No, I forgot this. Good afternoon, I call to order this April 22nd 2025 Loudoun County school board meeting. At this time, we will read our disclosures and I'll start. As a member of this Loudoun County school board, I will make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget Andor health, insurance, and related benefits. And any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member, I am eligible to
receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee. These benefits. However, affect thousands of employees, while in excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may also be affected. Of which I am included. I can and will participate fairly objectively and in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public records of the clerk of the school board for 5 Years, miss Chandler, thank you. Madam chair as a member of the Loudoun County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to
the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget and or health insurance and related benefits and any other discussion that may include or affect benefits for lcps employees. Specifically, as the school board member, I am eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee. These benefits. However, affect thousands of employees, well, in excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may also be affected of which I am included, I can and will participate fairly objectively.
And in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public records of the clerk of the school board for 5 years. Thank you, Miss Chandler, Vice chair, Donahue Thank you, madam chair as a member of the laden County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on, tonight's agenda, regarding employee salaries, the budget, and our health insurance, and any other discussion that may include or affect salary and benefits for lcps employees. Specifically, my spouse, my minor children and I are
enrolled in lcps, health insurance, that may be affected by any potential changes to employee salaries the budget and or health insurance. Additionally, my sister-in-law is an lcps employee who does not reside with me and is not dependent on me. These subjects include thousands of employees, well, in excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may be affected of which my spouse. My, my own children, my sister-in-law and I am included, I can. Well, participate fairly objectively and in the public interest. This disclosure will be reflected in the public records of
the clerk of the school board for 5 years. Thank you. Vice chair, Donahue Mr. Strafe. Thank you, madam chair as a member of the Loudoun County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget and our health insurance and related benefits. And any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member, I am eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee. these benefits, however, affect thousands of employees, while in excess of the statutory, 3 employees, whose
interests may also be effective of which I am included, I can and will participate fairly objectively and in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public records of the clerk of the school board for 5 years. Thank you, Mr. Jeffrey Miss label. Thank you, madam chair as a member of the laden County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public, excuse me, in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget and or health insurance and related benefits or any other
discussion. That may be Excuse me, include or affect benefits for lcps employees. Specifically, as a school board member, I'm eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits. So sorry. Specifically, as a school board member, I'm eligible to receive insurance and health related benefits as an lcps employee these benefits. However, affect thousands of employees, well, in excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may also be affected of which I am
included, I can and will participate fairly objectively. And in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public records of the clerk of the school board for 5 Years. Thank you, Miss label. Miss chernoff. Thank you. Madam chair as a member of the Loudoun County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget Andor health, insurance, and related benefits. And any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member, I'm eligible to
receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee these benefits. However, affect thousands of employees, well, on the excess of the statutory, 3 employees, whose interests may also be affected of which I am included, I can and will participate fairly of. Objectively. And in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public records of the clerk of the school board for 5 years. Thank you, Miss chernoff. Um we'll move on to item. 3 approval of the consent agenda board. Members, are there any changes to be made to the consent agenda? Seeing none before we vote, we have 4 proclamations to read
our first Proclamation, recognizes May 5 through 9 to 2025 as teacher appreciation week and the month of way month of May as educator appreciation month and we'll be read by Miss Chandler. Thank you, madam chair. teacher appreciation week and education educator appreciation month May 2025 whereas since 1984 the national PTA and the National Education Association, have designated the first full week of in May as a special time to honor
and celebrate teachers for the important role they play in the growth and development of our children, and whereas Loudoun County Public Schools with its 6,500. Dedicated teachers stands, as a beacon of educational Excellence, nurturing the minds of over 82,000 students across 100 Schools and programs. And whereas the tradition of public school education across the United States and Virginia resonates deeply within the halls of lcps where teachers
are the Bedrock of our educational system. And whereas Lcps, teachers impact, students, beyond the classroom. They instill values. Ignite curiosity and Foster resilience shaping academic, success, empathy, and embracing, and celebrating the rich, tapestry of cultural identities, backgrounds and experiences found in our community. And, whereas teacher, appreciation week is a heartfelt celebration of the tireless, Educators who shape the students who are the future of our community and whereas
educator appreciation month celebrates, all those who support our students, as they reach academic, and personal achievements, that ensure their Bright Futures and whereas Loudoun County Public Schools. Joyfully join school districts across the United States and celebrating teacher appreciation week and educator appreciation month. Now, therefore be it resolved that the loud and County School Board. Formally recognizes May 5th through May 9th as teacher appreciation week and be it further resolved.
That the loud and County School Board will recognize the entire month of May as educator appreciation month. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Chandler. Our next Proclamation recognizes May 2025 as National mental health awareness month and will be read by Vice chair. Donahue Thank you, madam chair. National Mental Health Awareness Month, May 2025, whereas mental health is essential to everyone's overall health and well-being. And whereas mental health challenges affect 1 in 5 children during their school Years. Yet many children
with mental disorders, do not receive appropriate treatment. And whereas children's mental health is directly linked to their Learning and Development and the school and classroom environment, provide an optimal context to promote positive, mental and Behavioral Health, and to build skills that influence mental health outcomes. And whereas mental health awareness and prevention education, serve to counter stigma misunderstanding, fear and barriers to accessing services and treatment. And whereas strong Partnerships with Community agencies,
families, and private providers helped to overcome these public health challenges and promote greater support for those affected. And whereas the office of student, Mental Health Services was formed to Advanced mental, health support for students so that they are healthy ready to learn and may positively, contribute within their school and community and whereas school counselors, social workers workers psychologists, and student. Assistants Specialists are specially trained to provide a Continuum of mental health and Behavioral Health Services in schools that support and strengthen Learning and Development.
And now therefore be it resolved that Loudoun County School Board. Formally recognizes May 2025 as National Mental Health Awareness Month, And witness their of the Loudoun County School Board issues. This proclamation to honor and recognize the national Mental Health Awareness Month, Thank you, Vice chair. Donahue, our third Proclamation recognizes May 2025 as Asian-American and Pacific, Islander American heritage month and will be read by Dr. Rashid, Thank you, chair. Whereas, Asian-American and Pacific Islander American Heritage originally commemorated by
Congress in 1977 celebrates. The rich histories diverse cultures and significant contributions of asian-americans, native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the United States States. And whereas asian-americans and Pacific Islanders have made profound and positive impacts in all aspects of society, including education government, business science, and the Arts, and Community leadership, thereby, strengthening the fabric of our Commonwealth and our nation, and whereas the contributions of aapi individuals,
and communities Have Been instrumental in shaping, the history and development of the United States, and their, and their preserver, in the face of adversity, serves as an inspiration, to all and whereas recognizing and celebrating aapi Heritage Month. In Loudoun County Public Schools supports the principles of diversity, Equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and helps to educate. students about the importance of understanding and appreciating different cultures and perspectives. And whereas lcps strives, to Foster, an inclusive environment,
that acknowledges, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our diverse student population ensuring, that all students, feel valued seen and heard. And whereas 26.2% of enrolled lcps, students are Asian-American and Pacific Islander Americans and 7.35% of Loudoun County Public Schools. Work force has self-identified as Asian-American and Pacific Islander American, and whereas Loudoun County Public Schools reaffirms a commitment to providing
educational opportunities that reflect the histories and contributions of all racial, and ethnic groups, promoting unity and combating discrimination. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Loudoun County School Board proclaims May 2025 as Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Loudoun County, Public Schools and encourages students. And Educators. And the community to learn more about the achievements and Legacy of asian-americans and Pacific island, Islanders through classroom activities, events and discussion that Foster awareness and respect.
Thank you, Dr. Rasheed. And our final Proclamation recognizes May 2025 as Jewish American history, Heritage Month. In Loudoun County Public Schools and will be read by Dr. Deans. Jewish American Heritage Month? Whereas Jewish American heritage month, has its origin in 1980 as Jewish Heritage week from April 21st through the 28th. 1980 and was designated as Jewish American heritage month
on April 20th. 2006. whereas Jewish Americans have played an essential role in the advancement of civil rights, education science, the Arts business government and numerous other fields strengthening the fabric of our Commonwealth and our nation. And whereas, the history of Jewish Americans, is deeply interwoven with the story of our country, including their
perseverance through, challenges contributions to democracy and commitment to Justice and equality. And whereas education is a vital role in fostering understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, traditions and history. Mysteries and recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month aligns with Len County, Public Schools commitment to
diversity, Equity inclusion, and accessibility. And whereas, it is essential to combat anti-Semitism, and all forms of hate through education dialogue and Community engagement, ensuring that our schools remain places of respect and inclusion free from hate and Prejudice for all students. And whereas the School Division continues to
collaborate and partner with various community-based individuals, and organizations to further, its efforts of forming strong relationships in a culturally sensitive responsive and meaning. Way and whereas L County Public Schools reaffirms its commitment to fostering a learning environment where all students feel safe. Valid and empowered to learn about and appreciate diverse,
cultures and histories. And now, therefore be it. Resolved that the Lan County School Board. Hereby recognizes May 1st through May 31st 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Lawton, County Public Schools. Be it further resolved that the Lan County School Board, encourages staff and Community to observe, recognize and
celebrate the culture Heritage and contributions of Jewish Americans to our country. The Commonwealth of Virginia, our beautifully diverse County, and our schools during Jewish American heritage month as well as throughout the year. Thank you, Dr. Deans. I'll now entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. Yes, Vice chair. Donahue I moved for the board to approve the consent agenda uh as presented. We have a motion by Vice chair. Donna Hugh to
approve the consent agenda. Do I have a second second I have a second by Miss Chandler, it's been properly moved and seconded to approve the consent agenda. Um at this time we will take a vote to approve the consent agenda clerk. Please open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote, and that motion passes, um, with Mrs. Griffith, um, absent, for the vote. We'll move on to our work session. Uh 4.01 Department of
teaching and learning and instructional framework update presented by Mr. Neil Sven assistant superintendent for teaching and learning Mr. Sleven. Good afternoon, chair. Mansfield board members, and Dr. Spence, I am very excited about our work session this afternoon and, um, to have the opportunity to spend some time with you. All talking about instruction and what is happening in our classrooms. Um we are at a transition point in our development of the instructional framework um, to where we have developed the instructional framework and we're moving
towards supporting the implementation of our framework within our schools and so it's a good time to come to you all um to share a little bit about where we have landed with the instructional framework. What do we see it? How do we see it impacting our day-to-day um experiences in our classrooms particularly for our teachers, who I'm very thankful um took the time out of their busy schedule to join us this afternoon to share um the impact that this document is going to have um in their classrooms. Um if you go to the next slide as a reminder our instructional
framework. Um if you go back 1 is tied both to our to our strategic plan and the superintendent's post entry plan 1, we want to make sure that we are enabling core academic. Excellence by providing rigorous instruction for all students and 2. We want to offer high-quality ongoing growth and development opportunities available to all of our staff. This instructional framework is going to help guide us in decision-making around, what's happening in our classroom, as well as the supports that we're providing our staff. And as you know, the development of the
instructional framework, was 1 of the um, initial projects within the superintendent's post entry plan. So we're really happy for this opportunity to share. Um, where we are with this. We have a few things that will be, um, going into after this introduction. Um, we will, um, Mr. Rousey will introduce Uce our teachers who have been part of the development of the instructional framework, but they will share different components within the instructional framework. We'll have an overview of the student actions. What we hope to see in our classrooms, as a result result of the instructional framework. And then we also will have a debrief and
discussion hopefully getting some feedback from you all in your thinking about how the instructional framework will live, in the classroom visits that that you have done. And you've seen in our classrooms So again, we want to review the instructional framework and the different layers of it. We want to share our teacher classroom practices and we want, we would we are looking forward to hearing some dialogue from you all and answering any questions you may have about the framework. So with that, I'm going to turn it over to our director of teaching and learning K12 who has been an instrumental leader in this, uh, process. So I want to thank him Mr. Jeff Rousey.
Thank you Mr. Sleven. Thank you chair Mansfield and um, members of the board. So we have had the opportunity to talk with you a few times about the instructional framework. We want to just do a quick overview of the purpose behind this and why we have dedicated a lot of time and effort and thought and collaboration with various partners and teachers and developing it. So first, the instructional framework is meant to be a shared vision of effective instruction, what we want teaching and learning to look like throughout all of our classrooms and provide that support and communication to families to teachers, to our students about what our classroom should look like. And
what kind of environment we want that to be? Um, second is that it is student centered. And so we know that our students come to us with a diversity of needs strengths interests, backgrounds, and we want to make sure that the, um, the ex Expectations, that we have, the instruction that we provide is flexible enough to meet the needs of any student that walks into our classrooms along those lines. Uh, it is applicable across all content, areas and levels. So, um, it does not have every Nuance of what it means to teach, AP calculus or kindergarten. We know that those environments
are very different but what it does do is communicate in a large scale, in a big picture, what instruction what teaching and learning should look like across any classroom that you may walk into in lcps. And finally, it's the foundational piece that drives daily instructional and assessment practices. This is not envisioned as a binder that sits on a shelf, collecting dust. And a teacher's classroom, it's meant to be out alongside um, our curriculum, our standards of learning uh our resources as our in our CLT meetings. That it's it's a, a point that
teachers return to and think about as they determine what kind of instruction they want to provide to our students and reflect on what they're seeing so far in their students and how they might adjust and change the instruction that they're providing. Providing. So this is a little bit different, the way we've talked about this than maybe we have in previous, um, presentations to you. But, but we're thinking about the instructional framework as a series of layers and the first 1. Uh, the first 3 are actually ones that we have shared with you before, uh, our key components. So these are the parts of a continuous cycle of effective teaching, the big
broad ideas of what teachers do every day. And in the lcps. Instructional framework, that is student, centeredness design, thoughtful design around instruction, Um, purposeful engagement of students and assessment of student learning. We also have what we what we call our our teacher actions so there are actually 17 of them throughout the entire framework. And those are meant to be the things that we want to see teachers doing. We want to support teachers in doing every day in their classrooms, they're kind of the daily practices that our teachers are engaging in. And then, if you think about this, uh, document on the far
right side, we have reflect and respond questions. So those questions are meant to be used in clts. They're meant to be used to self assessments for teachers. They're meant to be used in coaching conversations or, uh, post-observation conversations with administrators, but they're meant to provoke thought and discussion. Um, and to think about what happened in that classroom and maybe how uh, we could change or modify or improve the practices that we're seeing and the results that we're seeing and something that's new which we'll talk more about in more detail. Um, that we have not talked about yet our student actions and just a
brief explanation that will come back to. This is, if we see these 17, things done consistently in our classroom, the student actions are meant to Define. What will we see from our students? What are the observable, um, outcomes that we'll see from our students, if our teachers are consistently implementing those teacher actions and we'll share those with you a little bit later in the presentation today. So, uh, as Mr. Sleven mentioned, we are thrilled to have 4, amazing lcps. Educators here at the table with us tonight. All of these teachers were part of our, um, engage team that spent time thinking about how we support and Implement
what's in the instructional framework. Um, we've had meetings with them throughout this year and a host of other Educators as well to talk about what this looks like in a classroom. Um, and to make sure that what we are sharing and creating is representative of the great work that our outstanding teachers are doing every day and their classrooms. So they're each going to take a chance to uh talk about 1 of these key components and what that looks like in their classrooms. And we are going to start with Jessica Mitchell, who is an English learner teacher at Kenneth culbert, Elementary School to talk about how
students centeredness um, and you'll see on the screen here, these are the teacher actions that we use to define students that are Miss. But how student centeredness impacts and is a part of her daily, instructional practices. um, as an eel teacher, um, when I'm thinking about student centeredness and collaborating with classroom teachers, I definitely focus on establishing high expectations for each and every student and deciding accessible and affirming learning spaces for our diverse Learners 1 way, I make sure that all students have opportunities for deeper learning is by collaborating closely with classroom teachers to
implement structured oral language opportunities with targeted, scaffolds for our students this year. We've implemented several comments, structured oral language opportunities. Across classrooms in kindergarten through, fifth grade that established high expectations for all of our Learners, as well as give all students an opportunity to engage in critical thinking and share their thinking. This year, I have focused on 2 specific activities. With teachers 1 is called the question signal, stem, share and assess model for student discussions. This model allows all of our
students to be able to engage in classroom conversations and have all of their voices heard. Another activity I've done this year in classrooms K through 5 is called a hexagonal thinking vocabulary task. And this is a rigorous task, in which our students create meaningful connections between vocabulary words, they are learning, they have visual supports. They have, um, sentence stems and they're all able to participate. These structured oral language opportunities. Promote high expectations for all of our students and they also amplify the voices of all of our students.
Thank you, Miss Mitchell. Uh, and our second component is design, and how we design learning for all of our students. And so here to speak about design is Candace, King, who is a science teacher at Woodgrove High School? When I'm designing learning experiences for my students, I always use the biology standards of learning and our lcps. Curriculum is the foundation to write learning objectives that are in student-friendly language. Um, and that relate to authentic real world ideas and issues and problems that
our students May face. From these learning objectives. I carefully choose strategies and resources focused on rigorous authentic and student-centered learning. I frequently design instruction that includes specific thinking routines to shift from memorizing to finding connections through similarities and differences, for example in asking students to memorize the stages of photosynthesis and respiration. I designed a rigorous thinking tasks in which students find similarities differences and connections between the 2 processes.
By intentionally designing my instruction to include scaffolds. I can ensure that a learning experience is engaging for each and every student. for example, during the cell energy thinking tasks, I designed scaffolds for students including sentence, stems and collaboration routines By designing instruction intentionally around a real world issue or problems such as ocean, acidification, invasive, species, and genetic technology. I can also plan for flexible learning paths, for example, when designing, a lab experience, I plan for students to design components of or
even the entire experiment as opposed to providing a step-by-step set of instructions. By planning, scaffolds like graphic organizers and design. Check-ins students can choose how they collect data to solve a real world scientific problem. This King and, um, for engage, and how we engage students, in their learning, we have Jamar Brown, who is a specialized instructional facilitator. Um, to talk a little bit more about what this looks like in the classrooms that he supports and the teachers he supports in my role, as a facilitator of specialized instruction. I
often support teachers and providing engaging learning experiences, in 1, fifth grade class math class. Uh we tapped into students love of Minecraft by having them design, their own buildings on grid paper. And with each square, with each Square representing a block, they calculated the area and the perimeter of their creations, and then discussed their strategies with peers, using sentence starters and visual supports Students who typically struggle to stay engaged were
suddenly leading the conversation because the task made sense to them and felt connected to their world. for students with disabilities with executive functioning challenges language processing needs or difficulty with abstract reasoning, this kind of Engagement is critical. The structured visuals, the opportunity to design and build something. Personally, meaningful and the guided discussion all helped lower the barriers to participation. Instead of being overwhelmed by multi-step problems,
students could access the math through something concrete, familiar and fun, it allowed them to show what they know in a way that felt doable and even enjoyable. And again, most importantly, meaningfully Thank you Mr. Brown and finally, to talk about um assess, we have Beth Nelson, who is a science teacher at Riverbend Middle School? Hi, I'm Beth Nelson. Um, I'm going to start with saying that we align our assessments with their standards. Um, we'll use that as our basis for backwards design from
there. I, I'm going to talk about how I introduce my units. I introduced them through a driving question. I like to start with a question that the students can't directly answer. Like, for example, why is water sticky? Then what they'll do is all assess their current level of content, knowledge by having them discuss at their tables. What do they need to know to be able to answer this question? So they'll have a dynamic conversation. They'll come up with their own questions of information. They need to be able to Figure out why is water sticky? And then they'll share those
those questions out with me. So I can know, what do they already know about the topic? What is their interests? What is something that we can maybe dive deeper into? Um, From there, the students will collect notes information throughout the unit. And then before they take the summative assessment, we use this as an additional summative where they actually answer the question and I can assess their how well did they learn the information. Um, so for our assessments, we're using assessments as
A summative assessment, but also a lot of checkpoints in between we will use things, um, as well. Like capture sheets and Mastery checks to see where students are at and change their path Pathways and adjust from there. Thank you, Miss Nelson. And um, so those are just 4 great teachers, who are part of this process. There were many more 30 over 30, right? Who were part of our team, um, who were working with us throughout the year on developing the instructional framework, and 1 of the things you'll, uh,
have the great Fortune to hear from Amanda Kim here in just a second, but we were just talking this afternoon about when we share the instructional framework with teachers. Uh, we often are um, really appreciative of the fact that teachers feel like this is reflective of the work that they do. That it is uh, a part of that, that it is challenging that it is rigorous that we are asking our teachers to to do a lot and serve our um, in the ways and meet them where they are, but that it also is representative of the really good things happening in our classrooms every day, and really can serve as a good foundation, for what we do, um, as Educators, and how we
support Educators through our curriculum and our professional learning and all of the work that's tied, um, to teaching and learning in lcps. So that is I I think a a a review of some things around the instructional framework that we've talked about before we're moving into um a a piece that we have not had the opportunity to share with you yet and that kind of emerged through our work with work with teachers and administrators and hearing, um, some needs that they had and to implement this effectively. And that is our student actions and the student actions are really defined by this question. Um, as I mentioned this
earlier, if our teachers are on a regular basis, implementing the 17 teacher actions that are part of the instructional framework, if that's a part of their daily classroom. Uh, instructional practices, then how would we know, what would we see from our students to indicate that they are receiving? The kind of instruction That we want in every classroom in lcps. So I'm going to have Amanda talk a little bit about um, our student actions and share with you our final list of of what those actions look like. Good evening.
We began the development of the student actions, this fall. and uh, we started our process by gathering input from various groups of teachers from school leaders and Central support, administrators the 4 individuals that are here with us were part of that early iteration of this. Um and we started this process by developing some classroom. Look fors. Our earliest stages of this. We had 20 observations behaviors. We had a very comprehensive but a rather lengthy list of
examples of what success could look like in the classroom. And about the same time, we were also recognizing that many of the ideas that are related to students that are engaged, design and assess really overlap. And we wondered, if we could somehow combine these elements from our list of existing student look, fors into a more streamlined set pulling together ideas from across various components and to make it easier for everyone to understand the student actions that result from the teacher actions, contained in
the framework. After months of iteration. We are pleased to share our final list of 10 student actions. Again, these 10 student actions are all observable student behaviors in a classroom. These are things that you could expect to see when a teacher actualizes, the actions outlined in the instructional framework. The next slide includes an example. This is an example of the connections that exist between
the student and the teacher actions. uh you will notice at the top of the slide that there is 1 of our student actions and then the other pieces on this slide are the teacher actions that are result in um, or that would result in the student action. so you could think of this as if you would observe the student action taking place in a classroom, then you could assume that the teacher was consistently and intentionally doing all of these teacher actions both while engaging in
their classroom designing centering student and assessing Another important noticing in this example, is how the teacher actions associated with the student action. Combi or a combination from All 4 of our key components student, centered design, engage and assess. This helps illustrate that interconnectedness between those components. Our last piece of um, this agenda item tonight is to some time for you to debrief and to discuss. Um and the
very next slide if you go to 1 more um these are some questions that can help guide this discussion. So what are some examples that you have seen of teacher and student actions when you visit classrooms What clarifications or additional details, would be helpful or what questions do you have? That's my cue right? Yes, thank you. So that's my keyboard members. Do you have any, um, questions or thoughts about this? Yes, Dr. Rasheed, thank you, share more of a comment. I just think I
like, how you guys keep the students. Engaged education has come so far since we were in school. Um, what happens when you have, um, I guess when the student continues to be I guess unengaged that would be that would serve a little bit challenging. What would you what would you do to maneuver this situation? Do you have you found those challenges once in a while? And if so I think I someone had mentioned something about Minecraft but um you know what would you do if you had a challenge of the sort? Something that I do with my students is goal setting and
it's very reflective of the student. So um, I utilize that to gain met like to make a better connection with some of my students. And I typically have a group of students every year, who just, it's really difficult to connect with, and found that the goal setting and reflection has made that difference, especially this year to reach those students. And during our instructional framework meeting, the last 1, we did a bracket Ology in my group. We decided that students feeling like
they belong is the biggest impact on the student. And I think that really goes to show so trying to make them feel like they belong. Go, the farthest. Thank you so much. I love what you guys are about. Dr. Deans so at what level has this instructional framework, been Uh, taught across all schools. To what extent? Where is the staff development on it? I guess I'm saying so
I'll start and then I'll let Mr. Ramsey or Miss Kim jump in. We are at this transitional point where we are presenting this instructional framework as a, as a finished product and we're moving into our development of a support plan. And so, um, as we continue down this road, we're thinking about our, um, launch next year, when teachers returned, and our principles of return at Lee Loudoun, how this will be supported through our countywide staff development days. We've worked with Partners across the division such as in. Um, human resources and talent
development. How this could support coaching and evaluation opportunities. Um, so we plan on coming back. I believe we have a work session in June, we will be providing to the board, an overview of our professional learning plans for next year, and while there will be other topics um that will continue to support. In addition to the instructional framework, we will be Sharing more information about what support for the in, what what support for the instructional framework, will look like going forward. Um, but we are, um, we are currently planning those supports. So, Mr. Rousey or Miss Kim, I
don't know if you'd add anything. uh, just that we hope that this is tied into the daily work of teachers and so that um, in things that already exist in the structures that already exist in our schools, at a school-based level, our countywide professional development days, our CLT meetings. Uh, that there is lots of opportunities for us to align and embed this work. And all of us in central office we were talking about this just earlier today, have some accountability and things that we can do to help support teachers. So we are continuing to to work on that and 1 of the key things that I think will
happen. When we return in the fall is having these defined lists of teacher actions and student actions allows us to collect some data and to gather that both by, um, we could do that by school by level, by grade by content. We've been working on some systems to be able to do that and so that we really can pinpoint our supports where are the teacher actions? That we know, we have a lot of strengths and where are the ones where we can provide some additional support and help to teachers? What are the student actions that we're seeing regularly in our classrooms? And where are we not seeing that? And as Miss Kim shared in
that 1 graphic where it's unpacked, can we help identify the reason why we might not be seeing that? Because that list is uh 1. Student action. But you can see it's a very complex task for teachers to be able to do all of that and to kind of recognize this is complex. And there might be some facets of this where we need to provide some additional support to our teachers. So a lot of the work when we return in the fall will also be gathering good data and making sure that the professional learning that we are providing is tailored and targeted and specific to the areas of need that were
identified. Yes Dr. Dan want to follow up. So would you would you roll it out to all schools simultaneously? Or. Yes. That this this is a division-wide instructional framework. Okay. Um and it is going to be used by our schools but as Mr. Rsleigh mentioned. It's also um, going have a big impact on the work of the Department of teaching and learning and other departments within Central support um and how we talk about instruction in our classrooms that also how we support the needs that we identify
Miss Chandler. Well, I will say Dr. Dean's asked my question. Um, so I will, I will just say thank you to the team. It's wonderful to hear about how you're innovating in the classroom. And I, I feel very heartened to know that our students are having, um, these experiences. And I'll be excited to see how this rolls out across the division. Um, and I hope as we progress through full implementation, that we'll be able to hear more about how um the teachers are assessed as they continue to integrate this new um
framework. So thank you. Yes, Vice chair down here. Thank you, madam chair. Thank you, Mr. Slovan and everyone for the presentation, and for everything that you do for our students um as a parent of an 11 year old. Fifth grade boy, who loves Minecraft. I was especially Uh, excited about your story of how you connected with your students in that way. Um, I I did want to ask about, um, the reflections that you mentioned, um,
and specifically, who those are discussed with or like when and with whom slash how are those um, discussed with or responded to Are you referring to the reflect and respond questions? yeah, so for each component we have outlined or articulated uh 2 to 3 questions that are meant to spark um either help in the planning process or in the reflection process and I
believe that those questions can be used in a variety of different ways. Um, I see a world where teachers when they're meeting, um, planning with the CLT, that those are questions, that can be used to guide their planning. And then also, after they've taught a lesson, they can be used to, think about how did it go, and where do we want to go next? Um, I can also see those to be helpful question to an instructional. Facilitator, an instructional coach who is, uh, helping a teacher grow their practice. Those can be some sample coaching questions that they use, that are
really targeted to the instructional framework. Um, and a third group, that could use those questions are are School leaders, who evaluate and supervise and observe classroom practices that they can use again. Those questions as as a coaching tool, thank you. Commission, sure enough. Thank you, madam chair, and thank you all for being here, and thank you for the work that you do. And um, it's been exciting to see this kind of unfold. We've definitely had some preview and committee too, and um, just really happy
to see almost it feels almost like we're working backwards in a sense as a lot of these things. I know you do already and you're kind of pulling that up into To this framework. Um and so I really appreciate that. We're We're going to have this thread that goes throughout that will kind of be the tie that binds I think from kindergarten to AP Physics. Um, I had a clarifying question about the student actions. Uh, Miss Kim, did you say that each 1 of these actions is a reflection of all the strands somehow? Can you clarify that for me?
Yeah, so when we originally began the development of the student actions, our first step was to articulate. Some look, fors by component. Okay. So in our first iteration for student centeredness, we had approximately 5 student actions that related to student student centeredness. We had the same for design and engaged, so we had upwards to to 25 and we got some feedback early on from teachers and from school principals and what we also noticed was there was a lot of repetitiveness again between those student
actions. We were saying similar things in the student actions that related to engaged as we were saying in design, um, and we felt like that we were actually able to rather than tying our student actions directly to 1 component. We were able to say this is 1 student action and it is a result of something that a teacher might design and engage and during assessment. So we could almost map, um, take 1 student action. And there's, it is a result of what a
student or what a teacher is doing during designing of that when they're engaging students. And when they're assessing and centering students in their classroom, so it became more of a, um, holistic picture of what happens in the classroom as opposed to isolated into those components. Thank you. I appreciate that. And is that meant, then as you would maybe use this, I wouldn't Envision it necessarily as a check, check check. But as you're looking at your students and engaging with different content, would you envision that that teachers can then anchor back into those pieces to reflect on which piece might be better
suited for that student outcome? Absolutely, so, in the presentation, there was 1 example of this, um, connection and the student action that is listed on the slide talks about students accessing, Learning intentionally through either uh flexible Pathways or scaffolding and differentiation. Um and I imagine that if I would walk into a classroom and see evidence of um let's say flexible Pathways then I could assume that this is probably because a teacher uh, has established sound
routines in their classroom and that is 1 of the teacher actions associated with student centeredness. At the same time. Uh, I could also assume that this is hitting the teacher Is designing those flexible Pathways during CLT practices. And that teacher action is associated with design and so forth. I could pull that to a teacher action with engage and assess, um, and it gives a more, um, of all of the things that would go into a successful. classroom environment. Yeah, I like that. It's multi-tiered
and multiple lenses because it really for each kid. It could be it, maybe isn't the design piece, maybe it's the engagement piece, but it could also for another kid that same lesson, it could be the design piece. Um, so I really love that that you kind of merged all of that together. I have 1 last question, its back to the professional development piece. I'm sort of Thinking back to what you said about be being kindergarten through high school and this is sort of just foundational beliefs and sort of The Guiding principles as we're planning in the professional development. Do you plan to
kind of map out what this practically looks like side by side with different curriculums, I'm thinking, particularly, um, with the new curriculum, the reading curriculum in K through 5, it's pretty scripted, it's pretty prescribed. And so some of those design elements might not be there for a teacher. So are you looking to kind of put things side by side for teachers and help them sort of walk where those decisions can be made and additionally with the student actions? Would that be unpacked by developmental level? Because a student, you know, contributing to a positive and respectful learning
environment. At age, 5 is very different than at age 18. audit, and 1 of the recommendations, was to make sure that our professional professional learning was curriculum based. and so 1 of the conversations we're having between the division of teaching and learning our content offices and our division of professional learning is when designing professional learning around the instructional framework. is there a corresponding curriculum that supports the concept that we're trying to demonstrate to our teachers and if we're not doing the work internally with our own
curriculum documents and we're missing a real opportunity to have influence in our classroom. Um, much of what you see in the instructional framework reinforces existing practices and beliefs about instruction that we've invested time and attention attention to over the years. But I do think we have an opportunity to, to better, align our curriculum to our professional learning. Um, and so that's the work that will be happening going forward. It has been a center of our conversation around what we're doing with our curriculum documents, um, but it, it can't be in my mind. A conversation over here. Like here's the instructional framework and then go into your curriculum
and do do that. We need to make sure it's a seamless connection between those 2 documents. Yeah, absolutely. That's 1 of those um, accountabilities that I think in the department of teaching and learning, we have is to make sure that the curriculum documents and the materials were sharing with teachers, do offer this alignment to the instructional framework and the teachers, see that link and connection between um, their teacher actions and the resources and materials we provide to them. Um, I would also add that I I love that suggestion of what this looks like at an elementary school, middle school, high school. Um, those are the kinds of things that we're
thinking through right now, we have an opportunity next week to have a very deep dive into this with our school leaders and principals and 1 of the questions that we plan to ask is what do we need to provide to you to make sure that you have what you need um to launch this effectively in the fall and what I'm hearing from that. I think that could very well be 1 of the things that we hear from school leaders as uh something that a useful resource to have to help teachers understand what this looks like. Um, those are the kinds of discussions we've started to have but we really want to engage with our school leaders in making
sure that what we're providing to them and sharing with them is um, What they what they need to make sure this is effectively um rolled out in August. and, That's been. Some. Reading for some I have a sickness and I like to read educational research sometimes. But 1 of the things that I was reading was about Project based and inquiry based learning and how that's really more appropriate for expert Learners. And so um, 1 of the things that people are
grappling with are the difference between a novice learner and emerging learner a um, a skilled learner and an expert learner. And so that's kind of how I was thinking about, you know, K through 12. And all of those different curriculum. You know how we're going to align all those kinds of things with it. So There's that. And I also did see um the uh, On a slide. What was it? Slide? What is the slide? It was the 1 with the ropes. It looks like Scarborough's rope.
That was it? So anyway, I, um, appreciate all this work and I'm looking forward to um, Understanding more about it and and seeing your process and the finished product and how you're going to implement all of it. Yes Mr. Bell, last 1 I would like to thank uh, Mr. Sleven, and his, his committee here. Um, I was really impressed that a lot of what I heard you talking about were things that are Incorporated in Universal Design for Learning, which is 1
of my, very favorite is ways of teaching children. So thank you for that. Thank you for your time and for your work. Um okay, we will move on to 4.02 Department of Business and financial services. Fy2. Third, quarter financial review presented by Sharon Willoughby. Our Chief Financial Officer Thank you. I am here to present the third quarter financial review for FY. 25. That is a part of our regular um quarterly updates to the school board.
the third quarter financial review is going to capture actual Financial activity, um from July 1st through, March 31st, and then a projection. For the last quarter of April 1st through June 30th. As always, the full financial report is included in board docks and I will um focus on presenting the highlights this evening with the focus on the changes from the second quarter financial review, that was presented to the school board um in February With the school operating fund, while revenues are
continuing to miss the budget. There has been modest improvement from the second quarter as a result of more favorable sales tax collections. Overall, the projected revenues are projected to fall short of budget by 1.9 million but is still an improvement from last from last quarter to 2.4 million projected shortfall Expenses are projecting a surplus of 48.3 million primarily from Personnel savings. This 10 million increase in savings from the second quarter is a result from being further through the year and being
able to project. Vacancies more accurately with the shorter length of time, remaining in the fiscal year. And for example, there are certain positions that we just stopped hiring for since we are so close to the end of school. So we're able to really lock in those savings. Operating expenses are fairly steady from the second quarter. This all results in a fund balance projection of 35.1 million. After deducting, the 12 million for carryover into FY. 26, that was included in the school board's adopted FY
2 6, We are continuing to hold on this fund, balance to address any potential disruption, to our federal revenue streams. We continue to not anticipate any, um, Federal changes. However, we continue to be fiscally cautious to ensure our operations are covered through the remainder of this year. Additionally, as described in the financial report, we are allowed to transfer year-end funds to our health self- insurance fund. Similar to what we did last year to help
Shore up. The health fund that is Our intention again this year. Last year, we transferred 13 million from year-end operating operating funds to the health Self Insurance Fund. And for this fiscal year, we could transfer up to approximately 26 million, I'll share more on this. When I present the health Self Insurance Fund projection, Moving on to our school nutrition fund. It is relatively the same from the second quarter projection. The impact of snow days though are shown in this quarter with revenues negatively impacted from the closures due to no sales. So
again, if we're close, we're not selling any, um, meals. Um, we do see a positive impact from being closed related to operating expenses. Um, showing less spending. However, personal costs are not impacted as school nutrition staff are still paid regardless if we're open or closed, The projected fund balance in this fund is 18.9 million, the school. Nutrition program is still running a net loss and will continue to rely on the fund balance to offset Revenue. Shortfalls, we will continue to review ways to
increase revenues and decrease costs. As part of the management of the school nutrition program. 3 of the Self Insurance funds on the bottom of this slide are workers comp fund short-term disability. And the Virginia local disability program fund. Um remain relatively stable with minimal changes from the second quarter. Projection costs continue to be in line with budget expectations. And all 3 funds are projected to maintain. Its minimum, 2-month Reserve balance. so, I've been sharing a concern with the school board for
some time now related to the health Self Insurance Fund and it Remains the Same and that is that our claims expense continues to grow faster than the revenue we bring in through premiums, this continues to put real pressure on the funds Financial stability, Revenues in this fund, reflect an unexpected, modest bump from larger than expected, Pharmacy. Rebates, this brings the revenue projections, slightly above the budgeted amount Expenses though. Continued to exceed the budget with Pharmacy claims in particular, having a substantial impact.
We are experiencing a 12% year-over-year. Increase in Pharmacy costs compared to last year. To help control these Rising costs. We recently issued a pharmacy RFP and at achieving more effective cost management plan for both employees and lcps as the insurer. This is 1 example of a cost-saving measure that we are working on. Last quarter, we projected this fund to go negative by um, approximately 933,000 in that position has slightly
improved to a positive fund balance of approximately 511,000. Because 511,000 Falls, far short of lcps is Target reserve of 17%. We do plan to transfer funds from the school, operating fund into the health Self Insurance Fund. As I mentioned earlier, the County's annual appropriating resolution allows lcps to transfer operating fund, balance to the health Self Insurance Fund in an amount up to 10% of
claims expense, based on this projection and the numbers that we are, um, looking at today. A transfer of 26 million could be made from the operating fund to this fund. It is important to note, though. These transfers are only temporary fixes. It's a short-term Band-Aid that uses 1-time funds for ongoing expenses and is not a um, best practice. This all underscores, the need for long-term strategies to increase revenues and reduce expenditures.
Key efforts include the pharmacy. RFP I mentioned earlier in the recently approved. 12%, premium increase for FY 26 and the approved changes to the active employee plans for FY. 26, Additionally, the proposed changes to the retiree benefit to help control costs. While preserving choice, for retirees would be another helpful action. We continue to continue to manage our self-insured health benefit program for over 13,000. Active and retired employees by balancing comprehensive coverage with financial sustainability.
The last group is our Capital funds. The first fund again is our Capital asset preservation program that holds the funding to address major maintenance and system replacement projects. Um projects must have a minimum value of 10,000 and a lifespan of over 10 years. The funding is flexible to allow staff, the ability to manage emergencies and other high priority needs. You will see in the report that the costs are categorized by work type. And when we excuse me and when compared to the second quarter report, there are some fluctuations of spending
projections between these categories. However, all funds continue to be projected to be fully spent there have been multiple structure repair replacement and resurfacing projects completed in this third quarter, a projected 2.2 million in savings will be used to address cost overages supply. Chain risk in new new requirements across all projects. The other capital of Fi Fund is the capital Improvement program fund. And this accounts for the expenses related to construction and renovation of facilities, land acquisition, bus
purchases and certain renovations. you may recall from the second quarter projected um, that there were projected cost of overruns that have been addressed in the third quarter by 49.7 million of supplemental funding that was received from the county and that has been incorporated into the projection. At this time there's a modest 7.2 million of savings projected with recently completed Good projects that will be released once they are fully closed out. So that concludes my third quarter financial review, the
there won't be a fourth quarter. The fourth quarter would actually be the annual comprehensive financial report, whenever we close out FY 25 that, um, that update along with the annual, external audit results will be presented to the school board later, this calendar year, And with that, I'd be happy to take any questions. Thank you. Miss Willoughby, um, I was looking through the report as well. There's a lot that you said about the health. Care, insurance fund, and things like that. That I think
you're reading is there any way that we could get some of that later? Like the script that you were reading from so that I can go back and and read through it at another at another time as well. Just because it was it was a lot. Yeah, I think a lot of it is included in the actual financial report that's in board docs, but I will, I can, um, provide some additional talking points to the school board. Yeah, that's what I was looking for. I was like, I was looking through it and I was like, where is this so? Okay, yep, thanks. Um, yes Mr. Bell.
Could we go back to slide 4? Please. Um, I had a question about revenues and you say that we're not getting Revenue back in. Where would that Revenue come from? Because we are self-insured meaning, we run the lcps insurance company, it's the premiums. So it's the employer paid premiums, and the employee and retiree paid premiums. Okay, those are the major Revenue sources for the health
health. Um, as I find we also have Pharmacy rebates and there could be some miscellaneous but the vast majority um are the premiums Okay, thank you very much. Any other? Yes, Miss chernoff. Thank you, madam chair. Um, thank you, Miss Willoughby, uh also along the lines of the health insurance fund, when you say that we could transfer up to 26 million from the operating budget. Are you referring to end of year funds? Is that the Band-Aid that you're talking about.
Yes. Okay, so of the Of the 30. Let me find the number. Exactly. The 35.1 that we are currently projected to be, um, the fund balance on the operating fund, we could transfer up to 26 million. Um, to the health SI fund. We are limited and we are capped based on the County's appropriating resolution. So there's language in their resolution that, um, basically affords us the option to transfer funds, but not the full. Like we
can't just move all 35 million, okay? And then do those funds beyond what the county would put in the percentage. Do those funds have certain requirements that they have to meet from where they come from, within the operating budget or restrictions, or it's just money, that we would choose to designate from end of year funds to put in The last part, okay. Appropriated and spent fund balance is the funding source. Thank so we can send the UN but they're still going to be an
amount of money probably that that we still need to put in there. So, where would that money come from? If we are capped off? Do we have to make those Decisions in our budget. So but again based on the numbers today, 35 million, and if we transfer 26 million to the health, SI find that leaves about um, 9 million and the um, The practice has been that, we would not return more than 1% of the budget to the county. Um, and that helps, with
County planning, and we arrived at that number, which is roughly about 10 million. Let's just say a really high numbers a high estimate. Um, To address fluctuating fund, balance returned. So, to help stabilize information for the County's p p perspective. We arrived at this agreement that we would return no more than 1%. Um, and that again that has been around 10. I think last year we did not, we would be really On Target again of another 9 this year.
And that's because, in Prior years, they could have a fund balance return, we would return 1 year, maybe 15 million another year, it could be 700,000. And other year, it could be 12 million. And so, because it was fluctuating so much, it made it difficult from their perspective to um, to address some long-term financial planning. So this was the agreement that we arrived at to try to have some stability and consistency. Okay, I don't think I understand so. So then we would take
26 million. To shore up the fund, but we still have more left. So then we would take that from It we would not take it anywhere, it reverts to the county in compliance with the Virginia code. And so, would they? Give it back to us to do, we? It reverts back to the appropriating body which is the county and it's their prerogative to do what they Want with the funds that are returned, we do have the opportunity. Um later this calendar year to request um
usage of the County's fund balance and that's where um as I mentioned during the capital funds where we were able to you know um get a supplemental appropriation of the I think it was 49 million that was out of you know, The majority of that was out of the counties fund balance. So what we return goes to the county and then is their prerogative in terms of how they managed it, there's no there's no agreement that it comes right back but we do have the opportunity to request usage of the County's fund balance.
Sure enough. so, I guess I'm just wondering in if we know that this Health Insurance Fund is vulnerable, which it feels like it's pretty vulnerable right now. Um, and definitely based on the conversations we're going to have later in the meeting. I know that there's just a lot swirling around this. So would it behoove Us in future years knowing that this is a vulnerable account to frontload in the budget process more money allocated
towards this self- Insurance Fund. If there aren't restrictions rather than do it on the back end, where we have to do this, give and take with the county, wouldn't it make more sense? If we know that things are shaky for us to start planning ahead and put more money in those funds so that the different programs don't have to shift so much. Is that something that we could consider? So, by front-loading, we have to identify where the funds are coming from. Right. And historically, the management of this fund, as
with Any operation will fluctuate. There's going to be good years and there's going to be bad years. And so just a real quick primer of the history of this fund back in fiscal 16 And prior this fund was had a negative fund balance. And then also real quickly, a fund balance is not like you're checking account. It's not an indication of cash. A fund balance is related to governmental accounting and about Equity related to revenues and expenditures. It's an indicator of Financial Health of the fund and by, and by
having a healthy fund balance, a positive fund balance, it helps mitigate long-term short-term risk. when we were negative we had um, and again, I wasn't in this role and this actually predates me but the county, there an arrangement where the county did provide some funding to um lcps Health SI plan to bring it positive. Shortly after that we entered a period where we had a really we have really good years. We had really healthy. Participants, we were increasing. Um, the number of
and they were participating in the plan and and they were healthy. And so we weren't having a lot of claims um and claims costs were were modded moderate, there were like you know extraordinary extraordinary inflation happening. So we built a very large fund balance. To the tune of, um, it peaked at 50% of claims. It peaked at a dollar amount of 80 million, it was a very large fund balance. For various reasons. Um,
The County Board of Supervisors, saw this, nice fun balance and there began conversations of what to do with this fund. Balance from a business perspective, It would have been to, we wanted to retain the fund balance to address. Exactly what you are describing. Um, Mr. Cherno that the ups and downs, the ups and flows. However, just due to the climate and the situation that we were in at the time we worked out with the county and we did a series of Health premium holidays to bring down the fund balance. So
we offered a total of 7 holidays, meaning employees and lcps as the employer did not have to pay for health insurance out of their check. that, you know, that squeezed off, some of the revenue that was pumping into the fund and that helped draw down the fund balance, um, down to a level. That was more satisfactory. To the different boards. Um, At the time, shortly after that action was taken. Now we
enter a period We have a pandemic. We um, we start we we lose enrollment, we have less employees, our demographics are changing in terms of claims, the environment that we can't control um inflation the cost of claims Pharmacy, also took off. So now we have impacts to our Revenue because we have less employees participating. um and the plan we aren't, you know, adding more and we have claims Begin to increase. And that's so now, we're back kind of
like in In the down slope. Unfortunately we don't have that fund balance, that would have been nice to have but that's neither here nor there at this time, we are addressing. And so years ago, even when you look back whenever we started, um, a series Of escalating, premium increases back when we did a 2% premium increase increase. When you look back at the budget, at that time, we still were over like a 25% fund balance, but we knew we saw what was happening. And we,
we looked in the out years, that's why even though it may may not have been popular at the time, it was like, no, we we need to start Shoring up by increasing some premiums today, and let's do it incrementally with 2%, 2% 4%, um, trying to shore up the fund. But unfortunately, The claims are are still just outpacing the premiums, which is why. Now for the second year we have the 12%, premium increase. And as I have been very, you know, transparent
during the, you know, budget process. Um, and the questioning fully expect that next year, it will be another premium. Increase Pro like, very likely above 12%. Um, just to give perspective Fairfax this year, was looking at a 20% premium increase so there's not a there's not a quick fix in terms of trying to shore up or address the management of the fund, which is why during the budget process. We proposed 3 3, um, changes
1 was the 12% premium increase across the board that the school board approved. The second was in, um, cost management related to the active plan. We increase out of pocket cost and the deductible for our active plan. That was approved by the school board and the third 1 was um cost management related to the retiree plan and that obviously, as you know, is up for vote tonight. So it's trying to address all the ways we can to manage this fund
because there's not a way to just quickly fix it. And we definitely don't want to come back with saying let's do a 50% premium increase. I mean that would just be devastating so we're trying to make all the adjustments that we can in a way that is sensitive to our employees and retirees, but also fulfills our financial duty to stabilize the fund. Thank you for that. I really appreciate that history of the 80 million beforehand and the and the holidays and that this is not
something that has that was just As people has said, someone asleep at the wheel because it it's not true. Um, and this has been looked at for a long time. Um, And I think it needs to continue to look at which we're going to talk about later too. But I do appreciate that knowledge because I don't think that people have that history of. Yeah we did have it and it was people were eyeing it. And we had to do something with it. It seems very
short-sighted nowadays. So I appreciate that. Anybody else have any questions? Yes, Mrs. Griffith. Thank you, madam chair. Um, This Health Insurance Fund. Is it audited by outside Auditors. I don't know if you mentioned that already, could you just clarify every year? Um, all our all of our funds and financial activity are audited by our, um, external audit firm. Um, I don't think we have a copy of the report or can you send it to us? Did I miss it? It's presented every year, it's available also on the
website. In addition to it was posted in board docs when it was presented. I think, I think the presentation was either December January. So it was in January. So, do you know what date that was? So I can go back and look. I don't have that rarely available, but was it 1 of our first meetings? It's also available. All the financial reports are also available on our website Okay, under Business Financial Services. All right, thank you. Vice chair due. Thank you, madam chair. Thank you. Miss Willoughby for the presentation. Uh, the fund that you were discussing, is it
invested? And if so, how we're in what When you mean invested like does it earn interest income? In terms of. So the if I understand it and your question, I think what you're asking is um, The county has treasury duties for lcps, and that's how it's set up in Virginia. So they manage the cash in terms of what specifically they they do with the with funds related to this um Health SI
plan. I would want to go back and get clarity. I know they do have a variety of Investments investment pools. Um, I just don't know specifically how they address this fund. Thank you very much and the cash related to it. Any other? Looking forward to our continued discussion later. Okay. Um, We have 15 minutes, I guess. Um, 4.03 Department of Support Services. School Board policy is 6210. Student. Transportation annual review of walk zones.
Presented by Kevin Lewis, our chief operations officer Thank you, chair Mansfield. Um, as the item says, this is our annual review of our walk zones decisions that have been made to change walk zones that we come and present. We've also shared these with the finance committee last month and so we're bringing them here for your information to this evening. Um, joined by Mr. Scott Davies. Who is going to walk us through the presentation. Tonight, we are presenting this. Transportation divisions, uh proposed changes for the walk zones to specific schools
as part of our annual walk Zone review process. Uh, the walk Zone review process begins with a field review. In November conducted by our lead drivers with field, surveys of each School looking for changes in conditions new infrastructure or previously overlooked conditions such as control. Crossings Etc. Uh we then compile the results and advise the effective principles of the proposed changes and then we present the proposed changes to the finance and operations committee, which occurred on April 1st. Uh and then follow on to the school board today. Um, Affected families are then notified successively in advance
of the committee meeting uh and subsequent school board meetings. And as you can see we we provided a 4 notifications prior to the April 1st meeting. Um, we then uh, hospitals are then, after this meeting households are then notified uh on by June 30th of the, their affected change in transportation eligibility. Uh, they then have 30 days to appeal that decision, uh, ending on July 1st and then uh, the updated walk zone maps are then published uh, for public consumption. Walks on review process is governed by policy 6210, which
stipulates measured walk Zone routes uh walk routes from the front door of the school up to the property line of each uh residence up to 1 mile long for elementary and up to 1 and a quarter mile long for a secondary schools. Uh policy 6210 also provides an exception rule that allows for us to extend the walk walk route for an additional 10th of a mile for elementary elementary and 2/10 of a mile for a secondary to cover areas where it would not be cost-effective to place a bus up such as the end of a culde-sac. The policy also stipulates that any proposed changes be
vetted by a committee of the school board, which in this case is the finance and operations committee. And that any households are no longer eligible for transportation. Be notified by June 1st that's in that in the policy. Uh, this year, we're proposing changes to expand the walk Zone at Woodgrove High School which would affect 42 students and uh Lunsford Middle School which would affect 103 students. At Lunsford. Uh there's a control Crossing at of Braddock at both Len County Park West, um and Ticonderoga and Bull Run. Post
office Road allowing students to access the neighborhoods on the north side of Braddock. Adjacent to the school, the long uh, longest measure route Distance is 1 and a quarter. Uh, 1.23 miles um which is farthest over to the uh, to the right there. This will reduce the 2. Uh this will reduce 2 of the existing second loads that we still have remaining in the South uh, and our entire network. And many of these students are already walking as you can see in the photo there. Uh, at Woodgrove High School. There's a new Access Road uh,
uh accompanying and an accompanying sidewalk. Connecting with the crown Mayfair neighborhood allowing these students to walk and we're proposing that that be included in the walk zone for Woodrow. And this concludes our presentation. I'm happy to answer any questions. Short, and to the point. The infrastructure improvements. The reason for the change that would grow, can you explain that a little Yes, there's a new Access Road. Um, that's connecting. uh, Woodgrove to uh,
What's the 690 the 690? Uh in perville and that's providing a secondary access for for uh for wood growth High School. All right. Now it only connects to Alder School Road. Yes, Mister down here. Thank you, madam chair. Uh, thank you both for the information. Um, I was going to ask about, uh, the numbers of students affected, if it's individual, students or families. But I think you addressed that already individual students. Yes, ma'am. Um, so my other question was, um,
Uh, several parents have reached out um, with safety concerns related to the change at lenzburg, can you comment on um, safety related issues. So, when whenever we and whenever we propose a walk zone changes, especially when it's affecting a large number of students, there are usually folks that reach out um, to express their concerns. So we looked at the traffic volumes at on Braddock, Road. And, and that Crossing, and we have similar Crossings at other middle schools throughout the county at, uh,
Riverbend, um, um, Trailside farmwell station and the traffic volumes that are that are at uh, Braddock are at or below what those other, uh, other major roadways, uh, that those students cross, uh, Would be consistent and appropriate. So and the fact that it's a controlled Crossing. Um, we believe it is. It is appropriate and safe. Madam chair. May I ask a follow-up. Thank you. Um, so you, you were talking about comparing the
amount of traffic at different at these different intersections. Do you look at the particular times of day, when the students are going to be Crossing in those areas like or like do you look at like 9:00 am in both places? Or do you look at it at 9:00? Mm, for a high school and 8:30 for a middle school. For example, we look at well the the the traffic volumes that we get are from V Dot and they are aggregated so they're not specific to um To specific Windows of time like rush hour and such. Um,
but Middle School is generally well in the morning. It is kind of towards the tail end of rush hour and in the afternoon it's before rush hour. and we and we also observed that that's what we have the photo, there was taken by our staff member and we've See the students cross there, a lot of great volume of students crossed there already every single day. Thank you. Any other questions? Nope. Okay. Wait, I do this is going to go back to fno. No ma'am. No. This is we uh this will be just presented at
an fno and then you're presenting it here and then yes, ma'am. Okay. I think you, um, I guess at that point. Oh no. My computer just decided to do something wonky. Um, okay, um, at this time, we will move on to recess And we the board will be back at 6:30. Thanks. Good evening, the board is coming out of recess at this time. Um we'll start, we'll continue with item 7 which is the
Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem. Uh the Tesco ra Orchestra is under the direction of Brittany Densmore and is comprised of students in the 9th through 12th grades before you, is their top Ensemble the chamber orchestra this year, the chamber orchestra had students selected for the All County and Senior Regional Orchestra and earned Superior ratings at the solo and Ensemble Festival. Last weekend, most excitingly the full combined Tuscarora Orchestra a 50 members earned straight
Superior readings at their District concert assessment performance last month which contributed to the Tuscarora High School being done. Designated by the state as a Blue Ribbon School of musical excellence. This is the second year in tuscarora's history, that this Elite recognition has been earned by the THS music department, meaning the orchestra choir and band each earned Superior assessment ratings this year. The tusky orchestra is looking forward to hosting the JMU Symphony, Orchestra next month for a musical collaboration,
the chamber Ensemble and its director are grateful for the opportunity to share our Nan National Anthem with you this evening. Will everyone, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, 1 nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all. Please remain safe. Okay. I was just waiting for A Switcheroo to kind of happen.
Um, because we have a lot of Awards coming up and I wanted to make sure that the parents were here for the awards as well. Um, okay, we're going to move on to item 8 student staff recognitions. And um, we're gonna have I'm gonna be down here with Dr. Spence and vice chair, Donnie Hugh. And in the meantime, I'll have, uh, Ray Mitchell. Introduce items 8.01 through 8.04, followed by Lisa Boland, who will introduce items 8.05. so, Thank you, chair Mansfield.
We are going to have Mr. Derek Ferry director of Athletics, and extracurricular activities, to present the intramural and vhsl awards and recognitions. Good evening, Madam chair, Dr. Spence members of the school board tonight. Presents an opportunity to extend our help felt recognition to the outstanding individuals, and teams from lcps, who have exemplified Excellence by clenching a state championship in vhl athletics and activities, their
unwavering commitment and Relentless dedication. Tireless efforts accumulated in a remarkable achievements. This past winter. We would like we would also like to recognize the county champions in the Middle School. Intramural program. We start the presentation with our Middle School. Intramural program recognitions. We have completed 2 more championships since the last recognition here in the boardroom. First up the intramural volleyball champions. Was awarded to the Eagles of Eagle Ridge, High School.
Next, we have basketball. Basketball was our other championship tournament. Since the last recognition night, your inaugural all lcps. Middle School champ is the 3 on 3 basketball team from the Falcons. Of farmwell Station Middle School. Take 1 Step guys. You take 1 step forward. Share. Perfect. Now we can see everybody. And now we have the pleasure of recognizing our high school programs.
In the winter of 20125 lcps, captured 3 Virginia, High School, league teams, state championships. The first of these titles was actually a repeat win. The Woodgrove wrestling program is being recognized for its second consecutive state championship. Congratulations Wolverines. Thank you. The second team state titles captured. Out at Heritage High School, The Pride girls basketball, team won their first ever District region and then the
State title and became only. The second sports program. In heritage heritage is 23-year history to raise the state championship trophy. We congratulate the girls team and say War Pride. Dr. Spence, can you take 1 Step this way? There we go. Ready. 1, 2 3. Thank you. But the third team title was captured by light Ridge High School. They won the BHL class 5 scholastic bowl state
championship, marking the third time, in the last 4 years that they have taken home the gold, congratulations to lightning bolts. There we go. The winner season is a time for individual athletes to shine with indoor track and field gymnastics, swimming and wrestling. And in competition. the the student athletes can earn individual accolades in the coed state championship medal 26, different student,
athletes achieve the dream and brought home an individual gold medal across the winter, winter sports We would like to recognize each of them for their achievement tonight. Start starting in class 6, indoor track and field. Josh Johnson became the loan Freedom Eagles to Garner the state championship as he plays through the 55 meter dash. Congratulations, Josh. In class 5 Riverside, High School Thomas. Ray you may recognize him from uh, state cross country because he also won a State title on that. Completed 2 different gold medal
performances by a dominating, the 1,000 meter and the 16,600 meter run. Congratulations Thomas. Also in so sorry. Also in class 5 the plumbing Falls 4 by 4 meter relay team of Jack Manfred. Manfredy, Nathan short, Carter Dunstan and Kaden Richardson brought home the gold medal with a Flawless performance. Congratulations to these Panthers. Byer Woods also had a champion in class 5 as Kelsey Humbert
bested. A town at field in the 1600 meter run. Congratulations, Kelce. Stonebridge and Independence High School, each had a shot put champion in class, 5 at Independence. That title belongs to Ava Jarman. Congratulations, AA. At Stonebridge, the state champion, gold medal in the shot. Put belongs to Corin Rucker. Congratulations. Corin. In class 4. Kim tomacco from Rock, Ridge. High School brought home the
the championship in the 500 meter run. Congratulations, Kim. Our final track and field Champion went to the distance and invested the field in the 3200 meter run again. You might recognize him from the fall because he also won the state cross country and class 4. Congratulations to Loudoun County's. Michael ta ta on the win. This is his second time honoring this year. We now move on to our wrestlers. We have quite a few athletes, um, who stand on the top of the podium this year,
across 3 classifications in which loud and loud in schools compete. The first of our state champions is a freshman at Heritage High School. Bryson Graff brought home, the 113 pound title in class, 4 and Heritage is the first ever individual state champion in wrestling. Congratulations Bryson. Garnered this honor only a couple hours before Heritage High School won their second ever State medal. In wrestling, when Kyle De Santos, dominate the bracket to
win the 285 pound Championship. Congratulations, Kyle. next up is price Chanel sir, secured the 120 pound title for Loudoun County in class 4, congratulation, A little while later. Another Loudoun County wrestler struck gold. When teammate. Lincoln Kelly won the 132 pound title. Congratulations Lincoln soon after the captain's Crown, their third champion of the tournament when Justin Lowery won the title at 157.
Congratulations to Justin. The wolver, the wood grave Wolverines, put 2 wrestlers on the top of the podium and route to their team. Their team state champion at 150 pounds, it was saw your Jones pested in the bracket. Congratulations. Sawyer At 250 at 215 pounds, Ibraham zachi dominated the competition to win another title for the Wolverines. 4 at the girls. State tournament. Broad runs LJ. Peters was
the champion at 235 pounds. Congratulations, LJ. Independence High School, Luke Johnson had his hand raised at in the 23. 226 pound Championship final in class 6. Sorry class 5. Congratulations, Luke. Also, in class 5 will Brooks brought home. A State title in the 165 pound weight class for the stem Bridge. Bulldogs. Congratulations will. Lcps also saw a number of swimmers crowned as state
champions. A more Murad. Of John champe high school. Please pass the field and the class for Championship to win the 50 meter freestyle event. Congratulations, Omar. Omar because we would like to recognize the John champe, Sorry Omar say, still we'd like to recognize the rest of the John champe. 200 meter freestyle relay team that was secured the class 4 Gold Medal. These boys are Omar chol
Cal rice and Ibraham moad. Congratulations boys. Our final state champion to recognize tonight comes from the world of gymnastics gymnastics state, champions are determined in 1, meet representing all 6, vhl classifications combined this year, the best athlete to perform the 4 routine in the state of Virginia is Ari, white of Broad, Run High School. Congratulations, Ari. Thank you, and congratulations to all our winner season
champions. Guys. Slide down, slide down. You're gonna slide down behind you. Screwed up. There you go. Slide up slide up. Come on. There you go. I'm fine. I almost took that stand. Right here.
Ladies and gentlemen Athletics and activities has 1 more recognition to perform this evening. We are privileged tonight to honor a lifetime's worth of work. With our young people in the athletic setting coach Jenny, able began her gymnastics career coaching at Broad Run High School in 1984. Or working as a teacher and coach at broadrun from 1984 to 2002. She led the Spartan gymnastics team to the State
title in 1991. It was the first sport State team title ever achieved at that school. Miss Alba later. Moved to Heritage High School in 2002, where she continues to coach to this day. She can currently coach the Heritage and Loudoun County High School gymnastics team for many of those same years along the way, Miss able coach, multiple region, and State Police winners. As well as individual all-around state champions And led the Heritage team to a Virginia High School league
State runner-up, finish in 2020. Coach Alba will not only continues to coach gymnastics at a high level. Despite being retired from teaching. She also works as a gymnastics and cheer official and has been the point person in for lcps when hosting the vhl state gymnastics meet Her career coaching is not is nothing short of fantastic 8, District Champions chips, 5 region, championships, estate championship, and 416 wins as of V8 sell gymnastics coach.
She is the current Virginia High School league all-time record holder for career victories. It is with great pride, that we are pleased to announce to everyone tonight that Jen Jennifer Abel will be inducted into the Virginia. High School league Hall of Fame on April 27th as the 6th ever lcps coach or athlete to achieve this honor congratulations, coach hobble, Okay, I think it's I think it's my turn now. Thank you. Um,
so tonight, the department of human, resources and talent development is thrilled to share some exciting news with the school board lcps. Has been honored with several highly regarded Regional employee recognition Awards and achievement that speaks volumes about the exceptional talent and dedication of our staff across the division. These awards are a testament to the incredible work happening every day in Loudoun County Public Schools and the people who make it possible to share more about these
recognitions and the individuals being honored, I am pleased to turn it over to Carrie, Sims our supervisor of employee recognition. Dr. Spence board members, cabinet members colleagues, and esteemed guests. What an absolutely incredible day for lden County Public Schools. As you are aware lcps, has a robust annual Awards program in which all school-based employees and a majority of non-school based employees are eligible for nomination. This includes our teacher and principal of the Year Awards last spring. I stood before you and
introduced, Jeff, Joseph, and Kimberly pool. As the 2024 lcps principal and teacher of the year as is our practice these division winners become our nominees for the following year for the Washington Post. Principal and teacher of the Year Awards. We Gather tonight with immense pride and joy to celebrate the announcement today of the 2025 Washington Post, principal of the year, the remarkable, Jeff Joseph. and the 2025 Washington Post teacher of the year, the
inspiring Kimberly pool, Exciting. Along with the title. They will receive a 7500 monetary award signature trophy. A feature in a half-page ad that runs into today's paper. And a profile in today's printed newspaper as well as online. There are also a few more surprises, Jeff, and Kimberly that are owned Department of communications and
Community engagement has up at sleep in the next few weeks. Jeff and Kimberly please know that this honor is so richly. Deserved your dedication, your passion and your unending commitment to our students shine brightly for all to see Jeff. Your leadership as a principal creates a nurturing and empowering environment where both students and staff can Thrive. You embody the qualities of an exemplary, principal Vision empathy, and the ability to inspire a shared sense purpose within your school community. In his nomination
packet, a parent remarked, he does just jump in wherever needed. I once saw him riding a little tiny excavator around the black top, moving snow out of the way for all the Walkers to get through. Assistant. Principal Janet Lewis wrote. 1 of Mr. Josephs standout qualities, is his commitment to maintaining a continuous and open dialogue with students. parents, faculty and staff. He excels at creating an atmosphere where communication is not only encouraged, but valued as an integral part of the educational process.
Kimberly. Kimberly, your impact in the classroom is profound, you possess that special gift of igniting, a love of learning in your students, fostering curiosity and providing the guidance. They need to reach their full potential. You exemplify the heart of a master teacher knowledge patience and unwavering belief in the power of Education to transform lives, evidence of those. Transformed lives were seen in Kimberly's nomination packet. A former student says, this of her time in Mrs. Pool's classroom, Mrs. Pool
did so much for me in sixth grade. But what's truly incredible is that she has continued to be a mentor for me in the years. Since in seventh grade, I joined the yearbook staff because I knew she was the adviser. She taught me how to find an angle to tell a story and how to make that story come to life on the page, when schools shut down at the beginning of the pandemic. Mrs. P kept us on track and moving forward through hours of Google meets dozens of emails and in a measurable amount of dedication, she helped me and my co-editor and chief see the yearbook through to
publication. A creation of which we were Beyond proud 5 years later. I am the editor and chief in layout editor of my high school newspaper, the love of writing, designing editing, and sharing Community stories that began on that yearbook staff with Mrs. Pool has become 1 of the most valuable parts of my high school career. While we celebrate these individual achievements. Today, it's important to acknowledge that Jeff and Kimberly success is also a powerful reflection of the extraordinary work happening every single day across Laden County.
Every day our principals and teachers pour their hearts and souls into creating exceptional, learning experiences for our students. This recognition for Jeff and Kimberly speaks volumes about the collective dedication and Excellence that defines Loudoun County Public Schools and let's take a moment to truly appreciate the significance of this Honor. Never Before has any County, had both the Washington Post principal and teacher of the year in the same year. This, this unprecedented achievement is a testament to the
caliber of Educators. We have here in Loudoun, it underscores the Innovative Spirit, the collective culture, and the unwavering focus on Student Success. That is Loudoun, County Public Schools, Jeff and Kimberly, your accomplishments are a source of absolute Pride for all of us. You inspire us with your dedication, your leadership and Your commitment to our students. Congratulations again on this well-deserved honor. Thank you for all you do for the students and community of Latin County Thank you are watching. Thank you. Here's your question.
Well, that was a lot of Celebration. It's very exciting. Um, all right. We will now move on to item 9. Our student School Board representative comment. Tonight, our first student School Board, representative is dolora Yusef. Dolores is a senior at Dominion high school with a strong passion for Global Affairs and diplomacy Inspired by her transformative trip to Egypt. She aspires to become a US Diplomat for the United Nations, dedicating
herself to leadership and service. She has accumulated 192 volunteer hours through impactful roles with the student council Association, the Red Cross, girls basketball management. And as a Sunday school teacher for third graders, As the 2023 2024, vice president of the student council, she played a key role in strengthening student advocacy and engagement. This fall dolora will further her commitment to international relations by attending, Virginia Tech to
study political science. Beyond her academic and Leadership, Pursuits. She loves to try new foods, stay active and read poetry. She also enjoys exploring Washington DC, where she finds inspiration in its Rich, history, culture and Global influence, as she hopes to make a significant impact on both her community and the world. Welcome. Miss Yousef and the floor is yours. Thank you and good evening. My name is Dolores Yousef and tonight I have the honor of sharing a reflection of a
journey that has changed me forever. I'm filled with gratitude, Nostalgia and a deep appreciation. For the place, that has shaped me into the person that I am today. Dominion high school has not just been a school to me. It's been a Guiding Light and a place where I discovered my voice, my strength, and my purpose. As an Orthodox Christian Egyptian, I brought with me, not just a different culture but the stories values dreams and generations. Before me at Dominion, I was able to honor where I came from while discovering who I wanted to become
and that beautiful duality of holding on to my roots. While building a future is the most powerful part of my growth. I faced many challenges such as adapting to a new culture navigating, the education system facing adversity and sometimes feeling like I had to carve out my own space to feel like I belong. But what I felt at De what I found at Dominion was more than just a place to learn. I found a community that embraced me teachers who believed in me and opportunities
that helped me grow. The school has given me so much. From hosting an international Summit that connected students from around the world to watching our gymnastics team. Make history and seeing the incredible Investments made in our schools future. I have witnessed firsthand of what it means to be part of something great. I've seen our school come together for important initiatives like the song for Charlie campaign for Fentanyl and opioid overdoses. I am so grateful for this awareness. Reminding us all of
the importance of being proactive and protecting each other whether we know each other or not. I felt the energy from our pep rallies. The happiness from our student body, the pride of our theater Productions and the unwavering dedication of our safety team and making Dominion the best it can be. From being awarded, the highest safety rating in all of Latin County Public Schools. All these initiatives from Global exchange programs to safety measures and sports achievements contribution to making Dominion High School. Not just to school but a
community where students grow Thrive and make a real impact to hopefully find themselves doing something unimaginable. For all of this. I am incredibly thankful. Dominion has guided me through my transformation. Providing me with the resources and support to reach New Heights. These moments big and small reminded me that I wasn't just a student. I was part of something greater a community. Where students aren't just taught. They're empowered. We're potential, doesn't just exist. It's
nurtured and transformed into impact and that made all the difference. As I prepare to move on to the next chapter of my life at Virginia Tech. I do so with a heart full of gratitude and I'll carry everything that Dominion gave me strength, hope vision and the unshakable belief that I belong everywhere that I go. To lcps. Keep believing in. Students, like me The Quiet Ones, the uncertain ones. The ones. With stories that you haven't heard yet.
Sometimes, all it takes is 1 person to believe long enough for us to believe in ourselves. There is a time when I wondered if I would ever be seen, But Dominion didn't just see me. It illuminated me, it turned fear into bravery and dreams into reality and potential into something so radiant. Giving me the space to grow. The chance to lead, and the courage to become. So, thank you for everything and go titans. Thank you, Miss Yousef, for being here, and for your
comments and we have our second student representative for this evening. Taylor Keys. Taylor Keys is the president of the Loudoun County. High School student council Association. She has been an active and impactful member of the student council since her freshman year. Throughout her time at Loudoun County. High Taylor has been deeply involved in various clubs and organizations, showcasing a strong commitment to leadership and community service. She's a dedicated member of the future Business. Leaders of America sources of strength, Finance, Club, Educators
Rising walking for water. Morgan's message and the National Honor Society, Taylor's dedication and hard work. Have paved the way for her next academic journey in the fall. She'll be attending Cox business school at Southern Methodist University. Go Mustangs, When she plans to further, develop her skills and pursue her passion for business and and and Entrepreneurship. Welcome Miss keys and the floor is yours. Thank you. Good evening everyone. I would first like to
thank the school board. My principal and Latin County High Schools administration for giving me the opportunity to speak with you all today, my name is Taylor Keys and I've had the privilege of serving as a member of the student council at Loudoun County, High School for the past 4 years, and I'm currently oned to serve as our SCA president. It's been a year full of traditions, memories and achievements that make me incredibly proud to be a captain. It's the spirit of unity creativity and hard work that defines us and I can't wait to walk you through
everything we've done together. our student council kicked off the Year by welcoming our incoming freshmen, with high school, 101 and annual event designed to help them feel at home, get to know the school and see what their next 4 years will look like it's always so rewarding to see our newest students, settle in and start their High School Journey. This year was ex especially exciting because we celebrated our 70th year anniversary in honor of that, we brought back the Beloved tradition of a homecoming parade. It was a truly beautiful event that United alumni parents and
students introduced a fun new tradition with roshambo, uh, schoolwide rock, paper scissors tournament that got the entire student body involved during our home country. Coming Spirit Week. This Spirit, Week featured dress up, spirit days, along with a thrilling homecoming, pep rally with exciting games, and incredible performance by our cheerleaders, and even relay races involving our homecoming Court, our pep rallies, have always been a huge hit with student body and our staff. Our homecoming football game was another highlight where we crowned our homecoming
royalty and honored, our athletic Hall of Fame inductees Courtney Campbell. Michael Anderson, Stephen Graham, Patrick Joseph, dude, Moxley and Lisa. O'Donnell, these individuals set the bar high for future captains 1 of our big wins. This year was making our 70th year homecoming. Dance free to all students, which led to our most well-attended dance in years. This was something we felt very passionate about and we were thrilled that the attendance reflected just how much Our Community Values coming together and celebrating Beyond homecoming. We also
saw the return of FCCLA annual Trunk or Treat, which had an amazing turnout from local elementary schools and family and friends of our Fellow captains, our winter, Spirit Week, full of fun, and creative spirit days was another success. We ended the week with our home, winter pep rally, giving our students a break from their academics and a chance to have some fun before we send them off. On winter, break Loudoun, County's Polar Plunge. Team, participated in their plunge, this winter, raising nearly dollars for the Special Olympics
reinforcing. How much our students care about giving back? Additionally, last month, sea hosted our third. Annual Rowdy Rough tournament full of fierce competition and And school spirit. This event is a favorite amongst our students and always gets a great turnout. Our Athletics have had an outstanding year, Loudoun County, High School, sports teams have truly shown this year demonstrating, not only skill and talent but also unwavering dedication and teamwork. Each team has represented our school with pride, and
determination making us all incredibly proud of their accomplishments, whether on the field court or track. They've shown that with passion and commitment. No goal is Out Of Reach this year. Our Loudoun County High School football. Team, made an unforgettable run securing a spot in the region, semi-finals and showcasing their determination and grit every step of the way. Our girls varsity volleyball team had an outstanding season securing the Regional Championship and earning a well-deserved spot in the state semi-finals. This year, our Chia team, won a state championship and got
the chance to participate in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. on to track, Michael taffe secured, the state championship in the 3200 meter run in wrestling. We saw incredible individuals performances with Bryce. Chanel, sir, Lincoln Kelly and Justin Lowery. Each claiming state championship titles. Both are boys. Varsity basketball team and girls varsity. Basketball team made. Impressive runs to the regional semi-finals, showcasing their talent and determination on
the court. The girls swim team made waves at the Regional Championship with Isabelle. Bole Ellie Smith, Anna gilid. Reese leech setting a new school record in the 400 meter freestyle relay finishing with an impressive time of 347.46 the marching Captain secured the group 5 open state championship and placed second at Nationals with a near-perfect score of 96.8, they finished fourth out of 58
bands at MetLife Stadium. Our njrotc orienteering team also had a stellar year, they not only won the Regional Championship, but also placed third at the njr, DC National orienteering Championship, a remarkable accomplishment that showcases their discipline and teamwork. The drama Department took home. First place at the vhsl, 1 act Regional Championship proving. Once again that our students Talent is top-notch our Orchestra and chorus teams also travel to Orlando for the festival Disney competition,
where both groups earned Superior scores, the orchestra was awarded the honour of best overall performance. We also had standout students like Pearson Lee and Felicity Banner who gave phenomenal performance in the North Central. Senior Regional Orchestra. These students are a testament to the amazing talent that our school cultivates and we couldn't be prouder of them. In addition to these Feats, our school has been buzzing With Pride over these outstanding performances. Our students exemplify the spirit of dedication and Excellence that
defines Latin County High School. Looking ahead, the rest of the year promises to be just as exciting, this Friday, the junior class will be hosting a secret garden themed prom, and we can't wait for a night of magic and memories after that. We'll kick off our spring, spirit week, and opportunity for our entire school to come together and show off our school. Pride the following Friday, will celebrate with our spring pep rally, Featuring a lively student versus staff basketball game. That is continuously a crowd favorite. As part of our sca's initiative, we're continuing our
senior handprints tradition, where seniors will leave their mark on our school before they graduate. We'll also be hosting a family game night. Another fun event designed to bring our community together for some friendly. Competition, sea is ALS teamed up with try em and the ASL Club to host a talent show that will showcase the incredible talents of our students. Lastly, our seniors are gearing up for Captain's Outreach where they'll have the chance to give back to the community experiences from their Outreach will be shared at our Captain's Outreach, banquet
a heartfelt way to celebrate their High School journey and contributions. In conclusion, I stand here today with immense pride in everything we've accomplished as a school. This year, from our schoolwide events, to our athletic victories from the outstanding performances in the Fine Arts to our community service efforts. We've Truly Come Come together to create something special. And I know that this is just the beginning. Thank you for your continued support of our students, our programs and our school. I'm incredibly proud to be a part of Latin County high school and I can't wait to see what else we will achieve together.
Thank you. Thank you, Miss keys for joining us tonight and also for your comments. Before we move on to the superintendent's report. Um, Mrs. Griffith would you mind? Um, uh, with doing your disclosure please. Thank you, madam chair. Um as a member of the Latin County School Board, I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget and our health insurance and related benefits in any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees,
specifically, as a school board member, I am eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee. These benefits. However, affect thousands of employees, well, in excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may also be affected of which I am included, I can and will participate fairly objectively. And in the Public's interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public records of the clerk of the school board for 5 Years. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Griffith, and we will now move on to item 10, the superintendent's report presented by Dr. Iran
Spence our superintendent. Thank you, madam chair. And as always, it is my pleasure to share some good news from around our School Division this evening. I'd like to start by asking Jonathan Bonner to stand. I'm pleased to note that Mr. Bonner has been named the next principal of Tuscarora High School. Most recently. Mr. Bonner was the assistant principal at Independence High School previously. He served as assistant principal at John champe, High School in the dean of Simpson Middle School Mr. Bonner began his career with lcps as a math teacher at Lunsford Middle School. Mr. Bonner.
Congratulations. And we welcome you to your new role. Next, if I could ask, carlen leic to stand. Slicey has been selected as the next principal of Hutcherson Farm Elementary School. This light has been the assistant principal at Hutchinson Farms since 2013, previously, she was assistant principal at Cedar Lane, Elementary School in Aspirin, Elementary School. She started her career here in lcps, as a fourth grade teacher at katakan, elementary school. And we welcome you to your new role in. Congratulate you, as well. This evening we'd also like to congratulate BMC Falls, High
School for being named a model school by the center for model schools. Pmic Falls is 1 of only 13, high schools Nationwide. And the only School in Virginia to receive this distinction through a rigorous application and interview process. The school was selected for its sustained commitment to Student Success, Innovative practices and collaborative high-quality instruction. This June pmic Falls will present at the national model schools conference, sharing its journey of continuous Improvement and student center learning with more than 5,000 Educators from across the country. This recognition speaks to the dedication of the entire School Community students staff
leadership and families and their ongoing pursuit of Excellence. We are proud to see their work celebrated on a national stage, so congratulations to principal Dr. Brandon wolf in the entire pmic Falls. High School team. earlier this month, the Freedom High School hope Club hosted its annual hope Dance, The Hope club and hope stands for helping people every day, provides connection and engagement for students with intellectual and emotional disabilities. Over the past, decade participation in the dance has steadily grown. With this year, marking a milestone as all lcps, high schools and approximately 300
students participated in the dance. The theme of this year's dance was glow. Your own way. And students wore glow-in-the-dark, bracelets and necklaces and enjoyed music. Food and the opportunity to be themselves while. Connecting with friends, from across the county. Many thanks to the students and staff, who supported this event both at freedom and high school and across lcps. Next as we celebrate Earth Day students across the division have been developing and participating in projects to protect the environment. I'd like to take a moment to highlight 1 Project undertaken by the seventh grade
students at farmwell Station Middle School, these students identified, the drop in the pollinator population as a serious issue facing the Chesapeake Bay watershed, To address the problem students developed a project to grow pollinator Meadows, prior to spring break students, got their hands a little dirty, as they rolled soil, clay and Native seeds into balls. And this week, the students distributed these seed balls on the borders of the school's property in the hopes that these seats will grow into pollinator Meadows. This project has earned the students a
spot as finalists in The caring for our Watershed contest, which asks students to develop a plan that answers the question, what can you do to improve the Watershed? Not only was this project creative and fun, but it also helps students connect with the seventh grade science, curriculum to better understand the concept of ecosystems recently, The Academy of Loudoun auto mechanic students visited the lcps transportation division for theoretical and practical lessons. Specifically connected to the mechanics of medium, and heavy duty Machinery during their
visit first year auto mechanic students disassembled a diesel engine and reviewed key engine parts and second-year auto mechanic. Students learned about full floating rear axles and drum brakes on a medium duty truck like to thank the transportation division for opening up their space and their team to the students. And for providing this unique experience. We also want to congratulate Stonebridge, high school, librarians, Laura Channing, and Aaron Curry. Laura. And Aaron were named 2024 public educators of the Year by the Virginia Piedmont, Heritage area. This award recognizes
their outstanding efforts in bringing history to life for students and Educators throughout Loudoun County. Miss Channing and Miss Curry developed a series of artifact trunks, chronicling multiple areas of American history, with each trunk, containing original, and reproduction artifacts primary documents lesson, plans and digital resources. All offering students Hands-On learning experiences covering topics. Ranging, from the American Revolution to the Vietnam War. And we're pleased to note that these trunks will now be available to Educators across the county.
Finally, I would like to share some great news about the work lcps staff, have achieved in addressing the bus driver shortage which has been a very serious issue in Loudoun. County for nearly a decade For the past several years, the lcps human resources and training and development department and the transportation. Training office have been working tirelessly to address this issue and an early April chief operations officer. Kevin Lewis and transportation director Scott, Davies recognized a significant milestone in these efforts noting that the division has employed. Now, sufficient drivers to
cover all daily routes and field trips. While there will be expected retirements at the end of the school year. This accomplishment reflects, the tenacious hard work towards the achievement of a major division of objectives. So many thanks to the teams and staff who've worked to achieve this milestone. And many thanks to those drivers who are out on our roads, keeping our kids safe every single day. And Madam chair, that concludes my report. Thank you, Dr. Spence And that now brings us to item 11, which is 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 a strong Community engagement and outreach are important components of a successful school system. Speakers must limit comments to the time. Allotted based on the number of speakers and the agenda. This evening, all speakers have been allotted 1 minute each for public comment, please be advised that speakers who missed their time slot will not be called at a later time. All audience members Xiao maintain civility, decorum and respect for the functioning and dignity of the school board
at all times. Please remain, seated and less arriving, departing speaking at the podium or during a break violations of civil decorum and respect include shouting heckling jeering Applause or other noise which disrupts or delays. The meeting obstructing speakers from being able to see the school board and vice versa, interrupting speakers, attempting to speak when not called to do. So by the chair and approaching a speaker, otherwise attempting to intimidate disparage or distract a speaker staff member or
other meeting attendees speakers, shout should remain from vulgarity obscenities defamation profanity and other like breaches of respect nor May speakers Target criticize or attack. Individual students Andor individual division employees during public comment. as a reminder School Board policy, 2520 State speakers may not Target criticize or attack individual students during public comment, speakers should communicate those concerns to their school principal or an appropriate School official, the school
board requests that comments on an individual student or employee related matter. Not be shared at public meetings, where the disclosure could violate applicable confidentiality requirements. Speakers should face the day as and direct their comments to the school board per lcps policy. 25 to 20 members of the school board will not answer questions or respond directly to the public during the public comment period. Violations of Decor or civility. By any meeting attendee may result in the chair, directing staff to remove the
attendee from the remaining of the meeting. Repeated or persistent violations of decorum or civility by the audience, may result. In, on the decision of the chair public comment being tabled, until a later point in the meeting's agenda. Limiting the number of attendees in the meeting room during public comment for safety reasons or the public comment period ending for the evening. Copies of materials for board members. Should be given to the public information. Officer in the media box at the back of the boardroom. Before the start of the meeting, please provide 12 copies
of the materials. Under no circumstances May a speaker approach. The deis, the public is reminded that access to school board. Meetings is available through lcps TV on Comcast channel, 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'll start with our virtual public comment. Um, our first speaker is Howard Cook followed by Lynn Davis. Hi, thank you for allowing me to speak to you today. My
comments are on proposed, resoning jml, Middle School, Walker's home. Beginning this fall as a jml parent and the 20-year resident of the area. There are several concerns Braddock Road with a speed limit of 45 mile per hour, continues to increase as an alternative to Route 50 in the past 5 years. This top sign of Cox Farms was changed to a roundabout radek itself was winded. When the new pvi high school was built, And for new development, north of come spring road, all to facilitate current and future traffic. with the proposed changes children will navigate to stop
lights which are considered control stops, which don't get crossing guards and crossover and Access Road between jml and CRA all about a continuous sidewalk. Conversations with neighbors, indicate not all impacted families at jml or carer Ridge Elementary Sierra we notified of this potential change. We witnessed driver disobeying traffic laws including passing other cars in the intersection. Thank you for continuing these concerns. As you put the safety of our children's first. Thank you, Lynn. Davis, followed by Chris Stevenson. Hi, this is Lynn Davis. And I am speaking on behalf of, uh,
the group, who wants to rename the schools, and I spoke a couple weeks ago and I didn't have enough time to relay a story that morning. I had gone to a breakfast for the Arc of Northern Virginia and the Ark used to be an acronym. And the r was a word that was Found to be. Not in the best spirit for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. So they changed and just became Ark And it's not an acronym anymore. And I say that to show that
that organizations make changes to names all the time, they do it because it's in the best interest of the people that they serve. And it's not done in a, in a manner, that's not. Well, thought out. And this has been very well thought out, and I thank the committee for the hard work that they did. Please rename the schools, Thank you. Chris Stevenson, followed by Vinsetta prati. Thank you, madam chair and the entire school board for your dedicated service. Donald Trump lies incessantly about a historical fact that
he lost the 2020 election. He lies about a historical fact that on January 6th 2021. There was an attack on the Electoral College proceedings which he encouraged trying to stay in power after losing a free and fair election by subverting the Constitution. He is a convicted felon and sexual predator. And now he silences speech and disappears people without due process. our children are living in an America destabilized by dishonesty and lawlessness from the president himself and thousands who because he demands it also lie without
constraint. I urge you to shore up the foundation of Truth for our children in your schools and issue a statement, protecting teachers and staff who dare to speak to truth. Thank you very much. Thank you. Veneta prati followed by Dave minber? We do not have a virtual speaker by that name. Dave mininberg followed by Helen Degroot, Hi, I just want to say thanks for the time. Um, I have 2
issues. The first is, please don't change the insurance, as a former teacher. Uh, we were made a promise and, um, if you break that promise, it's not going to hurt us. But the teachers that are there today, are going to see that and we'll and we'll know that they can't count on promises. Second is the truth and education and I'll pity piggy back on Mr. Stevenson Um, I talked to old friends of mine and they are nervous about saying the wrong thing and getting a parent. And angry, um, and not being protected, which means they're
not teaching honestly. And I do think that is a Clear and present danger, uh, to the future of the democracy and that's what education for. In large part is to help us have informed citizens. Thank you. Thank you, Helen Groot. Is there a Helen de Groot? At a Tindy is in the room at unmuted. There appears to be a technical issue on the attendees side that we cannot Rectify from the booth. okay, we'll move on to the um,
In-person speakers will start with Thomas, Wicket, followed by Kelly Wagner. Thank you for your time. Why we deserve, why we were promised? When I started Loudoun County Public Schools, we had custodians covering classrooms because we had to find a way. We found our way to helping children, to become accepted to Ivy League schools, and graduate from nationally, ranked Public Schools. We found our way to continue to help children. I help children when National Geographic National, Geographic Bee, I watched a kid. I threw a football to every day at recess
returned a kickoff for a national championship. We help package for the military, we help homeless children, we help the animal shelter. We help feed families during Christmas Thanksgiving, who don't have money to do. So, all of these things continue, that's why we packed classrooms like sardines to shortages of teachers and no raises for many, many years. And the end all of us in this room have saved and served Loudoun County Public Schools schools through our good times, and bad and found a way for our community. Well now, it's time for you to find a way to
keep your contract promise and regain honor. Respect and decency amongst the people of our community that we resent. Do they. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, Kelly Wagner followed by hold your applause please. Um, Kelly Wagner followed by Todd Fielding. Good evening. I was hired in July, 2012, I drive 90 miles round trip, because the salary and the significant promise of supplemental, health insurance upon retirement policy,
7628 adopted in 1972 and revised. This past April, says employees hired into a full-time position prior to July 1. 2013 are eligible for retiree medical dental vision and prescription insurance. So as long as they have 15 cumulative years of full-time service with lcps when I retire, I will be Medicare eligible and will have all the boxes checked that lcps requires anyone hired after that, date knew they had to plan differently for retirement. Those of us who hired before that date of counted on this benefit lcps will now. Yank the rug out from under us, I am
6 years from retirement. How can I, possibly retrop plan for myself and my spouse who should have been included in the health, insurance RH Falls drastically, short of of replacing what we were promised and it won't pay for much at all. And 14% is hardly. A majority lcps was fiscally irresponsible by letting the reserves, get below, the required amount. This should not be resolved on our backs, honor your commitment to us. Thank you, please it we're thank you, please. Hold Applause. Or I'm going to have to clear the
room. Thank you. Todd Fielding followed by Natalie Huseman. Hi. I'm Todd Fielding lcps, parent teacher and member of the Lea board of directors. Uh look, I just want to talk to you tonight. Either vote this down or send it back to committee. This issue that needs to be carefully. Researched carefully planned, and you need to make this decision with open eyes. You need to make this decision with all the information,
even more information that I believe you have. Now um, I urge the preservation of retiree been miss benefits for our dedicated Loudoun County Employees, these individuals devoted years of service to our community and the retirement benefits are a promise. We all must honor at the recent board meeting. You discussed, many important issues, but we cannot lose sight of the commitments lcps made to those who built this County into what it is today. Cutting these benefits when not only undermine, the security
security of our retirees but also send a message that we do not value. The service who have the service who people give so much to. Thank you so much. Thank you, Natalie Huseman, followed by Stephen Meyer. My name is Natalie hillsman. I retired in 2009 after teaching for 30 years at Len Valley, High School up until now I have been happy with my Healthcare and have felt secure in my coverage. Through signature Choice, Medicare Advantage, which has kept my cost manageable. I am very
concerned about the future of our health care since there isn't money available to support our health care problems. I worry that the board will take the easiest and least expensive choice for our health care. I would like to ask some questions. First, we were told that we can continue with true Choice, Medicare Advantage through another Health Care manager is this truly the case. If so have you found another Health Care manager and a plan with comparable quality of coverage and cost to the policyholder and spouse
as we currently have? Second will our spouse be able to continue on our plan? If not? That will create hardship 3, we all have a choice to stay on true Choice. Medicare Advantage or switch to our HRA. If that plan works better for us, please cut the mic, please. Thank you, please. Sit down. I'm sorry it's a 1 minute. Sorry. Um, Stephen Meyer followed by Sandy Sullivan. So, uh, I'm a casualty and I don't want my colleagues to be
casualties too. I spent 12 years teaching at Harper Park to, uh, students with disabilities. And when I started teaching, you needed, 10 years of service to receive retiree Healthcare benefits. It was a show of appreciation and it was rightly deserved uh and oh overzealous School Board decided to change requirements to 15 years of service. So my wife and I spend our out of pocket in order for a Medicare Supplement, Plan
and allows the dental Envision plan, we spend 600 dollars a month that's 2 7,200 a year and if we live to 85, I'm going to do well past that it's 150,000 that were spending. So I urge you to vote. No tonight. The 400 dollars will not cover it and those people that are going to, thank you accept that Pop, please.
Please, you guys. I understand. Mr. Mayer. Please. You guys it's 1 minute, please. Stop at 1 minute. Sandy Sullivan followed by Daryl Dawson. School board members and the confusion angst and anger. Tonight, school board, members vote, down the proposals, regarding retiree Healthcare. Send this complex issue to committee committee where the school board hashes out issues. So they're able to make
sound decisions where stakeholders learn about and come to understand proposals and share how your decisions impact their lives school board members. Send this complex issue to committee. Thank you. Daryl Dawson followed by Jana Jeanie Jones. we are here today because lcps is enforcing retirement changes with a lack of transparency, fairness and respect for educators. And instead of providing Clarity, they have
sown confusion, instead of engaging and meaningful discussions. They have opted for rushed timing. Lcbs claims that 14% of employees supported this change. Let's question that logic. What I dis discard grades because 14% of my students didn't turn in a grade The decision is not only poorly prepared, but also poorly executed. I urge a school board to reject this retirement change and instead referred to the appropriate committee for proper consideration. Thank you.
Thank you, Jeannie. Jens followed by Tim rush. Evening. profound concern for regarding uh, the proposed transition to the retiree Health reimbursement, Arrangement effective January, 1st 2026, I started as a new teacher Atomic Falls High School in 1999 and I remained here my entire career. I've been approaching retirement with the expectation of the benefits package. That was consistently communicated to employees throughout my tenure. It is particularly distressing that these significant
changes are being proposed at this late stage in my career. This is not a mere policy adjustment. It is a severe breach of the implicit and explicit promises made by those of us who have devoted our professional lives to the students of Loudoun County. I implore you to carefully. Consider the trust that many of us have placed in lcps, when we made the commitment to serve this District long term. I respectfully urge you to vote against the proposed changes and allow us to proceed with the retirement plan. We were promised and led to expect. Thank you for your time and your dedication to our
students and our staff. Thank you. Tim rush. Followed by Jennifer Travis. Thank you. Quick note on the Mercer change issue, um, just to summarize what you have from some materials. I got you last a few weeks ago, uh, Mercer was 1 of the most outstanding figures in American history, fighting for what was called the American system of economy. That's the that was launched by Alexander Hamilton centered on the promotion of infrastructure, constant technological improvements in industry and agriculture improved skills of
the workforce and a banking system designed to funnel credit to these priorities. It was the great adversary of the slave system of the South Whatever the vote of the school board tonight. Our nation will be well served by retaking American System policies. Instead of directing credit to pumping up and then bailing out speculators on Wall Street. Let us again Channel credit to Industry Family Farms and infrastructure. This will do more to strip systemic racism of its fuel in a despairing country which believes its children will be worse off than
their parents than perversely changing. The name on a school of a man whose every policy fought the slave interest. Thank you, thank you. Jennifer Travis, followed by Julie keola. I'm here tonight. As a concerned parent to urge you to look into the situation unfolding at Rockridge High School's theater program. Students are struggling emotionally and academically. Especially those enrolled in the dual enrollment theater classes, which are now in jeopardy. Students have reported their concerns to counselors Administration but nothing has changed. Instead, they're
being yelled at during rehearsals by an assistant director, who has overstepped her role relocking scenes on doing student-led choreography and further to disable destabilizing the production Crucial, Technical elements remain incomplete, making it nearly impossible to rehearse properly. The students are heartbroken and unheard. I'm asking you to take this seriously investigate. What is truly happening and prioritize students well-being, and please restore our program. Our kids deserve better, bring him back, Thank you.
Julie keola, followed by Celeste pacowski. Good evening board members, I have been teaching in this County for 24 years and I love my job as to many of the people behind me. I'm here to speak tonight about the retirement benefits. I believe there's a vote tonight. I beg you, please vote. No, there has not been enough time there has not been enough transparency. There are a lot of frightened and Confused people out there. And for everyone of us in this room, we have 20 colleagues that just don't
have the time to come to a school board meeting. Because they're driving an hour or 2 and they've got children and they've got lives. We do not need 1 more thing to be worried about with our future so please I'm asking you vote. No, thank you. Thank you. Celeste Lukowski followed by Chris Countryman. I am a retired lcps. Teacher and a Loudoun County homeowner. first, I am requesting that you delay voting on The retiree health care until more. And correct information can be
shared with the public and the school board. At this time, there are still more answer, more questions than answers. Secondly. I am requesting that when you do vote that you vote to honor the commitment of providing an equivalent health plan to what I had when I retired, I would like all retirees to be able to choose between A zero premium Advantage, plan and a stipend funded
Medicaid plan of their choice. Thank you. Thank you. Chris Countryman followed by Terry Graves. Good evening. First, I want to share progress made today at collective bargaining. We have cleared the first hurdle and have signed a ground rules agreement. earlier tonight, though there was a presentation that praised the results when students are involved in teacher planning, So, why is it so hard to understand that you will have better results when you include employees and
administrative planning? Not a survey not a listening session but a genuine conversation to share perspectives and information to promote understanding. You know, 1 of my least favorite phrases from growing up is because I said so. When the appropriate time comes, I'm asking you to approve the transfer the full amount of the 26 million. That Miss Willoughby spoke about earlier today to the self- Insurance Fund. I believe the need for that transfer has been clearly
identified. but I'm also asking you to vote no tonight to make thank you. Um, Terry Graves followed by Stacy Perkins. I've proudly served lcps for over 20 years, like many of my colleagues I stayed not just for the salary but because of the promise of long-term support including retiree Healthcare, that promise was clear and consistent and it shaped the decisions, my family made my husband. Also a
lifelong educator has been covered under my plan together. We planned our future based on what lcps told us we could count on. But now just as he and I approached the age, when we're supposed to rely on the benefits, we've earned the rug is being pulled out from under us. The original plan was quietly replaced with a Medicare Advantage plan. And now that plan is being dismantled in favor of a reimbursement model that removes spousal coverage completely, this isn't just a change.
It's a breach of trust, it's rewriting. The terms after we've already upheld, our end of the agreement, we can't go back and save more or undo. The decisions we made in good faith. We honored our commitment and we're asking you to honor yours. Thank you, thank you. Uh please stop clapping. Um, Stacy Perkins. Followed by Victoria Rasheed. Good evening. My name is Stacy. My daughter is a sophomore at Rock Ridge and I'm here to express my deep concern, and
disappointment regarding the recent events taking place at the theater program there. Um, I understand that this is often referred to as a Personnel matter, but I want to make it clear that this is not a Personnel matter for my family, most of all my daughter, excuse me, whose academic and emotional well-being has been impacted. Um, my student who is currently preparing to perform, a lead role in the upcoming production has been left without guidance and the support she needs as a sophomore and a new student, sorry, she is queuing a very heavy load and neither She nor I have
received any communication from the school regarding the, um, support for the students. I have raised these concerns with the principal who has assured me, that steps would be taken, but none of that has happened. I respectfully, urge the board to revisit this decision with a comprehensive understanding on the impact of having on our students, families and Community who have built their academic Journeys, Around this exceptional program. Thank you. Victoria Rasheed. Followed by Haley, Countryman. There's a troubling level of condescension from leaders
here. And a recent post by a school board member caught. My attention arguing about Richard Loving's Heritage while criticizing the committee for not doing their research. Here's the thing. Richard loving defied his Confederate slave owner ancestry made a personal choice and changed the future, for inter interracial marriage rights. Unlike those, who supported monuments to the Confederacy, symbols of the Lost Cause loving represents a break from the past choosing equality over oppression, I'd like to remind everyone, that Loudoun County is diverse. Its leaders
should reflect and celebrate that, not cling to outdated ideals. Our job is to engage Empower and enrich all communities. We should honor the right history celebrate, those who fought for equality and ensure. We never glorify those who sought to keep others subjugated. Thank you. Haley. Countryman, followed by Aaron crumbles. Good evening, Before You cast your vote, on retiree Healthcare. I ask you to, please keep these points in mind as a student. It seems to me that every single day.
Teachers, custodians, office staff, Etc, all show up to work with a smile on their face. It doesn't matter how they're feeling that day or what's going on in their personal lives. Everyone is truly selfless. And dedicated personally, if it weren't for the positive environment in my school I wouldn't love learning like I do. I doubt there's a single education employee who was ever come to school after a mess up and decided to let the kids suffer because of it, they figure out some way to make it. Work overall, it appears lcps has forgotten 1 of the big principles of being young. When you make a promise, you do everything in your power to keep it. It's time for lcbs to keep to their promises and acknowledge the fact that their employees ready to retire. Have given so much to their
community and that it's finally time to give back to them. Thank you. Aaron crumble is followed by Meredith Ray. Hi, uh, I'm here to talk to you about retirement, but I'm really here to talk to you about your strategic plan for excellence. You all were very excited about passing that and 1 of the big parts of it was your goal in. Retaining exemplary staff. And I have to tell you the actions of the administration of
taking changing the retirement doesn't do that. you need to think about what this staff that has been with you since 2013 has been through Say, we've been through numerous changes, navigated policies, face, National scandals. We've been through coid postco we've had All kinds of different initiatives. Patrick Williams Spence Smith.
I'm missing 1. There's somebody else in there had. I don't know. Anyway, 5 superintendents, we've been through all these things. Thank you we deserve. Thank you. Uh, Meredith Ray followed by Kristen Washington. Hi, good evening. I am allowed in County, resident and taxpayer. I am the mom of 2 Kids that actually attend lcps schools. I served on the leaf committee for 2 years and I am an advocate for Equitable public education and those who Champion it
because I was the first generation of my family that was born with and afforded equal access to education in this country. I support the renaming of both hands, Frances Hazel, Reid, Elementary and Mercer, Middle School, and I asked you to, as well. Sometimes mistakes are made and sometimes those mistakes cost money. In this case, 0.003% of the lcps budget, it doesn't mean that we don't take accountability for mistakes and fix them. Those who say, this was Rush seem to forget
that this action actually started in 2019 with an investigation into the unequal treatment of lcps students. In addition, I find any increased costs passed on to lcps retirees for the health plan unacceptable and the current environment with the all the attacks on public sector workers. We have to support those who have dedicated their lives to public service. Thank you. Uh, Kristen Washington followed by Jeremy Wright. To. Got the Hat. Tim. When?
and, A. Red hat. and a dig. Cat. Went. When? The. Cat. I hope that was as painful for you all as it was for me. That's my 7-year-old first grader, going to school day after day. Week after week for years, will be unable to read or read well as frequent and repetitive trauma for the
student. Thank you. Jeremy. Right. Followed by Princess Marbella. uh, Princess marabel, followed by Corey Brunei. Good evening. My name is Princess marbal. I'm here on behalf of my daughter, a senior at Dominion high school and every child who walks into a school named after someone who believed they were less than human. No, 1 would name a school after Joseph Gables just because he supported literacy. Then why are we honoring Frances Hazel Reid a
woman tied to the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the same group responsible for embedding proslavery propaganda and our schools and monuments. This is not about erasing history. This is about a this is about refusing to celebrate oppression. Francis. Hazel Reed, Selden Belmont, Mercer Dominion. We know what these names mean. And so do our children, Let's be clear. Whom Mercer didn't fight for slavery like the Confederate generals but he lived off of it. He owned
black bodies. He built his legacy on their unpaid, labor naming a school after him since a clear message that white supremacy Comfort matters, more than black. Thank you truth. Thank you. Corey Bernay. Followed by Jude Armstrong. My name is Corey Brunei and I'm an English learner teacher at broadrun High School. Transparency continues to be the biggest problem with lcps. Parents, school-based staff and community members have been
saying this to school board members since long before you all were elected. And you are now feeling it with regard to the proposed changes to retiree health insurance benefits. But this is nothing new to you. You have all been left in the same dark as we have been. So I ask that you vote. No on the proposed changes and requests that this issue be taken up and disclosed in committee and tell them to make educated decisions based on true data. Many of you were elected because of a promise you made for transparency and I can only imagine what it feels like to
be sitting where you are and swimming in the lcps, imposed dark. We are in this together. Lcps will never outperform its educators. Thank you, Jude Armstrong followed by Katie Rivers. Hello prioritizing the solvency of the retirement health benefits program should have been the plan from the beginning. I'm disappointed to hear that the proposal is to just change it to reduce costs so I'm asking you to please send it to committee. About renaming. The schools. I sent you an email about
heroic actions. Tonight you'll have the opportunity to follow your fellow community members and constituents who have been doing the right thing, their own heroic actions. To come together and make things, right? I'm here to support and celebrate. Those of you who are rising to the occasion tonight. No matter who comes up here and threatens legal action, we cannot obey in advance. If they do come for you, they come
for us because you will not be alone. Please rename the schools. Thank you. uh, Katie Rivers, followed by Victoria Gaylor and I'm just gonna remind real quick. That, um, we can't uh, criticize or attack or Target, uh, not only individual students but also um, Staff. so, I'll have to redirect if
Um, if that happens, thank you. Thank you. How many of you have children in public school? How many of you expect your child will be safe in their schools, both physically and emotionally. I do at Rockridge High School. My senior travels. 42 miles daily to get her education from the national nationally recognized theater teacher at her school. She is worked with him since she was 9 years old and I have never been worried about her safety. He has taught her 21st century life. Skills, compassion
leadership, resilience, commitment, timeliness, and advocacy, and so much more. He's recognized her strengths and her challenges and pushed her to do better like any coach would. But as a director on April 1st, he was ripped from the school, leaving his students grieving and asking what next in the middle of 2 shows that he's directing and he is now, gone Administration has not even acknowledged their grief. My child will be going to college for Performing Arts in New York in the fall to pursue her dream because of the dedication of this man. Her Mentor, her director and her
coach. Our children need your help because they are being criticized. Thank you. Victoria Galer followed by Jackie, harbick. Good evening, the administration of lcps has failed us, the employees. They have failed Us by allowing the Self Insurance Fund to fall below established guidelines. They have failed Us by being deceptive and Sly about this, massive change to our retirement Healthcare benefits. They have failed Us by betraying us and not valuing us. I cannot think of anyone who goes into teaching, or any of the
related jobs to get rich or for fame or Glory. We do it because we love working with children. Our paychecks do not reflect the passion, with which we do our jobs, but we do it anyway. And we count on the benefits which make up for the salaries, which do not reflect our education, our experience, and the time we put into this job, Now that we my husband and I are a year or 2 of from starting their retirement process lcps. Proposes, taking the most crucial benefit away from us with little warning and no discussion. This isn't about flexibility and choice. Those are just buzzwords to take the sting out of an
unacceptable situation. I asked you the school board to vote no on this proposal at the very least delay, your vote until every possible Avenue has been explored and more importantly, every question has been answered completely and honestly, find a way to keep this program intact. Thank you, thank you. Um, Jackie herbalicious. As a veteran teacher. I hope that all of our school board members will vote no to any changes or reductions in our retirement, health care plan HRT, cannot be permitted to
visit their mistakes on us. The people they work for and they need to now. Correct course, without ship wrecking, the rest of us to renege on the Promises. We count on is an excusable and to try to pass off such action as some kind of gift to us. In terms of flexibility, or choice is insulting and feels tantamount to theft. It's the Betrayal of explicit assurances upon which we have based our work lives and our retirement and this cannot be
permitted. We are counting on your support The idiom is don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining. Well don't steal a significant piece of my retirement and tell me you're doing it for my own good. We don't believe that and the school board shouldn't support it. Thank you, Michelle. Roush, followed by Mike DeVille. Good evening. Um, I wanted to talk to you tonight about the Lunsford walking Zone. Um, as mentioned before there are quite a few concerned parents about that, instead of dismissing those concerns.
I'd like you to seek to understand those concerns Braddock Road is a major commuter road traffic. There is crazy during the times in which children are going to be Crossing those roads. There is a crosswalk there. But the adult driving the vehicle's don't follow the traffic laws. They run red lights. They pass school buses that are stopped. They drive well over the speed limit. Our children are not experienced enough and are not mature enough to anticipate the bad behavior of the adults and
respond accordingly. If we have the amount of children Crossing that road during the times, in which we have high traffic, someone will get injured and we can prevent that by not doing this. So I would urge you guys to seek to understand these concerns prior to moving forward. Thank you. Thank you. Mike DeVille followed by Heather sullberg. Good evening. I'm an LCS. Parent and a resident. And I'm concerned. I've seen the healthcare changes for our lcps retirees and they are
unacceptable. School board members. We are asking you to 1 determine how and why this change was made 2. Tell us how you keep it from happening again and 3 vote. No to these changes send this back to committee and find a plan that allows you to keep your promises. Thank you. Thank you. Heather. Sullberg, followed by Zen. Looks like Ziana.
Agba, I should have. Hello school board members. My name is Heather sullberg I am a teacher at fhr a proud parent of 2 fhr alumni and I served on the renaming committee. I am here to urge you to rename our school. Loving Elementary, the name are committee proudly recommends. I was stunned by the comments made on April 8th. Dismissing, Richard Loving's name as Educators. We should Inspire your students not shy away from powerful stories. Out of fear that, that students May joke, we trust our teachers every day. Why not? Now I am disappointed that some school board
members. Who are Educators themselves? Do not the loving name stands for love courage and Justice in a county as beautifully diverse as ours. What better message to send our kids than love is strength and love wins. Imagine students walking into loving, Elementary each morning, knowing that that name, reflects hope equality and belonging. Let's be bold. Let's be proud. And let's name it. Loving Thank you. Xena Abba a can you tell me?
Echo ago. I'm sorry. Thank you. All right, my name is Xena and I served on the committee to evaluate the renaming of Mercer, while the school may not have been directly named after Charles fintan Mercer, it was named after the Mercer District, which was named after him. The Mercer name is tied to a, man, that believed black Americans like me were Unworthy of citizenship and should be removed from this country entirely that belief that we don't belong or aren't equal still Echoes today. Since moving to Loudoun 1 of my daughters has been called the n-word by a classmate. In
elementary school I've had people in parked Vehicles, hurly locked their doors, as I walk by and most recently someone told me they had a high IQ and were unable to explain explain something to me because they assumed I didn't these stories aren't part of the past or part of our present reality. Our school names should reflect progress and not oppression. I fully support renaming Mercer to Gum Springs. Middle School and renaming Frances. Hazel Reid to loving Elementary School. The Loving courage didn't just change laws it shaped lives. Mine included their story is 1 of Justice love and belonging
when you know better you do better. We know better. Now we share we should and can do better. Thank you. Um, Michael mcpoland, followed by. Jeffrey Dunn. Hi, I'm Mike moland, I I urge the board to vote no on renaming of the schools, including France, Frances, Hazel Reid and Mercer. The reasons are numerous the costs exceed 100 to 200,000 per school, you're talking about the teachers needing health care and retirement. Why don't use
that money toward their, their care in long-term care in the in the retirement. Um, it's not supported by the general public. I recommend to re referendum in November with a listing of the cost. You need to look at the totality of the individual's lives, particularly to accomplishments and recognize the times in which they lived. I think the name changes was an effort by a small group. Specifically, the NAACP, I don't think it represents the community at large, hence, the referendum referendum. I want to bring it to your attention. That Abraham Lincoln was a member of the American colonial
society as was uh, people like Madison Monroe. Daniel Webster. Francis, Scott, Key and Bush Rod. Washington, who was an Phu of odd. George Washington. And So, thank you. Jeffrey Dunn. Followed by Tanya Williams. Good evening. My name is Jeff Dunn. I am Dolores government teacher at Dominion High School. I began teaching at Loudoun County in 1998, but left in 2006 for a higher-paying job in the private sector. So my wife could
quit work and stay home with our young daughters in 2011. When my wife returned to work, I decided to return to teaching that decision wasn't easy. I gave up higher, paying private sector job but I did it because I love teaching, it's my life's calling and because lcps offered long-term security including retiree health insurance for my for employees and their spouses, that benefit made the trade-off possible, my wife, and I made major life. Decisions based on the promise of that benefit. Now as I
near retirement, the promise of that benefit is being threatened, please don't take it away. Thank you. Thank you Tanya Williams, followed by Brenda bankson. School names and mascots matter, they directly impact the students you serve. I'm here as a taxpayer and a mom, but also I'm a teacher at William. Obadiah, Roi high school. I'm grateful to be able to wear this shirt, knowing he worked to ensure. His students were educated members of this community because school names and mascots matter. In
2019 my son was a senior at John champe. High school wrestling in the state championship finals. He should have been relishing his momentous achievement but my 18 year old felt as though he was wrestling for each of our black ancestors because he was wrestling a kid, whose school mascot was the Confederate. School names and mascots matter in Loudoun, we can do better. We deserve better from those of you suggesting that loving Elementary should not be utilized. Because Richard has a nickname that's a euphemism. The phallus is a
distraction from the fact that some of you would rather, Have the school name associated with a white woman who would prefer to erect. Thank you, please. Miss Williams. Please sit down. Brenda bankson followed by Karla Wallace. First, please support the committee's renaming, suggestions history, that exposes the horrors of slavery and segregation is honest. If Heritage is humiliation of and
hatred for fellow humans we've more than lost the cause. Second retirees are worried whether RH will provide adequate benefits to us spouses and dependents. Look at a Cigna EOB and ask, how can $400 per month, possibly cover, emergencies surgeries medications equipment, Even with a commitment to well-being. Retirees face, age issues.
Some say Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend but I say my health is my wealth. please study retiree Health Plans further to quell our doubts Vote. No. Thank you, Karla Wallace, followed by Cheryl Dominique. Good evening and Dr. Spence thanks for sharing all of the amazing things that are students and our faculty are doing allowing County because it's important for us to recognize that pushing through these huge benefits changes.
To our retirees, is a betrayal to that faculty. That supports and gives everything to our students. I'm concerned that these decisions are driven by Financial. Mismanagement. And that where's the accountability? And the oversight that let these funds drop so low that it is at the brink of insufficiency. we have his teacher shortage, we cannot afford to alienate
teachers who will want to leave and we have nothing to attract them with anymore because we aren't the county with the best benefits these days. So please I encourage the board to vote now or at least look more fully into this before making any decisions. Thank you. Thank you Cheryl. Dominique followed by Amy ricciardi. Good evening. I'm a proud loud and educator of 25 years. What set us apart. And what many of us here was the promise promise of a defined retired benefit program. Many came to
And many stayed because of this commitment in the past, we had met a gap coverage. No network, no referrals, no surprise denials. It worked across States then Stripped Away and replaced with Medicare Advantage. Now, a 400 reimbursement, that's not covered. That is a cost burden Loudoun. Made a promise retirees will scramble to make up this difference for something that was promised in return for dedication to Loudoun. Still comparing us, um, to other counties Fairfax may have higher premiums insurance
premiums, that's because they have a comprehensive retirement package of vrs combined with erfc. Fairfax employees have more. Excuse me. Loud, and relies on vrs and Social Security. So, there is no match for our 403b and spouses dropped at 65. Bottom line, 400 reimbursement. This is not flexibility This is about ricciardi followed by Marie Livy. As you've heard tonight from at least about 20 speakers,
just on the retire, retiree healthcare issue. Alone is a huge issue and a huge promise to your employees that you all need to make sure that you ensure for the Long Haul, our our teachers are absolutely an absolutely critical and essential element to learning here in lcps and they are extremely valuable. And the promises that you make to them in their entirety of their employment is absolutely important. I highly recommend and suggest that you all not only take this back to committee, but that you all bring in
some third-party advisors to help you understand how these programs work and help come up with some other solutions that will help you guys get to the end goal of funding this, the the um, Self Insurance Fund. As comprehensively as you possibly can, they're all there's all this money left over at the end of the year that keeps going to pet projects. And perhaps this year, we need to invest that money back in our teachers and into that retirement fund. Thank you, Marie livesy followed by Susan Cox.
Um, I stand today in support of the proposed, uh, proposal by Chris Stevenson expressed earlier in the evening to support teachers, teaching historical truth. I fell in love with history growing up as an Eevee brat and was fortunate enough to see, uh, history play out, right in front of my eyes. This love of History, eventually led me to teaching American history, seventh graders until having my 2 sets of twin boys. Um, it truly wasn't incredible experience and I hope it's at some point to return to that. Although to be honest, the current climate makes me very hesitant because
I'm afraid I would get in trouble teaching truth. So, I cannot stand by and watch even as lies are pushed as factual history. While truth is repudiated as Alexander. Hamilton famously. Said, if you stand for nothing, then you will fall for anything. I asked the school board to stand for truth and not a distorted lie. Thank you. Thank you. Susan, Cox Common Sense tells me that fhr was honored for her contributions to the community, not for her shortcomings. However, if you read some op EDS, she has been demonized
her accomplishments negated, and she has been compared to murderer, she was not presentism is not wise. It will throw the baby out with the bath water to really get rid of racism. M, we need to change people's hearts. Changing names. Does not due to this changing names leads us down. A costly divisive slippery slope? I recommend forgiveness and learning from history. Realizing all people are flawed. But when we honor their accomplishment that can be uplifting, we don't have endless time and resources. We are
taking away from a focus on literacy. Preventing bullying and suicides Committees should be formed on these pressing issues. when the school board can do whatever it wants regardless what the naming committee is recommend, it is at worst a dictatorship and at best, a facade of community engagement allowed and deserves better. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, with that, we have ended our public comment um and the board will go into recess for 10 minutes to be back at
8:30. Board's now in recess. Hello. It's time to start the board meeting back. She'll come, who's good at Whistling. Okay, the board is back from Recess. Um, we are now going to move on to action items. Starting with 12.01. Finance and operations committee requests to name the JL Simpson Middle School auditorium the Beth Paquette Fine Arts Center School Board policy 6510 presented by um, arban
and strefy chair Finance operations committee. And Mr. Kevin Lewis chief operations officer actually, uh, Mr. Stravy, do you have a base motion? Yes, Madam chair. Can you just give me a moment? I'm move that the school board approved to name the jail Simpson Middle School auditorium after Miss Beth pacquette. Therefore named the Beth pacquette, Fine Arts Center for a period of 10 years. I have a motion By Mr. Sheffy do I have a second second? I have a second by Vice chair Donahue. It's been properly. Moved and seconded
Miss. Uh, Mr. Stuffy, do you want to speak to your motion or give us a little background? Yeah, so I will just summarize what we talked about in uh when this was an information uh item at the last school board meeting. Um Dr. D, Nicolas, principal of JL Simpson, Middle School with the support of uh Miss Turn off and the school Community has requested that. The school's Auditorium be named the best packet, Fine Arts Center, in honor of Miss Beth packet. The proposed naming does not have a significant fiscal impact, um, aside for the cost of the signage, um, per the policy of full
background and social media check was conducted through Castle Branch Inc with no concerns found, there was some discussion last, uh, school board meeting, um, around philosophies related to, um, naming of spaces in schools, um, per the policy. Um, the finance and operations committee reviewed this request on March 18th. And we Advanced it to the school board. Thank you, Mr. Strefy is there any other discussion? Yes. Mrs Griffith. Thank you, madam chair. Um just to be
clear, I'm also on the finance and operations committee. I just uh, would like the Latin County, our Latin County, constituents to see my perspective on the matter of naming schools, and anything else. After people, I went to a couple schools where there were lovely plaques recognizing past faculty, uh, Laden Valley. High School has a display in its Library honoring form a former principal on November 21st 2004 the library was formally dedicated to Mr. Gerald ship, a past principal, who was an Avid Reader and strong supporter of the library, several years after he passed
away. Uh, miss pet just retired, last year, we have social media. Now, while I appreciate all the letters uh and Miss chernoff support, we should not be making decisions on emotion or naming anything after people. I am also always good with plaques and murals to appreciate great staff members. We also do staff recognitions and awards that are set aside for teachers and staff. I think if Miss Pet was nominated for awards, that would be great. I'm not sure if she was already, it is my feeling that Miss packet should
have received an award if she didn't receive 1 from this Das, but we have an award. But we gave an award to a former School Board member. Instead, the priorities of this board are completely misguided. We have now have set a precedent for school board. A president for school board members to receive Awards over. Much-deserved. Teachers, I would be remiss if I didn't point out that we will vote today for the renaming of Frances. Hazel Reid, Elementary School and Mercer Middle School. We are going back over a hundred years trying to find Anything. I mean anything to make excuses to rename these
schools with a cost significantly higher. what's to stop someone for from having a problem with Miss Pet in the near future, over comments, on social media, which is what we have now, I think this name naming renaming is being done. Without proper changes to the current policy. We really shouldn't be naming anything after anyone at this time. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Griffith any other discussion? Seeing no more discussion. We'll go for the boat clerk, please. Open the vote.
Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes 8 to 1 with Mrs. Griffith. Um, Posing, the vote will continue with the student behavior and accountability committee, uh, revised policy 8280. Corporal punishment, prohibited presented by Carrie, label chair, student behavior, and accountability committee, Miss label, do you have a base motion? I move that the board pass policy 8280. The revised
corporal punishment prohibited policy. uh, last um, I have a motion by Miss Bell. Do I have a second? I have a second by Mr. Strefy, it's been properly moved and seconded Miss Leal. Would you allow like to speak to your motion at all? Just briefly, I want to remind everybody that that policy has been around. It's pretty much the same policy. No, major changes. We just took the pieces and reorganized them in a more readable fashion so that it followed 1 step after the other. Other than that, there are no changes corporal
punishment has been prohibited here for a long time. Thank you. Miss LaBelle. Um, I since we're have discussion I would agree with Vice chair. Uh, Donna Hugh last time is we talked about it and I have a motion to move, I move that the words or seclusion on line 45 of the red line version of policy 822 8280 be struck. Given the board's recent amendment to policy 5345.
Do I have a second? The second mine. Vice chair. Donahue, is there any discussion? And and really I'm just speaking to it. It's just we um we don't have it in the restraint seclusion anymore and so it's just kind of a cleaning up of that line. Any other discussion? Okay, seeing no more discussion, we'll move forward with the vote on the amendment. Um, clerk please, open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote.
That Amendment passes, um, unanimously will go back to the base motion as amended. Um, clerk, please open the vote. Oh, is there any discussion? No. Clerk, please open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes unanimously, moving on to item, 12.03 Department of student services, special education,
annual plan application approval for 2025 2026, um, Miss Richardson. Would you like to remind the board of this item really quite quickly? Absolutely chair. Mansfield, thank you. As you may recall at the last meeting. Doc Dr. Paige Carter. Our director of special education presented this fed annual plan application, which is our assurance. Through the state of the Virginia Department of of Education. For the application of federal funds. Um, lcps has slated
to receive a little over 14.8 million for school age and preschool students with disabilities, which makes up about 5.7% of our total operating budget with the majority. Coming from state and local funding in service to students with disabilities in accordance with um, the annual plan regulations. We did receive um, feedback from cak the most substantive change was. Um, it came out of their subcommittee. Last last evening for the school division to revise, and expand
the language in the proportionate share calculation section. Currently, we capture transition services, and consultative services. It was the recommendation of the CAC committee that we expand that to Direct Services as well as consultation contingent upon the availability of Staffing, whether that be lcps Staffing or whether we're able to provide services through contracted staff. So should it be the will of the board? It is the recommendation of staff
that we work to amend the language. We will provide the board, the updated language, but the plan B approved this evening. So now I'm a little confused. Do we have? Do we do we need to do an amendment first before that or are you going? since the plan has not been approved, we can update the language based on the um feedback from cak coming out of the committee last evening and provide the board with the revised language later this week. So it would be taking action to approve it with the amended language.
Okay. Um, So we have an even said the base motion yet, so can we add that to the base motion right now? Yes, please. So it would be that. The Loudoun County School Board. Adopt the 2025 2026 annual plan for special education, application for federal funds as amended By what? Do you want to give me some language? It would be as amended to expand the language for the proportionate share
calculation. So that is the amount of money that we set aside on an annual basis to serve students that are parentally placed or homeschooled that are eligible for special education services. Okay. As amended to expand the dis the language and of for services and the proportionate share set aside. Proportionate. Share set aside. So then it would be the Loudoun County School Board. Adopt the 2025 2026 annual plan for special education,
application for federal funds as amended to expand the language for services. and, The proportionate share set aside. Don't sound right in the proportionate share, set aside section of the plan. Per share, set aside section of the plan, okay? I'm just going to go ahead and admit that motion then. Um, is that all right? uh, I move that the laden County School Board, adopt the 2025 2026 annual plan for special education, application
for federal funds. As amended to expand the language for services, in the proportionate share set aside section of the plan. I have a motion. Do I have a second? Second second. Oh, I have a second by Miss Chandelure. Um, it's been properly moved and seconded now, is there any discussion? Seeing none, we will move forward with the vote clerk. Please. Open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote and that motion passes unanimously. We'll continue to 12.04 Department of
teaching, and learning, Carl D, Perkins Career, and Technical education. Grant funding application is m is Dr. Grubs here, Dr. Grubs would you mind giving a little summary real quickly? I'm happy to do so chairman or Mr. Slavin So as a reminder, the Perkins funding Grant is submitted annually to the Virginia Department of education's, office of Career and Technical education for the release of funds to the Local School Division. These funds are used to support Career and Technical education programs throughout the School Division examples of how Grant funds are
currently used, are to support CTE administrators counselors teachers and special, ed colleagues to attend professional learning sessions, support for CTE advisory related Career, and Technical student organization travel. So for example, a a deck of competition where teachers would attend to support students in this competition support for curriculum and instructional development student, organizations, industrial credentials and work-based, learn learning experiences in CTE. So, we are asking that the school board, um, endorse the signature of the chair on this plan, as well as the superintendent. Um,
with this action. Thank you, Mr. Sven. Do I have a base motion? Someone. Miss label. I move that we accept the um, Now, I lost the word. We got the little recommendations on there that usually has. Now, I'm looking at it that we approve the 20 2526, local plan for Career and Technical education or CTE Perkins funds and endorsed the School board, chairman and lcps. Superintendent to sign the local
plan. I have a motion by Miss label. Do I have a second Second. Oh, I have a second by Miss shernoff. Uh, if improperly moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, we'll go ahead with the vote clerk, please. Open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote and that motion passes unanimously. Okay, we're going to move on to uh, 12.05 Finance and operations committee revision of policy. 6530
changing School, attendance zones. Uh, Mr. Strafe, do you have a base motion? Yes, Madam chair. I move that the Len County School Board, approve, the finance and operations committee approved revisions of policy. 6530 changing School, attendance zones. I have a motion by Mr. Sty, do I have a second Second, I have a second by Miss chernoff. It's been properly moved and seconded Mr. Strefy, would you like to speak to speak to your motion or do you want to let Mr? Lewis, um, I'll, I'll just be brief. Um, I, this policy was brought,
uh forth. Um, The intention was to clarify the different attendance zone changes. Um, and we did that specifically by pulling in aspects of uh elements from the regulation, back into the policy. Um, we also tried to capture revisions that were required by the USDA uh that relate to the provision of socio economic data of school populations. Um, there was some discussion around that um chairman Mansfield, I believe you might have an amendment as well. Um the committee ended up moving forward with those proposed
changes. Um, and there was also an amendment um, in committee that Would require a comprehensive review of all School attendance zones at least every 5 years. So that's just a quick update. Okay. Um, I will is there any discussion before I No. So I have 2 uh amendments. Um the first 1 and I previewed them last time that school were meeting um Amendment to the base motion. I moved to amend that the
motion to insert by the school board in the red line draft, a policy 6530 on line 25 after the word reviewed and it would read. However, all School attendance zones will be comprehensively reviewed by the school board. Every 5 years to assess student enrollment and school capacity. And balances, do I have a second? Second, I have a second by Miss shernoff, it's been properly moved, and seconded and I'll speak to it. The only reason is I really just wanted to make sure that wording was in there that the the school board has eyes on it.
Every 5 years to be certain um, any other discussion. No, okay. Um, seeing no more discussion. We'll go ahead and vote on this amendment clerk, please open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes unanimously. Um, we go back to the base motion as amended and I Another amendment unless does anybody other have any discussion?
So my second amendment is moved to revise the sentence. Beginning online 225 to read other factors. That may be considered regarding changing a school attendance Zone include impact on students families and neighborhoods. And we would cross out as well as and then long, long range, Capital plans and socioeconomic characteristics of school population, where data is available and usage is permitted by law. Do I have a second?
I have a second by Miss Chandler, so it's been properly, moved and seconded. And, um, the reason for this change was because I do agree with msacs recommendations. Um, that socioeconomic characteristics of the school population are important to consider when changing School attendance zones. Um, and, Mr. Lewis, could you say a little bit about how we could do that without the? I guess it was uh, the free and reduced.
Lunch kind of thing. Thank you, chair Mansfield. Yes, we are. Uh as you mentioned we we have some restrictions with the the uh free and and reduced meal information that we used to provide in in years past. And so we are working with the uh, uh ROTC in um, teaching and learning to try to come up with some other data that we could use. That would provide some information to the board to be able to consider for these purposes. So um we are hopeful that we can come up with some some income information by the school areas that would
help the board assess those those uh situations. Thank you, Mr. Loris discussion. Seeing no discussion, we will move forward with the vote on this amendment. Clerk, please open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote that motion passes unanimously. And now we'll go ahead and vote on the base motion as amended by the 2 amendments. Clerk, we please open the vote. Oh first, is there any discussion?
Clerk, please open the vote board members. Please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes 8 to 1 with Mrs. Griffith in opposition, okay? Uh, moving on to 1 2. 0, 6, 4, um, Mr. Lewis, do you want to remind the board of this item first? Sure. So before the board this evening is we have a a number
of potential recommendations based on the committee's recommendation to the board. As, you know, as a, uh, committee appointed by the board and they have met and on a number of occasions and provided in you see in the under the recommendation area, we have a number of uh potential recommendations. Um, the first 1, the, the committee was tasked by the board to come up with a recommended name, or preferred name and then 2 alternates. So, you'll see those in the first recommendation that the committee recommended
gumspring middle school as their first preference for the name of the school. Their second name was Stone Ridge, Middle School. The third choice was John, Mercer, Langston Middle School. Then you'll see another potential another potential recommendation for the board to insert name here. For if the board were to choose to do, go a different way. And and I failed to mention that the board is not bound by the committee's recommendation. Uh, so you do have that option by policy to choose a different name. And then
the policy also allows for the board to maintain the existing name, which is the last recommendation you see there in in the items. So, um, those are the, you know, options open to the to the board at this point and we are happy to entertain any other questions you may have. Thank you for that recap. Um, do I have a, I'll now entertain a motion. Yes, Vice chair Donahue, thank you, madam chair. I move that the Louden County School Board, rename Mercer, Middle School, located at 42149 greenstone Drive in Aldie
gumspring, Middle School to be effective, July, 1st 2025. I have a motion. Uh, do I have a second? I have a second by Miss Chandler. Um, so it's been properly moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Yes. Mrs, Griffith. Thank you, madam chair. Um, I just wanted to go through, um, the process of Mercer Middle School. This was basically partisan politics. Um, this board pushed renaming through and it really isn't a necessity for our students, not a winner. We continue to
live in the past and not move forward. I will remind the people of Loudoun County that while Title 1 schools, suffer and beg for renovations and playgrounds. The fact that name changes are even at the school board. Astounds most a complete waste of money. That does not help our children achieve. In any way I am not concerned about the partisan committees, putting their time in to push new names. We should not have them have had them in the first place. We have to focus on what is going on inside the schools, not cosmetic fixes outside. The schools Mercer Middle is not
named after anyone. There are no plaques pictures anything stating the school is named for anyone. The Mercer name is associated with so many successes and achievement, I will mention them again. Most recently Partnerships with Microsoft under the Mercer name. The Mercer name gives the students Pride did you know that Mercer was a 2012 to 2014 the national school to watch. 20152018 in Virginia. Most distinguished School. 2024 Latin Public Schools, principal of the year and
Washington Post, principal of the Year nominee for Mercer, Nisha deal, countless science and math Olympiad Awards since its opening in 2004 Superior musical, programming Awards, 2015 to 2024 current striving for and amle school of Distinction. Um, so these are all the achievements they have done under the Mercer name. Again, this shouldn't be a partisan issue. Changing, the name wipes, the achievements away and ultimately hurts the current students and alumni.
Most of the county does not want their tax money. Wasted on the renaming of schools. We are looking at up to 200k per School 9 schools. The people of Loudoun County would like to see money helping their our students to achieve and having an up-to-date conditions in their schools. Our constituents put us up here to make Common Sense. Decisions, reasonable decisions. That's why the Survey results for the entire County should be considered more than results from 2 zip codes. Not to mention the cost, will fall on the entire County.
Again, this should not have been partisan, but has been biased and partisan from the very beginning. If this board goes against the town halls and surveys, this is a decision that will not only affect the community of Mercer, but will affect the people running for school board for re-election, in November and excuse me. Mrs. Mrs, Griffith. A point of order point of order, I'd like to continue know. I think that, um, it's really um, To bring up elections at this particular and campaigning from the deis is not really important. Important is not
really, um, appropriate well point of order. I would like to continue and say, my and I wrote, excuse me. Redirect your comments. Well, that's kind of hard but um, if you change the name of this school, it's not a winning issue. Issue. Only winning issue for the Democrat Party of Loudoun. Anyone that votes to change the name, in my eyes doesn't care about our students. You wipe away. Pride and successes of the school Under the Mercer name. Thank you. But also I, I do want to point out last week when we had our or 2
weeks ago, when we had our last school board meeting, there was a mercer Multicultural event during the same time as our meeting and everybody from the committee most of the people on the Committees were here. Speaking, instead of attending a multicultural event. So I wanted to point that as well, that they have those events at the school and they have many other successes. You're damaging the community. Thank you. Thank you Mrs. Griffith that uh please keep your uh Applause. um, So, any other discussion?
Oh, okay. Dr. Deans I would just like to say that I have. Uh gone through this discussion with Grace and I'll continue to offer grace to the discussion. However as I shared with the Committees, both committees, um the school name makes a difference in a child's level of anxiety. Which you might even go into PTSD. So I am comfortable with us. Moving forward with renaming the schools and I will
continue to act with Grace and uh, respect. Miss label. I have a quick question for Mr. Allen. my understanding is when a board member wants to bring up, um, a point of information or point of order that they can't be interrupted, and they can't be shut down. Is that true? Oh also, they don't need a second. Is that true in Robert's Rules? Thank you, Mr. Bell, I'm going to need a minute. Uh uh
further. Look at that. You can continue all all come back to me in a bit. Thanks. Miss Chandler. Um, I would like to seek the expertise of Dr. Ellis Williams. And, um, here, some empirical evidence about how uh, children are impacted when symbols like this exists in our community. Thank you, Miss Chandler. So in reference to how this impacts the community at large school name changes are
significant. There are a lot of feelings involved, but historically to practice of name and schools to honor The Architects and Defenders of slavery has been a broader part of an effort to maintain racial hierarchy. In the United States. In particular, many schools were given Confederate names, particularly here in lden as a line of effort, from Massive Resistance, which is documented within a construct of the community's history. Positive namesakes that include founders of the institutions Financial benefactors revered, religious leaders notable
historical figures members of royalty, current political leaders and respected teachers, and other leaders Associated. Do give us the the spaces and people to name name things a name schools and institutions after in a positive light, to be impactful positively to students. These names that are not amplify racial inequities in society, the opportunity gap for a traditionally, modularized students and it upholds white, privileges, white privilege and allow many Educators to remain
oblivious to the suffering of students, and colleagues of color who have to work and attend such institutions, named after the aforementioned, when communities named schools, they are communicating to the public, very much, including children, what they value and what they hold, dear name in schools like naming other public spaces such as streets buildings and Parks is an opportunity for communities to to declare what or who should be honored more than 240 schools in the United States are named after Confederate leaders,
and half served. The majority of minoritized and non-white students. Many school districts have used renaming processes to denounce white supremacy and other upholdings of disproportionate marginalization and publicly memorialized the achievements in Contributions of minoritized persons and marginalized persons. Thank you, Dr. Ellis Williams. Um, Madam chair. If I might, um, given that I was called on, May I make a statement? Yes, ma'am, thank you. Um, I have been thinking about
something that was included in the seak report at our last school board meeting. Um, this quote really resonated with me, Inclusion is not a strategy to help people fit into systems and structures which exist in our society. It is about transforming those systems and structures to make it better for everyone. Um, that's a quote by Diane richler I've also been thinking a lot about the data that the school board was presented at the school board retreat and
at a work session by the department of equity inclusion and access. I hope I didn't just get that wrong. I didn't look it up. Um again today um But I am, I'm thinking about the, the impact of for school statement that came out of the 2024 lcps. Secondary perception data, annual survey, um, in regards to culturally, responsive instruction, Black and African-American students are disproportionately self- indicating lower scores related to their sense of
belonging compared to other students in lcps. When they were asked the things I learned at the school, reflect different cultures, races and identities, their self-identification score was lower than the other, um, identity groups that were asked and students treat other students with respect regardless of race and other differences that 1 was significantly lower. American, um, American Indians rated at 73 Asians rated at 73. Black African-American students rated at 55 and
Hispanic students rated at 67. Um, Pacific Islander students rated at 59. Have 2 or more rated at 64 and white rated at 67, this seems to me as an indicator that we have work to do. Thank you. Thank you, I apologize. Thank you, Mr. Chandler. Uh, Vice chair due, Thank you, madam chair. Um, I just wanted to.
Make a couple of points. Um, Primarily. in response to the comments that have been made, um, suggesting that if we take the step of renaming, any of our schools that it it won't help that it's not with the community wants that it won't, uh, be of any benefit to our students or our community. Um, I frankly am appalled, when I hear people saying that
because we have heard people in this community who have said that it affected them at our last meeting, we had 1 of our own members who told us an anecdote of attending 1 of these schools, and the impact that it had on her as a person of color attending that school and her friends. So, for 1 of us to sit here and say you're telling me that, that was your lived truth. And I don't believe that that is real.
Is going. Just because I haven't had that experience. Doesn't mean that it's not a valid experience. And for those reasons I absolutely am in support of renaming for Mercer. Because that is what I think is the right thing to do for our community. Thank you Vice chair, Donna Hugh. Um Mr. Allen Thank you, madam chair just to confirm that. The point of order is, um, once it's made. The chair asks, what is your
point of order that the meaning behind a point of a purpose behind a point of order is to clarify kind of a rule that has been violated? Um, so uh, Miss label you're right once someone calls a point of order, the chair stops and says um, board member what what rule are you? Um, do you believe has been violated? Uh, at this juncture, the board member can explain uh, What rule they think is violated and why? And then the
board chair? Um, as you are authorized and and And have as a duty to maintain order. It is within your discretion to say yes, that is well taken, you're you're correct that was violation or that's not well taken. Um, which means there there was no violation and in this instance, uh, my understanding is that, uh, the chair was, um, interjecting for lack of a better phrasing to maintain order. Um, but but that's how the process.
Typically Works under Robert's roles. So the chair maintains, the order the chair said actually, in this case was moving to correct. um, something that a breach of, uh, Conduct rules. Um, on the dais and then that is when the board member said point of order. So then, Yes. Madam chair. So the the only thing under Robert tools that would have been different if you, um, had clarified with the board member. What the point of order is meaning,
what violation do you think is being broken at this time? So, I couldn't even have stopped continued with what I had. thought that it would should be a correction first before she before I ask her, or I I I think in the moment it happens so quickly. but but but generally, uh, once the point of order is the person who's talking stops, the chair then asks board member. What is what is your point of order?
So as you were so it doesn't matter if the chair is giving um a correction the the they can just say point of order. And then I have to stop again and say, what is your point of order as opposed to continuing the correction? So I think it's appropriate for the person talking when the point of order is raised to finish their thought, which is And then the board chair would ask board member. What is your point of order? So, to the extent, You were finishing your thought and I can't remember
because it happened so quickly. Um, That that would be appropriate. So that the only thing differently pursuant to Robert's rules that. Was not observed. Was you as board chair asking board member? What is what is your point of order? Meaning what what do you think the violation is why are you making this point of order? Okay, so next time or should I just ask her now? Uh, it's within your discretion. Okay. What would you do? You feel your point of order was?
What did you feel? Rule was violated? Um, I wanted to continue speaking. Um, I wanted to continue to get my point across, um, and I was interrupted that was the issue. and I would like to say 1 last thing if I met uh, Madam chair I think with Grace, I think that. to the point of violating a rule, That I interrupted you which is my job. If there's a
problem. I'm just trying to understand. So then is that a Breaking of a rule? Since I was performing, my job as chair to stop for quote of conduct for board members. Thank you, madam chair. So if that's the point of order, then it's within your discretion to say that that point of order is well, taken, meaning. Yes, and your discretion. Do you believe there was a violation of a rule or know that that was not well taken here. If I understand the
Proposed point of order correctly. Um, In actuality after you clarified your thought uh, Mrs. Griffith did have an opportunity to redirect and and complete her um statements at that at that time Yes, she did. She was able to continue. Anything else, Mrs. Griffith Thank you, madam chair. Uh, with Grace I would like to say that. Mercer is not a symbol. No data has ever been presented on PTSD. So um, I asked where does this end? Um,
And I would also, as I mentioned, data asked about the scores. Um, how do we know that? Mercer the name? Mercer is affecting our students scores. Um, I think we should be fixing what's inside the building and not outside which is cosmetic. Only, uh, please provide data, uh, Miss Leticia Will Will Williams. If there is data that proves that we have kids students with PTSD, Dr. Alex Williams. Mrs, I'm sorry Dr. Ellis Williams.
Um, actually I think I'm going to call a question at this point. Um, you have a, I have a second. Okay. Board members, do you want to go ahead and vote? Uh, it's uh, 2/3 vote 2/3. Um, to go ahead and call the question. So, Clerk, please open the vote. Board members. Oh, do I need to remind her of what that means? Mr. Allen would you like to give a reminder of what calling
the question means? Thank you, madam chair. So calling the question means that all debate or discussion on a motion, that's on the floor, comes to a halt and a vote. Well, so that's your initial vote. Whether 2/3 of you feel that that's appropriate at this time. And then, if that's the case, then you move directly into the vote on the base motion. Okay, so it was, uh, moved and seconded and we will, uh, move on to calling the question with the 2/3, vote. Okay, with no more debate uh clerk, please open the vote
board members. Please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes with uh Miss. Uh Mrs. Griffith and Miss LaBelle in position. So now, we were going to go ahead and vote without any more debate on uh, renaming Mercer Middle School. Uh, as uh, gumspring. Clerk, please open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote.
and that motion passes 7 to 2 with Miss Griffith and Miss chernoff in opposition. We're moving on to 1, 2. 0 7 Uh, Mr. Lewis, do you want to give a brief reminder of this item? Thank you, chair. Mansfield the um, information, provided in this item is very similar to that, which we just talked through with the Mercer School. Uh, moving down to the recommendation sections. You'll see where we have the
committee's recommendation for their. First choice was loving the elementary school. Their first alternate was to maintain the existing Frances Hazel Reed Elementary School as the name, their third uh and and second alternative was limestone elementary school. And then we've also provided a blank line for board members to insert, uh, a different name there. So, um, the difference here is that the the committee's choice. Second choice was to keep the, the
existing name, which is why we don't have that extra 1 in. For the board's consideration. Thank you, Mr. Lewis. Um, I'll now entertain a motion. Yes, Dr. Rasheed Madam chair, thank you. I would like to make a motion that the Loudoun County School Board? Rename Frances, Hazel Reed, Elementary School, located at 800. 800, North King Street in Leesburg loving Elementary School, effective, July 1st, 2025 second, okay, it's been
properly moved and seconded. Um, is there any discussion? Oh, actually, why don't you speak to your motion, Dr? Sheet, thank you, chair. Um, I rise today in strong support of the motion to rename the school names matter. They send messages about who we honor and what we believe in by changing the name to 1, that is inclusive and 1. That is inclusive. We are not erasing history. We are choosing to stand for Equity, respect and dignity for all students staff and families. This is not about political correctness. It's about doing
what's right? It's about creating a learning environment where every student feels they belong. I urge all of us to consider the kind of Legacy we want to leave and to vote in favor of the important change. You know, 1 of the, um, 1 of the speakers. Uh, public commenters had mentioned the ark. And I, I like that example because that was a really good example of how that name, um, a certain parts of that, that acronym changed. And, you know, we read Proclamation, You know, we we we do all this stuff, we celebrate students
students, but when it comes down to the main part that that part is important too because that's, that's where our kids are going towards. So, thank you, chair. And that's all I have to say. Miss label. I pretty much said my piece last time we were here, but I would like to add 1 more thing. I am the only board member sitting here tonight that lives in Western Laden. Western Laden is very casual, very friendly and they don't mind speaking up.
I hear things and I don't like things that I'm hearing about the use of the Loving's last name. These people do not disturb the disrespect that I'm hearing. Please, choose another name. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Bell Yes, Mrs. Griffith Thank you, madam chair. Um, regarding for instance, Hazel Reed. I just want to be clear that uh, Miss Reed was not a
Nazi or a Confederate. Um, and yes, we are. We are practicing political correctness here. I don't know why. Uh, tonight I want to address the proposed name changes for or for our schools, a proposal that is rightfully sparked. Strong reactions from the public, let me be clear. The overwhelming feedback. We've received shows that our families teachers and community members, do not support these changes and I stand with them. We are entrusted with the responsibility to prioritize. What matters? Most the
education and well-being of our students and the support of Educators. Who make that possible a name change. Especially 1 that public. The public does not support is, is just is not just symbolic, it's costly. It diverts. Thousands potentially millions of taxpayer dollars away from where they belong in our classrooms and our student Pro. programs and the hands of teachers who continue to do more with less our community is tired of of watching time of of time, energy and resources wasted on performative decisions
that have no measurable impact on student outcomes. Meanwhile, critical areas continue to be underfunded much needed renovations to our schools, our teacher retirement program, a program that should reflect our deep respect and gratitude for those who dedicate their lives to public. Education. Instead it remains under prioritized. And at risk, this is the kind of mismanagement that has come to Define lcps in recent years, spending time and money on initiatives at s good in theory.
But lack both community support and educational value. It's not sustainable, and it's not acceptable. We truly want to serve our students, we must listen to our community. We must focus on improving instruction, addressing mental health needs recruiting, and retaining high-quality teachers. And ensuring that every dollar we spend is a step toward a stronger school system. Not a distraction from its purpose. Let's stop trying to fix what isn't broken and get back to doing the real work of of our schools that they
desperately need. In this experience, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about friends as Hazel Reed and what an amazing woman she was for her time. No 1 has been able to find anything damaging about Miss Reed does accusing her of being a racist without proof is just inappropriate being part of the UDC does not sell me either. She had a grandfather that fought in the Civil War. A lot of people belong to that organization because they had relatives that fought in the Civil War. It was just something people did for that time. She worked for
the loud and times mirror for over 70 years through many different bosses who adored her, She is not here to defend herself today. The lovings are from Central Point Virginia, and have no connection to Loudoun County. A little history on Richard. Loving, Richard Loving's, grandfather. TP farmer fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War. Maybe we should name the school. Loving Elementary, Richard Loving's paternal grandfather. Um, fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War in his paternal. Ancestor Lewis, loving also owns 7 Slinger
connection to White Southern patriarchal tradition. If this board votes to remove, Frances Hazel Reed's name from the school, we will also strip away. The awards that were bestowed on her in 1965, she was named Woman of the Year by Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce. In 1986, she was named woman of achievement by Loudoun County Commission on women. And in 1993 on her 93rd, birthday, the loud. And times mirror honored her continuing and extraordinary service to the community and her dedication to the field of Journalism
with a scholarship to be giving annually to a female high school graduate from Loudoun who plans to major in journalism. uh, 10 years later. In 2003, Francis Hazel, Reed Elementary School was open. 22 years later we are discussing. If her name should be removed from the school, there is really so much I could say but I have said it before. Leave our schools alone. Changing the names of our schools. Serves no Positive Purpose to our students. Fix the inside of the schools, not
the Cosmetic changes outside. Thank you. Thank you. Is there any discussion? Yes, Vice chair Donahue. Thank you, madam chair. Uh, I would, I would like to propose an amendment to the base motion. that would add, uh, Mildred and Richard to the name. So, my proposal would make the, my Amendment would make the proposal that the Loudoun County School Board. Renamed Frances, Hazel Reed,
Elementary School, located at 800, North King Street in Leesburg Mildred. And Richard loving, Elementary School effective, July 1st 2025. I have a motion. Do I have a second second? I have a second by Dr. Rasheed. Um, Vice chair. Donna here. Would you like to speak to your motion? Yes, thank you. Madam chair. Um, I support uh, I support this change. I have heard from people in the community on both sides, people who had a lot of respect for Frances Hazel, Reid and admiration for her
and don't want the name to be changed. And I have also heard from people in the community who want the name to be changed because of its association with white supremacy. And I will admit that for me, this decision was a little bit. More. Difficult than the 1 for, uh, what will no longer be Mercer, Middle School. Uh, and that is because I read about the positive contributions that Miss Reed made to louden's
community and especially to the status of women in lowden's community. And I admire those Things that she contributed. but, It is also. Established fact that she was 1 of the co-founders of the Loden, chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. uh, an organization whose purpose was to perpetrate the false Narrative of the Lost Cause And to hold up, as honorable people who fought against their own government,
to be able to own other human beings, and to intimidate and oppress people of color. I asked, is there any indication that she ever recanted or disavowed or regretted those views because yes I saw she I understand people are a product of their time and she helped found this chapter when she was a young woman and she lived a long life. Until 1994 that was late enough to maybe have had a change
of heart, if that was how she felt. but, To my knowledge, what I have been advised. Is that no, 1 has been able to find any evidence to suggest that she ever regretted or disavowed or recanted those views. and for that reason, I cannot support keeping that name on our school. Thank you. Thank you, Vice chair, Donahue. Yes, Mr. Stray
Thank you, madam chair. Um, I just want to take a moment um again to in addition to thanking staff and all of the members of the Committees. Um I want to thank specifically the chairs of the renaming committees um for their time, and their patience for keeping an open mind. Um, and also trying to make the conversations open and fair, despite how challenging it was at times, um, when the board first took the vote to review the school, um, the review of the school names and create the renaming committees. Um, I said at that time, I felt that it was
very important that we could That we move forward with that process so that we can show our division that it was that we could have these conversations um, as a school community. And that it was valuable to our division and to many in our community, to, to families and parents that were able to now have had those conversations and and weigh in on that impact. Uh, whether you agree or disagree with, um, renaming Um to me I think the recommendation to rename Frances Hazel read Elementary School to loving Elementary School.
Um is a recommendation that's grounded in a commitment to what lcps aspires to hold uphold in terms of their values. Um, I think that the committee's recommendation to rename is also a thoughtful response to, um, what I see, as a complex, historical Legacy of, uh, Frances Hazel Reid, without erasing as Miss Donnie, you mentioned, right? Um, without erasing her contributions to loud and um, but I also think that um, the recommendation is also responds to the powerful story of the loving family, um, and it reflects the importance
that school names have in shaping our students understanding of our communities values. Um, and that they were their reflection of what we aspire to. and most importantly that all of our students can a legacy that all of our students can be proud of, not, not just some. Um, so naming a school after the loving sense, I think a clear message to students and families that represents the best of what we aspire to as a division. Um, and again, you know, name naming schools or even renaming
them is not merely about the past. Um, and it's definitely not about erasing that past, it's about really the future that we're building. So, um, I I, I would definitely support, um, this renaming the school to loving Elementary. Thank you. Any other discussion? Yes. Mrs. Chandler. Um, thank you madam chair and I would like to thank Mrs. Griffith for loaning me her book. Um, she did buy Frances, Hazel Reed's book and I did take the time to read it. Um, last weekend, I I am
Really committed to considering all perspectives. Um, it's grounded in the past. Um her book is like a yearbook that talks about all the interesting things that happened in lden in her life, that's great. Um, but when it comes down to it, It's not our job to protect the legacy of the past. It is our job to ensure that we create environments that offer all of our students the opportunity to succeed.
and, Honestly, I don't think that anything that's, you know, Mr. Loving or his ancestors Heritage is not really relevant to this issue. Um, we've heard from students teachers and community members who have come to speak to us directly about their lived experience throughout this process and the stress and painful impact of having to learn and work in environments that are tied to ideas that devalue their Humanity, we have heard from them. Um, we are here to serve the students in our schools, we
need to understand who they are and what they need to be successful. and I check the dashboard today and as of today, 60.7% of our students identify as a culture other than white We have an obligation to do better than for them. And to improve student outcomes, we need to challenge overcome and eliminate any barrier to their success. And if they've come here to tell us that it's hurtful, it's our job to listen. And I am very much in favor of Miss, Donna
Hughes, um, Amendment to the base motion. I think it makes our um, commitment stronger. Thank you. Um, Miss Chandler any other discussion. Yes, Mrs. Griffith Thank you, madam chair. Um, I just want to say in ending. I know where this vote's going to go. Um, but it is a little hypocritical. We're picking on a woman, um, for being part of, uh, United Daughters of the Confederacy, but we're to name it after somebody, uh, who had relatives that owned owned slaves. So, um, I find that a little odd and a little
hypocritical but I I did want to point that out again because I do know where this vote is going. Thank you. I've had lots of, um, You know, when I first started this whole thing I was like, I don't I'm not interested in names anymore. Um, until I got a email from somebody who's probably sitting in the in the audience. Um, part of it said, if we stop naming places after people now,
Then the diversity of names will be lacking. And the end intended message that could be sent. Is about who gets the honor of having a school named after them. and I think that's, True. Um, the also pointed out that now names are more properly vetted by companies. That are dedicated to this very issue. So, while I went into this thinking, I think we're done with
names. I think that names are important. as far as I think that this particular person convinced me um, the other thing that I like about this, you know, the the interracial marriage and also gay marriage at the same time, I think that that also the foundation for you can marry who you want to love is an important 1 for me and in my family. so, I'll be supporting
Um, Vice dues. Amendment. Any other discussion? Okay. Bye. Donna Hughes amendment is on the um, board clerk. Please open the vote. Please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. That motion passes, uh, 6 to 3 with Mrs. Griffith miss shernoff and miss LaBelle in opposition. Um, now we will vote on the base motion as amended
Clerk, please open a vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clark, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes 6 to 3 with Mrs. Griffith miss shernoff and miss lebell and opposition. Okay, we're going to be before we continue with item 12.08. I'm going to ask Miss Lille to please read her second disclosure. In addition to this disclosure, I previously read this evening, as a member of the laden County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to
the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget Andor health insurance and related benefits or any other discussion that may include or affect the benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a former lcps employee, I as well, as my spouse received Medicare Advantage, insurance benefits through lcps, these benefits, however, affect thousands of employees. Well, in
excess of the statutory 3, whose interests may also be affected of which my spouse and I are included. I can and will participate fairly objectively and in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public records of the clerk of the school board for 5 Years. Thank you. Thank you, Miss LaBelle. um, I think that we need about a 5 minute break. Before we
start this big conversation about retiree just 5 minutes. Just give us 5 minutes. So I know y'all been waiting all night just 5 more minutes. No clapping stop. Stop, stop stop, please. Stop stop because I don't want to kick anybody out. But let's, let's move on 5 minutes. Uh, 9. Uh, Back from Recess. All right, we are going to move on to item 12.08. Department of Business and financial services, and human
resources and talent development, retiree health insurance. Miss Boland and Miss Willoughby. Would you please give the board a quick reminder of this item or and or maybe kind of of go through some of the history and walk us through some timelines and decision points. Please, I will start the answer to that question and I appreciate the opportunity to address all the things that you just me mentioned. I'll
start with sharing that historically, um, the discussion and changes to compensation specifically salaries and benefits is included. As part of the budget process, any changes to salaries or benefit plans are reviewed and presented as part of the budget process and any of the proposed changes are enacted. Once the budget is adopted, For FY, 26, the compensation. And the benefits presentation
was presented to the school board, during the January 16th budget work session as I shared earlier this evening as part of the benefit. Um, Budget, we presented 3, proposed items related to the health plan that balance prioritizing financial management as well as quality. Affordable health care for all of our insured, active employees, and retirees. There of those 3 items. The first item was a 12% increase to employee retiree and employer paid premiums for all of
our plans. The second item was changes to the active employee plan. Um specifically increasing deductibles out-of-pocket maximums for all the plans as well as increasing HSA contributions and the third item was changes to the retiree plan. The school board adopted the first 2 items and Delayed Action on the third item and specifically direct to staff to return in the spring with more information and for the
school board to consider the proposal at that time. So on March 25th, Mrs. Bolan and I brought forward um a presentation during the school board work session and shared information on the proposed, plan changes to help provide information and answer questions. We also had 4 of our consultants in attendance and they actually were able to help um, answer some of the questions that the school board members had. In conclusion of the presentation of that work session, we
shared information on next steps. The Next Step specifically, um, was seeking action to approve, the proposed changes to be effective January 1st, 20126, that specific action was also included in board docs as the recommended action. The action was requested for the following meeting on April 8th, but we also shared information that action was needed by April 22nd at the latest due to the ongoing solicitation
for a new Medicare Advantage vendor In January of this year. So just a few months ago um Cigna Cigna notified us that LCPA, I'm sorry. The Cigna notified lcps that they were getting out of the Medicare Advantage business. So to ensure that we did not have any disruption of service to our Medicare Advantage plan. We issued an RFP and posted it on March 18th. We separated the proposal submission into 2 phases. The
first phase was a technical submission for vendors to submit, which was due last week on April 16th and the second portion was the financial submission which was due um April 28th. Next week to allow time for the school board to take action, that would give Clarity on the demographic data and pool size. Vendors would need to put together their financial proposals After we passed the April 28th date. The procurement team will work with um our consultant to
identify the top vendor and begin negotiations. A contractor award will then be brought forward to the finance and operations committee and the school board for approval. tonight's School Board action requests is solely for to the retiree Benefit Plan into the contract award. That would would be brought forward in the upcoming months. this contract award is for the to select a vendor to provide Medicare Advantage Services only
in additional step of this process is related to policy 771.15, which I think is titled retirement benefits. If the school board board board voted this evening to approve the proposed changes, then the policy would need to be revised to align with the school board action. This would be similar to other actions where approved budget items. Require subsequent um, policy revisions and a few examples include policy 4020, which is, um, student fees and
charges, you know, year after year, we have made, um, efforts to reduce, or eliminate student fees that are approved during the budget process. And then we follow up after that action to align the budget. Another example is, I think a couple years ago, we enacted a benefit related to parental leave once that was approved as part of the budget process, we followed up with and making the appropriate change to um that policy related to leave. Another example.
In terms of, you know, conversations, um, school board members have, um, talked about would be related to TJ. It could be related to Transportation. If during the upcoming budget process if there was discussion about whether or not to eliminate Transportation or eliminate sending students, To TJ, there is an existing policy that depended on the final School Board action. During the budget, we would again follow up and make the appropriate appropriate changes to the policy.
So that is just a high-level recap of where we started and where we're at today, and Miss Mrs, Bolan, and I would be happy to take any questions that you may have. Board members. Do you want to have any of this? Yes. Miss Dr. Sheet chair. Mansfield, I wanted to make a motion if that's okay, right now. Okay, okay, okay, thank you, madam chair. I move that the school board declined, staff's recommendation at this time and refer policy 7628 back to
the HRT. Committee for a detailed. Look at the policy wording and and have a more thorough discussion. I have a motion by Dr. Rasheed, and I have a second by Miss LaBelle. It's been properly moved and seconded Dr. Rasheed, would you like to speak to your motion? Thank you, chair. Yes, I would. I'm speaking in support of the motion to send the retired been retiree benefits policy back to HRT for further refinement. Further review We while we recognize the importance of providing Clarity and support for our
retirees. It's equally important that the policy reflects fairness, responsibility, and alignment with our broader organizational values, and goals, there are still as we heard tonight, there are still significant questions and concerns that I've been raised both in terms of how the benefits are structured and how changes may impact long serving members of our community. So this is a chance to um, to further improvise and even to get it right, I support the motion and encourage others to do the same so we can move forward with the policy that truly serves the
best interests of our retirees and our organization as a whole. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Sheet. Yes, Dr. Deans as a retiree even though it's from another School Division, Um, I, I I I, I support the, the motion of course, but I want to share that when it comes back to us, that it is, clear. Um, it it is clear, maybe 2 choices. When you send
out 5 different uh charts, it confuses people and some of the somebody told me, he said, some of you retirees don't even have, uh, email And so many of the retirees may not have access to receiving the surveys and the emails. So I think that for retirees. Um, um, um, That might not have a 14 year old granddaughter that keeps her up to date uh that you need to send out something
specific and something in hard copy when it's time for them to make decisions rather than sending electronically. I even I'm even concerned about electronic communication locally here with parents because parents are so busy, they don't get t a chance to sit down in front of the computer for long. So, I think that we need to When when when when When we are changing things for retirees. Um, um, I'm not
old, I'm just wise, I'm just you know, I have wisdom but um but I I just think that we need to send it out in different formats when it's when it concerns retirees and those retirees who've been out there for years Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Deans. Any other discussion? Yes, Mr. Bell. I heard from a lot of people at around table, recently, I heard all the stories, all the worries, all the anxieties, and I know how they feel because I'm in the same boat.
I, Know that when I look at it and I look at all the options, I notice that it's missing a lot of figures. The only figure that we saw was. Oh, $400 if you haven't, um, RHA Our HRA. Given for just 1 person. Now, how can you vote or support something? When you don't know what the perks are? How much
does it cost? How much am I going to benefit from? This is this 1 better for that 1, you can't figure that out without the figures in front of you, it is extremely important that all of this be laid out to us because many of us, and I'm talking about The retirees. That. We need to know because we are at a time of life when we're living. On Social Security. And if we have it,
Um, Virginia retirement system funds. Both of those may be cut. We know they're not going to get larger. We need to know that what we are receiving is going to be consistent and contain. Consistent increases to meet the increase in the cost of living. Um, it is not right to tell people. Well go ahead and see if you can find another insurance company, especially if
your spouse. Is someone who has a pre-existing condition. now, who is going to take that on and if they can find an insurance company that will How much is it going to cost them? We need to have reassurance that we are getting what we were promised. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. I'm hoping that While. uh, we make this vote right now and regardless of Which Way, But Going back to HRT. I'm hoping to have more of those
conversations have the Consultants. available those kinds of things kind of the the deeper dive that we did kind of like for special permission and restraint and seclusion like there was a little bit of a deeper dive and collective bargaining. That was the other thing that was a big deep dive too. And, um, I think most of the board members are up for that. Um, I see that there's a huge issue. and I think it's better if we try and work together,
To solve it. Um yes Dr. Uh Vice chair. Thank you, madam chair. Um, I wanted to just add that um I support the the proposal to send this matter back to committee for further discussion. Um, it does seem like some kind of change will have to be made. Um, Which sucks um but is forced appears to be forced on us by
by outside factors that a change has to be made. Um, but that being said, um, I am not okay with pulling back. Benefits that were promised to our employees. Um, and right now, I don't feel like I have Information enough information. If that is the only available option.
I want to see what have we explored, what are all of the options that we have looked at to fix this situation and what are the pros and cons of those options? And is there some reason why? Then this 1 is either the only available 1 or the best 1 available. I don't feel like we have that information before us right now and I hope that we can get that if we have more time to study it. Thank you. Um, I also think that there's a history there, um, and I think
that this has been a a they've been working on it incrementally. um, so I I I also was wondering uh Miss Willoughby and Miss Boland. What? This vote. If it passes. What would be the next steps with the RFP? Um, and everything else to help inform the school board vote. If the school board voted in support of the proposed changes, then we would work with our Consultants, to convey
information to the vendors who are, um, responding to the solicitation to share information regarding this, the pool size. Why this was why? This is important information is If the school board voted to not enact the policy, I mean the the plan changes. Then it's a closed pool. Meaning that there are approximately 2,000 retirees that would um, remain as the
only option being to be on a Medicare Advantage plan. So the vendors are um, would be preparing their financial proposals based on a pool size of approximately. Say, you know, 2000 if the school board voted to approve, then the pool size now has a ceiling or a maximum number of approximately because now there's a choice and that some retirees may choose to not want to continue with an lcps, sponsored
Medicare Advantage plan and they may opt to do an RH plan. Um, so that diminishes the size of the pool. So now it's a maximum versus a guarantee of a certain number in your pool size that is really important information for the vendors. As I mentioned earlier to put together their financial information But it's not just the employees, the retirees. That would be their dependents and their spouses too. Well, right.
Absolutely. So with that increased, the pool. And I'm generalizing. Absolutely it's more about the fact that it's not just the only choice and now vendors know, this is what um, retirees at lcps once they hit 65. This is where they are going to go and they have that information. Whereas with the other option, there is a choice and it may not be all covered lives go remaining on Medicare Advantage because they have the option to elect retiree the retiree
health account. So that information will be conveyed. so, that vendors can More accurately, prepare their proposals. And then we continue with with um, our solicitation process. To award a contract. So irrespective, we are awarding a contract with a vendor because we, we need a vendor because we no longer will have Cigna at the end of this calendar year. So again, just want to reiterate the vote tonight is related to the plan.
But it helps inform. Vendor. Um, Preparing their financial solicitations. In response to our RFP. Thank you, Miss Wy, okay board members any other. I'm sorry, chair, Mansfield. Can I just add something additional to? Yes? Ma'am. Um, if the vote were yes, additional to the RFP, with the Medicare Advantage, we then also need to work with Sigma to create the RH account in time for open enrollment so that information could be
properly communicated through the Open Enrollment process. Thank you, Miss Poland. Uh, sure enough. Thank you, madam chair. Um, I really think that this needs to be a learning experience. So I agree with your, um, Amendment proposal motion. Um, I think we have to examine the process and the timelines for changes. I need think we need to think about how we can better inform those affected and ensure understanding of implications before proposal
I honestly think that there are positives to these proposed changes with the RH and that having this flexibility and choice could be a good fit for retirees. And for lcps, however, upon hearing from hundreds of retirees and current employees who will be affected. It's clear that this conversation is bigger than just the proposed changes to healthcare. It's more about who and what we value. And about how we navigate the changes that impact our staff and our Educators. Um if they are absolutely necessary.
I do not believe that there was ill intent on the lcps side. I've had lots of conversations with them and I do believe that even on new information tonight, the history that we heard that this is an ongoing strategic game of managing the fund balance, and that has far-reaching implications. I think we have some work to do on that front as a board strategically speaking. But that will have to come in future, budget decisions. And for now, with the current status of confusion and more questions than answers, I would not support the proposed changes and would also want
to ensure that the support of those proposed changes. if there are budget implications and dollars that have to be reallocated in this budget cycle that that does not fall on current employees or come from other areas that would hit staff. It can't be 1 for the other. Um, sometimes that happens if it's retirees that we help benefit, then the implication falls on our current employees who already had
a 12% increase in premiums. So I'm hoping that there will be some transparency and dialogue around, what those are and I know It's Tricky. Um, but we have a large budget. We talked about how blessed we are to have a large budget here in lcps, a lot. So I'm hoping we can navigate that for the benefit of all of our staff and I'm wondering if we can clarify a number around what that budget implication might be. Or if the 26 million transfer with end of year, funds
will be enough. So I would appreciate some clarification on that. Um, What? I'm sorry. Trying to understand if there's a number that we, if we vote in favor of Dr. Rasheed's motion to decline this option, What does that mean? For this current budget cycle, because it was allocated just said, that's what we're talking about earlier. Is there a number though that is going to and who's that going to fall on? Where does that pain Point Fall? so that because the board adopted the budget without um
this recommendation in the budget that has already been accounted for in the current budget And um, so there isn't going to be an adjustment that needs to be made. Um, because remember this would have been a cost savings. So it would in effect have been a savings inside of the budget so we just left it at the current level. So in fact, it will not impact the current budget. We just won't realize the savings that we shared during the budget process. Um, Vice chair. Donahue Thank you, madam chair. Um, I would like to I'm not sure if
this is an amendment but I was I was going to say I would like to suggest a different alternative way to move forward with the continued consideration. In the form of a select committee. Um, I'm bringing up this suggestion largely because of timing issues. Um, the next uh, HRT meeting is this Thursday. and then, there will be
2 more meetings before the summer break. Um, And hearing some of the timing issues raised by staff. that's giving me a little bit of concern of with the committee's typically meeting once a month, if we would, if there would be time within the committee to get through the amount of work that it seems like we feel is needed to get through to work through this issue, that it might be more flexible.
In the form of a select committee. So Mr. Allen, if it uh there can be a board action for a select committee and then What would the parameters of that be? What could that? Be? What what what? I think. Yes. Maybe I can help you before you go down that road. I I think to be clear and Miss, Willoughby can can can back me up and and Miss Bolan. um, if the board chooses tonight to send this back to committee
for further discussion, the board is essentially table this for the year. We, we will not have time to complete the RFP process. Have a new Medicare Advantage plan, with whatever the parameters of that are going to be in place to replace the signal plan by December and have all of that ready for roll out through the Open Enrollment process if we if action isn't taken on it tonight. So in effect, you will be um, signaling to Administration and and and again the
Completely within the board's discretion to do so obviously, but signaling to Administration to proceed with a Medicare Advantage plan, run by lcps. Similar to what we currently have with the exception that it will not be uh through Sigma because they're no longer managing a Medicare Advantage plan. So, would not be an urgent. Need to create a select committee to to try to get this resolved quickly because this essentially would become an issue for next year's budget. Yeah, um I think I understood that part. I was we were
thinking the select committee because then it would just be focused on that issue to write. I was I was kind of responding just to I think Miss Donna Hughes comment about the urgency of the matter that the urgency is not there. It's going to be a year based on a vote that you take tonight. It's really going to be an issue for next year's budget. But if if the board wants to then discuss obviously a select committee for the purpose of Just focusing on this. That's your also your prerogative as you will know. all right, so we have you made a motion.
Or we were just discussing. We were just discussing Madam chair. Okay? Um, Yes, Mrs. Griffith Thank you, madam chair. I just wanted to I I agree with some of the discussion today, but I I did have something prepared that I just wanted to say. Um, I wanted to speak today on behalf of the group that was quietly given their careers in service to our schools and retired Educators, many of them spent 2530 even 40 years shaping Minds in
building. The very Foundation, which are School Division stance today. And now as we examine the status of our health, the health Self Insurance Fund and the O PEB liability. I believe it's critical. We ask ourselves. Are we keeping a promise? And the fact is premiums for retiree Health Care had not increased since 2018, even as health care costs rose that year, after year that decision was made by made by this system, not by the retirees and now we Face a gap between
revenues and expenditures 1. That is the result of delayed adjustments, long-term, underfunding, not the result of actions taken by the retirees themselves. To suggest that we shift, Financial pressure into retirees. Now, uh, people on fixed incomes, many of whom are living. modestly, is frankly, unjust retiree Healthcare is not a bonus, it's part of the total compensation package. They were promised and earned through Decades of service. These individuals plan their retirements based on that promise
To backtrack on it. Now is just not a good financial decision or moral 1. We are making progress on our opeb obligations. We've committed 12 million annually from the school. Operating fund, the fund is on track to reach 100% funding in roughly 10 years. That means we have a path forward and we must stay on it without asking retirees to shoulder. Uh, disproportionate burden for past delays on planning or funding. Yes, the market fluctuates, yes costs are rising, but those
are known risks. Ones are responsible for managing and I want to be clear. Uh, our retired Educators should not be punished for financial mismanagement. They held up their end of the deal. Now it's our turn to hold up. Hold up hours, Let's recommit ourselves to providing affordable Quality Healthcare to our retirees and uphold the trust they placed in us because now we treat those who came before us how we treat those who came before us speaks volumes about who we are now. So, and with regards to that,
um, I am chair of the HRT committee. I don't know that this ever really came through the HRT committee. So, um, we're discussing a select committee, we're discussing the time that the timeline that we have. So I don't know that this could go to the HRT or a select committee per uh, Dr. Spence. So I'd like to have more discussion on what we should do next. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Griffith it did go through your committee last year in April. Um,
the policy. Um, so, but that particular part was not discussed Yes, Mr. Esty Policy, not the plan. Um, I, I want to acknowledge the complexity and um, I understand the challenges with sustaining the health. Self Insurance Fund. Um, and I just want to also reiterate um, I appreciate the clarity um from staff around all of the circumstances and the history related to this um,
I I I don't think it was being a asleep at the wheel or, um, you know, mismanagement, I think that there's a lot of nuance there that we, we need to appreciate, um, but I also know that we have work to do, um, and we, I agree with the sentiments that this should probably happen in committee. Um, and whether that's a select committee or through HRT, Um, I I see the reasons uh, for the staff recommendation to move forward tonight and the predictive and the predicament. Um, but I I need to put more weight on the insecurities,
that our retirees feel with what's being proposed the process and the impact of them. Um, again agreeing with all of what others have mentioned. Um, we need to exhaust all options and do an even deeper dive, um, but potentially jeopardizing. The trust and faith of our retirees, and our Educators as a whole. Um, isn't really an option at this point, we we, we, we know that that they rely on this benefit. Each retiree or family has their own, uh, circumstances and affected different, you know, affected on varying levels. Um, and uh, you know, to to what others have mentioned
already. They relied on this promise, when they made their career decisions, they committed to lcps as a result. Um and we need to make sure that our decisions are grounded. Um, in what will keep our Educators inspired uh, supported and valued. So, um, I I do support the, uh, the motion as well. Yes Dr. Deans Dr. Dean 1 last comment. Um, um, keeping a commitment. Is sometimes not possible when it comes to the bottom line.
And my retired, uh Insurance got to the same point where this 1 is. And they went with a different company, but they kept both. Has both teacher and wife on it. So, can a different company, give us what we need even though the current company cannot so. Uh, and when it was sent to me, I had to check which, which 1 1 2 or 3. And I checked the 1 that was
most comfortable for me and my family, but I'm just saying is that, um, some of the selection needs to come from from the administration, before it sent out, to the retirees is my recommendation. Dr. Spence Thank you, madam chair. Um, I just quickly recognizing where the votes going and certainly, um, comfortable with that and understand all of the reasons associated with that. I do want to make sure that that our board members are not
voting on this because of concerns over Financial mismanagement. That's a serious allegation. I stand ready with my team to defend against that allegation. It is not what has occurred. The historical record doesn't reflect that accuracy nor does the current action of my team. And so, I just want to State for the record publicly. I don't believe any board member should be voting on this based on any concerns about financial mismanagement. And again, we stand ready to defend ourselves against that
allegation. Miss Chandler. Thank you, madam chair. Um, I I would like to take a second to thank Miss. Willoughby, um, for the conversation that we've had tonight, I I feel like I've had a very hard time getting comfortable with this process throughout and always, it is. Comfortable more comfortable for me to have the historical perspective and, and to Dr. Spence's point, I would agree. I don't believe that this is a financial mismanagement
issue. I believe that passports and past administrations made choices with the information they had at the time and sadly it's turned out to not necessarily have been Beneficial or I mean I I don't even know if I need to like place any judgment on it. We are in the situation that we're in um, I don't feel that I can be rushed in this decision because it is very important for me personally to make sure that we
are continuing to rebuild trust in our community. And and I am happy to acknowledge. No, 1 is on the board. That is part of any failure and Trust. And most of the people who are in the administration were not involved in making the decisions when they were made in But here we are. So I believe, um, we have shown that we can take on hard conversations. We can do hard things and we can do them
together and I am definitely in favor of, um, taking this into some form of committee, um, and continuing to do the work so that we make sure that we make a wise choice. Thank you. And 1 last comment. Oh, I'm sorry. Dr. Deans, if we need to come back together as a board because of some timeline, I'm willing to do that and I will be willing to encourage my my co board members to do that. Dr. She
Thank you, chair. I just wanted Clarity and just to make sure, uh, that by no means. Did I, um, you know, mean that, you know, it was on the fault of lcps, based on what happened in terms of my motion. I just want to make sure that uh, you know, I have full faith in the cabinet. Um, girl power. No offense to the men, but I, I really love the lcps administrator. I do and everybody knows that I just want to make sure that because I didn't say that in the motion but I'm not blaming anyone. I think that this was just it could have been an
oversight that but regardless I just want to make sure that's clear. Thanks So it's a complex issue, right? It's super complex, lots of stuff going on. There's a huge history going on. Um, and so I mean I guess we don't have to make the committee decision now but I kind of feel like a select committee would be better because that would be focused. On this. And it could be something that would go on for 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, whatever for a year and then
get and then go on with it. Um, so that I already know HRT was A little behind for a little while and it's catching up. And I don't know if this would continue to make it go behind again but um, so, um, I'm comfortable if someone wants to make that amendment to take it instead of HRT to make a select committee. All right, Vice chair, Donnie. I moved to amend Dr. Rasheed's motion to, um,
For this, uh, issue to for the board to appoint a special committee to address this issue. I second uh, oh uh, Miss Miss Leal. Second it, um, Miss Vice chair. Gosh. It's getting late now. By Sarah Donahue, um, makes a motion and Miss label. Second it. Um, And then I guess we have to come up with the name and everything else later, okay? So is there any discussion on
that? No. Okay clerk please open the vote for that Amendment. Board members, please record your vote. clerk, please close and display the vote that motion passes unanimously and then we will go back to the base motion as amended, um, which is that we will keep everything as is for the RFP and then this will go to a select committee. Correct. Any discussion. No. Okay. Clerk, please open the vote.
Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes unanimously, all right. We will now be go moving on to um information items. Sorry I shouldn't have clapped. Um, 13.01 did you want to Yeah. Okay. So board members do you want to stay? It's uh, 10:19. Is the time sensitive. No no. Is it really time-sensitive?
Okay. You know what? Yeah, but we still have to vote because it's per policy. So thumbs up if you want to stay, okay. Okay, okay, you little nerd majority is is wants to stay, okay? Dept of Support Services delis, South Secondary School, attendance zone. Change processes, overview presented by Kevin Lewis chief operations officer of Beverly. Tate director planning, and GIS Services. Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Tate Thank you, chair Mansfield. I am joined tonight with by Mrs.
Tate, who is going to walk us through a number of slides and an overview of the upcoming Della South secondary, attendance zone, change process. Good evening. I know you saved the best for last. um, Would indulge me just a moment. Um, earlier this evening. We put a folder at each of your seats and I would just like to briefly highlight what we provided you that is also posted on our dedicated attendance Zone, web page. The first item in the package is a copy of tonight's
presentation. Should you wish to reference it? the second, um, packet of information is a map of the Della South planning zone. Uh, it's a map and then within it is a planning zone table. That provides the count of current 24. Year resident students by planning zone, as well as high school students. Um, I will speak to that a little bit more, um, but I'm just briefly highlighting in spite of the hour.
The next map is a conditions without change this reflects the projections that are in the current school boards, um FY, 26, capital budget, and this would be um how the projections would be at these 6 reflective zone. Change this spring. The next um, item in the packet is the staff plan. This is by far, probably not the first plan or it is the first plan, but probably not. The only plan that will be reviewed
by you as we move forward in this process, but we've provided the staff plan and inside of that is a rationale that kind of speaks to why staff made this recommendation for your consideration. The next package which is paper clipped are 3 maps of each of the 3. High School clusters included in this attendance Zone process. So the Freedom High School J, Michael Lunsford attendance zones. Um and includes the walk zones as well as residential development within that attendance
Zone. The next 1 is John champe, High School Mercer, Middle School again. It's the attendant Zone including residential development within that boundary and the schools walk zones as applicable. And then the third 1 is the light Ridge. High School Willard Middle School, attendance Zone. Again, conveying the walk Zone residential development in a depiction of the attendance Zone. Then the last 2 maps in the folder are the current secondary attendant zones, which mirrors the conditions without change. Um, for the 3, high schools and 3 middle schools in
schools in the process as well. The last 1 is the elementary schools and this is often information that's requested in a boundary process. So thank you for that brief. Run through. Tonight, we begin the attendance Zone process for reviewing the Dallas, South secondary attendance Zone, specifically Francis, Francis Freedom, so sorry, Freedom, High School, J. Michael Lunsford, John champe, High School Mercer. Middle School, light Ridge, High School in Willard Middle
School. Um, as you are aware and the greater public has been made known of this process. This is an intended smaller initial change process. Um, that will pres comes before the attendance Zone process. When we open hs1 14, that would be anticipated in the spring of 2027, where we will, not only have another High School in the mix, but we will also be transitioning Willard Middle School to be a full-fledged Middle School serving grades 6 through 8. the starting point, here are some, um,
Disclaimers that we would like to get out front in front of everyone. This is a smaller change process, we are with this. Um staff is ramping, we maintain the current secondary feeders. So J Michael lindford will continue to feed Freedom. High School, Mercer will continue to free John champe, High School in Willard will continue to feed light Ridge High School, that will not change. So any change that is recommended at a middle school level would then Also apply to that feeder High School. Um, the adopted change is where recommending would not take effect until
the fall of 2026. So we have about 18 months prior to that all of the exceptions that would be explored in a typical attendance Zone process will be explored with this Rising seniors will not be asked to change. Rising Juniors will be surveyed. Rising eighth graders will also be surveyed to see if there's an interest of their parents for them to finish out that level of schooling at their current School. And then finally, there will be no Elementary attendance zone changes with this process whatever Elementary School serves your house. Now will continue to serve your house
until we do Elementary boundary changes if and when Thank you, next slide. Um, this process is Guided by um policy and regulation 6530 as you have actually uh reviewed and revised earlier this evening. Um, these are the factors that are considered in attendance Zone process and when changing the tenant zones to school board, certainly will consider But they're not always limited to these factors, and sometimes these factors will be in conflict with others. And so there is a certain, um, give and take as you
consider boundary plants. This is a uh snapshot of our planning web page. Um this lcps.org 2025 DS boundary is the link that will take you to our attendance Zone page, everything that we share with you with board members. We post on the web page so that the public has as well. We have included, um, Here. We're also showing the map Gallery, it's a great visual resource. Um, that is also on our homepage where you
can find Visual Graphics of current attendance zones. You can find information about residential development that's happening in the county. Um, we have walk Zone information, so this is a great resource, but anything specific to this boundary process will be at that boundary website we're posting questions that we receive in writing from the public there. So we're posting the questions and the answers. So, everybody complete transparency gets the same answer. Um, we've posted some FAQs, so I would encourage.
Um, those listening watching at home, who may view this video later to continue to visit this website because it's additional information is provided to you with each meeting. We're posting it through, as well. um, we have partnered once again, with Virginia Tech to have a, um, to utilize redistrict which is a Platform that it will allow anyone. You me, anyone watching to create their own plan. All of the information that is posted with this Virginia Tech product um that we are
partnering with is the same information in our planning zone. So they can create plans to say the staff plan is malarkey, we can come up with a better plan, they can certainly Use this tool come up with a plan, present it to you. Um share with the public comment on everybody's plans and it's um an interactive tool. That's much easier than adding up numbers from a spreadsheet. But we have this link on ours. Um the heat map. So this is similar to the heat map that we
have in the CIP process are in the CIP. Document this 1 we are, um, illustrating the need for why we're here with this boundary process. Those um under capacity schools of which there's only 2 uh freedom and J, Michael Lunsford are currently showing a capacity of under 90%, I think I really can't 90. I really can't see this far at this point. Um, those that are within 90 to 100 of the base capacity. John champe, High School. Um, we have none
that are um, slightly over capacity but we have several that are extremely over capacity, which is why we're here, and we want to address that imbalance prior to the opening of hs1 14. This again is a snapshot of the same data that's in the CIP conditions without change. It's also reflected on the map. I would like to focus that. Our um intent with this boundary process is to um address the 2627 and 2728 school year. Those highlighted in yellow
on this chart. These are the years. We want to provide some relief for our delis, South secondary, schools, most specifically Willard, and Mercer. And then once we hit the 2829 year, that's when HS 14 opens. And so all of those projections and those last 3 years of the 6-year process, those will change as the new school opens. And so we're again, our focus is on these 2 years of the 2627 2728
This is our um, planning zone map. It's also depicts our secondary school zone. So in this illustrative the blue identifies, the light Ridge High School Willard, Middle School, expansive boundary, the yellow provides um depicts the John champe Mercer and then the green is Freedom High School and Willard Middle School uh planning zones. We are they are designed within the support services planning GIS team. They are smaller.
Um, Areas than in attendance Zone they may or may not include a community, um lenah. Run is a community in the Della South area that is in ds10. that is the only subdivision in that planning zone but if you look at the green, a majority of those planning zones um are the South Riding community and so we try to create areas that are represented by 1 Elementary 1 middle 1, high high school but our small enough that you can look at them
to analyze the enrollments to look at capacity and kind of come up with plans but we also don't want them so huge that a planning zone has 500 Elementary School students? Because if we were doing an Elementary boundary process, That would just not work. Um, they typically follow major roads, um, Geographic water and waterways. Um, but all of the information we're providing you on the chart that is also shown Provides you the student counts as current September
September 24 and then our projections by planning zone. So this is how we come up with various plans. The chart will provide you the elementary middle and high school, that served by the planning zone and then the projections for the next 6 years. Again, this is the conditions without change uh map that we have and a blow up here. For those viewing here, we draw on a line again around the 2 years, that we're focusing on so that you can see how we've got Mercer Middle School at 111%
capacity in the 25th. The 26th 27 school year, and we've got Willard at 110, and it's for these 2 that we're really focusing on the changes that we're recommending with the next slide. This is the staff plan. And again, it's an initial plan. To get the conversation started with the public. Um, we have, um, Again this is an initial process. It's not it's not necessarily a long range plan, um, because we certainly
guarantee but we're kind of envisioning how this may um evolve as we look at the boundaries to years from now. For HS 14, if you could go to the next slide, I can speak to specific. So we are proposing. Um 7 planning zones, move with our staff plan. We have 4 here that we're recommending move from John champe and Mercer to freedom and J. Michael Lenz, these are all for established. Um, planning zones with established communities and DS, 9.1 for those familiar
with the area, we have the East Gate, Square and East Gate 1 and yes, 9. 3 5. All 3 of these planning zones are currently attending Cardinal Ridge, but Cardinal Ridge is a split feed. So with this staff recommendation, we're recommending these 3 planning zones transition to Freedom, High School and J. Michael Lunsford said that Cardinal Ridge becomes a pure feet. So all of the students that go to Cardinal, Ridge Elementary will then metricate on to J Michael lindsford
and freedom as a pure feed. We're also recommending that DS 13.8 in this which includes elk like Estates North riding. Um, Part of South Riding the multi family, The Abbey there they are. In the Liberty Elementary School Zone, but we're recommending that this planning zone, also transition to Freedom, High School, in J. Michael Lunsford to provide some relief for Mercer Middle School. Um, Liberty is a split feed school, so a percentage of their students do
Advance onto Mercer and John champe and others to J. Michael lenzburg, this will actually balance it out a little bit more. It'll be about a 4060 split, but, um, we think in a long term, these communities will be able to stay at freedom, and Mercer are freedom and lunch. For and I'm sorry, and not have to transition again, when we do the next boundary process with hs4, All right so Liberty is now it's still Lunsford and champ. I mean it's still Lunsford and uh it's Mercer or it goes to
2. Yes. Okay. Because that's what it was when my kids went. So yeah. Okay, it's still well, unfortunately. Then we have 3 planning zones that are in the current Willard light Ridge. And, um, That we recommending go to John champe and Mercer with this. These are all 3 located north of Braddock row, with the exception of the little drop down of 12.6, but 12.6 includes braided Corner. Um, 13.3 includes seapatrick Farms a portion of it and 1312 includes a portion of seapatrick
Farms, West View Estates. And the future Shaw um cross development that is adjacent to the Mercer Middle School campus. Um, with all of these, these 3 schools are all these 3 playing zones. I'm sorry, are all in the Pine Brook Elementary School attendance. So Pine Brook is currently a split feed. Pine Brook would remain a split feed where some of their students advance to Willard and light Ridge and others advance to immerse or in John champe. So we are, um,
we're more equally dividing Pine Brook with this division, but this will provide relief for Willard and light Ridge. And we think our recommendation is that this would be a long-term stay for these students that they too again, living in. These planning zones, would not be part of the future boundary process with each hs4. We are here tonight with this very brief overview. Um, next, Wednesday, we have our first public hearing and work session, and followed by 1 the following week on May 5. Um,
all of the meetings will obviously be televised Advanced speaker. Sign up will be available for the public hearings. and then if you go to the final slide, This is our contact information again for those who are watching or those who may look at this later, any emails we receive with questions, we're going to answer in writing. We're going to post them on our website so that everybody has the same answer. We're not getting different conversations at the bus stop or at soccer matches. Um we have a dedicated web page. Any questions you all receive as
board members, please route them to us so that we can help answer. So we get those questions as well. Um, but we're here to um, answer any questions. I realize it's late and I appreciate your time and if you have any questions, So funny because like not too long ago it was months for that was so overcrowded I think Mr. Sleven was there at that particular point in time super overcrowded Freedom was was unbelievably a crowded and they even made more, we even
increased the um square footage, a little bit there. so, It's it things change so fast. Um, board members, do you have any other questions? Yes, Dr. Dean I don't know geography. So we have looked at that area to make sure there's not another Housing Development that's going to pop up somewhere. All of the developments that we are tracking. So we're active applications pending applications and proved applications if there are
People buying up land and getting ready to submit a proposal. We're we don't know about that, but everything that we're aware of we are taking into account. Yes ma'am. Any other questions? No. All right, thank you I guess we'll see you what Wednesday. Okay, um, we'll move on to item, 14, board member, comment, and committee reports. We can go ahead and do this, or we can, Stop or we can move on. What do you thumbs up to do committee reports?
Okay, we're not doing committee reports tonight. Um, moving on to new business. Is there any new business seeing none? Okay, seeing as there are no more business. The April 22nd 2025 Loudoun County school board meeting is now adjourned. Please drive safely home.