highlight the general capacities for Mercer and Willard Middle Schools, and those are the 2 schools of focus with this initial process. The staff plan, um, reflects for the 2026 2027 and 20272028 year. A capacity utilization At Mercer Middle School of 105%, and 108%, respectively, for Willard for the same 26272728 year,
it would be 101%, utilization and 104% utilization and involves the changing of school zones for 5 planning zones. Redistrict plan 040, and all 4 of these plans were created by community members. Utilizing the Virginia Tech platform that is on our website. Um, with this plan for 040, Mercer Middle School for the 2627 and 2728 years are at 104% utilization. 108%, utilization Willard, Middle School would
be 103% utilization and 105% utilization. Um, J. Michael lenzburg would remain under 100% utilization with this plan. this involves the movement of 4 planning zones including um, part of the lenah mill, which some of your speakers earlier tonight. Alluded to there were some that were in favor of this plan and some against Redistrict plan 289 involves the changing of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 planning zones, it's long. Sorry I'm counting. Um with this
J Michael lens in the 26th 2727 28 years would be at 101 and 103 utilization. Mercer for those. Same 2 years would be at 102 and 104 utilization and Willard Middle School School would be at 100 and 103 utilization again for the 2627 2728 school years. I'm going back to this 1. Um, this plan. Just for awareness for board members, does not keep all of
the Pinebrook Community together. This was a question that was asked. Um, if I'm as sure enough, um, there are 6 planning zones in the Pinebrook Elementary attendance Zone that advanced to 2 different Middle School clusters. And while this plan moves DS1 17.6 into Willard and light Ridge, planning zone, 12.8, which is part of the Pine Brook attendant Zone remains At Mercer, Middle School in John, champe, high school. So I just
wanted to state that for awareness as follow-up to a question. Plan 293. Um, Does keep part of the seapatrick farm community at Willard and light Ridge. With the southern portion, south of Braddock in this instance, J. Michael Lunsford remains under 100% for both of the 2 school years. We're looking at Mercer. Middle School is at 100 and then 103% utilization for the 2627 2728 school year,
And Willard Middle School would be at 105 and 108 percent utilization for those same 2 school years. Plan 9:35, involves the movement of 3 planning zones. With this plan. Um J, Michael Lunsford would be at 98% utilization in the 2627 year and 100% in the 2728 year. Mercer would be at 101 and 105 respectively and then Willard would be at 103 and 106% utilization. Do you want
to point out with this plan? Um moving planning zone DS 12.1 that um actually bisects the Buffalo Trail Elementary School and so Buffalo Trail with this plan. Should it be adopted would then proceed to 2 different clusters planning planning zone 12.1 would be the only Buffalo Trail planning zone that would not remain at Willard and light Ridge, it would instead move to J. Michael Lunsford and freedom.
likewise, um, unlike The other 4 plans, this 1 would actually keep Cardinal Ridge, Elementary School. As a split feed because planning zone 16.1 would remain At Mercer and John champe. Um, DS, 9.1 and 9. Point 3 would move to Mercer or sorry. I would move to J Michael insert in Freedom.
But I just bring that up because those were conversations that the board has talked about in the past. We have a briefing and public hearing the final 1 before your scheduled to take action on June 10th. The Briefing is June 2. Be here in this room. Televised live Advanced speaker sign up, will um, begin late next week. We have we're continuing to receive questions and comments in the packet of information left for you tonight you have large copies of the maps you have large copies of the
rationale that was provided for the other plans. Besides the staff, you've received copies of all the questions and answers that we have, um, responded to you from the public including 1 from chair Mansfield that we couldn't answer. Um, my only other comment and then I will stop, is that on June 10th at your board meeting. Um, The process would be that you would entertain a motion for adoption of any of these potential 5 plans um including any
any modification to those plans to introduce any additional new plan, would require a suspension of the rule in 2/3, majority, in order to move that forward. Um, we will certainly go through these plans at more detail at your request at the June 2 and I will stop in light of the hour. But happy to answer questions. So, I have a question. Miss Tate, what is better? decreasing the percentage of kids who are at this like,
The amount of Base capacity, utilized. Or keeping feeder schools. Cohesive like together. The feeder School. Consideration is a factor that is part of policy. Um, utilizing schools efficiently as part of the policy as we have talked about at our Previous meetings in the work sessions. Some of the factors do conflict with 1 another and what may
be a strong. Um, Strong desire of 1 board, member to support a given Factor. May be counter to another board member. Um Attendance zones. As you've observed already are not easy and not, um, we are here because we know that we have 2 middle schools that are over utilized. and it's not, um,
In my opinion, it is not. Something. That she continued. If we know we have available capacity than other school, Recognizing that it involves change for students. but, to have students in overfilled classrooms, it's impacting Their instruction, it's impacting their day. Again, my opinion. Uh, yes, Dr. Rasheed when we, when this is implemented or rather when we vote on
this will we vote All In 1, big Vote, or will it be each plan and like, a vote for each plan? That was presented. It would be, um, that a plan would be put forth. You would move a board member would move to adopt a plan. And then if there were amendments to that plan, such as a planning zone to not be moved. So, I'm trying not to pick a plan. Let's say if somebody moved
to adopt the staff plan and then a motion was made to Amend it to write to keep. So, the staff plan, moves planning zones, DS, 1333, and DS. 1312, those are seapatrick farms residents that have come and spoken and don't want It's so emotion can be made to adopt the staff plan, and then Amendment could be made to that motion to keep planning zones, DS, 133, and 1312 at Willard, and Middle School, Willard Middle School and leverage high school. And
so, then you would vote on that Amendment. And then you would vote. We would not vote on off 5 plans because we only need 1 plan. Any other uh, yes, Miss chernoff. Thank you, madam chair. Um, and thank you so much to miss Tate and Mr. Lewis, who took extra time to unpack. All of this for me. And um I I'll say it again. I said it before Dallas for us, as a new board, you're kind of the guinea pig here. And so I aired on the side of putting more plans in play for our vote, just because of what the public had
said and requested. And so I don't know if that's always the best for people because tonight A lot of people came and spoke but um I had different perspectives on each 1. I think 40 has had a lot of public support because of Kurt Patrick Farms, not wanting to be separated. But then you heard tonight from lenah Mill, they would be separated. So it's, you know, how do you pick? Um, I think in my mind personally, 289 is kind of out, I put it on the table because it had great percentages, but at the end of the day, there's so much
disruption. Um, so for me that's probably not going to get my support um and then the others have sort of unique takes on on the different perspectives. So I would encourage everybody to look at the different plans and um I'm continuing to kind of digest the questions as they come in in and um, I just wanted to thank staff so much for looking into this and then miss Tate would you kindly illuminate? The conversation we had about a potential Amendment. About offering a legacy option for some students.
Because the high schools are not the issue. It is the middle schools that are the issue. There may be something that we could, um, propose. You are speaking about the rising sophomores. Yes, okay. so, the school board policy, 8160 provides. options for the board to potentially Grant exceptions to students, who are resand the first year that the attendance zone change takes affect the policy states that Rising seniors do not move. Um,
typically boundaries are tied to the opening of a new school and there is no senior class that's Square. Um, in this instance, while there are high schools that students will be assigned to that already exists. It would still be staffs impression and I believe the board has already agreed. That seniors would not move by per policy. Rising juniors are surveyed, the families of those students are surveyed for interest. If they would like for, um, educational continuity for their Rising, Junior of the year
that a new school attendance zone. Change takes effect to remain at in graduate at the school, they're currently attending. That would be be students that are currently freshman at lightridge high school. John champe, high, school or Freedom this year, because this boundary would take effect in the fall of 26. um, we talked about the opportunity for, um, A board member or members to request that when we survey because this is a survey for interest and so it's not a
guarantee we survey and determine how many students might want this opportunity to have the board requests that we also survey the rising sophomores. So those would be this current year, 8th grade. Students, who would be starting 9th next year so that they potentially would not have to move for their High School, providing them continuity so they would start at light Ridge or they would start at John champe or they would start at freedom and they would potentially have that option to stay. Um that is not
covered by policy. So it would be direction that staff would need from the board to move forward with that. But that would provide that continuity for those students. Um we've acknowledged that the high schools are not is over utilized as the middle schools, and so there may be that opportunity for space. It would certainly be the board's discretion to approve or deny those, but it would be based on Space availability and we work with um, Fossil and teaching and learning to confirm that there is
space available, but that was what we spoke about. so if there is not space and we make this motion and then you come back and say I'm sorry there's too many Then we kind of go back on things. Is that correct? Well, it would the policy asked to survey. for interest transportation is not provided typically it's provided because seniors aren't asked to move and so we would have it the first year um
but, If it a surveyed and only 10 or only 15 people do, I mean there could be space. Um, it has not been an issue in the past but Right. You're you're indicate. It could give false hope I I acknowledge. Okay, so then the motion to for that Amendment would be to a survey. Yes, we would survey we're survey. Rising Juniors. Anyways so we would a survey Rising
sophomores as well. Yes, ma'am. Okay, we also I should say part of the policy, we would survey the rising eighth graders as well, so that they could finish out at their middle school level to the highest grade of their level. Thank you board members. Do you have any other questions? No. Okay. Um seeing that is is uh, a late hour. uh, and we have now done all. We that are the
A time sensitive board members. Do you want to continue with the um, board meeting the info items and everything else, or per policy, we are supposed to take that vote at 10:00 and it is 11:00 So board members. uh, Thumbs up, if you want to stay thumbs down if you want to go. 1. Uh, It would be, it would be closing out.
When, when 2? Oh, Arvin Arvin? Okay, that's majority. Stop. Um, so then we would go ahead and stop the board meeting for today. Um, and everything else would be moved to the June 10th board meeting Thank you for coming and the board. No more business. So the board meeting is now adjourned. Please drive safely home.