Loudoun County school board meeting. At this time, we will read the disclosures and I'll start as a member of the Loudoun County School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget, Andor health, insurance, and related benefits. And any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member, I 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'm included I can and will participate fairly objectively and in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public records of the clerk of the school board for 5 Years, 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, Andor 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. Mr. Strefy Thank you, madam chair as a member of the Loudoun County
School Board. I make the following disclosure to the school board and to the general public in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget. And we're health insurance and related benefits. And any other discussion that may include, or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member, I'm eligible to receive health insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee. These benefits. However, affect thousands of employees, well, in excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may 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. Struy. 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 in connection with the item on tonight's agenda regarding the budget Andor health, insurance and related benefits. And any other discussion that may include Or affect benefits for lcps employees, specifically, as a school board member. I am eligible to receive health
insurance and related benefits as an lcps employee. These benefits. However, affect thousands of employees, well, in excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may also be affected of which I am included, I can and will perform 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 LaBelle, Miss shernoff. 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, in the excess of the statutory, 3 employees, whose interests may also be affected of which I am included, I can and will participate fairly objectively. And in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public record of the clerk of the school board for 5 years.
Thank you. Miss shernoff. Um we will now move on to the approval of the consent agenda item. 3 board members. Are there any changes to be made to the consent agenda? Seeing none before we vote on the consent agenda. We have 1 proclamation to read the proclamation, formally declares April 2025 as Arab American heritage month and lcps and we'll be read by Miss Chandler. Thank you, madam chair. National Arab American heritage month, April 2025. National Arab American heritage.
Clerk, please close and display the vote. That motion passes with Mrs, Griffith and Miss, Donnie Hugh, um, absent for the vote. Uh, we'll move on to the advisory committee update. Special education advisory. Uh, committee cak quarterly update presented by I call her Liz but Elizabeth karate, cak chair. Welcome, Miss crowie. Um, I'm very happy to be here this evening or afternoon.
Um, Uh next. Slide please. This just gives you um our role and the Sea of the sea act as well as our Virginia regulations, I'm not going to read them to you because I know you are all very familiar with the role of seak. And so this presentation this evening is just um of time for us to connect and um share what's going on in our committee and um give you the feedback that you need next. Slide, please.
Um, so I'm Liz cauti. I am the chair of our seak. Um with me this evening tonight is Katherine Moran. Who is our vice chair of planning. Um, Carlos solola is our vice chair of membership. Aaron Rozelle. Poe is our vice chair of communications Katie rosenbrook is our CX secretary and Sharon troof is, our cak task chair. Um, and then we also, of course, have our liaison. Um, Dr. Paige Carter, who is our director of special education? Um, Carrie LaBelle who
is our school board liaison and then you chair Mansfield are our alternate You haven't had to be an alternate very often though, because Carrie is very dedicated. Next, slide, please. So I wanted to start off this evening, just thanking the wonderful people that seak works with Dr. Paige Carter, our director of special education and Miss Nikia, Purnell. Who is the assistant director, Dr. Kim Jones, um, who helps us
in all the ways and keeps us organized. Miss Kristen level, we could not do it without them and of course, Miss tedra Richardson, they are Just extremely collaborative their joy to work with um deeply knowledgeable about everything of course and generous with sharing with us that knowledge which helps us to be a better advisory committee and also um forever patient. With us, which is important. They care so deeply for our students, and I know you all see that as well and, uh, are
always available to discuss challenges. Um, they've created a culture of collaboration, um, both in student services, but also across many departments Within lcps. Um I also wanted to give a special thank you to the special education supervisors who support our subcommittees. Um, subcommittees. Um, these supervisors have been appointed as liaison for the the 4 um active, um subcommittees that we have. And they take time after their workday to come to
sometimes lengthy, um, cak subcommittee, meetings, and we are very appreciative of the knowledge that they bring to us and being there to answer questions and, you know, contribute to the work that we're doing. Then I also wanted to thank especially Miss Carrie. Lavell who is our fearless champion and fellow Troublemaker. Um, It's been so rewarding to work with you. And we are very grateful that you are our school board liaison and then
also just a special thank you to each and every 1 of you. You guys are amazing. Um it's truly been the biggest honor to get to know you and to work with you and talk with you and problem. Solve with you, you guys. Bring. Such a wonderful energy to this school district and it it's just been incredibly rewarding to work with each and every 1 of you. Um,
and then also just a general thank you to all the lcps staff because seak is not very good at staying in our lane and we've had a lot of wonderful help, um, from everyone, honestly, um, in the lcps admin building. So, thank you all so much. Um, next, slide, please. we have a full roster this, at this time, we have 21 voting members, but um, we are probably going to have some openings at the end of the year. So please, um, if you would like some representation from your districts, um, try
to encourage people to submit an application or application forms are on our website. Um, and we just love getting new members and putting more people to work. Um, so we have 80 of our lcps schools that have PTA PTO Representatives. Um, we do strive to have 1 for From each school. So next year is the year we're going to do do it. I'm confident um, we have the, our 5 Active subcommittees that meet monthly, um, 3 of which have quarterly work sessions. So this is in addition to the work that we do in those evenings after school. We also come
into the admin building and work very specifically on a topic and really try to tackle it so that we can bring in all the stakeholders and really understand what's going on. Um, we've provided feedback on since this slide was made. I think we're up to 21 policies so far this year, um, we really take them seriously. As I know you all know and we appreciate it when you come and ask us questions about our our recommendations, we're always happy to provide that Um and then our cak awards are coming up and we received
354 nominations from the community. Um, last year, we got 170 and that felt like a lot. So we have twice as many this year and we have been just diligently trying to get through them all. Um, they are an absolute to read and we are going to have some incredible people that we and kids, too that were honoring, um, this year.
you know, get your tissue boxes handy. Um, I think a lot of you have said that you're going to be able to join us for this Yak Awards. Like it, it's going to be wonderful. We're really excited. Next slide, please. Um, I just wanted to give you guys a brief overview of the presentations that we had this year. We had a kickoff with Dr. Spence, which was fantastic. Um also a, what's new and special education with Miss Nikia, Purnell, who is the assistant director? Um for special education. We had our
social workers and lcps with Miss Jennifer Evans and Dr. John Walker from student services and that evening, we also had an lcps resource fair to kind of help our parents, navigate all the many resources that we have, just in lcps. Um, so that they can find what might be helpful and that went really well. Um, we had a presentation on Healthcare and transition with Miss Jeannie, cloman from student health services, as well as a screening of on Beauty with the film director. Rick guidotti. Um and that was amazing
as well. If you want to go back and watch that presentation from March, it was definitely it was it was a good 1. Um, And then just last week, we had our student panel on self-determination which was moderated by Kendall Schwarz and Trooper. Um, the director of I'm determined and gosh, it's really hard to pick a favorite of present. um that is something that seak is going to be looking. into a little bit more closely in this next year. Next slide, please. Um so also professional development and training is incredibly important um for Meaningful inclusion. So we
really want to prioritize that special education training for our pair professionals because they are often the ones who are pushing into the general education environments and It they can make or break whether it is Meaningful inclusion, or just being present. And so we need to have those opportunities to train them in person and to make sure that they are as knowledgeable as they can possibly be, they really are like the right hand of a special education teacher and our incredibly important. Um,
We need to provide regular training, and coaching on tier 1 tools as well as, um, augmentative and alternative communication. You know, little iPad talking devices to all of our teachers and prayer professionals. Um, we need to build our accessibility skills across all of our educators, we can't wait until a student shows up with an IEP that says that they need something and the teacher doesn't have the time or ability to actually learn that and you know so then
sometimes things don't go get implemented until maybe halfway through the year or maybe not at all because you know, teachers have so much to learn once the school year gets going. So we really need to build up these skills of all of our teachers and just assume that they are going to have a student who requires Tier 1 accessibility, um, tools tools because we have them, they're on, everyone's computers. Like, let's just all figure out how to use them so that we can make our learning more accessible for everybody. Um, next. Slide please.
so these are just some quotes from um, our instructional framework that I felt like really spoke nicely to our need to provide that meaningful inclusion. We want to have, you know, resources that are rigorous authentic and students, centered learning. Um, we want to develop opportunities that promote the flexible learning paths with appropriate, scaffolds based on individual students, strengths needs or interests. Um, that very much speaks to all of our
different populations, whether they're sped whether they're gifted whether they're eel. Um, we want to utilize a variety of instructional approaches to meet the learning objectives and the unique needs of the students. So Working from that next slide, please. You know, we are going to have a new reading and math curriculum. Um, and so we need to implement, um, these inclusive practices with a making sure they are accessible. Um, making sure there are multiple access points and
differentiated structures flexible assessments. Um as we talk about grading and assessments tonight, you know, it's important that we figure out what these kids actually do know, and not, everybody can show what they know on, you know, a a, a little, you know, paper test, right? So they may need to show their learning in other ways. We want to ensure that consistency of these inclusive practices across all of our schools and classrooms,
And just again, to reiterate our students with disabilities. Our English language Learners are gifted Learners really. Everybody needs engaging and fun opportunities that allow them to build upon their strengths. And Universal Design for Learning is an approach that aligns with our instructional framework and would enhance learning for all students. It's also something that they teach us a lot in graduate school about and it's considered a best practice. um, so,
um, also, I just wanted um, to mention, you know, we had these wonderful presentations recently before the school board with these gifted programs who were creating these, you know, stores and things like that. And that is another opportunity that we can be bringing all of our students together and working on these True issues together that are meaningful to them and fun to them and get people out of their comfort zone so that we
can create these more engaged. Better members of our community, um, really prepare them. Next slide, please. and then, as far as family and Community engagement, um, you know, I would encourage our principles to really seek out the special education family voices when you're planning your school of ends, you know, make sure that they can attend. I think, often times our families of students
with disabilities are very overwhelmed, you know, and it's hard to Envision. Making it to a school event and so talk to them, figure out what, what would it take? Like, how could we make it so that you feel comfortable and able to be a part of our school Community? Um, I would also encourage our principles to brag about the inclusion that's taking place in your schools, because if you guys don't talk about it, parents aren't going to know about it. Community doesn't know about it. So by all means Bragg and
I would say the same thing about our teachers. I tell my children's teachers all the time. I'm like, please brag about what you're doing, because I want to celebrate it along with you. And I know all of our other parents want to too. So I, you know, our teachers are modest um, and they work so so hard. But they are doing incredible things and they need to make sure that parents know what they are doing. Um, and that even if it's a small thing, small or big, everything deserves to be celebrated, and by having
this close relationship, it's going to help parents anticipate. What's next? Help identify resources that they may may need for support, you know. Our families are really figuring things out day by day. They've got new challenges that are being thrown at them constantly. Just when you get things figured out everything changes. So you know creating that relationship with their teachers and their schools is so so so important um and it will lead to trust, right? It leads to trust, it leads to a
relationship that is just so beneficial. Next slide, please. So, in conclusion about this topic, meaningful inclusion needs to come from all of us, right? It can't be accomplished by 1 department or 1 staff member at a school. Um, as a division, we all have to Champion it in every meeting, every classroom and event. It's a mindset, right? And it's a mindset that we all have to own and when we do,
it can really create something beautiful. Um, but I also wanted to lift to you all a barrier that, uh, we need to provide, you know, compensation and figure out what it is, that's going to keep our program teachers here in this County because we've had a lot of turnover. It's a really hard job and when we lose that experience, it's devastating for our families. It's devastating for the
students, it just it's Inc, we lose all that we invest. In them and because we are investing so much in these teachers, we really need to figure out. What is it going to take for them to feel? Like they can continue to do this work year after year. Um, so that is my Lyft to you all to consider um as you go into this next year. Next slide, please. And then I just wanted to celebrate some of the wonderful
things that we've all worked very hard on together. Um, expanding opportunities, for learning career skills, and Equitable access, um, in our ctea or AE programs. Um, now to, um, include this planned transition Center, which we are extremely excited about, um, creating a plan to provide our students with disabilities the same access to playgrounds. I mean, that's incredible. I'm so excited to start to see
more of these inclusive. Playgrounds people. Um, we've revised policies to prioritize the safety and needs of students with disabilities, and we've forged Partnerships that respectfully. Consider all viewpoints and perspectives, while building, trust and expanding, everyone's knowledge and understanding. And so I know that seak looks forward to continuing all of this important work with you next slide. And then I just wanted to give a little plug to all the
people in our community, to join an advisory committee for all the people who are watching because I know that the 4 Thirty hours really popular. But if you haven't considered joining 1 of our advisory committees, whether it's the yak, whether it's msac, whether it's leaf. It's a fantastic opportunity. You will learn so much. You will develop incredible relationships with people. It's it's just, it's been the most rewarding experience that I've had.
Truly, like 1 of the most in my life. I, I just can't say enough wonderful things about it. Um, and I want other parents to be able to experience that too, and I know it's hard sometimes to Envision adding 1 more thing, but it really truly is worth it. Um, so if there are any parents out there, listening, um, check out 1 of our advisory committees, they really are incredible. Next slide, please. And then just a final reminder to join us at our um
recognition for excellence in supporting special education, we're going to be honoring our teachers, we're going to be honoring programs, administrators students community members and that will be Wednesday, June 4th at 6:30 p.m. at Loudoun County, High School, Next slide, please. And just thank you all so much. I truly appreciate this opportunity. Um, it really, it's it's been incredible and I will um, certainly Miss serving in this role, but you are
going to be in very good hands with our incoming. Um, cak chair shahnaz Khan um and then Tom Ketchum is going to be joining us in the role of Sak. Vice chair of membership. So if you all have any questions for me, I would be happy to answer. Miss Crowley. Thank you for your service. You've done an amazing job over the last. What, 2 years now. And um, you've built a lot of bridges with a um, a population that was really hurt for a little while and I
think you've done a beautiful job. Doing that. Um, appreciate all your work and I will say that plug for for uh advisory committee for me cak was my people And that was my support. And they got me through the hard times. And there were some really big hard times. So, I agree if you can have a advisory committee and you grow real close. Yeah. So without any other questions or Yes, Miss sure enough.
Um, thank you, Miss karate and I Echo the sentiments. I also just wanted to put in a plug that the Staffing conversation. I'm glad you mentioned that tonight because that has also been on my radar. We have a lot of teachers that are are doing a lot of extra in those programs particularly in music and so Mr. Sleven and I have already had some discussions about potentially discussing that at a future curriculum and instruction meeting as it relates to Staffing. So definitely grateful that you brought that up and the training as well. And, and we're very grateful for your service. You will be severely missed, um, and
sincerely missed. And, um, I also agree, join an advisory committee. A lot of people say they can't access or get involved but there are ways and that's a great way. So lots of opportunity for involvement. Thank you. Thank you very much. Oh, Miss Chandler. Well, I can't let the opportunity go by to say thank you working with, you has really been a joy and I I think you've given us all an opportunity to better understand this yet community. And and have really represented that
community so well. So, um, thank you for your service. I appreciate all the opportunities that I've had to to learn and grow with you. And, um, we'll be so excited to see what comes next. And, um, heartened really, um, to Hear um, that Miss Khan will be um, continuing in her service as well. So thank you. Yes. That's my greatest achievement is getting her to be cak chair because people have been trying for like 7 years. So, Thank you all so much, I appreciate it.
Thank you. Um, before we move on, um, I we've been advised the school division's website's currently down and they're working with the vendor to get it up as soon as possible. And, so, in the meantime, it's a backup. It's back up. Okay, it's back up. Never mind. Um, okay, let's do uh, Vice chair. Donnie, would you mind doing your disclosure real quick while we? Um, Um, move to the next item. Yes, 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 employee salaries, the budget Andor, health insurance, and any other discussion that may include or affect salary and benefits for lcps employees. Specifically, my spouse, my minor children and I are enrolled in lcps, health insurance, that may be affected by any potential changes to employee salaries the budget, and or health insurance. Additionally, my sister-in-law is an lcps employee who does not reside with me and is not dependent on me. These subjects include thousands of employees, well, in
excess of the statutory 3 employees, whose interests may be affected of which my spouse, my minor children, my sister-in-law and I am included, I can and will participate fairly objectively. And in the public interest, this disclosure will be reflected in the public records of the clerk of the school board for 5 years. Thank you, Vice chair. Donahue, we'll move on to item 5 work session. Uh, Department of Business and financial services FY. 26 budget, update presented by Miss Sharon Willoughby. Our Chief Financial Officer. Thank you. Yes, I'm here to provide an update on the FY, 26
budget, where we're close to being done but not done yet. There have been several actions that have occurred since the school board adopted its Budget on February 4th and I will walk the school War through the different phases and impacts resulting from the state and County. I'll start with the information that was presented to the Board of Supervisors, during the school board budget, presentation to them. On February 25th, that budget, presentation included a revised budget request, that was inclusive of the state, general assembly budget bill, Following this meeting, Mrs. Donahue Dr. Spence and myself
attended the Board of Supervisors, budget work session on March 13th, where it was a very short meeting and the board expressed its support of lcps. So the general assembly budget amendments included actions for the current fy2 budget and changes to the governor's proposed fy2 budget. These General Assembly, budget amendments were presented to the governor to either sign change or veto and help form the action that the County Board of Supervisors took Starting with the fi25 budget changes. The general
assembly. Allocated 8.7 million to support a 000 bonus for each soq position, or to allow School divisions. The flexibility to determine the amount of the bonus per employee to maximize the usage of these funds to promote retention. These funds though must be awarded by June 1st. for FY 26, the general assembly amended the governor's proposed budget as outlined on this slide for our you see the elimination of the support cap which was a short-term jark recommendation. This amendment will provide 12.7
million of additional funding to lcps in reverse back to the funding methodology that was used prior to 2009. Next is an additional 2.4 million to support the state. Share of special education, teachers and is an add-on payment to support each special education student based on their level of service. This is a positive step forward and improving the state's funding of special education services. That was also identified in the junior report. This totals the 15.1 million in additional State funding
from the general assembly, budget amendments. So how did these proposed state budget items impact? Our request from the county? Based on the general assembly budget impacts the lcps. We asked the county to amend the fy2 budget, by 8.7 million, because lcps. Like, other Virginia school divisions staff higher than the state soq ratios, additional funding would be required. To support. 000 bonus to provide, the 000 bonus for all employees and additional 5.6 million. Million in funding would be required.
Further delineating between positions quickly becomes very difficult as all positions are integral to supporting our students and staff as such when these State Appropriations have occurred in the past lcps, has embraced providing the bonus to all eligible full-time employees. Based on this scenario lcps, requested retaining 5.6 million of the additional encumbered State, funding and fy6 to fill the bonus Gap and provide the funding needed to pay. All lcps employees at 1 thousand dollar bonus.
Contingent on the final state budget awarding. The bonuses would include splitting the payments into 2 employee groups or I'm sorry into 2 payments. Crossing the fiscal years. We have done this in the past when funding was tight and to maximize State funding for bonuses. The first payment would be paid out by June 1st and utilize the 8.7 million of State, appropriated fy2 funding. And the second group are in the second payment would be paid by September 30th and utilize the FY 2 6.
I'd like to also just share some additional information on why additional funding is needed to award. 000 bonuses. Bonuses to all full-time, lcps employees Lcps, Staffing, standards, generate more, robust, school-based supports than required, under the soq. As I mentioned earlier, And it would not be feasible to split soq, funded versus soq unfunded positions to remain within the state funding estimate on this slide are a few of those examples. First, we have the Elementary School, general education teachers.
The soq is 1 to 24 students for grades 1 to 3, and 1 to 25 students for grades, 4 to 5. This this would require 1,176.7 FTE. However, lcps Staffing standards as approved by the school board provides for 1,342 or 165.3 additional Physicians. This is similar with the school counselors and the elementary Reading teachers as listed on this slide. Lastly, we have identified as an example.
Athletic trainers. Um, as you are aware, the school board, prioritized athletic trainers, and the, and the budget is signing 2 per High School. This position though is not required at all by the state soq, but it's positions like these and many more that the states soq based assessment of FTE is not sufficient to fully fund. The required retention bonus. This slide depicts the request for FY 26, in the impact of the general assembly. Budget amendments, that was presented
to the Board of Supervisors. The table shows, the currently adopted FY, 26 budget in the blue column on the left. The initial 8.4 million of State funding is displayed on the first row with the county funding request of 123.4 million on the following Row. The last row shows the total funding for FY, 26. The next column is labeled recognize additional State funding and in the state funding rate row. You see the 2 items we just reviewed on the previous on the previous slides, this total of 15.1 increases the state funding to
the 23.5 million shown in the last green column, the next column is labeled reduced County transfer. You will see the county funding request reduced by the anticipated State funding of 12.7 from the support cap and the 2.4 from the special education add-on. However, 5.6 million is depicted to be held back to provide the additional funding needed to support to thousand dollar bonus for all employees. This would result in a net reduction to the County transfer request by 9.5 million. The proposed revised County request
would now be 113.9. To summarize the overall revised budget. Funding request is increasing by 5.6 million to 137.4 million under this scenario. This would fund bonuses for all employees. however, while the budget increases by 5.6 million the County transfer request decreases by 9.5 million, This was our proposed request to the county if the governor approved the state budget as presented. Since then though the governor has taken initial action on
the budget by making 1, change, impacting lcps. For FY 26, the governor reduced, the funding associated, with the support, cap by 8 million, the revised FY 26 budget was sent to the general assembly during their Recon reconvene session where no action was taken on these specific items. So, now, the budget package is back with the governor and he has until May 2nd to either take action or take no action. No action would result in the currently adopted by any and
budget remaining in place and everything that I have shared with you regarding the general assembly. Um not occurring. However, there are preliminary signs pointing towards the the governor taking some sort of action. However, it is just, we don't have that information at this time. This information though regarding the governor's action was shared with the county and they took it into consideration as they proceeded towards their budget adoption. That took place on April 1st. So on April 1st, the County Board of Supervisors adopted
its budget and Incorporated actions to address some of the uncertainties at the state level. First, they recognized the potential funding for fy2 and appropriated 8.7 million of this potential State funding to lcps. The county also proceeded to adopt its budget based on the general assembly, budget amendment and fully funded lcps as requests. This is for the second year in a row that the county has fully funded. Um, lcps is request, which is a true
Testament to the collaborative working relationship, the schools and County have. And the relationships that school board members have fostered with the Board of Supervisors. The county also took action to address the uncertainty with the governor's potential funding reduction by moving 8 million dollars from the County's Revenue stabilization fund and placing it into contingency. If the 8 million state revenue reduction was acted upon and included in the final state budget. The county would appropriate, the 8 million from the
contingency to fill this Gap. We will continue to watch what happens at the state level and provide a final update when available. Now, I would like to share how this impacts our bonus award plan. Since the timing of the final State action will will run right into the timing of awarding bonuses. The state budget amendment appropriating language for a bonuses identifies. The 1,000 payment, as I mentioned earlier, with the discretion and contingent on Final State action.
We would provide a 1-time payment of $600 for eligible, full-time employees, to be paid, on May 30th. this slide outlines the eligibility requirements for this payment for to May 30th payment and employee must be in a full-time position as of May 16th 2025 The second payment is also contingent on the final state budget, adoption for FY 26. And any actions that may or may not be needed by the county. If there are additional changes to the state budget, if funding is available lcps,
would provide the remaining 400 on September 5th to employees who meet the eligibility requirements of having received the first payment and are still in an FTE. Position on August 22nd. This last SI slide is just a summary of the payment plan. while the county has appropriated funding based on the general assembly, budget amendments. All bonus payments are contingent on the final state budget. And again, I will keep the school board updated and bring forward any resulting appropriate actions for the school board.
And with that, I'd be happy to take any questions you may have. Thank you, Miss Willoughby board members. Do you have any questions? Seeing none. We appreciate all of the hard work. You you have put into this. Um, thank you. And then we will move on to 5. 0 2. Miss tedra Richardson, assistant superintendent Department of student services and Dr. Pach Carter. Director of special education. Good afternoon. School divisions are required by state and federal law to
submit an annual plan. To the Virginia Department of Education for providing special education services, to identify children with disabilities, residing within the Juris, the jurisdiction and demonstrate their funding eligibility. This, ah, this afternoon, Dr. Paige. Carter director of special education will provide an overview of lcps, 2025 2026, special education, and annual plan application, Dr. Carter will walk us through a narrative for the current
plan, as well as the proposed plan. Our maintenance of effort, our proportionate share calculation, our school age funding, and our early childhood special education funding. I now pass it over to Dr. Carter. Thank you. Tonight. Um, I will present to you the draft of our annual plan, but I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Liz cauti and her team for working with us. So collaborative collaboratively, I was able to present the plan to seak last week for their feedback. I will work with
the policy subcommittee of seac. Again on April 21st, um, to gain any more feedback or ideas that they may have for this plan or any plan going forward. All right, well tonight, I want to explain just a little bit about the annual, um, the annual. It's called The Part B flow through application simply because that is, um, Part B of of Education funding. We're going to talk about 619, which is for school age. And we're going to talk about 611
tonight, um which I have that backwards 611 for school age and 619 for preschool. So, we are required to submit this application for funds every year. It's a formal agreement between vdoe and lcps for how we will spend our fed federal funds, um, and that we are committing to implementing all regulations for special education through the use of this fund. And funding is contingent upon the approval of this plan, um, by the superintendent and then by vdoe, and all of the
components. All right, within this plan. There are several parts. Um, 1 component, we provide assurances and certifications that we will Implement special education and all of the regulations um that we are required to do. And we acknowledge that will work. Um, with the local jails, for any students, who were, who have an IEP, who may be, um, spending time at at a facility. We also provide information regarding maintenance of effort, which is a requirement of the regulations,
maintenance of effort requires that school divisions. Spend, at least the same amount of local or local plus State dollars for um, for the plan year as they did the previous year. So we we I like it in my department because we have the backing of the requirements of the annual plan to spend on special education. proportionate set aside is probably the most, um, um, the most complex of all of the components of the annual plan,
it is, um, determined through a formula by vdoe and What proportion it set aside means is that it's a requirement that we set aside a share of our funds from title 6B. Um, 611 and 619 to support students, who are parentally placed. That could be either homeschooled or in a private school within Loudoun County. The annual plan application also requires that we outline plan spendings for all funds received. And I'll go over that in the following slides.
Our annual plan for some years now has been mainly positions. And as you can see on the screen, it encompasses many positions within the department of special education. The first on the list is 130 of our special education. Teachers 5 teacher assistants to coordinators to supervisors and audiologists a program assistant, a specialist, and a behavior specialist, and a financial analyst to help us um, coordinate all of the funding streams.
There's also a small portion for curriculum materials. And then the portion, it set aside amount this year is 71,349.99. Specifically with the 619 Grant, it's much smaller. As you can see, 199,694.75 and that would cover 2 Early Childhood special education, teachers, who serve children ages 2 um to 5. The proportion, it set aside for that, um, group is 445.25.
Okay um, all funds in the Grant come from the individualized with individuals with disabilities, Education. Act idea. Um, that is currently funded. Um well below the original promise. And the majority of special education dollars. Um for here in Loudoun, the vast majority is local and State dollars in lcps the 14,871,481 which is the total of the 611 and 619
Portions of the grant is approximately 5.7% of the total spending on special education in Loudoun. I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity, I know it is a challenging time to do so but certainly special Educators and special ed administrators across the country are advocating for not only full funding of idea but for continued funding of Ida at this time. And I'd be happy to answer any questions that you have. Thank you, Dr. Carter, thank you, Mr. Richardson, um, I was
wondering so looking on page uh, 12 of the um, plan and also on page 15. Um, it says like in narrative format, please provide a detailed description and budget outline of all additional activities goods and services to be supported. But I just see that part. Budgeted to purchase materials and supplies to support specialized Instruction reading mathematics and behavior. Do you not have to tell say what those, uh, materials or supplies? Are we do not? Because it allows for flexibility. Um, for
example, had we put in our annual plan that we were going to purchase, um, a particular reading program and then the Virginia literacy act happened in that shifted. We purchased a different program that was under. That's just 1 example. We don't want to lock it in too much with a specific program, but we are using the funds to support reading and math, curriculum, as well as behavior intervention. We use it sometimes for um mant and youku training and the the curriculum materials that go with
that. So it is it the state prefers that we um put boundaries around it but not be too specific. So there's flexibility. Thank you. Any other questions? Thank you so much. Thank you. Um okay, we will move on to 5.03 office of superintendent, the third quarter board, forecast presented by Dr. Mark Bergen, our chief of staff. Dr. Bergen Thank you, madam chair. Good evening, board members as displayed on the screens in
the room. And as attached to this item in board docs is the tentative forecast of board topics for the remaining meetings in the third quarter stretching through the 24th of June. This is as all quarterly, forecasts are a working document and subject to change. I'd like to draw your eye in particular to the work session. Topic, scheduled for June 10 and June 2 4. Which we have intentionally left to be determined.
As you also. As a board, have a retreat on June 9th. So once you have generated a list of topics, uh, collectively through the chair that you would like to take up at The Retreat on June 9th. Our intent would be to also then take any topics that warrant at The Retreat and work them into this forecast, for June, 10th and 24th. Um be happy to answer any questions about this tentative. Uh plan if you have any at this time and Madam chair, I'm not sure when and how you'd like to take up requests from
your colleagues regarding additional topics for June 1024 and The Retreat on the 9th. Um, board members. I don't know if you remember the email that I sent. Uh, if you guys have any uh, topics that you would like to discuss at our for board talk at topics or I guess our Retreat too. Um, you want to just raise your hand? Okay, sure enough. Thank you, madam chair. Um as I know we've talked about before but just piggy backing off of the budget season. I
know there was a lot of questions on my end and from other colleagues about the stipend process, how that is created, how stipend come about how they're evaluated. So, I would love to see us in overview in the works before we go to recess, so that we can process that as we get ready for the next budget cycle. I think what's interesting about that statement is that some of them are seasonal? As opposed to just a year. So many questions, okay? Anyone else? Okay. I guess that's all.
Okay, well, we certainly have time to take more of your thinking after this meeting be happy to engage with you through email or an individual conversation. Uh, so we can plan a a retreat that meets your needs. Thank you. Madam chair. Thank you, Dr. Bergen. Okay. And we have about 30 minutes so I'm going to just keep on pressing in to our information items. Starting with uh 14.01 human resources and talent development committee re. Oh, actually Mrs. Griffith before
we start that would you please do your disclosure even though I think we went through our budget. But just 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 of 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 a 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 affected of which I am included, I can and will participate fear 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, Miss Griffith, and you're up with 14.01 for uh, revisions to policy 7020 employment, or supervision of family members. And it's presented by Miss Mrs. Griffith
chair of human resources and talent development. Miss Griffith. Thank you, madam chair. I'd like to make a motion to adopt policy 7020 uh employment of Sir supervision of family members. Um, this revised should I go into the well, we're not making a motion right now. It's just like what it is because it's information on. Okay, well, this revised policy and I'll have Miss Bolan, speak to it 7020 employment of supervision of Family Services was an information item on February 27th. Um for our HRT,
committee meeting after reviewing, the committee, voted to bring this policy back to an action item uh at the March 27th HRT. Meeting this policy was made available for public feedback via the lden County Public Schools website, we received the feedback and the committee voted 3 to 0 to send this revised policy uh, policy 7020 to the full School School Board, as an information item today, Miss Mullen, did you want to speak to the policy, please? Sure. Thank you, Mrs. Griffiths, uh, a revision to school board policy
7020 employment for supervision of family. Members is uh, on the agenda this evening as an information item as Mrs. Griffith stated the recommended changes to this policy are intended to clarify. The term family member by adding a definition, to the Forefront of the policy and to clearly delineate, policy sections for and 5, which illustrate, the responsibility of certification and non-involvement in hiring of relative.
For both the school board and the superintendent um, 1 additional thing. I'd like to point out is that for these sections in particular, the language included in the section is prescribed by Virginia code. And the code does not prohibit the higher of a family member for a school board member or the superintendent, but it does. Prescribe what is required in the event of hiring a family member And I think that's it. Thank you Miss, Poland board members. Um, do you have any questions?
No. Can I get a thumbs up? If you would like to for this to go in consent for our April 22nd 2025 school board meeting, it looks like this unanimous to uh put it on consent. Our next item um 14.02 HRT committee revisions to policy 75.29 School employment presented by uh Dina Griffith's chair, human resources and talent. This is Griffith. Thank you madam chair uh 7520 non-school employment. Um was brought to the uh committee on February 27th uh 2025 um after
reviewing the committee, voted to bring the policy back as an action item on March 27th. Uh, our HRT committee meeting the policy was made available to the public for feedback. The committee, voted 3 to zero to send the revised policy back. Policy 7522. The full School Board in as an information item for today's meeting Miss Poland. Did you want to speak to this 1 as well? Sure, thank you again. Uh, so minimal changes were made to this policy really um adjustments made to clarify language.
language. Um, add examples and explicitly uh, clearly articulate. Uh, when an employee is on leave. And uh, when they are able to participate in non-school employment, um, if someone is on annual leave, that's acceptable, if they are on medical leave, or, or FMLA that would not be permissible. Uh, so those are the major changes to this policy. Thank you, Miss Poland. Um, board members, do you have any
questions? All right. Um would you like for this to thumbs up for? Go to consent? 234, it looks like that's unanimous. This item will go to consent for the April 22nd 2025 school. Board meeting, moving on to 14.03 HRT, committee revisions to policy 7612 experience credit for Teacher licensed and auxiliary new hires presented by Mrs. Griffith, thank you, madam chair. Uh, policy 7612 experienced credit for Teacher licensed
into auxiliary new hires, this is a revised policy. Uh, experience credit for Teacher license. In New auxiliary, new hires was an information item on February 27th 2025 at our HRT committee meeting After reviewing the committee, voted to bring this policy back as an action item uh, at the March 27th HRT. Committee meeting. This policy was made available to the public for public feedback um through the uh lcps website. We received the feedback, the committee then voted 3 to zero to send
this revised policy 7612 to the full School Board as an information item today and I'll ask again uh Miss Bolan if you'd like to speak to it. Thank you. Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Griffith, I am really excited about the changes to this policy. If the school board will recall in uh, November HRT brought um, a presentation in regards to several retention initiatives that they had planned to out 1 of which was the adjustment of placement practices.
For our licensed teachers. We proposed that we remove the cap that is currently in this policy of 15 years at time of at time of higher. And during that November time frame, we to utilize funds to, um, provide our current active licensed teachers, who at time of higher should have been placed higher than a step 15 and adjustment to their placement on the scale. This policy change um would make
that effective for new hires as well. 2, additional changes in this policy, 1 would include providing a credit for our current student teachers, whose student teach within lcps and then become full-time teachers. It would provide them credit for that student teaching as long as they meet the qualifications, um, and 1 last additional adjustment would be our internship programs, where our school psychologists currently. Um,
in an lcps internship program. They do not currently get credit for that on the placement scale. This policy change would now provide them with credit. Should they become full-time School psychologists with lcps? Thank you. Miss Boland board members. Are there any questions? Seeing none. Do we want to put this as a consent action? And that's unanimous. We'll put that item. A 14.03 on consent for uh, April 22nd 2025 school board meeting. Um,
we are moving on to Fort pin 04 student services, committee revision to policy. 8450 student lactation support presented by Anne, Donahue who's chair of student services committee Vice chair. Donahue thank you very much Madam chair. This policy 8450 was due for its 5-year, cyclical review. Uh, it was presented to us in the student services committee. Um, the committee, uh, accepted some, um, uh, just a couple of minor edits, um, that would state that,
uh, the area provided for students who are in need of lactation support must be 80 access. And to make, clear that students who exercised, uh, breaks for lactation purposes shall not be penalized for doing so. Um, the committee voted, um, unanimously approved. This version to be sent to the full board, um, and but I will defer, if Miss Richardson has anything to add Thank you, Mrs. Donna Hugh, know, you pretty much covered it. We had um, good conversation, we did take the feedback
from our advisory groups and we did hear um feedback from msac as well as seak and the committee was very thoughtful and you integrated that feedback. Thank you Mr. Richardson. Thank you, Vice chair Donahue board members. Do you have any questions? Okay, seeing none. Do we want to put this on consent? I think. Okay, uh, that will go on consent for our next meeting. Uh, April 22nd 2025 looking at the time. Okay. Um, I think we can get through 1 more
Um, Joint Committee of Loudoun County School Board. In loewen, County Board of Supervisors, the work plan presented by me. Um, so the Joint Committee of the Loudoun County School Board, the Board of Supervisors. We met on the March 24th 2025 and we took action to assign dates for our remaining items on their approved work plan as well to incorporate new items into a new 2-year work. Plan to uh, make sure we have a good transition from year to year. We approved the proposed work plan that's posted in board
docs right now. Um, the school board. And so how this joint committee works is a little different in that, we have to approve it. They have to approve it before we can work on it in the committee. So um The Joint Committee that we did, we approved the topics uh for School boundary discussion and sip impact presentation of the uh Lowen County advisory Commission on youth, 2025 state of Loudoun youth report. Um, and the update to Golden tomorrow's, transition
transmission link. Uh Board of Supervisors added new items such as um activity fees. Uh, Were they standing like marching band and theater and work towards their elimination? The second 1 was looking at missing sidewalks and Trails. Um also covering the cost of dear t-shirts for Title 1 schools and potentially all elementary schools and and paid meal deck. We uh the school board uh editions were transition Center again and contents of testing for confiscated, Vape devices.
So that's what so I guess. What I'm asking is for you all to also agree to this plan so that we can continue our work. Um, any other questions? Yes. Um did you say the the Mars plan was on this as well? It was And what device? What was the second thing you said? Um, can you repeat that? Um, from us. Contents of testing of confiscated, Vape devices. Yeah. Can you explain that? A little bit? Sure. Actually.
Miss Richardson, would you be prepared to talk about our new program that we are working with VCU on? Certainly chair mannsville, thank you. Um, we are currently currently currently um partnered with VCU um with Dr. Michelle piece um in working in conjunction with our local sheriff's department and police departments here in Loudoun County, for all vaping devices that are received, they are confiscated and then they are handled very carefully and
sent down to VCU to be tested for the contents. So this is a Statewide project. Really trying to identify the illegal substances that are, um, getting into Vapes and harming, and putting our and just anybody that's vaping at risk. Um, our participation in this project is free of charge, it's at no cost. Our Sheriff's Department was more than willing to assist us in partner in this um, opportunity and we are
looking forward to the results from Dr. Peace and her team from VCU to find out exactly what we are seeing within Loudoun County. And in this particular region in The Vaping devices that are confiscated, this will better inform. Our prevention efforts as well as our intervention efforts as a locality and a School Division. I think, uh what you might be missing Mrs. Griffith is that we all saw Dr. Piece at the vsba conference, our first year
and um and what exactly was found in these Vapes and that it was I think a lot of us felt very that. It was very important um, to try and get that here and so Uh Mrs, Richardson team. Uh and the mental health team has been working on this for about a year and they got her to And we got to be in the program, which is very exciting. So um, okay, so board members uh, would you can I have a thumbs up if you want to put this on consent for the school
board? That is unanimous. Um, We have 15 minutes. You think we can get through 1 more. 14.06 student behavior and accountability, committee revised policy 8280. Corporal punishment. Prohibited presented by uh carry label chair of the student behavior and accountability committee Miss label. Thank you, madam chair, I'll be brief, uh, the student behavior in accountability committee, met on March 24th, we reviewed the, um, corporal punishment.
Policy that we have here at Loudoun and we put it into alignment with the state regulations, regarding corporal punishment. If you look at the policy 8220 you'll see that there's a lot of red lines there. It's really not cutting out a lot of things. What it is doing is reorganizing so that it follows the same sort of script that is used in the state policy. Um so basically that with that is what we did with the policy
that the whole report. You miss label board members, does anybody have any questions? Yes. Uh, Vice chair, Donnie. Thank you very much, Madam chair, and thank you. Miss label. I had 2 thoughts or questions related to this policy. Um, my first thought was uh I'm looking at the red line version on lines, 45 to 46. It it appears that there is a newly added paragraph 6 that says restraint or seclusion procedures that are authorized by policy 5345 restraint and seclusion of students my thought
uh, as to this line is simply that with the board's recent um, vote on the amendments to policy. 5345 seclusion is not authorized. So, Perhaps we should consider taking out the or seclusion saying restraint procedures as authorized by policy 5345, um, just an idea for consideration. Um, and if I may, if you will go back to line, 22 that is B actions. Not
considered corporal punishment punishment, corporal punishment does not include, uh, and then it lists all of them in this policy. So, Corporal, punishments, restraint and seclusion is not corporal punishment. Therefore, it actually is covered by. What was it? 5345 that we just authorized. Yeah. So, we had looked at that and that's how we handle that 1. But what is your other question? Uh, so my other question was I am aware that some other
districts include in similar policies not just corporal punishment but more broadly referred to a Prohibition on aversive stimuli uh, and I wondered if there had been any consideration of adding Language. Similar to that such, as no, nauseous orders, or tastes sprays of water blasts of air verbal or mental abuse. You mean done by the administration to students?
Yes. Okay, no, we did not discuss that if you'd like, I'll bring it up with with the committee at our next meeting. Well I'm um I'm wondering Mrs. Richardson since we do have that in another policy or or Mr. Allen either 1 um, Would we need to put that in this 1 as well? I'm sorry. That was not clear. Uh, let's start with Miss Richardson and then we'll add Mr. Allen It's okay. Miss mannsville. We um I can't remember the
policy off hand but we do have that covered in terms of um as Miss label clarified asking the question Miss Donnie. If you're talking about staff to students so we do have that in a different policy. Um and this 1 was just for code for corporal punishment. Thank you for that clarification, Miss Mitchell. Thanks, Mitch Mitchell. I'm sorry. Um, I just remember it in our previous committee, so that's why I was asking Miss Richardson. Um, the other thing,
So, I was wondering. On Vice chairs first. Um, question the restraint and seclusion procedures that are authorized. Does it? I hear what you're saying that. It's that it's not considered corporal punishment. Um, But I see what she is talking about their mrr Allen? Do you have any thoughts? Thank you, madam chair. Uh, I think Vice chairs. Um, comment is well taken for consideration, so I I believe
staff can take that back. And, and the board could consider that as well. Uh, specifically speaking since seclusion was, um, addressed uh, in policy per the, the school board's vote. Um, it it's it's well taken that, um, That language could be, um, excluded here or omitted. So it's consistent, and for clarification, or for clarity and consistent with 5345. since this is just for information tonight, we still have
some Some leeway to make a an amendment. Uh, next Uh, board meeting. Okay. Um, all right, so we will stop there for right now because I think that The Career and Technical education, grant funding application. Might take a little longer than 10 minutes probably. um, all right, so if we could so that will go on for Action next time and not consent
that the last 1, um, at this time. We will uh, break for recess. And um, we will reconvene for at 6:30. so, the board is now in recess. All right, good evening. The board is coming out of recess at this time and we will continue with item 8. Pledge of Allegiance and N national anthem. Today's national anthem is being performed by.
Its says, 5 Bramble, Ms. School and 5 Independents, High School, brass, musicians and is conducted by Mr. Martin blout. 1 of the 1 to Brambleton. M, uh, Middle School band directors, the Brambleton independent is banned, cluster is recognized throughout Virginia, and beyond for its Excellence, both on stage and on the football field. The Brambleton band is the only Lan County band in history to be selected to be to perform at the Virginia music educators annual conference. And the independence marching
band is the current back-to-back, Virginia state champion. the 4 bands at Brambleton and Independence would like to thank the school board and superintendent for helping them to continue to create a sense of belonging, consistency and excellence in their band programs, especially considering the transitionary nature of their school cluster at this time. They would also like to extend their appreciation to their students families, as well as building administrators. Now everyone please rise for the playing of our national
anthem. Glad to believe legion's First. 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. Hey, we will be moving on to um student staff recognitions. Um, 9.01 and 9.02 uh 1 Elsie Spotlight Harmony Middle, School
library, student, Advisory Group, Liam presented by doc by Eric Stewart, principal Harmony Middle School, And I think he'll be introducing others. Is that correct? Members of the board and Dr. Spence Good evening, it's my pleasure to introduce 1 of the programs at Harmony Middle School. And uh, just going to turn it over to them because we have some great guests, we have miss rovang and miss mcgilvray, our Librarians. And then 3 students, we have Charlotte
Lillian, Camp, Elliott, Gilchrist, and Cameron Clark. So I'm going to invite them up here. Now to tell you about our programme called Liam. Next slide. We flip this slide. That was Mr. Stewart's part but it's student centered empowering students. So next slide So starting in 2018 Liam's, mission is to make Harmony Library a place for every student and staff member students students continually contribute ideas, such as painting,
the tops of Library, tables with whiteboard paint to allow small groups to Gather in, uh, in content areas to work together creating a wonder of the week which is in the middle there that draws students into the library with new questions every week. That 1 says, if you could be any animal for a day, what would it be and why? And creating a comfy and welcoming space for readers and not yet readers alike. You can see some quotes from our members in the slide. My favorite is at the bottom, kids
are the most important customers asking for advice from them, only make sense. And I would like to introduce you to Charlotte sixth grade member of Liam to tell you more. Hi, my name is Charlotte Lillian camp and I'm here as a member of Liam. I'm here to discuss our student Le book fair this year. We had 1064 volunteers and we made over $9,000. That's our most profitable book fair yet. By gang students involved. We taught them how to run the
fair properly advertised makeup setup, that will show many interests and appealed to many students. I was an advertising specialist. And it showed me what was like to be responsible for a big project and how to appeal to things. I may not really like we taught many children life skills, while still having fun all kids in school, should be able to do that. Thank you. And now, Cameron is going to tell you about our latest
program. this is, This is the budget book. It program designed by Liam to encourage kids, to not only read more but also use sites, they may never have used such as Comics plus and Meghan via But the first thing we have to discuss is what are the bad system is? The way the badge system works is check out an ebook or audiobook from the digital library and read it. Write a review of the book in our Digital Library catalog.
Finally, go to the Google form either in the library English or home schooly page. Then they will be given a digital badge and they can add to their small signature. or email signature, this will enter them into a raffle in which 3 people each week will win a prize so far over 50 students have received digital badge and we're looking to add more so, Now, Ellie will tell you about our eighth. Grade Li Library
workers. My name is Elliot and I'm an eighth grade Library worker. 8th grade Library workers shove a lot of the books and help out wherever needed in the library, it's good to have something to do during resource. And we also get to our badges because we are a library staff. And I would like to thank Miss roving for sponsoring us. All I wanted to say is that the eighth grade Library, worker program, predates me. This is my 13th year in the, in the harmony library and it's just been a given that we have students running the school. I'm a steward of the space. It's theirs. So thank you.
Thank you so much. I have to say, I was a library worker, too in sixth and seventh grade. Um, and it was I thought it was an honor as well. Um, and I have to say, I really Am so pleased that you guys also have audiobooks and ebooks with your book at badgett program. I'm really appreciative of that. Thank you for making things more accessible to everybody. Board members any other. No. Thank you for your presentation and students, thank you for
coming and presenting at the school board. All right, with that. We will move on to, um, 9.02 Department of teaching and learning recognition for Independence. High School Marching Band presented by Mr. Pearson supervisor of Fine Arts. Thank you very much, Dr. Spence school board members, it's my pleasure and honor. First of all, to be here with these students and so much talent and great teaching. As you saw earlier this year, the Independence High School Marching Band received its highest honor yet, by being crowned, the class 6A state
champions. This is the first time I've had class 6A, that's the largest class while competing in the Virginia marching band Cooperative Championship. They went on later that night to compete against the class champions from each classes, 1 2 3 4 and 5 a, and they won over all of those champions in each of those subgroups. And with that, they earned themselves, the Commonwealth cup for the second, uh, time in a row. They they won it last year as well. So the we, we are a very proud of the work and with that they've been Recognizes the best marching band in the state of Virginia.
I do want to note that uh after that when the band travel to the uh band of America regionals or super regionals in Indianapolis where the Colts play in. Lucas Oil, football stadium and placed 15th out of 90, bands of the, some of the best bands from across the country. The directors of the Independent high school program band are Kyle Harrington over on your right and Mr. Amanda Young. And with us, uh, I want to recognize Samantha Charisse who, who was, uh, at Brambleton middle school and we saw Martin earlier, so thank you for all you do. And the student, we
have some student leaders here. 1 of the things that makes a successful program is the opportunity for leadership and delegating so so many things that go into uh Creed and successful unit of folks together. So uh behind me are Daniel Kim. It's aastra magoula. Alex Heisler, Mitchell Phillips, Jack Vose, Luke nobleman, Marissa beam, Tim adua, Joanne Dia, Andy Joseph Arham, Sahel Michael Wyatt Alexandra CRA and Haley Shore. So thank
you so much for all you do. Thank you. To stop. Is there any way? Sorry I want to see everybody. Yes. Don't look at me. Look at him. All right, everybody. Look here, big smile. Great 1. 2 3. 1 more time and 1, 2 3. for the
representative comments. Tonight, our student School Board. Representative is Lindsay Kim from The Academy of Loudoun and poem Falls High School. Her favorite hobby is dancing and she frequently performs around Northern Virginia with the Hip Hop team. She enjoys cooking, especially Korean. And Japanese Cuisine Lindsay is an executive board member for the Academy SCA, where she works with other SCA representatives to connect the student body, and create diverse events.
Lindsay co-founded a student organization called medical equity in America and serves as an equity ambassador. By interacting with the Loudoun County School Board, Lindsay wants to explore improvements to lcps and education to serve all students equitably. Welcome, Miss Kim and the floor is yours. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Lindsay Kim. And I'm a senior Atomic Falls High School and the academies of Loudoun. I want to start by thanking the board for allowing me the space to speak. At this meeting. The work that you put in
for the students. And the Latin Community is truly important to the well-being and education of the diverse individuals in our school system. I also want to thank Dr, Murphy for working with me on this opportunity, as well as my student council Association, sponsors Miss Whistler, and Miss haltner for giving their all to serving the students best interests. Just as everyone here aims to do. The academy is allowed in is magnet school that composed of students from high school all over the country, with 3, main Pathways Monroe Advanced Technical Academy, the Academy of Science and the Academy of engineering and Technology,
Each pathway has supportive Administration, strong peer of communities and unique robust resources that allow students to excel in their respective fields. Over 70 Academy students qualified to compete at the 2025 lcps, Regional science and engineering fair. In 27 plays in the top 3 in research categories ranging from medicine to machine learning. 5 students from the academies were named finalists for the international science and engineering fair and will take their research projects to the competition in Ohio. last spring at the skills, USA, Virginia state leadership
conference and skills, Championship District robotics, um competition, they won. Sorry. Uh, students in Career and Technical education classes received 13, banners, a gold chapter of excellence and 35 Podium medals, the academy is Rebel Loco won. The Excellence in engineering award at the 2025 Chesapeake District robotics competition and 42 Robo, Loco members met with the 140 Virginia legislators in the second annual Virginia, stem advocacy seminar.
At the 2025 feature medical professionals. Virginia state leadership conference, 45, students. And Health Sciences Pathways placed in the top 5 across 25 categories with 35 Advanced to the international students um conference to present their medical projects and compete in skills. Uh, competitions in Tennessee. These achievements are made possible with proactive teachers teachers counselors Librarians. And other staff members providing consistent support. Our enthusiastic School Community allows any student to feel comfortable with reaching out for extracurricular resources, uh, competitive
career, um opportunities and Equipment required to produce Innovative projects. The student council Association strives to unite the 3 Pathways of our school, as well as the 2 student bodies of the A and B days. We do this by adopting events to run identically on a and b days during common times like lunch and break periods, when all Pathways can interact. We also try to incorporate the talents of our school in Sea events, For example, graphic communication. Students designed Spring, Dance tickets, and decorations and academies, cultural associations, host, activities and food tastings during our March Multicultural Fair.
We also work hard to demonstrate appreciation for every uh category of Staff in our school rallying students and sea members to foster a closer connection between staff and students. Our unconventional School structure motivates students to be flexible and Innovative always looking to improve and diversify the academy showcases, the great minds and dreams that exist throughout the district, witnessing interactions from International achievements to classroom activities. I think the board and Dr. Spence for considering all of that in
county in their decision-making. And I also thank all the staff in this room who helped create a safe efficient environment, um, for learning, please continue to keep students at the center of your decisions and help. Lcps day at the Forefront of Education by upholding. The needs of the students as the world changes. Thank you. Thank you, Miss. Thank you so much, Miss Kim for being here, and for your and for your comments. Um, we'll now move on to April, uh, item 11, uh,
superintendent's appointment report presented by Dr. Aaron Spence our superintendent Dr. Smiths. Thank you madam chair and it is as always my pleasure to share some good news from around the school division. First, if I could ask Derek Reno to stand up for us, Uh Mr. Rino has been named the next principal of Mountain View Elementary School. Most recently, Mr. Mr. Rosino was the principal of sickle and Creek Elementary School position. He has held since 2012 previously, he was assistant principal at Sterling
elementary school. He started his career as a teacher at false Bluff Elementary. Mr. Rosino has a bachelor's degree from Sunni at Courtland in elementary education and a master's in educational Administration from shenoda University and we'd like to congratulate and welcome Mr. Rino to his new role. Congratulations. MSA pleased to note that the loud and international Summit held during the week of March 24th. Showcased an incredible display of student leadership. This student-driven event brought together 19, International delegations and lcps. Students to engage in meaningful discussions on cultural
exchange sustainability and Global challenges through collaborative, workshops, interactive displays and innovative solutions, our students demonstrated their ability to think globally and act, locally their passion, creativity and commitment to fostering understanding of across. Cultures is truly inspiring, and I also want to acknowledge the expertise collaboration and dedication that went into organizing such a significant event, especially to the teachers and staff at Dominion Loudoun Valley Parkview Rock Ridge and Woodgrove High Schools. Thank you. For for providing a platform for students to Showcase
projects addressing Global challenges through local action. Next, last Friday, and Saturday Parkview, High School in lcps, student leaders hosted, the 98th, annual Virginia, student council Association Convention more than 500 student leaders from around the state participated in this event, which featured opportunities for SCA delegates, to learn from each other and to grow their leadership skills. Freedom, High School, senior Ansley would, who served as the vsca president, for the past year and Park View. Senior
Ashlyn Strayer who served as the VCA vice president. Welcome to participants to the Convention. I also had the pleasure of attending the opening session and I enjoyed witnessing, the energy of so many student leaders from around the state. Preparing to come together to share, learn, and celebrate, and many thanks to all of the schools that participated and the staff that supported this event. This winter staff students and the community participated in the design process for the Waterford, Elementary renovation and addition project. The project will provide
additional classroom space. Dedicated art and music classrooms support space. A gym with a stage and renovation of the existing building the division of construction services with Consulting. Architect, horde, Copeland mocked has hosted. Several sessions to collect input on the project in February Waterford, Elementary students from all grades created, scaled designs for the project and the students shared the importance of the site tography Acoustics, grade level interaction and Incorporated outdoor play. They developed some amazing designs which both helped
our Architects and enhance their awareness of space and space usage. Congratulations. Also to the incredible students who competed in this year's Loudoun County, Regional spelling bee held on March 26th at lightridge high school, all 30, participants, demonstrated, impressive, dedication and skill, making it an exciting event. A special congratulations to our champion via tonal tonala. A seldon's Landing Elementary School student for his outstanding performance via now moves on to the annual
Scripps National Spelling Bee in late May in National Harbor. Good luck to vth and congratulations to all of the students who competed in this Regional events. We are pleased to note that Wolf Trap foundation for the Performing Arts has awarded grants worth up to 5,000 to 3 lcps. Teachers green Fox the director at pmic Falls. High School, Kristen Fern band, director at Mercer Middle School and Chelsea Holmes. The school String, orchestra director at Sterling Middle School.
All of these, uh, teachers received grants to support for Performing Arts students for their, uh, experiences for their students. These teachers are among 14 teachers at public and middle high schools, in Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC that received these grants and all grantees in their students will be invited to participate in a day of learning at Wolf Trap on April, the 28th. And then finally this month shine Award winner is George Ann Owens. A school bus driver for Trailside middle. Miss Owens was nominated by a Trailside student, who shared that
that. Miss Owen supports the students on our bus by helping them, find the supports when they need it. And stated that she sees Miss Owens, not only as a bus driver, but as a friend and trusted adult, shine which stands for spotlighting Heroes and education is a joint lcps and loud and Education Foundation initiative to recognize lcps, staff members who go above and beyond in supporting our students and our community members of our lcps community, including other staff members. Students and parents are invited to nominate lcps staff, who shine these award, recipients receive a gift worth $500, coordinated by
the loud and Education Foundation. Congratulations to Miss Owens and Madam chair, that concludes my report. Thank you, Dr. Smith, I mean Dr. Smith, Dr. Spence, gosh. I don't even know where that came from. Um, All right, uh, we will move on to item 12 public comment. um, 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 the 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 2 minutes 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 shall maintain civility, decorum, and respect for the functioning and dignity of the school board at all times. Please remain seated. Unless arriving departing speaking at the podium or during a break. Violations of Civility, decorum and respect include
shouting, heckling jeering Applause or other noise which disrupts or delays. The meeting obstructing speakers from being able to see the school board and vice versa, interrupting speakers, attempting to speak when not called to do. So by the chair and approaching a speaker or otherwise attempting to intimidate, disparage, or distract a speaker staff member or other meeting attendees. speakers should refrain from vulgarity obscenities defamation profanity or other like breaches of respect nor
may talk, May speakers Target criticize or attack individual students and or individual division employees during public comment. as a reminder School Board policy 2520 states start, that 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 individual student or
employee related matter not to be shared at public meetings where the disclosure could violate applicable confidentiality requirements. Speaker should face the day as and direct their comments to the school board for lcps policy. 2520 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 remainder of the meeting. Repeated or persistent violations of decorum or civility by
the audience, may result. In, on the decision of the chair public comment being tabled until a later point in meetings 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 offer 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. And we have no virtual public comments today. So we will start with our in-person public comments. The first 1 is Cooper Burns. Followed by Santosh minnows. Okay, we'll move on to Santos, minnows, followed by
Christine Spinosa. Good evening, and thank you for the opportunity. My name is Santosh Munoz. And I come, uh, here today to talk about the school renaming initiative. My daughter went to Mercer Middle School and to this day when she hears the name of Mercer. She has an adverse reaction to it. He has been seeing a therapist about this and other issues. But to be specific, it's not actually the name that
triggers her. But the bad experience is that she experienced what she was a student there. Renaming. The school seems to be, uh, for me and taxpayers a wasteful. Uh, Event. Uh, we know benefit tangible to students faculty or the taxpayers. I implore you to reconsider this course of action and refocus your attention to solutions to the issues. Like the ones that created the bad memories from my dear daughter. And apply resources to the fundamentals of security
well-being of our students well-being. Both mentally and academically. 1 of such items at no cost to lcps, could be the conversation or training on possible bystander actions for from students and teachers, basically, what I mean by that is if, uh, if you see something, say something Bottom line that I want to uh leave you is this initiative presents itself as a personal virtual signaling? Uh this
regarding your responsibility as elected officials to be good stewards of the taxpayers' money. Uh, I implore you, please reconsider and do a 180 on this initiative and keep the main thing, the main thing and that is the fundamentals of education and the well-being of our students. Thank you so much for this opportunity and God bless. Thank you. Christine Spinosa, followed by Jonathan raida. Good evening. I'm Christine Spinosa. I teach high school
math at Belmont Ridge. Middle School. And I made the decision to transfer to loudin county in 2004 from Fairfax County. I made that decision specifically because of the health care that you offered for retirees. In the time that I've been in Loudoun County, I've lost over 140,000 dollars in potential salary by transferring to Loudoun County from Fairfax. We've had 6 years where our salaries have been frozen and never adjusted. I've taught over 2,000 students in this time and work
countless hours outside of contract hours to provide the absolute best instruction that I can for my students. At the time of my impending retirement, you've decided to pull the rug from out from under me. The fact that you are naming this as choice and flexibility is wrong. what you're trying to do is cover is cya the fact that you did not appropriately fund the correct Insurance, uh, for the retirees and those of us who will be retiring and hit
Honor your promise to staff. Don't change the health care. Thank you. Uh, Jonathan raido followed by Tim rush. Good evening. Um, I am a Loudoun County, resident Loudoun County, voter taxpayer, and a Loudoun County Public School teacher. And I am also here to talk about the proposed changes to retiree Healthcare benefits. Um, I will admit that I'm still wrapping my head around the details of the new proposal. Concerning retiree health coverage. But from what I
understand under the proposal retirees, age, 65 or older can either join the Medicare Advantage Plan offered by lcps or except 400 dollars to spend on the healthcare option of their choice each month. I hope I have that right. Everyone I know who is over. 65 has both Medicare and supplemental health insurance to cover the gaps in their Medicare Plan. With this in mind, 400 per month seems woefully inadequate to cover. Seniors Healthcare needs.
Many teachers, myself included have turned down the opportunity to make significantly more money in the private sector in order to give back to their community. In return, we were promised a solid pension and stable health care after we retire. Please honor this commitment to your teachers and lcps staff, and raise the $100 amount considerably or reconsider, the plan, in its entirety. Thank you. Thank you. Tim rush followed by dust mccreedy.
Good evening. Uh, I'm Tim rush from Leesburg, a 40-year County resident, part-time historian. I strongly urge you to keep the name of Mercer on the Mercer Middle School. I've written a memorandum on the historical issues involved, which you, which I've left with the public information officer for you, and I'll summarize that at tomorrow's public input session. I address you now on a procedural matter, which I believe relevant to your deliberations.
When you hear later, the report of the chair of the ad hoc committee on the renaming of the Mercer School. Meredith Ray. She will report 3 suggest names which will not include that of Mercer. This does not accurately reflect the sentiment of the committee. In the December 19th. Vote. Only 15 of the committee's for 24 members were present. In a straw vote to narrow the possible names. There were 8 votes for Gum Springs. 5 for Mercer and 1 each for John Mercer Langston in Stone
Ridge. When ranked voting was applied, the order was the same and mercies name should have been forwarded to you as 1 of the Instead, there was an intervention, in the voting procedure was switched to 1 of majority vote. For each name. This was not done in the Hazel Reed voting. I understand. So, even though Hazel reads name didn't get the most votes, it was duly included in the 3 to you. In the Mercer case, the bare majority of 8 was determined
to block the Mercer name and did so. The 5 advisory. I bring this up not to ask for any redress of the unfairness of the switch in the procedure, but to Simply urge the board to recognize that retaining. The Mercer name was the sentiment of a substantial number of members of the committee, as well as a majority sentiment of the broader public as in Thank you, Mr. Rush. Thank you. Um, dust McCree followed by Eric Sutton.
Okay, Eric Sutton followed by Todd Fielding. Todd Fielding followed by Aaron krumpos. Hello everybody. Uh, my name is Todd fielding and I'm a teacher at farmwell Station Middle School. And I'm on the Len, Education Association board of directors. Please, please preserve the retiree health benefits for allowing County Public School staff. Do not go from a full coverage situation to a partial funded situation or a credit. These dedicated Educators and support Personnel have devoted
their careers to shaping the future of our children. Providing our community with the foundation for Success. After Decades of hard work, these individuals deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing there will be taken care of, in their retirement years. We can afford to do this as shown in our recently touted fully funded budget Retiree health benefits are not just a promise. They represent a commitment to honoring. Those who have served with Excellence by ensuring these benefits, remain intact.
We demonstrate our respect and appreciation for their sacrifices and contributions. It is vital to recognize the long-term impact these decisions will have not only on retirees but on the continued Recruitment and Retention of talented professionals who are essential to the success of Loudoun County Public Schools. I was surprised to see the cut proposed cut after a fully funded budget, unless it was never intended to preserve, unless it was never intended to preserve this benefit in the first place.
If this benefit is maintained, it is a way to attract future hires. Let us stand together and preserve. These benefits ensuring that those who dedicate themselves to our children's Futures. Can retire with the dignity and care. They truly preserve. Thank you for your time. And uh, thank you for your service. Thank you. Aaron krumplis followed by Chris Countryman. Hi, my name is Aaron crumbliss and I'm here to talk to you about the grading policy and to ask you to support the
Amendments. That mission enough is going to put forward, but also ask you to realize that that's not the end of this. There's more that needs to be done to this policy. Um, I did a little bit of digging into the data that I have been keeping track of myself, and in the last 3 years, I had 2,817 tests qualified to be retaken. That that's a lot. I then went and looked at just for this year so far. Um what would that be in total for my classes? And how would
that change? If the cap was dropped? um, For my research chemistry class. So these are honors level students. If the cap was dropped to a 75, the number of retakes that I would give for that class would be, um, 77% lower. it would be 83% lower if it was a 70, just showing that a lot of those kids are falling into that 70 to 80 range. Who who, if they studied the first time and knew that that was chance. They would, they would do it. And I could remediate
those ones who really needed the help. Who, right now, I don't have time to sit with them because I'm making tests, remaking tests, we giving tests regrading tests. In my APN declass, I have unique situation because my de students cannot retake their exams. And in total this year so far, my de class has had 100 and 10 retakes where my AP class had 223. So almost double the number of retakes between those 2 classes being given the same tests 1 with 1 expectation and 1 with another
And again, my AP class, um, it would only drop 27%. If we went down to a 74, where my de class would drop 31% showing that if you hold them to high expectations, they achieve the high expectations. If you allow them to be average or get by, thank you. Um, Chris kenman followed by Matt O'Donnell. Good evening. Today was a historic day for Loudoun, County
Public Schools lcps. And Leah came together today at the collective bargaining table And I am sad to say, we fell short of the goal. But tonight, I want to address retirement Healthcare. I'd like to thank lcps for the challenge to learn about Medicare. I consider myself a lifelong learner and I'm pretty sure I have already met my quota for the next 2 and a half years in the last 2 weeks. I'd like to thank the board though for delaying the vote, as a school board member, you have an obligation to understand the consequences of your vote. Everything I have
seen so far has been focused on the changes with no data provided on the impact to employees. Leah is working with Medicare professionals to compile data to not only help you with the vote but also educate employees on what these changes mean to them and a transparent manner as should have already happened. Promise was made to employees hired before 2013, life decisions have already been made based on this promise. Some of these decisions are as simple as when they should
retire, but other decisions were far more complicated such as spouses giving up, employment opportunities, to stay at lcps for these long term benefits. I'm greatly troubled. By a letter that was sent out yesterday to employees. The Heading said, just the facts. and the very first line I quote, Lcps is transitioning to a new retiree Health reimbursement,
reimbursement, Arrangement or RH plan as of 126. Apparently lcps staff either feels your vote doesn't matter or that they have given you. No choice. But to support this change. and finally, how did we get here? Hold, whoever is responsible. Accountable employees deserve it. Thank you. Matt O'Donnell followed by Mike Thorton. As a liberal. And a Democrat, I'm here to defend Frances
Hazel Reid. As a Democrat, I'm a little skeptical that some of you are in the same party as me. This is a vastly unpopular decision. You don't have the support of the people. I spoke to the majority of elected officials in and around lburg and I guess you forgot to ask for their support too because it doesn't seem that you have it. Teachers, won't talk to me, 1 way or another. They are so terrified of being labeled a racist by a radical part of my party. and,
Voting, the Thursday will hurt Democrats. If you change that hr's name, it will cost us votes in November. If you rename franchises will read. 100%. I will seek remedies in the Circuit Court through judicial review. I will do it. I I don't understand the political suicide. I just don't. You know. Oh, I thought I had a minute. Um, The only other thing I wanted to let you guys know is your
superintendent is currently denying foyer request using uh working papers exception. So last time I checked, he's not a governor. He's not a state senator, he's not a delegate and that's probably illegal. So when I go to court, I'm gonna kill 2 birds with 1 Stone. Make good choices. Thank you. Mike Thorton followed by Sandy Sullivan. Bored Spence Thornton teacher, 9 years grading policy. Before I forget, because I'm afraid I'm going to cut this
off at the end. We want to talk to you guys. I know that this is up for review in another year. I don't expect large changes to happen. Now I get that we're teachers, we want to educate you on what's happening with the grading policy in our schools, specifically the high school level, because it's a big deal. Um, Aaron was up earlier and she talked a lot about what is happening in terms of teachers all, that's right. Um, what do I have here? The 3 things that we normally do is we're planning teaching assessing and Rating the amount of assessing and Grading that we're doing is ridiculous with the policy. We have to do everything
twice and before you go not, everyone's retaking twice you're right, but if we want to make good assessments work, again, we need to make completely new assessments, that means 2 copies of everything. In the midst of doing that, what we're cutting back on is planning and planning, is where Innovation is occurring. It's where we're supposed to be doing differentiation where we're supposed to make sure that we have education. Equitable to all of our students, that is what is getting cut from our time because we need to focus on assessing and Grading and assessing and Grading. Um, students, let's look
at students, um, I have 2 3 groups. Maybe, we'll see what we get through. Um, AP students that I teach the most common thing. I see that this is holding against them. Is they get stuck in a treadmill? They do poorly on an assessment, they want to retake it, they want to retake it. They're now stuck in the past unit which means they can't focus on this unit, which means they're going to do poorly on this unit, which means they're going to go ahead and have to retake and this is going to happen over and over and over again. They get stuck, we can't get them to move on. Um, my students that
struggle with my students that are in science because they need their Advanced diploma, they're sitting there putting everything off until the end because they can and they're waiting. So they're not actually accessing the content, This is great because they're teenagers and we know that teenagers are really good about thinking about long-term consequences and not dealing with immediate gratification, right? No, this is not the fault of the students. They actually don't have the physical ability to do this and make these decisions. We are making them do this because they have that lack of decision-making skill.
Thank you so much. Have a great day. We want to talk to you. Thank you. Uh, in the last public comment is uh Sandy Sullivan. Good evening. Questions. Must be answered, impacts must be understood. The impact the proposed changes to healthcare retiree benefits has sent retirees and employees who will be retiring in the near future in the confusion, fear, and anger. Proposals have been made without school board members, being given the information, they need to fully understand
the need for these changes and the impacts of these proposals, the proposals have been made without retirees and employees nearing retirement, being given the information, they need to fully understand the need for these changes and the impacts of these proposals School board members. When making decisions you must be informed and you need to receive input from stakeholders. Stakeholder input had to be reactionary as this took us and You by surprise. Time is needed. So you the school board can understand the
impacts your employees rely on you to be fully to fully understand the impacts of your decisions before you make your decisions and take your vote, no matter how seemingly large or small, those decisions are I'm pleased to say that over 100 retirees attended Miss shernoff town hall to express their concerns yesterday. Time is needed for us retirees and employees. So we can understand the impacts and provide and provide feedback to you. School board members. Take the time you need to make a
decision. School board members ensure that your employees current and past understand the impacts of these proposed life-altering changes. Thank you. and with that we'll end public comment typically we have a break but um I think we could push on is that Is that all right? Thumbs up. Yes. Push on. Okay. All right, we will start with item, 13 action item, curriculum and instruction committee revisions to policy 5030 assessment and Grading presented by Lauren. Shernoff
cni committee chairman off to you have A base motion. It is my pleasure to bring the base motion for policy. 530 tonight, I move that the lden County School Board. Adopt the curriculum and instruction committees approved. Revision of policy, 5030 assessment and Grading for implementation on August 21st, 2025. I have a motion. Do I have a second? Second, I have a second by Vice chair. Donna Hugh. Um, is there any discussion?
Go ahead. I was going to let her speak to a motion. But go ahead, Dr. Dean go ahead, Dr. Dean go ahead. It is my I'm a member of the of the curriculum and instruction committee as well. And it is my concern that we are not trusting the process that we have previously approved. Our process is that we send it out for public comment, we let senior staff. Uh, summarize those that public comment
and bring it back to us. For us to reduce. A student's ability to get any no more than a 75 on his, or her retake to me is punishment. And I don't think that we're in the, in the in the in the job of punishing students. We are in the, we should be in the job of guidance students and leading them, um, we could correct.
Um, some of the retakes by adding a part C to section 5 on the line 172 where we would say that would be only be 1 rhetorical. Process that we've already put in place for our policy revisions. Dr. Deans did you make a motion or? Well, first of all, can you tell me what line you were on on the red line? On the regular 1, I was on line 17 at 2 I'd have to find it
it on the red line 172. Okay. Oh look, I got it. Yeah. um, my motion would be to let the grading policy go forward as given to us by our process. And vote only on what the process has given to us versus making additional adjustments. That would result that would result in punishment. Okay. I don't I I think that's the motion that's already on the floor right now. Um, so I
don't know that we need a motion because that's already. We haven't changed anything yet. The amendment hasn't have an amendment. Hasn't been okay? Given quite yet. Okay, which brings me to miss chernoff? Okay. Thank you, madam chair. Um, and Thank you, Dr. Dean's I before we, when I'm speaking to the base motion, I I'm very grateful for the conversation that we had. Last time, I think we've had good dialogue around this. Um, and I do respectfully disagree about it being a punishment. I think setting, high expectations for students
is never a punishment. It is an opportunity for them to rise and I know that they will. And with that, I would like to make an amendment to the base motion. I am I Move that on the red line. Version lines, 350 and 360 that we change the 80% to 75%. Second. Hold on. Um, MRNA can you tell me what line that's on its clean or red red? Okay, let me go back to Red Line version. Isn't that right?
Line 350. Yes. Okay. 350 and 360. It's mentioned twice, 350 and 360. Okay, I have a motion on the floor to reduce the online's uh, 350 and 360 to 75. Do I have a second second second, I have a second by. Uh, Dr. Rasheed, is there any discussion? I have some discussion.
so I, um, I have to thank the teacher who, um, sent me some of the data. and um, I was looking at it from unit to unit, um, and an 80% floor. for this or I guess it's a an 80% is the place where you would take a retake um, it would, it looks like I mean from unit to unit There was anywhere from 63% retake.
To uh 74% retake. That is a lot of retakes. um, 75%, it was anywhere from 20% to 40% and 70% floor, for retakes was anywhere from 8%. To 20%. so, I have a, um, I'm going to make an amendment to the amendment because I think that's just way too much.
Um, I think that it stops time for mtss to happen. I think it stops time for special education intervention to happen. Because they are too busy doing this, making retakes and testing. And then grading the tests as opposed to focusing on our struggling, readers and writers and people who the kids who really need it. um, I know I'm gonna I, I don't know that it's punitive, I think that it is um,
Reality right now. So I would like to make a motion to, um, decrease that floor from 75 to 70. Do I that's an amend the amendment? Do I have a second second? I have a second by, um, uh, Miss LaBelle So that's the floor for what we have. Um, so is there any discussion? Yeah. Um, Mr. Griffith do I need to discuss your particular Amendment
mine first? Yeah. Okay. I just wanted to add something after that's fine. I'll, I'll wait. if you want me to wait, I'll Now's the Time for discussion. Okay. Now's the Time for discussion. Okay, I appreciate everything you're doing and I know, teachers appreciate it, too. So, thank you so much. Um, I don't think I, I think going down to 70% is great, um, but I did want to, uh, mention that there should be a more of a focus on extra credit. A limiting that would eliminate retakes buy extra credit. Um, I had recommended
this, that if when we had the uh, school days, um, due to snow that kids that maybe um that are falling behind. Maybe do extra credit. And I realize that extra credit is In the policy but it's not consistent. Um, I have talked to teachers at several schools and not every school offers extra credit. So, um, next time, I'm, I'm not saying we to do this. Now this is not an amendment, but my suggestion suggestion is more consistency on the extra credit. Um,
that will definitely need to be implemented whether and and and I know it's in the policy, but, um, I'm hoping teachers can offer that more rather than having retakes that would take a lot off their plate. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Griffith um yes Dr. Deans Students even given an opportunity to retake s so when they fail them. Uh, so why couldn't they retake, um, a summative assessment? Not the formative ones, but the summative ones,
um, I think that it does not always involve the teacher having to reteach the information, but it would give the child an opportunity to relearn that that they have missed the gaps that they have missed. In that classroom teaching is teaching and assessing Reteaching and reassessing. So therefore it is within the
job description, Unwritten that a teacher would give a retake for that that can be restrictions as I said, but that they teach you would get would Reit and retest on any topic that a child did not did not learn students learn at different Paces at different At different rates. And therefore student, a might have learned it all the first time, the teacher taught it, but teacher B might need it. Retort and use different words for
that teacher, for that student, B, to learn the data teaching is teaching reteaching, testing, retesting, or assessing reassessing. I I, I still hold firm. That it is punitive to have a child to take the time for that 1 Retweets to, I'll do my Amendment over for that 1.
to retake and improve his or her learning as well as his or her. Testing ability. So we have so right now it's just that floor that we're talking about the 8075 or 70. Mine was 70 at this point, the amend the amendment and then, if you want to make another amendment on top of after we go back up to add what you were thinking about. Um, I guess the, um, The uh, only ability to take 1 Rhett. Is that what you
were? You could add that under Section 5, okay? So that's another, that would be another amendment on top. So this is just a discussion for this particular 70%. Yes, Miss LaBelle. Thank you, madam chair. I'd like to just a few things that um, Dr. Dean has said, first of all, a child that has gotten 70 or above has not failed to thing. That's average, I repeat that average.
Secondly, SOS are retaking B because students have done poorly have not passed the SOS. Now to prepare the student for retakes of SOS. They are pulled from classes and taught specifically what they need to know for the SOS just before they retake them, pulling the student from the class for so remediation does not interrupt the rest of the class, the
teacher and the class. Keep on going and they are pulled out by teachers who are specifically identified to help retake s o LS so that does not interrupt the classroom. SOS are important to retake because if you don't pass your SOS, you don't get a So in that case, of course we want them to have as many opportunities as possible and you can retake your SOS 5 times every time it is a different test the same. Um,
Specific areas are retested. But not with the same questions. It is a totally different tests and they can retake it 5 times. So that's important. But as I said, the most important thing is that the child or student? Who gets a 70 hasn't failed anything. If it's less than that, it's in an area that needs Improvement that I can qualify saying, yes, we need to reteach that to this student, and allow him another
opportunity to show that he can progress again. I stress that we need to stretch the children's ability to learn to study because these are things they're going to need when they go to college or when they go out in the real world, if they have to learn a new skill to a certain degree of Competency, they will have to Stretch and do it, or they won't have that job. So we need to teach them to, go ahead and stretch themselves. Learn as
much as you can do better, not just say, Okay, poor thing, we'll let you do it again. That's not teaching. Okay. So I will have to say that I'm not a believer in retaking SOS unless you're in high school and the only reason you would retake it is really for accountability purposes. Um and for, you know, to graduate however for me, SOS are the basic minimum understanding Basic, it's not Advanced, it's not anything else, it's not
even average, it's lower than that. Basic so, um, Yes, Dr. Rashid just a quick question uh, to piggy back off, what? Um, well to ask what Miss label had mentioned when you and out of curiosity. When a student I guess you say fails. So I'll do they have to retake it. And when they, when they remediate or retake it, do they lose class time for that. Dr. Spence do you want to answer that? I mean I would answer yet but It do they do they lose class time for retaking these assessments currently or any class remediation for SOS?
Well, sometimes. Yes, for remediation, we there may be at times when students are pulled out to do additional remediation, sometimes that may be done in class so it can happen multiple ways. and if there are retakes, Yes, students who are retaking the S so will miss class time that's post so class time. And as, you know, there are ongoing conversations about what occurs in that, um, in that time. But for sure, they will miss that class time. Thank you.
Yes, Mr. Stray Thank you, madam chair. Um, I just wanted to add a prospective, I think I alluded to in my feedback, um, in our last meeting. but, and I'm speaking for myself, but I think as a, as a board we have tried to Um, use all of the levers that we have available as a school board, including, um, Flexible Staffing increasing Staffing, ratios focusing on Specialized positions. Um, all of the mechanisms we have in our budget, uh, to improve our
School Division. Um, yet, this policy is an opportunity for us to address the issues that are inside the classroom. And that is the way we ask our students to show up for the learning. Um, it is also the obstacles that are in the way of our teachers and our educators. and so I do support, um, The 75%. I think that it is a good start to us looking at the data and looking into the policy further I am you know
know, hearing the data that uh chair Mansfield presented, I think there is a case in a, a strong argument for revising it to 70%. I don't know that. I'm there just yet. um, but I think it is important that we, um, reduce what's been talked about as a cycle for our students and our teachers in terms of, um, these assessments and the retakes. um, and asking more from our students, the first go around so that um, they can Master the content and then we give
space to our Educators to differentiate the learning versus just focusing on the retakes and the assessments. Um, I think this will help to put balance back into the classroom from that regard in that regard. So Those are just my feedback is. This go go around on the policy. Revision collect data, try to understand the impact inside the classroom and uh focus on the 75%. Thank you, Mr. Strefy. Yeah. Uh, Dr. Dans I'm going to
allow Miss Chandler to go since you've talked twice and then 1 more time and then we'll we'll continue on. Um, thank you, madam chair. I I, uh, as I reflect on these changes, um, I I didn't end up in this process where I thought I would, and I, as I said at the last meeting, I am very open to making this change and I am grateful for the the opportunity that we have to uh, reintroduce or reaffirm accountability. I do think the work, our students do at at school should be
Progressive and they should be always working towards whatever is coming next. Um, that said Oddly enough. I was thinking back on the cell phone policy today, in my conversation, with Miss shernoff, and it's a big change. This is a big change for our students and and I find that I'm definitely comfortable with the 75. Um but I would probably be more comfortable with the 70 after we tried it out for a little bit and that is something that we've discussed in terms of this policy.
Letting it change letting everybody get used to the change and then reassessing what's working and what's not working. And I I find that I would be more open to that 70% at that time. Thank you. All right Dr. Dean Most or much of the instruction takes place by way of uh, guided practice on the Chromebooks. so, the student could Re study or Reit him or herself?
Without. The teacher doing a lot of reteaching. and when teachers make their tests, At the beginning of the unit, make 2 tests. For each summative, not formative. But for each summative, because, you know, you may have a student who's going to retest. It's not like you got to come up with that second test. It's the same cont content. So I I think, I think again, we are leaving
No. A all the accountability on the student, and no accountability to the teacher. Who is there for the purpose of making sure that each student every student learns. The content. Thank you, Dr. Deans um, okay, so the motion on the floor is 70%. Um, whereas, Okay. Um, All right, we'll just go ahead and take the vote, I guess.
Yes Mr. Bell are we still in discussion? This is for 70. This is for 70. all right, um, All right, would you please? Um, correct. Please open the vote. Board members, please record your vote. Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes. um, with, uh Dr. Dean's Mr. Strefy Dr. Rasheed in opposition and um,
Miss Chandler, uh, absent for the vote. okay, so then that goes that Is not 75 and that's not 80. Is there. Uh, so now we can take another Moe and Amendment for this policy. If anybody yes, miss chernoff, you have another amendment that. Oh, so this is back to the base motion as amended, so We have another amendment. Thank you, madam chair. I move that on the red line version on line, 399. After the words
college or university, we add a sentence that says the floor of 50% will not apply to advanced placement courses. I have a motion from Miss chernoff. Do I have a second second? I have a second by uh, Vice chair. Donna Hugh. Uh, is there any actually, uh, Miss Sharon off? Would you like to speak to your motion? Thank you, madam chair. Um, again, I alluded to this last meeting, I with dual enrollment courses that are aligned to
the university standards. They do not have a 50% floor. I feel similarly that the advanced placement courses also should not. I think with the changes that we just adopted with 70% for retakes, I think that that should help alleviate, um, the rest of it. So, I'm going to stick with it, just at for AP courses, and I did take IB out because of the certain requirements of that program, that it also has. So just advanced placement, Okay, yes, Dr. Deans doing that means that all students are not
Being treated equitably, not equally but equitably. So, I disagree with removing uh, either AP or IB. Thank you, Dr. Dean anybody else. Any other discussion? Yes, Miss Leal. Uh, I agree with removing AP. So many students enter into AP. Not understanding the rigor that it requires and we have to pay for them to take the tests at the end of the year. And
if they are not getting better than 50, they shouldn't be in an AP class. Thank you, Miss label. Any other discussion. Seeing none, we will go ahead and vote on. Uh Mr. NOS Amendment for the 50, uh, 50% floor being taken away for AP Is that correct? Yes. Okay. Uh, Clerk, please open the vote. Board members, please record your vote.
Clerk, please close and display the vote. And that motion passes with Dr. Dean and 8 to 1 with Dr. Dean in opposition. Um, and so, now, we're back to, we have amended it twice base motion amended twice and we will um, vote on that. But is there any other any other amendments? Seeing now we can uh, vote on the base motion as amended by those 2 amendments. Clerk, please open the vote. Board members, please record your vote.
Clerk, please close and display the oh she already did um 7 to 2 with. Um, Dr. Dean's and Dr. Rasheed in opposition. All right. Moving on to the next 1. Uh, we are back to information items and we got to what 14.06 last time I believe or were on 07. Is that correct? Okay. So 14.07 Department of teaching and learning Carl D,
Perkins Career, and Technical education grant funding application presented by Michael Grubbs. Director and of Career Technical and adult education. Oh, and it looks like Mr. Slavin too. Thank you, chair Mansfield. So I'm joined by Dr. Grubs here tonight to present our 2526 Perkins plan. Um, Dr. Grubs will go into details of what is included in the plan. But prior to that,
we appreciate the opportunity to bring present this as an information item. Can I get the next slide? There you go. Thank you. So, the Perkins plan is a federal support for CTE programming focusing on, improving academic, and Technical achievement of our CTE Learners it, strengthens the connections between secondary and post-secondary opportunities in improves accountability for our CTE programs Within lcps. It is a state formula grant. Um, fund under Title 1, our basic state grants, and school systems can use this. These
funds to supplement, but not supplant, local funding, and it cannot be used for consumable items. Dr. Grubs is going to talk us through what we're currently using Perkins plan for this school year and then contrast that with the plan that we are proposing going into next school year and then we'd be available for any questions. Thank you, Mr. Sleven, greeting, uh, Dr. Spence greeting, uh, Madame chair. Greeting school board members. If we could advance to the next slide, Thank you. Um, so as Mr. Sleven shared, I'm going to talk a little about our 25 or 2425 Perkins plan. Uh we funded 2
positions, so roughly uh 30% of our budget uh was for 2 individuals. 1 was for a specialist for a Career and Technical education 1 was for our hamsai resource teacher. We also supported Career Technical student organization competition travel. Uh, those Perkins funds have to be used with a focus on special populations so we can only support advisors that are traveling uh for ctso competitions that are also supporting special populations. Just so those are students that are English language, Learners special
education. Um, even students that are non-traditional meaning males and cosmetology or females and Engineering. We've also used 2425 Perkins funds for training for teachers siphons for professional learning uh and Equipment Improvement. However, halfway through the school year, we did not need the amount of funding for our 2 positions. So we did do an amendment in Spring of 2025. And we shift that for school-based and program needs things like upgrades for classrooms, um, in additional professional learning for our teachers.
For 2526. We're thinking about our Perkins funds a little bit differently, um, through the work of Mr. Sleven in the department of teaching and learning we leverage system, resources to reduce the need for our positions. If we could go back 1 slide, thank you. Um so I think with that ultimately means, is that more of the funds are growing directly to our programs, our teachers, and our students uh rather than FTS and positions. Uh, as we look at 2526, we are funding 1/3 of
our budget for program Improvement. We have a lot of needs in our classrooms, a lot of Aging equipment, 1/3 for professional learning much of that is mandatory like our Project Lead the Way training for our teachers to access curriculum and 1 third for strategic initiatives. Uh we're looking to do more K to 12 Career Development and Outreach uh more special population, resources and support. We look forward to partnering with our special education office English language, Learners office, um, and other lcps offices. And then looking at opportunities for supporting
program Improvement moving forward. So looking a little bit differently about how we use our Perkins funds moving forward. Uh timeline December to March our ctae team has reviewed Stern. Uh student and Industry data, soliciting input from stakeholders and program needs uh March. We spent time drafting our Perkins 2526, local application. Uh, we're here tonight to submit to the school board for review April. We will submit for review to our uh advisory Council. In Northern Virginia, Community College, for
review, April 29th, we're hoping to submit to the D, Virginia Department of Education for approval, may we will likely get revisions and feedback from the state and then July 1st spending Authority. 1 thing that I do want to note, is that the budget in front of you is based on, um, this year's allocation we do not have our allocation for next year yet. So you could see a budget increase or decrease as we find out what our 2526 allocation looks like. But the state advised us to use this year's uh Perkins funding to plan for next school year.
Next slide. Questions. so at this point, we are open for feedback or any questions the board may have Thank you very much for your presentation, um, board members. Do you have any Questions. Discussion. No. I knew you would miss the Bell. Of course, I will miss the Bell. I want to know um or confirm that if we don't receive federal funding that is Perkins fund, correct?
Yes, that is correct. Okay, thank you. Any other discussion? Questions. I guess no questions. Um, so is this something that we should, uh, That we need to put on. Either a consent or action next time. Yes, we are seeking to have an approved by the end of April. So consent or action would be the next step, okay? Board members. Can I get a thumbs up to place this as consent? All right, that's unanimous. Go to consent. Oh what? Oh,
never mind. Okay. It should go to action next time. Um, April 22nd, this will go to action. Okay, 14, thank you very much for your presentation. 14.08 finance and operations committee revision of policy. 6530 changing School, attendance zones presented by arban, strefy chair, finance and operations committee. Thank you, madam chair. Uh, policy 6530 changing School, attendance zones was first brought to fno committee on February 18th. Um, the policy was brought with
Proposed revisions that would clarify, the different attendance zone. Change processes specifically um just pulling in elements of the regulation into the policy and adding clarifying language. Um it was also to capture revisions required by the USDA related to the provision of socioeconomic data of school populations. Um, that could previously be provided by attendance Zone. Um, and the, the changes to the policy, um, removed the ability
to acquire to provision that data based on attendance Zone, um, per the USDA. Uh, the committee also moved forward with the proposed changes along with an amendment offered by chair Mansfield to the policy that would require a comprehensive review of all School attendance zones, at least every 5 years. Um and so you will see those changes in the red line version uh of the policy in front of you. Um I'll also pass it to Mr. Lewis in case he would like to add any further context. if he is with us,
Thank you, Mr. Strefy. Um, I was getting ready but I I did not hear if I overlooked it, I apologize. The couple of changes that we are making in the present in the uh policy based on the work of the finance and operations committee was on line 25. We were adding a 5-year review of all the attendance zones and we'll be working with the board to look work through that over time. That was also 1 of the comments made by msac through their review. Um, and then we did restructure a little bit of the policy
to try to make it a little bit easier to find the different ways to do the 10 ISO change. Um, you will also notice there's quite a bit of red text, uh, most of that is, Data that we pulled over from the, the regulation that established, what the the set of meetings were for that required for each of the different things and talking with Mr. Allen and his team, we prefer since we're obligating the board to make certain meetings, that it should be in policy rather than regulation. So uh, it looks like a lot of changes but a lot of that is based on things that we
just pulled over from regulation. Happy to take any questions. Um, thank you, Mr. Lewis, I have a couple of things. Well first, the that just reminded me of my own, um, Amendment at fno. Um, it says, however, all School attendance zones will be comprehensively reviewed every 5 years to assess student enrollment and school capacity. And balances is there any way? Does anybody have any heartburn, um, for me to make an amendment that says, buy this school board? Because I want to make sure that that it's the school
board, really doing it, um, putting their eye on it as well, every 5 years. Yeah, okay, then I'll then look for that Amendment next time. Um, the other thing is. So let's talk about socioeconomic. Characteristics. Um, So, we removed the wording. And so, what does that mean? And what's the implication of that? Because what are the actual changes to the attendance Zone process? Taking those out and should we do we really need
to remove it. um, so that's my first thought. Thank you, Miss Mansfield so um in the the past and the the reason we brought this up in the in the finance committee committee is the information that was provided to the school board by staff was information on Free and reduced meal. Um information based on students by planning zone, we're not allowed to give that information out by planting zone at that. Level and that aggregate level. Um so that is what started
the conversation about removing that uh in the past. The boards have um looked at that information and used use that to consider their plans and moving forward. Um, so the implication of that would be that simply we would not have a tool to to do that. um, however, uh, we are looking for, um, in the help of Dr. Tyler and his team and Mrs. Tatton, her team other ways to collect information, that may be able to, to satisfy that requirement don't have that for you right now, but, uh,
staff would be in support of leaving that their uh, with a qualifier that any information that we have is permissible to be used. And so we would not be able to would not be uh able to provide you with that free and reduced meal information. But maybe there's other information that we could put together that we would find and be able to do that. So then maybe like around 9:27 we could have like And, and we could work on this and work on some wording on this, um, together. Um,
you know, the social economic characteristics of a school population where data is available and permission permissible by law. and, and you said that there might be some other And and then Andy over all impact on students and families. But you said that, there might be other ways to gather that information that's publicly available. There may be other data that we can collect. I don't know how publicly available it is, and that's something, we'll, we'll look through with Dr. Tyler and his team, Yes. Dr. Deans would we still have Title 1 schools?
Designated, as such. Yes, been this would have no effect on the title 1 Design. This is only related to how we make changes in attendance Zone. Um, so this uh, that and the changes that tone is not a permissible use for that information. So, that's, that's why we're at this juncture discussing that because we just can't use it. For the reason we've used, we used it in the past. I still would know which schools are Title. 1, yes, ma'am. Yes, Miss sure enough. Thank you, madam chair. Um, I just wanted to thank you for
your work on this and I especially wanted to thank you, chair Mansfield for your amendment. I think that this is something that is definitely needed here in Loudoun County with the amount of growth that we have and also as we are constantly, evaluating changes and enrollment but what schools have capacity. So I I really I'm fully supportive of this and I know that this may not be the appropriate time but I I do look forward to a larger conversation around a full. Look at all of our attendance zones and boundaries. I
know it's not a popular conversation, it's a lot of work. Um, but I do think that with the amount of growth that we've seen in such a short amount of time, and how we're constantly, what I would call, maybe putting Band-Aids on certain situations year after year. I think that it could be a good time for us to level set and i would support that process. So thank you. M. Sure enough. I would have to agree with that because we might not be growing all that much and we might need to be maneuvering around spreading out, spreading things out.
Yeah. Um, any other discussion? No. Thank you, Mr. Lewis very much. Okay. Moving on. 14.09. Oh that's that'll be for action on the April's 22nd since I'm going to have possibly 2 amendments. Um okay finance and operations committee requests to name the JL Simpson Middle School auditorium the Beth piket Fine Arts. Center School Board policy 6510 presented by arvind
strefy chair finance and operation committee. Thank you, madam chair. Um, another policy coming out at fno fno, um, is the request to rename the JL Simpson? Middle School? Uh, Auditorium. Um Dr. Uh, Dina Cola principle of jail, Simpson Middle School with support from uh Miss shernoff. And the school Community has requested that the school's Auditorium be named the Beth packet. Fine Arts Center in honor of Miss Beth pacquette.
um, the proposed naming aligned uh does not significantly significantly. Uh, does not have significant fiscal impact aside from the 215.76, uh, cost for the signage, uh, per policy of full background and social media. Check was conducted through Castle Branch Inc with no concerns found Um, there was a good amount of discussion in committee around um, our uh, renaming policy. Um, not just uh, in regards to spaces in schools, but um, with respect to the
overall, uh, the continuing discussions around school renaming. Uh, as to, whether Um, spaces or schools should be named after people. Um, but ultimately the committee decided, um, 2 to 1, to advance this to the school board. Um, so with that, I will pass it back to Mr. Lewis to add any additional context, Thank you, Mr. Trophy, I don't really have anything to add to staff is in support of of the uh, the action. And I'll be happy to take any questions you may have. Yes. Uh, Mrs. Griffith.
Yes, this is time for discussion, right? Thank you, madam chair. Um, I am part of the fno committee and I would like um our Loudoun County constituents to see my perspective. Uh we are only doing a search 7 years prior for miss pet. I'm sure she's a lovely woman. Miss beet, retired and worked in different schools. Uh she retired in 2024 I would be remiss if I didn't point out. There were There were several schools on the chopping block for renaming. When we didn't even update the policy yet. Uh, for the renaming of Frances, Hazel, Reed and Mercer Middle.
We are going back over a hundred years and pulling its strings to make excuses to rename these schools with the cost significantly higher. This Auditorium would be named after her for 10 years or until someone else comes up and we can rename it again. Uh, in the 10 years as a retiree she can make controversial comments and might upset some constituents. We are looking at possible future complaints and drama. I appreciate all the letters. Miss shernoff uh got for support but we should should not be making decisions on emotion. I am always good
with plaques 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 bequette was nominated for awards that would be great. We should not be naming schools or auditoriums for anyone. While this seems to be a minimal cost. Renaming cost. Renaming of schools is is significantly higher. But I wanted to share my thoughts at the height of social media, which is where we are today. Thank you very much. Thank you Mrs. Griffith any other discussion yes. Miss
shernoff. Thank you, madam chair, and thank you, Mr. Lewis for kind of walking me through this, this particular piece is new to me. Um, I do want to make the distinction that this is a naming of an auditorium, we're not taking a name away and adding something else. Um, so that is a little bit different than our next 2 agenda items. But I had the opportunity to engage with Simpson. Middle School about this particular staff member. I haven't had the chance to meet her yet. Although I do believe, she'll be here at our next meeting. Um, and just in talking with the community,
it was just an overwhelming sense. Um, and I did receive letters from students and staff members supporting this and asking for the support since I'm the Leesburg rep and It just it really it. It felt like an opportunity to honor an educator, that really has left her imprint on not only the students. Um, but the fellow staff members, as well as the Fine Arts, um, which I have been a proponent from, for, from day 1 and
we'll continue to be so. So this kind of checked all of those boxes for me. I understand that there are bigger conversations around naming things going on. Um, but for her very positive, wonderful qualities that I heard over and over again. I um fully support this moving forward and hope that it will get named for her. Thank you. Thank you, miss chernoff. Any other discussion? Seeing none. Um, I'm assuming this item will be brought forward as an action on April 22nd, 2025 School War
meeting. Thank you so much, Mr. Lewis, and I guess you get to stay there. um, for 1410 Uh Department of Support Services. School named review, Mercer Middle School, presented by uh Mr. Kevin Lewis chief operation officer Meredith. REI chair, Mercer. Middle School. Renaming committee. And I think I'm just going to go ahead and say, uh, Mr. Raider as well. Since he's coming to sit, but the first 1 will be 14.10. Thank you, chair, ma Mansfield. Um, I have asked the the
chairs of both committees to come up even though we'll take 1 of these items at a time, but I do have some opening comments. I'd like to do. That would really address both of those at the same time. Uh, I would like at this time. As, as you mentioned to introduce Miss Meredith. Ray and Mr. Larry Raider. Who were, um, asked to chair the 2 which was no simple task, uh, appointed by the, by the chair. And we very much appreciate, uh, the efforts they made and commend them for the for the work that they did. They ran a a difficult conversation and manage that very,
very well. And we're very proud to have them here with us tonight to to go through this process with you. Um, I will say that. I work as governed by policy 6510 which is naming of schools. It was revised in 2022 to add a section for renaming of schools. Um and so the process was essentially built on a modification of the process that we use for years for naming new schools. Um, in the policy does then, uh, ask and assign the facilitation of that process to my
department. Uh, mostly at the, uh, Skilled facilitation of Mrs. Tate here on the end of the table with us. This this evening. I will say that we have learned a few lessons in this process of the policy. I think we need. And we're going to have that conversation in the coming weeks uh to address the policy and some revisions to the policy. Even though the policy did say that the support services department would manage and facilitate the process. I think we need to be more explicit to help the chairs of these committees
navigate these conversations in the community. Um, you heard this evening there were some questions about the the voting of of the process. Um, we are very convinced that the voting that we have and the N names that we have brought forward to you represent the will of the Committees. We had a very good turnout at all the committee meetings. Um and the voting on the night of the vote was a majority of that group was there. And so we believe that what we have for the board is uh, as I said, the will of the committee we do believe that we need to work on some other The Rules
of Engagement, in terms of the surveying that took place, we had some conversations about that and also the process for public comment. So we'll bring those to you when we have the comment. But I just wanted to share that with you from the beginning that we recognize that this is the very first time we've any of us has done that. Um Mr. Raider and Miss Rae navigated through that with us with very much with great skill and were able to to have that conversation and um you know come to a a successful process. um,
I'll then want to describe a couple things about the policy. The policy does recommend through the renaming section that the Committees provide, a preferred name for the school and then at a minimum 2 alternate names for the school board's consideration. The school board is not obligated to take their recommendation and so you always have the opportunity to come up with your own name or to even in the policy, specifically says that you can 1 of your choices could be to keep the name as it is. Um,
I will say that, um, Specifically. Now I'll just turn to Mercer since that's the 1 that we're here and if you see your your item there are a number of recommended motions to provide you the information that was developed by the committee, the first recommendation is reflects the, the preferred name that the committee came up with. So for the Mercer School, the First Choice was gumspring Middle School. The second choice or the first alternate was Stone Ridge. Middle
School. The third choice or the second alternate was John Mercer, Langston Middle School. If you notice there's a fourth choice there to rename Mercer Middle School with a blank. If the school board member would like to put that you have a crafted motion here for that. And then the last option is to maintain Mercer Middle School as the name because that specifically noted in the policy as 1 of the boards choices here. So um, I think with that, I will end my opening comments and just
see if the board has any questions on on the process and be happy to take any questions. Board members. Do you have any questions? Yes Mr. Don Vice chair. Don Hugh Thank you, madam chair. I don't actually have any questions. I just wanted to thank Mr. Raider and Ms, Ray, and everyone who is involved in these committees. Uh, I'm I'm We're all aware. I think that this has been a, a little bit of a contentious conversation for our community. Uh and it was a brave Choice uh, for everyone who chose to be
involved. And I appreciate all of you being willing to do that and especially you 2 who are in the spotlight, leading these conversations. I'll have to Echo Vice chair, Donna Hughes sentiments. Since I was the 1 who Asked you guys to be chair. Um, I appreciate that. You your willingness to do that and, um, your thoughtfulness in these conversations because they were not easy as we all know. So I appreciate you guys. Miss label. Just a quick question. Thank you. Madam chair.
Gum Springs. Are you aware that? That is the community started by the freed slaves that belong to George Washington? That is where they set up their community. Was that brought up in committee? So, I did bring that up in the committee. Um, gumspring actually was a suggestion. The top suggestion that came out of the community survey, um, it was not introduced by anyone that was on the committee, um, which is why I
brought it to the committee. Um, before it was time to vote. Um, I did do a little bit of looking into where that name possibly came from, because I have lived in the area for 5 years. So I assume that there is probably a history there that I did not know. Um, and that is where I found out about the Gum Springs Community, which was actually, um, in southern Fairfax County, um, somewhere in the Ocwen area. Um, and I did give that information to the
committee. Um, But I did not know if it was in any way related to the name of the road by the school, which is gumspring, which is why I believe it was a community suggestion. Okay, thank you. Yes, Miss chernoff. Thank you, madam chair, and thank you, both for being here tonight and for your work. Um, I was wondering if you could speak a little bit to the student involvement on your committee. As for Frances Hazel Reid, I was more involved with that 1 in lburg and following that, um, but I believe
that you had student Representatives. So how was that? How were they Incorporated? What was their experience? If you can speak a little bit on or maybe even just about the process, you don't need to speak for them but I would love to hear how that went and if um they had contributed to the conversation Um, yes. So we had 2 student Representatives on our committee. Um, they were both great and, um, while I think it was kind of intimidating for them to be in a room full of adults during, you know, some contentious conversations.
Um, they both did a really excellent job and they spoke up when they felt like they needed to. Um, I would say I'm actually really appreciative of the fact that there were students on the community and wanted to hear more, from more of the students. And I was hoping that our community survey could actually be done of the students in the school once they were presented with the information but that isn't the way that it ended up. Um, but, It was brought to my attention during 1 of the meetings. Um
that you know, 1 of the adults said you know some things were Inappropriate to be talking about in front of the students so that might be able to be managed better in the future. I appreciate that. I um, knowing the heaviness of this topic, it was interesting to me to find out that children were students that were participating and that that would be a interesting conversation for them to navigate so I appreciate your insights. Thank you. Yes, Mrs. Griffith
Um contentious is the word I attended. Um the Mercer committee meetings and it was contentious because, um, was a lot of arguments about people wanting to keep the Mercer name. And they were not allowed, uh, 1 of the members, the committee members was, uh, there was a threat to disqualify him because he wanted to use Mercer as his required 3 alternative names. so um I felt like sitting in on these committee meetings,
they were rigged, they were biased, they were partisan, um, and not appropriate and not handled well at all. Um, this board just pushed through, uh, what is not necessary for our students. It was a waste of time, uh, complete waste of time. Um, when people could be home with their families Title, 1 schools, suffer, and beg for renovations, and we're going to do renaming of schools, which is purely cosmetic and helps No 1 in achievement. Um, I have to say
I'm pretty much disgusted uh, with even the thought I'm astounded that we're even here to possibly change the name of Mercer. I'm do you have any idea how many achievements and successes are associated with the Mercer name? And just the past couple of years? Um, there's several years, maybe the national school to watch uh in Virginia Most distinguished School, Loudoun County Public Schools, principal of the year who was here just last year getting
her award nikesha deal, countless science and math Olympiad Awards. I mentioned that there's a new program through Microsoft under the Mercer name, Superior musical, programming 2015 to 2024 current striving for an amle School of Distinction. Um, honestly Even surveys were done in 2. It should have been the whole it should have been all of
Louden County. I do want to quote uh the principal. She does not believe that educating our community and students should be the the path. This is taken for Mercer, considering that the Legacy, we are building around a name that while historically, tied to individuals. It was named due to the magistrate during my time as principal. I have not heard from any student community members, nor staff regarding how this name is impacting, their ability to learn support or Thrive, our community has collectively,
worked together to spread light and peace in the name of Mercer and that is from their principal and a proud, Mercer principal changing, the name wipes away, all the achievements Mercer has had, most of the county does not want their tax money wasted on renaming schools. We are looking at up to 200,000 per school for 9 schools. The people of Loudoun County would like to see money helping our kids to achieve and having up-to-date conditions in
their schools. As I mentioned Title, 1 schools, not cosmetic, renaming our constituents, put us here to make Common Sense. Decisions, reasonable decisions, this is not reasonable. Keep in mind that the attendance zone for Mercer will most likely change. So again, I mentioned the zip codes, that's not accurate. The 2 zip codes that were, uh, surveyed, not to mention that the cost will fall on the entire County. This should not be partisan, but it has been biased and partisan from the very beginning voter for
voting for Mercer. Uh, the the whole committee was rigged from the very beginning I say hands off Mercer Middle School, thank you. Thank you Mrs. Griffith, Dr. Rashid Thank you, chair. I just wanted to say Miss Rae Miss Tate and Mr. Lewis, thank you so much for um, you know, uh really organizing or helping to organize and conduct the the committee meeting for the commercial Middle School. I attended it. Uh, I didn't attend, I didn't I didn't attend the front so says
they'll read 1 but I wanted to say you had great composure. Um, I wanted to say it was very well organized, um, and I'm um, and I'm a firm believer that changing the name really welcomes our students. It really puts things in perspective and it welcomes the students, uh, especially Those students that have ancestry that have suffered and um changing that name allows those students to feel that they are part of something much more bigger and I can't help but commend you enough. Thank you.
Yes, Miss Chandler. Thank you, madam chair. And um, thank you to each of you for the work that you've put into, um, this effort. Um, it is not lost on me how hard it is, um, and and to some extent in reflecting on the process. I think we might have been wiser to look at the policy before jumping into this process. There are some things about the policy that I have concerns about in
terms of, um, prolonging the conversation, uh, you offering um, I think it's it's been a de. It's very hard to put into words and I I'm definitely struggling with this idea, but I think it's been divisive, when there are probably ways that we could do it, that would be unifying um, that said There have been a lot of words thrown around tonight and I prefer myself not to be labeled um 1 of the things. Um,
That matters to me is what's good for our students? And if I were going to label myself, I would say I'm an egalitarian. Right there. There are lots of different types of government. But for me, I want everybody to be treated the same. When I say the Pledge of Allegiance, I want it to be true. And it's not easy. I can acknowledge I grew. I, I am a southern as anybody could be.
Um, I've done my family history. I understand what roles my own ancestors played in American history. maybe that's part of the reason why I hope for our future to be different. I hope for our future to be different and I think when it comes to school names they are aspirational. It's about being a good ancestor. Not necessarily being a good descendant. So I'm thinking
about what's good for our children? And when we started this conversation, I went and looked at the research. And 1 of the things that Studies have shown, is that symbols and images have a direct impact on students self-esteem. And their motivation. So, when an underrepresented group, Is faced with symbols that are derogatory towards them, it impacts their motivation, and makes it less likely that they can succeed.
Our job is to make sure that students have the tools they need to succeed. And, and then, there was a study in 2019, um, conducted by Greg Suzanne Ferguson, which was entitled, The perceptions and effects of school names on black professional, educ Educators, and their students. Um, the author notes that there is are disproportionate effects that exist for black students and Educators forced to confront painful contradictions at schools named after White supremacists. Educational Systems. That regard. These concerns risk,
creating inequitable, professional experiences for employees. and for students, um, there's also a study that was done by Laurel r Davis Delano and Joseph pegon and Stephanie fryberg um, in 2020, on the psychosocial effects of Native American mascots and the comprehensive review Of Empirical research findings, race, ethnicity and education, um, that the mascots reflect and reinforce stereotypes involve offensive appropriation and M mimicry
and harm Native American people. I think what stands out for me. um, is our need to listen to the voices of students and teachers of color um who not only in our district. But also in other areas in 1 of our neighboring jurisdictions, they changed the names. The school board changed. They changed the names back, they were sued. This is its complex. We have an obligation to address.
And create learning environments that allow everyone to succeed. And I have a hard time with the idea. When we are committed to teaching authentic history and what we've seen in the last couple of years is an expansion of perspectives. We're including more voices, I I can't say I'm an expert on Frances, Hazel Reid, but when I consider her involvement in the united of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, it is problematic for me
because the purpose of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. What? And this is from the National Park Service was to perpetuate the Lost Cause myth, which Is propaganda and not authentic history. And the idea was after the Civil War and after Um, emancipated formerly enslaved. People were gaining rights. Was to suppress their rights. and to also,
um, spin what had happened and make it not about the the economic system that stole the labor from people who were enslaved and stole the freedom from people who were enslaved. And to um, Rebrand, for lack of a better word. The people who participated in the Confederacy, we have to decide what's right for our community, and our students, and I like studies, and I like history, and I
want to make sure that we are making evidence-based best practice decisions that are beneficial for all of our students. And so with that it's a difficult conversation. Thank you for all the work that you did. We will continue to have to think over this on the last couple weeks but it's not in a vacuum. It does impact people. And our first responsibility is to our students. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Chandler. Okay, this is we're focused on Mercer Middle School right now. So any other discussion
No. Thank you so much. And, uh, we will continue on to our next uh, Our next item which is 14.11, uh, Frances Hazel Reid. Thank you Mr. Mansfield, so the the comments for Frances Hazel re-process, our very similar to what I shared with the The Mercer process. Uh we appreciate the Insight of the board. I will share that the differences for the Frances
Hazel Reid item versus the the Mercer item. As you see at item 14.11 that the choices that have been brought by the committee, uh, LED with Mr, by Mr. Raider. Were that the first name or the preferred name would be loving Elementary School. The second choice or first alternate would be to maintain the the current name of Frances, Hazel Reid Elementary School and then the third choice, uh, second alternate would be um to name the
school, Limestone elementary school. And then as you see, we also have provided a Fourth draft recommendation that the board could plug in their own recommendation for that as well. So, uh, with that, uh, Mr. Raider and Mrs, Tate and I are happy to take any questions you may have about the process for Frances, Hazel Reed Board members. Do we have any? Yes, Mrs. Griffith Thank you, madam chair. Um, this is pure cancel culture,
um, fhr, uh, Frances Hazel, Reed is being canceled. Uh, the school opened in 2003. Didn't we do the research, then? Uh, why? Now uh, permis Chandler? We do need to update the policy. Um, and also I love history too. That's why I read her book. I have it right here and it goes through. Um, her times at the Loudoun times, mirror her time at the laden times mirror and all her writing and it's just simply superb. It it's
wonderful. So, um, Miss Chandler if you're interested, I'll lend you the book to take a look. But Frances Hazel. Reed seems to have been a lovely woman and just in her writing, um, it was strictly about the news and what was going on in Loudoun County, she dedicated her life to Loudoun County, and the louding County Times mirror for over 70 years. But we now take issue with her and want to take her name down. No, 1 has been able to find anything negative, except for a perceived associations. It has
become about pure virtue signaling and cancel culture. I have read her book, she, you know, she gave her life for she gave her 70 years to allow times mirror But I mean, we are looking at changing the name of a school because of her perceived, her perceived associations. Most of the county does not want their tax money wasted on renaming schools. They want money to go to renovating schools, the renaming of any schools or misplaced priorities as a taxpayer. I do not agree with the cost of
100 to 200,000 per school which is 9 schools. Uh just reiterate that ask yourself. Does any taxpayer really believe money should go to renaming of schools and not our students purely cosmetic. If a small fraction of the county wants name changes. I believe this is due to misinformation these schools were not named with any ill intent or any bias. Although we had bias and, uh, bipartisan. And partisanship during the committee meetings. This board
may vote to name, Mercer, rename Mercer and Frances Hazel Reid. I would like the public to know this is not reasonable, this is not reasonable spending. Um, 100 to 200,000 to change the names of these schools is highly controversial and unpopular please explain to the title, 1 schools. Why they are not getting their much-needed Renovations they have asked for Lately, I asked the people of Laden lately, I've asked the people around. Are you unhappy with if you're unhappy with the final vote, there are several current school board
members up for re-election in November. Please remember who voted for the name changes at The Ballot Box, others are up in a couple of years. I asked that people of the people of Latin County re evaluate. If this was a priority for our students at The Ballot Box, Frances Hazel reads book, I suggest you read it. She was a lovely woman. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Griffith This is turn off. Thank you, madam chair. Um, I've spent considerable time over the last few months,
reflecting on this issue, particularly, because it affects the community that I represent When it comes to renaming schools, there are 2 key perspectives. I considered The broader philosophical implications of the process which have been mentioned here. And then the specific case of Frances Hazel Reid. I think both are important. It's my understanding that the idea of renaming schools did not originate from our school, communities, expressing concern, but that the previous School Board, initiated it. Listening to some of the initial discussions. It feels as
though renaming is being proposed as 1 type of solution to a deeply complex historical issue. Renaming as a solution to the Past. Atrocities feels somewhat arbitrary, to me, in a sense, I believe there are more constructive ways to address systemic issues without placing these complexity complexities on our children. This approach did not feel like it fostered, a culture of understanding or seeing the good in 1 another and I'm concerned about what message that could send to our students.
This process is also costly and that's not something we can Overlook resources are finite. And we should be thoughtful about how we allocate funds. Especially in light of budget, uncertainty, such as possibility of absorbing nearly 46 million in federal funding, should they be lost? I want to prioritize spending that directly benefits student achievement and supports our teachers. Whether that means playgrounds, teacher pay and benefits or countless other essential resources, that could better achieve this
goal and help move us forward as a division. now specifically regarding Frances, Hazel Reid, it's important to acknowledge that she meets the criteria set forth in our current policy, which states that schools may be named after individuals who have made a significant contribution to the community provided they have been deceased for at least 5 years. Based on the evidence available and from my conversations with my community and the survey results. I sincerely believe the majority of this community support retaining
her name. additionally there is 1 more more more thing I must address and that is the proposal to rename the school after Richard and Mildred, loving While the suggestion is to use loving Elementary on the building, that name is closely associated with the individuals themselves. During my recent visit to Frances Hazel Reid Elementary several staff. Members raised a concern that students have made the connection with a common nickname for the name
Richard and as it is paired with the last name. I'll let you figure that out. Which will lead to unintended consequences, no matter what. If that is chosen Though, I am certain that that was not the intention and they seem like lovely people. This Association cannot be overlooked in this conversation. As it relates to putting a name on a building for children, some as young as 5 years old, For those reasons, I cannot support the name loving
Elementary for any school. Lastly, I believe that the current name of Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School should be retained. There are more productive and developmentally appropriate ways to address historical issues with students and in our school communities while prioritizing living forward for a better future for our students Educators, and the larger Loudoun County. I appreciate your consideration of these points. Thank you. Thank you, miss chernoff. Any other discussion? Yes, Mr. Bell
I also have uh students in my district that go to Frances, Hazel Reid Elementary School, and I can tell you right now, it's not just the faculty and the students at that school, that are aware of the unfortunate nickname paired with the last name. Uh, middle school children, understand it. And if you have middle school children you know what they're like. And they
are very busy tossing around the term, the dick loving elementary school. Isn't that wonderful? That is not something I want to have on 1 of our school buildings or even associated with that. I had somebody ask me. So what are you going to call their new mascot? Okay. Miss Noelle want to stop Miss lielle. It's stopped Okay. Um, moving on. Any other discussion?
um, I think you had if it's going to, Piggyback on that? No. Not that. Thank you, madam chair. Um, the loving, I don't believe had any relation to Loudoun County. They were a different part of Virginia. There is no reason to name the school ad for them, just because they didn't even live here in Loudoun County, for instance Hazel, Reed did and she worked for the laden times mirror for 70 years. Thank you.
Any other discussion? All right. We are going to move on. Thank you. So much for being here. And we will bring both those items to action for the April 22nd school board meeting. All right. We'll move on to item, 15 board member, comment, and committee reports. Miss label. Thank you, madam chair on March 24th. The uh,
espac committee met and went over the um, policy for I believe it was corporal punishment, we sent it forward for committee review, uh, and it should be coming up in the next month or so. Thank you. Dr. Shade, thank you chair. The msac equity celebration, is coming up on Saturday, May 3rd, uh, and you can get the details about the event on lcps.org msaac, also in May
because of high school graduations and school board meetings rescheduling, the specialized program in centers committee will not meet on the regular first Tuesday. Instead, we're going to meet on Tuesday, May 13th at 3:45. Mark your calendars. You know, you know, your dying to come. Thanks. Me. Sure enough. Thank you. Madam chair at our curriculum. Instruction committee meeting last week. We discussed 4 information items. We had a lengthy conversation about the policy 5430 which is a new policy on the use of generative
artificial intelligence. Um, we discussed the feedback from our advisory committees, as well as the public feedback. Um, we are going to possibly get that to the full board at the, we'll be working on it as action. Um, so we took the extra meeting to review it since this is a new policy, we wanted to make sure we got all those changes Incorporated. Uh we also talked about the Virginia assessment of language and literacy better known as vowels that will be introduced for grades 4 through 8 next year. The elementary and middle school English and language, departments are forming
testing teams establishing procedures and preparing for professional learning on its Administration. Um, and using the data to Target instruction, while the vdoe has not yet provided full details on the criteria for who will Take the assessment lcps is preparing for various scenarios policy 5440. The literacy plan is a new policy that is required by the state. Um, as a literacy plan will be submitted annual annually for approval. We already have our literacy plan approved and then we talked about policy,
5070 field trips, it's up for its 5-year review. Suggestions were made by the committee to tighten up the language on safety and discipline on field trips as well as the suggestion to add a section outlining inclement. Weather procedures for field trips in the regulation. Due to the number of suggestions, we are going to review. This policy is information again next meeting. Thank you. Mr. Steffy. Thank you, madam chair, just very briefly. Um, next week's, uh, finance and operations committee meeting, um, is canceled due to spring break. So the next time, the
committee will meet will be on April 29th. We'll also be uh convening the performance monitoring committee on April 29th as well on the same day. Um, and so that is it we we heard a bunch of the items that came out of the last uh fno committee meeting this evening. So nothing else to report. Vice chair. Donahue Thank you, madam chair. The student services committee meeting for this month because of spring break is going to be on Thursday April 24th at 4 pm. Um so that is a
different day and time than when we usually meet, um, loud and education foundations, outstanding educator banquet is going to be on Friday, May 30th. So everybody look out for information for that event, it's going to be fantastic. And, um, and just a reminder, uh, the loud and Education Foundation, uh, Works, uh, on their fueled program every Tuesday evening to Pack meal bags, to send to community, uh, families in need in our community. And so anyone who is
interested in signing up to volunteer, to help pack bags or to do a supply drive, you can sign up, uh, for those opportunities at Louden education foundation.org. Thank you. Thank you Vice chair, Donna Hugh. Um, I went to step-up competition and it was a judge and it was amazing. Um, the we had there were 4 winners actually. I mean, everybody was a winner there they all got a hundred dollars, uh, but the top award was a thousand dollar prize for financial fortitude, a uh, a team of rock wage high school students
in Stone Mill, Middle School. And what they did is they provided, um, They were talking about formal money management projects and they made a video game and they made an e-book and they also taught at some elementary schools. It was quite fantastic. I think Miss shernoff actually helped to the first round. And then the second place went to uh breathe track, which was from TJ high school, they developed an air quality monitor, Can you imagine that? And um, that could be used in neighborhoods and parks and
to alert you of conditions outside and that was pretty amazing. Um, there was a tie for third place and both teams. Got 500. And 1 was a seventh grader at Blue Ridge, Middle School and he developed a wrist wrist risk. To talk about POS and Miss Sharon off is not worrying. The appropriate very much control. My wrist is going to fall off. Yes. Yeah, so pee fos. Is those forever chemicals? And I'm so happy that they're thinking about that at this young age and then the second, the second team who also wore, uh,
tied for third place was Limon odds which was from Belmont Ridge, Middle School. And um they talked about the microplastics that are like in, you know, the Cascade, uh, dishwashing things that we're adding to our microplastics and so what they did is they, um, did an alter alternate laundry pod and then covered it in, um, In a, uh, in a fungus, uh, kind of a know that 1 was a, in a a gelatin, a different kind of gelatin. So it was pretty amazing and, um, inspiring
Because they were all about the environment and um, bettering our community so that's me. All right, Dr. Deans we had a very robust, um, Equity committee meeting last Thursday and we had a, a member of the committee, and a member of the community to actually organize and conduct that um, committee meeting, uh, and Mr. Um,
Um, said, uh, and his wife put together a panel where he had a professor to tell to, to talk about the history, and then a parent and a student to talk about their experiences and that students experiences had been very very positive in Lan County Public Schools to the point that he had even written a poem in his um we're in the process of getting his mom's permission to publish his poem in our newsletter
and um, it was just it was and it was also facilitated by Mr. Said the the the uh, Committee Member um, as a report to the committee, I gave the report of the 2 Sub committees, the subcommittee, that actually, um, uh, has begun their work in reviewing policies and adding to their review, form the equity committee rather than
their individual names and then the other subcommittee, uh, submitted their results and their results were that. They did not feel um, that we should go forward with programming or, I'm sorry with committee meetings because uh, they feel that the deia department can do what it was that the equity committee was initially scheduled to do. However, I told them as a subcommittee, they didn't have the right to to
cancel a committee. And we, as a committee didn't have the right to cancel a committee. So I told them that their report, of course, would be turned in to the uh, senior staff. And we will decide how we would progress from here in terms of a committee. However, um, May is Jewish heritage month, and I've asked, uh, Mrs. Griffith if she would, uh, had that that, um,
program, and that would be on the first Thursday of May. And so we're going to leave her to pull that off for us, But we will continue to meet because no subcommittee can tell us that we can't meet anymore. I'm sorry. This is going to be out of protocol. Mr. Allen, did you hear that? How do we were you listening? To miss to to Dr. Dean Um, about what did you say that a subcommittee can't I'll
be glad to talk to um, Wes about it in in 1 on 1. But I told them that the subcommittee couldn't tell us that we couldn't meet anymore. The subcommittee can make recommendations to the big committee. Yes. But in the committee meeting there was not a quorum. So we couldn't vote on their thoughts, but I told them that they couldn't tell us that we could not meet any further during this school year, or next school year. And so, I've already engaged Mrs. Griffith to do our programming for the month of May, and I'll talk to Miss,
uh, uh, I'll talk to the attorney about where we go from here, but I know that it could a Web committee. Can't tell me that I can't meet. Okay. Thank you, Dr. Dan, just give me a little red flag. Um, Miss Chandler. Thank you, madam chair. Um, the LMP committee will meet a little bit later this month. Um, our next meeting is on Tuesday, April 29th, at 5 oclock um, of course, push back a little bit because of spring break and accommodating our
other meetings. Um, I had the, uh, uh, opportunity today to attend the chamber. Um, Learning series on affordable housing, um, which I found to be very interesting as we've had some preliminary conversations, um, about perhaps using some of our resources to offer more affordable housing. I, I found it to be a very enriching conversation. Um, lots of, um, Fear in the community about how some of the instability in the current markets could impact um our ability to make
Headway. But uh in general if people planning to continue um, pushing forward, um, so it was a great opportunity. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Chandler. Uh Mrs Griffith. Thank you, madam madam chair and and thank you Miss. Uh, Dr. Dean's I'm with the jcrc for the next Equity committee meeting so they so they can do a presentation. Um, just to shift, uh, we already went through a lot of, uh, stuff that was discussed at committee. Um, I make no secret that I love the Arts. Um, I thoroughly enjoy.
Enjoyed attending. The Trailside Middle School production of Alison Wonderland. The costumes were just amazing and I was told that 2 parents 2 mothers uh had gone and and made a made a lot of those costumes. Um, I was so happy to attend the wonderful Stonebridge. Cluster concert as well, the Stonebridge production of Fiddler on the Roof, I have to tell you, I had tears at Fiddler, it was such a wonderful show. Um, I can't even express in words how great all of these
shows were we have talented students in our Arts programs, now is the season for all these great shows. I ask everybody to please get out there to their local schools to support the theater and the Arts. Thank you very much. All right, so with that we do, is there anyone we'll move on to new business. Is there any new business? Seeing none, uh, we will the April 8th, 2025 Loudoun County school board meeting is now adjourned. Please drive safely