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Good evening, and welcome to a meeting of the Chesapeake School Board. Our printed agenda is available in the back of the room. If you wish to follow the business items, we'll be discussing this evening, roll call, doctor Smith.

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of the agenda. Does the superintendent or any board member wish to add or delete an item from the agenda?

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Madam Chair, no item stand to the agenda, but we will need a closed session required as required

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for personnel matters, student matters, real estate matters, legal matters, and contractual matters.

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I'll entertain a motion for approval. So, move.

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Move by Ms. Huddle, is there a second? Seconded by Mr. Pool, is there any discussion?

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All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

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All opposed?

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Dr. Smith.

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Motion carries with all board members voting, yes.

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We will now go into the closed portion of our meeting.

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I'll ask Vice Chair Scott to read the language to take us into closed session.

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Yes, Chair Swagger, I move that the school board convene in closed session, pursuant

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to section 2.2-3711-A1-A2-A38-A29 of the Code of Virginia for the following purposes.

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to discuss and consider personnel matters, including administrative appointments, to discuss

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student disciplinary matters, to discuss the disposition of publicly held real property,

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to consult with legal counsel regarding specific legal matters, and to discuss contractual

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matters related to superintendent-search services.

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Is there a second of my Mr. LaMonia? Is there any discussion? All those in favor, please

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signify by saying aye.

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All opposed.

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Dr. Smith.

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Motion carries with all board members voting yes.

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Before we move into closed session in accordance with bylaw 2-33, we will need a motion

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to approve the remote participation of St. Anderson Attorney Nikki Chup, who will join us

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for the discussion in closed session.

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I'll entertain a motion for approval.

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Move by Mr. Lamoni as there a second.

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Second and by Ms. Huddle.

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Is there any discussion?

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All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

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All opposed?

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Dr. Smith.

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Motion carries with all board members voting, yes.

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We are now in closed session.

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Vice Chair Scott, would you please read the statement to bring us back into open session?

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Yes, Chair Swagger, I move that the record shows that the only items discussed in the

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closed meeting were those specifically cited in the motion to convene into the closed meeting.

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And those lawfully exempted from statutory meeting requirements.

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Is there a second?

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Second of MS or pneumonia?

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Is there any discussion?

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All those in favour, please signify by saying aye.

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All opposed?

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Dr Smith.

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Motion carries with all board members voting yes.

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Dr Cotton, do you have any items resulting from closed session?

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Yes Madam Chair, thank you.

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I do have an administrative appointment that will require Board approval.

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Mrs. Michelle else Smith from Assistant Director of People Transportation Department of Transportation

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to Director of Transportation Department of Transportation Effective December 15, 2025.

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I'll entertain a motion for approval.

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Move on, Mr. McCormick, is there a second by Mr. Colone? Is there any discussion?

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All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

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All opposed? Dr. Smith.

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Motion carries with all board members voting, yes.

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Does any board member have an item resulting from closed session?

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Mr. McCormick?

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Madam Chair, I move that the school board retains the Virginia School Board Association to assist with the superintendent search process.

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Is there a second?

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Second.

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Second, if I'm the Scott I heard first.

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Is there any discussion?

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All those in favor please signify by saying aye.

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All opposed?

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Dr Smith.

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Motion carries with all board members voting yes.

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Next, I will entertain a motion regarding the appeal under school board policy 9-21.

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Mr. Cool?

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Madam Chair.

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and regards to the appeal and superintendent's decision to student at school board.

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Policy 9-21 in a reference to the student one, I support, I move to support the

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recommendation of the superintendent.

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Is there a second?

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Seconded by Ms. Scott, is there any discussion?

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All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

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All opposed?

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Dr. Smith.

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Motion carries with all board members voting yes.

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There being no additional items resulting from closed session, we will now move on to the

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For tonight's invocation, we will observe a moment of silence.

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Afterwards, I'll ask Dan Patel, a fifth grade student from Chitamellum entry to lead us

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in the pledge.

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Please, Dan, as you are able.

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I'm pleasure, Lincoln.

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To the flag of America, enter your public room, which is Dan's one nation and another.

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God, an eventful and just as for all.

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Thank you so much, Dan.

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And to your principal, Ms. Outlaw, for being here tonight.

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We thank you and your family.

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Thank you all for joining us.

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Next, Senator Awards and Recognitions, we have a special musical presentation this evening.

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Dr. Smith?

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Thank you, Chair Swagger.

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Yes, we have quite the treat tonight.

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I would like to welcome the Tricon Elementary School Chorus under the direction of Megan

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Price.

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They're here for a special holiday music presentation.

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Let's give them a warm welcome.

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I'd like to invite the Tricon Elementary School Chorus to meet the members of the board.

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On behalf of the whole board, I just want to say an additional thank you so much

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to the Treatful Elementary School Court,

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chorus, and to Director Price.

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That was just a wonderful way to start the evening.

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And let's give a more round of applause for this.

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Next on our agenda this evening is to honor the service

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of poor, member Daniel Soler, who's term is coming to an end.

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I've asked Dr. Cotton to assist with the presentation

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of the resolution.

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Thank you, Dr. Cotton.

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Thank you, Chair Swagger.

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I just want to brag on my trickle hornets.

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I used to be the principal there.

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And it was a long time ago, Mrs. Scott.

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So don't say anything.

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But thank you, Mrs. Swagger.

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For this evening I am privileged to assist in recognizing the dedicated service of one of our

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of our esteemed former board members.

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I present for the Board's consideration a resolution honoring the service of Mr. Daniel

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Stoller.

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Mr. Stoller is with us tonight and I would like to invite him to the podium for this special

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presentation.

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The resolution reads, be it known to all persons that we, the members of the Chesapeake

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School Board, here assembled on this 15th day of December 2025, do hereby pay tribute to the

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outstanding and dedicated service rendered by Mr. Daniel Stoller as a member of this city's

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Board of Education. Whereas Mr. Daniel A. Stoller was appointed to the Chesapeake School

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Board in June 2025 and served faithfully through December 2025, demonstrating a strong commitment

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to students, families, and the Chesapeake community, and whereas Mr. Stoller brought to the board

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over 25 years of experience in public safety, including service as a sergeant deputy sheriff

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D.C.J.S. General and Weapons instructor with the Chesapeake Sheriff's Department, where

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he supervised teams, managed emergencies, and delivered instructional training focused

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on safety and decision-making.

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And whereas his public service also includes distinguished military duty in aviation

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electronics with the United States Navy's A6 and Truders Squadron V885 aboard the U.S.S.

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America, participating in multinational operations and maintaining compliance with military

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safety and technical standards and whereas Mr. Stoller's professional experience further

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encompasses work as a United States District Court security officer and a count manager

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and the private sector and most recently as a safety and security specialist with

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Placer American Corporation where he strengthens emergency response planning and interagency

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coordination and whereas during the school board tenure Mr. Stoller applied his expertise in

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management, stakeholder engagement, and leadership to advocate for school safety, mental health support,

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parental rights, and learning standards that prepare students for long-term success.

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And whereas, he faithfully attended school functions to show in-person his support of their efforts.

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Now, therefore, be a resolve that we honor and commend Mr. Daniel Staller for his exceptional contributions to public service,

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education and community leadership and express our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those who serves.

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Be it further resolved that this resolution be made part of the minutes of this state as a permanent record

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of the esteem accorded by the board to Mr. Daniel Stollard.

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The resolution is attested by each member of the school board, the superintendent and clerk of the board.

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Madam Chair, this time I respectfully request adoption of this resolution.

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Thank you, Dr. Cotton, I'll entertain a motion for approval.

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Move by Ms. Scott as there are seconds.

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I hear seconds around, but I'm going to give it to Mr. Alamonee, who I think I heard first,

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is there any discussion?

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Ms. Scott?

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The passionate parent. But I think you're so much more than that. I think you embody what servant leadership is. You serve our district in many capacities. You volunteer at basically every level. And I'm so grateful for you. I really appreciate you standing in the gap the last six months and taking that step for our district. You passionately serve our children, our parents and our staff. And I'm proud to know you and call you my friend. Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Had fully intended to say some things, but I don't know that I can do it much better and more

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Ellen, she's good.

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She's good.

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She's good.

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And I will just echo that probably more than I'll miss anybody I've seen.

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You certainly jumped in and hit the ground running with enthusiasm and passion, and it

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was appreciated all the way around.

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So I echo the appreciation for your service and it was exceptional while you were with

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us.

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Thank you for that.

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Thank you all very much.

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and thank you school board for trusting me to be on this school board.

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It is an honor and a privilege to serve on here to serve our community, our students, our parents,

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our teachers, and to fight for parental rights and fight for the what's right for our kids.

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I just want to say it was an honor and a privilege.

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So thank you so much to the School of Administration for welcoming me.

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I really felt like a family in here and it really felt nice, so thank you all very much.

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Thank you, Dr. Cotton. Thank you, my, my Angela's and thank you all very much for taking

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the time to show me the ropes and show me so quickly on how to hit the floor running, because

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it doesn't take one person, it takes a village and you all really welcome me in and really helped

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it, you know, made an advantage for me to hit that floor running. And I want to thank you so much.

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I know you all have a very big vote tonight for a school war policy.

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I don't know if I'm allowed to speak on that as well.

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Okay.

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I just want to say thank you all very much.

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It's been an honor and a privilege and I love my community.

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I love the parents.

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I love the students.

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I love the teachers and the staff.

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Thank you all very much.

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Let's,

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and we do need to go ahead and make it official.

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All those in favor please signify by saying aye.

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All opposed.

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Dr. Smith.

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Motion carries with all board members.

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Boating yes.

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Thank you.

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We will now move on to the public hearing for our superintendent's proposed capital improvement plan.

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Dr. Smith, are there any citizens who required requested to speak under the public hearing for this section this evening?

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No Madam Chair, we have no citizens requesting to speak on the Capitol Improvement Plan.

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We will now move on to the hearing of citizens.

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Dr. Smith, are there any citizens who have requested time to speak under this section this evening?

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Yes, Madam Chair, we have 26 citizens signed up to speak.

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Thank you.

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During their allotted time, speakers should observe our rules of decorum and know that expressions

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of concerns and criticisms on matters of school policy and operations is welcome.

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However, speakers must deliver their own remarks and may not play pre-recorded messages.

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I want to thank those speakers who sign up to address the board this evening.

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As a reminder, there are two ways that citizens can request time to speak.

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You can call the clerk's office before 12 noon the day of the meeting or sign up to

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speak prior to the start of the meeting.

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I'll in person request must be submitted to the Deputy Clerk at least five minutes prior

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to the published meeting start time.

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Each speaker will have three minutes to address the board.

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Once your lot of time is over, we ask that you promptly exit the podium, and we ask that

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you refrain from any behavior that disrupts the meeting, including the use of profanity

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applause, cheering, or jeering.

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Dr. Smith, please call the first speaker.

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Yes, I'd like to call speaker number 1 to the podium.

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We ask that you state your name and city of residence before you begin.

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Big Nichols, Chesapeake.

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I support the changes because the pronouns world views as violence against innocents

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is perfectly acceptable as long as it moves the agenda

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forward or harms their opponents.

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In Massachusetts, there's been zero female state champions

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in the gymnastics vault since 2017 since boy stole them.

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This is a slur because a group of people decided

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they could just up in language for everyone around them

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to make them feel better about themselves.

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It's not about kindness or compassion.

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It's about institutional power.

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Taboo language reinforces moral hierarchy, slurs

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of cycleage because they threaten the ideological scaffolding, defining legitimacy for the modern

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ruling class.

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In X&T, if a member said they don't kill you because they're a fascist, they call

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you a fascist, so they can kill you.

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That's not disagreement debate or democracy, it's weaponized hatred.

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When your identity is rooted in committing and defending violence against others, it's

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no surprise that every other boundary, including pronouns, eventually collapses.

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The loudest mega-fence in your group demands children's physical mutilation, while stripping

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parents of any right to know why would threats of violence against someone who ejects her

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their death cause even a flicker concern.

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That's not accidental hypocrisy.

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Marxists believe the only bullet wasted is the bullet not fired at the enemy.

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Half of America sees the other half as the enemy, not opponents, enemies.

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People whose lives are expendable if it advances the revolution.

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You can't build a just society in a foundation of blood.

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You can't build preach compassion with clench fist.

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You can't preach democracy by destroying its inhabitants.

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You can't claim to fight for moral dignity while normalizing brutality against human beings

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for the wrong pronouns.

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You can't claim the moral high ground when murdering children in school church of the womb

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is right or do.

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History is delivered as simple verdict.

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Any group willing to harm silence or kill those who disagree with them is not fighting

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for justice.

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It's all about power.

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When a group loses the ability to see humanity it becomes something darker, dangerous,

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and requires defeat.

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Not with fist threats are hatred, but overwhelming moral clarity, steadfast courage, and the absolute fearless refusal to bow, because the moment good people stay silent, evil stops whispering and start screaming.

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Well, America has heard the screaming for our brutal deaths long enough.

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Satan thought he won too, until the third day.

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Refused to bow.

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Speaker number two appears to be a no-show, speaker number three appears to be a no-show as well, so I'd like to invite speaker number four to the podium.

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Please state your name and city of residence before you begin.

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Absolutely.

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My name is Dr. Mark A. Willett, and I'm here as a parent and private citizen.

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Thank you for the time to share of why I like so many Chesapeake parents I'm firmly committed to the principle that parents write matter in terms of important life decisions about our children.

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To begin, please note, my record is 16 hours of silence.

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The record was set on a multiply delayed long haul flight. The person next to me seeing my article in Penn asked if I was a teacher.

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made a cheesy comment. I told him actually it's one of mine that needs

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revising. So he made a comment about students and asked if I was one. I said

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no, I'm actually a proff on my way to conference. I'm going to live in

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Chesapeake. I may be just a dad, but it just happens. I may

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world-renowned scholar of gender, sex, and sexuality. So I told him

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the truth. Gender, sex, and sexuality. That's what I profess.

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What would you like to know?

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The silence that followed highlights the usually unwarranted fear that surrounds three related

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but separate categories, gender sex and sexuality, and offers a reminder that masculine

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fragility is one of the most important projects in American history.

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Until recently, I generally avoid telling people my research and teaching specialty because

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it might make someone comfortable, but I realized it's not my job to make others comfortable.

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It's my happy privilege to share the knowledge so you can do the work to become comfortable yourself.

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Likewise, it's not any gay, queer, trans or even questioning child's job to make anyone comfortable

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nor is it their parents. The children and their parents are probably already very comfortable with who they are.

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Although I'm new to US America, I'm a simulating well enough to know that parents rights and freedom of choice

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Allegedly matter a lot here, but some now want to deny parents' rights to deny children

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their own name, their own identity, their own peace of mind.

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Is it gender that causes fear, sometimes that happens, when people are afraid they don't

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measure up to the ideal of femininity or masculinity, sorry, not, sorry.

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Maybe it's the fear of learning about the spectrum of actual sex differences.

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Gender in sex can be multiple and changing, even with a life course, getting old is inevitable.

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growing up as a choice. Or is it the sexuality that causes fear? That usually occurs for

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one or both knowledge, knowledge of one's own desires and the realization that desires

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incredibly specific. In fact, the latter carries with it the fear of telling a partner, the

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actual desire, track conversation, maybe asking. And a nation so devoted to the cult of

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individually, why be so quick to deny certain individuals that are identity when it's clear,

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gender-fluid and trans children and their parents are very certain about who they are.

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When I directed studies of bisexual women's dating, for example, the women were very certain,

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but their friend's co-workers and family believed everything was just a phase.

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And we're stunned to learn that bisexual women's dating involves mundane things like dinner, movies.

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If there's any instability, then it's in the eye of the beholder, in the US, America.

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We allegedly get to make our own choices.

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Speaker number 5

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appears to be a no-show, so I'd like to invite Speaker number 6 to the podium.

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Hi,

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my name is Augusta Renee. I'm a business owner and the Hampton Rose area, but more importantly, I'm a parent.

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And I'd say good evening to you tonight, but I'm actually furious that I even have to come out here and stand before you and address this.

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I cannot believe that we're even devoting time and energy to stripping our teachers of the simple courtesy of using students and colleagues preferred names and pronouns.

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And this isn't actually about names and pronouns or neutrality, like speaker number one said.

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It is about dignity and respect and basic human decency.

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It's about looking children in the eyes and saying, I see you and you matter.

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And 2025, the fact that we even have in this conversation is absurd, it's baffling and it feels cruel.

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Why are we not creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued for who they are?

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Schools should be a sanctuary where you tell children you belong, but instead for some mind-boggling reason we're standing here trying to tell children that you do not.

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That is institutional gatekeeping.

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And this board represents a very narrow perspective.

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It's a predominantly white passing group of people making decisions for a student population that's over 57% diverse and marginalized.

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Two board members of color may be of voice under the age of 40 up here. The lack of representation is glaring and speaks of volumes about the disconnect between your decisions and the community that you're supposed to serve.

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It's just a handful of people who look and think alike.

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This looks like a push to erode the separation of charts and state. I can't be sure, but it does look like an agenda to impose backwards beliefs on a student body that deserves better.

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one that longs for understanding and acceptance, and to those advocating for this, what is wrong with you?

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Is this the legacy that you want to leave behind? Is this the hilt that you want to die on?

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The TCP community elected you to tackle real problems, raised test scores, expand mental health services, and improve school safety.

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Not to mirror the ugliest chapters in history when denying people their names and identities was used as a tool of oppression by people that looked like you.

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Focusing on policing language and pronouns when public record shows that your district is drowning in mental health crisis.

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Anxiety and depression rates are soaring, it's tone-depth, it's irresponsible, and it's insulting to every student that's struggling right now.

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Trying to ostracize kids and perpetuate pain and division is crazy to me.

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Now I'm running out of time, I timed this down to the second, so let me leave you with this.

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Please look past the politics and see the children, choose compassion over cruelty and

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read direct your focus to empowering every teacher and child in this district regardless

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of how they identify.

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Thank you.

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Speaker number seven, it's your turn at the podium, please state your name and city of

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residents before you begin.

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Good evening.

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My name is Nicole Croco.

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I am a resident of Tezapique.

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I am a Navy veteran and for the past two years I've served our community as a foster parent.

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Primarily to teenagers, more than one of them has attended Tozapique Public Schools.

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I have invested interest in these policies that shade their education well being because of that.

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And tonight I am asking you to revise policy 802.

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So by the time many of these teenagers come into my home, they have already been through so much.

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Many of them have spent their lives in foster care, moving from place to place, caring wounds that most adults would struggle to bear.

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My goal is to make my home a safe and peaceful place, a lighthouse of clarity.

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When they are confused, I provide a stable answer because I am the adult, and I am the parent

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first and foremost.

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That stability is essential for their healing and growth.

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For my own trauma and from walking alongside teenagers who have lived through really terrible

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trauma, I have learned that children need clarity.

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They need a rock.

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Someone who will tell them the difference between dark and light, yes or no, right and wrong,

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in this case of their girl boy.

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Policy 802 must reflect that no student should be compelled to confirm adults, a firm adults.

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Forcing children to use their teachers preferred pronouns, violates constitutional rights, and reverses the natural order of authority.

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It places children in confusion, burdening them with the adult identity struggles, instead of receiving guidance from those adults.

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It is a downright lie.

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And a world already marked by instability, we cannot add to the...

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Boarding by compelling children to participate in it. Unstable children grow up to be unstable adults. I've seen this many times.

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If we allow uncertainty to take root in their formative years, we are shaping a generation that carries instability into their future, families, their future children, workplaces and communities.

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And for children who are already secure and their biological truth, these requirements strip away their confidence. They are told they must affirm adults who are uncertain of themselves.

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That is not fair, it's not right, and it undermines the clarity that they deserve.

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The clarity that trusted adults such as teachers should be providing.

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We have a moral responsibility to our children, this community and our nation.

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If we felt to provide that foundation, we're not neutral, we're not more loving, more accepting.

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We are neglecting our duty to guide them towards that stability that they desperately need.

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School should be places of truth, not places that deepen a certainty.

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Policy 802 to protect children from being forced, or I'm sorry, I urge you to devrevise

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802 to protect children from being forced to affirm adults.

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Our children deserve clarity, not confusion.

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Thank you.

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Speaker number 8, puts your turn at the podium, please state your name and city of residence

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00:31:18,540 --> 00:31:19,500
before you begin.

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Good evening, Chair Swagger and Honorable Board members.

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My name is Jeremy Rodden.

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I've been a resident of chess peaks since 2010.

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I'm the parent of two current CPS students, one former student.

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Also a former CPS substitute teacher.

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I'm here tonight to speak in opposition to the proposed changes

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to the professional conduct policies under 8-02.

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I'm not here tonight to talk about my family's personal story.

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Many of you are already familiar with my daughter's experiences

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in chess peak public schools.

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Instead, I want to focus on the policies and laws

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that already govern this district.

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According to Chesapeake Public Schools' own Title IX statement,

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the district prohibits discrimination, harassment,

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and retaliation against students and employees based

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on sex, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity.

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Gender identity is explicitly recognized

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as a protected class under federal law.

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Under the Commonwealth of Virginia's Human Rights Act of 2020,

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it is unlawful to discriminate based on characteristics

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including sexual orientation and gender identity.

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In places of public accommodation, including educational institutions.

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Gender identity is clearly protected under state law.

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Finally, CPS policy 9-23, the district's official policy on harassment and discrimination,

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prohibits discrimination or harassment by or against students or employees,

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based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected characteristics.

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Once again, gender identity is explicitly protected.

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Given these existing federal, state, and local protections,

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the proposed changes to policy 8802

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are inconsistent with the laws and policies this district

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is already required to uphold.

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Policy is meant to govern professional conduct

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should not protect students and staff from discrimination,

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not create space for it.

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Every student and every employee deserves a safe

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inclusive environment where they're treated with dignity and respect, no policy should undermine

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that obligation or place certain groups at greater risk under the guise of professional discretion.

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For those reasons, I strongly urge the school board to vote against adopting these proposed

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policies tonight. Thank you for your time.

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Speaker number nine, it's your turn at the podium. Please

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state your name and city of residence before you begin. Good evening. I'm Dennis Hansen, resident

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00:33:44,570 --> 00:33:51,590
in the chess peak Virginia, and I too opposed the adopting of the proposals for the change

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of policy, empowers strategic plan, first thing up there is our learners, so I'm really

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more concerned about item number 19 more than item 18,

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it's not respectful to the students.

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We

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say that we want to empower, inspire, and engage, I assume the students.

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This policy would not empower the students.

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It denies the professionals in the classroom or in the school, the opportunity to engage

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the students.

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Because they'll say, the policy says I can't talk to you about that.

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Totally ridiculous.

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we got counselors, we got professional educators, they need to be able to engage the students.

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If it's a concern of parental rights, let's adopt it, amend it so that if a parent says,

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I would like my child's request to be honored, then you know you have the support of the family.

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But let's not take it out of the family's hands.

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Thank you.

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speaker number 10, it's your turn at the podium, please state your name and city of residents before you begin.

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Good evening. My name is Jordan Hodges. I'm a resident of the city of Chesapeake. I am also a parent and an EV veteran.

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I'd like to thank the members of the Board for allowing me to take the time to address you tonight concerning policy 802 professional conduct.

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The proposed editions of lines 18 and 19, Section A, and line K and Section B, are direct

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contradictions to Section A lines 1, serving as positive role models, 5, treating all

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persons respectfully, 10, prohibiting discrimination or harassment, 12, protecting confidential

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information, and most importantly, 16, supporting a safe environment.

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By requiring staff and students to refrain from the use of preferred personal titles or

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not corresponding to their sexes sign-up birth. You may be protecting the rights of one group,

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but your simultaneously revoking the rights of another afforded to them by section 2.2-3900 of

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the Virginia Human Rights Act. You create an environment that is not safe and folks discrimination

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00:36:25,810 --> 00:36:32,190
in harassment is not respectful to a person or person. It creates potential to reveal confidential

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00:36:32,190 --> 00:36:38,450
information and does not in any way support a safe environment for either staff or students

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therefore revoking removing the ability for staff to be perceived as positive role models

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by the community. This language provides a pathway for potential violation of the rights of

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students and staff afforded to them by the Code of Virginia, giving way to litigation by those

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violated and taking away both time and financial resources from the school district, which could

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In fact, the academic efforts that are the school's direct mission.

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Tonight, I would urge the board to table this vote, reassess the proposed changes to this policy,

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and ensure that it is either consistent with or more comprehensive than the model policies developed by the Virginia Department of Education,

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allowing for a minimum, a collaborative effort with the parents of students, and how they self-identify.

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Thank you for your time tonight.

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Thank you for continuing to support the rights of all staff, all students, and parents.

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Speaker number 10 appears to be a no-show.

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Speaker number 11 is a no-show.

453
00:37:40,280 --> 00:37:42,480
Speaker number 12 is your turn at the podium.

454
00:37:43,800 --> 00:37:46,960
Please state your name and city of residence before you begin your remarks.

455
00:37:46,960 --> 00:37:47,540
Oh,

456
00:37:54,190 --> 00:38:00,890
I'm sorry. Hello, I'm Ari Jolian. My pronouns are ZZM and I'm a resident of Norfolk, Virginia.

457
00:38:03,150 --> 00:38:08,490
I was going to write, but I was going to read this about pronouns and stuff, but I just want to go ahead and let you know.

458
00:38:09,850 --> 00:38:16,030
I was eight years old the first time I tried to commit suicide because I wanted to be a boy and everyone saw me as a girl.

459
00:38:17,330 --> 00:38:20,970
It was not my family that I could go to and talk to about it.

460
00:38:21,230 --> 00:38:22,950
My family beat me for other reasons.

461
00:38:23,630 --> 00:38:27,050
Not for my pronouns or who I decided to bring Coleman Kiss.

462
00:38:28,430 --> 00:38:30,150
And I didn't trust them with that information.

463
00:38:32,350 --> 00:38:34,450
So, you know, it was rough.

464
00:38:35,010 --> 00:38:40,810
And it was a school counselor that caught me in the bathroom with a razor blade.

465
00:38:40,910 --> 00:38:42,990
Here's the scars, right here.

466
00:38:43,070 --> 00:38:44,770
Here's my tattoo of surviving.

467
00:38:45,370 --> 00:38:50,910
who caught me and was going to call my parents. I freaked. I tried to run from the school.

468
00:38:51,050 --> 00:38:55,410
I tried to punch her. I tried to bite her. I pulled my hair out. I told her if she called

469
00:38:55,410 --> 00:39:02,510
my dad I might as well be as good as dead. Luckily her and her boss decided to do weekly checks

470
00:39:02,510 --> 00:39:09,950
on me to make sure I wasn't cutting myself or doing drugs or anything like that. I was able to

471
00:39:09,950 --> 00:39:16,410
because of that counselor. What this policy is doing is stopping children and

472
00:39:16,410 --> 00:39:22,110
colleagues being who they are. You know, I want to go around and just miss

473
00:39:22,110 --> 00:39:28,030
his John McCormick, Mr. Angela Switchard. How does that feel when you know who you

474
00:39:28,030 --> 00:39:31,590
are and other people are telling you what you aren't?

475
00:39:33,910 --> 00:39:34,950
Thank you, that is all.

476
00:39:36,130 --> 00:39:41,710
Speaker number 13, it's your turn at the podium. Please state your name and city of

477
00:39:41,710 --> 00:39:43,450
President, speak for you begin.

478
00:39:55,050 --> 00:39:55,510
Good evening.

479
00:39:56,130 --> 00:39:58,070
My name is Dr. Charlotte Warley,

480
00:39:58,530 --> 00:40:02,250
and my personal pronouns are she, her, and hers.

481
00:40:02,970 --> 00:40:06,570
And I oppose the policy changes before this board.

482
00:40:07,450 --> 00:40:11,410
I am a life-long resident and a lover of Chesapeake.

483
00:40:11,910 --> 00:40:14,430
I also teach at the high school

484
00:40:14,430 --> 00:40:17,030
that brought us a new respect back to back

485
00:40:17,030 --> 00:40:20,790
football state champions, the Oscar Smith tires.

486
00:40:20,790 --> 00:40:28,150
Many thanks to Coach Chris Scott and his coaching staff under the direction of Paul Joseph

487
00:40:28,150 --> 00:40:35,250
Principal, Ray Collins Athletic Director, and those fabulous champion players.

488
00:40:35,870 --> 00:40:37,710
We are so very proud.

489
00:40:38,410 --> 00:40:41,490
My message tonight is very simple.

490
00:40:41,490 --> 00:40:49,210
By the grace of God and Virginia Electric Awareness, the voters have spoken loudly,

491
00:40:50,010 --> 00:40:51,810
clearly and joyfully.

492
00:40:52,670 --> 00:40:54,890
Now it is okay to be nice.

493
00:40:55,550 --> 00:41:03,970
Now it is okay to say no to oppressive and immoral executive orders that hurt both education

494
00:41:04,490 --> 00:41:06,070
and our students.

495
00:41:06,070 --> 00:41:13,870
They're stealing their voices and stealing their time and their presence because they have to hide.

496
00:41:14,730 --> 00:41:25,730
Now it is okay to respect a person's personal choices forcing them and to be treated and addressed regardless of partisan politics.

497
00:41:26,530 --> 00:41:32,490
Respect and decency can now be the hallmark of our school division.

498
00:41:32,490 --> 00:41:42,270
My Anjali reminds us that we know better, we do better, so for me tonight, I asked the board to do better.

499
00:41:43,850 --> 00:41:47,030
Don't approve this heinous policy changes.

500
00:41:48,550 --> 00:41:57,410
As I close tonight, I'm reminded of all the point setters, and the beautiful red and green and white, and thus I say to you,

501
00:41:57,410 --> 00:42:03,290
Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and a Merry Christmas to us all.

502
00:42:03,550 --> 00:42:05,070
God bless us, everyone.

503
00:42:05,950 --> 00:42:06,630
Thank you.

504
00:42:08,320 --> 00:42:11,660
Speaker number 14, it's your turn at the podium.

505
00:42:12,040 --> 00:42:15,180
Please state your name and city of residence before you begin.

506
00:42:20,790 --> 00:42:21,270
Good evening.

507
00:42:21,530 --> 00:42:25,350
I'm Mel Cornelese, and I wish she and hers.

508
00:42:26,010 --> 00:42:28,330
And I live here in Chesapeake, and I'm a teacher.

509
00:42:29,330 --> 00:42:37,490
And I have two kids, an eight-year-old third-grader in CPS, and an 18-year-old, proud graduate

510
00:42:37,490 --> 00:42:41,910
of Oscar Smith, who is now at UVA, Go-House.

511
00:42:43,990 --> 00:42:51,730
And both of them, when they were at CPS, my college kid is back home now for Christmas

512
00:42:51,730 --> 00:42:58,050
break so he helped me a little bit with this and so did my eight year old and they both

513
00:42:58,050 --> 00:43:07,470
reminded me that in school they used the SOAR program S-O-O-A-R which is an acronym and I'm going

514
00:43:07,470 --> 00:43:14,590
to use it tonight too. SOAR is a behavioral intervention and support framework to encourage

515
00:43:14,590 --> 00:43:21,350
positive behavior, academic success and a strong school climate. So both my kids know about

516
00:43:22,130 --> 00:43:27,950
This system is used to create a positive environment where kids feel safe and they feel motivated.

517
00:43:28,650 --> 00:43:31,310
So let's start with S, that's safety.

518
00:43:32,270 --> 00:43:38,730
In 2024, the Trevor Project published a study of over 61,000 transgender and non-binary youth.

519
00:43:39,010 --> 00:43:46,170
It's under 18 in the U.S. that found a causal relationship between anti-transgender policies,

520
00:43:46,170 --> 00:43:52,310
like the ones proposed here tonight and a heightened suicide risk among this group from anywhere

521
00:43:52,310 --> 00:44:00,170
from about 7% to up to 72% depending on which state we're talking about, which policies we're talking about.

522
00:44:01,190 --> 00:44:12,170
I think it's real important to consider the safety of our students and our employees and CPS by acknowledging who they say they are.

523
00:44:13,130 --> 00:44:23,370
O stands for ownership. When someone be they a child, a student, or an adult, maybe even a fellow employee gives you their name and their pronouns or their titles.

524
00:44:24,350 --> 00:44:31,650
Like, Mr. or Mrs. Doctor, they are taking ownership of these names and they are telling you who they are.

525
00:44:32,170 --> 00:44:40,210
Is not your place to tell them otherwise? You may take ownership of your own name, your own pronouns. No one else is.

526
00:44:41,130 --> 00:44:47,710
Hey, I'm told by my kids seems for attitude and when I asked my eight year old about this, he said,

527
00:44:48,170 --> 00:44:50,930
I said, what should you, what's your attitude be like at school?

528
00:44:51,170 --> 00:44:53,030
He said, well, you're just nice.

529
00:44:53,470 --> 00:44:54,570
You're just nice to people.

530
00:44:54,830 --> 00:44:56,090
You try to help them.

531
00:44:57,450 --> 00:44:58,610
You have a good attitude.

532
00:45:01,500 --> 00:45:09,640
And finally, our stance for respect, showing respect for self, others and their property.

533
00:45:11,480 --> 00:45:18,480
Three others, the way that you would like to be treated. It's the old golden rule. It's an old one and a good one.

534
00:45:19,260 --> 00:45:25,100
And it really shouldn't have to be explained to a group of adults and leadership positions. My question is,

535
00:45:25,100 --> 00:45:29,060
My eight-year-old can do this. Why can't y'all?

536
00:45:29,640 --> 00:45:32,860
Speaker number 15 that you're turn at the podium.

537
00:45:35,250 --> 00:45:37,790
Please state your name and city of residents before you begin.

538
00:45:42,760 --> 00:45:46,800
Good evening. My name is Rachel Anderson. I'm a guardian at Lightham.

539
00:45:47,500 --> 00:45:51,360
Concern and a concern citizen and resident of Chesapeake.

540
00:45:53,020 --> 00:45:57,480
I am here to speak against the proposed editions to 8-02.

541
00:45:57,480 --> 00:46:01,980
I am fatacly disagree with these additions.

542
00:46:03,400 --> 00:46:06,750
On page 5 of this school boards legislative agenda,

543
00:46:07,620 --> 00:46:11,860
you state that safety and well-being of students and staff

544
00:46:11,860 --> 00:46:14,480
are of paramount importance to you.

545
00:46:15,260 --> 00:46:19,020
Also, that school safety is about creating an environment

546
00:46:19,020 --> 00:46:23,400
where every, every student is supported

547
00:46:23,400 --> 00:46:27,420
and that mental health is as important as physical safety,

548
00:46:29,500 --> 00:46:31,420
so that our students can thrive.

549
00:46:32,860 --> 00:46:36,260
You want educators to foster safe and nurturing classrooms.

550
00:46:37,500 --> 00:46:41,240
And these values do not match those proposed additions.

551
00:46:43,920 --> 00:46:44,480
I'm an attorney.

552
00:46:44,740 --> 00:46:50,260
I think the proposed additions have a language about violating constitutional rights of someone

553
00:46:50,260 --> 00:46:53,260
when you ask them to refer to you and a preferred manner.

554
00:46:54,020 --> 00:47:00,160
For ease of this, I would assume you're referring to the first amendment, it's freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

555
00:47:02,380 --> 00:47:10,300
Placing this in a policy about pronouns and names is concerning. Individual liberties are not absolute.

556
00:47:11,520 --> 00:47:19,600
They stop when they infringe on another's rights. We live in a society where we use social norms to ensure that we can all coexist.

557
00:47:20,560 --> 00:47:24,480
A huge part of our social norms arise when we meet someone.

558
00:47:25,800 --> 00:47:28,520
They tell us our name, their name, and we reciprocate.

559
00:47:29,220 --> 00:47:32,140
Then we proceed to use that name and our interactions.

560
00:47:33,000 --> 00:47:36,620
This is polite and fosters all social interactions.

561
00:47:37,500 --> 00:47:42,460
For example, every doctor I see asked what my preferred name is on their forms.

562
00:47:43,260 --> 00:47:55,600
I know of no one who has been told someone's name is Mike, Norm, Kim, Eli, Mao, Jack, or Mandy.

563
00:47:56,660 --> 00:48:08,180
And proceeded to an insisted on calling them Michael, Norman, Angela, Kimberly, Elijah, Malia, John, Amanda, or Amanda.

564
00:48:09,940 --> 00:48:14,700
Those would be the names that we're not given when introduced to that individual.

565
00:48:16,080 --> 00:48:21,500
This is a form of the golden rule, which can be found in Matthew 712.

566
00:48:22,600 --> 00:48:26,940
Individuals are free to do as they please unless those actions harm others.

567
00:48:27,860 --> 00:48:31,740
Religious freedom does not permit you to discriminate against others.

568
00:48:32,660 --> 00:48:39,740
These proposed positions are written to allow a person to discriminate against someone else.

569
00:48:40,900 --> 00:48:43,900
I believe this is government sanctioned discrimination.

570
00:48:45,580 --> 00:48:47,580
We all know what minority population you're targeting.

571
00:48:51,280 --> 00:48:54,780
Speaker number 16, it's your turn at the podium.

572
00:48:58,620 --> 00:49:01,100
Please state your name and city of residence before you begin.

573
00:49:01,480 --> 00:49:02,460
Thank you.

574
00:49:08,340 --> 00:49:08,760
Good evening.

575
00:49:10,120 --> 00:49:13,520
My name is Robert Parishish and I'm a resident of the city of Chesapeake.

576
00:49:14,040 --> 00:49:15,000
Here's a parent tonight.

577
00:49:16,460 --> 00:49:21,900
I'm here tonight to speak in support of the proposed revisions to school board policy A-O-2.

578
00:49:22,660 --> 00:49:24,960
Because it honors and respects the first amendment.

579
00:49:26,180 --> 00:49:38,520
A plain reading of the proposed revisions says it for bids and pleas from being compelled to use pronouns that violate

580
00:49:38,520 --> 00:49:44,880
their constitutional rights. So we're forbidding employees from forcing speech code on other

581
00:49:44,880 --> 00:49:51,580
staff or students and it also prevents confusing students with pronouns from staff. They do not match

582
00:49:51,580 --> 00:49:57,820
their sex at birth. America's unique in many ways but one of the biggest ways we are unique

583
00:49:57,820 --> 00:50:08,060
are the concepts of freedom of speech and religious expression. Our founding fathers placed a high

584
00:50:08,060 --> 00:50:13,500
first amendment. If you look around the world today, there's plenty of places that have no

585
00:50:13,500 --> 00:50:19,680
right to freedom of speech. North Korea, Venezuela, China, there's places you cannot have

586
00:50:19,680 --> 00:50:24,100
any speech without the risk of being thrown in jail or worse.

587
00:50:26,280 --> 00:50:28,080
And yet, even those places,

588
00:50:28,480 --> 00:50:33,500
there's other places that claim to have freedom of speech. But right now, in places like England,

589
00:50:33,980 --> 00:50:38,120
they have social media laws that if you go online and you post something that is deemed

590
00:50:38,120 --> 00:50:40,940
defense of by the community, they're going to rest you.

591
00:50:42,100 --> 00:50:44,420
There's also numerous incidents around the world,

592
00:50:44,740 --> 00:50:47,480
including one in Ireland that I'm thinking of,

593
00:50:47,560 --> 00:50:50,380
Mr. Enoch, who was fired from his school

594
00:50:50,380 --> 00:50:51,940
for not using a student's pronouns.

595
00:50:52,860 --> 00:50:55,120
But we don't have to look around the world.

596
00:50:55,520 --> 00:50:57,080
This is happening across America.

597
00:50:57,800 --> 00:50:59,460
In fact, a couple years ago in Virginia,

598
00:51:00,020 --> 00:51:03,260
a teacher named Peter Flamming up in West Point,

599
00:51:03,640 --> 00:51:05,420
which is King William County,

600
00:51:05,420 --> 00:51:18,700
was fired for not using a student's pronouns, ultimately a few years later the Virginia Supreme Court held that his rights were violated, and the West Point school board had to pay a large sum.

601
00:51:20,220 --> 00:51:21,740
This is a contentious issue.

602
00:51:23,500 --> 00:51:30,520
No one wants to see any kids identify who identify as transgender be bullied or harassed, but at the same time,

603
00:51:30,520 --> 00:51:37,900
staff and students should not be bullied into using pronouns that they are not comfortable with and that are simply unnatural.

604
00:51:39,140 --> 00:51:45,460
All this policy says is that no one should be compelled into saying things that violate their rights.

605
00:51:46,480 --> 00:51:49,520
I strongly urge the Board to vote in favor of these revisions.

606
00:51:50,360 --> 00:51:50,640
Thank you.

607
00:51:51,740 --> 00:51:59,120
speaker number 17, your turn at the podium, and speaker number 18, if you're in the room,

608
00:51:59,220 --> 00:52:04,320
would you mind coming to the front row? We have some space in the front row, so you'll be ready to go.

609
00:52:08,710 --> 00:52:14,150
Hi, good evening. My name is Amanda Lambert. I am a Chesapeake resident, mom, educator, and

610
00:52:14,150 --> 00:52:19,470
Navy veteran. And I wish I were here to talk about issues relevant to my child's education,

611
00:52:19,470 --> 00:52:25,530
like student-to-teacher ratios, building conditions, or how student behaviors are causing harm

612
00:52:25,530 --> 00:52:31,370
to educators. Instead, I'm here to talk about policy 802, and I will do so from the angle

613
00:52:31,370 --> 00:52:35,470
of parental rights, because, unfortunately, that seems to be the only phrase that carries

614
00:52:35,470 --> 00:52:41,030
any weight, but some of you. As a parent, I have taught my child that faith and science

615
00:52:41,030 --> 00:52:47,370
coexist. For example, the narrative that there's only xx and xy chromosome configurations

616
00:52:47,370 --> 00:52:55,270
has been repeatedly proven to be false and denized God's creation and designs since that is how he created some of his children.

617
00:52:56,310 --> 00:53:03,230
Sex chromosome abnormalities such as Turner Syndrome, Klein Felture Syndrome, Trisomy X, and Jacob Syndrome

618
00:53:03,230 --> 00:53:09,930
effect as many as 1 in 400 children and are not diagnosed and are only diagnosed with specialized testing.

619
00:53:10,490 --> 00:53:16,610
They are not visible and they do not carry any distinct physical characteristics, meaning that you cannot determine their presence

620
00:53:16,610 --> 00:53:19,470
by photograph, appearance, or ultrasound.

621
00:53:20,190 --> 00:53:21,610
The science is not new.

622
00:53:21,830 --> 00:53:23,770
Nor is it part of some crazy agenda,

623
00:53:24,430 --> 00:53:27,070
because I first learned about sex chromosome abnormalities

624
00:53:27,070 --> 00:53:29,710
in 10th grade biology in 1995.

625
00:53:31,150 --> 00:53:32,910
Not in some crazy place like California,

626
00:53:33,670 --> 00:53:35,410
but in Bible Belties, Texas,

627
00:53:36,250 --> 00:53:37,510
basing division, white policy,

628
00:53:37,790 --> 00:53:39,530
off anything that contradicts these facts

629
00:53:39,530 --> 00:53:41,770
is in violation of my parental rights.

630
00:53:43,510 --> 00:53:45,510
As a parent, it's a role in my home

631
00:53:45,510 --> 00:53:48,970
that we treat one another with a dignity and respect we want for ourselves.

632
00:53:49,790 --> 00:53:51,770
We don't judge one another's walk through life.

633
00:53:52,130 --> 00:53:54,750
And we honor the things with any other that make them unique.

634
00:53:55,630 --> 00:54:00,050
This proposed policy spits in the face of the standards we uphold in my home by sending

635
00:54:00,050 --> 00:54:02,090
the message that different is bad.

636
00:54:02,650 --> 00:54:07,830
Your dignity is secondary to my beliefs, and respect is not too wastery to if I disagree with

637
00:54:07,830 --> 00:54:08,470
you.

638
00:54:08,850 --> 00:54:12,990
That's not the message my child needs to take away from school, yet it's the message this

639
00:54:12,990 --> 00:54:14,450
policy change sense.

640
00:54:15,750 --> 00:54:20,090
As a parent, I would love to see you not impose moral judgment on others, and instead address

641
00:54:20,090 --> 00:54:25,530
the things that impact students on a daily basis, like hiring more apparent professionals,

642
00:54:26,270 --> 00:54:31,570
alleviating high school overcrowding through rezoning, discussing teacher burnout, which

643
00:54:31,570 --> 00:54:35,430
is at record numbers, and better addressing deteriorating infrastructure.

644
00:54:36,290 --> 00:54:39,230
Those are the reasons you were elected, and please get back to that.

645
00:54:39,850 --> 00:54:42,690
In conclusion, you're at an empaths.

646
00:54:42,690 --> 00:54:46,430
Do you choose to focus on more important issues that impact my son's education?

647
00:54:47,110 --> 00:54:49,430
Or do you tell parents like me that our rights don't matter?

648
00:54:49,710 --> 00:54:53,650
And that your personal ideology is more important than what we teach at home.

649
00:54:53,850 --> 00:54:54,910
Thank you for your time.

650
00:54:56,490 --> 00:54:58,070
Speaker number 18.

651
00:54:58,210 --> 00:54:59,290
It's your turn at the podium.

652
00:54:59,710 --> 00:55:02,330
Speaker 19 if you could come forward to the front row.

653
00:55:03,970 --> 00:55:04,370
Good evening.

654
00:55:04,370 --> 00:55:09,570
My name is Amber Bomer, my pronouns are she, her, and I'm a resident of Chesapeake, a parent

655
00:55:09,570 --> 00:55:14,170
to a current Chesapeake public school student and president of Pride in the peak.

656
00:55:14,470 --> 00:55:18,630
The last time I spoke, I asked you to remember your why.

657
00:55:19,010 --> 00:55:26,110
According to an article published in October 19, 2022, by 13 news now, Sarah's Hammond, that

658
00:55:26,110 --> 00:55:31,590
why, for several of you, can be summed up as honoring parental rights as paramount.

659
00:55:31,590 --> 00:55:34,530
with retaining teachers as secondary.

660
00:55:35,170 --> 00:55:41,350
For example, Mr. Lomonia, you said that safety and security

661
00:55:41,350 --> 00:55:45,230
accountability, parents' rights, mental health resources,

662
00:55:45,770 --> 00:55:48,010
enhancing our vocational trade schools,

663
00:55:48,650 --> 00:55:52,730
and was extremely importantly retaining and getting teachers

664
00:55:52,730 --> 00:55:57,890
into Chesapeake, was your why. Mr. McCormick echoed these sentiments,

665
00:55:57,890 --> 00:56:04,290
saying it is vital to listen to teachers, parents and students, and help them develop

666
00:56:04,290 --> 00:56:09,750
solutions to problems they are facing. We're more than halfway through the speakers

667
00:56:09,750 --> 00:56:14,590
tonight, and the vast majority of them have said that they oppose a big keeping

668
00:56:14,590 --> 00:56:22,730
tally and we're about 10 against and 3,4. In November 6, 2024, 13 news now interview

669
00:56:22,730 --> 00:56:29,070
with Leah Britton, Ms. Wygert's priorities were listed as having a more engaging curricula

670
00:56:29,070 --> 00:56:34,830
free of negative social or political influence, which I can agree with more.

671
00:56:35,590 --> 00:56:40,750
Maintaining safety and schools and working with families in that same article, Mr.

672
00:56:40,910 --> 00:56:45,850
Colone is quoted as saying prioritizing parents voices and ensuring that they have a seat

673
00:56:45,850 --> 00:56:52,090
at the table continuously, not something we say, but what we do and we adhere to it.

674
00:56:52,090 --> 00:56:58,490
Under the current model policy, Chesapeake Public Schools parents can submit a form to consent

675
00:56:58,490 --> 00:57:02,950
for their student to be acknowledged by a preferred name or pronoun.

676
00:57:03,450 --> 00:57:09,590
It is not an official change of name on a legal document until a legal change of name has

677
00:57:09,590 --> 00:57:11,510
occurred and been submitted.

678
00:57:11,810 --> 00:57:17,450
It is simply honoring the dignity respect of a student and the rights of the students, parents,

679
00:57:17,650 --> 00:57:20,130
to have a say in how their child should be addressed.

680
00:57:20,130 --> 00:57:24,870
When you say that the district cannot compel teachers to recognize preferred names or pronouns,

681
00:57:25,370 --> 00:57:31,390
what you are saying is that parents write, don't really matter, or don't matter as much as the few teachers

682
00:57:31,390 --> 00:57:35,190
who may feel compelled to dead name or misgender a student.

683
00:57:35,710 --> 00:57:40,830
I've had the pleasure and honor to work beside teachers of all walks of life, religion, and political views

684
00:57:40,830 --> 00:57:44,490
to a one, our personal views remain our own in the classroom.

685
00:57:45,030 --> 00:57:49,250
There is no such thing as conservative or liberal, Christian or not, et cetera.

686
00:57:49,250 --> 00:57:54,310
After all, Ms. Walker and A. Dean once said, removing political agendas from the classrooms

687
00:57:54,310 --> 00:57:58,650
allows us to focus on the high-quality education our students deserve.

688
00:57:58,770 --> 00:58:02,950
That's why I'm asking you to reject this motion and leave the model policy you thoughtfully

689
00:58:02,950 --> 00:58:04,590
passed as it is. Thank

690
00:58:05,250 --> 00:58:06,530
you. Speaker

691
00:58:06,530 --> 00:58:13,570
number 19, it's your turn at the podium and Speaker 20 if you could come forward. Good

692
00:58:13,570 --> 00:58:15,810
evening, Nicole Spiris, Suffolk Virginia.

693
00:58:16,750 --> 00:58:23,970
I am here to speak out against the proposal to add the revisions to P802.

694
00:58:25,070 --> 00:58:30,390
My worry is how this is going to affect staff and students that fall under the umbrella

695
00:58:30,390 --> 00:58:32,030
of test peak public schools.

696
00:58:32,770 --> 00:58:37,330
It speaks of constitutionally protected rights, but this could lead to the rights of the

697
00:58:37,330 --> 00:58:41,090
LGBTQ population being violated as well.

698
00:58:41,750 --> 00:58:45,290
I worry about how this policy will affect those who currently work here.

699
00:58:45,290 --> 00:58:49,210
and who would potentially want to work here.

700
00:58:50,050 --> 00:58:56,790
We want to attract the best who will bring out the hidden potential and not only our students but our staff.

701
00:58:58,230 --> 00:59:01,490
With these changes, we will lose those caring workers.

702
00:59:02,250 --> 00:59:08,170
Public education should not be based on politics or religion unless you teach those subjects.

703
00:59:08,170 --> 00:59:15,410
We should be putting time and resources into helping the schools pass the SOLs and to be able to graduate.

704
00:59:16,310 --> 00:59:25,050
We should be preparing them for a future where they will be able to peacefully work with and live amongst others who do not think and live as them.

705
00:59:25,730 --> 00:59:31,290
Staff and students are unique as snowflakes. We are not the same.

706
00:59:32,290 --> 00:59:35,070
Please vote no on this policy change.

707
00:59:35,950 --> 00:59:40,370
We should be empowering each other no matter their name.

708
00:59:41,250 --> 00:59:46,810
Because in the end, their name is their choice and does not harm anyone else.

709
00:59:47,290 --> 00:59:48,930
Thank you.

710
00:59:49,430 --> 00:59:54,310
Speaker number 20 at your turn at the podium and speaker number 21 if you could come forward.

711
01:00:00,300 --> 01:00:29,320
Good evening. My name is Katrina Castle. I use an mx prefix that wasn't on the form. My pronouns are they them. I am a chastity resident. I'm a parent and I'm also a social study educator. Not your social study educator. This is my identity. It's not a preference. It's not a choice. So I am. I have taught for over a decade in public schools and I have never had one kid or one parent become inappropriately confused by any of this information.

712
01:00:29,320 --> 01:00:41,900
Many have spoken tonight about choice. Our choices define us, not others. How we treat others defines us and not them.

713
01:00:43,300 --> 01:00:54,720
I choose respect and kindness, and I expect it in return. Not because of my leftist agenda that calls me to be some kind of pronoun police,

714
01:00:54,720 --> 01:00:59,820
But because my mom arrays me right, with some good old fashioned manners.

715
01:01:01,080 --> 01:01:04,660
And I'm here tonight because some people in this district seem to have forgotten their manners.

716
01:01:05,200 --> 01:01:09,740
They've abandoned the tenants of basic decorum in favor of delusional self-interest.

717
01:01:10,400 --> 01:01:14,300
The proposed policy change would seek to make victims out of bullies.

718
01:01:15,260 --> 01:01:19,700
Because the reality is no one is victimized by anyone else's identity.

719
01:01:20,340 --> 01:01:30,780
To change the policy in this way, violates one of the simplest shreds of human decency that exists, as others have pointed out this evening, treating others the way you would like to be treated.

720
01:01:31,740 --> 01:01:48,480
Now, I don't know who raised y'all, but where I come from, folks know how to treat people. You don't need to earn being treated with respect and dignity, you're a person. We can pull up our little bootstraps and treat other people with respect, regardless of who they are. We do not let the preferences of a few ignorant fools command who we are.

721
01:01:49,520 --> 01:01:53,060
My identity is no more up for debate than yours.

722
01:01:53,760 --> 01:01:56,480
Our policies should reflect our priorities.

723
01:01:57,640 --> 01:01:59,900
This should not be hard for the city that cares.

724
01:02:00,500 --> 01:02:03,060
If someone tells you their name, you use it.

725
01:02:03,260 --> 01:02:06,180
If you make a mistake when you're identifying somebody, you fix it.

726
01:02:06,320 --> 01:02:08,680
And if you heard somebody's feelings, you say sorry.

727
01:02:09,420 --> 01:02:12,200
If it works in a preschool, it'll work for you.

728
01:02:13,840 --> 01:02:16,000
The policies are fine the way that they are.

729
01:02:16,000 --> 01:02:23,460
and you do a deep and divisive disservice to this entire school district by even entertaining the notion of changing them in this way.

730
01:02:24,540 --> 01:02:27,720
I know why it was raised better. I expect y'all were too.

731
01:02:29,800 --> 01:02:30,760
Thank you.

732
01:02:31,060 --> 01:02:35,900
Speaker number 21 it's your turn at the podium. Speaker number 22 if you'll come forward.

733
01:02:38,700 --> 01:02:42,920
My name's Hannah Barber. I am a resident of this city of Chesapeake. Are you she

734
01:02:42,920 --> 01:02:48,600
pronouns and I serve as the Vice President of Hampton Roads Pride. We're an organization that supports

735
01:02:48,600 --> 01:02:54,140
LGBTQ people and allies across all seven cities through year-round advocacy, education and community

736
01:02:54,140 --> 01:03:00,640
programs and our mission is simple, inclusion, dignity, and equality for all. I urge you to vote no

737
01:03:00,640 --> 01:03:06,980
on the proposed changes to 8-022 because respecting names and pronouns is not politics. It's an

738
01:03:06,980 --> 01:03:11,760
evidence-based practice that improves student safety supports educators and reflects our community

739
01:03:11,760 --> 01:03:17,500
values. First, I want to talk a little bit about student and safety and belonging. The

740
01:03:17,500 --> 01:03:22,620
data are clear, transit non-binary students face disproportionately high risk of bullying,

741
01:03:23,000 --> 01:03:27,160
depression, and suicide. National research shows that when schools are gender affirming,

742
01:03:28,180 --> 01:03:32,820
when students are called by their names and pronouns, rates of suicide attempt drops significantly,

743
01:03:33,520 --> 01:03:37,920
even one affirming environment, including school is associated with markedly lower depression

744
01:03:37,920 --> 01:03:39,120
and suicidal thoughts.

745
01:03:39,440 --> 01:03:40,620
These are not symbolic gestures.

746
01:03:40,940 --> 01:03:42,200
They're actions that save lives.

747
01:03:43,020 --> 01:03:44,800
Second, I want to talk about workplace climate

748
01:03:44,800 --> 01:03:45,940
and educator effectiveness.

749
01:03:46,620 --> 01:03:49,140
Your agenda states that a goal of fostering a professional

750
01:03:49,140 --> 01:03:51,240
and productive work environment that supports

751
01:03:51,240 --> 01:03:54,720
and play well being policies that restrict

752
01:03:54,720 --> 01:03:57,020
how educators refer to themselves or others,

753
01:03:57,260 --> 01:04:00,040
especially trans and non-binary staff do the opposite.

754
01:04:00,520 --> 01:04:02,820
They signal that some identities are left legitimate,

755
01:04:03,420 --> 01:04:05,460
which undermines morale increases conflict

756
01:04:05,460 --> 01:04:06,840
and distracts from instruction.

757
01:04:06,840 --> 01:04:16,060
Research on School Climate Consistently shows that supportive, inclusive environments lead to stronger engagement, better attention and better outcomes for students and staff alike.

758
01:04:16,840 --> 01:04:23,100
Third, I want to talk about how these policies affect everyone, not just trans and binary students and staff.

759
01:04:23,540 --> 01:04:26,520
Rules that police gender expression don't stop with trans people.

760
01:04:26,940 --> 01:04:33,880
They created chilling effect for any student or staff member who doesn't conform to rigid expectations of masculinity or femininity.

761
01:04:33,880 --> 01:04:40,260
And that makes schools less safe for all students, especially those already vulnerable, it's a harassment or exclusion.

762
01:04:41,880 --> 01:04:47,500
There is a better path forward. You don't have to choose between constitutional concerns in student-well-bort, well-being.

763
01:04:47,940 --> 01:04:52,180
The board can affirm names and pronouns as a standard or respectful, trauma and form practice,

764
01:04:52,740 --> 01:04:55,860
strength and anti-bullying and non-discrimination enforcement for all students,

765
01:04:56,440 --> 01:05:03,240
provides staff training and supportive communication, and partner with local organizations like Hamterra's Pride and the LGBT Life Center to support

766
01:05:03,240 --> 01:05:09,100
educators and families. In closing, mutual respect does not require any erasing anyone that's

767
01:05:09,100 --> 01:05:13,680
beliefs. It asks us to care for every student and educator and trust it to our schools.

768
01:05:14,080 --> 01:05:17,560
The evidence is clear, honoring affirm things and pronouns and proof safety,

769
01:05:18,060 --> 01:05:22,360
strengthens the workplace and reflects our community's values. I urge you to project these

770
01:05:22,360 --> 01:05:26,880
proposed restrictions and choose policies that keep all Chesapeake students and staff safe,

771
01:05:26,880 --> 01:05:29,200
respected and ready to learn. Thank you.

772
01:05:30,860 --> 01:05:35,640
Speaker number 22, it's your turn at podium and speaker number 23, if you'll come to the

773
01:05:35,640 --> 01:05:36,100
front.

774
01:05:39,660 --> 01:05:45,000
My name is Sean Locher and I'm a resident of Chesapeake. Since I've already emailed the board,

775
01:05:45,040 --> 01:05:49,780
my thoughts about the subject, I will be brief. I'm here tonight to express my opposition to the

776
01:05:49,780 --> 01:05:55,420
proposed changes to policy 802. This would ensure that Chesapeake public schools are following

777
01:05:55,420 --> 01:05:59,240
the established guidelines from professionals like the ones at the American Psychiatric

778
01:05:59,240 --> 01:06:04,700
association and a previous speaker here tonight, and not the opinions of some members of the

779
01:06:04,700 --> 01:06:07,180
city. And I did say opinions.

780
01:06:09,590 --> 01:06:12,890
This is very reminiscent of another issue that we sit over a year

781
01:06:12,890 --> 01:06:17,190
of the school board's time when the board tried to limit the religious freedom of some

782
01:06:17,190 --> 01:06:22,310
chesapeake residents. I hope the board has learned from those mistakes and instead chooses to focus

783
01:06:22,310 --> 01:06:27,370
on the real issues that need to be addressed by the board to ensure the high quality education that

784
01:06:27,370 --> 01:06:30,670
the city as we run to Custom 2. Thank you for your time.

785
01:06:32,230 --> 01:06:37,350
Speaker number 23 it's your turn at the podium and Speaker number 24 if you

786
01:06:37,350 --> 01:06:43,270
please come to the front. Hi I'm Danielle Spendity Fury. I reside in Hickory and

787
01:06:43,270 --> 01:06:49,590
Chesapeake and I also practice dentistry in Greatbridge. I think we can all agree

788
01:06:49,590 --> 01:06:54,910
that the number one priority that we all have is maintaining the health and safety

789
01:06:54,910 --> 01:06:55,730
of our children.

790
01:06:58,110 --> 01:07:02,930
There is a mountain of evidence of good quality studies that show that non-binary

791
01:07:02,930 --> 01:07:10,010
and trans students are at a high risk of mental disorders, which include anxiety, depression,

792
01:07:10,830 --> 01:07:14,050
suicide, ideation, and suicide attempts.

793
01:07:16,880 --> 01:07:19,700
One of the most important things that we can do to limit

794
01:07:19,700 --> 01:07:28,120
those risk factors is just acceptance of these children. One adult in their peers just

795
01:07:28,140 --> 01:07:34,920
listening and agreeing and identifying that they go by a different gender when pronouns use can

796
01:07:34,920 --> 01:07:39,880
help reduce this risk of suicide, self-harm, anxiety, depression.

797
01:07:41,280 --> 01:07:47,260
In refusing the preferred names and pronouns, this raises that risk if these vulnerable children's.

798
01:07:48,600 --> 01:07:55,260
But all we're asking for is to provide a space for these children to grow, learn, explore who they are,

799
01:07:55,260 --> 01:07:58,540
and allow for their preferred names in pronouns.

800
01:07:59,800 --> 01:08:02,140
And anybody with any suicidal thoughts,

801
01:08:02,300 --> 01:08:06,040
or just urge you to call 98 and Trevor Project

802
01:08:06,040 --> 01:08:07,880
is another great resource for those children.

803
01:08:10,520 --> 01:08:13,180
Speaker number 24, it's your turn at the podium,

804
01:08:13,460 --> 01:08:16,120
and Speaker number 25, if you please come forward.

805
01:08:18,020 --> 01:08:19,760
I would say good evening to you,

806
01:08:19,840 --> 01:08:22,140
but it is not a good evening due to this policy,

807
01:08:23,060 --> 01:08:28,140
802, that you are proposing, bringing me out to Chesapeake on this freezing cold evening while

808
01:08:28,140 --> 01:08:32,780
I could be at home, curled up on the couch with a blanket, and a nice cup of hot chocolate,

809
01:08:33,260 --> 01:08:33,700
watching Netflix.

810
01:08:34,020 --> 01:08:36,420
My name is Gray Lydon and my pronouns are they them.

811
01:08:37,140 --> 01:08:40,660
I am a board member of Hampton Road's Pride and the Virginia Creer Film Festival.

812
01:08:40,960 --> 01:08:46,280
I'm here today to speak in opposition of policy 802, which states that all employees are

813
01:08:46,280 --> 01:08:52,840
expected to, and I quote, refrain from providing to a student, his or her preferred personal

814
01:08:52,840 --> 01:09:00,420
title or pronouns, if such personal, personal title or pronouns do not correspond to

815
01:09:00,420 --> 01:09:06,320
his or her sex, as well as the policies restricting educators' pronouns and name choices.

816
01:09:06,540 --> 01:09:11,120
Not only is this discrimination against the students and the violation of the first amendment

817
01:09:11,120 --> 01:09:16,580
which protects freedom of speech, but this will result in an increased negative mental health

818
01:09:16,580 --> 01:09:21,780
for transgender and gender non-conforming students who use a name or program now that differs

819
01:09:21,780 --> 01:09:28,080
from their sex. 3.3% of high school age students are transgender, and your school system

820
01:09:28,080 --> 01:09:36,200
serves over 399,000 students, which means in the approximate 1300 high school students are transgender

821
01:09:36,200 --> 01:09:40,840
within your school district. These numbers are just your high school students, and aren't

822
01:09:40,840 --> 01:09:44,900
even considering the students who might be within your middle schools and elementary schools,

823
01:09:45,080 --> 01:09:51,940
where yes, transgender students exist. According to the Trevor Projects 23 National Survey

824
01:09:51,940 --> 01:10:00,000
on the mental health of LGBTQ plus youth, 41% of LGBTQ plus teens, seriously considered attempting

825
01:10:00,000 --> 01:10:06,180
suicide. Transgender and non-binary youth who reported that the people they lived with

826
01:10:06,180 --> 01:10:11,340
respected their pronouns and reported lower rates of attempting suicide.

827
01:10:11,760 --> 01:10:18,960
Nearly one in three LGBTQ students said their mental health was poor due to anti-LGBT

828
01:10:18,960 --> 01:10:19,740
Q policies.

829
01:10:20,200 --> 01:10:24,880
Clearly, this shows that if you go forward with implementing this new policy, it will

830
01:10:24,880 --> 01:10:30,680
increase the rates of suicidal ideation and negatively impact more students mental health.

831
01:10:30,680 --> 01:10:36,700
is the goal of education not to develop successful adults who have a positive mental health.

832
01:10:37,320 --> 01:10:41,680
How would you, like if people refer to you by the wrong pronouns and calls you, for example,

833
01:10:42,300 --> 01:10:49,860
Mr. Swagger, Mr. Scott, Ms. Collins, Mr. Huddle, Ms. McCormick, Ms. Pool, or Ms. Walnut?

834
01:10:50,400 --> 01:10:52,020
It doesn't feel good, does it?

835
01:10:52,200 --> 01:10:58,040
That's what you'd be doing to your students and teachers if you adopt policy 802.

836
01:10:58,040 --> 01:11:03,480
If you care about parents' rights, what you say you do, what about the parents who allow their

837
01:11:03,480 --> 01:11:05,440
children to use their preferred name and pronoun?

838
01:11:06,040 --> 01:11:11,660
This policy doesn't consider the parents' rights of those parents making your so-called

839
01:11:11,660 --> 01:11:16,960
parents' rights, stance, contradictory, and only protecting the rights of parents who don't

840
01:11:16,960 --> 01:11:20,260
support their LGBTQ students' children.

841
01:11:20,780 --> 01:11:23,600
I strongly hope you make the right decision and vote again.

842
01:11:24,920 --> 01:11:31,120
speaker number 25 it's your turn at the podium and speaker number 26 if you'll come forward.

843
01:11:33,990 --> 01:11:39,650
Hello, I'm Dr. Oshay. I'm an avid volunteer for the Tuskegee School District. I'm the

844
01:11:39,650 --> 01:11:44,690
person that gets your kids through the breakfast line in the morning and at night every night

845
01:11:44,690 --> 01:11:50,370
on the person that takes care of you in the hospital. So I'm going to use my time to speak

846
01:11:50,370 --> 01:11:52,370
from my professional and clinical standpoint.

847
01:11:53,450 --> 01:11:55,710
Five years ago, I stood with all of my classmates

848
01:11:55,710 --> 01:11:59,570
and I took an oath and I said, among other things,

849
01:11:59,690 --> 01:12:01,090
that I would address disparities,

850
01:12:01,890 --> 01:12:04,530
respect differences in all, and promote inclusion.

851
01:12:05,630 --> 01:12:08,970
By the time I'm finished speaking and number 26 comes up

852
01:12:08,970 --> 01:12:12,970
if they do, a student that's affected by policies,

853
01:12:13,250 --> 01:12:16,130
like the one you're proposing, will try to kill themselves.

854
01:12:17,710 --> 01:12:22,170
During this meeting so far, I've been keeping it tally, we're at number 22.

855
01:12:23,410 --> 01:12:29,190
Transgender children in America attempt to decide at a rate of at least one every five minutes.

856
01:12:29,910 --> 01:12:35,270
And due to recent government censorship, I only have data for 13 through 17.

857
01:12:36,150 --> 01:12:41,710
Which is a third of youth ages of these population, I've obvious.

858
01:12:41,710 --> 01:12:54,970
But the stats that I do have with respect to pronouns when that's taken to account, the 101,000 kids that will try to kill themselves this year, by doing that 105 math.

859
01:12:55,030 --> 01:13:04,210
I've got all my math, I can email it to you guys later, that 101,000 drops to 70,000 if people respect their pronouns.

860
01:13:05,410 --> 01:13:13,990
So, those 30,000 kids are a direct result of policies like the one you're putting forward, or considering putting forward.

861
01:13:14,830 --> 01:13:20,970
Your website spotlighted a teacher that said, every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them.

862
01:13:21,590 --> 01:13:27,510
All of these people behind me are the champions of these students. All of these volunteers, these parents and these staff.

863
01:13:28,250 --> 01:13:31,550
And how can the staff inspire, engage, and empower

864
01:13:31,550 --> 01:13:34,510
all learners to achieve their highest potential when

865
01:13:34,510 --> 01:13:36,630
they aren't even allowed to achieve their own?

866
01:13:37,970 --> 01:13:40,570
You are their bosses, you are telling them that you don't

867
01:13:40,570 --> 01:13:45,510
respect them, and you're telling them to pass that feeling

868
01:13:45,510 --> 01:13:48,770
along to their kids, along to the students.

869
01:13:49,670 --> 01:13:52,790
You're telling your staff that you don't respect them,

870
01:13:52,850 --> 01:13:55,470
and you're telling your staff to disrespect their kids.

871
01:13:56,390 --> 01:14:00,230
I have so much more than I have three minutes to talk about.

872
01:14:00,350 --> 01:14:05,990
If you guys are ever interested, I do teach a lecture on health disparities for the LGBTQ

873
01:14:05,990 --> 01:14:07,030
community.

874
01:14:07,650 --> 01:14:12,010
I teach at various medical schools and pharmacy schools across the country,

875
01:14:14,130 --> 01:14:14,810
but I'll leave you

876
01:14:14,810 --> 01:14:15,270
with this.

877
01:14:15,350 --> 01:14:23,730
If I knew of a 100% effective cure for 30,000 of my patients and I didn't take it or pursue

878
01:14:23,730 --> 01:14:34,290
at all. I would lose my license and I would lose all shred of morality. Point blank. The fact that

879
01:14:35,150 --> 01:14:39,350
you guys won't consider it in those terms is very disappointing.

880
01:14:41,950 --> 01:14:44,190
Speaker number 26, it's your turn

881
01:14:44,190 --> 01:14:47,970
at the podium. Please state your name and city of residents before you begin.

882
01:14:50,070 --> 01:14:51,150
For Napper, oh, sorry,

883
01:14:51,150 --> 01:14:54,530
I'm Jennifer Naperella and I am a resident of Chesapeake.

884
01:14:57,620 --> 01:14:59,920
I'm Chesapeake Public Schools employee and I'm here.

885
01:15:00,000 --> 01:15:05,300
Tonight, to pragmatically address the three proposed additions to the CPS policy manual.

886
01:15:06,020 --> 01:15:11,020
Number 18 indicates that one employee should refrain from referring to another employee in a manner

887
01:15:11,020 --> 01:15:17,860
that violates the employees constitutionally protective rights, but does not specify which part of the constitution

888
01:15:17,860 --> 01:15:24,240
that proposal refers to. Therefore, I have to ask if the proposal itself violates constitutional amendment

889
01:15:24,240 --> 01:15:29,580
number four, which protects citizens from government overreach by guaranteeing the right of the

890
01:15:29,580 --> 01:15:31,680
people to be secure in their persons.

891
01:15:32,500 --> 01:15:37,120
Number 19 indicates that employees should refrain from providing to a student their preferred

892
01:15:37,120 --> 01:15:37,800
pronouns.

893
01:15:38,480 --> 01:15:44,100
This proposal defies parent choice that almost always involves medical supervision.

894
01:15:44,800 --> 01:15:47,100
Overiding parent choice is a mistake.

895
01:15:47,560 --> 01:15:52,140
One that just speak public schools pays for, every time the United States Department

896
01:15:52,140 --> 01:15:58,940
education office for civil rights finds us guilty of retaliatory actions towards students with medical

897
01:15:58,940 --> 01:16:07,820
accept exempt exemptions. What is number 19 if it is not retaliatory? Letter K indicates that

898
01:16:07,820 --> 01:16:13,860
students can't be compelled to refer to an employee in a manner that violates the students again

899
01:16:13,860 --> 01:16:21,380
unspecified constitutionally protected rights. Deeply problematic is the fact that employee rights

900
01:16:21,380 --> 01:16:28,360
are entirely overlooked in letter K. The board should recognize the inevitable consequential charges

901
01:16:28,360 --> 01:16:34,820
of the abusive work environment that the proposal will engender if it is passed and the victims

902
01:16:34,820 --> 01:16:41,420
according to Virginia Code will have a right to sue, civilly, the person or person's guilty

903
01:16:41,420 --> 01:16:48,220
thereof, what is K if it is not creating a hostile and abusive environment to your employees?

904
01:16:49,000 --> 01:16:55,180
In my novice observation, each of your each of these proposals cite is inviting lawsuits

905
01:16:55,180 --> 01:16:58,200
that Chesapeake Public Schools will lose.

906
01:16:58,660 --> 01:17:03,100
For Chesapeake Public Schools to retain the hallmarks of a law-abiding public school system,

907
01:17:03,580 --> 01:17:08,960
the board must not adopt any of the three opposed additions to the policy manual this evening.

908
01:17:09,620 --> 01:17:10,440
Thank you for your time.

909
01:17:11,820 --> 01:17:14,840
This concludes our speakers for this evening.

910
01:17:16,360 --> 01:17:17,640
Thank you for sharing your comments.

911
01:17:18,320 --> 01:17:20,020
Our practices to receive information,

912
01:17:20,020 --> 01:17:22,340
however we do not usually engage in dialogue

913
01:17:22,340 --> 01:17:23,680
and that is our intent tonight.

914
01:17:24,340 --> 01:17:26,140
If appropriate and not already provided someone

915
01:17:26,140 --> 01:17:28,060
from the superintendent's office will evaluate

916
01:17:28,060 --> 01:17:29,520
your concern and provide a response.

917
01:17:30,600 --> 01:17:32,660
At this time, we will consider the consent agenda.

918
01:17:32,900 --> 01:17:34,440
I'll entertain a motion for approval.

919
01:17:35,740 --> 01:17:37,460
Move by Ms. Scott, is there a second?

920
01:17:38,380 --> 01:17:40,460
Seconded by Mr. Pool, is there any discussion?

921
01:17:41,260 --> 01:17:44,200
All those in favor please signify by saying aye.

922
01:17:44,840 --> 01:17:45,460
All opposed?

923
01:17:46,420 --> 01:17:47,240
Dr Smith.

924
01:17:47,580 --> 01:17:50,260
Motion carries with all board members voting, yes.

925
01:17:50,740 --> 01:17:52,640
We will now move over to our information agenda.

926
01:17:52,800 --> 01:17:56,240
The first item being the monthly financial report, Ms. Lodge.

927
01:17:57,620 --> 01:17:58,780
Thank you, Chair Scyckert.

928
01:17:59,020 --> 01:18:05,480
We have included financial projections for July, August, September, and October 2025, and

929
01:18:05,480 --> 01:18:07,700
the board documents for tonight's meeting.

930
01:18:07,700 --> 01:18:14,260
Revenue in a projected expenditures are within the expected branches for the month, or for the time period.

931
01:18:14,940 --> 01:18:24,780
Total realized revenue for the fiscal year through October is about $214 million, including approximately $112 million from the state,

932
01:18:25,320 --> 01:18:31,960
about $100 million from the city, and their remaining funds from other local sources and the federal government.

933
01:18:31,960 --> 01:18:39,340
Turning to expenditures, total projected expenditures are $162 million throughout October.

934
01:18:40,360 --> 01:18:46,060
After including a conferences, which are future financial obligations incurred throughout the year,

935
01:18:46,360 --> 01:18:49,480
the total projection is $322 million.

936
01:18:50,480 --> 01:18:56,680
Projective expenditures reflect the 4% compensation adjustment provided to all contracted employees

937
01:18:56,680 --> 01:19:04,020
and a $6.4 million transition supplement equivalent to one week's pay to support employees

938
01:19:04,020 --> 01:19:08,620
as they transition to this year's new, bi-weekly, and a year's pay schedule.

939
01:19:10,660 --> 01:19:18,160
Fall enrollment was 39,497 or 403 fewer than planned for the fiscal year.

940
01:19:18,920 --> 01:19:24,440
Enrollment is the primary driver of state revenue, and the client is estimated to reduce revenue

941
01:19:24,440 --> 01:19:29,060
by about $3.2 million if it remains a current level.

942
01:19:30,160 --> 01:19:35,580
Final state revenue is calculated based on the final spring enrollment, but we will continue

943
01:19:35,580 --> 01:19:39,420
to monitor enrollment closely and will adjust spending as necessary.

944
01:19:41,060 --> 01:19:46,420
Last, I want to share that this evening's financial report is a little different from past reports.

945
01:19:47,080 --> 01:19:52,960
This is due to an outstanding UKG project requirement, a personnel expenditure file uploaded

946
01:19:52,960 --> 01:19:59,720
from UKG to our financial system people sought. Without the upload, comprehensive monthly financial

947
01:19:59,720 --> 01:20:05,840
reports cannot be produced. While we await the completion of this requirement, CPS's

948
01:20:05,840 --> 01:20:12,500
finances remain actively managed and monitored with financial controls and the review of non-personnel

949
01:20:12,500 --> 01:20:17,980
related expenditures in people's soft and personnel related expenditures in UKG.

950
01:20:17,980 --> 01:20:25,340
This requirement has been escalated and is a top priority for UKG and our project management team.

951
01:20:26,000 --> 01:20:32,240
Once the upload is complete, we will issue the comprehensive financial reports for July through October.

952
01:20:33,180 --> 01:20:37,700
This completes my finance report for the evening and I'm happy to answer any questions she may have.

953
01:20:38,080 --> 01:20:38,860
Thank you.

954
01:20:41,210 --> 01:20:42,910
I don't see any questions from the board.

955
01:20:42,910 --> 01:20:49,690
So, we will move on to our 2024-2025 audited financial report, back to you, Ms. Lads.

956
01:20:49,910 --> 01:20:50,510
Thank you.

957
01:20:50,910 --> 01:20:56,870
This evening, Mrs. Laura Harden, Audit Director of a Cherry Beckert Advisory L.C.,

958
01:20:56,870 --> 01:21:02,910
will present the 2024-2025 Audited Financial Stamence and Executive Summary.

959
01:21:03,370 --> 01:21:05,730
I'll hand it over to Mrs. Harden at this time.

960
01:21:05,930 --> 01:21:06,850
Thank you.

961
01:21:10,240 --> 01:21:19,740
Thank you for having me here this evening to present the results of the audit of Chesapeake Public Schools for fiscal year June 30, 2025

962
01:21:19,740 --> 01:21:27,620
My name is Laura Harden. I am the engagement director who versaud the audit of the school board and take ultimate responsibility for our audit opinion

963
01:21:28,580 --> 01:21:34,640
So we did audit the school board and we issued our audit report on December 2nd, 2025

964
01:21:34,640 --> 01:21:43,960
We issued an unmodified opinion on the financial statements that is the best opinion you can receive as a result of your audit, and is called a clean opinion.

965
01:21:45,700 --> 01:21:53,920
We also perform audits under both government auditing standards as well as the auditor of public account specifications for audits of county cities in town.

966
01:21:54,800 --> 01:21:59,820
We identified no instances of noncompliance required to be reported under those standards or specifications.

967
01:21:59,820 --> 01:22:10,280
We also get an understanding of the internal control environment of the school board that helps us to plan and perform our audit, but we do not issue an opinion on the internal controls.

968
01:22:10,920 --> 01:22:21,180
If we did identify any control deficiencies, I'd be required to report those to you. We did not identify anything that we considered to be a material weakness and internal control over financial reporting.

969
01:22:22,400 --> 01:22:28,220
We also did not identify any misstatements that were either corrected or left un-corrected by management.

970
01:22:29,900 --> 01:22:34,820
Note one of the financial statements describes the significant accounting policies of the schools.

971
01:22:35,380 --> 01:22:39,520
They did implement, as the statement number 101 for compensated absences.

972
01:22:39,900 --> 01:22:44,900
The standard resulted in a restatement of beginning that position of $1.3 million.

973
01:22:44,900 --> 01:22:50,560
We noted no inappropriate accounting policies sees or practices during our audit procedures.

974
01:22:52,980 --> 01:22:56,900
We also given an understanding of the related party of relationships and transactions.

975
01:22:57,340 --> 01:23:00,260
We had no issues in identifying those relationships.

976
01:23:01,140 --> 01:23:06,640
We did not note any that appeared to lack business purpose or had non-compliance with applicable laws

977
01:23:06,640 --> 01:23:07,580
regulations.

978
01:23:09,880 --> 01:23:14,460
We did not identify anything that we considered to be a significant tour, unusual transaction

979
01:23:16,040 --> 01:23:19,880
and within the financial statements, there are some sensitive estimates affecting the

980
01:23:19,880 --> 01:23:20,740
financials.

981
01:23:20,740 --> 01:23:24,920
These are things that can change year over year based on the underlying assumptions that

982
01:23:24,920 --> 01:23:27,140
go into making those estimates.

983
01:23:27,560 --> 01:23:32,280
The most sensitive to the financial statements are the pension and open benefits, assets,

984
01:23:32,940 --> 01:23:38,480
liabilities and deferred flows of resources, the capital asset, depreciable lives, and compensated

985
01:23:38,480 --> 01:23:41,580
absences, which is based on a more likely than not usage.

986
01:23:42,320 --> 01:23:47,140
As part of our audit process, we obtain and understand the key factors and assumptions used

987
01:23:47,140 --> 01:23:51,880
in developing those estimates and determine that their reasonable and relation to the financial

988
01:23:51,880 --> 01:23:53,920
statements as a whole.

989
01:23:57,360 --> 01:24:01,400
Excuse me, the financial statement disclosures are a neutral consistent and clear.

990
01:24:02,780 --> 01:24:19,500
Our advisory practice performs a few non-attests services for the schools, the first being for the implementation of GASB statement number 101, as well as continued assistance with GASB statement number 96 and 87.

991
01:24:20,460 --> 01:24:25,980
We also prepared the financial statements for the schools, and we assisted in the assembly and printing.

992
01:24:25,980 --> 01:24:34,600
For those services, management assign someone to oversee those and takes ultimate responsibility for our services.

993
01:24:35,200 --> 01:24:37,860
We're not aware of any other threats to our auditor independence.

994
01:24:38,460 --> 01:24:41,640
We are independent of the schools and we have met our ethical responsibilities.

995
01:24:43,780 --> 01:24:48,580
We had no difficulties in completing our audit nor did we have any disagreement with management.

996
01:24:49,180 --> 01:24:54,720
We did not have to consult with anybody outside of our engagement team for any difficult or contentious matters.

997
01:24:54,720 --> 01:24:59,360
We had management, signing representation letter as of the date of our audit opinion, which

998
01:24:59,360 --> 01:25:04,420
represented to us at all the information we needed to perform our audit was provided to us.

999
01:25:04,660 --> 01:25:09,420
We're not aware of any cases where management consulted with other accountants for any kind

1000
01:25:09,420 --> 01:25:10,120
of second opinion.

1001
01:25:10,940 --> 01:25:14,460
We had no other findings or issues that are required to be reported to you.

1002
01:25:14,580 --> 01:25:20,240
We did not identify any fraud, legal act or waste or abuse during our audit, and we have

1003
01:25:20,240 --> 01:25:25,060
of answer conditions that indicate substantial doubt about the school's ability to continue as

1004
01:25:25,060 --> 01:25:25,840
a going concern.

1005
01:25:28,500 --> 01:25:32,880
And with that, I'll just note that there are a couple of new reporting changes for fiscal

1006
01:25:32,880 --> 01:25:33,900
year 2026.

1007
01:25:34,120 --> 01:25:38,240
We'll be working with the schools on implementing those, but we don't anticipate them to have

1008
01:25:38,240 --> 01:25:43,080
any significant change to the financials and we'll not result in any kind of restatement.

1009
01:25:44,300 --> 01:25:46,620
With that, I'm happy to answer any questions.

1010
01:25:46,620 --> 01:25:47,240
I

1011
01:25:50,350 --> 01:25:54,610
don't see any questions from the board at this time, so thank you for the report.

1012
01:25:55,130 --> 01:25:56,090
Thank you.

1013
01:25:56,550 --> 01:26:02,030
The last item on our information agenda this evening is the 2024-25 school activity funds audit.

1014
01:26:02,470 --> 01:26:03,650
Again, everybody in Ms. Glod.

1015
01:26:04,750 --> 01:26:05,650
Thank you, Chair Sviker.

1016
01:26:05,870 --> 01:26:10,670
This evening, Ms. Brittany Greggerson, Director of Assurance Services with Forbes,

1017
01:26:11,190 --> 01:26:18,610
Ms. Ars LLP will provide a summary of the 2024-25 school activity funds audit.

1018
01:26:19,450 --> 01:26:23,230
Welcome Ms. Greggerson to provide her summary at this time.

1019
01:26:23,490 --> 01:26:23,850
Thank you.

1020
01:26:23,870 --> 01:26:24,810
Thank you so much.

1021
01:26:25,130 --> 01:26:27,170
Good evening and thank you for having me this evening.

1022
01:26:27,530 --> 01:26:30,470
Normally, you don't have both of your auditors here at the same time.

1023
01:26:30,630 --> 01:26:36,310
So I'm going to abbreviate mine a little bit because my audit is a component unit of the larger school board audit,

1024
01:26:36,490 --> 01:26:38,550
which you just heard the summary of.

1025
01:26:38,730 --> 01:26:42,710
Ultimately, we have issued an unmodified audit opinion as Laura mentioned.

1026
01:26:42,890 --> 01:26:45,210
That's going to be a clean opinion that the best.

1027
01:26:45,950 --> 01:26:49,290
The highest level of assurance that we can provide on those financial statements.

1028
01:26:50,030 --> 01:26:53,770
We went out and we visited each of the schools in person and did testing at each of those

1029
01:26:53,770 --> 01:26:57,530
schools and worked very closely with the bookkeepers and principals at each school.

1030
01:26:58,350 --> 01:27:01,670
You should have received a copy of our final audited financial statements.

1031
01:27:01,910 --> 01:27:07,050
These look very similar to the prior year overall about $180,000 increase in the funds.

1032
01:27:08,070 --> 01:27:09,890
But overall not a whole lot of change there.

1033
01:27:10,290 --> 01:27:14,490
And then you also have our report to the school board and that's going to go over a lot

1034
01:27:14,490 --> 01:27:16,330
of the same things that Laura mentioned

1035
01:27:16,330 --> 01:27:18,990
if we had identified any uncorrected misstatements,

1036
01:27:19,210 --> 01:27:21,730
adjusting journal entries, if we had identified

1037
01:27:21,730 --> 01:27:24,210
any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses,

1038
01:27:24,410 --> 01:27:27,290
and again, happy to announce that we did not identify any

1039
01:27:27,290 --> 01:27:30,650
material weaknesses consistent with the larger school board

1040
01:27:30,650 --> 01:27:31,110
audit.

1041
01:27:31,990 --> 01:27:34,630
So again, this is just for the student activity funds

1042
01:27:34,630 --> 01:27:39,230
at each school, but I would open it up to any questions.

1043
01:27:39,430 --> 01:27:41,330
I'm gonna leave it very high level for you all

1044
01:27:41,330 --> 01:27:44,130
because I know you've had a lot on the agenda tonight

1045
01:27:44,130 --> 01:27:46,610
and kind of just had the full presentation for the full audit.

1046
01:27:48,050 --> 01:27:51,370
So I believe I've seen a questions for your report either.

1047
01:27:51,410 --> 01:27:52,850
Thank you for being here.

1048
01:27:54,600 --> 01:27:58,600
The first item on our action agenda this evening is the superintendent's proposed capital

1049
01:27:58,600 --> 01:28:00,440
improvement plan, Ms. Sutz.

1050
01:28:00,740 --> 01:28:01,560
Thank you, Madam Chair.

1051
01:28:01,980 --> 01:28:08,100
The superintendent's proposed capital improvement plan for 2026 to 2036 was initially presented

1052
01:28:08,100 --> 01:28:10,000
at the second meeting in October.

1053
01:28:11,360 --> 01:28:22,360
Additionally, I work session public hearing and we're conducted in the November meeting and of course we had the second public hearing this evening for the capital plan.

1054
01:28:23,060 --> 01:28:28,460
We do not have a formal presentation for you this evening because we've already had a couple of work sessions.

1055
01:28:29,300 --> 01:28:33,140
Dr. Martinez and I are here and available to answer any questions you may have.

1056
01:28:34,280 --> 01:28:40,340
And then if you don't have any of those, we are asking for a final action this evening on the Capitol Improvement Plan.

1057
01:28:41,160 --> 01:28:47,140
And as you know, the superintendent's proposed Capitol Improvement Plan becomes the school boards proposed Capitol Improvement Plan.

1058
01:28:48,200 --> 01:28:55,520
And once it's adopted by you all, then we will forward it over to the city for inclusion and their review of their Capitol Improvement Budget.

1059
01:28:56,240 --> 01:29:00,320
And as you all know, they are required to take action by the middle of May, actually May 15th.

1060
01:29:03,610 --> 01:29:08,670
I see no final questions from the board, so with that I will entertain a motion for approval

1061
01:29:08,670 --> 01:29:10,110
of the Capital Improvement Plan.

1062
01:29:11,070 --> 01:29:12,450
Move by Ms. Huddle, is there a second?

1063
01:29:13,190 --> 01:29:15,750
Second of my Mr. Pool, is there any final discussion?

1064
01:29:16,930 --> 01:29:18,910
All those in favor please signify by saying aye.

1065
01:29:19,730 --> 01:29:20,370
All opposed?

1066
01:29:21,210 --> 01:29:22,170
Dr. Smith.

1067
01:29:23,150 --> 01:29:25,590
Motion carries with all board members voting yes.

1068
01:29:26,850 --> 01:29:31,110
The last item on the action agenda this evening is proposed revision as the schoolwear policy

1069
01:29:31,110 --> 01:29:34,230
the 8-2 General Personnel Matters Professional Conduct.

1070
01:29:34,990 --> 01:29:39,050
The proposed revisions to this policy were presented at our last meeting, and the proposed

1071
01:29:39,050 --> 01:29:43,350
changes in corporate provisions addressing constitutionally protected rights related

1072
01:29:43,350 --> 01:29:45,650
to the personal titles and forms of address.

1073
01:29:46,270 --> 01:29:48,670
A copy of these changes is available in board docs.

1074
01:29:49,070 --> 01:29:50,410
I'll entertain a motion for approval.

1075
01:29:51,370 --> 01:29:52,830
Move by Ms. Scott, is there a second?

1076
01:29:54,130 --> 01:29:55,990
I'm going to go to the second with Mr. Cohen.

1077
01:29:56,370 --> 01:29:57,810
We will open for discussion.

1078
01:29:57,810 --> 01:29:59,970
I know there are a few members.

1079
01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:06,000
At least that would like to add some thoughts to the matter. I'd like to open and if you'll bear with me,

1080
01:30:06,020 --> 01:30:11,600
you know, I have several thoughts I wanted to make sure to touch on, so I did write down my comments because I didn't want to miss anything.

1081
01:30:12,460 --> 01:30:18,060
But I would like to take a moment to add some clarity on what these policy revisions are and what they're not.

1082
01:30:18,920 --> 01:30:25,640
These three policy revisions are related to employee activities, and are intended to keep the classroom focus on curriculum.

1083
01:30:25,640 --> 01:30:33,660
The use of alternative pronouns and titles that do not align with biological sex is a controversial and complex issue,

1084
01:30:34,260 --> 01:30:40,060
one that is most appropriately navigated by families according to their own personal values, whatever they may be.

1085
01:30:40,400 --> 01:30:45,160
Issues such as this do not have a direct link to the curriculum and therefore they don't belong in the classroom.

1086
01:30:46,300 --> 01:30:49,980
We must address the negative unintended consequences related to this issue,

1087
01:30:49,980 --> 01:30:55,260
and do our very best to find solutions to solve the challenge with minimal negative impact all

1088
01:30:55,260 --> 01:31:00,160
involved, and I know that can be difficult. I know this was never the intent of staff in this

1089
01:31:00,160 --> 01:31:05,940
position, but we have had multiple reports of students who have become concerned and even fearful

1090
01:31:05,940 --> 01:31:10,460
of accidentally addressing their teacher in a way that might upset them, so much so that they no

1091
01:31:10,460 --> 01:31:15,600
longer feel comfortable asking questions in classroom. Our first priority must always be creating

1092
01:31:15,600 --> 01:31:21,040
maintaining the best possible learning environment for our students. These policy changes are

1093
01:31:21,040 --> 01:31:27,180
intended for that purpose. In addition, these revisions do not, in any way, govern how these

1094
01:31:27,180 --> 01:31:33,220
issues are addressed for our students. Our policy has been and will remain that we navigate this

1095
01:31:33,220 --> 01:31:38,160
issue with students, on a case by case basis, in full and transparent communication and partnership

1096
01:31:38,160 --> 01:31:43,920
with their parents. The volunteer use of alternative pronouns and titles by employees amongst

1097
01:31:43,920 --> 01:31:49,160
their peers is not prohibited by this policy. A person who does not fundamentally agree with

1098
01:31:49,160 --> 01:31:54,260
the use of alternative pronouns and titles cannot be compelled to use them. This policy

1099
01:31:54,260 --> 01:31:58,820
is intended to clarify that and to facilitate an environment of mutual respect as a

1100
01:31:58,820 --> 01:32:03,160
relates to this issue. I am confident that we can find solutions that work for all who are

1101
01:32:03,160 --> 01:32:08,340
affected by this change. I understand that these policy changes will not be supported by all,

1102
01:32:08,620 --> 01:32:12,660
but I believe there what is in the best interest of the majority of our students and staff,

1103
01:32:12,660 --> 01:32:14,700
and therefore I will be supporting their adoption.

1104
01:32:15,580 --> 01:32:17,760
So those who feel this is negative for them,

1105
01:32:18,000 --> 01:32:20,480
please understand that I do not make this decision lightly

1106
01:32:20,480 --> 01:32:23,000
or without full consideration of the impact.

1107
01:32:23,620 --> 01:32:25,560
It is my goal to support the administration

1108
01:32:25,560 --> 01:32:27,720
in navigating this issue if it's adopted

1109
01:32:27,720 --> 01:32:30,920
in a way that is in fact mutually respectful.

1110
01:32:31,240 --> 01:32:33,960
And I do believe that that's not only possible,

1111
01:32:34,480 --> 01:32:34,980
but necessary.

1112
01:32:38,960 --> 01:32:39,300
Thank you.

1113
01:32:39,900 --> 01:32:42,060
I made it pretty clear at the last meeting

1114
01:32:42,060 --> 01:32:44,900
that I would be voting in support of policy 802 tonight.

1115
01:32:44,900 --> 01:32:49,040
I don't think anyone is surprised or shocked to hear that I will be doing just that tonight.

1116
01:32:49,920 --> 01:32:51,820
I agree with Chair Swigert's comments.

1117
01:32:51,860 --> 01:32:57,320
I think she eloquently captured what this policy is and is not and why it's necessary

1118
01:32:57,320 --> 01:33:01,760
to implement because unfortunately there have been some boundaries crossed in some of our classrooms.

1119
01:33:01,800 --> 01:33:03,560
I've witnessed it with my own eyes.

1120
01:33:04,140 --> 01:33:09,160
It is problematic to walk into a classroom and not know what subject to teach but to only be focused

1121
01:33:09,160 --> 01:33:13,780
on your preferred identity that is not in line with the curriculum and that needs to be adjusted.

1122
01:33:13,780 --> 01:33:18,840
and unfortunately, it has places in the position to where we need to more clearly define

1123
01:33:18,840 --> 01:33:19,580
those boundaries.

1124
01:33:20,620 --> 01:33:26,180
I do want to read some comments tonight from a parent that will stay anonymous, but I

1125
01:33:26,180 --> 01:33:32,980
felt like she articulated her thoughts very well on this issue and I to be quite honest

1126
01:33:32,980 --> 01:33:34,200
I agree with her.

1127
01:33:34,260 --> 01:33:38,420
She said we often hear calls for tolerance, inclusion, and respect.

1128
01:33:38,420 --> 01:33:45,540
These are important values, but tolerance loses its meaning when it is enforced through coercion.

1129
01:33:45,940 --> 01:33:48,880
Inclusion becomes hollow when it only flows in one direction.

1130
01:33:49,520 --> 01:33:59,820
There is a deep irony in preaching acceptance while simultaneously demanding that others violate their own freedom of speech and moral conscience to comply with an ideology they do not hold.

1131
01:34:00,520 --> 01:34:06,860
What we are seeing today is pressure to redefine respect as mandatory ideological compliance.

1132
01:34:06,860 --> 01:34:12,520
Those who do not adopt certain beliefs are told they are unkind, unsafe, or intolerant,

1133
01:34:12,680 --> 01:34:18,360
or tonight we were told we were backwards, beliefs, ignorant fools, and raised better,

1134
01:34:18,500 --> 01:34:19,480
could be raised better.

1135
01:34:20,200 --> 01:34:24,980
While their own constitutional rights are dismissed or minimized, that is not tolerance,

1136
01:34:25,460 --> 01:34:26,320
that is coercion.

1137
01:34:27,020 --> 01:34:31,980
Policy 802 does not permit harassment, it does not excuse disrespect, it simply draws

1138
01:34:31,980 --> 01:34:37,340
necessary boundary, that kindness does not require compelled speech and professionalism does not

1139
01:34:37,340 --> 01:34:42,720
require surrendering one's conscience. Respect must be mutual to be meaningful. It cannot be

1140
01:34:42,720 --> 01:34:48,080
demanded from some, while deny to others. Pretty much sums it up. That's how I'll be voting tonight.

1141
01:34:50,340 --> 01:34:57,700
Ms Walker. Thank you. Just a couple of observations that I made tonight. And honestly,

1142
01:34:57,700 --> 01:34:59,160
a couple of pieces of advice.

1143
01:34:59,880 --> 01:35:01,740
So first one, I feel like a lot of folks

1144
01:35:01,740 --> 01:35:03,180
didn't really read the revisions.

1145
01:35:03,680 --> 01:35:04,960
So I would encourage you before you come

1146
01:35:04,960 --> 01:35:07,300
to speak or send an email that you fully read and understand.

1147
01:35:07,500 --> 01:35:09,540
So thank you, Chair Swagger, for making it clear

1148
01:35:09,540 --> 01:35:11,320
as to what exactly we're voting for tonight.

1149
01:35:12,600 --> 01:35:14,100
The other thing that is kind of shocking

1150
01:35:14,100 --> 01:35:16,080
is that people are still willing to follow blindly.

1151
01:35:16,420 --> 01:35:18,700
If you would like your email to be impactful,

1152
01:35:18,760 --> 01:35:20,480
I encourage you to write it yourself.

1153
01:35:20,960 --> 01:35:22,960
A copy and paste to someone else's words

1154
01:35:22,960 --> 01:35:25,060
doesn't carry much weight.

1155
01:35:25,060 --> 01:35:35,040
Okay. And then finally, you know, a speaker tonight said see the children. But yet not a single

1156
01:35:35,040 --> 01:35:40,600
speaker that's spoken opposition, talked about the sixth grader that is uncomfortable going to

1157
01:35:40,600 --> 01:35:46,720
school because of the adults in the classroom. Not a single one of you talked about that. So I guess

1158
01:35:46,720 --> 01:35:52,200
it's only one way. And I guess like one speaker said that individual is the ignorant fool.

1159
01:35:52,820 --> 01:35:57,780
If you want respect, they used to treat others with respect to the amount of emails that were

1160
01:35:57,780 --> 01:36:02,920
filled with hatred and insulting of intelligence, of the members of the sport, is completely

1161
01:36:02,920 --> 01:36:03,580
unacceptable.

1162
01:36:04,660 --> 01:36:10,040
I will be voting and tied in favor of these revisions and, quite frankly, they should have

1163
01:36:10,040 --> 01:36:11,700
been put in a place a long time ago.

1164
01:36:15,060 --> 01:36:15,560
Ms. Huddle.

1165
01:36:18,480 --> 01:36:23,700
As I shared with the last meeting, I posed the policy, I don't feel it's needed.

1166
01:36:23,700 --> 01:36:28,320
I believe it's discriminatory, and I'll be voting against it this evening.

1167
01:36:31,720 --> 01:36:32,360
Mr. Cologne?

1168
01:36:34,060 --> 01:36:36,640
I do agree with what you guys have said so far.

1169
01:36:36,660 --> 01:36:38,840
I wrote down exactly what I wanted to say.

1170
01:36:39,220 --> 01:36:41,860
Everyone perceives the world uniquely, and that's okay.

1171
01:36:42,600 --> 01:36:46,680
We just can't force others to see things in our own perspective.

1172
01:36:47,280 --> 01:36:51,460
These policy changes presented allow us to navigate this complex issue

1173
01:36:51,460 --> 01:36:54,360
with a strong commitment to principle decision-making.

1174
01:36:54,360 --> 01:36:56,400
I will be voting, yes.

1175
01:37:15,040 --> 01:37:18,740
Would you mind turning on your mic and doing that one more time for me?

1176
01:37:18,980 --> 01:37:19,480
My apologies.

1177
01:37:20,760 --> 01:37:24,120
With that, I did not have my mic on, so we're going to go through that again.

1178
01:37:24,860 --> 01:37:25,540
We will call the vote.

1179
01:37:25,720 --> 01:37:28,040
All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

1180
01:37:29,060 --> 01:37:29,700
All those?

1181
01:37:30,260 --> 01:37:30,480
No.

1182
01:37:31,080 --> 01:37:31,780
Dr. Smith.

1183
01:37:32,380 --> 01:37:35,540
Motion carries with a vote of seven to two with board members,

1184
01:37:35,720 --> 01:37:37,660
Huddle and Quillin voting in opposition.

1185
01:37:40,200 --> 01:37:42,840
There are being no additional items on the action agenda this evening.

1186
01:37:42,840 --> 01:37:45,580
we'll move on to the superintendents report, Dr. Cotton.

1187
01:37:46,560 --> 01:37:47,200
Thank you, Madam Chair.

1188
01:37:47,300 --> 01:37:50,760
I do have a few announcements I want to make before I go into my spotlight for this

1189
01:37:50,760 --> 01:37:51,120
evening.

1190
01:37:51,580 --> 01:37:56,000
First of all, the Crestwood Elementary dedication will be on Thursday of this week to

1191
01:37:56,000 --> 01:38:02,540
December 18, 2025 at 430 p.m., also as a reminder, I always say this, I really don't need

1192
01:38:02,540 --> 01:38:03,600
to remind anybody of this.

1193
01:38:03,600 --> 01:38:08,180
But the last day of school for students and staff is December 19th and schools will

1194
01:38:08,180 --> 01:38:13,080
close from December 22nd through January 2nd for the winter holidays.

1195
01:38:13,420 --> 01:38:17,200
Our doors will open for the new year on January 5th.

1196
01:38:17,380 --> 01:38:22,800
And finally, when we return in January, I'm looking forward to traveling to Richmond with the board.

1197
01:38:23,080 --> 01:38:25,620
We'll be meeting with the members of the Chesapeake delegation.

1198
01:38:25,780 --> 01:38:35,260
We will be meeting with our senators and delegates on January 21st, which is a great opportunity for us to discuss our legislative priorities with our representatives.

1199
01:38:35,260 --> 01:38:39,980
and I hope that each of you will be able to make it if your schedule permits.

1200
01:38:40,620 --> 01:38:45,360
Now, on to my spotlight for this evening in a blink of an eye, the calendar has turned to December.

1201
01:38:46,080 --> 01:38:48,520
And we are heading full speed towards winter holidays.

1202
01:38:49,060 --> 01:38:53,340
This time of year is always filled with exciting events and activities for our students and staff.

1203
01:38:53,720 --> 01:38:56,540
And I'm glad to be able to share some of them with you this evening.

1204
01:38:57,800 --> 01:39:02,460
Great Virginia Media kicked off the holiday season in style with their annual Thanksgiving parade.

1205
01:39:02,460 --> 01:39:08,700
The fifth graders at GBI created their floats and walked the halls to the tears of the third and fourth graders.

1206
01:39:09,360 --> 01:39:15,060
The marching Wildcats from Great British High also joined in on the fun as they provided the tunes to make the parade complete.

1207
01:39:15,520 --> 01:39:21,240
This year's theme was board games, and each fifth grade class created their displays to match their favorite games.

1208
01:39:21,620 --> 01:39:27,620
From monopoly to the game of life, the Wildcats display their creativity as they ushered in the winter holidays.

1209
01:39:27,620 --> 01:39:33,420
Thank you to Great Bridge Intermediate and Principal Traci Savato for putting on another exciting Thanksgiving parade

1210
01:39:33,420 --> 01:39:35,320
I can't wait to see other fun things

1211
01:39:35,320 --> 01:39:43,400
It will happen across the district as we approach the holidays and the new year also before the break select ninth graders from across our district

1212
01:39:43,400 --> 01:39:50,240
Have the opportunity to participate in a new CTE initiative and career exploration event called future focus

1213
01:39:50,240 --> 01:39:54,040
This inaugural event was a full day of activities for our students

1214
01:39:54,040 --> 01:39:59,240
They tore the Chesapeake Career Center and attended informational sessions, put on by the Chesapeake

1215
01:39:59,240 --> 01:40:00,440
Fire and Police Department.

1216
01:40:00,980 --> 01:40:05,680
The students were also able to visit Chesapeake Regional Health Care, touring several hospital

1217
01:40:05,680 --> 01:40:07,820
departments including Surgery and Labs.

1218
01:40:08,240 --> 01:40:12,900
These opportunities give our students invaluable glimpses into their futures, and I could

1219
01:40:12,900 --> 01:40:17,420
mean more thank-feature-focused to future teachers that teachers were tomorrow program at Western

1220
01:40:17,420 --> 01:40:22,760
Ranch High School, visited Region University recently to experience a day in the life of

1221
01:40:22,760 --> 01:40:28,400
education student. Along with their sponsor, Ms. Kristi Hanna, the Bruins were able to attend

1222
01:40:28,400 --> 01:40:33,460
lecture sessions with current Regent students, talk to the dean, and learn all about

1223
01:40:33,460 --> 01:40:37,780
what Regent has to offer for future educators. Thank you to Ms. Hanna and the Western

1224
01:40:37,780 --> 01:40:42,580
Branch High School for continuing to go the extra mile and giving our students the opportunity

1225
01:40:43,180 --> 01:40:48,000
to learn and explore their futures. The Great British Middle School Orchestra

1226
01:40:48,000 --> 01:40:53,480
participated in an exciting opportunity of their own with Grammy-nominated strings on

1227
01:40:53,480 --> 01:41:00,960
Somal, Palavore, strings. The Wildcat Orchestra was first treated to a special performance

1228
01:41:00,960 --> 01:41:05,700
by the professional quartet, which included many popular songs. The group also received

1229
01:41:05,700 --> 01:41:10,320
expert coaching from a member of the quartet and advanced to the upcoming winter concert.

1230
01:41:10,740 --> 01:41:17,660
Thank you to Orchestra Teacher, Mrs. Kate Maliby for arranging this fantastic experience

1231
01:41:17,660 --> 01:41:25,140
and to the Paul of our strings for stopping in to give the wall cats a learning experience as an experience they won't soon forget.

1232
01:41:26,160 --> 01:41:32,040
We once again had the opportunity to celebrate some of our fantastic employees with our November Power of the Peak Reveal.

1233
01:41:32,380 --> 01:41:37,060
Congratulations to Timothy Jackson, security officer at Western Branch Intermediate.

1234
01:41:37,100 --> 01:41:40,360
You'd be proud of him because he was reluctant to let me in the building,

1235
01:41:40,360 --> 01:41:43,880
But thankfully, he was able to see my ID.

1236
01:41:44,340 --> 01:41:48,140
Erica Green, science teacher at D.C. Middle, and Naomi Dunbar,

1237
01:41:48,260 --> 01:41:51,220
principal at any River High School for being well-deserved

1238
01:41:51,220 --> 01:41:54,400
honorees in the support, teach, and lead categories.

1239
01:41:54,940 --> 01:41:57,120
Our next winners will be announced in January,

1240
01:41:57,520 --> 01:42:00,560
so don't forget to nominate your own power of the peak winner

1241
01:42:01,100 --> 01:42:04,480
on our employee recognition page to show your appreciation

1242
01:42:04,480 --> 01:42:06,300
for your favorite staff member.

1243
01:42:06,960 --> 01:42:09,360
I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the newest member

1244
01:42:09,360 --> 01:42:14,740
for the Chesapeake School Board, Dr. Amanda Quillin, who wasn't expecting us to pop this up on

1245
01:42:14,740 --> 01:42:15,140
the screen.

1246
01:42:15,580 --> 01:42:21,440
But she is officially starting her tenure this evening, Dr. Quillin was sworn in on Friday

1247
01:42:22,000 --> 01:42:26,520
here at the School of Administration Building and now joins us as an official member of

1248
01:42:26,520 --> 01:42:27,120
the Board.

1249
01:42:27,500 --> 01:42:31,440
We are pleased to welcome you, Dr. Quillin, and we look forward to working alongside you

1250
01:42:31,440 --> 01:42:36,500
as you begin your service to the amazing students, teachers, and staff, and families of

1251
01:42:36,500 --> 01:42:45,560
Public Schools and we have the opportunity to celebrate some of those amazing teachers that are 2026 teacher of the year ceremony on Thursday

1252
01:42:45,560 --> 01:42:52,800
We celebrated the 48 individual honorees who joined us at any river high school with their colleagues and families

1253
01:42:52,800 --> 01:42:59,750
I'd like to thank Principal Dunbar and the any river high school for being such welcoming hosts the any river high school

1254
01:42:59,750 --> 01:43:08,750
come a road, come a rota, got to work on that one, for performing during the ceremony and for

1255
01:43:08,750 --> 01:43:13,450
all of the people that made the event a success. It was an incredible night celebrating our

1256
01:43:13,450 --> 01:43:19,930
marbles in teaching. We also announced our four district level winners. I hope you'll join me

1257
01:43:19,930 --> 01:43:25,570
and congratulating elementary teacher of the year, Alexis Brugaman from Hickory Elementary,

1258
01:43:25,570 --> 01:43:31,770
middle school teacher of the year, Michael Powers Jr. from Crestwood Middle School, high school teacher of the year,

1259
01:43:31,910 --> 01:43:39,250
Christopher Fisher, from Western Brandt High School, and our overall test-peak teacher of the year, Susan Ratz, from BM Williams Elementary School.

1260
01:43:39,750 --> 01:43:45,710
We are so proud of these outstanding educators. I'd also like to thank the Chesapeake Educational Foundation,

1261
01:43:46,270 --> 01:43:52,250
who presented Mrs. Ratz with a $1,000 gift card. Congratulations again to all of the teachers of the year.

1262
01:43:52,250 --> 01:43:56,450
we're so proud that you represent Chesapeake Public Schools and I also want to note that they'll

1263
01:43:56,450 --> 01:44:01,070
be coming to speak to you sometime in January. This completes my spotlight for this evening.

1264
01:44:01,150 --> 01:44:06,770
Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Cotton. Last on our agenda this evening is board member items. Does any

1265
01:44:06,770 --> 01:44:12,510
board member have an item to bring before the group? Go to Miss Scott. Thanks. I just wanted to also

1266
01:44:12,510 --> 01:44:17,090
welcome Miss Quillin or Dr. Quillin to the to the school board. I had the opportunity to spend some

1267
01:44:17,090 --> 01:44:20,830
time with her. Was that last week?

1268
01:44:20,970 --> 01:44:22,450
Kyle, leave you, gosh, time is flying.

1269
01:44:22,610 --> 01:44:24,130
And I think she's a lovely human being

1270
01:44:24,130 --> 01:44:25,610
and I think we're going to work well together.

1271
01:44:25,870 --> 01:44:26,990
So welcome aboard, Dr. Quillin.

1272
01:44:28,470 --> 01:44:31,870
I also wanted to say Ms. Worley, I love your hat.

1273
01:44:32,290 --> 01:44:33,710
You're very festive this evening.

1274
01:44:33,790 --> 01:44:37,570
And I also really appreciate you wishing a happy

1275
01:44:37,570 --> 01:44:39,690
Hanukkah, especially in light of the anti-Semitism.

1276
01:44:40,230 --> 01:44:43,550
That is rampant and my heart goes out to Australia

1277
01:44:43,550 --> 01:44:46,230
and the people of Australia and the horrible tears

1278
01:44:46,230 --> 01:44:51,670
attack. And then on behalf of Kim Scott, I also just want to wish you a very very Merry Christmas.

1279
01:44:51,950 --> 01:44:58,030
Isaiah 96 is for to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his

1280
01:44:58,030 --> 01:44:59,970
shoulders, and he will be called wonderful cancer.

1281
01:45:00,000 --> 01:45:00,800
Thank you, Chrisness.

1282
01:45:06,960 --> 01:45:11,220
Seeing no additional board member comments, I will take just a moment to wish a happy birthday

1283
01:45:11,220 --> 01:45:16,660
to board member Malia Huddle, who celebrated yesterday. We hope you had a wonderful birthday and continue

1284
01:45:16,660 --> 01:45:21,620
to celebrate this week, and I will take a personal point of privilege to celebrate the

1285
01:45:21,620 --> 01:45:26,560
birthday of former board member Daniel Soler who still with us in the room. We hope that you celebrated

1286
01:45:26,560 --> 01:45:31,940
last week and had a wonderful week. We hope that you are both enjoying and being celebrated as

1287
01:45:32,360 --> 01:45:34,640
And with that, we will call this meeting adjourned.