in. To everything today. Before we begin tonight's in. To everything today. Before we begin tonight's meeting, I want to take a Before we begin tonight's meeting, I want to take a moment. To acknowledge the meeting, I want to take a moment. To acknowledge the tragic plane crash. That moment. To acknowledge the tragic plane crash. That occurred last night over the tragic plane crash. That occurred last night over the Potomac River. Our hearts are occurred last night over the Potomac River. Our hearts are with the families affected, Potomac River. Our hearts are with the families affected, especially those LCPS with the families affected, especially those LCPS community have lost a loved especially those LCPS community have lost a loved one. This is a devastating community have lost a loved one. This is a devastating moment for many and we stand one. This is a devastating moment for many and we stand together in support of all who moment for many and we stand together in support of all who are grieving. In honor of together in support of all who are grieving. In honor of those. We have lost and those are grieving. In honor of those. We have lost and those impacted by this tragedy. I
those. We have lost and those impacted by this tragedy. I ask that we observe a moment impacted by this tragedy. I ask that we observe a moment of silence. ahead and start with item to ahead and start with item to disclosures. And I will start. ahead and start with item to disclosures. And I will start. As a member of the Loudoun disclosures. And I will start. As a member of the Loudoun County School board. I make As a member of the Loudoun County School board. I make the following 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 on 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, miss Chandler, thank you. Madam chair as a member of the laden County School Board. I make the following
disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget and or health insurance and related benefits and any other discussion that may include or affect benefits for lcps employees. Specifically, as in 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, Mrs. Griffith. 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 in any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees,
specifically, as, as a school board member, I am eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits as an LCS 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 I will participate fairly objectively 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
Uh, Mr. Estray Thank you, madam chair as a member of the Loudoun County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget. And we're health insurance and related benefits. And any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member, I'm eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee these benefits. However, affect thousands of employees, well, in excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may 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, Mr. Strefy Miss label? 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 and or health insurance and related benefits. And any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for the 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 be, 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 lden County
School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget, Andor health, insurance, and related benefits. And any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member, I am eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee. These benefits. However, affect thousands of employees, while in the excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may also be affected of which I am included, I can and will participate fairly objectively and in the public interest, this disclosure will be
reflected. In the public records of the clerk of the school board for 5 years. Thank you, Mr. Chernoff and I'm sure my school board members will help me. Remember when when Vice chair Donna Hugh gets here. She needs to uh, read her disclosure when she gets here. All right, we'll move on to item 3 School Board, budget discussion. Um before we start with our questions and discussions um Miss Willoughby and Miss Boland would like to address some of the questions we've been receiving about retiree Healthcare. Um, Miss Willoughby and Miss Boland.
Yes, I will start us off with this. I'll start with also that the packet that you have this evening includes, um, answers to all questions that we have received today. So we have no outstanding budget questions which is in line with where we're at in this budget process. Um, as I had mentioned, we should begin, you know, transitioning to really working to support the school board in costing and crafting, any budget motions that you would be looking to make on Tuesday evening. So, um, again, the door remains open for any phone calls, emails discussions that I can um,
do to help you in that endeavor. Included in the packet, where a number of questions that school board members had received related to the retiree Health Care. Um, care plan. Um a couple weeks ago Miss Bolen and I presented on compensation and we talked about changes to health plans and specifically with the retiree health plan we neglected to include the amount that lcps was going to contribute to the um our HRA plan which stands for the retiree Health
reimbursement, Arrangement account, that amount is going to be $100 per month. This information is also included in the revised budget resolution that was um, uploaded into board docs this evening as well. So that is very um, transparent and clear related to that. In addition to that information, I will now turn it over to miss Bolan to provide additional information related to the actual plan itself. Thank you so much, Miss will be Miss, Miss will be. Um, so
to start I just want to say that um the HRT and the business and finance team, worked tirelessly with our consultant to to work through some of this and there are a lot of challenges when it comes to retiree Healthcare. Um, the Medicare Advantage plan that are 65 plus retirees. Currently go into is not without its own struggles. We get many concerns because it is a 1 size, fits, all plan. There are no choices. You get put in the plan. Um, and there are
provider pushbacks. There are additional Hoops that you have to jump through. Because it is a managed care plan, the new RH account um that would be set up for our 65 plus retirees beginning. Um, for those that turn 65, as of January, 1st of 2026 would be just as Miss, Willoughby said, an account in which lcps. Provides 400 a month for that retiree to make their own
choices about which Healthcare options. They need to individualize the supplements to their Medicare plan that best fit their needs. So this isn't taking anything away. This is giving essentially the choice back to the retiree to make the best decision for themselves. Um, outside of that. Um, it if you have already turned 65 plus we're not making any changes. You would remain in the Medicare Advantage plan. Um,
And, and like Miss Willoughby said, we did update the information to make sure it was clear that the $400, um, uh, was listed there. Um, we've, we've done research and, and put in various information to make sure that that was a reasonable amount. Now, granted things could change. And again, um, we could reassess in the future but uh, at that at this time. Um that is a a a significant amount um to to to help fund any type of Medicare supplement. Um, and
And I think that's all I have to help clarify at the moment. Thank you, Miss Poland, and Miss Willoughby, um, board members. Do you have any specific questions about that part right now, before we start the other Miss chernoff. Um, thank you for that information and thank you for the response. Um, I'll read through all of this when I get a chance, but I was wondering what if you could just revisit, what was the impetus for the change? Was it? Because of the cost? Was it cost driven? Or was it because of the complaints of the ones size fits all plan?
So I would say both. Okay um we are always reassessing 2 things costs for for health insurance coverage but also what's best for our employees. So it, there's a, there's a difficult balance of trying to struggle or trying to capture both items. Um, of course, this, what this does for us is this provides stability for cost, but it also provides stability for our retirees because we know what to
expect. We can plan for what to expect and that means so, can they, um, we know it's 400 dollars we can plan for 400 dollars. So, yes, I would say cost is always, of course, a factor. Um, but this provides stability on both sides. Okay. Okay. And then with the other plan, the Medicare Advantage plan, what was lcps, putting in per employee monthly with that plan, comparatively to the hundred dollars, they will going forward. Was it significantly more per month?
So the problem is it, there's a range it, there was no stability, there's no. Um, 1 size fits all type amount for the Medicare, Medicare Advantage plan. So even though it was a 1 size, fits all plan, the cost varied. Whereas now we're not going to be on a 1 size, fits all plan, but we'll be on a fixed rate. That's correct. Okay, that was my main confusion. So I appreciate that clarification. How much did it vary? When we pulled information, we have about 2,000. Um current
retirees and else lcps is contribution ranged from as low as 2 5. 1 2 and this was all related to the plan structure and just the complexity Of that plan. Any other questions? Thank you. Okay so um the reason we're here this work session was to dig in a little deeper if people so chose.
Um, so I'll start with on this side because I always start on the other side. So let me start with Miss label. Do you have any questions? Which they didn't need to hear all that. Let me get my pad. It's hiding. Um, I have a question about school bus washing stations, that would be I guess. Mr. Lewis
Are the washing stations that you're planning to build 1? Several. Do we owned property to put them on? Or are they going to be, um, Added or amended. I know we have 1. so if I'm if I'm understanding your question, the school bus washing stations are in the capital budget and not here in this budget. And so those would be, um, things that we would take place and we haven't picked a, um, a location for that at this point.
okay, I mistake I, I thought they would be here. and that's a summary of the CIP that that the school board adopted back in December and so that and here it's just a summary of that, but we can certainly have that conversation offline if you'd like to do that. And we can talk about how what our long-term plan is for that. Let's have a turn while I find them. Dr. Rashid I do not have any questions. Thank you chair. Okay. Uh, Mr. Enough Thank you, madam chair. Um, I have a few questions and and
just a few things I wanted to clarify about past questions um 1 of the questions that popped out to me. Um thank you for the chart on what was left out of the seon. I really appreciate that. It's important for us to see, you know, how those prior those prioritized decisions were made. Um, I noticed on there, there's, I'm very grateful that the Arts stip are included, but I saw that the art Fine Art. Allotments were not included. Can someone clarify what the difference of the 2? I know we've covered this in cni, but I wanted um, the public to hear what the difference between
those allotments that were left out versus the fees and I mean versus the stipend that were included, Thank you, Mr. Enough, are you asking about the monetary amount? Yeah. Just what that what the allotments would go to versus what is included in the seon. The stipend are included in the seon but the Fine Arts. Allotments line item says it item says it was left out and so I just wanted clarification on that. Yes, 1 of the items we discussed about the potentially supporting. Um, our Fine Arts programs are to adjust our allotment table. Um, those would
be, um, just a base level source of funding for our programs at each school. Um, not having the lot table in front of me, many times, that's in number of students or per program. Um, whereas the stipends will go directly to pay a staff member to stay after school. To work with a group of students, on a fine arts experience at the discretion of the principal. Thank you. And then you I also notice that I, I mean, I think just I don't know what the curiosity is of the rest of the board, but I think I'm going to want to definitely
do a deeper dive into stipend, in general. Um there is an undercurrent of an unspoken value system here that I'm struggling with it's giving me a little bit of heartburn. I see so many proposed stip in the seon list that was left out a couple of them got in and I'm grateful for for some of those, some of those I personally advocated for. So I'm very I'm very curious about how those lines are drawn. Um, continuing to uncover how we look at those job descriptions and sort of how we maybe standardize some of that. So that
we can begin to really understand where that money goes and why, because I'm left just a little bit flixed with the whole process, because there's just a list of things that just didn't get in and why we're putting 1 over the other and in terms of importance, and It's, I've tried to kind of unpack it, and I, I can't really get there for this budget cycle, but I'm hoping to kind of do some more work around that as a board in the Years coming, um, I will be fully transparent. I am possibly
working on an amendment to figure out how to get athletic trainers, fully staffed, um, 2 per school. I think that, you know, I think we have to be careful with that aspirational goal term because it I know what it's saying. It's saying we want those things down the road but it's also saying we can't have them now and the safety of our students cannot be aspirational. Um so that's just in comparing things. I'm going to work hard to get that. I think it's 7377 thousand dollars. Um,
additionally, some of the items that we had talked about in curriculum and instruction, in terms of right sizing, the elementary, um, Specialists. I feel a little disappointed That Librarians weren't included. Um, overall in the budget just because we had talked about that, possibly being a hinge point for Allowing Librarians to be staffed like Specialists. Um, seeing the answer in the budget, it's a big number. So I had hoped, we could kind of start chipping away at that. I don't know if we'll be able to get that in this time, but
there's a lot of nuances that go into the elementary master schedule and it's giving schools a lot of, um, And teachers some, some some struggles and we we've tackled that in committee and and I want to remain committed to making sure that we are Staffing our schools appropriately so that they have those flexible options to have planning time and also meet the developmental needs of their students. Um, I have met with staff and um chair Mansfield about the afterschool program and we've kind of talked through some
options there. Um, in thinking about this, I I have some wonderings about whether 5 schools is the right approach. I don't, I want as many to have the opportunity, but I also want to do things really well. And I think I've stressed that in the past. So perhaps trying a sto 2 School pilot, um, might be a little bit more manageable and I I'm also working on possibly re-configuring some of those funds to add in a coordinator position, that would solely focus on
doing some real research from Montgomery County. And and some of our neighboring counties that do these programs to really make sure that we execute it well and that we can grow it from there. Uh, tutoring I continue to have some questions about whether or not tutoring is needed. Um, Especially as it relates to Flexible Staffing. I, I think that we need to give Flexible Staffing a shot, and we need to see what that data tells us, um, when we hire those licensed professionals that are there to work specifically with those students, I think that that will help move the
needle faster because it will be needs-based Staffing instead of numbers based Staffing. So I want to um, Think about that money and maybe think about that in relation to athletic trainers. um and the last thing I want to talk about is Lexia because I have hit on that quite a bit and I did have a chance to chance to meet with, um, some staff members this past week to kind of get some more clarification about what that money actually represents. And the money is coming from the support that we have in our district for the Virginia
literacy Act, and the requirements to have. Um only certain programs are approved on the state list and Lexia is 1 of those programs Lexia Core 5 in elementary, which is what's in the budget is 1 of the only program options that hits all 5 Core skills, that students May struggle with. And I, um, My heartburn with it is about the digital platform and I have a real problem with kids that are of highest need are tier 3 Learners. Um,
A lot of which who struggled because of coid and digital learning. I have a hard time, wrapping my brain around digital platforms fixing that for them. And so, I'm going to run it through curriculum and instruction, committee. We're going to address it head-on. We're going to look at the guidelines and how we're rolling that out. Um, in order that the that platform is being used, um, appropriately with students. And I do think that those things are in motion, and so, I appreciate the conversations with staff. Um, so while I remain skeptical about, um, all of that. I,
I do understand the need for The service and the platform. So I appreciate all of my colleagues questions. I really learned a lot through what you all were asking, and I think it's been fruitful in terms of of getting some information, so thank you. Mr. Strefy Thank you very much Madam chair. Thank you all. Um, I don't don't have any new questions or clarifying questions based on the packets. Um, appreciate you all taking the time to, um, give us a level of detail that we needed from my
perspective. Um, I I I do agree with Manoff um around the desire to understand um the decision-making and the thought process around stipend. Um I think it was a a lot for me to process and I still Have open questions. Um, I would like to just re-emphasize um kind of how pleased I am at the focus around needs-based Staffing and Flexible Staffing. Um I if I'm reading the numbers correctly um
there were 173.6 FTE increases that were aligned to new Investments and 74.8 of those were for Flexible Staffing which is uh I think Anywhere. And I've said this before um anywhere that we can can double down on needs-based Staffing. We double down and and you all heard that really, um, really well based on what I'm seeing in in the budget. Um, From my perspective on the Afterschool pilot. Um definitely
agree with mushaf on the uh coordinator role. I think think that's, that's super smart. Um, I would like to get, know, I would like to see and this is just me. I would like to see a full 5 schools if not even a few more. Um I think that and that's just my perspective. I think um being able to get a really good sampling and give this a shot, if we are going to hire a third party to really implement this that we um, are able to get a good sampling of schools, um, knowing that each School Community is different and has
different needs. Um, Um, definitely not. I mean, open open to any and all conversations around that though. I think it's it is exciting at the at, you know, I'm, I'm very excited at the prospect of even trying. And after school, um, program pilot, um, and seeing what other divisions have been able to accomplish including in Montgomery, County, and other counties. So excited about that, um, 1 of the questions that I've asked in our packet has been about IB Program expansion. Um, and so 1 of the Motions that I'll, um, kind
of set, I already set this up in the packet asking for the cost, but, um, 1 of the most emotions that I'll probably move forward with is. Um, Uh adding funding or looking for funding, um, that would be necessary to begin IB Program expansion at Parkview. High School. I think it is a wonderful opportunity for us to really bridge the gap that we see. Um in terms of the availability of AP courses or uh the diversity of courses that we can offer there and just the opportunity to get
students to be able to, you know, enter into IB at at Parkview. Um, so um, we'll we'll likely put forward, a motion for that. So that's it from me. Dr. Deans Not a lot of questions. Um, I had some general ones um And I got some of them answered already, um, in the budget that would there were several Pages related to the Charter Schools. Um, and my Assumption was that once they were given the schools, um,
that we were not due additional upkeep but there appeared to be some upkeep for the charter schools in the in the budget. That was my only concern. Okay. Um, Miss Chandler. Thank you madam chair and um thank you to the team. Um, for for providing such comprehensive answers to the questions that we've submitted in writing. Um I will also say thank you for providing the context around the additional 4, FTE
for speech language Pathologists. I am uh heartened to hear hear that that um allocation should um, go at least a step towards um, addressing the workload, um, for those very important employees. Um and I'll be curious to see how we proceed um towards in increasing some um capabilities along that department in the future. Um I will Echo some of the concerns um
Shared by my fellow board members. Um, I'm really or concerns, or maybe I'll say curiosity, I'm very curious about the statements and e to the point where I would really like to understand how the calculations are made. I'm curious because I notice even that the same. Coaching positions across Sports, might have a different allocation and is that done by days or number of students. Um, it's definitely something I'd like to understand
better. Um and then um, I will also say I I find myself wanting to understand more about what the value might be in the tutoring Services. Um, I definitely will Echo some of the concerns that have been shared previously by other school board members in terms of whether or not they're following evidence-based best practice. Um, but I guess if that's something that could be addressed now, I would appreciate it. Um, if you I know we've talked about it quite a bit, but 3 million is a large allocation and I
would like to hear um, how the tutoring services are providing benefit to our students? Sure, thank you, Miss Chandler. Um, so I will say that the 3 million dollars is currently planned for 2 purposes. A small amount of money to continue the virtual option for students who need that virtual option outside of school on their own time and the bulk of the 3 million would be allocated to schools based on the number of students who
need tutoring um based on their achievement data In terms of progress, thus far this year, we are just um, in the coming weeks able to see growth from fall to winter. So unfortunately, I don't have any data that I haven't already shared with you. Um, from last year um at this point because because it's because of the timing of the year, um, I will say that the tutors that are in place in the schools are um, Either, um, hired by the school on a part-time basis, which
is what we are intending to do in the future, um, or they are contracted with the third party. Um, they are using evidence-based practices. Um, but as you can imagine, it's hard to manage that from a division level. So we really rely on the schools to um, to include tutoring in the school day, where it makes sense for them, which is why we think moving forward allowing the schools to have that allocation to use for part-time funds. Makes the most sense Thank you. So about the evidence base, I there was a rumor that um
university tutors were were going to be using vdoe modules for literacy. Is that correct in their training? I would need to confirm that. I don't know that for sure. I don't want to misspeak. Okay. Mrs. Griffith. Thank you, madam chair. Um, I do have a a couple questions um and then an amendment um, as far as the tutoring goes, um, I had mentioned that sometimes, we're we're paying upfront
and we're not getting all the students that are, uh, take taking advantage of the tutoring. So if you could provide that data, my understanding was, you had said all spots were filled and I believe that was for Varsity Tutors and all in for tutoring is is that correct? Um, thank you for that question. Miss Griffiths, I did provide information regarding your questions in the most recent packet that you just received. Um, so if you have any follow-up questions, I'd be happy to um, provide that but yeah, yes, I did say that all of the, um, 500 seats
that we, um, have allocated through. Varsity Tutors are currently filled and being utilized in addition to other free options for students in grades K through 12 um including on demand. Um, Virtual classes, um drop in tutoring. Um live chat features and um essay reviews for high school students. Thank you. I'll take a look at that. And also, um, I want to thank Miss. Willoughby, she's working on, uh, per your, your question on stipend, uh, Miss chernoff. Um, I too, uh,
have questions on the stip, um, some of the clubs, um, some get stipend, some don't. So, I think we need to evaluate, uh, all the stipends. And I really appreciate. Um, I believe you just sent me all the information on a lot of my questions. Um, I did want to, uh, make an amendment. Um, I don't know if I could do that today, but, um, I did want to go over, um, an alignment with the president's executive order. I would like to make an amendment to eliminate the
division of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and accessibility. This measure is necessary to ensure compliance with federal guidelines and to protect 24.6 million in federal funding that supports critical programs for our students. This is so lcps will be in compliance and does not risk losing, uh, this Federal funding While this adjustment reflects changes in federal policy, I remain committed to fostering a learning environment where
all students feel valued supported and prepared for success. I will continue to uphold policies and that promote respect inclusion and academic Excellence for every student. I recognize the importance of transparency in this process and encourage open dialogue to today. Um, as we work to implement these budgetary changes, while maintaining our commitment to our student achievement, um, how will you comply with this executive order? If not, uh, then what, um, I asked last year to put the
money in special, ed and our teachers, a total of about 3 million. How will this look, if we do not get give better raises to our teachers. Special education teachers cafeteria workers janitorial staff bus drivers, Etc. The list goes on. Much needed positions. Do we want to risk federal grants as well? If we do not eliminate Dei, are we willing to ignore the executive order from the president and risk losing 24.6 million in federal funding and a state Grant from the
state? A state Grant of 7.2 million if the governor follows suit This would be a a 3 3. 1. 8 7. Thank you for your thoughts. Um, Mrs. Griffith, I just want to remind you that we're not making amendments today, and that would be for Tuesday. so, um, it's Yeah, you can repeat the actual Amendment. Um, but I
appreciate your thoughts for today. Thank you. Do you have any other questions? I do not, um, I just got the information on, uh, from Miss. Willoughby to go over a lot of my questions that I had already, and I think that covers everything so thank you. Thank you. Um, It occurred to me as we passed by Dr. Deans, I'm sorry. Um, that, uh, maybe you might want to have an answer to your question about perhaps charter schools by Mrs. Willoughby. Mrs. Willoughby, did you want to yes? Thank you for that.
Um, and I confirmed with Mr. Lou as I was also aware, there was a little bit of delay on our part of not jumping in right away, that there are no Capital, um, improvements for the charters in the book because we do include the capital budgets. As part of the overall budget book. There is a section that begins on page 101 regarding the funding that lcps provides to the 2 charter schools. So we are the funding body that provides funds to Hillsborough and middleberg the formula is based on our cost per pupil times
their enrollment. And then those funds is what those school boards or those 2 Charter School boards use to run their individual schools. So it's not necessarily for the upkeep, it would be more. They utilize those funds for the operations of their school. Um, because I think when we hear heard upkeep, we're thinking like Capital Improvements as part of the discussion that had occurred last year. So hopefully that provides some clarification Regarding why you see charter schools in the budget book. Thank you. Miss Willoughby, um,
Before we move on. Miss Donnie. Uh, Vice chair. Donnie here, would you mind, uh, stating your disclosure? Thank you, madam chair. I apologize for not being able to be here on time. 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 employee salaries, the budget Andor, health insurance, and any other discussion that may include or affect salary and benefits for lcps employees. Specifically, my spouse, my minor children and I are
enrolled in lcps, health insurance, that may be effective by any potential changes to employee salaries the budget, and or health insurance. Additionally, my sister-in-law is an lcps employee who does not reside with me and is not dependent on me. These subjects include thousands of employees, well, in excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may be affected of which my spouse. My minor children, my sister-in-law and I am included, I can and will participate fairly objectively. And in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public records of the clerk of the school board for 5 years.
Thank you, Vice chair, Donahue. Fiser is aneta, do you have any questions um, that you would like answered today? I do not, thank you, madam chair. I also want to thank Miss, Willoughby and staff for putting together. All of the information that we have before us and working with us to answer questions. And I appreciate the questions that have been presented by my colleagues, which have been helpful working through this process. Thank you Vice chair, Donna Hugh. Um,
I would like to Echo some of my colleagues. Um, thoughts about the stip. um, it makes me a little sad because I want to have more stip for people who are really facing and working with the students like our special education teachers. And, you know, um, That is kind of what. I want to be sure. We're focusing on are the people who are actually facing the students.
um, I also Have some questions because I don't understand the athletic, the Athletics type in the differences and everything. Um, mostly because I wasn't a You know. A sporty person. I was not Sporty Spice. Um so but I also have some questions about like the um, and I was an Arts person. So I have some questions about stip for all of the, um, different High School Arts, um, and theater and vocal
coach, and all the rest of that. And I wanted to be sure that it just went to 1 person that 1 person can't get like forced its Could someone answer that question for me? Thank you, Miss Mansfield. So let me just um, start by saying I appreciate all the questions in regards to stipend. Um, HRT has worked with the Department of Instruction, um, a variety of different departments to really hone in on a criteria for stip. Um, if a few years
ago, Mr. Sakin, um, asked that we review stip and look at a tiered approach, which unfortunately, um, was out of our budget. Um, the team is still looking at criteria and to revamp stipend, and so more to come on that. Um, that said we did, make sure that when we implement it, the, the stipend, um, that we were clear that it was 1 per person per season or Port per show or, or whatever the segment was
Um, thank you. Um, the other thing that I'm wondering is about, um, the school psychologists, And thank you for answering my questions. Um, in this particular packet, Mrs. Richardson um, Could you tell me? You said there are 4 School psychologists that left the role and these positions were backfilled. What do you mean by that? Thank you for that question, Mrs. Mansfield, um, we
currently as a division, have 17 School psych, vacancies. Um, we had 4 School psychologists to leave during the 2425 school year to date. And so, when I say they have been backfilled their responsibilities in school, assignments have been reassigned to our existing School, psychological staff members. So does that mean they're doing more? Yes. Sorry. Um, I have a real concern about this, and my
understanding is that Fairfax pays and thank you for these numbers. Um, Could it even be what 20,000 more. Per school psychologist. And so, we're losing 2 Fairfax. That is correct. Um we um 3 out of the 4 School sites that have left this school year have indicated, that they were leaving for more compensation to other school divisions, 1 left because their, um, spouse's job had reassigned them
so, I would like to find out how we could help with that situation because we have eligibility and then we have trials and that kind of makes me nervous. um, not having people do that assessments and actually making more making 1 person do even more assessments Um, I see that there could be a sign on bonus or or a retention bonus or something. I would like to work with somebody to help us.
Do something because I don't want our psychologists to leave. I'm on a page, 11. So Mrs. Mansfield if I may, yes, ma'am. Um, the sign on bonus for school. Psychologists is part of the this budget cycle part of the request for for this budget to add School psychologists for sign on bonuses. Additionally, um, the team is working through a policy change that will ultimately um uh, in regards to placement practices that
would potentially find a way to provide um recognition for our Our school psychologists interns um as far as experience is is concerned, if they intern with lcps. So there is work to look at other um, adjustments outside of just compensation as well. So your thought is to make to have interns do the assessments. No ma'am. It's um, so we have uh, School psychologists
interns that intern with us and during that internship, we don't currently by policy recognize that experience on, on as a step placement practice. And so we would like to adjust that Um, and we are working through that is a, an, I shouldn't say different than compensation. That is a different form of compensation to adjust. Um, rather than just simply adjusting the scale, that helps the individual who
Interned, with us to get that experience recognized as part of their placement in the, on the salary scale. Well, so why would that be better than if they have their minimum scale at 75,000? We have ours at 69,000. How how would that be helpful? Well, it's not better, it's just another another way. We are trying to, um, to assist because what does happen with school psychologists is and, and other positions too, is that once we go up, Fairfax,
goes up it. It's a little bit of a game. We've been here before, especially, with this position. So we are well, while we we could do both if you would like that's great but we're trying to find other avenues. That also would help support Okay. Thank you for that information. I learned new things every single day. Um, any other questions Miss LaBelle? Yes, I was looking at the program that was presented uh and
it mentions 1 of the screenshots mentioned lead, special education, teacher, Elementary School, 1000 161 school-based man, trainers 1,061, Elementary Fine, Arts, 1,061 leads, social worker, Elementary 3,973, And then we have the 3. I creative activities. Essay coordinator and theory of knowledge coordinator at 2575.
Why is there such a distinct Des? You know difference between these stip So, thank you, Miss label. So um At the end of the day, what happens with stip when they are reviewed? Is based on uh, internal equity and external competitiveness. So if there is a stipend that is reviewed like the special education lead stipend, um, that is similar to another stipend. Such as the elementary lead
stipend, those 2 are kept consistent and many of these stipends have been, um, in in practice for quite some time. And so there hasn't necessarily been a consistent approach in how they have been deemed or put on. Um, Uh when when the scale but moving forward that is what we do equitably. We look across internally and externally externally to make sure that they are Equitable internally
and competitive externally. Um, and if we don't have a current stipend we we look to um our comparators. We typically look to Fairfax Prince William um Alexandria City, Arlington to um assess market value for those types of that. Like I said, the team is doing a, a compensation review of how to, um, create a criteria that would, um, consistently place stip the big thing with this is, though,
really looking at those stipends and being prepared, if a stipend doesn't currently meet the criteria for what they are receiving being prepared to either, move them or recognize that we're overpaying, that stipend. So there there will be some Questions and some hard decisions. Um, once we once we have that criteria, thank you, appreciate it. Um, when talking with Miss shernoff and Dr. Ellis about the um, potential coordinator for the tutoring. Um, my
understanding was that this person would also be doing the Arts in the summer program, and things like that. After school programs, are not tutoring. I mean, Sorry. After school program. Enrichment program. Sorry. Thank you, Miss Mansfield. So originally the position that you did not see in the seon was for um summer school programs specifically, at the elementary level and um, tutoring and we decided that we could um while not ideal, we have
structures in place to manage, um, summer school. Currently obviously, and, um, tutoring we were going to allocate the funds to the schools. Um, That being said it the position did not make it into the seon. Um we could look at as Miss chernoff, mentioned that position um coordinating summer school efforts across multiple departments. Currently um the executive 1 of the executive principals in the elementary office um Works
across departments to bring teams together to plan summer school. Um, so the coordinator could be responsible for that as well as the after-school programs. Um, starting the pilot um, taking an assessment of other activities that we do after schools and um mapping out a plan for expanding after school opportunities beyond the pilot schools. Did I answer your question? Yeah, I'm gonna have to listen back to the tape but um it did. Um the other thing is that
For the pilot, we were the thought was 55 students per 5 schools. Is that correct? 55 students per School, times 5 schools was our original thought that number was, um, Found after talking with our colleagues at parks and rec who managed the casa program. Um that is the maximum number of students that they have in any given Casa program. so I'm wondering what it would look like to in because my
understanding is that people wanted at 5 schools. If it wasn't 55, it was more like 30 because I don't know. That is there really cost of programs that have like over 55 kids? Do they really have that space? Some of yes, my understanding is some of the programs are that big and um, many of the programs that are smaller at smaller schools, have waiting lists, which is a concern. We hear pretty consistently. Thank you, Dr. Ellis, any other questions? Yes, Mrs. Griffith
Thank you, madam chair. Um uh getting to the Welcome Center Center, I think it's a little bit. Um confusing. I did not really know uh where it was and I asked at our last meeting with the address what or where it was. Um, I went on to a link for the welcome center and it brings up an Ashburn address. Um, when I think of a Welcome Center, I think of um, new students registering um I'm just trying to understand why we need to expand and why do we have um, why
do we have the Ashburn address here and not the lburg address? Um, and I understand we were going to have another building. Um, I'd like to see the data or if you have the data I don't believe it's it might be in this sheet. We just received. So, forgive me if I'm um, uh being repetitive, but I'd like to have, um, data as far as how many people are coming through the Welcome Center that causes uh this demand for expansion when we don't really have the Leesburg address and on our
website for anybody to go on and register their students. Thank you. Thank you for that question, Mr. Griffiths and hopefully um, um, the information I shared in response to your email is helpful. Um, the address at the bottom of the page is on all of our websites. It's 21,000 Education court. Um, which is this building, um, the let's talk Forum that you sent me has about 12, different ways to interact with the staff at the Welcome Center, depending on the needs of this specific family. And that's the main route. Um, we have schools
refer to families to set up appointments, ask questions and to get information about the process for the welcome center. Um, I did also send the actual um Welcome Center landing page, where there is information, about the location. Um, I would say that the Welcome Center isn't necessarily meant to be a walk-in service. Um, the staff does take appointments and, um, there's a number of things that need to be communicated ahead of time, um, but in terms of, um, working on Outreach and communication such as that we're open for feedback and
I'll share that with the team in terms of making sure that the location is, is more visible. Um, in terms of the need, um, there are a number of questions in the Welcome Center in the packet. And I believe a number of them talked about data. Um, this isn't um, a recommendation this school year for the expansion of the of the Welcome Center. Um, the process of expanding to expanding to an Eastern Welcome Center. Um, has been in the works for a number of years in our school system and now we're actually at the point. Where the building is going to be available to us and so we
are proposing our budget this year to staff that location appropriately. Fused the email uh that I sent you was not from, let's talk. It was just the link to the website. So I'm a little confused by that. Um the the lets the website is um, takes would take a constituent or a family to our, let's take to the, let's talk to submit, um, a query. Through our, let's talk system. So it wasn't a, let's talk email. It was a way that our families interact with us, Okay. Um, I think um, as far as data is concerned, we will
definitely need to see the data. I'm not sure at this point in time that this is necessary, um, without the data. um, and as I mentioned, it's it wasn't very clear that We have a location in Leesburg and that needs to be clear on the website. Um, I understand that you put the Ashburn address. You know, on your website and that sort of thing, but I think you should have the Welcome Center address on here. Um because I'm confused as to if it's not there. Um how to
I mean I guess they have to fill out a form and then they end up going to lburg. I mean, it it's not very clear and without the data, it's hard for me to say that we should be expanding to another Welcome Center. So I'll be looking out for that. Thank you. Thank you. I will see what else I could provide I do want note that part of the expansion is also in response to. There are many families that do not receive service services from the Welcome Center. Um currently the Leesburg
Welcome Center um provide services to a portion of our schools um not including schools and the eastern part of our County or the um, Or the southern part of our County. So the expansion of the Welcome Center into the East. Actually expand services that don't do not currently exist for those families or schools. Welcome Center. You know, it's kind of funny. I, I think of uh, when you you drive into another state and they have a have a visitor center or Welcome Center, I think of it that way, I guess. I, I don't know if I should be, um, you can
just get out of your car and go in and you can get brochures and that sort of thing. Um, I'm just curious to know why it's a secret. Why the address? Isn't here so people so families could just walk in um and get assistance. We appreciate that feedback and I'm not sure I would describe it as a secret. Um, it is a well-used and appreciated resource in our community. Um, I'm happy to visit the the building with you and to talk with uh staff about um, their day-to-day and how they interact with the
community. Um, but I, as I've mentioned, I am going to take the feedback um back regarding the the physical address. Um, it is visible. Um, if you visit the main lcps, Welcome Center, um, website, but we could always improve and we'll, we'll work with our Communications office to see if there's a different way. We could design that particular website. Thank you. Um, I have 1 more question at the the retirees. You said the low end was 25 and then the high-end was
The high-end for lcps, monthly contribution was 1,634. If I can also provide the employee contribution range, the employee contribution range could be as low as 21 and as high as 1,314. So that range is if affected not only lcps as the employer but also the the retiree. So again of trying to, um, streamline
The premium structure as well as just the, the equitable distribution into those RH ra accounts. Um, hopefully helps alleviate this discrepancy. M. Sure enough. so I'm not a health insurance expert, but my as I'm thinking through that, does that mean that these new plans hurt our people with the greatest needs the most So people that are running those higher premiums per month that need those appointments or have those needs that were
relying on those higher costs are seeing a large reduction is that not correct? I would not want to presume any of the personal health situations that are our retirees are on and not make a correlation between a premium that they chose to pay versus what they may be personal experiencing. Because there's also um it may there's other factors outside of actual personal health situations. It's also risk.
Uh, you know, different retirees and employees. As we see, even in our active population, have different appetites, um, for risk, whenever they are selecting their plans, Dan that I just also don't want to assume that hundred dollars a month is going to cut it for people that need more. So keep in mind that the Medicare Advantage plan as it is, is 1 size, fits all So if you need something that is outside of that 1 size fits all plan, you are paying for it.
That is the part of the additional cost which is why we have to be careful. This RH ra plan allows you to pick and choose what you need, which means you're not paying for things. You don't need. Okay, if that's helpful, it is. Thank you. if I could also just piggyback 1 additional item, um, We did work with our consultant in establishing the hundred dollar um, monthly amount.
We looked at the market in terms of what packages would um look like on the marketplace. So, all of that was taken into consideration with establishing the $100 amount 1 additional item. Um, that I'll just share as an advantage of the RH account is that again, depending on the retirees personal situation and their choice. If they elected an and found a plan that was um, less than $400 amount a month,
then those additional funds remain in that RH account, they roll over from 1 year to the next and they remain available to that retiree to cover, not only their personal costs but any spouse or dependents that they may have as well. Okay. Board members. Any other questions? Now is your time. Okay. I do not see any more questions. Um, Seeing as there's no more questions and no more business. Well, first Dr. Spence. Did you want to say anything or
No ma'am. I appreciate the uh continued collaboration discussion with the board. We look forward to Tuesday night and Sharon, do you want to just do 1 last reminder of the process for 2 Tuesday night? Uh, so that folks are prepared for that. Absolutely. Um, so we have already begun working with some school board members on Crafting, their emotions. So again, please reach out and share your thoughts um, ASAP so that can help with the costing as well as formulating, those motions. The deadlines that we had asked for having all of
those. Um, submitted to me, was Monday at noon. That again, just allowed us, you know, time to properly. Prepare the information, what we want to avoid is on Tuesday night, um, having a motion come out of the blue. And we're, we're, we try to cost it on the Fly that just sets us up, you know, for a high risk of of miscalculation. On Tuesday evening, we will have the tote board up and um, available. We will have already shared a listing of the emotions that we have received and worked with school board
members, with the school board chair to Aid. In facilitating the meeting, the first motion on Tuesday evening will be to, um, to approve the FY 26. Seon budget as presented. after that, we will have another um, excuse me. And we'll have additional language regarding technical adjustments because we will have at least 1 technical adjustment that I had shared earlier. Which would reduce the budget by about. I think it was about 61,000.
After that initial base motion is made, then the floor is open for school board members to make their motions go through the voting process and we record the changes on the tote board. with the end goal as recommended by staff to maintain a balanced budget, meaning that we do not increase or decrease, however it is the school board's prerogative to, um, they can increase the budget above what has been presented in the seon, which has the result of increasing the ask of the county funds, um, transfer requests and then
vice versa. The school board could also reduce the seon. Overall budget would have the impact of reducing the ask from the county. And that would be our Tuesday evening. We would go through until all the Motions, um, have been presented and voted on. And then the final motion would be to adopt the budget as amended and then we're We're done until the presentation to the County Board of Supervisors which is scheduled for Monday. February 24th at 6 pm here at lcps.
Um, in addition I was hoping to ask the school board member is not to be make big long speeches. you know, just a little introduction 1 or 2 sentences is to your motion and then we go on just because you know I don't want to I don't know that we all want to be here all night long or whatever. So um that's why we were here was to talk a little bit more today tonight. Okay, um, any more business. Yes, ma'am. Um, Miss Willoughby mentioned that uh the
meeting with the Board of Supervisors is the 24th. I have the 13th. Thank you so much for telling for reminding me about that. That change, wait a minute that changed. Wow, I forgot to put that in here. Um, so yes, uh, I guess, Dr. Bergen do you want to? Tell us what happened with the Board of Supervisors and that, that that changed. It just changed like last night. Yes, ma'am. We were just informed that there is some
um, inability of the Board of Supervisors to meet on the 13th as we had previously communicated. So that date has changed to the 24th. And the start time will be at 6 p.m. it'll be in this room. So that's not the 13th. Now, the 24th at 6 pm and we can put that out in writing for the board as well. Okay, did you all hear that? You should have get calendar invite too, I'm sure. Okay, Vice chair. Donna Hugh has a little bit of an announcement.
Thank you very much, Madam chair. I just wanted to remind everyone that the loud and education foundation's annual fundraiser. Old Ox rocks for teachers will be on Saturday from 3 to 9:00 p.m. at the old docs Brewery. And yes, there will be karaoke by Gary Clemens, uh, and other, uh, local celebrities. So, I encourage everyone to come out and support our, uh, our staff and employees. Thank you, madam chair. Thank you, Vice chair, Donahue. All right seeing as there's
no more business. The January 30th 2025 Loudoun County School Board work session for the FY. 26, operating budget budget is now adjourned. Please drive home safely. Hug your babies.