11th 2025 uh Loudoun School, Loudoun County, school board meeting. Uh, Madam chair Mansfield is out of town this week, so she will not be joining us and Mrs, Griffith. I understand will be joining us a little bit later this evening. Um, so that is our our first item call calling to order. Um, I am Vice chair and Donahue the ATL large member and we will move on to item number 2, which is approval of our consent agenda. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?
Uh, Miss Lambo. Sorry. I move, we approve the consent agenda as presented second. That motion has been uh, properly made by Miss lebell and seconded by Miss Chandler. Uh, there is no discussion of consent and gender items. So, Madame clerk, can you please open the vote? And board members. Can you please record your vote? Okay, and Madame. Madame clerk, can you please close and display the vote? And that motion passes unanimously with uh, Miss Mansfield
and Mrs. Griffith absent for the vote. Now, we will move on to item number 3 on our agenda, which is the advisory committee update. Uh, and tonight's presentation will be from the minority student achievement advisory committee or msac. Tonight's presenter is Miss Iran. Kungl. The mack chair. Thank you for being with us. Miss conlay. We will turn it over to you for the presentation. Good evening, School Board, chair board, members, superintendent, lcps staff, families, and Community Partners. It is an honor to stand before you today as chair
of the minority student achievement advisory committee to share an update on our work this year where we are now and what lies ahead this year. Our theme is seizing. Our joy we we believe the joy is not just, the feeling, it is an action, a choice and a powerful force, that transforms the spaces, we create the relationships, we build, and the learning experiences, we Foster next slide, please. Imac's Mission remains clear to ensure that Loudoun County Public Schools provides a culturally responsive, and
Equitable education that uplifts all students, especially those from historically, marginalized communities. I would like to share with you how msac has been leaning into our mission this year. Next slide. This year, our work has been grounded in discovering ways to seize Joy. Not as a distraction from the challenges, our students face but is a means of creating a real and Lasting change in their educational experience through our seasoning. Our joy series, we have explored joy in the spaces, we create ensuring students feel seen valued and
celebrated in their learning environments. The joy of community strengthening connections among students families and Educators. Keeping our joy equipping students with strategies for resilience and self-empowerment. And the joy of learning new things, expanding opportunities for exploration growth and success. These guiding principles have shaped our meetings programs and advocacy efforts throughout the year next slide. Our meetings and initiatives this year have been centered around meaningful student-led conversation and
collaborative Solutions. Some highlights include student engagement. We have provided a platform for the student delegates and even the student Equity ambassadors to share their perspectives in person. Ensuring student voices, are at the Forefront of our discussions. Our student Representatives have helped lead the tabletop discussions, fostering critical conversations on Race identity and belonging in lcps. Specialized programs and guest speakers have focused in hosted insightful discussions on Dual language immersion
Navy, Junior OCT JROTC and the loud mentors program to name name a few giving students more access to Unique academic experiences and to career opportunities. Lcps staff presentations have provided critical information on new Pathways for students and timely vital resources for students parents and their families. These presentations ensure our community is informed, and empowered Community Building next slide. This is my favorite part.
So msac this year, his focused on several things first, I'd like you to just take a look at a few of these pictures. Next slide. We got lots of pictures. Our insect student delegates were able to join the student Equity ambassadors for an in-person meeting. That was truly impactful in experience, students at the opportunity to from Mr. Trey Baker, who encouraged them to write their own stories, find their voices and recognize the power they hold in shaping their narratives, his message reg resonated
deeply reinforcing the importance of student leadership and self-advocacy. Next slide. That's Mr. Baker, he was really awesome. I'll just say that. Next slide, please. And this was almost all the students in a group shot. I was amazed to see them work out that selfie like they're better than me. Next slide. More of the conversations. And engagement with the students next slide. Now better together is a signature event that we proudly
host in partnership with the division of diversity, Equity inclusion, and accessibility this year, the room was filled with students families, teachers staff, and community members, each leaning into joy in recognizing that we are indeed Better Together. The energy in the space was undeniable and a testament to the power of connection and shared commitment to equity next slide Next slide. Our meeting topics and table discussions and advocacy continue to be data driven reinforcing our commitment to
progress and accountability the data. Informs our strategies and ensures that the voices of students and families remain Central in our work. We know that progress is not just about programs and policies. It's about impact our review of the 2024 lcps. Secondary perception data revealed, both areas of progress and continued challenges encouragingly. We see positive shifts in students experiences. With cultural representation in their learning materials and respect among their peers. However, disparities Remain the percentage of students who feel curriculum reflects
different cultures races and identities, still vary significantly across racial groups but we bring this data not as a critique and but as a call to action, we want to continue in our commitment in collaboration and partnership with lcps. Leadership, holding ourselves and each other accountable for working together to ensure Equity is not just an aspiration. But a reality, because when we all work together real progress happens, next slide, Looking ahead. As we look forward to the remainder of the school year,
we're excited about several key initiatives. First, we will be having msac, Executive Board, elections, ensuring strong leadership, to sustain our mission, our annual Equity Awards and ceremony is going to be recognizing individuals and schools that have demonstrated a commitment to equity and inclusion Radiant Reflections. We will be focusing on where we started and where we are going continuing the Insight delegate training to become better, Equity opportunity, change agents and reflecting on our growth and aspirations for the future. And lastly, to end the year, we
will be having the joy Revolution. This is our Insight student delegate. Takeover, we're ending the year with a bang. Our final meeting will be fully student-led from start to finish student. Delegates will step into leadership roles working alongside the executive board and our incredible division of Deia Partners to shape every aspect of the event, they will spread the word engage with their Infinity groups. Set the topics and drive the discussions. This is more than just a meeting. It's their moment to take the mic, steer the ship and show us all what student voice and action. Truly looks
like Equity is not a moment. It is a movement and we're going to keep moving forward together. as I close, I want to express my deepest, gratitude to the lcps school board lcps leadership, and the division of diversity, Equity inclusion, and accessibility and the broader Community for your continued partnership. This work is not done in isolation and it truly requires all of us. Our students deserve an education that no not only challenges them academically but also affirms their identities in a fuels. Their aspirations. We invite you,
and ask you to join us. As we continue to see the joy and Inspire the future. Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day Henry. Allen. Thank you. Thank you very much Miss, conol for the presentation and for the very important work that you and Mack do for our community. Uh, I I love the theme of joy. I love the colorful slides that you had, um, in addition to the very useful content, um, and I was wondering, um,
Do you have a date for the equity? Yes, it is. On Saturday. May 3rd Saturday. May 3rd May 3rd. Yes, we will be sending out invitations. We are currently designing them. I have a recruit. She doesn't want to talk about it right now, uh, but we are designing invitations and um, we are, um, working on that and we will get those to you as soon as they're ready. And as soon as um, um, our wonderful Vice chair signs off on them, and she she approves the design. Okay, well, thank you very much. Uh, my fellow board member
is, are there other questions or comments? Miss Chandler. Thank you, madam. Vice chair, Madam chair. Um, thank you. Miss conlay, um. Sorry. Um, I really F find myself reflecting on, um, The 2024 lcps, secondary perception data that resonated with me quite a lot, and I am grateful for the fact, um, of your framing it as a call to action because that really is
how it feels to me. It is feels like an indication that we have some more work to do to make sure that every student feels safe, seen and respected in our schools and having this is a very important reminder. Um, is Just it's hard to put into words but it's so very important. Um and I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the work that you've done this year. It has been a joy to work with you. Thank you. Any other question, Dr. Rashid, I just wanted to point out that the equity, uh, ceremony is amazing and I think last
year was the first time I ever participated in it and it's really hardcore. It's really amped up its really hardcore cuz um I've been censored. But yeah, it's really great. I don't want to make it whistle anymore. Perfect. Um, I mean, from gloves, to hats and a feather and it and all the accomplishments that they talked about, and then let alone in and of itself at the place where it takes place is is great. um, we we'd love to just get together and share and yes we
do like to do it up and we I admit that we are a little bit extra but we like to have that moment we get to relax and we get to lean into it. And I'm always telling people that's our chance to smile and take it easy and enjoy people's company. And just celebrate everyone that contributes to making this division better for all of our students. So, I love the equity. It's lots of fun. That is why I was asking, I wasn't able to go last year, so I was hoping to find out if you have a date. So I can block it off because well I will make sure I get it to you because I hope you will be able to join us. You will have a
wonderful time. Food is great. Um, I did I I did think of a question after I started. Um what What support does msac need like, what are their things that we can do to support your mission? We I will make the pitch that is forever being made that we need delegates in every school. Um, we need that representation. Um, we don't know what's happening in schools and as much as I'd like to have magic powers and multiply myself, and be able to help everybody everywhere. I can't. And we would just like to be
able to know what's going on in the schools. Um, uplifting you know, our message. But I would say even that just continue working with msac and supporting us coming to our meetings. Engaging with us, even if you pop into a meeting, our general body meetings, and there's just an update or you just want to say hi. Hello. I promise that I won't put you on the spot but if there's something you'd like to share we we need that we need just the visual physical support for msac and lifting it up because it's easy for us to be in our different pockets in our different communities
and feel like we're all isolated and we're doing this all over. Loan and having that connection with you all on the school board and being able to engage with you all at least in a manner that is more relaxed and comfortable and easy. We've worked hard to create a space where everyone knows that. They're welcome and they're safe with us and we want to engage in tough conversations, but we also want to just be able to communicate like, what, what's going on, or be able able to share and lift up a positive that's happening in our schools that might be in your district and you might
not have heard about it. And that's just a great way to engage with us and engaging with our student delegates and encouraging them. We are student delegate applications are open all year. I don't have a closing date. It's like if you want to do it, please fill out an application encouraging students. If you know of them to have that leadership opportunity and to join us, those are just small ways to support msac. But really just, you know, knowing that we're here to help and we want to support you and we want to work with you and vice versa is probably the best thing that can be done for msac because we need that
continued Support. And I think it goes a long way for the delegates to know that we are supported and our work is supported in the school board and not me just saying it because it's hard for me to sell it sometimes because they're like you're just saying that I'm like, no, I'm serious. I'm serious. But just you know coming alongside working with the city with us and talking with us would be great. Thank you. Any other questions or comments? Thank you very much. Miss Uncle for everything that you do. And now we will move on to item 4 on our agenda which is
this evening's work session tonight. We will hear from the Department of communications and Community engagement from the division of family and Community engagement efforts. Our presenters this evening are Natalie Allen, Chief Communications officer, Renee Dawson director of family and Community engagement, and Sarah, boys. The supervisor of Outreach Services. Thank you very much for being here. This evening, ladies, we look forward to your presentation. Good. Well, thank you all so much for having us good afternoon. Vice chair. Donna Hugh board members and Dr. Spence
tonight, we are excited to share the first year, progress of the division of family and Community engagement, a new office. That was created in direct response to what we heard from our community. On this next slide. You'll see what we plan to go over in this presentation, but I wanted to give you a little bit of background on how we got here. During the superintendent's listening sessions last year, families and stakeholders consistently emphasized. The need for stronger family engagement and 2-way communication. It became clear that while lcps has many great resources and
initiatives, we needed a more intentional centralized approach to ensure families, feel connected, informed, and empowered to support their students. Recognizing this as a priority, the superintendent's post entry plan outlined division for renewing. Our focus on family engagement, strategies, strengthening communication touch points between families and schools and providing better support for principals in Sharing key information. The plan also called, for expanded resources to help families, navigate academic, and Social Challenges, and a more coordinated effort to ensure accessibility and
responsiveness to meet these goals. The division of family and Community engagement was established bringing together existing resources and new initiatives to better, serve our families, and strengthen our Partnerships with the broader community. Over the past year, we have laid a strong foundation for this work and I look forward to sharing the progress we've made in our plans for the future. And with that, I will turn it over to the wonderful. Renee Dawson our director of family and Community engagement. Whose vision and enthusiasm has really driven this work this year. The division of family and Community engagement face.
Supports lcps vision of helping all students, reach their potential in a supportive inclusive environment by building Partnerships with families schools, businesses, and Community organizations face strengthens collaboration promotes, family, involvement and creates opportunities for students to thrive Since July 1st. The face team has intentionally focused on 6 key areas to drive our efforts. Aligned with the superintendent's post entry plan, our work
centers on fostering welcoming spaces, empowering our families and enhancing inclusivity and Community engagement. Our first area is building strong, family school and family Partnerships and what have we done. We are working on expanding and enhancing family. The family liaison Network for improved School home connections, We have hosted face Family. Academy sessions focused on 3 key themes identified through family, survey feedback.
And we have strengthened family, engagement strategies, through staff training and support. Our second area is enhancing communication and accessibility. We did this through launching some multilingual communication, strategies, including virtual OnDemand, interpretation Services. Additionally, we know that an area we need to focus on is increasing that 2-way communication opportunities. And we've done this through surveys forums and direct feedback. Our third area is streamlining family and school resources,
we are excited to share that we launched the family and Community engagement web page. And in that we centralized our resources, for example, our military connected families, special education supports, and also Mental Health Resources. All of those can be, additionally, found on our website. Another area is strengthening community and business engagement. We've expanded School business Partnerships connecting students with real world community experiences. We are planning the development, and I'm very excited about
this. A volunteer programs with industry partners. And we've provided school and staff training on engaging business partners to support School initiatives. Our next area is centered around data-driven family, and Community engagement, we conducted principal surveys staff surveys. We leverage the data from the fan, the annual family survey to assess engagement needs and impact. We used feedback from committees Leaf, our assistant
principal group principals, our Student Activity and engagement coordinators and student services to shape some of our face initiatives. We were very excited to present at emsac and we look forward to going to seak and GAC to also present, We have been our last area school responsive visits which are incredibly important to us. We've gone out and conducted family liaison visits for training answering questions and reviewing the existing resources we have
and we've met with leadership teams and provided professional development for staff to improve family and Community engagement. Next slide, please. As a team, we decided to take a deep dive into our survey data. And we did this to gain a better understanding of family and Community engagement across our schools. By analyzing multiple data sources. We identified key themes, we developed some strategic next steps, and we outlined some core actions to enhance our engagement
efforts. So, how do we analyze this data? We reviewed multiple data sources to comprehensively understand family and school needs. We looked at the division-wide family survey. We analyzed family engagement specific items to identify strengths and areas of growth. We conducted a principal needs assessment, and we surveyed School leaders about their needs in order to improve their family engagement. And then we also leveraged leaf.
And we incorporated parent perspectives from Leaf to enrich our understanding about what our families need. And the last thing we listen to the family liaison data, we reviewed the liaison Outreach reports, which you'll hear a little bit about in a moment to identify what resources and supports and needs are family. Liaison, would have The family liaison really are a critical connector between schools and families, offering direct assistance linking
families to Community Resources. Facilitating communication and providing ongoing support to enhance family engagement, and Student Success. Now we do acknowledge that there are additional groups And valuable perspectives that we have to include and we are looking forward to including them in our work. We gained some key insights from all of this. Families. And schools value collaborative efforts. Supporting student achievement.
We also understand that effective communication, methods, emails, newsletters and events are very much appreciated by our families. But there is also this need for 2 ways communication. Both schools and families. Desire more involvement opportunities with clear learning expectations and welcoming environments. And our schools recognized a need for stronger Community engagement, and professional development in Family
Partnership practices. so the core work that we have in the division of family and Community engagement is Guided by some core beliefs. That align with national research on effective, Family School Partnerships, including the work of Henderson, math, Johnson and David Davies. These core beliefs really serve as the foundation for engaging families, School staff, Community Partners, all to support Student Success and those beliefs are all families.
All of them have dreams for their children and want what's best for them. All Families have the capacity to support their children's learning. Families and School staff have a shared responsibility for supporting Student Success. And lastly, cultivating School Home and Community Partnerships is our responsibility. And now, I have the privilege to introduce Sarah Boyce to talk a little bit about her work and Outreach Services.
Thank you very much, Renee, and good evening, everyone. I have the pleasure with my role to oversee and coordinate, what I call the unsung heroes of lcps. Our family liaison and this evening's 1 lcps Spotlight, you will hear have an opportunity to hear directly from 1 of our Stellar family, liaison and see her work in action. So, at this time, I will give you a preview and an overview of this role. lcps staff's 1 family liaison per School in either a part-time or full-time capacity depending on the budget Staffing standards our family liaison's main goal is to be the bridge between
our families, our schools, and the broader Loudoun County community Our family liaison Serve, All Families, but focus on those with higher needs. Family liaison connect parents and families of our students with the wide array of generous, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and government agencies within our community that can help with things like food, housing, Health Care, clothing employment, Etc, The goal is for students to have their basic needs met at home, so that they may come to school ready to thrive and learn ready to learn and Thrive academically.
Additionally, our family liaison help parents and families engage with their school and become meaningful, participants in their child's education. Family liaison help, parents to navigate school, and division, technology, opportunities, and resources. They assist families to understand how to best support their children and promote, attendance and academic engagement. Finally our family liaison serve as a person of trust for their families within our schools. They may not have all the answers but they can be a great. First point of contact for a parent to get them, the information that they need.
Beginning in August of 2025, we have collected data from each of our family liaison, on a monthly basis through a self-report. Family liaison provide quantitative data in the form of the number of students and families that they have assisted throughout the previous month. On average, our family liaison are serving between 3,000 and 4,000 families and between 4,000 and 5,000 students each month. When we first implemented this report, we were really focusing on the impact that our family lives on time on families as a whole. But thanks to the suggestion of 1 of
our wonderful liaison. Beginning, with our November reports, we included a field to collect the total number of students supported so that we can account for the families with multiple students across multiple schools. Please note that this is why that you you do not see um student Counts from August through October on this graphic. Through this report, the family liaison also had the opportunity to share the types of services assistance and referrals that they have provided to families in their schools. The most common types of assistance, reported include referrals to community food. Pantries clothing, closets
free or low-cost Health Care Services housing and utility assistance employment and literacy classes. Direct service includes a assistance with weakened meal bags. School supplies clothing. Winter outdoor apparel Furniture diapers, hygiene products, um, and baby supplies. Additionally, family leas on have reported regularly assisting families within their school with lcps free and reduced meal. Applications McKinney vento applications School fee. Waivers navigating parent view and other lcps,
technology requesting interpretation and translation services and registering for after school clubs and activities. We know that when our families Thrive our students thrive in addition to the quantitative data captured in our family, leases on monthly reports, our staff are also able to share stories and anecdotes from the families that they have supported The quotes on the screen represent just a small selection of the countless stories and testimonials highlighting the invaluable support, family liaison provide to parents throughout our lcps community. 1 of our family lays on shared.
When a mom comes in crying your day, stops you focused on the words, the needs the human, you take the emotion out and focus on a to-do list of how to help and what takes priority. The safety, the housing, the food, and the mental health. Another 1 of our Middle School. Families is on route. A single parent of a student walked 2 miles from home to here, carrying an 18 pound baby that she was babysitting along with a big bag. She came to get the bag of food that we distribute. I learned that she works 2 jobs, she takes a bus and a train
to get to work. She rents a room at a friend's apartment. She needed coats clothing for her son. He also needed eyeglasses. We found transportation to get her home and the week after, I was able to get her son in an appointment for eyeglasses winter, coats clothing and we also provided a holiday gift card. And again, this is just several of literally hundreds of stories and anecdotes that we get from families on a regular basis. Another component to our work within face is supporting our multilingual services to promote family engagement with all parents, regardless of language or background.
Lcps, provides interpretation and translation services to facilitate both spoken and written communication between lcps, parents and staff members. We are currently able to support 24. Different languages, through our on-staff, part-time interpreters, including our top 5, most spoken languages within lcps, Spanish Arabic, farsy, Vietnamese, and erdo Any parent or staff member May request an interpreter via their school's family liaison, who will then submit the request to be covered by 1 of our team members. They can also request written translation of letters. Flyers
newsletters brochures or presentations We also provide on demand interpretation services for unplanned interpretation. We have a virtual remote interpretation platform that allows for a school staff member to connect with an interpreter online on screen and On Demand Additionally, we have a dial and phone interpretation service called language line which is available to support over 200 languages. As our loud and County demographics. Have changed over the years, we have continued to see an increase in demand for multilingual services. You can see on this slide that we average around, 2,000
requests for written translation and nearly 4,000 for spoken interpretation each year. This is not include the thousands of calls through language line and virtual remote interpretation. The data that you see on screen for 2425 um is accurate as of February 26th and you can see that we are on track to exceed, our typical numbers for the school year, our goal is to ensure that all families can engage with lcps and support their child's education, no matter their primary language, or literacy level. I will now turn it back over to Renee.
The Family Academy is a key initiative within the division of family and Community engagement. It is designed to provide families with the knowledge resources and tools needed to support their children's academic success. Recognizing that strong family, school Partnerships lead to positive student outcomes. The academy offers online learning sessions that Empower families, enhance, communication, and address key topics that impact student achievement. Through a series of online workshops families, gain a
deeper. Insight into the division. They strengthen connections with Educators and become effective advocates for their child's success. The workshop focuses on 3, core themes, family, advocacy partnering for your child's success. Championing Student Success and connected and informed. future sessions will cover from test to success demystifying the K through 12 assessments Connecting the dots, navigating school and division
communication. And the last session for this year will be avoiding the summer slide. Which will help our parents ensure that they have access to information and tools, they need to help their children thrive. So the next slide is 1. I'm incredibly proud of so excited. To share with everyone. The First Family Academy session was highly successful in engaging families and providing meaningful support for Student Success. 100% of the attendees who completed the survey reported
feeling more connected with lcps after participating in this session. Additionally, a 100% of those who submitted the survey agreed or strongly, agreed that this session offered valuable tools to help students help support their students academic Journey. There was also strong interest in future sessions, with 100% of those attendees, expressing a desire to attend additional face Academy events. For future topics families. Recommended a session on
resources available through lcps. For families with children who have IEPs specifically addressing supports not typically included in IEP plans. This feedback highlights a continued need for resource awareness and expanded support for family needs. And I will have to say that we did have our second session which was also a success but we haven't looked at that data yet but it was great. I promise So the next slide we talked about um our commitment to strengthening relationships between schools and families
and the broader community. Another key initiative in this effort is the 40 School site. Visits that we went on where face work directly with Educators and school leaders to enhance family engagement strategies. Foster welcoming School environments and build sustainable Partnerships with businesses and Community organizations. These visits provided Hands-On, support, tailored guidance, and real time, collaboration with school staff, ensuring
that engagement efforts are meaningful inclusive, and responsive to the unique needs of each School community. in addition to the school visits face leads initiatives such as the Business Partnership collaborative, which is a cross departmental effort within lcps, that brings together, various divisions to align efforts and leveraging business and Community Partnerships. This collaboration ensures that schools and students receive meaningful support from local businesses, nonprofits and other community stakeholders.
Face also amplifies its impact through initiatives like the school spirit podcast. If you have not listened to it, check it out, it's fantastic. Um, which highlights student and Leadership, successes. And the success talks where families receive direct access to the valuable School resources and engagement opportunities. By prioritizing School visits collaborative Partnerships and Innovative engagement. Strategies face is creating a stronger more connected School community.
At the heart of family and Community engagement, is the belief that strong Partnerships create lasting opportunities for students. with 1,271 registered partners and a 27% increase in Partnerships from 222324 to 2425, this growth has been fueled by deepen collaboration between the division of face along with Career Technical and adult education and other members of the partnership collaborative who have helped
connect business and Community Partners to lcps, schools enriching services for students, families, and classroom experiences, and career. Pathways for our students, many of our business partners in these photos, that you see up here, some of you all might recognize are also parents and grandparents of lcps, students committed to making a difference in their children's education and Future. The photos highlight business and industry, leaders, including 1 grand. Um, who participated in the together and Remembrance event
showing how our schools and community stand together to support learning opportunities for our students. In addition to the established initiatives and events mentioned on the screen. Um, we have, we're going to be introducing 2, new Signature Events. The Interfaith luncheon. A gathering designed to Foster unity. And collaboration among Faith, leaders families, and Educators. Strengthening those Community ties and shared support for our students, and we hope to launch this event launched this event next year and planning is
due to begin in April. And then the National Day of Play and this will be in May, it's in partnership with the National Fitness Foundation, Ambassador and this event encourages families, community members, and students to come together for a day of physical activity, wellness and fun promoting a healthy and engaged School community. Through these growing Partnerships. We are not only expanding resources and opportunities for students, but also creating a culture where families and schools and
community members come together to support every child's success. This work is more. This work is about more than just numbers, it's about people. Relationships and shared commitment to ensuring that every lcps student has access to a bright and promising future. And this last 1 might be my absolute favorite because a picture is worth a thousand words. These photos capture more than just moments. They tell a
story of the relationships that we are building the families. We are supporting and the Partnerships. We are forging to create a School Division where every student and family feels seen valued and empowered. In just 8 months as a division we have worked with intention intention and urgency to lay the foundation for a comprehensive. Research-based data-driven approach to family and Community engagement.
from the family liaison in each school, who serve as trusted connections for families to the multilingual services, that break down barriers and ensure, every family has access to critical resources. Our work is centered on access inclusion and engagement, Through Family Academy, we provide parents with tools and knowledge to support their child's success. While our school visits allow us to engage directly with Educators and families and students to strengthen
relationships and understand the community needs firsthand. Our community events from together in remembrance to our First Responders event, bring people together to celebrate honor and uplift 1. Another Our business partners, many of whom her also parents and grandparents of lcps, students have stepped forward to support schools offer resources and create opportunities for our kids. The partnership collaborative working alongside Career,
Technical and adult education. And other cross departmental teams has played a crucial role in expanding our Outreach, to Industry and Workforce Partners ensuring students. Have real world learning experiences and career pathways. Each meeting each visit and each connection we make is part part of a larger effort to ensure that family and Community engagement is not an afterthought, but an integral part of Student Success. And yet.
This is just the beginning. There are still voices to hear Partnerships to build communities to connect with and our collaboration with elace has been particularly meaningful helping us deepen. Our understanding of the diverse needs within our school system and ensuring that language and culture are never a barrier to engagement. These photos offer a glimpse into who we are as a team that listens and learns. And acts a division committed to
Building Bridges between schools and families and the community. and as we as we move forward, we we remain focused on the work ahead ensuring that every family in every school feels empowered to be active stewards of their child's education. And with that we'll stop and take any questions you may have. and can I just say how proud of the work I am of these 2 ladies up here because it's a department of 3. We're a division of 3 and they're doing all of this. So
Thank you to all of you. This is some very exciting statistics and information and updates that you've shared with us. Um, and it's very inspiring also. Um, I have several thoughts, but I will see if my fellow board members would like to go first your questions and comments, Miss Chandler. Thank you. Um, and thank you so much for this presentation. I'm very heartened by it. Um, and I find that I um, Really the information and your core beliefs that were listed on slide 5 really resonated with me. Uh, and I think
you've articulated exactly the purpose. Um, for why this department exists and the meaningful work that you're doing at every school? At every school and and it really is a story of access. um, and making sure that At least everybody has a chance, right? I mean, you can't guarantee. That's I mean that's just a a fundamental issue with Humanity, right? But we can give everybody a chance and, and I think your work is really important for that. so I just wanted to thank you. Um, I have heard in, in my
own connections with members, especially, um, in the eel community that access to technology can be a challenge. And I was curious, if in your family Academy work, you found that um families have an appropriate level of access and have you considered trying to reach families in any different ways. It's absolutely something that we have considered. And as um, Renee shared, it's a soft launch for this year and I think we're open to feedback and we'll talk with our eel
face colleagues and see if it's something that maybe we need to offer in person at community centers in those kinds of things as we, uh, grow this initiative next year, Thank you. Um, have you found that there are any particular times, or has anything surprised you in the of this process? I'll let Renee take that 1 because the answer is yes. So, 1 of the things that early on, in our process of thinking about launching the Family Academy is, we reached out nationally to different School divisions across the country to find out what are some things that have been
successful and what are some challenges. And so 1 of the school divisions that we reached out to said that they offer sessions at 12:00 during the lunch hour and then also in the evening and 1 of the things that I think, um, I found to be surprising is our 12:00 session. Consistently has more numbers than our 6:00 session. So that was, um, surprising and that was also what they found out in that school division um, that as it grows and and as we continue to have more and more families that 12:00 session seems to
be 1 um and we have some hunches as to why that might be the case but the 12:00 is the more popular Miss chernoff. Thank you, madam chair for the evening. Um, I am so grateful for all your work and I'm grateful that I've been able to see so much of it through leaf and the partnership there and that that, you know, advisory committee now has like a place to go, um, for all things. And I think that that's been really powerful and that's really elevated. The work of that advisory committee, I am beyond thankful and I
think you said it so well, this voice about unsung heroes, I was going to call them jack of all trades, but unsung heroes is so much better. Um with our family liaison having worked in our Title 1 schools here in lcps. It is it's just such a hinge point for so many families to have that access and they really do it all. They do so many things from connecting kids to helping with student and conferencing and having those translators to finding eyeglasses and Wheelchairs and you
know, all the different things in between and it's a daily Endeavor to to meet the constant needs. And and I've so appreciated the conversations that we've had um around that that. And I was wondering if you could just share with us a little bit about the supports that are in place. I know that you've gathered them all together. I think that they also had a um tour at Loudoun hunger relief. And some of the other resources that are in place to support family, liaison because it is a heavy job at times and they carry a lot and um, they are wonderful, wonderful people. But I
know that you do a lot of work to support them. So I was wondering if you could share some of that, Absolutely. Thank you. And thank you, just for the the shout out for them as well. Um, I believe that we'll have a, a large cons, uh, contingency of them here later on this evening. Um, so I'm I'm sure that they would love to hear, um, some appreciation from the board, um, when they're here later this evening. Um, but yes, I think that's a great point there. It is. It's heart work that they do. And so, um, we really tried to equip our families on, with this many tools as we can. Um, we do have a centralized database of all of our Community Resources. So we pull that from a
variety of different areas, um, but we have that Sectioned out into Healthcare resources, housing, resources, food resources. Um, and we try to make sure that we cover the breadth of the county. So making sure that we have resources from the western part all the way out to our Eastern location. Um, so that families on when they have a parent or a family coming to them and saying, hey, I really have a need for, you know, food or um, emergency shelter or whatever it may be, we have those resources readily available for families on to provide resources and referrals. Um, and lists of things, you may not need this
right now but here are some supports that could help you in the future. Um because you know we're all just 1 1 1 life circumstance away from needing assistance. Um with that, we also provide quarterly staff meetings for all of our family liaison um, where they come together, we actually had 1 last week and we have our Community Partners. Come in give presentations updates on their services. Um, this past meeting we had laws Loudoun County, Housing, and Community Development. Um Crossroads jobs lcps, attendance, they came and just give some professional development for Our families on. Um, additionally, we do orientations and
onboarding a training program. For all of our new staff members to really ensure that they are equipped with um, resources and tools to support their their families. So it's an ongoing um, process of continuing to support them so that they can then in turn support their families. Thank you. Mr. Roughy. Thank you, madam chair. Um, I also want to Echo the Gratitude, um, from my colleagues as well. Thank you so much for the presentation. Um, I've heard, uh, Natalie and Renee, uh, talked a lot about the 2-way communication, um,
and the focus on that. Um, so, um, I want to appreciate the focus on the data, um, to drive the goals and uh, towards removing the barriers uh, to engagement as you said, um, also want to Echo Miss, Sharon off's, comments around the family liaison. I think 1 of the things that is very apparent in some of the schools that we visit is whenever you start talking about their family liaison, they're very you know staff Administration teachers they're all very protective of their family liaison um their their you know, loving on them very much. And they in many cases
don't know how they would kind of survive as a school Community without their family liaison. So um, just wanted to stress that as well. from my perspective, um, I have loved what I've seen, uh, very recently on the focus of making it easier for, uh, the business and, uh, uh, Community Partners to engage with lcps. Um, I was when I received that workbook at the last, um, chamber event where Dr. Grubs was speaking, um, where it had the checklist of all the things you can do, if you uh, decide to be a school business partner. Um and how you
can engage with lcps. I think it's really something that I felt was missing. Um, and so Um, even with folks that I know that I would love to just have be more active in our schools and supporting our schools. Um, sometimes it's still a sales pitch, right? And you can't just give them an email address. Um, and so having that checklist has been, um, really valuable to me as well. So, um, and I know being on the school Business Partnership executive Council liaison for the school board. Um, they are some of our biggest cheerleaders, um, you
know, to, to the division. So, um, yeah. Thank you very much. The only question I have is, maybe you can tell us a little bit about what we're doing to bring in more of these business partners to the lcps community. If there's any other tidbits beyond what you and I have discussed Yes. Um 1 of the things that we're doing is just really about networking. It's about engaging with business partners. Um every opportunity when you're out um is about thinking about and having them think about here's how you can partner with lcps. So I do think it is about pounding the pavement. I think it's leveraging, our great Partners
in the lden chamber um loud and economic development, lburg Economic Development, expanding that scope of that work. 1 of the things in the last few years that we've done is really expanded our, um, environmental and aggro business work and Outreach that we've done and, um, with Dr. Grubs in the position as ctae director, um, we have a nice symbiotic um relationship and there's great Synergy there. So if I find a business partner I will Connect that business partner to him and he does the same
with me and sometimes we tackle those things together and have meetings together because it might be something that is work-based learning. Um suited. And then it might be something where we had, um, um, business partner. That look, I want to outfit a, um, teacher work room and so, how do I connect and so, Mike, and I have a really good relationship and we try to leverage that. And then of course, Christina leaves. Our work-based learning coordinator is fantastic. So that great Synergy and partnership I think is what is really helped kind of expand
those Partnerships. Thank you. So I had a few questions and some of my colleagues have already asked. Um, some of the ones I had written down. Uh, and I'm also very appreciative of for Miss chernoff's question and the thought that you've already put into providing support for our family leads on. Since, it does seem like the type of position that would lend itself to high risk of burnout. And a lot of emotional strain, um, So I was curious, you mentioned that, uh, some of them are part-time. And I was wondering if, for the part-time
family, Leah on, if they are split between different schools or split between different jobs or part-time employees or how that works. Sure, thank you. So that's a great question. Um it really depends. Uh we do have a family lays on it, each school as I mentioned previously um the majority of the family aison work at just 1 singular school. We do have a handful that work at multiple schools. Um but they are specific jobs to that individual school. So if a family lays on its part-time and they would like to work at 2 individual schools, they would need to apply for both positions, be
hired into both positions. Um, so it it is part-time and the hours vary depending on the total enrollment of um the the school population as well as some funding for um, schools with high numbers of el students and high numbers students experiencing economic challenges as well. Um, so Um, so and some of them do work other positions, we have some um, families on who are also a health clinic Specialists. We have a lot who are also substitutes, um, so they're very much ingrained in the lcps community. So it
just depends on the individual. Thank you. My my kids Elementary School. A couple years ago. Uh had a new subdivision opened up within the attendance zone so it increased the overall population of the school, but decreased the percentage of free and reduced lunch students, eel, students, Etc. And our school went from having a full-time family lease onto a part-time, family. Lease on which I understand was has been a bit of a challenge for them because as the principal said, to me at the time, their needs didn't change, the needs for the
administration, didn't change of that school. Um, so and I was wondering is the, are they part of the mental health Team because there's I can I can see both ways why perhaps they would be but perhaps they wouldn't be because there's certainly some overlap with the subject area. So I think, generally speaking in most of our schools, they're kind of seen as advisors to the, the mhts. Um, you know, the MHT members are the experts with mental health. Our family aisens are not. And we make that very clear to our staff members in that position. Um, they're really there to
help with navigating resources and connections, um, but they're not the experts in the mental health field, but there's so much Synergy and cross collaboration between our umh team members and our family liaison. Um, cross referrals have been all the time. When you know maybe a family is on is working with a parent or a student and things kind of, you know, Cross over into the mental health realm, where they'll refer to their school, counselor school, social worker, um, Etc. And then vice versa, our umh team members may be working with a family or a student on an issue, and it
comes up that there's a lot of needs within the household so they'll connect with the family liaison. Um, so I would say that they're they're a really great working partnership and relationship, good. And my other question. Do the family liaison? Um, Provide support for parent teacher conferences. or is their linguistic support for parent, teacher conferences, when needed Yes. So we absolutely provide linguistic support for a parent, teacher conferences, um, through the variety of different services that I mentioned, either in person interpreters, um, we utilize our technology services for
parent teacher conferences quite a bit for parent, teacher conferences because they're typically all happening at the same time, in all the same schools. Um, so there's quite a demand. So we use our um, on demand remote and interpretation and our language line service. Very often family is on school, typically help with um, making sure that parents know about conferences. Making sure that they understand how to sign up for a conference, um, and providing that language support logistically if needed as well. Thank you. Board members. Any additional questions or comments?
Thank you very much. Miss Allen Miss Dawson. This boy is thank you. so, As it is not quite yet. 5:30 we are going to move ahead to item number 10 on our agenda. If that is agreeable to you, Dr. Spence Have these here, the superintendent's report. Yes ma'am, happy to be able to do that, and thank you for the opportunity. It's always my pleasure to be able to share some good news around our School Division. So tonight, I will Begin by reminding our families that the
annual family survey launched on February 24th. We want to encourage all of parents and Guardians to take a few moments to share their feedback. Your input is invaluable, it helps schools. Celebrate what's working. Well and identify areas for improvement as we work together to better support our students and our families to learn more visit. The website shown on this slide and please complete the survey by Friday. March 21st. Remember your voice matters and thank you for helping us make lcps. Even better.
Next more than 260, peer students and 40 peer sponsors School, social workers, and school counselors gathered for the annual peer conference, on March 5th, to connect, share information, and brainstorm ideas. the conference Spotlight of the impact of mentoring and a panel presentation, high school, students who are mentors elementary students, who have benefited from mentoring and a post-graduate student who draws on her High School mentoring experience in her professional life, shared what
they enjoy and gained from mentoring. In addition students and staff from Freedom Riverside lightbridge and broadrun high schools. Presented information, packed many workshops sharing mentoring tips and strategies to promote inclusion respect and kindness in the mentoring process. Pier which stands for positive experiences and educational relationships is a specialized lcps. High school class designed to develop mentoring skills and teach students how to assist their classmates emotionally socially.
And academically. Last week lcps, joined a global movement to celebrate social and emotional learning or seal day. Since its Inception in 2020. Scl day has grown into a worldwide campaign that re reinforces the critical role. Social and emotional, learning plays in supporting academic, recovery mental health and overall well-being. Here. In lcps, we take this commitment to heart. And each year, our dedicated staff leads a week-long initiative, packed with resources, lessons and opportunities for
students to apply their learning both inside. And outside the glassroom. This year, our seal day supports spanned, all grade levels and featured videos with insights from our business, partners on the soft skills essential for success in life, and work noting that these soft skills are social and emotional skills. I want to extend my gratitude to our seal and Communications team for their collaboration on this project and to the business partners who generously shared their time and
expertise. I'm confident their contributions will have a lasting impact. On our students. And if you'd like to view these videos, please visit the website on this slide. Next, I'd like to shout out Simpson Middle School. This is where the students aren't just learning about space. They're exploring it. With the support of the national radio, astronomy Observatory 8th grade students, built cone-shaped, horn, telescopes to detect radio waves from the Milky Way. Galaxy
this Hands-On project brought science engineering and Real World Discovery to life showing students how astronomers use radio waves to study space. And finally in celebration of Career and Technical Education Month in February school board members members of the lcps leadership team and I visited CTE classes at light Ridge High School. This visit showcased the Innovative programs and dynamic learning taking place in CTE classrooms not just at lightbridge but across our school division during our
visit. We tried our hands at some of the career Focus focused activities that students engage with daily including making pizzas with the culinary class and attempting an engineering challenge with the engineering design. Class and I use the word attempting Loosely in my case. We also had the opportunity to hear from the students about their experiences and CTE classes. We know that CTE classes, help, students develop technical skills problem, solving abilities, and Industry specific
knowledge, preparing them for life, after lcps, and it is appropriate, we celebrate the hard work of our CTE staff and students this month. Madam Vice chair, that concludes my report. Thank you very much, Dr. Spence and with that, we will skip ahead to item 13.01. Our first information item on Specialized programs and centers committee, and I will turn it over to
Dr. Rasheed the chair Mansfield. Um this is a long-awaited discussion that's been going on in special programs and uh centers committee. And um it's been a while and we're really proud to bring this forward and I'm going to turn it over to Mr. Sleven to give the details of it. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Rasheed and chair do and board members. Dr. Spence for an opportunity. This evening to present an update on the development of the Academy of global and
linguistic. Studies I'm joined tonight by members of the team that have been instrumental in the development development of this program. And so I'd just like to give them an opportunity to quickly introduce themselves. Hi, good evening, Katie Clark, director of academic programs. Hi, I'm Kelly. James, supervisor of world languages and cultures. Good evening. I'm Danielle Graham. I'm the supervisor of social science and Global Studies. So as indicated by Dr. Rasheed, this information item has been presented at the special programs and centers
committee, um, as an information item and at the most meeting of that committee, it was recommended to be for forwarded to the full board. Um for consideration, our policy related to special program requires border approval for proposals for new academies. Um and so this item will come back um to the full board as an action item at a future future meeting. Um, so today, we're going to take the opportunity to give you an overview of the program and have a opportunity for discussion and questions at the end of that time. So with that, I'm going to turn it over to Miss Clark. Our director of academic programs.
11 tonight. I share a quick overview of our newest proposed program, The Academy of global and linguistic studies, this will provide an opportunity for students to become globally. Minded problem, solvers through meaningful engagement in this sphere of international relations and high need languages to tackle current and future Global challenges within the academic framework. The program will offer to Career focused Pathways with a
paired language with the potential for expansion to additional languages. Our 2 pathways are Global Leadership pathway with Arabic partial immersion and the global business pathway with the Chinese partial immersion. Both Pathways will focus on the language. Proficiency, cultural competence Global problem, solving skills, and academic excellence. This Academy will be housed at 1 lcps, host site to be
determined. Next slide. Thank Um, here you'll see 2 pieces of data that we wanted to with you the top chart. Um, shows that there are several special, we know, there are several special program options in high school for students pursuing careers in stem. Opportunities for students pursuing careers in the humanities are currently Limited. In 2022, the lcps curriculum and instruction committee wanted to determine student and parent, interests and
preferences in languages, offered in lcps. As you can see Arabic and Japanese were among the top choices. Currently Arabic is not offered in lcps, and Chinese is only offered at 2 high schools. The National Security language initiative has identified Arabic and Chinese as 2 of the most important languages for government and Military Work. In the bottom chart in 2022, families were surveyed on
potential special programs that lcvs could offer in the future. While in international Global Studies, special program was not on the list of possibilities. A Civic Leadership Academy was listed as potential program and gained significant interests. Now, I'll turn it over to Kelly James. For our next section. Thank you. As we look to expand our world language course, offerings to students in lcps, this chart shows a comparison of districts and the world languages that are available to
students in person at the middle and high school level. The Bold languages are those that are less commonly taught in lcps. Chinese is offered at 2 schools and rationale is offered at 1 The Academy of global and linguistic studies would enrich. The languages offered to students in lcps with an addition of Arabic and expansion of Chinese. So what makes this program unique? Um, we did extensive research and gathered feedback from industry professionals um, as well as community. And 1 of the things, we feel that
really makes this unique is our proximity to DC with a program that is really focused on international relations and Global business. Um, our proximity to DC makes it an ideal location for access to resources opportunities, um, for students to engage with embassies government agencies, Global businesses and provide unique learning experiences. Um, and Miss James actually has a quote, from 1 of our, um, Community members about that. We received a letter of support from the executive director of Loudoun, Economic Development, who confirmed both the
need and opportunity for a program. Like this situated in Loudoun County home of Dallas International Airport and an international business Community within 30 miles of Washington DC, international business is a Cornerstone of the Loden business Community attracting more than 122 top International companies, seeking entry into the US market and creating more than 4,000 jobs. Another thing that makes the scenic is the opportunity to expand National Security languages and focus on those critical language skills for National Security. And 1 of
the other pieces is really that career Focus. Um, we took a look at Academy as the state and across the country and while a lot of them focus on global citizenship, many of them did not focus on a specific career pathway. As this does So we received positive feedback and support from a chief member of the language group in the National Intelligence Agency who stated that it would be an outstanding program that would help business. Build the language skills Regional knowledge and domain specific expertise that we need for our national security Workforce and our business
and financial communities. And while the budget will be discussed on a future slide, um, pretty slide, please. Uh, it's also a cost effective and then really gives loud and opportunity to be a Pioneer. This is really unique to the state to the country. Um, in its combination of language, acquisition with other content areas in our um, interdisciplinary approach, as well. So the goals and objectives is really to empower. Those students to become Global Citizens, and effective problem solvers. Um, by providing that immersive educational experience in international relations, um, along with
fostering multilingual proficiency, um, there will be things to develop cultural understanding, and then even, um, a technological adeptness component to it to address contemporary Global challenges. Our objectives will be language proficiency, cultural competence Global problem, solving skills and interdisciplinary, academic excellence. Language learning leads to cross-cultural understanding, and this opportunity will provide students with the ability to collaborate and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, as well as the confidence to engage in global
communities. To take part in the global economy and international Workforce, that is becoming increasingly culturally diverse This slide shows a timeline for implementation for this program. As you can see in this current, uh, school year would be the program and budget approval. Next year, would be our planning year during the 2627 school year would be year 1 implementation, where we would have ninth grade students enrolled, and then in the 2728 would be year to implementation
So when we look at program capacity, we're looking from 9th to 12th, grade to total of 400 students in the program, the program would have 2 Pathways. So the first 1 being Global Leadership, this would have partial immersion in Arabic for about 25% of the school day. Um, and then when students hit junior year, they would, uh, have dual enrollment international relations, courses, and introductory, and conflict and cooperation. Um, in this pathway is really designed to help students prepare for roles in State Department Homeland Security, National Intelligence
agencies and diplomatic affairs, Um, pathway 2 Global business has a partial immersion in Chinese for 25% of the school day. Um, and when they hit their junior senior year, they'll take dual enrollment economics and Entrepreneurship courses. And this pathway is really to help students for roles in global businesses and multinational corporations. This slide shows an estimated budget for the full implementation over those 5 years, including that first year of planning. Um, as mentioned, it would be 400, um,
students enrolled, there would be a total of 4 FTE and on the next slide we will um dive into a little more detailed budget. So here you'll see over the course of the next um 4 years. Uh what the cost um would be for those items listed. So for the coordinator position, the content specialist the Staffing, and you'll notice there um, English learner and special education, Staffing would be assigned based on that student enrollment. Um, we have some costs for consumables
curriculum development, some technology and software needs assessments, and then that dual enrollment credentialing again, that is for the teaching and learning. Portion of the budget for this program. And another thing we find particularly exciting about this program is the opportunity to expand our students opportunities. I know several of you attended the loud and international Summit or some of the events surrounding the summit last year and this could provide an opportunity to expand it. Um the coordinator and Specialists would be able
to promote Global education, not just for the summit but across schools helping with exchanges internships field trips um and curriculum. Enrichment. And really just weaving into the fabric. This Global education. So with that, we are happy to take any feedback or answer questions. I think Miss Graham's last Point related to the international youth Summit is a good 1. First we um, would love to invite you to that and they'll be forthcoming information to the board um where there may be some opportune times to join that event but what excites me most
about this Academy is in many ways. It is um, School grown. grown. We have seen a lot of teacher leadership in the development of our approach to International Education and lcps. Um, and this program is really the result of the culture that many of the teachers in our our high schools have built, um, so happy to take any feedback or answer any questions. Dr. Rashelle. I'll turn it back to you. yeah, I think that um especially I think it was I forgot what slide number it was with the table and what the other counties were offering versus what, you know, we're we're offering and I like the fact that we are expanding if not
even more. Um, but I have no questions. I just can't wait to put this in in further motion and I'll give back to chair uh chair dhoni. Vice chair. Vice chair. I thought for today for today acting. Okay. That's too long. So yeah. Thank you very much, Mr. Slovan, and to your team, this is an incredibly exciting proposal. Um, I was, I was a language major in college. Um, I I loved stunning languages, um, I took 8 years of German 3 years of Latin,
uh, and a year of ancient Greek. Um, and I'm, I'm incredibly excited about these operate forthcoming opportunities for our students. I'm I'm really supportive and enthusiastic and grateful that uh, that you all have put all this work together into this proposal and I'm, especially excited that it's so, uh, staff driven. Um, and internally driven, I did have a, a couple of questions. Um, so you're 1 of your slides mentioned, um, internship opportunities and things like that. Do we do study abroad here, or would we want to do study abroad here? I feel like
this is maybe a question. I should already know the answer to but I don't. So, not study abroad like you would see in like a college, uh, campus. But we do have lots of exchanges that occur and very similar to what Mr. Slovan was saying, they're very Grassroots, like some of our language teachers and social studies teachers um have our students participate in exchanges um in Singapore. And actually the summit has led to a lot of exchanges where the students will come here. And then a group of our students will go over there for a similar event. Um and so that is in that sense yes. And
we're hoping to um kind of formalize that a little more so that it's not just, you know, random you know. Oh that's Great. Uh, those are amazing experiences and and the best way to learn the language, right? Um, so where would this program be? Would you you're calling it an academy? Would it be ATM or would it be at other high schools? The presentation mentioned sites? So is there going to be more than 1? So this would be an expansion of a special program. Um I would um put it for a frame of reference thinking of
that, think of it as another Health and Medical Science Academy for Global linguistic Studies Academy or our approach to IB. Um, so, um, Miss Clark could give more details. But essentially, we are at the same time we're working with you all to get feedback and approval for the proposal. We're also um doing Outreach to our um School leadership teams to say hey do you have an interest in hosting this program at your school? Um, so the quick answer is it would be hosted at 1 of our high schools. And there are a number of factors that determine whether um, how we would come about that recommendation, but that is
happening over the next few months and traditionally that process has been Managed through the special programs and centers committee. So working with Dr. Rasheed and committee members, we would bring a recommendation to that committee um for for the placement um, because in the fall, we would start advertising. Um, so can you speak a little bit about some of the Things that go into consideration for placement. Absolutely, you did a great job but just to add on, um, as Mr. Sleven stated we will hold um, principal information sessions for the high school principals. Um, and then our
committee will look at, uh, they'll fill out a survey if they're interested and why their school is interested. Uh, so we really look at the alignment with the community survey that we did, um, the building leadership so that interest survey will look at, um, building capacity. Do they have the room for a program at at their school? And then we'll also look at Transportation. So a committee will come together, all of those schools that submit interest, the committee will look at that and then, um, have a recommendation Excellent, thank you, Dr. Deans
Um, do we have the capability of knowing if a school has a higher percentage of students? From these 2 languages. Versus other languages. Don't do we have that? We have that capability, right? Did you what was your question of the interest in a languages? No. The numbers of P of families that are in the school. That might have this language, as their as
Their basic language. I I believe we if we would be able to access that information through the student information system. Yes. Might that be a consideration as to where it would go? That would allow the immersion piece. Uh, I assume by getting the The family. Community team to it likely would be um 1 of the 1 of the Purposes of having the principal go, the school leadership team really go through the reflection reflective exercise
of putting in an application is that it makes sense for their Community. Like we wouldn't want um a principal likely wouldn't be drawn to applying for this Academy if their Community didn't share kind of aspirationally some of the goals of the academy and I would imagine that would fit into that process that the school leadership team would go on, but I think that's a good point for us, to consider. Yeah. and the, the governmental agencies that could use this, um, Group of students that we're growing, um, that would be
some opportunity for mentorships from them as well, right? How how have you explored some of those agencies? Yes, we have begun that process and um, as Miss James read 1 of the quotes as well, there is seems to be interest. So we are really excited to explore the opportunities for our students here, and, and provide some different different types of opportunities for them. Miss Chandler. Thank you Miss Donnie who, um, thank you so much for the presentation. I, I will say, um, I don't feel
any hesitancy about it, although I always sort of come back to the idea of the buses are so hard. But, um, this is really unique opportunity that we have, um, access to the federal government. Um, Just about any corporation that exists in the world, it has a presence in this County and to hear that the, um, Latin econ, Economic Development, um, has actually taken the step of endorsing, for lack of a better word. Um, this program,
I I do feel very excited, um, it's that access to DCPS that so unique. Um, and I, you know, I think it's a good fit for our very diverse community And I I could imagine as things progressed even expanding it it into different languages, um, like Miss Donna Hugh. I enjoyed studying languages too, and and studying, French, and Japanese throughout my education. Although I wish I had something to show for that. Um, at this stage in my life. Um, but more than anything, I
think what I um gained from it was an appreciation for the cultures and an openness to people who are different than me. And that's something that's just a natural fit for Loudoun County. Because, of course, we're full of students who are you, you know, representing all the countries in the world. Um, that said, um, I and I, I will say, I did attend the international Summit last year, and it was an amazing experience to see all of the Um students who came from other countries to visit, Loudoun
County and to see what unique connections. They were able to make with our students. And even though it isn't necessarily connected, um, in algani and district, there have been lots of international exchanges. We've had French exchange students that had PTO Falls, um, just last week and it was a great experience for even the students who didn't have exchange students staying in their home. So, um, I'm pleased to see all of these opportunities and I'm curious if you could share um, what other divisions and
school districts Nationwide, have similar programs. Do you want to speak to that Miss Clark? Yeah, I'll start off and then miss James and Miss Graham can add in as well. Um, there are similar programs but nothing quite like what these 2 ladies have put together in this proposal. Um, so we have researched um across across um, Virginia, but outside of Virginia, we have visited other schools that have similar programs, but all that them um speak as well. How this 1 will be unique
I think 1 way that this program is unique and doesn't exist. Anywhere else is the, um, the career Focus. That comes with this, as well as the interdisciplinary academic approach. Yeah, we we when we did our research um there were some programs that were similar in a focus on global citizenship but not so much that career. Focus of how are we putting students in careers or giving loud and students an edge when they're looking to go into these fields? And so there are some that like I said tend to focus more on are they
taking a couple languages or something along those lines, but not to not with the career focus of this. So, specifically, Miss Chandler, there there is an academy that we've consulted with in Prince William County. And there's also a school in New Jersey that we're modeling some of the early thinking on and that we've connected with them. And I'm sorry in Virginia Beach. So specifically those those are some of the schools that we've done some research on. That's a great context and I it definitely resonates with me that career pathway, which is so important. So um thank
you for the information. Miss label. Thank you, madam chair. Thank you for the presentation. I love cultures, I love studying languages and I love traveling more about them. And I really love the fact that it's connected to CTE. I do have a question, however, um, you do require a student performance at the end of every year. Um, and you related it to the United Nations, sustainable development goals, are the students going to
talk about it? Do they present something? How does that assessment work? So it'll be a Project based assessment. And if, um, it'll be similar to, for those of you that have attended, the, uh, International Summit, where students are looking at, how are they tackling these Global issues within their Community? Um, it might take a variety of forms. Uh, we have not ironed out whether there will be a presentation component. I think that is something we're definitely open to exploring, um, but that was 1 of the big pieces is it might take several forms based on the students talents and
where they may want to take that project. And with this presentation or assessment B in the target language. Potentially, um, they'll be taking annual assessments to measure their language growth and proficiency, but that will be a separate assessment from the, um, Global Connections project. I had 1 more question. Um, have have you all discussed or reached out to local universities to look at any kind of Partnerships with them to support the program. And if so, can you talk a little bit about that?
So we have started conversations um George. Mason University has a unique conflict and cooperation program. So they were talking about how they might support that not only within the curriculum, but they also have, um, opportunities over the summer and other Summits students May participate in. So that is 1 of the the ones we've started to explore. But, um, we've worked with, uh, our supervisor of of academic programs to look into other, uh, universities that might work with us. For not only the dual enrollment, social science courses, but also language
courses, That's fantastic. Very exciting. Uh, fellow board members, Mrs. Griffith Thank you, madam chair. Madam chair for today. Um, I I I'm sorry I'm late but I did have a question. Uh, when I was looking over the proposal, um, I didn't see Transportation costs listed, um, as you know, we have issues with transportation, we have transportation for other programs. So um, I'm looking for details on Transportation uh, as soon as possible. Thank you.
So Transportation costs would be contingent on site location um and um, as that would be impacting routing and pickup locations and drop off locations. So we don't have the information in this in this presentation right now. Um, I think that'll be vital, uh, because we have hubs for other programs where people where kids students, excuse me, get picked up and dropped off. So, um, that'll need to be clarified. Okay, thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Slovan, and thank you to the team for the presentation. And with that, uh, the board will be in recess until 6:30. All right. Good evening, and welcome back. Everyone. The board is coming out of recess at this time. We will move on to the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem. The Heritage guitar Ensemble is comprised of advanced artist Advanced and artist level students. Several have participated in the payan regional Governor's School and
this year 4 were selected for the all Virginia guitar Ensemble. The Ensemble performed at the 2025, Yale University, guitar, Extravaganza in February and received all Superior ratings in the district 16 State assessments on March 1st, The Virginia Department of Education. Recently, invited this Ensemble to perform at the Virginia State education board meetings, this coming August the 28th. Dr. Kevin vigil. Holds degrees from Shannon Doha University, Yale University, and the University of Memphis. He joined the
faculty of Heritage High School in 2005 to 2006. He was named the 2014 Shannon Doha University teacher of the year for lcps and presented with a Sir. Winston Churchill commemorative Crown by Churchill fellow Helen Sanderson for his work in Guitar, education in 2017. In 2020, Dr. V was chosen as the Joan C Edwards. Distinguished professor in the Arts at Marshall University. He currently serves as vice president for the Virginia guitar Directors, Association and is the chair for the National Association for music. Education, Council for
guitar education. We are pleased to have with us from Heritage High School, the guitar Ensemble. Thank you. I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, 1 nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all. Thank you very much, Dr. V, thank you students, for sharing your gift with us. We will now move on to item number 8 on our agenda student. Staff recognitions.
First, we would like to turn to tonight's first recognition. Uh, we will turn to miss label, the katakan District School Board member and to the acting principal Dr. Mike Martin of Mountain View, Elementary School who will be presenting the first recognition award Thank you, madam chair. Tonight. I have the distinct honor of recognizing 2, exceptional, Educators, whose quick thinking deep care for their students and unwavering commitment to the profession and to
the Mountain View Elementary School Community made a life-changing impact. At this time, I would like to ask Miss Madison Boyd, a second grade teacher in her third year of teaching and Mrs. Jessica, Corin a special education teacher with more than 20 years in education. 14 of which have been with lcps to join me at the podium. Recently.
these 2 Educators demonstrated extraordinary attentiveness, and decisive action when they notice something unusual about 1 of their students, During a busy school day, Miss Boyd and Miss Quorum observed subtle. Yet concerning changes. In a child's mind and expression signs that something wasn't just write their deep understanding of their
students. Paired. with their training and instincts, LED them to act immediately in a way that profoundly impacted our life, Miss Boyd, Miss Corum quickly alerted, the school nurse, who then reached out to the students parents Thanks to their response to student, was taken to the hospital where the doctors diagnosed the child with absent. Seizures further testing revealed a brain tumor.
Because of Miss Boyd in this quorum. And the dedication. And professionalism that they have displayed. Their ability to recognize early signs of distress and respond with calm, urgency exemplifies. The critical role Educators play, Not only in academics, but in the overweight, all well-being of the students their actions. Quite possibly saved your life and reinforced deep and
meaningful connections by teachers built with their students. Because of Miss void and Mr. Karm's Keen awareness and quick action, the student received the urgent medical attention, he needed under 1 surgery and is now recovering. This boy and Miss Corum, your commitment to your students, and your unwavering compassion, reflect the very best of Latin County Public Schools. It is with great admiration that we recognize your heroic actions and dedication to the
well-being of our students. Could we have Mr? Martin, your principal also join us. He has a few words to say yes, I do. Yeah, with enthusiasm. First of all, I would like to thank the school board for taking this time to honor these 2 deserving and really uh, such caring, uh, Educators that we have. um, According to research. This won't take long. The the typical teacher makes 1500 decisions every day. That's an
average of 4 decisions per minute, and Uh tonight Maddie and Jesse are being recognized because as they're in the middle of making 1500 decisions. Well 3,000, if you count times 2, right? Uh, they made a potential potentially life-saving decision to make sure that they reported what they saw in that student, that who was exhibiting some, uh, unusual behaviors in the classroom. They are warm-hearted.
Certain Educators, who take the safety and well-being of their CH of their students? Very seriously. And take it to heart. They are truly kind and humble, public servants. The type of teachers, they typify. The type of teacher that we wish for our children and for our grandchildren, my grandchildren, The war there is receiving this evening is inscribed as follows in recognition of exceptional care and dedication to students presented to Maddie boy Madison Boyd and
Jessica Corin By the Loudoun County school board for your unwavering commitment to your students, demonstrating excellence, in education. Your impact is truly appreciated and I've got gotta EPO our Dean and Brad to who our AP with the awards. No, go ahead. All right. To the right. Here.
Services, Jeff Joseph, principal of dominion Trail Elementary School, and Jane Kennedy, the family liaison at Dominion Trail Elementary School. Once again. And I'm the supervisor. Services of family and Community engagements. Thank you very much for the opportunity to share with you. The great work of our family liaison across the division spotlighting, the amazing family liaison at Dominion Trail Elementary School. Next slide, please. As we mentioned earlier in tonight's meeting, our family
liaison's main goal is to be the bridge between our families, our schools, and the broader loud and County Community. We have a family liaison in each 1 of our buildings who serve All Families but who focus on those with higher needs Family liaison connect parents and families of our students with a wide array of generous, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and government agencies within our community that can help with things like food housing, Healthcare clothing, employment, Etc, The goal is for our students to have their basic needs met
at home, so that they may come to school ready to learn and Thrive academically. Additionally, our family liaison help parents and families engage with their school and be meaningful, participants in their child's education, by helping them navigate school and division, technology, opportunities, and resources next slide, please. To give a brief snapshot of the work that our family liaison do on a daily basis. This slide shows data from December of 2024 Our family liaison across the division provided direct assistance to families through weekend meal bags. On campus
food pantries, winter coats holiday meals, and holiday gifts. They also made referrals and connections to resources in our community that provide assistance with food, clothing, Healthcare housing, utilities employment, and literacy. Family, liaison ensured that parents were engaged with the lcps community by assisting them with applying for free and reduced meal applications McKinney, vento Services, after school, clubs and activities. Fee waivers internet assistance and welcoming them to a variety of family
engagement events within their school buildings. Next slide, please. Our family liaison support goals 1 and 4 of the 1 L strategic plan for excellence. Most notably goal 1.3 prioritize care for students by ensuring a safe and affirming learning environment for all and goal 4.1 deep in family engagement, by offering inclusive opportunities for a conversation across the division. Next slide. It is now my pleasure to turn it over to the principal and family liaison of dominion Trail Elementary School, Mr.
Jeff. Joseph. And Miss Jane Kennedy for you to see the incredible work of our family liaison in action. Thank you, Sarah. All right. Thank you very much. Uh, my name is Jeff Joseph. I am the, uh, have the honor of being the principal at Dominion Trail Elementary. I don't know if the school board has learned their lesson or not, but last time you gave me this microphone, you gave me 30 seconds and I took 6 minutes and 43 seconds. So I've I've learned my lesson it will not be that long as you can tell from the slide. Um our school is a typical Elementary School 1 of the things
that uh sticks us apart from a lot of others. As we have a large amount of diversity and I'm very proud of that diversity. That's at our school. I have 4 children in the county that have gone through County Schools. 3 of them are still in it. Um, and I'm proud to bring them to our school because our school looks like the real world. Um, and when you come to Dominion Trail Elementary 1 of the things that we focus on is family engagement. We have a big seal right in front of our office that reads where families come together. And the person I'm going to introduce to, you literally puts that into action with everything she does
for us for our teachers, for our Students and our families, um, and our in our community. Uh, so the star of our show and our wonderful wonderful family liaison, Jayne Kennedy. Thank you, Sarah. Thank you, Mr. Joseph, and thank you to the board and Dr. Spencer, inviting me to speak this evening. Um, if I could have the next slide please, At Dominion Trail, we Empower students by providing families with the support that they need to make sure their students are can focus on school. So if you see in the pictures, um, we offer food assistance
programs. We have a food pantry that we open, I open every week and just yesterday, I welcomed 18 families. And I served over 53 children shared between those families. um, We send home weekly meal bags to 135 students. There's some overlap between the pantry and the meal bags and um others are only getting in the mail bags. Um both of those are provided um by Latin education foundations, fueled program. Um, they help us out a lot. Um, we also help families by
referring them to loud and hunger relief and Bridge feeds. Um, I could have the next slide. Sorry, I need to go back to the previous slide, my bad. Um, we also host, um, yearly giveaways, uh, in the fall, we do our coats shoes and Halloween costumes, giveaway. You see the picture on the top, right? That's a pretty popular 1, a lot of kids going home with Halloween costumes, Um, we refer Community, uh, to Community Partners like women giving back and Good Shepard Alliance for clothes. Um, as Sarah said earlier, we were for, uh, families to
services. Like the McKinney vento program and Laden cares Laden community Assistance, um, at the holidays, uh, we have a lot of work to do for Thanksgiving. We partnered with ladin Hunger relief and we sent home last year 60 meals to families in need Over the holidays. We ran ran ran a holiday gift drive for our school's neediest children. And in 2024, just within our community, we sourced 133 gifts for children in our
school. Um, also you can see the picture of the bike in 2022. We were selected to be 1 of the schools to get 15 bikes to give to our neediest families, who might not, not otherwise, be able to get them. May I have the next slide, please. So we also build engagement as our at our school and we do that um with lots of programs, we are the Huskies. So we have our Pack Leaders program where we invite parents into the building to spend the day in their children's classroom, get to know the school. They volunteer my
husband was there. Just yesterday with my kids and he was a cafeteria worker. He helped sort my lost and found. He helped stock my pantry. Um, he was in classrooms worked with special needs kids and, uh, because he Spanish speaking was able to make some connections that sometimes are harder for kids to make with their, uh, with the staff. So it was really a, it's a special program, very popular. Um, we also have a 2-day event each spring where families
can come and have breakfast with their kids. That's our doughnuts for the pack. Um, we run our parents' educational partners program pep for international families, so they can learn about the US school system. Get to know our school. And learn how they can really get engaged at school. Um, we also coordinate with our PTA, our wonderful PTA, uh who put on such great events. I think if you go to the next slide you'll see pictures of our Monster Mash. and um, some of our PTA events that are really popular, and
there you'll see, um, Miss Jennifer Fenner, from celery school, she's partnered with us um, to provide transportation for some of the families who aren't able to come to our events. So you may notice, I've been saying we this whole time and it's because these activities would not be possible without the help of our school. Um, front office, ladies our custodians, our staff, our PTA fueled Sarah boys. All the folks who help us out and especially our dynamic duo, our award-winning, um, team of Mr. Joseph. And Miss Lewis,
Who really engage and support my activities. Um, And finally, I just want to point out that I am hardly representative of the family liaison here in Loudoun County. I'm 1. Well, meaning white lady but we are a very diverse group of mostly women who represent the ethnic linguistic and economic diversity of Loudoun County, and like those ladies to who are here to wave. Hi, show them your here.
These are our family Leah songs. So Loudoun County is the wealthiest County in the nation and and yet. Right in the middle of Ashburn, we have a title 1 school, I means over 50% of our children, need free and reduced meals. and, Just this morning. A father came to me to tell me that. Pay or quit notice to leave their apartment. And this is a man who has never been without a job in his entire life and what was the situation right now, his, um, government adjacent, um, job was taken away and he is now unemployed
and he doesn't know as of tomorrow night. where his 2 Dominion Trail students, where his younger child, and where his pregnant wife are going to sleep, and so, I beg. That those of us here who can and who have a voice? Use it, please? So that we can ensure we could build a safety net to help all of these families. Thrive in Loudoun County. So that it is not just the
wealthiest wealthiest County, but also the richest county in this country. Thank you very much. Thank you all so much. Thank you, Jane and Mr. Joseph for being here and it's very evident. Um, as I mentioned earlier, the heart work that goes into this role for family lays on. So we appreciate um you giving the opportunity to shine our unsung heroes of lcps this evening. Thank you. Thank you very much, Miss Boyce. Um, thank you to your guests. Thank you for all the work that you do to support our community. My fellow board members. Do you have questions or comments?
Mr. Chernoff thank you. I there was an asked earlier because we had a presentation that kind of outlined in more detail about the work that you all do our family liaison and I Echo what Miss Boyce said you are unsung heroes, you do so much, you meet so many individual needs. Um I used to work in Title 1 schools here in Lan County and I I know firsthand just how many gaps you are feeling. And so we say thank you, we see you. Um if we can do anything to Further support you. I know you have a great team. Um,
that's in your corner but um, we really we really see the love that you have for the families of Loudoun County and that goes for all of you that are here tonight and are listening. Um, so I just wanted to make sure that we said that we said it earlier but you were here. So we're saying it again. Um and uh it's just, it's unbelievable and clearly. Impacting all of you at a deep level. So we really do. Thank you. and now, we will move on to item number 9 on our agenda, which is the introduction of our student School Board,
Representatives, Tonight, we have the pleasure of having 2 student Representatives with us. The first student, I would like to introduce is Joseph Eads show. A dedicated student and leader at Parkview High School as Captain of both the baseball and wrestling teams. He demonstrates outstanding, athleticism and teamwork. Joseph is also an active member of the football team. Showcasing his versatility. As an athlete, he has been involved with a student council Association for 4 years serving as an officer for 2 of those years. And is currently the sca president.
Additionally Joseph holds the position of treasurer for the National Honor Society, reflecting his commitment to academics and Leadership. Throughout his high school career. He has maintained excellent grades exemplifying his dedication to success both inside and outside the classroom, welcome to the Das Mr. Edhoy, the floor is yours. Good evening, everyone. My name is Joseph adio a proud senior at Parkview High School. I'm thrilled to share that. I've been accepted to several colleges with my top choice, being the esteemed Penn State University.
As I look back on this year. I'm filled with pride for the remarkable achievements and positive changes happening at Park View. We began the year with a significant step forward. The commencement of construction on our new school building in September. While this meant temporary changes, such as the removal of our football, baseball and softball fields. It also brought improvements a brand new parking. Lot was constructed in front of the school alleviating congestion and providing much-needed parking for our students. 1 thing that really makes me proud to be a Parkview.
Patriot is our school spirit. This Spirit truly shown bright during our recent Spirit Week. Every year, we raised funds towards a chosen charity, this year was dedicated to raising funds for a cause close to our hearts Morgan's message. A vital mental health, charity supporting student athletes. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community. We raised an impressive 2,684.10. In November, we reimagined our annual food, drive food can
drive transforming it into the Lively PA Patriot event. Instead of a single teacher dressing up as a turkey. Each grade level competed to collect the most hands, the top student or teacher from each grade level Face a good nature, Pine at our winter prep rally. This fun twist resulted in over 700 cans, being donated to our local food. Pantry demonstrating our commitment to serving our community. December brought the heartwarming breakfast with Santa, where we welcome to over 600 families.
Our clubs and sports teams including the National Honors Society and the wrestling team volunteered at Santa's helpers creating a magical experience for the children and distributing gifts. Additionally on February 20th. We celebrated the achievements of 12 deserving seniors at our winter. Graduation ceremony, making marking a significant milestone in their academic Journeys. Academically. We've also seen exceptional results, our recent math, as well, scores were outstanding with the 100%
pass rate, among seniors and an overall algebra pass rate of 92%. This speaks to the dedication of our students and the exceptional instruction provided by our teachers. The Arts are also flourishing at Parkview. We currently are in the midst of rehearsals for our spring. Play the ever popular High School Musical with opening night, scheduled for April 24th. We're excited to bring this energetic and beloved show to our community. Our friends team after a strong showing as Regional run-ups
last year, we returned with even greater determination securing first place at this year's Regional competition. In athletics, we celebrate, we celebrated 4 State, qualifiers 3, from our wrestling team and 1 from our track and field team. 2 of those wrestlers achieved, impress, impressive, placements, finishing, fourth, and fifth, all our track and field athlete qualified for the prestigious New Balance Nationals. Adding to our school's prominence Parkview is honored to host. The Virginia student council Association conference
on April, 4th and 5th, bring together student leaders from across the state. Finally, we're thrilled to announce that Parkview has been designated as an international balora school within Loudoun County Public Schools. This prestigious program will provide our students with rigorous academic opportunities and a globally recognized diploma, preparing them for success in an increasingly interconnected world. These are just a glimpse of many of the remarkable achievements and positive develop developments that have been made this year at Parkview High School.
I would also like to give a great shout out to our amazing. Principal Dr. Jefferson who's here in the crowd? And thank you for supporting me throughout this year? Thank you guys. Thank you, Mr. Edisha, you for being here and for your comments. Our next student representative is Ava Welsh. She's a senior at Woodgrove High School where she is the community service director on the Executive Board of the sca and it's also involved in field, hockey, swimming and theater. She is honored to represent her wonderful school and would
like to give a special. Thanks to Dr. William ship and Mr. Thomas Scott for entrusting her with this opportunity, welcome Miss Welsh to the Des. The floor is yours. Thank you. With a beautiful campus and a picturesque view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Would Grove High School has served our Western Loudoun Community exceptionally well in the past 15 years. Because of the environmental, awareness, and stewardship of its students, would Grove was recognized as a Virginia naturally school, by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
As a current senior Wolverine, I can say with confidence that my high school experience has been uniquely valuable thanks to the opportunities provided to me, and my peers, the 1,540 students get to attend a school. Every day with a faculty that is passionate about their subjects and love to teach. Under the guidance of our activities and engagement coordinator Mr. Shudy who was recently presented with the smile award for his efforts? There are over 70 clubs for students to join over 900 students, which is nearly 75% of
the student body at Woodgrove are in at least 1 of these clubs. Some of our largest clubs include National Honor, Society, Deca and Fellowship club. Some of our most unique clubs include acoustic, Jam, Club Neuroscience club, and the thriving pickleball Club. Our FCA is proud to reflect on the progress and fresh ideas this year has brought We have implemented. Many new ways to encourage school, spirit, increasing, our annual amount of Pep rallies, from 1 to 4. We have also brought back the spirit plate award, an
exciting year-long class contest after a decade of not having it. Giving the student body various spirited competition opportunities to earn points for their grade. Our Global ambassadors, and minority Student Union clubs, collaborate year, after year to bring the community together for 1 of Woodrow's. Most valuable events International Food night. Students are encouraged to bring a dish that represent their culture as well as participate in unique, dances games, and traditions. This past January, we had our most highly attended and successful 1 to date. There was
literally not enough space in the cafeteria to hold all the foods and guests. Next week, we, we will be hosting our annual International Summit. Where students from France, Italy, Poland, Estonia, Germany and Ukraine will be visiting our school and staying with some of our very own Wolverines. This event will be attended by delegations from several of our colleague lcps. High schools and will encourage students to think globally and act locally as our Global Studies teacher Mr. Talbot would say Woodgrove may be tucked away in rural Western Loudoun, but
we strive to connect with, not just our community but also the world around us. The athletic department at Woodgrove is exceptional. Our girls basketball team has won the district championship for 4 consecutive years and went on to win the state championship in 2024, our boys wrestling team is won back-to-back state championships during last season and just around 2 weeks ago this season, The girls softball team has won the state championship for the last 2 consecutive years and thanks to the hard work of our unified PE class. Woodgrove High School has been presented with the Special Olympics, unified Champion.
School bander would grow is 1 of only 9 schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia to receive this designation this year. The fine arts department has offered many Wolverines, a creative space for students to expand their minds and express themselves. The vhsl 1 act competition. Piece haters won first place in regionals this year. Our spring musical Greece, broke the school record for most tickets sold since opening in 2010. We are currently 15 days away from opening night of our Cappies musical Mamma Mia which is being brought together
by student-led music Direction and choreography. While the accolades Woodgrove has received our outstanding and well-deserved, it is the people in Woodgrove that make it a truly special place. As I move on to college, I will miss. And remember fondly our news show, wake up Woodgrove our choral program, filling the foyer with their beautiful songs and the school cheering louder than ever before, when our unified basketball, team hits the court. Every day we are reminded of our school. Motto, work honor strive as Wolverines, who are committed to making our
school. The best it can be each day. We work with Integrity, honor ourselves, and others and strive for Success. It is truly an honor to be here on behalf of my school and I can say with utmost sincerity that these past 4 years have made me proud to be a wolverine. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Welsh for being here and for your comments. And with that we having already heard the superintendent's report from Dr. Spence we will move on to item number 11 on our agenda, public comment. Thank you for engaging with the school board through the
public comment process, the school board, welcomes comments from Loudoun, County residents and believes that strong community and 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. 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 dignity of the school board at all times and abide by the public comment. Procedure set
forth in school, board policy, 2520 entitled participation by the public and on the lcps, citizen participation website. Those resources also provide information on the distribution of materials to school board members. Given that under no circumstances May a speaker approach. The Das In accordance with school board policy 2520 speakers should refrain from vulgarity obscenities defamation profanity or other light breaches of Civility decorum and respect. Speakers Also, may not Target criticize or attack
individual students Andor individual division employees during public comment or engage in conduct that otherwise disrupts or delays, the meeting. Inappropriately inappropriately loud conversations or outbursts from those in attendance will not be tolerated and security staff will be asked to restore order. per School Board policy 2520, when reasonable the chair will warn a speaker of breaches of decorum, or of these rules, prior to the chair terminating speaking privileges or taking other action, to preserve the civility, decorum
and orderly conduct of the meeting, which could include. But is not limited to the chair, directing staff to remove the attendee from the remainder of the meeting and or the public comment being concluded for the evening. The public is reminded that access to school board. Meetings is available through lcps, TV on Comcast channel, 18 and 18 and 1070 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. We will begin as we always do with our virtual commenters.
Our first speaker will be magali, kalco, followed by Sue Weber. Good evening. Um, my name is melica, I'm allowed on Valley State, Street resident, and a Rockbridge High School parent. I am here to oppose the blue route of the Dominion Energy golden Tomas project. The proposed line will be within 10 to 20 feet of our schools residents and right above our school, Pathway to the school from our community.
If you have been to our schools, they are buzzing with activities every day. I can't stress enough how concerning this is to the health of our children and our community, and our residents. I live right by the tree line. That separates us from the school campus and it appears these 3 line will be removed and replaced by giant monopoles. This is there is simply no expectation of privacy left either. This proposal is simply
unacceptable. Thank you. Our next speaker is Sue Weber, followed by Raj kottapalli. Good evening. Regarding Dominion Energy is Mars to Golden project. I urge the board not to recommend any roots. Today, the board does not have the final route details from Dominion. The SEC filling is plan. Filing is planned but has not occurred any decision today would be based on incomplete information. If the board moves forward, it raises a question. Is this
decision being pressured by outside influences? A premature recommendation could have unintended consequences for example. Opposing the blue route today could inverleigh support the green route, the closest to Rosa Lee Carter Elementary, which is also bad. Prioritize student safety. I trust you take this responsibility seriously and should consider all facts. Before deciding, please do not make a route recommendation today. Thank you.
Thank you. Our next speaker is Raj katapali followed by Trinh vu. On V Square where the route 3 of proposed golden M transmission line. What dangerously go close to my home and others in the community. uh, as a child to already with hyperactive immune system, I'm deeply concerned about the health risks and safety hazards of the placing high voltage power lines, within 100, ft of my home and many others. Uh, this project will also cause economic harm to the
families who build their lives here, it will fundamental change their lives of our family and many others. In the way that can be under. This is not a question of Route 3 versus Route 4. I um I'm here to respectfully urge the school board to oppose both Route 3 and 4 and to Advocate the Dominion Energy to explore the solutions. That better protect all love County communities. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you. Our next speaker is Trinh Vu. Followed by Omar boot. Can you hear me? All right.
Hi, my name is Trinh Vu. I'm the vice president of Long Valley estate with over 3,000 resident and we want to speak to you regarding the Dominion Energy going to Mars high voltage transmission line project. Um I urge the board to oppose all Latin County Park, Parkway route, and insist Dominion. Genuinely pursue underground solution. The minion addressability, drop all the underground, route in January, and that limits us to what, uh, they going to fight in
March with the SEC. Overhead line will reduce property value, increase health, risk, and severely disrupt. Our community, the women know, uh, knowingly. Choose a substation, unsuitable, for Line near dollars airport. Prioritize The Profit over uh Community impact, we asked the board to strongly oppose all Latin County Parkway route, support route for as a fallback maintain pressure on Dominion for undergrounding. Thank you. Our next speaker is Omar boot followed by Shreya
reval. Hi. This is omir Bach. I am a resident of L Valley 2. I'm here to let you know that I oppose the current, uh, plans of domain and energy and I suggest that the board select between option 4, uh and option 3 in respectively in preference. Uh, there are the more suitable options for our community. Uh Dominion Energy has plans to potentially put down 500 kilowatts, golden tomorrow transmission line,
which could would require overhead. Uh, lines passing through our community while I strongly oppose all of the proposed rows we are left, with no arrival alternative and our being forced to choose the least harmful option. So, as far as lease Harper options are concerned option, 4 is the most least and option. 3 is the second best. I urge divorce to please like between the 2. We as a community. Thank you. Our next speaker is Shreya reval followed, by
Brenda bankson. Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Is on the speaker is unmuted. Okay. Can you hear me? Can you hear me? We can hear you. We can hear you. Go ahead. Okay. Thank you. Good afternoon, my name is sang raal. And I'm a resident of The beautiful London Valley Community, and this is regarding the uh, dominions of proposed. Uh you know, extra high voltage, power line going through the community. Um while you know I strongly oppose all 5
proposed, you know, power lines um if since we are left with no choice but to Select 1 of them. Um, from my understanding based on the facts routes 1 2 and 5 have the highest impact from 700 houses to 12200 houses. um, Route 4 and Route 3 have the lowest impact which has been chosen by, um, the Loudoun County, you know Board of Supervisors. Uh my request to the London company. Uh with school board
is to strongly oppose all routes and if not possible to fall. Back on Route 4 Thank you. Our final virtual speaker is Brenda bankson. Instead, I tell my students, if you are free, free, somebody else. If you have power Empower, somebody else Using skills to benefit others is a core value of public education. The antithesis to the nightmare of project 2025.
PBS says it will be like going back when children with learning differences and challenging Behavior were not entitled to an education, Project 2025 pushes an extremist anti-public education agenda. But voters oppose. Destroying the DOE. Free societies, protect public education. Let's keep it that way. Since the only thing more expensive than education is ignorance.
Ben Franklin. Thank you. We will now move on to our in-person public commenters. Our first speaker will be Rojan paradkar, followed by Lauren liila stolen. Good evening. I'm a parent of kids that go to rosali, Carter, and Rockridge High School. And I'm here to urge you to reject all the routes that Dominion has proposed. And look for the partial underground routes and I urge you to do everything in your power to protect the health and well-being of our students. I would like to respectfully
remind the board that as a fiduciary, uh, it's your duty to deal with issues concerning assets of the school system and for your first priority, should be the same and health of the school children, as per the Virginia Department of education's, guidelines for school facilities. Page 16, uh, item number 9 location of schools near electric power transmission lines should be avoided. If new schools cannot be built next to power transmission lines, then how can you put them next to existing schools? You have to uh you rejected cell towers, this is worse. So both the proposed
green and blue routes go very close to the schools and right over the sidewalk that the kids are going to go to school. If you approve any of these routes, you're willingly sacrificing, The health and safety of the school children. It will take 2 years to construct this. And during that time, they're going to be walking under that. So the mic, all right. Uh, Can I submit uh The comments and the attachments with that. Oh. Only if you do it in the back. Um, please yield. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Lauren Layla stolen. Followed by Sam
mutra, Good evening, members of the school board. I'm here to express concerns regarding the golden Tamar's transmission line project. My name is Lauren, lilis stolen, resident of Loudoun Valley, 2 former lcps, biology teacher. And perhaps most importantly, a parent of 2, children, ages, 5, and 3 years that do and will attend Rosalie. Carter Elementary School, and Rockridge High School for a collective 10 years, each before they graduate, our family walks to. And from school every day and I do mean every day, including when the wind chill is 8 degrees, We also use the trails along broadrun weekly.
I believe the responsibility of the school board is to protect the safety health and well-being of the students and staff as they attend school. As such. I'm surprised to see the school board staff recommendation to reject the blue route. But not the green route, especially because the Virginia Department of Education guidelines for public school facilities, advises against placing schools near power transition lines. I have been following the progress of this project since the first public meeting that Dominion held based on my study of the golden tomorrow's project. I urge the school board to reject the green route outright, but leave the
blue route can open for consideration until undergrounding can be. Thank you. Our next speaker is Sam mutra followed by sisha bumer ready? Good evening. Uh thank you for giving me the opportunity to come in front of you. I'm talking about the golden Mars project again and specifically the green and blue routes, Both are really bad. Um, as as far as health effects are concerned, um, both are bad. Uh, it's kind of proven fact that it takes about a thousand feet for the electromagnetic
waves to dissipate and both the schools fall within that range. Secondly, during high winds, these transmission lines are not insulated, which means that they can be arcing and they can be electrical flashes. And both these lines, run down the Broad, Run Park. Full of vegetation. That means we could be dealing with a wildfire right in your backyard, please reject both these lines and all the lines if possible but definitely these 2 lines which are so close to the school. Thank you so much. Thank you. Our next speaker is sisha Boomer ready? Followed by bavna chandok
Good evening, everyone. My name is sirisha bumar and my daughter is a freshman at Rock Ridge. High School, while all 5 proposed Dominion routes have have some impact routes 1 2 and 5 along loud and County. Parkway would be, especially devastating affected affecting 1,200, plus families within 500, Feet of the center line and a total of 17 communities with the ripple effect of extending to thousands of homes. This
is not an easy Choice. My own daughter attends Rockridge High School but to minimize impact on our communities. I request the school board to support the County's. Recommendation Route 4 blue as the first choice if no other options including partial or full undergrounding RP is feasible. Thank you so much. Thank you. Our next speaker is Bob any chandok followed by Karthik tiro. Hello Board of Supervisors. My name is pavna Chando and I'm a resident of lv2. I strongly oppose Route, 1 2 and 5 along
the Loudoun County Parkway due to their severe impact on our community directly affecting 1200 families and nearly 1200. Sorry, 2400 children while Route 3 and 4 also raised concerns Route. 4 is the least disruptive of them. All as someone who suffered a double brain Amorous last year, I'm deeply concerned about the potential health risks. These high voltage power lines May pose. Especially for people like myself with health complications, the health effects remain unstudied and the disruption the project could cause
is worrisome. If a route must be selected, I strongly advocate for Route 4 4 which has the least impact. Although the file final decision is in your hands. I urge you to support the option and stand with us. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is kartik tiro followed by Bharat gandhari. Good evening. I'm Karthik tyrande. A resident of Len, Valley 2. I'm here to express, not only my perspective, but also the collective feelings of students parents and other concerned
members of our community. The Route 1. uh, A red red, red, 1, Route, 1 2 and 5. lines affect over 15 District communities with the orange line, having the most substantial impact, reaching 1,162 homes, the red and yellow lines. Also significantly affect a considerable number of residences. It is critical to take a data-driven approach and support
the recommendations put forth by the Board of Supervisors with route blue as the top priority and Route 3 green as the second option. In terms of impact, the blue and green lines present significantly less disruption compared to the other 3 alternatives. Thank you for this opportunity to express my thoughts. Our next speaker is Barat. Gandhari, followed by the V chidambaram. Good evening. While much of today's discussion will be focused on Route 4 blue, I want to highlight the serious concerns with
installations along the Loudoun County Parkway, which would become the default right away, both routes 4 and 3 are blocked. The loan County Parkway route would directly impact multiple schools include, including Stone Hill, Middle morefield station Primrose Daycare, where thousands of lcps, students, learn and play. Uh, this is an addition to the 1200 family that would be affected along these route. While students spend 6 to 7 hours in school, they spend its significant portion of 16 to 17 hours at home studying and growing up in the neighborhoods. That would be permanently altered by these
massive Towers. Beyond the visual and environmental impact, these towers would disrupt the daily commutes school bus routes and the emergency response times. Uh to minimize the harm I strongly urge the school board to support the Board of Supervisors recommendations of Route 5 or Route 4 as the first choice and Route 3 green. As a second choice, these routes have the least impact on our community schools and families. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Cond.
Oh, I'm sorry. I apologize. I'm so sorry. Our next speaker is Dia. Dei chidambaram, followed by shrinivas ravikanti. Hello, I'm Deva devam. A resident of lv2. I'm here to strongly oppose routes 1, 2 and 5, along Loudoun County Parkway as directly affects approximately 1,200 homes, and 2500 children. Approximately, whereas the route 3 and 4 are fixed less than 100 homes. These are a forever homes and we have all parents living with us given that there are not
enough studies conducted to fully understand the long-term neurological effects of exposure to these high voltage lines, especially for children and the vulnerable population. I kindly request you to keep options 3 and 4 open by keeping these options for and until open, we maintain the ability to advocate for a broader and more responsible solution 1. That does not simply shift. The burden to other neighborhoods but instead pushes for a long-term solution, thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker will be, is shrinivas revici followed by
sherisha Bellum. Thanks for allowing me to talk here. Um, I would like to um talk about this Dominion, um planning uh what's going on? Um, uh, out of 5 options given um, Um out I would recommend um out my opinion is uh to go for 4 and 3. Um, here are the reason for that, so I'm a number's guy. um, I looked at the impact uh um uh Given by, uh, you know what's happening in. Um,
In that 5 routes, I see the impact. I see the numbers and the numbers are like you know number 4 is like 5% of uh uh impact when you compared to the right of way which is number 5. So that's very, very low compared to any other route. And uh, second option is number 3, it's like, 10% 10 percent impact. So, definitely, I would prefer that now. Coming to the health of the people there. Who doesn't operate whole year, thank you.
Our next speaker is sherisha bellam. Condo followed by Nicole Cranford. Good evening, my name is sisha belam and I'm resident of lv2 community. And parent of 2 children who attend lcps schools. I'm here today to speak against the proposed routes for the 500 KV transmission lines from Golden to Mars, like many people in my community, I'm very concerned about the harm these routes could cause to our families schools and neighborhoods. I strongly oppose routes 1 2 and
5 which run along Loudoun County. Parkway these routes would affect over 1,100 homes and place. Thousands of families too close to high voltage, power lines, and understand. This is a difficult decision with no perfect option. We must remember that children exposed to these lines is not just limited to school hours but more at homes too. If we have a, uh, have to choose from the given options. I strongly urge you to keep uh, Route 4 as a first option and Route 3 as a second choice as these routes impacts less homes compared to the other routes 1 to 1. 5,
thank you for your time. Thank you. Our next speaker is Nicole Cranford followed by rahma raati. Good evening members of the school board and thank you for your time. I oppose all routes. However I do urge you to support the Board of Supervisors recommendation to approve Route 4 blue as the first choice and Route 3 as the second choice. Rejecting these routes with Force us to choose from um, routes 1 2 and primarily 5 which would impact more homes
neighborhoods keeping routes 3 and 4 in play preserves. Our ability to advocate for a safer Solutions in the future. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Rama reparti, followed by sushil bombard. Dear, Good evening. I'm ramai and a resident of lv2 for the past 17 years. Today, I'm here with my neighbors and my community to strongly oppose the 500 KV power lines along, Llano County, Roads, 1 125 under the golden Dumars project.
The These power lines, suppose a direct health risk, emitting strong, EMF radiation, not just to me my family, my neighbors, but also to the 1200 families along Route, 1 2 and 5 I plead the school board to choose option 4 recommended by Board of Supervisors as it has minimal. Disruptions to the health of the community. In conclusion, the biggest asset for any individual is their personal health and the health of their loved ones. So please approve the route for and save the community of the loving uncertainty. Thank you.
Thank you. Our next speaker is sushil bombard. Followed by mandira Roy. Good evening. I am sushil bombarder here. As a concerned parent of a rock Rich student and a lan Valley resident along with my community members, rejecting Route, 4 and Route 3 allows Dominion to use the right of the way which is the orange route, which as we heard has a Maximum Impact 1100, plus houses, 15 plus communities and schools such as Stone Hill, Middle School Moorefield Station Elementary as
well as Primrose Daycare, full or partial undergrounding. While desirable is a very difficult battle. If not impossible. It has been done only once in California, 12 years back and never again, uh, just because of the 10 times plus cost as well as the risks involved. That's why the Aspen to Golden uh, underground case was lost. So I urge the school board to think of all the communities that they represent As Leaders not just 1 Section and follow the Board of Supervisors recommendation, a Blue Route 4 as the first preference. Followed by uh Route 3 green uh just so that you know that
has the least impact on communities and environment. I hope the school board takes the right decisions as a leader in the best interest of the communities. Thank you, thank you. Our next speaker is Mandy Roi followed by Vani potini. Good evening, I'm here to share my son's perspective, aocra student, he thinks critically and he says 1 underground in while a highly desirable option may not be feasible. Given the tight timeline to complete by 2028 and the extreme high cost Dominion will not value the SEC to approve undergrounding. We must be realistic about it. 2 Route 4,
blue is the least impactful route the guideline about power lines. Near School applies only to new schools, not existing ones for the greater good. This guideline can be. Overlooked leadership is not about making tough decisions. The school board has the opportunity here to set an example example by acting with foresight responsibility and courage route for blue causes the least disruption. Please do not it. I stand here as a proud parent deeply appreciative of rosali store Hill Rockridge teachers, who have shaped my
have shaped my son's character, teaching him to think, critically speak up and contribute to meaningful C. Discussions like this. 1. Thank you so much. Thank you. Our next speaker is Vani. Potini. Followed by gopinata manachi. Good evening, members of school board. Thank you for this opportunity. My name is Vonnie putini. I'm resident of lauden Valley, and I am here with my other community members. Today, I'm here to express my concerns regarding dominian, energies, proposed high voltage, transmission
lines. Golden to Mars Dominion. Energy has proposed 5 possible routes for 500 KV golden to Mars, transmission line, all of which would involve overhead lines running through my community. I oppose all the proposed lines. However, we are being forced to choose 1 of the proposed routes due to lack of any feasible. Alternative. I request School Board to please consider the routes recommended by Board of Supervisors, Route 4 blue as first choice and Route, 3. Green a second choice. As they have least impact to the community, compared to the other routes 1 2 and 5,
which impact more than 12200. Plus Homes are located within 100 to 500 ft uh distance. I once again, urge both to consider the least impacted routes to the neighborhood. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is gopinata. Meni followed by lyanna paradkar. Good evening, board. My name is Gopi. I live in Alden Valley 2. What and why why what I'm what I'm going to talk about. I'm talking about the same Dominion Republic, transmission lines, high voltage power lines.
Why? Which we have to choose the board. I'm asking the board to choose the least impact lines. What are those 4 and 3? So the other lines have a high impact, which pass through the Loudoun County Parkway, which affects all our community members. There are actually the statistics. I'll be given Loudoun board already chosen board supervisors already chose the 4 and 3 as options. Why? Because they look at the facts. What are the facts dominian as presented? The impact
analysis? As as well as the feasibility study, both of them as given a choice of 4 and 3. So I would like to cons. I would like the board to consider. What are the option given? What are the facts given and choose 4 or 3. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is lyanna. Paradkar followed by Newman Brahmin. I'm a student of Rockridge High School and my sister goes to Rosalie Carter and we walked to school. Every day. Under the route that dominian wants to build 500 kilovolt power lines on. I and my fellow students and teachers are afraid.
The table of impacts that Dominion has submitted needs to also include the number of students and staff and their families that will be affected. We have a document provided that that accounts for the students and you will see that the green and blue routes are. In fact, the most impacted routes will provide that later. What if I 1 of my fellow students gets hurt or dies due to some accident during the 2 year construction period? Kids could sit under these polls and get electrocuted. Natural disasters could increase the chances of damage to these lines, causing them to fall. There's also isn't enough research done to know of exposure to these kill. These 500 kilovolt power lines
could cause irreparable damage to our health, as a student of the lcbs system. I urge that you and the Board of Supervisors. Go back to work with dominion and figure out an alternative that does not impact our communities and our schools. You are not responsible and should not be pressured to solve a problem that you did not cause. Thank you for your time and I hope and pray that you will do the right thing for our schools. Thank you. Our next speaker is Newman. Raman. Followed by Chris Countryman. Good evening members of the board. Uh, my name is Noman Ramen and I'm a resident of Loudoun County uh, like many
others in the community. I take great pride in our schools and want to ensure our children's teachers and staff, have the safest possible learning environment. Uh, I also work in this uh field of Public Safety, Ai. And I'm here today, as a concerned citizen who saw firsthand how emerging threats uh, require smarter more proactive Solutions, uh, a couple years ago when I was graduating from undergrad, I was deciding which county to move into. I decided Loudoun County. It's 1 of the best, uh, counties, uh, for for everything, right? And the main thing that I've noticed um in our schools is um we have the best systems and
Technologies but when it comes to our actual security system VMS uh they don't have any like a third set of eyes right now in this space. Uh there's a lot of competitors, there's a lot of companies but I think the school board in our actual um school system should take a look into advanced AI Safety Solutions that detect for weapon detection and other Advanced capabilities. Just because um, it's really important to me and my 2 children, thank you so much. Thank you. Our next speaker is Chris crunch, Countryman, followed by Corey Bernay. Good evening.
Today, the Federal Department of Education was told to go home. Half of those folks will not have a job to return to on Thursday. Public education is under attack and regardless of the political affiliations of their parents or anyone in this room, the children will pay the price. Have you truly looked into the impact of no Federal Department of Education, or the impact to the funding and how we make sure the basic fundamentals of a public education are reinforced and all students are served in a
manner to help them become productive citizens to create a better future. Because the answer cannot be to ask Educators to do more with even less Educators. Have already been leaving the profession because they are dehydrated from The Sweat and Tears, they've given their veins of collapsed. There is no more blood for them to give I am not advocating to cut programs but I am asking you to temper the new Endeavors and the projects that dominate staff time with the harsh reality in front of us. Thank you. Our next speaker is Corey Bernay, followed by SRI
nigiri. My name is Corey Brunei and I'm an English learner teacher at broadrun high school tonight. My remarks, do not represent those of Leah or any other lcps employee. I am speaking for myself as a lden county taxpayer as a parent of 4 children who attended and graduated from lcps schools and as a current employee tonight, you will be voting to voting to approve the names of the spaces in 4 elementary schools as Amazon. Think big Corners, the donation was laudable, but should not come with any naming caveats. I
think this opens the door to renaming other spaces, such as the future. Lockheed Martin Stadium or the Panera Bread cafeteria. Lcps has always had strong Community sponsorships and Partnerships without such strings lcps, deserves better than this. I urge you to not vote to name, the spaces lcps will never outperform its educators. Thank you. Our next speaker is Sri nigari followed by anvita gandhari. Good evening. All the board members.
First, I want to express deep concern for sudiksha. Coney. ALCS and uh, Thomas Jefferson graduate, who is missing? The spring break. So I respectfully urge this board to pass a resolution of support and prayers for her safe return. our community is watching and hoping, The next 1 is Dominion power. So what are we doing here,
right? So uh first thing We are making the concrete jungle so I think Board of Supervisors is already approved. Made the decision. They are the decision makers, with the option 4. I just want to support that option, and I want to be with them. Second thing is, your job is to do basically to support education. Not at the infrastructure, so, focus on your duties, leave the infrastructure, who approved the data centers? So, thank you very much. Thank you. Our next speaker is
anvita gandhari followed by Norma Ayala. My name is invita gandhari and I'm a freshman at Rock Ridge High School. When my favorite hobbies is walking around Loudoun County, Parkway, and Stonehill, middle school with my friends. It's not just me, many residents, love the walking trails in Greenery in our community, but if the power lines are installed along the road, I'm worried, we won't be able to enjoy this the same way after carefully. Reviewing the proposed routes. I realized just how much they will impact our community. This is a tough decision, but it's clear that we need to choose the option that
causes the least harm which is root for. I strongly oppose, Roots, 1, 2 and 5 which cut through Loudoun County Parkway. If there are no other feasible Solutions, I urge the school board to follow the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, recommendation to minimize the impact on our communities. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Norma, Ayala followed by mcna chandok No Norma Ayala. Our next speaker is Magna chandok followed by Aion subramoni. Thank you.
Magna chandok is not here. Uh, Arun subramony. and after that, we'll be Ragu, Kulkarni Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is a n Erin Brockovich moment. Schools are most sacred for our children. Students teachers and staff. We are opposed to all routes. Proposed, as the impact study, is deeply from deeply flawed. Scientific and health risks include childhood. Leukemia, This is human carcinogen group to be ladies and gentlemen.
Risk of cognitive development neurological and behavioral effects like Alzheimer's and adverse reproductive outcomes. Safety hazards. Include violation of Virginia Department of Education. Guidelines. If it is not good for new schools, how come it is good for existing schools request corporate greed. Not to take over and dominion and other utility companies to think and do the right thing. Let science facts and human values prevail. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Ragu Kulkarni, followed by
maduri goini. Hi B. Hi board members. Of, uh, learning County Public Schools. Uh, this is Ragu kardi. I'm a resident of uh, Lorden Valley. Vages. Um, I've I've been living there, uh, since uh, almost 20 years now, uh, I have, uh, 2 kids going. And, uh, graduated from uh, a lot of, uh, from Rock Ridge roselli Carter. Uh, I Um, engage in power enrich. Definitely Dominion is helping our community build strong,
uh, power lines. However, they have to, uh, engage, uh, the community, uh, options and listen to the board of uh, supervisors and, uh, build accordingly. The first would be build underground. If not please uh choose the Board of Supervisors uh route uh for or Route 3. Uh because those are the least impacted ones. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you. Our next speaker is maduri gogani followed by
Raji. Ramanathan. Hi, good evening everybody. Uh this is me, I strongly urge you to leave the route 3 and 4 open for further discussion while these routes may impact fewer homes and families know 1 should be sacrificed. However by keeping them as options. We maintain the ability to advocate for a broader modes modes responsible solution 1, that does not simply shift. The burden onto different neighborhoods but instead pushes for a real long-term resolution, if we remove these 2 routes now we lose opportunity to challenge. The viability
of all 5 routes and make a strong case for underground placement which will significantly reduce the risk and disruptions to our community. The most friends pressing concern is that not enough Studies have been conducted to fully understand the long-term neurological effects of exposure to high voltage power lines, especially for children and vulnerable populations. Other Counties have taken a precautionary approach implementing stricter, regulations to protect their citizens yet. Here we have not such safeguards in place. Leaving our community at risk. Thank you.
Thank you. Our next speaker is Raji Raman. Followed by locksmith. Um, hi. Good evening. Uh, my name is Raja Ramadan. I am from uh, Lorden Valley. Uh uh, 2. Um, so um, this is regarding domain energy find KV, uh, transcription power line. Um, so um, I strongly uh, reject reject Route 1 to 5, um, because it is going through, County Parkway and it has a Major Impact. Um, if the school
board rejects Route, 3 green and Route 4 blue, the Dominion power will default to write of the way, which is Route by orange, which cannot be which cannot be legally. Challenged by school board, or Loudoun County residents any, we cannot do anything about it. So this Loudoun County Parkway, uh, line. The Orange Line will impact, Stone Hill, Middle School Primrose Daycare, Innova Argent care. They didn't even care about the hospital and lot of houses.
So please choose Route 4. First Choice Route, 3 green or second choice. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Lakshmi. Followed by Kamal. Goini. Good evening, ladies. Speak in front of you today about this dominian, high power lines. My name is Lakshmi Peri. I'm a resident of lv2, uh, since 18 years. I lead a very happy and peaceful life, uh, here without any major concerns but today. And, uh, I want
to say that my kids went to Rosalie. Carter Stone Ridge and uh, uh, rocket. And now, they are leading a very successful life. Thank you to the lcps and the board members and I 100% uh, honor your uh, lcps board members. But today here I'm uh, I'm here to Oppose, the Dominion, power lines, 1 2, and 5. Based on the analysis and statistics, the impact is very high when
compared with Route 4 and 3, the blue, and green As I mentioned, I respect the lcps but thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Kamal. Goini followed by anapora Poogie Good evening, school board members. My name is Kamal gogani, I'm a parent of 3 children. I've been living in London Valley for last uh, 16, 18 years, 16, 18 years and bestlee. bestlee. I personally, uh, oppose all routes being its
effects, uh, Community, many communities, and students and living in the area. And but, uh, if basically the Board of Supervisors already chosen, uh, recommended Route 3 Route 4 3 Route 4 as a first choice and Route 3 as the second choice based on the impact and impact of the communities and uh, uh, things. So I would basically support the same, uh, options. Uh, I request you to the, uh, support Route 4, as the first option, Route 3 as the second option. Thank
you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Anna pora. Panati, followed by Rajiv naluri. Hi, my name is anapur. and, I live in Loudoun, Valley to in Ashburn, I'm here with many other residents from my community to strongly oppose Romanian energy. High voltage, power lines through all routes, especially Route, 1, 2 and 5. I strongly oppose these 3 Lines because this is going to impact the health and well-being of my family. My kids Neighbors in my
neighborhood community, since we are exposed to high, electromagnetic fields, we which are within 500 ft of our houses. Walking trails on Loudoun, County Parkway. if there is no solution or no underground Alternatives, I urge the school board to approve route for as a first choice and Route 3. As the second choice which causes release community and environmental impacts. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Rajiv nouri. Followed by
Vijaya ravak Kanti. Hey, good evening everyone. Uh this is Rajiv. I'm a resident of Loden Valley for last 12 years and I am here to strongly oppose all the power lines. But Some of my neighbors, uh, said that, you know, requested you guys to reject all the lines, but I just want to remind that if you guys reject all the lines. So you are giving a Dominion, a choice of going with the right of way by choosing option 5 Route 5, which is orange, which has
largest impact on the community, like, 1100 plus houses. And then, uh, there is a Stone Hill Middle School right behind it. And then there is a prime Rose, uh, uh, daycare and then more Field. Elementary School is passing through and then there is a hospital. So it has the largest impact. So I requested the school board to support the Board of Supervisors decision of Route 4 blue as the first option and Route, 3 green as the second option. And uh, I I I wish
School Board takes the radiation to protect our community. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Vijaya ravikanti. Followed by Rohan kandikonda. Good evening, uh, Board of members here. Um, I'm in this community similar community that everyone is talking about and uh and for the past 18 years or so. And think about it. I just want a question everyone here. Think about 1,200 plus, over 2,000 kids suffering with something or the other in the long term and thinking about
120 or 150 kids suffering with long-term things, uh in the long term with kind of Electric magnetic waves or whatever we call. Who would you choose? Think about it. Alright let's let's really think about it at the same time. We are all talking about impact to schools every time. No no, no, no, no, no, no route for no Route 3 everything but think about it. Every student spends only 1 third of their time in school remaining time is all spent at home. So, think about that.
And please, we strongly urge, please support, uh, Board of Supervisors, station and go for Route 4 and Route 3 if given a choice. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker, is Rohan kandikonda followed by Carolyn. No Rohan kandikonda. Our next speaker is Carolyn. Followed by dang raval. good evening saying yes to high voltage power lines above our schools during ongoing threats to the Department of Education is doubling down on the idea that our future, our
our children aren't vitally important allowing those power lines to run through our beautiful diverse community and 1 of the richest counties in the nation, to save a dollar for billion dollar, corporations is reminiscent of outrageous. Environmental injustices in places, like Dallas, Texas, Jackson, Mississippi and Flint Michigan. Where politicians devalue, the specific people who would be impacted. Most certain communities are disproportionately burdened by environmental, contamination and health risks, don't do
this to us. Don't dismiss our concerns, our kids are counting on you. You have a chance to say no, please exercise. It underground the lines. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Devon raval. Followed by Rahm. Ruby ready? Okay. No, Devon raval. Our next speaker is Ram rupy ready. Followed by rash ready? Excuse me. Followed by rash ready? ADI, puree. Good evening board.
First of all, as a I'm here to talk about the golden Mars for project. Um, I would have asked both to reject all the routes, all the options. If if that is not a possible, you should go with the option recommended by the Lord and County Board. So in case if you plan to reject the option 4 it should reject option 3 as well. Because option, 3 also equally dangerous, it is pretty close to the homes and schools. Um, and also Advocate to go for the uh undergrounding option.
Developing countries like India. They are going underground in the, in 1 of the uh, Capital City. They are building new. So, develop a country like us can easily offer that 1. And also there are lot of people in the root 3 who are retired, teachers and Veterans, probably, who are not aware of all these happenings. And because just because we have the under representation from the particular route, you should not ignore that. I really appreciate, you know you are looking into this 1 and argue to either go with root for if in case you reject route for issue 3. Also thank you.
Our next speaker is Ramesh ready? Adipur followed by Andrea Whits? Good morning, I'm resident of lens, Valley State and Ashburn, and I'm living there for past 6 years. I'm here to raise my concern about Dominion. Uh, proposed 500, kV line going through our communities. We all know the high voltage line is a big threat, uh, to the health of the residents. So out of 5 proposed, uh, roads.
And after analyzing I request the board to accept Route 4 as it will have a minimal impact than other roads. uh, and also, I want to mention there is a petition in the change of.org, And thousands of Legends are signing that petition. Thank you. Thank you. Our final speaker is Andrea whites h. I didn't come to speak on a particular topic. Uh, of late. I've been wondering if in a 100 years when people
say, how did they let this happen? I don't want to be part of that. and so, All I have is. A voice little as it is. and, I am using it. To ask you. Because your voice comes with power. Please make sure. Every child belongs here in Loudoun and that they know it
and don't be afraid. To make sure that our children are protected. Thank you, black lives matter. Thank you to everyone for coming out today and providing your public comment. Board members. At this time, we will take a short recess and reconvene at 8:10 p.m. All right, the board is back from recess and we will continue with item 12, our action items beginning with item Tonight's first action item recommends that the school
board. Adopt the proposed meeting calendar for the dullest South Secondary School, attendance zone. Change process. We will hear from Mr. Kevin Lewis, the chief operations officer regarding this item, Mr. Lewis, Thank you, Vice chair, Donna Hugh. We, uh, appreciate the opportunity to be here tonight. So tonight we have in front of you, our calendar, for our spring, um, attendance zone, change plan, that we have looked at for the Dallas, South area. And so your um consideration tonight is simply on the calendar that we would agree to start that process. Um, as
you see on that calendar and you know, the week after spring break, we would be coming to the board with a staff plan. We'll have many conversations in house and develop a plan and come to the board. With what the staff is proposing for us. The first consideration and then the board through that process and that series of meetings that you see in the attachment, um, where we would have that series of meetings and ultimately have a decision point on June 10th, this action would be for those
Schools, identified only for, for changes. We will notify all the elementary schools and high schools in that area. Just so everyone's aware. Um, and then the plan is for those changes that the board adopts would take place in the fall of 2026, uh, we would not do it in the fall 2025 to give folks, especially at the secondary level, time to make changes to their their plans and, um, you know, be prepared for the, the following year. So those would go into effect on fall of 2026. So I'm happy to take any questions you may have.
Thank you, Mr. Lewis Is there a motion? Mr. Strefy. Thank you madam chair. I move that the Len County School Board. Adopt the promotes meeting calendar for proposed meeting calendar for the Delta South secondary school attended zone change process further, the following secondary and Elementary School. Communities be notified of the attendant zones, change process Freedom, High School, John champe, High School, light Rich, High School, jensford Middle School, Mercer Middle School Willard, Miller School. All the elementary school, our Cola Elementary School,
Buffalo Trail, Elementary School Cardinal, Ridge Elementary School, go and post Elementary School, Henry at a LAX, Elementary School HOV. Elementary School, Hudson Farm Elementary School, Liberty Elementary School. Little River. Elementary School. Pine Brook Elementary School. Hutchinson oh Pine Brook, Elementary School. Notifying a specific School Community does not indicate that the middle and high school attendance Zone, currently serving the community will change. Only that School attendance Zone adjustments, may be reviewed proposed or adopted. Thank you. There is a motion. Is there a second second?
The motion has been properly. Moved and seconded, Mr. Strefy, would you like to speak to your motion? Thank you, madam chair. I don't have anything to add or additional context beyond what Mr. Lewis mentioned. So I will leave it to discussion. Is there discussion board members? Dr. Rashid um, I I had a question for um, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Lewis. Just if, if you could clarify again, uh, especially for some constituents that reached out for me reached out to me in the last 2 days. Um, if you could explain the red number in
parenthesis, when we go from the year, 2526 in that table on board docs, and you can see in like, for example in Willard and Middle School Willard Middle School, Mercer Middle School, you could see in parentheses it's 103 and when you go to 2627, it grows to 156 and then all and then it goes even higher in 2728 but then it drops in 28 and 29. And if you can just explain again to me uh why is that so all of the sudden from 2728 to 2829,
Thank you, Dr. Rashid, appreciate that question. And and our our efforts here are to identify that what the projections are if no change took place. So right now you can see in the 2526 year. The first White column is the 103% over the 1003 percent. Um based on what we project to have this coming fall and then in the 2, yellow columns are the 2 years that this uh, and we we've we've talked about this being an interim solution, so we were going to make
changes to these schools in in anticipation of a a larger attendance zone change. When we open F or High School 14, uh, they would open in 2028. So the 2 yellow columns are are the 2 years that we believe this position or this. Uh, Interim Change will be in effect and you're looking at the numbers. So, if if if the board made no changes this spring and did not make any changes at all. In these 2627 year, we believe that the enrollment would be 156, uh, over.
And then 206 over. So that's essentially the board's job is to to, uh, adopt a plan that eliminates or minimizes that over the next couple years until the entire area can be Revisited. Um, I will say that our goal is from the staff perspective is to bring to the school board. A plan that either does not or minimizes any um, changes that would have students that would be changed this time. And then again in the fall, 28 as as well. So that's what we'll be
working for and we'll be bringing a plan. Hopefully that does as as we can to do that. Uh, Mr. Lewis, It also says 22 in parenthesis for light Ridge. Um, if you can explain how that drops from 22 to 67. Um, when you go from 2728 to 2829, Right. So that it just indicates that. That light Ridge will be overcrowded at that point as well. And that those those numbers include the the modellers which they do at Willard and and Mercer as well. But again, if if the board chooses a solution that reduces the number of students that
are going to Willard, then that will also reduce the number of students that will be going to lightbridge. Yeah, because I think you Feeds into light Ridge. Yes, ma'am. As currently it is correct. Thank you, I have no other further questions. There are other discussion. Seeing no further discussion. Okay. Um, Madame clerk, can you please open the vote? And board members, please record your votes. Madame clerk, can you please close and display the vote? That motion passes with Mrs. Griffith's uh, in opposition
and Ms. Mansfield absent Okay. So next we will move on to item 12.2. Out of the finance and operations. Committee contract, Award of ifb 24537 Administrative Building third floor renovation. Speaking to this item will be Mr. Estray chair of the finance and operations, committee, and Mr. Lewis again the chief operations officer, the gentleman in the floor is yours. Thank you, madam chair. I move that the L County School
Board approve. The contract Award of ifb, 24537, administration building, third floor, renovation to GCS sigal Inc. In the amount of 1,211,884 and authorizes the chair of the school board to sign the final contract documents upon presentation. Is there a second second? Thank you, Dr. Rasheed, the motion has been properly moved and seconded, Mr. Strefy, would you like to speak to your motion? Thank you, madam chair. Um, I don't have much to
add, uh, beyond the context that was discussed when this was information item in our last meeting, um, this was discussed, um, in committee. Um, there was some discussion around, um, um, this as a budget item, um, looking at, you know, uh, speaking of it, in terms of priorities, um, and um, how how, this item came about, um, and beyond that, I'll just leave it to Mr. Lewis to add any additional context. I don't have anything in specific to to add. I'll be happy
to take any questions. Board members. Is there further discussion? This is Griffith. Thank you, madam chair. Um, per our fno meeting, I mentioned all the reasons why we should put off Renee Bing, the third floor administration building. Um, I continue to say no to these projects. I did not vote for this cap. Uh, that was the previous School Board. It is on the agenda today for us to vote on it, we can choose to vote. No, this is another vote where the Optics, do not look good for the
school board. If we vote for these Renovations, I have a letter today from Miss Lisa, Johnson from Guilford um She writes, uh, you know, please check your mailbox, uh, at the administration building for, I'm sorry, that's the wrong part. Um, I just wanted to give you all an update pertaining to the student letters. Um, and the gift book we sent you last June. 7th, nothing to my knowledge. Has been updated nor communicated about a possible timetable for when the Cottages classroom HVAC registers Rusty bathroom
sinks or plans for a handicap access in our K3 bathrooms. Like the other elementary schools have can be put into place sadly. None of these seem to be included in the upcoming capital budget plans for fy2 to 30 either. Students enthusiastically wrote, you all letters, all of us, 9 months ago and with the extra funds in our budget recently disclosed we had hoped, uh, that we would, at least have new syncs in our common bathrooms to Cottage classrooms power washed with inside floors and siding
replaced, if you remember these Cottages are 27 years old and now it shows our other schools with cottages. At least have nice skirting around the bottom with holes with holes and not broken plastic. While we are always happy when you're when the school board is able to visit Guilford in person, as some of you didn't September 2024, if nothing happens changes as a result, it really does not make our students feel like we matter as much more. Uh, modern schools are built. We have these Bare Necessities already
as Charles Barrett. Says, I'll always, um, I'm it's always about the children. So I hope this is so, and with that, with that being said, it's a matter of Optics. So if we go to pay, if we go to vote for this today, 1.2 million for the administration building. What are the Optics? What is this? Say to, uh, schools that have are in desperate need of Renovations? I would like to also, um, Quote, a previous former School Board member, uh, Miss
Jill, turjan Terrell, 2012 to 2019. She had thought she had eliminated construction, um, in the administration building, including the school board Suites because it was a waste of money. The previous board did not choose to spend money on the administration building. So, with that being said, I'm hoping this school board will consider the Optics and consider that even though this is the cap. Um, and not the CIP program that money needs to go to uh
schools that much needed that much need Renovations. Um, I will reiterate that repairs and renovations to our aging schools. Should always take precedent over, reducing our carbon footprint, or renovations to the administration building. Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Dr. Rasheed, I'm happy. That the third floor is being renovated. I went upstairs. Um, I think last week and there's like a, a conference room and it's the size of a closet. Uh, the paint is chipping. I mean, uh, it's a little it's kind of dark and there
although I am sensitive to, you know, the other schools that are in need but um you know, board members, you do have a choice tonight um to make that decision if you want to renovate the third floor or not, but do remember we found a cockroach under this table? I believe a couple of months ago because we didn't change the carpets and there's a lot of stuff going on over here. Um so I although I I am sensitive to the lcps um the other lcps schools that are in need of it definitely without a doubt I just do want to say
whenever you get a chance go to the third floor it's like going to the 13th floor. The floor that is like you're not supposed to be going on but go there, it's it's, it does need some renovation. Um, but um, I I am mindful for the other lcps schools, they are in need, but I I still think that uh, the administration building does have to keep up um, with Renovations, thank you. Miss sure enough. Thank you. Um, Vice chair Don Hugh. I For me, I miss Griffith I I hear what you're saying. I got
I got the letters. I I worked at Gilford so I can definitely speak to that. And I have been in communication with them and Mr. Lewis about those ongoing projects and in our in the fall during the CIP and cap budget, we had these conversations and to me this this tonight is about the appropriate place in time for those conversations and when that should occur and that occurs during the budget cycle. So for me, I'm trying to look at this decision, not in light of, can we vote no in these funds will be moved to
renovate the schools because that they won't. We made that decision. Already, this these funds are allocated for Support Services. Correct me, if I speak out of term Mr. Lewis. And that decision was already made through that adoption and I understand that you didn't support that and I respect that. But for me, what I'm looking at here is These funds have been designated for this project and lcps went out and bid the project and took the lowest bid. So That is where I have to look at the decision. In terms of,
for myself, is to think about these funds have been designated for this project and now they've gone out and gotten the bid, that's the lowest. And so that's what we're deciding tonight. If it were a different conversation during the cap and CIP budget where we could allocate those funds move them from Support Services to renovations to beef up that Allocation that could have been a conversation then, but that time has passed. And I do appreciate you bringing it up in the sense that I want to be mindful. Going forward to make sure that I'm really looking at all those line items
in the next CIP and cap budget. Make sure that we're supporting those things and certainly after we got the letter from uh, Guilford looking at making sure that, you know, we're following up on those projects for the time and place of this conversation now, though, I am glad that we are taking the lowest bid for funds that were already. Allocated did I summarized that correctly. Mr. Lewis was it accurate? Yes. Okay. Thank you. Mr. Lewis, can you please speak to these, uh, the situation with the requests for updates at Guilford? Yes, ma'am. So we include a number of projects in the
capital budget for this coming. Uh, period or that this first 6 years. Uh, we're we're replacing or building an ADA ramp inside the building for the the, um, The stage in the gym. We're also replacing the gym floor. We're refreshing. The restrooms replacing a g, grease, trap, upgrading all the HVAC controls in in the building replacing all the LED lighting as well. So there are a number of projects in this, in this capital budget that is specifically designed to work on. Um Guilford Elementary School. As as as we are for many schools, we also have a
number of the projects that were identified a while back Mr. Steffy. And I walked the school, uh, number of work orders have been submitted in a lot of that work has been addressed by work orders and we will we're doing a follow-up after we got that note today as well. We we'll be providing um going back out and making sure we have all those taken care of that of work order, ready? Thank you, Mr. Esty Um I I I also want to add that um it's not just a matter of paint or carpet. I think that um this renovation
specifically going to support, um, the need to reconfigure the office spaces. Um, specifically so we have HRT, uh, business and finance. Um, and specifically division Council, I think they're Divi divided. They're on a different floor, if I'm correct. Um, and there is, uh, a functional need to have them together in a space that, you know, that is separate from other spaces. Um, and so that's something I considered in committee as well. Miss Chandler. Thank you, madam chair. Um, and thank you, Mr. Lewis. I I
really do appreciate. Um, my colleagues comments, um, in terms of really, looking at the appropriateness of this action, Miss shernoff, I really appreciate your um, considering the place and time, and how it is important to have a well-executed plan and to understand when updates are appropriate, because we do have 100 Schools and um, I also appreciate Miss Donnie, who's question and and Mrs. Um, context in terms of why these Renovations are being made um
It's always going to be a tough choice, but we have a responsibility to maintain the property the property that we have and the better that we maintain it, the longer, it will last, so thank you. Mrs. Griffith. Thank you, madam chair. Um, and Mr. Cherno, if you are correct, I did not vote for this. I did not vote for these Renovations. Um, I am all always very clear. We need to renovate our schools first, and that's where the money should go. So, um, Guilford is just an example, but um, and
maybe you don't think it's the time or place, but I think that the Optics are important Um Guilford had sent those letters um with descriptions of their school uh it's going to be a year now and nothing has been done. So the reason for me bringing it up is uh as far as Optics go. Um if the admin building is getting Renovations and schools are not, that's a problem that's a real issue for our students. And um, I'm thinking about the students and their safety in these schools. So that's why I
brought it up today and I agreed time and place but I felt that this was a good time and place. So thank you. Yes, Miss sure enough. I appreciate that. Miss Griffith, and I think, I just wanted to make sure that people understood why I'm going to vote to support it because I'm looking at these funds have been allocated. We made that decision when the cap and CIP was adopted. And tonight, I'm voting for the lowest bid. That's how I'm approaching it, and I just
wanted that to be clear. Miss bill. Thank you, madam chair. Um, I am concerned that we are renovating a uh, an office space before we renovate a school renovation is renovation. Granted, they're not going to cost the same but something needs to be done for Gilford. As soon as possible, this school is absolutely a mess and the students are endangering their health by being in it.
Madam clerk. Will you please open the vote? Board members, please record your vote. Madam clerk. Can you please close and display the vote? And that motion passes math, uh, 6 to 2 with Mrs. Griffiths and Miss label opposed and chair Mansfield, uh, uh, absent for the vote. We will now move on to item number 1203. Sorry, uh, a item number 12 03 from the finance and
operations committee. The think big spaces agreement with Amazon, which I understand will be, uh, we will hear from Mr. Sleven. And where Mr? Esty Mistress. Duffy Um, I'll start us off with a motion. I move that the lab County School Board review and approve. The resolution to support the naming of Amazon. Think big Corners at 4 elementary schools and authorize the chair of the school board to sign the agreement with Amazon? And is there a second second?
The motion has been properly. Moved and seconded, Mr. Jeffy, would you like to speak to the motion? Yes, thank you. Madam chair, very briefly, um, board members directly, uh, to action from fno. We're considering the approval of the Amazon think big space agreement, which would designate for small stem focused Labs as Amazon, think big Corners at Forest, Grove Frederick Douglass Guilford and Poteau elementary schools for an initial 3 year period. Um, this aligns with the school's Divi School Division, strategic goal and strength, in business and Community
Partnerships. And the project is funded, uh, by a 125,000 donation, from Amazon, web services through the loud and Education Foundation to equip the labs supplemented by a 65,000 donation, from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. I believe, um, for curriculum development and Personnel support. um, and I will pass it on to Mr. Sven. Thank you, Mr. Strefy, I'm excited tonight to be joined by Miss Daniel Nadler the executive director of the laden Education Foundation. Who's also here to answer any
questions you may have about this agreement. Um, we are excited, um, and grateful for the elef. Um, securing a 125,000, Grant from Amazon web services to create many Labs within 4 of our elementary schools, as Mr. Steffi has mentioned, um, these many labs are to be called Amazon, think big Corners. They are small small as a corner within a library, for example, or a wall, um, within an existing classroom at Frederick Douglass, um, as is stated in the draft, um, the agreement with AWS reserves the right to use
this space. So we're not having any kind of impact on capacity. Um, it's really just an opportunity to identify, um, some space and recognition of this Grant and our partnership with Amazon, um, as Mr. Mentioned, you are, um, being asked to approve the agreement as well as the rez resolution. Um the staff has reviewed the information with respect to lcbs policy, 6510 naming school facilities and lcps. Policy 4180 commercial, Promotional, and corporate sponsorships,
um, in support of the action to name the 4 small areas Amazon. Think big Corners as shared? Um, this information was first introduced to the fno committee as an information item in February and as Mr. Mentioned it was approved um by to move to the full board as an action item. In the March 4th uh meeting of the fno meeting. And with that we're available to answer any questions or um listen to any feedback or comments from the board. Thank you, Mr. Sleven, uh and Miss Nadler, thank you for
being here. Uh, and this is there is all we already have an Amazon space at leptin middle school, that's correct. Yes, we have an Amazon think big space um at Simpson Middle School. Um, we've had that in place since And for 2 years um in partnership with our computer science team um that works primarily out of that space. Thank you. I as I mentioned to miss Nadler earlier today, I I have a fifth grader who has taken a few field trips over
the uh, to the Amazon thing. Big space at Simpson, Middle School, and absolutely loves it. And looks forward every time his class gets to go, uh, it is very excited that next year, he'll be a student at Simpson Middle School. And we'll have greater access to the space. So I think it's it's a wonderful thing for our community. I'm very excited that we have this opportunity to expand to to make those spaces available to more students. Um and I wanted to thank uh Miss Nadler and elef for facilitating the expansion of
these spaces. You're welcome. Uh, Miss Chandler. Thank you. Um, and thank you um, for the context and clarification tonight, I have a couple questions if that's okay. Um, first, I would like to start with a question for our legal council, Mr. Allen, um, Mr. Allen. I understand that part of the reason why the um This item was pulled off the consent agenda. Is that not all of the lcps are the loud and County School boards.
Councils recommendations made it into the final draft and I'm looking for a little bit more context and Clarity around whether or not that's normative. And if it is exposing us to any undue risk, Thank you, Mr. Chandler I appreciate the question. Um you're you're correct? My understanding is that this was placed as an action item as opposed to a consent agenda item by the chair for further discussion. Um, if the board wanted to do so, particularly in the light that AWS did not incorporate all of our legal teams, proposed revisions our
legal team strives to negotiate such contracts to ensure the school boards on this and lcps are on the strongest legal footing as possible and so while AWS did not incorporate all of our legal teams. Proposed revisions here, the version the board has before it tonight and that ethano committee had before it while not ideal per se, is 1 of 1 that the school board and lcps, uh, conceivably except with, uh, or except when weighing the interest to pursue this opportunity if the
school board and lcps choose to do so, um, so Uh, to to your question specifically, um, while not ideal it's it's somewhat normative that, uh, a vendor or partner would not agree to all terms that we put forth. Um, so it's a operational decision at that time. Thank you, Mr. Allen and then, um, Miss Adler and Mr. Sleven. I have gotten the impression that there's some perceived um, timeline or pressure to do this, um, sooner
rather than later. Could you give me some context on that please? Thank you for that question and terms of pressure to proceed part of, it is comes from the excitement of our schools, that are receiving, um, the equipment and the, uh, opportunities that would come with this grant. Um, this is not a process that um, started recently the the foundation, foundation, as well as the Science office in the schools have been engaged in conversations about what this might look like for the past calendar year. Um, recognizing that
there um as we move towards um final completion of the agreement recognizing there, were policy implications to um take through the board. Um the schools have been patients patient as we've worked through. The agreement, worked through the resolution work through the committee process. um, and so Aside from the excitement from the schools, there's also the logistical. Um, Processes that go into ordering things like 3D printers or equipment that are part of the grant once we receive the funding, um, knowing that there's lead times on those
items. There's also the actual altercations of the space alterations of the space, meaning just like the wraps, they're going to put on um, there. We've tried to um, hit a couple of 3-day weekends because that's about the amount of time. Um, so probably the last opportunity for this calendar year would be over spring break. Um, would that be an absolute deal breaker, um, know in terms of, um, The students issue would not benefit um from having access to that space But we would probably have to look into a
later time period. Um, and so, That's my attempt to answer your question in terms of where the advocacy for this, um, being done. Would you have? Thank you. Um, thank you Mr. Sleven, that's very helpful and in reflecting on some of the comments that were made here tonight, um and some of the questions that have existed in the community, I just wanted to ask um, if there are any other examples other than the existing AWS space where we have, um, similar Partnerships and have name spaces after
corporations, so we have named um what comes to mind is during the major gift campaign in an earlier a few years ago with the Latin Education Foundation. In the open opening of the academies, there are a number of spaces within the academy is allowed in that are named after corporate, um, sponsors and they went through a similar process that we're going through tonight, they're brought to the board. Um, I would note that these Partnerships are time bound. Um, they are limited to, um, this particular case is 5 years, um, and there's an opportunity to revisit the agreement on an
annual basis. Um, and so this is not something we do often, but it is something that um, we have leveraged in the past to recognize Partners who've made significant impact Thank you. Miss label. Mr. Sleven When they made the programs up the, uh, 2 programs that we already have in the county. Did they bring up the idea of naming them? Amazon think big space. was that in the contract when we created these spaces,
So I'll let Miss N, Miss Adler just answer that. But my understanding is that the think big spaces is a um a branding. Um it's there are a number of think bases across Commonwealth in in the country and even internationally Yes, thank you so much. Um, that is correct that they. Approached us as part of our we partner with AWS. on several different fronts and this is the the 1 that they they do have branding and AWS think big spaces around the
world and, and they were excited to to do this in Loudoun. But, but yes, from the start that was That is the idea. That is the idea. Yes. If we. Did not say it's Amazon's big thing space but put in plaque or something that said thank you for our partner. Amazon, would that negate the the contract? That would, that would be. A that would that would take us back to the drawing board.
We would go back. So we'd have to go back to a discussion again. Yes. That would be and this is time sensitive. You're saying, It is time sensitive. But it's also we're here for board approval, so it's the board's supports discretion, okay? Thank you. Miss chernoff. Thank you. Um, I do actually think it is time-sensitive for other reasons. Um, for me, the bottom line is this is going to put resources in schools that are going to directly impact kids
and their achievement in science. which is an area of focus for us and these schools that need this support. And it is I I was reading the resolution and you know, it talks about collaborative workspace, that's going to Spark scientific exploration. Creativity, Hands-On learning and the science. Curriculum, almost Demands a Hands-On approach in my opinion, in our elementary schools and having worked in elementary like this is what
Gets them. Engaged learning vocabulary science. Words on a slide deck isn't necessarily going to put all the pieces together for everyone. So for me, I think it is time-sensitive. We talk a lot about the school Improvement plans when we talk a lot about accreditation and the new process that's coming out. And so for me, I do think it's time-sensitive because I think the sooner we can get these resources in the teachers and kids hands the better because that is going to help achievement, which is what I believe
we should be about for our students, especially our students that need these resources. This is not unprecedented to have a name. I was at a middle school. School today that had a courtyard named for get ready for it Dominion um so maybe I shouldn't say that out loud tonight but this is part of what we do. We partner with people that want to help our students and this space is going to help our students and so for me I've been to Frederick Douglass and seen the space. I happen to be there the day that the whole admin team and um different people from across the
district, were collaborating around the lesson plans that we're going to correspond with this and the excitement, um, is real and so I don't always want to rush things. I don't think we have in this sense. I think that, you know, I listen to the committee, and I think you guys went through, you know, some pretty serious conversation about what this is about. But I just, I really want, I don't want us to lose sight of what, stepping back from this will do, which from this will do, which is not have those resources for those kids. And so for me that's all it comes down to. And
so I am anxious and excited to support this space. And I thank you for your work on it. Dr. Rashid thank you, chair. Um, there's a statement within the resolution that kind of um and I don't know if this question is for Miss nailer or uh a division Council. Um and in the statement it says that the school board the school board will retain the right to revoke or rename such space at any time for any reason including if the Amazon think bitcoiner name becomes at odds, you know with with the mission. So is it is it any possible way? We could
revoke the name in the future um at any time or like can we vote on that again at a later time? Are you looking at the resolution or the agreement? Uh, It's in board docs it. Let me see. The resolution. Talk to Russia. And I'm, I'm happy to hop in and answer. So yes that's in resolution. So to the extent the board does wish to invoke that revocation it could do. So there is a term and termination provision in the actual agreement. Um,
that allows any party to terminate the agreement at any time for convenience, um, by sending written notice. So if that's the board's will, uh, it could do so. But I will note that the term of the the agreement is only 1 year. and then after the 1 year, I think it's speculative at this but the plain language of of this agreement is for 1 year and um Miss Nadler could have further discussion with AWS and you know there could be an ongoing or enduring relationship but just looking at
the agreement that is before the board tonight. The term is 1 year, I see, okay, thank you, thank you. Mrs. Griffith. Thank you, madam chair. Um I believe I brought this up in the fno committee meeting. Um there's a lot of stipulations in this agreement and Jack can't cook. Uh also donated um Um, so as far as that goes, what can you tell me again? Why? We're not naming it after him. Um, as far as the
donations, uh, that he made. Or the foundation, make thanks for the great question. Um, Jack can cook is a private charitable foundation. So they They're okay with their name being on things and they're okay with, thank you. But they do not want it or require it, um, dissimilar from a company. Who appreciates it? Does that answer the question? Uh I would much rather see Jack, Jack Cooke Kent, a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation than Amazon Services uh listed as the donor.
I was gonna I'm gonna ask 1 question and then I'll and then I'll go back to you as well. Um, Mr. Slovan and and or Miss Nadler. Um can you speak to uh with this project? My understanding, uh, is that it's, it's more than just Amazon giving us the money for the space. Can you speak to What the arrangement entails? Neil has more practice at this. So, um, but I'll share, uh, so for this specifically the agreement, the resolution it
really is just regarding this space. Um, it doesn't usually rise to the level of a formal agreement, um, with the board signature or resolution with the naming but because the naming rights and the agreement, that's why it Rose to this level. Um but I'll just try to quickly bullet point point other ways, that AWS partners with us. Um, each week, actually, Amazon specifically drives 2,000 meals from our fueled program for free and kind to 40 of our schools.
That's Kind donation, each week. Um, they've just recently, granted 25k for a new sustainability food sustainability program or or food recovery program with a sustainability office um 25k each year, they donate to our classroom. Grants also known as Innovation education grants. Um they've supported Propel and level up through several grants and none of that have been formal agreements or any naming rights. Um but that just each year we have conversations with them on.
Here are the needs we're hearing from various departments and then they align it with with their giving priorities. And specifically to the think big space um in the agreement, it also envisions um career um mentoring and opportunities and so they would have as you can imagine. There are many career paths within a company such as AWS. And so um, Talking with students in the think big space about career opportunities participating in career days, that may have be happening in the schools. There's also um, mention and
this has happened at the think big space at Simpson, so I'd imagine it would happen here as well. Where employees would actually come and volunteer with projects and Hands-On opportunities. Um, each of these schools are also propelled and level up schools. And so they'll be opportunities to engage in activities related to, um, other initiatives at the school, um, and then professional development for staff. Um, like, what's coming next? What's happening, um, in the industry to help them, think about what? What's forming so it it does also develop a nice bridge for for a local school partnership. Something that was
earlier this this afternoon with the presentation for Miss Dawson and her team. Um, and then while not promised there are opportunities just to continue to say, hey Amazon, this to say, hey Amazon, this might be nice in the space as well. Um, and annually. So, just develops, it Fosters a relationship between the school and a Business Partnership too, at a base level, if that makes sense. Thank you very much. Miss Lobo. Again, I'm just wondering was the name suggested by Amazon
as Amazon big space. Think space. I'm sorry, Amazon. Amazon think big space is the name? Um, in the agreement. Yes. Okay, so that is the official name. Yes. Put on the program by Amazon. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Mr. Roughy. Yeah, I just I just wanted to also um, Echo Miss Sharon off's points in case. My excitement for this didn't come out in committee or didn't come out to the full board. I'm super excited about this opportunity. I think we need more
of these types of opportunities, and this agreement as as was already mentioned, is not something that's going to be infinite, um, and the board already has stipulations in its resolution. um, that protect it from being bound by something um, by any any agreement, um, in a way that could compromise our our mission or, um, other things. And so, I appreciate all the work that's been done to get us here, uh, to this point and all the relationships that we've fostered. Um, and I also
got to hear in committee from, uh, Miss Timothy, our supervisor, which was also exciting because she kind of gave us um a broader perspective on how this is going to impact students, um, which I wanted to make sure I mentioned to the full board as well. Thank you. Dr. Deans would this and any way preclude Microsoft? From. Making the donation. the short answer is no and we have existing Partnerships with Microsoft that Miss Nadler can speak to does, does
Microsoft have its name on its partnership? they've never requested a specific name but similar to a lot of the other projects that Similar projects to Amazon or AWS might support. Um, Microsoft has purchased 3D printers, um, they've, they do a girls in engineering day at every 1 of the middle schools throughout the school year, um, and they've never Asked for anything in return. I would add and I'm not sure if this is helpful, recognizing that we are asking for a name. I think big
space is also, um, a brand and identity. Um, for example. Um, Miss Tyler could maybe get into specifics. Um, we had students at Simpson Middle School. Go to the think big space and connect with students in Dublin at a think big internationally. And so it's, um, It's it's viewed as like an Innovation Hub. It's an opportunity for students to go and connect with each other and science. First and foremost. But there's also an opportunity to partner with the Innovation that's happening in a in a major corporation within the United States but
also internationally. So it's while it's we're renaming it. I think big space. We're actually joining a network of school systems that have these type of spaces um and we're 1 of the few divisions I don't want to Speak out of turn but that have multiple think big spaces. Um, and so, it's, um, we've done so well with the think big space, it's something there's continued motivation to do that. So while it is naming, it's also bringing um, Bringing a resource into our school system that will will provide opportunities above and beyond just what's
happening in that school. Dr. Rashid, I forgot. Is this time-sensitive? Like, it has to be voted on today. Just asking putting it out there. Mrs. Leven because it looks like there's a lot of questions about it and there's just some ambiguity, it would, it would we are aiming, we would If if it was not voted today, it would be difficult to get the project done. Um at the end of this. It would be difficult to get the project done. We don't know when we would fit in the logistical timing of it.
Mr. String? Yeah, last comment. Um, so from my perspective I think it's it is important for us to make a decision on this tonight. Because there's so much regardless of what the decision is. Is, there's so much work. Um, And Sweat Equity that has been put into all of this and the relationships as well. Um and then the last point I'll add around this being kind of a a resource. Um, we teach In some of our classes or programs with Amazon technology,
or with Microsoft Technology. And so the fact that 1 of these technology providers Are investing in our schools and providing those resources to us so that we can uh, offer this opportunity is something I think is is is pretty special. Seeing no more discussion, we will take the vote Madame, clerk. Can you please open the vote? Board members, please record your vote. Dr. Sher if I met, um, now, you know, Melinda some frustration with me. Um, could I, uh, oh, if it's not too
late, could I make a motion to postpone the vote to next to the next school board meeting? Mr. Allen Uh given that you're in the middle of a vote. Uh, and wouldn't it be Timely? At at this juncture. um, if there is an interest to move to reconsider the vote, after the vote has concluded, that's something that could be considered. Okay, it's my understanding Mr. Allen is because we have started the vote. We have to complete this process.
That is correct. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Allen um, Madame clerk, can you please close and display the vote? And that motion passes 6 to 2 with Miss Chandler. And Dr. Rasheed opposed, and Chair Mansfield, uh, absent for the vote. Okay. Thank you Mr. Sleven and Miss Nadler, we will now move on to our information items, uh, as we already discussed item
13.01, uh, before the break, we will move directly to item Which is the discussion of the golden tomorrow's. Transmission line project overseen by the department of Support Services. Uh we will have Mr. Kevin Lewis back uh for to give us more information about this um Mr. Lewis, the floor is yours. Thank you, Vice chair, Donna Hugh. We appreciate the opportunity to come to you tonight. Um, we're here to provide a little bit of context, a little bit of detail to
both the board and the community recognizing the board has been involved in some public meetings already and has some um, some information about the project. So I want to give an overview of what the project is and try to give some context to um not only that the project but maybe some of the, the comments you heard tonight and some of the the things that are, um, Um a part of your decision as we move forward to this. So the the project itself um is a 500 and a 230 KV electric
transmission project, that means there's 2 circuits uh 1 very large, 500 and 1 230. Uh it's just in the final stage in this series of projects that Dominion Energy is working to Pro provide energy needs to allow them the county. So as you know, um this is a very important project to both the county and to the region and to all of our needs including our um, you know, school system and the all the power that we receive and utilize their. So, you know, you'll see here, there's a note that During these conversations, we've had many conversations
with Dominion Energy, as well as the county loud and staff, the engineering staff playing staff and gone through a lot of details. Uh, we've had multiple conversations about the potential for underground and what we've been advised by Dominion that an underground solution is not feasible. Uh, but as you know that that conversation continues and you know we're happy to continue that conversation with the board as well. Um, and at this point in time, what we have been told by Dominion Energy, is that they do not plan to submit a an underground version of this. But again, as you
said, we can, we can continue to have this conversation. Um, So essentially what we're talking about is Dominion Energy planning. This big Power Line project has approached Loudoun County Public Schools because 2 of the 5 routes and you heard a lot of conversation tonight about the 5 routes routes and you can see here on the screen Route 1 is Red. 2 is yellow 3 is green, 4 is blue, and 5 is orange. And so you've heard a lot of references to each of those plans this evening and so I wanted to give a little bit of
context in the upper right hand corner of the northeast corner, you can see where the golden substation is and that is near where Route 28 and the W and D Trail cross. And then it goes winds its way down on 1 of 5 of those routes all the way down to the bottom left, which is near the, the southwest corner of the airport property. So it's quite a project and in the center of that screen. You see there a black star, and that star is the location
of our schools of both, the rosley Carter Elementary School in Rock Ridge, High School. so traversing down from the golden substation, you'll see all 5 of the the lines are um included in that same alignment and you can see that the the line changes from red to green to blue to indicate that they're all together. When you get down closer to where you see the word that the loch Ridge substation, you'll see that they split. So the yellow and the red go towards the right and then the purple, or the blue, the green, um, and the yellow continue
to go down, I'm sorry. The red and orange, go to the left and the blue, yellow, and green, come toward and come toward our property, as you get down closer to our property, you see that they split again and the green and blue go on the blue, goes on the east and south side of our property in. The green, goes on the North and the west side of our property. And then yellows puts off again and goes all down through the mountain, County Parkway route. So, what we want to do is be able to talk a little bit more
about how that impacts our um, property itself. And so the the next series of slides, will be to try to better describe that. And the, the upper center of the, the site, you'll see that that, um, somewhat yellowish shaded area is our campus. It is includes our Rock Ridge High School and the Rosalia Carter Elementary School and you can see a little more more detail where the blue line again on the east side and the south side of the the project and then the green line goes on the North and
the West. I will point out to the west of that green line. You'll also see the many houses, and you heard from a number of those folks. Tonight, that's the loud Valley, Estates 2 neighborhood, and you, uh, I think probably a good many of those folks were here from that, um, neighborhood. And then to the, to just to the south of our project of our campus, is the loud, Valley of stage, 3 campus. And so, I just want to point that out for reference as some of the folks that came to you tonight, identify which 1 of those areas they
were from. So we'll also show that the green and and blue lines converge again and then go down along the alignment of the Broad Run uh corridor. So I want to be clear that tonight. What you're being asked to do, um, is to consider, The endorsement of 1 of the alignments. Um right now we don't have the engineering has not been done for any of these lines so we can't tell you as staff. We can't tell you exactly how our property would be actually impacted by
either of those lines. So, that would come later the board. If, if you endorse 1 or the other of these lines, then as the, the application gets submitted to the state Corporation Commission. however that works out in the final alignment is chosen or decided by the powers that be, then we would come back and deal with easement acquisition properties. Where we would know exactly where the alignment would be. Um so just just for you know it's there's there's more to come with this and tonight you would not be granting an
easement. Uh well this conversation wouldn't be a granting, an easement we would be just talking about the alignment. Um, and as you also know, and you heard a couple of speakers say tonight, the Board of Supervisors has uh a um May taken a a vote to endorse the blue line, um, as their number 1 Choice and then the green line, as their second choice. So if if in those 2 lines are the only ones that affect our property. So essentially, we would be talking about whether
or not 1 or either of those would be acceptable to the board. Um, you heard a lot of conversations about 1 2 and 5, which are the ones that go down the parkway really aren't a part of your decision. However, if you were to decide not to support either then that may affect what, you know, the ultimate Decision by Dominion Energy when they they take that forward. So uh, you wouldn't be impacting directly on that, but you may have an effect on that with your decision. So this is just a slide just talks it shares. The information that was provided by the Board of Supervisors vote where they they talked about in consideration, they
decided that Route 4. The blue line is a preferred alignment and Route 3. The green line is the second preferred alignment. So that's that's the information that the Board of Supervisors, uh, the action they took in what they've, uh, sent a letter to us asking the board to support that as well. You also heard a lot of numbers tonight about the number um, from the the folks that spoke about the number of neighborhoods, the number of houses that are impacted, this chart is a, a summary. And you can see across the top, the
red yellow, green, blue, and orange. Um and those columns we've highlighted the green and blue Columns of Route 3 and 4 because those are the 2 again that affect our property. Um, probably where most of the numbers came from that. You heard about tonight was that where you see 2/3 of the way down, where you see, um, the residences dwellings within 500 ft of the center line. Number of people talked about 1,200 homes, that's with us, coming from Route, 5, all the way in the far right 1161. And so, uh, for the most part, if you focus on the green
and blue, the 2 routes that affect our property. They're pretty similar, um, in the impact on the number of wetlands affected, the forest of flood, plain, all those things, the Riteway. Uh the difference there is the green line affects 128 homes and the blue lines, affect 64 homes. Um and in talking with County staff, that is part of what the Board of Supervisors. Looked at that. That was uh, and you heard people say tonight? That was the least impactful. Um, for the dwellings but both of those are very impactful to
our campus and so I don't want to minimize that but just sharing that that's this is the chart where they were taking that information from so, it would take a little bit of time to talk more about the the Projects themselves, the both the green and the blue here. You see we begin the the a blow up version of the green. And you can see. Where the green line comes down from the upper, right? Um the northeast corner of the property and then turns and goes across our property. The areas that you see, hatched
in Black are the areas where they actually cross our property. You see our property has 2 stems up at the top that follow the, the routing of the of the Broad Run. The black dots in there are the, um, potential locations for the power, poles themselves. Again, the engineering hasn't been done. So those are estimates at this point. The green line, then only touches our property in the back. but then goes parallel to our property, down to Broad Run to the west side of the property. And you can see there is about 369 feet from our elementary school.
um, I will also share that, that Dimension is to the edge of the easement, not to the actual power pole. So, uh, you know, the actual power pole may be slightly farther away from our school than that. Um, I'm going to take a, a couple shots, the next couple of slides will give you some visuals that the Dominion Energy Engineers put together for us to help show what the the the actual effects are. So the first 1, you're going to see, we're going to focus on the elementary school on the left. If you see um where the Bus Loop is, the first 1 is if
you're standing close to the bus Loop, looking to the left or to the West. And then the next series of slides, will be right from the behind the school and looking from the west and then to the North and then to the Northeast. So as you see, those photographs come up. oh, you know, I wanted to point out in this line, you do see a purple line on the right hand side between our campus and the um, um, the industrial park that is an existing 230 line that's there. Now, um, So again, this is standing in front of the school, looking
to the West, you can see the corner of the rosie. Carter Elementary School. The top photograph is what you see. Now today, um, and the, the 1 at the bottom is where the Dominion folks have superimposed, what the power lines would look like from that area. The next 1 is again standing in the back of the building, looking in the same direction, where at the top you see, you can see the playground there on the on the far, right? The tennis courts are, I mean playground in the center there, between the trees and the tennis courts are to your
right, that actually go to the high school. Uh again the the bottom photograph the power poles and the power lines are superimposed in that photograph to indicate what it may look like. Same. Here is looking straight due north. And you see right looking from behind the elementary school over top of the tennis courts. The top is without and the bottom has the power line shown there as well. And then we're now looking kind of Northeast where you see the wooded area behind the school and the, the power poles and lines, superimposed on that photograph.
Um, this is, if you go over to the high school and stand in the stadium, and look towards the elementary school, you can see the power lines. It's really hot kind of hard to tell. But in that picture you can see the the high school and then behind that is the elementary school. And then that's the green line superimposed on there as well. So that's a green line. We go to the blue and we do a similar exercise where you see the the blue line coming down the on the east and south side of the property and the
big yellow circle. There you see some uh, light blue dots. Those are the potential locations of power poles. Again, engineering has not yet been done. and this uh line comes within 117 ft of the, the stadium, but then a little more than 400 from the the elementary school and a little less than 400 326. I think it says there from the high school so they are. Similar proximity from the buildings. And again, they, they are closest to the folks in the Loudoun Valley States 3
subdivision, you can see that right below that on in the campus. So these photographs will be similar in nature. There'll be a little bit easier to tell because of the stadium is a giveaway. But the first photograph, you're going to see if you can picture standing. on the front porch for so to speak or in the front doors of the high school, looking directly south towards the Low Valley, Estates 3, neighborhood, and so above is what you see now, and you see a couple of light poles in the parking lot and then you see the, the power pole there that is directly between the school, the
parking lot and the loud Valley, Estates 3, neighborhood, The next photograph. is looking in that same direction from the stadium, looking South towards there. And you can see, I could get quite a few polls. Um, that are associated with the lights, on the softball field, but then the state, then the power poles have been superimposed in the bottom section. This is sitting on the visitor side of the stadium looking to the industrial park to the east. And you'll see there that at the bottom, you can see the
the power pulse between the trees. And the the last 1 is sitting at the home side of the stadium looking across the the the um the field toward the industrial park and you can see those superimposed there. So from a visual impact perspective, I just wanted to share how each of those were and were very grateful for the Dominion folks to provide these to help help us and you in the community visualize what we're talking about. This is the last 1, looking back at the north side of the property from the high school as well. So right now we're we we have a tentative plan for tonight.
As you can see, we're having information item. Uh, we plan we plan to bring that back, but we're, we're hopeful to comments and some guidance from the, the school board. Um, you, you can see there that Dominion has um, a plan to plan to submit to the SEC in the, in the very near future. We don't have that exact date yet. And so, you know, any information that we can have, uh, from the board and guidance from the board, or any direction you give us, then we'll certainly share that with them and that may or may not be included in their application in their process moving forward.
um, This is just a a final just a summary of the the whole area. And I think that's probably my last slide and I just wanted to be able to have that here for you to be to be able to see and ask any questions you may have. Um I I will will say that. I think I've had the conversation with a couple of you. If you look at that area right there, where the blue and the green, um, come back together at the southeast Corner Southwest Corner of our property. That's where the road comes into the campus. So, uh, I
think of as I've described to you before, you know, if if the board is going to support 1 or the other and if it is the green or the blue, you would be driving underneath of the green line at that point, when you come across that bridge as it goes down, the the trail. Um, and then the Line would be on your right hand side. So the the visuals that you had there with, um we believe that the green would be less visually impactful. But then the board has lots of other things to consider as well. So, all that to say, I'm happy to answer as many
questions as I can. And um, I'll turn it back to you. Vice chair down to you. Thank you very much, Mr. Lewis. Um, I have a couple of questions for you and then I suspect my colleagues will have several also. Um, did you did you mention already on the, on the map? The second slide. Um, what the purple lines are. Thank you, so that those are lines that are already there. That in fact, they were there. When we built the School in 2017, I think it was. And so they are existing and, uh,
currently are about the size of 1, of the circuits, that would be on the new polls, right? And is there um several of the speakers earlier seem to be advocating that we should oppose all of the suggested um can you talk a little bit about hypothetically? What might happen if we were to say we don't support any of them. So, I think mostly, you only have a voice for the blue and the green, because those are the ones that touch your property. The Board of Supervisors has a much longer alignment to consider for the all the impacts for the rest
of the community. Um, you know, so, um, if you were to support neither of those, then the, um, Dominion Energy, and the Border supervisors would have choices to go, and do they then consider the other routes? So, uh, as I said earlier, you know, you, you don't have a voice in routes, 1 2 and 5, but if you make a decision on 3 and 4, then it could very well impact that, that focus and so, um, right now, we're, we're asking and that the boards are just
focused on 4 and 5. The blue and the green. Thank you, Mr. Lewis, and what would What would happen if we didn't Express a preference prior to Dominion submitting, their application to the FCC? I'm not sure I'm in a position to to answer that accurately. I, I can speculate and that's never a good idea, um, but if you take no position then you don't have a voice at all and so, um, you know, that is 1 option. You have is to oppose them or you can endorse 1 or the other or, you know, like the supervisors endorse 1 for a
preference 1 and then the other as secondary preference. So, um, this is I I guess your opportunity to have a voice in this in this this process. Thank you Mr. Lewis. Yes Dr. I just, uh, wanted to piggy back, uh, off the question that uh, chair Don. You had asked you, uh, I didn't hear the first part of the answer, uh, why was it that the purple lines were not considered again? Or purple line was not or the purple route was not considered. Yeah. So the purple line is just indicating a line that is already there. It's been installed for a
number of years and was there when we built the school and was there when the community was built as well. So I'm assuming we can't add to it. It would I, I think that's true, that that's outside of my area of expertise. But yeah, I believe that's the case the camp to it. Ms. Label. I forgot give me a minute failing mind. Yeah, I wanted to ask the buildings. In purple stripes. Those are on I'm looking uh, at 22 at the moment. But um,
those are Buildings, powered by the purple lines. Is that what that is? I'm not exactly sure what they are. I don't think they're associated with the project. They are building up, I think that are under construction right now and they're in an industrial park but I'm not sure what their actual function is, okay. Thanks, just because they're under construction now. Okay, thank you. Mrs. Griffith. Thank you, madam chair. Um, while I understand, I might lose my voice here. Uh, this affects many homes in schools,
and for me this is a health and safety issue. Uh, it will also bring down the values of all homes in the area. I have been here almost 20 years and I've seen a lot of change. Um, I worried about the health of our kids, not to mention Loudoun, County is full of towers and data centers. Now, um, this is not the place when I moved over almost 20 years ago, it's not the same place. Um, there is not anywhere. You can really drive without seeing towers and data centers. Um, I do not like being Being pressured to vote for this. And I will not be part of
any vote, uh, whether it's today or uh, next board meeting. Thank you. Uh, Miss chernoff and then Mr. Ostroy. Thank you. Uh Mr. Lewis. Many of the speakers tonight talked about preferring an underground option. Can you walk us through? what say we have in that if that's even on the table, um, at all, if that was discussed with the Board of Supervisors as well, Sure. I have limited um awareness of all the conversations that were taken about it. Uh what I do know is when you
transition from an overhead line to an underground line, it is quite an apparatus to do that and it takes what it's been estimated 5 to 7, Acres of property to do that. So you when you transition down off of that poll to get the underground, it's it's a big area that has to do that. Um, it's also um, a lot of power and so when you put that underground, you have to have special conditions to do that. It'll be a very large ditch, it would be concrete and case, probably it's, it's my understanding there may have to be cooling systems because the amount of heat that's
generated by those by those lines. And so it's not the same as us. Bearing. A line that furnish that feeds our schools, it's it's quite an Endeavor. So I think that was been part of the, the challenge that there in Dominion Engineers have had, is try to find the space to get that down off the pole and then back up on the pole was on the other end. So you'd have to have that space. In both places. Um there have been a number of conversations with the airport and you can see in that drawing where that circle is. That's the uh, Doppler radar for the that's for the that's sitting on the airport area. That's the
National Weather Service Station there and so we're very close to the airport. I know those conversations were had with the the airport, um, authorities, um, and there were challenges with that. Um and as I said, when I started the conversation that uh the Dominion folks have told us it's not an option. Uh, I do know that folks from the county the Board of Supervisors and their staff have continued that conversation and so we're happy to, you know, dig deeper into that. If the board would like us to do that. I appreciate that. And then can you flip to the side where
it's zoomed in? On green and blue? The closer up image of just the lines. Sorry. Yeah, that that's good. Um is it fair to say? Like I know that it's the closest point on the green line is probably the closest point to 1 of our schools is that that's correct, right? In terms of feet. The 39. 6. I think it was the slide that had both lines, the green and the blue. Slide 4. Thank you.
Yeah, no. But what I'm trying to understand is I I think that the green line is the line that gets closest to 1 of our schools, but it appears that the blue line has a is minimally further away and has an impact on both schools. Is that fair to say? That is fair. Yes. Because I'm I'm trying to reconcile some of the comments that we heard tonight and really listening and understanding that. Yes, that green line, it is true to say that that 1 gets the closest to 1 of our
schools, but also the blue line has a pretty big impact to both Rosalie Carter and Roque Ridge in a close proximity. We're talking about 50 feet, I think. Yes. So the green is 300 969 feet away, okay. And the blue line is 326 from from the the green is 369 from the elementary. And the blue blue is 326 from the high school. Um, but I'll share that this, this again is prior to final engineering. So, these
are estimates at this. Point all the way around. Okay, I appreciate that. And then are there any other discussions or upcoming? Things that would impact these lines, or are they pretty much? It's these. These are the options and that's what's going to happen. So my staff is working and I appreciate that question. So my staff is working with the county staff to uh put together a, a meeting with the Dominion, folks. And also Columbia Gas and so there is a a conversation about some potential conflicts about easement that, get Columbia Gas,
folks, need as well and so we're trying to sort that out. Um, and hopefully by the time we get back to the board, we'll have had that meeting. We'll know the answer to all that. Okay? So if there's potential impact there we would, that could impact 1 of the roots or multiple most likely would impact the Blue Line because the the conflict that we understand is between the gas line and the blue line, okay? All right. That will be helpful information. Thank you. Sure. Mr. Strefy. Thank you, madam chair. Um, I have a bunch of questions comments, but, um, I'm curious you mentioned that
that the green line would cross over the road that leads to Rosalie and Rock Ridge. What would that look like aesthetically? I mean, visually. So the lines would literally cross the road. Um, how far away would those polls. Be those Towers? From the actual Road. Sorry, in this Photograph. You see the in the bottom left-hand corner, right, where the, the dimension is shown. Um, close to the houses is where the road comes in and you
can see that little cult around area, they'll call to sack right before the, the Bus Loop. That is where that green line would cross over top of that road. And essentially, if it's not directly over the bridge, the bridge spans, the, the the, uh, string Corridor. And so the, the proposed green line is going down that same area. So as you drove a cross that road across that bridge, into the campus, you would go underneath of it. And then, as you look forward, then you don't see it again because it's behind. You, uh, now granted the, the photographs we saw, if you turn around
and look back, then you would see them. And that's the photographs we had with the, the power line superimposed on there. And and from from my perspective that would be less visually impactful than what the blue line would be. Uh, but as we've heard tonight, there's more things to consider than that. And then there are a lot of walking paths. That lead to the school where students who are um whether they're in the walking zone or outside of the walking Zone, they use that path. Those paths. Um, What do you imagine the impact of being to those students
who are walking to the schools? Um, and I've Heard lots of things from community members. Um, full disclosure, I am an lv2 resident, right? And so many of the folks who are here tonight, are my neighbors and I have very similar concerns, right? Um, as as we all do, uh, I have a little 1 going to Rosalie this year so um, Just want to make sure that like there. So there's there's the noise concerns of these power lines. They buzzed, right? Um, there's a lot of other considerations. Um, so what about those walking paths? Sorry.
So, for the most part, if you're walking from Loudoun Valley Estates to, you'll be walking down loud and reserved drive along the sidewalk beside the road. And you would have that same experience that I just described walking under the, the, the power line as you walk across the bridge. Excuse me. Um, if you're coming from a Mountain Valley Stage 3 to the South, you can see, I don't know if you can see that but there's a red line that indicates coming from that call to sack the the first call to sack closest to the the Broad Run. You can see a red line that comes up and then goes left and then goes on to the campus. That is a
trail Network that comes from loud Valley of stage 3. So if the Blue Line would be put in, then those students would be walking under that power line to get there from that perspective. And then the green line did you, I don't know if you you mentioned it. I, I do see some some red right along the green line as well. Are those walking paths? I believe so but I'm not really sure that that's off of our property. That's on the the county property along the Broad Run. Uh but I do believe there is a trail down that stream corridor. so, from from My perspective. I as I'm weighing this, I think community
members by and large, they understand that, this the golden to Mars connection is a critical connection that has to be done. Um, I think from from my perspective, I also want to stress that Um, although we may not have a direct voice, um, the loud, any of the routes 1 2 and 5, that go across loud and County Parkway are not a reasonable option. I think that's, that's pretty clear to many of the community members as well. Um, and it has, you know, very little community support and would negatively impact
Everything from environment to home you know to homes um to other public facilities, you know, by magnitudes. Um so that route shouldn't be considered an I I just want to Offer. My my perspective is that if we you know, depending on how we um, What our position is, we will have a voice in whether or not allowing County Parkway route is taken because that is there is a RightWay route, I forget which number Route. Um, I confused the, the colors and the numbers. Now, because
I've looked at the so many times, um, so I I will say that that that that that is in a very important consideration, right? Um as as we heard tonight, um, At the same time, I'm conflicted because regarding routes 3 uh green and blue. Um while the impact fewer residences the the proximity to the schools should be concerning, right? Um, and I think it's okay to say that given that both routes pass like less than 500 feet from Rosalie or uh and
or uh Rock Ridge. Um, I think that's an important consideration as well. Um, and it was mentioned that. In the fall, we we basically changed our poly, our cell phone tower policy that we don't, we don't in committee. We don't see by policy Now, new applications for cell phone cell towers, um, on lcps property and I can't speak for the rest of the board. But for me, that was, um, Basically.
seeing that when when decisions like this, have to be made. And we're looking for the least impactful. Choice. That least impactful Choice seems to more often than not default to our school communities and our lcps properties. And I think that that is something that's really where I was coming from with that vote. And I know that this is not Apples to Apples, but it is important to note that um, you know, I'm I'm I am concerned about what's being decided
as the least impactful route, Um, is disproportionately impacting our school communities. Um, and I'm not thinking about it from this, just this 1 Vote, or this 1. Um, case, I'm thinking about it for the long term as well. Um, and in that area, there's a lot of green, right? And so the community obviously cares about protecting whatever green is left in our, you know, uh, in our neighborhood but also in our County. So I'll say that. And then um, I do want to piggy back off of maf's Point around undergrounding, um, many of the community members including
myself, feel that um, we have an adequately explored partial undergrounding. um, and I I definitely understand that the Board of Supervisors in their recommendation, having included that desire as well. Um and so I am also wondering what else we can do um, to advocate for the partial undergrounding solution, knowing that these both of these routes are
Less than 500 ft from the from the schools. Um, I I still don't know what mechanisms we have to advocate for for that. I know, I understand the costs. I know, I understand there are some challenges, um, and we don't fully know if it's feasible. There, it seems that there is there. There could be enough land between the 2 points um for the uh transfer stations. Um, but a lot of community members also have said that we haven't um brought mwah to the table
together with Dominion to really explore that route. Um and we do live in the you know, richest county um in the country. And you know, it it seems time to actually explore explore that. So um, especially with so many data centers of the energy use coming, uh, you know, feeding back into those data centers. So, um, I know I have a lot of points here, but I just want to express 1 or 2 more. Um, I think it's really important to to look at the V, the feasibility and of those partial underground routes. Um and
then I think from my perspective, 1 of the things that I am also conflicted about is that I can't really tell exactly how lcps properly LC lcvs property is actually going to get impacted, I think, um, uh, I believe it was Miss Griffiths mentioned that as well. So that's something that, um, um, doesn't sit well. Um, um, so I think it is important that we push for a solution that prioritizes the Safety and minimizes disruption um and considers a viable
alternative which could be 3 and 4. But I think it's important that we um, Exhaust our ability at least as a board um to push for those underground routes. Dr. Deeds I just think that we should take safety. Over Aesthetics. And we should choose. based on the elementary school versus the high school because of the young developmental stages that the
elementary kids are in, so, I think we should choose safety over Aesthetics, looking at the ugly lines. won't hurt us as bad as the, the, the, the vibrations off or the Off the lines. So I just think that we should choose the 1. That is farthest away from the elementary school. Miss Le bail and then miss Chandler. I have a concern on how close the blue line is running to
the back of the stadium area, you have a lot of activity going on there after school, as well as, uh, during games at night. Um, you have band practice, you have all kinds of practices going on in that area So that does concern me how close that is. Um, we saw it in 1 of the slides that were of the actual location standing in the stadium, how close they would be
standing to those lines. And they're also elevated at that point in time. So they're even closer to any of the emissions. If they're, you know, Harmful or not, they're still there. And that becomes a worry for me. Miss Chandler. Thank you. Um, I I have to say, I'm really struggling with this and I'm of course it's it's not an easy decision for any of us to make. Um it's definitely a health and safety issue for me.
Um, I have been fixated on 1 idea since it was written by a constituent and email over the weekend. Um, I understand the voe's guidelines for school facilities in Virginia's public schools. On page 16 under School site. Con consideration says locations of schools near electric power transmission lines or other environmental hazards, should be avoided and that's for new school construction but I'm really struggling with the idea that if it's not a good idea to build new schools near existing power lines, then how is it
a good idea to build power lines, near existing schools and and that I can say extends to homes too of course. And so if there's any way or any exploration for undergrounding, especially in this area, it's something that I would like to to see. First and foremost, um, that said, could you please repeat for me what you were saying, um, with Miss chernoff's question about some considerations with multiple utility lines. So we have um some conversations with Columbia Gas is also
asked for an easement in the same general area as the blue line. Um but the engineering of neither utility is complete yet so that we know exactly what the the whether it is a true conflict or whether it's not. And so we're trying to get all those parties in the room to to figure out what that means. Uh I will say Miss Chandler, I appreciate you reminding me about the department of Ed uh guidelines. Um and you are correct that that language is in there and it says that that we should be, you know, power lines,
schools, near power lines should be avoided. Um so I reached out to the vdoe director of facilities to see if he could get any more guidance from that because the word near doesn't help me a lot is near 2 feet or 400 feet or a thousand feet. Um, and there there's not any more specificity to that. Um, although they did say that, you know, this that recommendation is not binding is not an authority having jurisdiction. Uh, and unfortunately, it doesn't come with any real. Um, Data to know exactly what that means, what year is but um,
point taken that it is near as near. And I don't think we're going to argue that this is not near. So um, it is something to consider right? And and it if it's not if it's A vdoe recommendation and and it's a safety concern and and it's no more or less a safety concern for a school or a house. I mean, this is a highly populated area. It's a a very diverse Community. We saw and heard that from, um, the public comment tonight and I just I when it comes down to it, knowing that it's possible that the preferred option
that seems to be um, based on the like I counted, the emails I wrote notes on, everybody's comment. Right. Everybody seems to be wanting number 4 and it's possible that number 4 might go away. So I don't know how anybody can make an informed decision until I mean, and I am so grateful that the team is trying to facilitate and get more information, but it doesn't seem possible to make an informed decision until we have that information. And so I'm just, I'm really
struggling. Thank you. Miss label. Once again in looking at the athletic field, we also have tennis fields and parking lots. That would run very, very close to the blue line. I think that if we look at the Blue Line and how close it is to where Student Activities are taking place and then look at the green line, at least the green line is further away from where the students are. So
I'm wondering if the green line would be a better option for our students. I know everybody wrote about option 4, the blue line. But I looked again and, and I'm looking at where students are outside, not just inside the building. And there's a lot of places that, you know, they're open to exposure. Okay. So we're seeing no more discussion right now. And this is not on for Action. This will
Be brought forward um, as an action item at some point. Question. Mr. Stray. Thank you. Mind you a quick 1. So um Mr. Lewis. I know you mentioned that we there's we still don't know. Um The Columbia Gas um, proposal um or easement requests and it might impact. Do you think we'll know more by the next school board meeting? Um are those meetings planned? In the next week or 2. The hope is to have those meetings. Um, and I would agree
that it would make sense to, uh, not come back to the board for action until we had the answer to that. Um, and I, I guess what I'd like to do Madam Vice chair. If it's not, um, inappropriate is to see if there's consensus to the board. Would would the board like us to go back and continue to explore the underground with the folks at at Dominion Energy just to try to run that to ground, to make sure we had a really good answer for you all. And then sort out the question about the, the potential conflict. And then we come back with more information.
Mr. Allen I don't know if you heard Mr. Lewis's request. But is is it okay for us to Suggest guidance. I'm, I'm sorry. Um, suggest guidance for Uh, sorry Mr. I'm sorry to put you on the spot. Mr. Alan it was Mr. Lewis was asking if we wanted him to run to ground the possibility of bearing. The lines. And my question for you is because this this is on for information, it's not on
for Action is are we okay to ex Express a desire in that regard. Thank you for clarifying. So the board can always provide direction to the superintendent to provide to staff in that regard. Um, it's not formal board, action is as I understand it, what you're you're asking. Um, so that would Seem to be appropriate.
Thank you, Mr. Allen uh and Mr. Lewis. I I believe my colleagues would strongly prefer to get some clarity on on that possibility. Thank you. Okay, thank you. Thank you very much Mr. Lewis. And with that, we will move on to item number 14, on our agenda board member comments and committee reports. We always start with Miss label. Mrs. Griffith, would you like to go first this evening?
Thank you, madam chair. Um, um, I would like to mention. We have a young lady missing in the Dominican Republic. Uh, she is a resident of asper. Ashburn, her name is sha sadika konaki, and I think I speak for everyone here that we hope she has found safe. So I just wanted to give some thoughts uh and prayers for her family, um, with that. I'd like to move on to, um, I've, I've had the pleasure of attending the laden Symphony Youth, Orchestra concert at lightbridge high school. The
orchestra provides music, education enrichment, in an ensemble performance setting for more than 250 student musicians, 87% of whom are also students, in Loudoun County Public Schools, Students in the Philharmonic, um, lso top tier Ensemble, perform professional level standard orchestral, uh, repertoire and represent the most accomplished young M musicians in the area, the lyso Philharmonic auditioned and was selected to perform at the 2025 vien Masters, Orchestra
Invitational on June 20th at Carnegie Hall in New York City uh where they were performed, the works, including Florence Price's dances in the cane breaks and selections of from Charles gown nods down nod fos on Main stage under under the direction of conductor and music director, Dr. Hayden Denisha the Phil harmonic students will also attend a clinic taught by distinguished conductor. Helen H. Uh chop.io of the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts. The lyso students are
excited to represent Loudoun and share a part of our County's Rich artistic talent with an audience on the world stage. To experience a performance by these. Excellent musicians. Um, they welcome members of the loud and County School Board to attend the next lyso Spring Concert which will take place on Saturday May 10th at 2:00 p.m. at light Ridge High School please. Mark your calendars. Thank you. Miss Chandler. Um, I don't have any further comments tonight. Thanks.
Dr. Deans for the equity committee. We're in the process of re-imagining its role to the school board. And so we're in a holding pattern. Thank you. I had the pleasure of um a couple of interesting things recently. Uh I attended the Louden Chambers uh breakfast talking about Career and Technical education with Mr. Esty and Miss Chandler, 1 of the keynote speakers was was our
very own Dr. Mike Grubbs. And it was a real treat to be present for that event. I also joined, uh, our chief of staff Dr. Bergen a recently for a tour of the mberg Charter Academy, which was my first occasion uh, seeing that school. Um, and I'm very glad that I had the opportunity to do that. I appreciate their uh, welcoming me. Um, Uh, this Thursday, uh, at 5:00 pm. Um, I will be attending the Board of Supervisors, budget work session at 5 p-m at the government center. Next, Thursday, the 20th is the next
student services committee meeting which will be at 4:30 here at admin. And I also wanted to make sure I mentioned the loud and Education Foundation has uh, their application portal. Uh, is open right now for their student scholarships and for their classroom scholarships. So anyone who is interested, can find out more information at loud and education foundation.org, uh, equality loud and has their application period open for scholarships right now. For um local. I believe it's last 2 years of high
school and first 2 years of higher education, um for uh, for student scholarships and Loudoun County. High School is having a boys volleyball. Tournament and um Supply drive to benefit uh laws. The Domestic Violence Shelter here in Loudoun County on. Next Wednesday, the 19th from 7 to 9:00 p.m. at Loudoun County, High School which I think sounds like it's going to be a fun event and I'm hoping to be able to go That's all for me, Mr. Astrophe. Thank you. Madam chair. I
wanted to take the opportunity just to remind everyone that on March 21st. Um, we have the school Business Partnership Awards recognition breakfast. I think I saw most of, um, you all at the last at the 1 last year, um, I think there was over uh, or close to 500 people. There it was a wonderful event. I really encourage you guys to join. Um, And this event honors, obviously Partners who have made an impact on education in the school division. So that's it from me. Miss sure enough.
Thank you. Uh just wanted to bring attention to a change in the curriculum and instruction meeting is normally the first Wednesday of every month. It was not last Wednesday, it is tomorrow evening. We have a time change from 4:30 start. We're starting at 4:45 p.m. um mainly because of requests from high school teachers to be able to get there in time for the conversation on policy. 5030 assessment and Grading this is a year in the making and tomorrow night. It
sits as an action item potentially being ready to go to the full board. Um, I'm very much looking forward to this conversation and to the final hope, Fully revisions before it. Reaches you all and we are also have 2 other big topics that we are covering. So we're going to be talking about the generative AI policy, which is coming back. So that's policy 5430, which is a brand new policy. Um, a lot of great discussion around Ai and how it relates to education, so excited for that. And then we are also going to have, um, principal biechler and principal
Compton from um, Trailside, middle school and Watson, Mountain Middle School, who are going to be presenting an update on how their alternative schedules are going Trailside is piloting, an 8 block. And Watson is piloting a very unique, a through e Day schedule. So looking forward to next steps and conversations for Middle School, scheduling. And so we invite you to come out and be a part of that, you can sign up for public comment when you arrive if you would like. Um, I would also just like to thank uh, light Ridge and their CTE programs. As highlighted, in the
superintendent's report we had an absolute blast making pizza with their students who doesn't Well, I mean, again the food I'm always there for the food food, so it was awesome. Um, as well as, um, what I would call, uh, a challenging cable car, uh, experiment where Dr, Spence and I did not, um, Thrive particularly, but that's okay, you live and learn. Um, and also this past weekend, I just have to give a shout out to Harper Park Middle School, which, basically, kicked off the theater season, which I'm very excited about with a show, filled with color and life
and fun in Suzuki. Gold Junior and um, just a huge, thank you. As we enter into into this season of all the shows at high school and middle school levels for all the Educators, and the parents and that our selflessly serving to make sure that these shows happen and just a huge shout out to our students who just are amazingly talented. So, it just in a season that's, you know, coming out of winter, been kind of heavy. It was just it was all the fun. You could possibly imagine. So huge. Shout out to those kiddos. Um, and just a great time
overall. Dr. Rashid thank you chair at the March specialized programs and centers. Committee meeting staff shared Insight on how they are developing a 5-year plan for Career and Technical education expansion. Uh, they're considering gaps meeting clusters or zones where existing CTE programs are not offered. They are also seeking input from Educators and school administrators who are interested in providing new high demand, CTE programs. I was pleased to learn that the Clusters there are based on County Planning zones,
meaning that potential Transportation needs will be top of the Mind. The 5-year plan should be finalized and in the implementation stage, this fall. Thanks chair. In Miss label. Thank you, madam chair. The esbach committee met recently, uh, a group of students, I'm constrained from giving any too much information. Uh, did reach out to me and asked if they could, as part of their Capstone program, present a
program about Safety and Security and suggestions to the school system. And they came at our last not the 1, we had today, but the meeting before and they were wonderful. They had a bunch of wonderful ideas. Uh, a lot of them, which we are already implementing, but they didn't know that when they put their Capstone project together, they are continuing to survey all the high schools in the county to ask them uh in a survey, how they feel about Security in
their building. What do they see as gaps? And they will be presenting or forwarding the information to the aspect committee and to Mr. Clarke, um, the other thing that happened recently is I went with, uh, Mr. Allen our, our School Division, uh, legal person. And we went to uh, legal seminar and I got lots of good information, lots of updates, uh, things that we have to
look at when we are working with children in aspect, to make sure that we're not depriving anyone of their rights that were in compliance with legal programs and um, the trip was wonderful. The trip home for both of us. Was a little challenging with planes. That didn't work well. But we won't go there anymore, it's overpass and we're back home. Uh, and the last thing that I would like to mention is that I'm having my monthly Round Table, it will be, um,
on the 27th of March 6:30 to 8:00 at Coach's Corner which serves great food and we always go. And we're always there to listen to anybody. Um, that wants to come and ask about policies. Tell us about problems. We're always open. So hope to see you there. Thank you. Thank you, everyone and Miss label, glad you and Mr. Allen made it back safely. Uh, with that, we will move on to item number 15, new business. Is there any new business?
Mrs Griffith. Thank you, madam chair. Um, as a matter of safety, I brought the issue of 840 at our February 11th meeting and I believe there was discussion at the student services committee uh meeting on February 20th. While I appreciated the discussion on 840, taking place at the committee meeting. Um I don't believe it was discussed in its entirety. I believe it still needs to be addressed at committee and brought to the full school board for discussion. We would then have it as an information item eventually on the agenda for a future board meeting. Again,
this is a safety issue and we can't keep kicking the can down the road. Uh, we can't go on identity and emotions when it comes to safety. I have also requested the F focus group information that I'm waiting on. Um, we, we, were potentially going to contract with a, with a group that would do focus groups. And and apparently, I thought we signed a confidentiality agreement. So I'm looking for that information as well, but I would really like to have the conversation on 840 and I Know, it has to go to committee first so I'm hoping it'll
end up at the board. Um, and not next meeting but maybe the meeting after thank you. Is that a motion Mrs. Griffith No it it's new business asking that um it goes back to committee for discussion. Okay. All right. Any other new business. All right, then the thank you everyone. Uh, thank you everyone for being here. The March 11th, 2025 school board, meeting is adjourned. Thank you for coming and get home, safe.