[0:03] 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.

[0:33] of the agenda. Does the superintendent or any board member wish to add or delete an item from the agenda?

[0:40] Madam Chair, no item stand to the agenda, but we will need a closed session required as required

[0:46] for personnel matters, student matters, real estate matters, legal matters, and contractual matters.

[0:51] I'll entertain a motion for approval. So, move.

[0:54] Move by Ms. Huddle, is there a second? Seconded by Mr. Pool, is there any discussion?

[0:59] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

[1:02] All opposed?

[1:03] Dr. Smith.

[1:04] Motion carries with all board members voting, yes.

[1:07] We will now go into the closed portion of our meeting.

[1:09] I'll ask Vice Chair Scott to read the language to take us into closed session.

[1:13] Yes, Chair Swagger, I move that the school board convene in closed session, pursuant

[1:17] to section 2.2-3711-A1-A2-A38-A29 of the Code of Virginia for the following purposes.

[1:25] to discuss and consider personnel matters, including administrative appointments, to discuss

[1:31] student disciplinary matters, to discuss the disposition of publicly held real property,

[1:36] to consult with legal counsel regarding specific legal matters, and to discuss contractual

[1:41] matters related to superintendent-search services.

[1:44] Is there a second of my Mr. LaMonia? Is there any discussion? All those in favor, please

[1:50] signify by saying aye.

[1:52] All opposed.

[1:53] Dr. Smith.

[1:54] Motion carries with all board members voting yes.

[1:57] Before we move into closed session in accordance with bylaw 2-33, we will need a motion

[2:01] to approve the remote participation of St. Anderson Attorney Nikki Chup, who will join us

[2:06] for the discussion in closed session.

[2:08] I'll entertain a motion for approval.

[2:10] Move by Mr. Lamoni as there a second.

[2:13] Second and by Ms. Huddle.

[2:15] Is there any discussion?

[2:16] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

[2:20] All opposed?

[2:22] Dr. Smith.

[2:23] Motion carries with all board members voting, yes.

[2:26] We are now in closed session.

[2:36] Vice Chair Scott, would you please read the statement to bring us back into open session?

[2:40] Yes, Chair Swagger, I move that the record shows that the only items discussed in the

[2:44] closed meeting were those specifically cited in the motion to convene into the closed meeting.

[2:48] And those lawfully exempted from statutory meeting requirements.

[2:51] Is there a second?

[2:52] Second of MS or pneumonia?

[2:54] Is there any discussion?

[2:56] All those in favour, please signify by saying aye.

[2:59] All opposed?

[3:01] Dr Smith.

[3:02] Motion carries with all board members voting yes.

[3:05] Dr Cotton, do you have any items resulting from closed session?

[3:08] Yes Madam Chair, thank you.

[3:10] I do have an administrative appointment that will require Board approval.

[3:13] Mrs. Michelle else Smith from Assistant Director of People Transportation Department of Transportation

[3:19] to Director of Transportation Department of Transportation Effective December 15, 2025.

[3:26] I'll entertain a motion for approval.

[3:29] Move on, Mr. McCormick, is there a second by Mr. Colone? Is there any discussion?

[3:35] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

[3:38] All opposed? Dr. Smith.

[3:41] Motion carries with all board members voting, yes.

[3:43] Does any board member have an item resulting from closed session?

[3:47] Mr. McCormick?

[3:47] Madam Chair, I move that the school board retains the Virginia School Board Association to assist with the superintendent search process.

[3:54] Is there a second?

[3:56] Second.

[3:57] Second, if I'm the Scott I heard first.

[3:58] Is there any discussion?

[4:01] All those in favor please signify by saying aye.

[4:04] All opposed?

[4:05] Dr Smith.

[4:06] Motion carries with all board members voting yes.

[4:10] Next, I will entertain a motion regarding the appeal under school board policy 9-21.

[4:15] Mr. Cool?

[4:16] Madam Chair.

[4:17] and regards to the appeal and superintendent's decision to student at school board.

[4:21] Policy 9-21 in a reference to the student one, I support, I move to support the

[4:26] recommendation of the superintendent.

[4:28] Is there a second?

[4:30] Seconded by Ms. Scott, is there any discussion?

[4:33] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

[4:36] All opposed?

[4:37] Dr. Smith.

[4:39] Motion carries with all board members voting yes.

[4:42] There being no additional items resulting from closed session, we will now move on to the

[4:47] For tonight's invocation, we will observe a moment of silence.

[4:51] Afterwards, I'll ask Dan Patel, a fifth grade student from Chitamellum entry to lead us

[4:55] in the pledge.

[4:56] Please, Dan, as you are able.

[5:30] I'm pleasure, Lincoln.

[5:31] To the flag of America, enter your public room, which is Dan's one nation and another.

[5:37] God, an eventful and just as for all.

[5:50] Thank you so much, Dan.

[5:51] And to your principal, Ms. Outlaw, for being here tonight.

[5:54] We thank you and your family.

[5:55] Thank you all for joining us.

[5:57] Next, Senator Awards and Recognitions, we have a special musical presentation this evening.

[6:02] Dr. Smith?

[6:03] Thank you, Chair Swagger.

[6:04] Yes, we have quite the treat tonight.

[6:07] I would like to welcome the Tricon Elementary School Chorus under the direction of Megan

[6:12] Price.

[6:13] They're here for a special holiday music presentation.

[6:17] Let's give them a warm welcome.

[9:18] I'd like to invite the Tricon Elementary School Chorus to meet the members of the board.

[11:14] On behalf of the whole board, I just want to say an additional thank you so much

[11:17] to the Treatful Elementary School Court,

[11:20] chorus, and to Director Price.

[11:21] That was just a wonderful way to start the evening.

[11:24] And let's give a more round of applause for this.

[11:33] Next on our agenda this evening is to honor the service

[11:36] of poor, member Daniel Soler, who's term is coming to an end.

[11:40] I've asked Dr. Cotton to assist with the presentation

[11:42] of the resolution.

[11:43] Thank you, Dr. Cotton.

[11:44] Thank you, Chair Swagger.

[11:45] I just want to brag on my trickle hornets.

[11:47] I used to be the principal there.

[11:48] And it was a long time ago, Mrs. Scott.

[11:51] So don't say anything.

[11:52] But thank you, Mrs. Swagger.

[11:53] For this evening I am privileged to assist in recognizing the dedicated service of one of our

[11:59] of our esteemed former board members.

[12:01] I present for the Board's consideration a resolution honoring the service of Mr. Daniel

[12:05] Stoller.

[12:06] Mr. Stoller is with us tonight and I would like to invite him to the podium for this special

[12:11] presentation.

[12:19] The resolution reads, be it known to all persons that we, the members of the Chesapeake

[12:23] School Board, here assembled on this 15th day of December 2025, do hereby pay tribute to the

[12:29] outstanding and dedicated service rendered by Mr. Daniel Stoller as a member of this city's

[12:34] Board of Education. Whereas Mr. Daniel A. Stoller was appointed to the Chesapeake School

[12:39] Board in June 2025 and served faithfully through December 2025, demonstrating a strong commitment

[12:45] to students, families, and the Chesapeake community, and whereas Mr. Stoller brought to the board

[12:50] over 25 years of experience in public safety, including service as a sergeant deputy sheriff

[12:56] D.C.J.S. General and Weapons instructor with the Chesapeake Sheriff's Department, where

[13:01] he supervised teams, managed emergencies, and delivered instructional training focused

[13:06] on safety and decision-making.

[13:08] And whereas his public service also includes distinguished military duty in aviation

[13:13] electronics with the United States Navy's A6 and Truders Squadron V885 aboard the U.S.S.

[13:20] America, participating in multinational operations and maintaining compliance with military

[13:25] safety and technical standards and whereas Mr. Stoller's professional experience further

[13:30] encompasses work as a United States District Court security officer and a count manager

[13:36] and the private sector and most recently as a safety and security specialist with

[13:40] Placer American Corporation where he strengthens emergency response planning and interagency

[13:46] coordination and whereas during the school board tenure Mr. Stoller applied his expertise in

[13:53] management, stakeholder engagement, and leadership to advocate for school safety, mental health support,

[14:00] parental rights, and learning standards that prepare students for long-term success.

[14:05] And whereas, he faithfully attended school functions to show in-person his support of their efforts.

[14:12] Now, therefore, be a resolve that we honor and commend Mr. Daniel Staller for his exceptional contributions to public service,

[14:18] education and community leadership and express our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those who serves.

[14:27] Be it further resolved that this resolution be made part of the minutes of this state as a permanent record

[14:32] of the esteem accorded by the board to Mr. Daniel Stollard.

[14:37] The resolution is attested by each member of the school board, the superintendent and clerk of the board.

[14:42] Madam Chair, this time I respectfully request adoption of this resolution.

[14:46] Thank you, Dr. Cotton, I'll entertain a motion for approval.

[14:49] Move by Ms. Scott as there are seconds.

[14:52] I hear seconds around, but I'm going to give it to Mr. Alamonee, who I think I heard first,

[14:56] is there any discussion?

[14:58] Ms. Scott?

[15:00] 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.

[15:24] Thank you.

[15:26] Had fully intended to say some things, but I don't know that I can do it much better and more

[15:31] Ellen, she's good.

[15:32] She's good.

[15:33] And I will just echo that probably more than I'll miss anybody I've seen.

[15:38] You certainly jumped in and hit the ground running with enthusiasm and passion, and it

[15:42] was appreciated all the way around.

[15:44] So I echo the appreciation for your service and it was exceptional while you were with

[15:49] us.

[15:50] Thank you for that.

[15:51] Thank you all very much.

[15:52] and thank you school board for trusting me to be on this school board.

[15:56] It is an honor and a privilege to serve on here to serve our community, our students, our parents,

[16:01] our teachers, and to fight for parental rights and fight for the what's right for our kids.

[16:08] I just want to say it was an honor and a privilege.

[16:11] So thank you so much to the School of Administration for welcoming me.

[16:15] I really felt like a family in here and it really felt nice, so thank you all very much.

[16:20] Thank you, Dr. Cotton. Thank you, my, my Angela's and thank you all very much for taking

[16:30] the time to show me the ropes and show me so quickly on how to hit the floor running, because

[16:34] it doesn't take one person, it takes a village and you all really welcome me in and really helped

[16:39] it, you know, made an advantage for me to hit that floor running. And I want to thank you so much.

[16:45] I know you all have a very big vote tonight for a school war policy.

[16:50] I don't know if I'm allowed to speak on that as well.

[16:55] Okay.

[16:57] I just want to say thank you all very much.

[16:59] It's been an honor and a privilege and I love my community.

[17:04] I love the parents.

[17:05] I love the students.

[17:06] I love the teachers and the staff.

[17:08] Thank you all very much.

[17:10] Let's,

[17:26] and we do need to go ahead and make it official.

[17:28] All those in favor please signify by saying aye.

[17:31] All opposed.

[17:33] Dr. Smith.

[17:35] Motion carries with all board members.

[17:38] Boating yes.

[17:39] Thank you.

[17:46] We will now move on to the public hearing for our superintendent's proposed capital improvement plan.

[17:51] Dr. Smith, are there any citizens who required requested to speak under the public hearing for this section this evening?

[17:57] No Madam Chair, we have no citizens requesting to speak on the Capitol Improvement Plan.

[18:03] We will now move on to the hearing of citizens.

[18:06] Dr. Smith, are there any citizens who have requested time to speak under this section this evening?

[18:10] Yes, Madam Chair, we have 26 citizens signed up to speak.

[18:15] Thank you.

[18:16] During their allotted time, speakers should observe our rules of decorum and know that expressions

[18:20] of concerns and criticisms on matters of school policy and operations is welcome.

[18:24] However, speakers must deliver their own remarks and may not play pre-recorded messages.

[18:29] I want to thank those speakers who sign up to address the board this evening.

[18:32] As a reminder, there are two ways that citizens can request time to speak.

[18:36] You can call the clerk's office before 12 noon the day of the meeting or sign up to

[18:40] speak prior to the start of the meeting.

[18:41] I'll in person request must be submitted to the Deputy Clerk at least five minutes prior

[18:46] to the published meeting start time.

[18:48] Each speaker will have three minutes to address the board.

[18:50] Once your lot of time is over, we ask that you promptly exit the podium, and we ask that

[18:55] you refrain from any behavior that disrupts the meeting, including the use of profanity

[19:00] applause, cheering, or jeering.

[19:02] Dr. Smith, please call the first speaker.

[19:04] Yes, I'd like to call speaker number 1 to the podium.

[19:08] We ask that you state your name and city of residence before you begin.

[19:21] Big Nichols, Chesapeake.

[19:24] I support the changes because the pronouns world views as violence against innocents

[19:28] is perfectly acceptable as long as it moves the agenda

[19:31] forward or harms their opponents.

[19:33] In Massachusetts, there's been zero female state champions

[19:36] in the gymnastics vault since 2017 since boy stole them.

[19:41] This is a slur because a group of people decided

[19:43] they could just up in language for everyone around them

[19:46] to make them feel better about themselves.

[19:48] It's not about kindness or compassion.

[19:50] It's about institutional power.

[19:52] Taboo language reinforces moral hierarchy, slurs

[19:55] of cycleage because they threaten the ideological scaffolding, defining legitimacy for the modern

[20:01] ruling class.

[20:02] In X&T, if a member said they don't kill you because they're a fascist, they call

[20:06] you a fascist, so they can kill you.

[20:08] That's not disagreement debate or democracy, it's weaponized hatred.

[20:12] When your identity is rooted in committing and defending violence against others, it's

[20:16] no surprise that every other boundary, including pronouns, eventually collapses.

[20:20] The loudest mega-fence in your group demands children's physical mutilation, while stripping

[20:25] parents of any right to know why would threats of violence against someone who ejects her

[20:29] their death cause even a flicker concern.

[20:32] That's not accidental hypocrisy.

[20:34] Marxists believe the only bullet wasted is the bullet not fired at the enemy.

[20:38] Half of America sees the other half as the enemy, not opponents, enemies.

[20:42] People whose lives are expendable if it advances the revolution.

[20:46] You can't build a just society in a foundation of blood.

[20:49] You can't build preach compassion with clench fist.

[20:52] You can't preach democracy by destroying its inhabitants.

[20:56] You can't claim to fight for moral dignity while normalizing brutality against human beings

[21:01] for the wrong pronouns.

[21:02] You can't claim the moral high ground when murdering children in school church of the womb

[21:06] is right or do.

[21:08] History is delivered as simple verdict.

[21:10] Any group willing to harm silence or kill those who disagree with them is not fighting

[21:14] for justice.

[21:15] It's all about power.

[21:16] When a group loses the ability to see humanity it becomes something darker, dangerous,

[21:21] and requires defeat.

[21:21] 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.

[21:35] Well, America has heard the screaming for our brutal deaths long enough.

[21:39] Satan thought he won too, until the third day.

[21:43] Refused to bow.

[21:47] 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.

[22:00] Please state your name and city of residence before you begin.

[22:04] Absolutely.

[22:08] My name is Dr. Mark A. Willett, and I'm here as a parent and private citizen.

[22:13] 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.

[22:23] To begin, please note, my record is 16 hours of silence.

[22:28] 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.

[22:35] made a cheesy comment. I told him actually it's one of mine that needs

[22:39] revising. So he made a comment about students and asked if I was one. I said

[22:43] no, I'm actually a proff on my way to conference. I'm going to live in

[22:47] Chesapeake. I may be just a dad, but it just happens. I may

[22:50] world-renowned scholar of gender, sex, and sexuality. So I told him

[22:56] the truth. Gender, sex, and sexuality. That's what I profess.

[23:03] What would you like to know?

[23:06] The silence that followed highlights the usually unwarranted fear that surrounds three related

[23:11] but separate categories, gender sex and sexuality, and offers a reminder that masculine

[23:15] fragility is one of the most important projects in American history.

[23:19] Until recently, I generally avoid telling people my research and teaching specialty because

[23:24] it might make someone comfortable, but I realized it's not my job to make others comfortable.

[23:32] It's my happy privilege to share the knowledge so you can do the work to become comfortable yourself.

[23:39] Likewise, it's not any gay, queer, trans or even questioning child's job to make anyone comfortable

[23:44] nor is it their parents. The children and their parents are probably already very comfortable with who they are.

[23:50] Although I'm new to US America, I'm a simulating well enough to know that parents rights and freedom of choice

[23:56] Allegedly matter a lot here, but some now want to deny parents' rights to deny children

[24:01] their own name, their own identity, their own peace of mind.

[24:03] Is it gender that causes fear, sometimes that happens, when people are afraid they don't

[24:09] measure up to the ideal of femininity or masculinity, sorry, not, sorry.

[24:16] Maybe it's the fear of learning about the spectrum of actual sex differences.

[24:20] Gender in sex can be multiple and changing, even with a life course, getting old is inevitable.

[24:26] growing up as a choice. Or is it the sexuality that causes fear? That usually occurs for

[24:31] one or both knowledge, knowledge of one's own desires and the realization that desires

[24:36] incredibly specific. In fact, the latter carries with it the fear of telling a partner, the

[24:40] actual desire, track conversation, maybe asking. And a nation so devoted to the cult of

[24:47] individually, why be so quick to deny certain individuals that are identity when it's clear,

[24:51] gender-fluid and trans children and their parents are very certain about who they are.

[24:54] When I directed studies of bisexual women's dating, for example, the women were very certain,

[24:59] but their friend's co-workers and family believed everything was just a phase.

[25:02] And we're stunned to learn that bisexual women's dating involves mundane things like dinner, movies.

[25:09] If there's any instability, then it's in the eye of the beholder, in the US, America.

[25:13] We allegedly get to make our own choices.

[25:17] Speaker number 5

[25:22] appears to be a no-show, so I'd like to invite Speaker number 6 to the podium.

[25:27] Hi,

[25:40] my name is Augusta Renee. I'm a business owner and the Hampton Rose area, but more importantly, I'm a parent.

[25:46] 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.

[25:54] 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.

[26:04] And this isn't actually about names and pronouns or neutrality, like speaker number one said.

[26:10] It is about dignity and respect and basic human decency.

[26:16] It's about looking children in the eyes and saying, I see you and you matter.

[26:20] And 2025, the fact that we even have in this conversation is absurd, it's baffling and it feels cruel.

[26:27] Why are we not creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued for who they are?

[26:32] 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.

[26:40] That is institutional gatekeeping.

[26:43] And this board represents a very narrow perspective.

[26:47] It's a predominantly white passing group of people making decisions for a student population that's over 57% diverse and marginalized.

[26:55] 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.

[27:08] It's just a handful of people who look and think alike.

[27:12] 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.

[27:20] one that longs for understanding and acceptance, and to those advocating for this, what is wrong with you?

[27:26] Is this the legacy that you want to leave behind? Is this the hilt that you want to die on?

[27:31] The TCP community elected you to tackle real problems, raised test scores, expand mental health services, and improve school safety.

[27:38] 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.

[27:47] Focusing on policing language and pronouns when public record shows that your district is drowning in mental health crisis.

[27:53] 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.

[28:01] Trying to ostracize kids and perpetuate pain and division is crazy to me.

[28:05] Now I'm running out of time, I timed this down to the second, so let me leave you with this.

[28:09] Please look past the politics and see the children, choose compassion over cruelty and

[28:14] read direct your focus to empowering every teacher and child in this district regardless

[28:19] of how they identify.

[28:22] Thank you.

[28:23] Speaker number seven, it's your turn at the podium, please state your name and city of

[28:28] residents before you begin.

[28:31] Good evening.

[28:32] My name is Nicole Croco.

[28:33] I am a resident of Tezapique.

[28:36] I am a Navy veteran and for the past two years I've served our community as a foster parent.

[28:41] Primarily to teenagers, more than one of them has attended Tozapique Public Schools.

[28:45] I have invested interest in these policies that shade their education well being because of that.

[28:50] And tonight I am asking you to revise policy 802.

[28:54] So by the time many of these teenagers come into my home, they have already been through so much.

[28:58] Many of them have spent their lives in foster care, moving from place to place, caring wounds that most adults would struggle to bear.

[29:03] My goal is to make my home a safe and peaceful place, a lighthouse of clarity.

[29:07] When they are confused, I provide a stable answer because I am the adult, and I am the parent

[29:12] first and foremost.

[29:14] That stability is essential for their healing and growth.

[29:17] For my own trauma and from walking alongside teenagers who have lived through really terrible

[29:21] trauma, I have learned that children need clarity.

[29:25] They need a rock.

[29:26] Someone who will tell them the difference between dark and light, yes or no, right and wrong,

[29:30] in this case of their girl boy.

[29:33] Policy 802 must reflect that no student should be compelled to confirm adults, a firm adults.

[29:38] Forcing children to use their teachers preferred pronouns, violates constitutional rights, and reverses the natural order of authority.

[29:44] It places children in confusion, burdening them with the adult identity struggles, instead of receiving guidance from those adults.

[29:51] It is a downright lie.

[29:53] And a world already marked by instability, we cannot add to the...

[30:00] Boarding by compelling children to participate in it. Unstable children grow up to be unstable adults. I've seen this many times.

[30:07] 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.

[30:18] 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.

[30:28] That is not fair, it's not right, and it undermines the clarity that they deserve.

[30:35] The clarity that trusted adults such as teachers should be providing.

[30:40] We have a moral responsibility to our children, this community and our nation.

[30:44] If we felt to provide that foundation, we're not neutral, we're not more loving, more accepting.

[30:50] We are neglecting our duty to guide them towards that stability that they desperately need.

[30:55] School should be places of truth, not places that deepen a certainty.

[31:00] Policy 802 to protect children from being forced, or I'm sorry, I urge you to devrevise

[31:05] 802 to protect children from being forced to affirm adults.

[31:09] Our children deserve clarity, not confusion.

[31:11] Thank you.

[31:13] Speaker number 8, puts your turn at the podium, please state your name and city of residence

[31:18] before you begin.

[31:23] Good evening, Chair Swagger and Honorable Board members.

[31:25] My name is Jeremy Rodden.

[31:27] I've been a resident of chess peaks since 2010.

[31:30] I'm the parent of two current CPS students, one former student.

[31:34] Also a former CPS substitute teacher.

[31:36] I'm here tonight to speak in opposition to the proposed changes

[31:39] to the professional conduct policies under 8-02.

[31:44] I'm not here tonight to talk about my family's personal story.

[31:47] Many of you are already familiar with my daughter's experiences

[31:49] in chess peak public schools.

[31:51] Instead, I want to focus on the policies and laws

[31:53] that already govern this district.

[31:56] According to Chesapeake Public Schools' own Title IX statement,

[31:59] the district prohibits discrimination, harassment,

[32:02] and retaliation against students and employees based

[32:05] on sex, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity.

[32:10] Gender identity is explicitly recognized

[32:11] as a protected class under federal law.

[32:15] Under the Commonwealth of Virginia's Human Rights Act of 2020,

[32:18] it is unlawful to discriminate based on characteristics

[32:20] including sexual orientation and gender identity.

[32:25] In places of public accommodation, including educational institutions.

[32:29] Gender identity is clearly protected under state law.

[32:32] Finally, CPS policy 9-23, the district's official policy on harassment and discrimination,

[32:39] prohibits discrimination or harassment by or against students or employees,

[32:44] based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected characteristics.

[32:49] Once again, gender identity is explicitly protected.

[32:53] Given these existing federal, state, and local protections,

[32:57] the proposed changes to policy 8802

[33:00] are inconsistent with the laws and policies this district

[33:02] is already required to uphold.

[33:05] Policy is meant to govern professional conduct

[33:07] should not protect students and staff from discrimination,

[33:11] not create space for it.

[33:13] Every student and every employee deserves a safe

[33:16] inclusive environment where they're treated with dignity and respect, no policy should undermine

[33:20] that obligation or place certain groups at greater risk under the guise of professional discretion.

[33:26] For those reasons, I strongly urge the school board to vote against adopting these proposed

[33:30] policies tonight. Thank you for your time.

[33:34] Speaker number nine, it's your turn at the podium. Please

[33:37] state your name and city of residence before you begin. Good evening. I'm Dennis Hansen, resident

[33:44] in the chess peak Virginia, and I too opposed the adopting of the proposals for the change

[33:51] of policy, empowers strategic plan, first thing up there is our learners, so I'm really

[33:59] more concerned about item number 19 more than item 18,

[34:05] it's not respectful to the students.

[34:06] We

[34:11] say that we want to empower, inspire, and engage, I assume the students.

[34:22] This policy would not empower the students.

[34:29] It denies the professionals in the classroom or in the school, the opportunity to engage

[34:35] the students.

[34:37] Because they'll say, the policy says I can't talk to you about that.

[34:44] Totally ridiculous.

[34:45] we got counselors, we got professional educators, they need to be able to engage the students.

[34:52] If it's a concern of parental rights, let's adopt it, amend it so that if a parent says,

[35:02] I would like my child's request to be honored, then you know you have the support of the family.

[35:10] But let's not take it out of the family's hands.

[35:16] Thank you.

[35:18] speaker number 10, it's your turn at the podium, please state your name and city of residents before you begin.

[35:27] 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.

[35:35] 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.

[35:40] The proposed editions of lines 18 and 19, Section A, and line K and Section B, are direct

[35:47] contradictions to Section A lines 1, serving as positive role models, 5, treating all

[35:53] persons respectfully, 10, prohibiting discrimination or harassment, 12, protecting confidential

[35:59] information, and most importantly, 16, supporting a safe environment.

[36:04] By requiring staff and students to refrain from the use of preferred personal titles or

[36:08] not corresponding to their sexes sign-up birth. You may be protecting the rights of one group,

[36:13] but your simultaneously revoking the rights of another afforded to them by section 2.2-3900 of

[36:20] the Virginia Human Rights Act. You create an environment that is not safe and folks discrimination

[36:25] in harassment is not respectful to a person or person. It creates potential to reveal confidential

[36:32] information and does not in any way support a safe environment for either staff or students

[36:38] therefore revoking removing the ability for staff to be perceived as positive role models

[36:43] by the community. This language provides a pathway for potential violation of the rights of

[36:48] students and staff afforded to them by the Code of Virginia, giving way to litigation by those

[36:53] violated and taking away both time and financial resources from the school district, which could

[36:59] In fact, the academic efforts that are the school's direct mission.

[37:03] Tonight, I would urge the board to table this vote, reassess the proposed changes to this policy,

[37:09] and ensure that it is either consistent with or more comprehensive than the model policies developed by the Virginia Department of Education,

[37:17] allowing for a minimum, a collaborative effort with the parents of students, and how they self-identify.

[37:24] Thank you for your time tonight.

[37:26] Thank you for continuing to support the rights of all staff, all students, and parents.

[37:33] Speaker number 10 appears to be a no-show.

[37:37] Speaker number 11 is a no-show.

[37:40] Speaker number 12 is your turn at the podium.

[37:43] Please state your name and city of residence before you begin your remarks.

[37:46] Oh,

[37:54] I'm sorry. Hello, I'm Ari Jolian. My pronouns are ZZM and I'm a resident of Norfolk, Virginia.

[38:03] 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.

[38:09] 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.

[38:17] It was not my family that I could go to and talk to about it.

[38:21] My family beat me for other reasons.

[38:23] Not for my pronouns or who I decided to bring Coleman Kiss.

[38:28] And I didn't trust them with that information.

[38:32] So, you know, it was rough.

[38:35] And it was a school counselor that caught me in the bathroom with a razor blade.

[38:40] Here's the scars, right here.

[38:43] Here's my tattoo of surviving.

[38:45] who caught me and was going to call my parents. I freaked. I tried to run from the school.

[38:51] I tried to punch her. I tried to bite her. I pulled my hair out. I told her if she called

[38:55] my dad I might as well be as good as dead. Luckily her and her boss decided to do weekly checks

[39:02] on me to make sure I wasn't cutting myself or doing drugs or anything like that. I was able to

[39:09] because of that counselor. What this policy is doing is stopping children and

[39:16] colleagues being who they are. You know, I want to go around and just miss

[39:22] his John McCormick, Mr. Angela Switchard. How does that feel when you know who you

[39:28] are and other people are telling you what you aren't?

[39:33] Thank you, that is all.

[39:36] Speaker number 13, it's your turn at the podium. Please state your name and city of

[39:41] President, speak for you begin.

[39:55] Good evening.

[39:56] My name is Dr. Charlotte Warley,

[39:58] and my personal pronouns are she, her, and hers.

[40:02] And I oppose the policy changes before this board.

[40:07] I am a life-long resident and a lover of Chesapeake.

[40:11] I also teach at the high school

[40:14] that brought us a new respect back to back

[40:17] football state champions, the Oscar Smith tires.

[40:20] Many thanks to Coach Chris Scott and his coaching staff under the direction of Paul Joseph

[40:28] Principal, Ray Collins Athletic Director, and those fabulous champion players.

[40:35] We are so very proud.

[40:38] My message tonight is very simple.

[40:41] By the grace of God and Virginia Electric Awareness, the voters have spoken loudly,

[40:50] clearly and joyfully.

[40:52] Now it is okay to be nice.

[40:55] Now it is okay to say no to oppressive and immoral executive orders that hurt both education

[41:04] and our students.

[41:06] They're stealing their voices and stealing their time and their presence because they have to hide.

[41:14] Now it is okay to respect a person's personal choices forcing them and to be treated and addressed regardless of partisan politics.

[41:26] Respect and decency can now be the hallmark of our school division.

[41:32] My Anjali reminds us that we know better, we do better, so for me tonight, I asked the board to do better.

[41:43] Don't approve this heinous policy changes.

[41:48] 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,

[41:57] Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and a Merry Christmas to us all.

[42:03] God bless us, everyone.

[42:05] Thank you.

[42:08] Speaker number 14, it's your turn at the podium.

[42:12] Please state your name and city of residence before you begin.

[42:20] Good evening.

[42:21] I'm Mel Cornelese, and I wish she and hers.

[42:26] And I live here in Chesapeake, and I'm a teacher.

[42:29] And I have two kids, an eight-year-old third-grader in CPS, and an 18-year-old, proud graduate

[42:37] of Oscar Smith, who is now at UVA, Go-House.

[42:43] And both of them, when they were at CPS, my college kid is back home now for Christmas

[42:51] break so he helped me a little bit with this and so did my eight year old and they both

[42:58] reminded me that in school they used the SOAR program S-O-O-A-R which is an acronym and I'm going

[43:07] to use it tonight too. SOAR is a behavioral intervention and support framework to encourage

[43:14] positive behavior, academic success and a strong school climate. So both my kids know about

[43:22] This system is used to create a positive environment where kids feel safe and they feel motivated.

[43:28] So let's start with S, that's safety.

[43:32] In 2024, the Trevor Project published a study of over 61,000 transgender and non-binary youth.

[43:39] It's under 18 in the U.S. that found a causal relationship between anti-transgender policies,

[43:46] like the ones proposed here tonight and a heightened suicide risk among this group from anywhere

[43:52] from about 7% to up to 72% depending on which state we're talking about, which policies we're talking about.

[44:01] 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.

[44:13] 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.

[44:24] Like, Mr. or Mrs. Doctor, they are taking ownership of these names and they are telling you who they are.

[44:32] Is not your place to tell them otherwise? You may take ownership of your own name, your own pronouns. No one else is.

[44:41] Hey, I'm told by my kids seems for attitude and when I asked my eight year old about this, he said,

[44:48] I said, what should you, what's your attitude be like at school?

[44:51] He said, well, you're just nice.

[44:53] You're just nice to people.

[44:54] You try to help them.

[44:57] You have a good attitude.

[45:01] And finally, our stance for respect, showing respect for self, others and their property.

[45:11] 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.

[45:19] And it really shouldn't have to be explained to a group of adults and leadership positions. My question is,

[45:25] My eight-year-old can do this. Why can't y'all?

[45:29] Speaker number 15 that you're turn at the podium.

[45:35] Please state your name and city of residents before you begin.

[45:42] Good evening. My name is Rachel Anderson. I'm a guardian at Lightham.

[45:47] Concern and a concern citizen and resident of Chesapeake.

[45:53] I am here to speak against the proposed editions to 8-02.

[45:57] I am fatacly disagree with these additions.

[46:03] On page 5 of this school boards legislative agenda,

[46:07] you state that safety and well-being of students and staff

[46:11] are of paramount importance to you.

[46:15] Also, that school safety is about creating an environment

[46:19] where every, every student is supported

[46:23] and that mental health is as important as physical safety,

[46:29] so that our students can thrive.

[46:32] You want educators to foster safe and nurturing classrooms.

[46:37] And these values do not match those proposed additions.

[46:43] I'm an attorney.

[46:44] I think the proposed additions have a language about violating constitutional rights of someone

[46:50] when you ask them to refer to you and a preferred manner.

[46:54] For ease of this, I would assume you're referring to the first amendment, it's freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

[47:02] Placing this in a policy about pronouns and names is concerning. Individual liberties are not absolute.

[47:11] 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.

[47:20] A huge part of our social norms arise when we meet someone.

[47:25] They tell us our name, their name, and we reciprocate.

[47:29] Then we proceed to use that name and our interactions.

[47:33] This is polite and fosters all social interactions.

[47:37] For example, every doctor I see asked what my preferred name is on their forms.

[47:43] I know of no one who has been told someone's name is Mike, Norm, Kim, Eli, Mao, Jack, or Mandy.

[47:56] And proceeded to an insisted on calling them Michael, Norman, Angela, Kimberly, Elijah, Malia, John, Amanda, or Amanda.

[48:09] Those would be the names that we're not given when introduced to that individual.

[48:16] This is a form of the golden rule, which can be found in Matthew 712.

[48:22] Individuals are free to do as they please unless those actions harm others.

[48:27] Religious freedom does not permit you to discriminate against others.

[48:32] These proposed positions are written to allow a person to discriminate against someone else.

[48:40] I believe this is government sanctioned discrimination.

[48:45] We all know what minority population you're targeting.

[48:51] Speaker number 16, it's your turn at the podium.

[48:58] Please state your name and city of residence before you begin.

[49:01] Thank you.

[49:08] Good evening.

[49:10] My name is Robert Parishish and I'm a resident of the city of Chesapeake.

[49:14] Here's a parent tonight.

[49:16] I'm here tonight to speak in support of the proposed revisions to school board policy A-O-2.

[49:22] Because it honors and respects the first amendment.

[49:26] A plain reading of the proposed revisions says it for bids and pleas from being compelled to use pronouns that violate

[49:38] their constitutional rights. So we're forbidding employees from forcing speech code on other

[49:44] staff or students and it also prevents confusing students with pronouns from staff. They do not match

[49:51] their sex at birth. America's unique in many ways but one of the biggest ways we are unique

[49:57] are the concepts of freedom of speech and religious expression. Our founding fathers placed a high

[50:08] first amendment. If you look around the world today, there's plenty of places that have no

[50:13] right to freedom of speech. North Korea, Venezuela, China, there's places you cannot have

[50:19] any speech without the risk of being thrown in jail or worse.

[50:26] And yet, even those places,

[50:28] there's other places that claim to have freedom of speech. But right now, in places like England,

[50:33] they have social media laws that if you go online and you post something that is deemed

[50:38] defense of by the community, they're going to rest you.

[50:42] There's also numerous incidents around the world,

[50:44] including one in Ireland that I'm thinking of,

[50:47] Mr. Enoch, who was fired from his school

[50:50] for not using a student's pronouns.

[50:52] But we don't have to look around the world.

[50:55] This is happening across America.

[50:57] In fact, a couple years ago in Virginia,

[51:00] a teacher named Peter Flamming up in West Point,

[51:03] which is King William County,

[51:05] 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.

[51:20] This is a contentious issue.

[51:23] No one wants to see any kids identify who identify as transgender be bullied or harassed, but at the same time,

[51:30] staff and students should not be bullied into using pronouns that they are not comfortable with and that are simply unnatural.

[51:39] All this policy says is that no one should be compelled into saying things that violate their rights.

[51:46] I strongly urge the Board to vote in favor of these revisions.

[51:50] Thank you.

[51:51] speaker number 17, your turn at the podium, and speaker number 18, if you're in the room,

[51:59] would you mind coming to the front row? We have some space in the front row, so you'll be ready to go.

[52:08] Hi, good evening. My name is Amanda Lambert. I am a Chesapeake resident, mom, educator, and

[52:14] Navy veteran. And I wish I were here to talk about issues relevant to my child's education,

[52:19] like student-to-teacher ratios, building conditions, or how student behaviors are causing harm

[52:25] to educators. Instead, I'm here to talk about policy 802, and I will do so from the angle

[52:31] of parental rights, because, unfortunately, that seems to be the only phrase that carries

[52:35] any weight, but some of you. As a parent, I have taught my child that faith and science

[52:41] coexist. For example, the narrative that there's only xx and xy chromosome configurations

[52:47] has been repeatedly proven to be false and denized God's creation and designs since that is how he created some of his children.

[52:56] Sex chromosome abnormalities such as Turner Syndrome, Klein Felture Syndrome, Trisomy X, and Jacob Syndrome

[53:03] effect as many as 1 in 400 children and are not diagnosed and are only diagnosed with specialized testing.

[53:10] They are not visible and they do not carry any distinct physical characteristics, meaning that you cannot determine their presence

[53:16] by photograph, appearance, or ultrasound.

[53:20] The science is not new.

[53:21] Nor is it part of some crazy agenda,

[53:24] because I first learned about sex chromosome abnormalities

[53:27] in 10th grade biology in 1995.

[53:31] Not in some crazy place like California,

[53:33] but in Bible Belties, Texas,

[53:36] basing division, white policy,

[53:37] off anything that contradicts these facts

[53:39] is in violation of my parental rights.

[53:43] As a parent, it's a role in my home

[53:45] that we treat one another with a dignity and respect we want for ourselves.

[53:49] We don't judge one another's walk through life.

[53:52] And we honor the things with any other that make them unique.

[53:55] This proposed policy spits in the face of the standards we uphold in my home by sending

[54:00] the message that different is bad.

[54:02] Your dignity is secondary to my beliefs, and respect is not too wastery to if I disagree with

[54:07] you.

[54:08] That's not the message my child needs to take away from school, yet it's the message this

[54:12] policy change sense.

[54:15] As a parent, I would love to see you not impose moral judgment on others, and instead address

[54:20] the things that impact students on a daily basis, like hiring more apparent professionals,

[54:26] alleviating high school overcrowding through rezoning, discussing teacher burnout, which

[54:31] is at record numbers, and better addressing deteriorating infrastructure.

[54:36] Those are the reasons you were elected, and please get back to that.

[54:39] In conclusion, you're at an empaths.

[54:42] Do you choose to focus on more important issues that impact my son's education?

[54:47] Or do you tell parents like me that our rights don't matter?

[54:49] And that your personal ideology is more important than what we teach at home.

[54:53] Thank you for your time.

[54:56] Speaker number 18.

[54:58] It's your turn at the podium.

[54:59] Speaker 19 if you could come forward to the front row.

[55:03] Good evening.

[55:04] My name is Amber Bomer, my pronouns are she, her, and I'm a resident of Chesapeake, a parent

[55:09] to a current Chesapeake public school student and president of Pride in the peak.

[55:14] The last time I spoke, I asked you to remember your why.

[55:19] According to an article published in October 19, 2022, by 13 news now, Sarah's Hammond, that

[55:26] why, for several of you, can be summed up as honoring parental rights as paramount.

[55:31] with retaining teachers as secondary.

[55:35] For example, Mr. Lomonia, you said that safety and security

[55:41] accountability, parents' rights, mental health resources,

[55:45] enhancing our vocational trade schools,

[55:48] and was extremely importantly retaining and getting teachers

[55:52] into Chesapeake, was your why. Mr. McCormick echoed these sentiments,

[55:57] saying it is vital to listen to teachers, parents and students, and help them develop

[56:04] solutions to problems they are facing. We're more than halfway through the speakers

[56:09] tonight, and the vast majority of them have said that they oppose a big keeping

[56:14] tally and we're about 10 against and 3,4. In November 6, 2024, 13 news now interview

[56:22] with Leah Britton, Ms. Wygert's priorities were listed as having a more engaging curricula

[56:29] free of negative social or political influence, which I can agree with more.

[56:35] Maintaining safety and schools and working with families in that same article, Mr.

[56:40] Colone is quoted as saying prioritizing parents voices and ensuring that they have a seat

[56:45] at the table continuously, not something we say, but what we do and we adhere to it.

[56:52] Under the current model policy, Chesapeake Public Schools parents can submit a form to consent

[56:58] for their student to be acknowledged by a preferred name or pronoun.

[57:03] It is not an official change of name on a legal document until a legal change of name has

[57:09] occurred and been submitted.

[57:11] It is simply honoring the dignity respect of a student and the rights of the students, parents,

[57:17] to have a say in how their child should be addressed.

[57:20] When you say that the district cannot compel teachers to recognize preferred names or pronouns,

[57:25] what you are saying is that parents write, don't really matter, or don't matter as much as the few teachers

[57:31] who may feel compelled to dead name or misgender a student.

[57:35] I've had the pleasure and honor to work beside teachers of all walks of life, religion, and political views

[57:40] to a one, our personal views remain our own in the classroom.

[57:45] There is no such thing as conservative or liberal, Christian or not, et cetera.

[57:49] After all, Ms. Walker and A. Dean once said, removing political agendas from the classrooms

[57:54] allows us to focus on the high-quality education our students deserve.

[57:58] That's why I'm asking you to reject this motion and leave the model policy you thoughtfully

[58:02] passed as it is. Thank

[58:05] you. Speaker

[58:06] number 19, it's your turn at the podium and Speaker 20 if you could come forward. Good

[58:13] evening, Nicole Spiris, Suffolk Virginia.

[58:16] I am here to speak out against the proposal to add the revisions to P802.

[58:25] My worry is how this is going to affect staff and students that fall under the umbrella

[58:30] of test peak public schools.

[58:32] It speaks of constitutionally protected rights, but this could lead to the rights of the

[58:37] LGBTQ population being violated as well.

[58:41] I worry about how this policy will affect those who currently work here.

[58:45] and who would potentially want to work here.

[58:50] We want to attract the best who will bring out the hidden potential and not only our students but our staff.

[58:58] With these changes, we will lose those caring workers.

[59:02] Public education should not be based on politics or religion unless you teach those subjects.

[59:08] We should be putting time and resources into helping the schools pass the SOLs and to be able to graduate.

[59:16] 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.

[59:25] Staff and students are unique as snowflakes. We are not the same.

[59:32] Please vote no on this policy change.

[59:35] We should be empowering each other no matter their name.

[59:41] Because in the end, their name is their choice and does not harm anyone else.

[59:47] Thank you.

[59:49] Speaker number 20 at your turn at the podium and speaker number 21 if you could come forward.

[1:00:00] 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.

[1:00:29] Many have spoken tonight about choice. Our choices define us, not others. How we treat others defines us and not them.

[1:00:43] 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,

[1:00:54] But because my mom arrays me right, with some good old fashioned manners.

[1:01:01] And I'm here tonight because some people in this district seem to have forgotten their manners.

[1:01:05] They've abandoned the tenants of basic decorum in favor of delusional self-interest.

[1:01:10] The proposed policy change would seek to make victims out of bullies.

[1:01:15] Because the reality is no one is victimized by anyone else's identity.

[1:01:20] 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.

[1:01:31] 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.

[1:01:49] My identity is no more up for debate than yours.

[1:01:53] Our policies should reflect our priorities.

[1:01:57] This should not be hard for the city that cares.

[1:02:00] If someone tells you their name, you use it.

[1:02:03] If you make a mistake when you're identifying somebody, you fix it.

[1:02:06] And if you heard somebody's feelings, you say sorry.

[1:02:09] If it works in a preschool, it'll work for you.

[1:02:13] The policies are fine the way that they are.

[1:02:16] and you do a deep and divisive disservice to this entire school district by even entertaining the notion of changing them in this way.

[1:02:24] I know why it was raised better. I expect y'all were too.

[1:02:29] Thank you.

[1:02:31] Speaker number 21 it's your turn at the podium. Speaker number 22 if you'll come forward.

[1:02:38] My name's Hannah Barber. I am a resident of this city of Chesapeake. Are you she

[1:02:42] pronouns and I serve as the Vice President of Hampton Roads Pride. We're an organization that supports

[1:02:48] LGBTQ people and allies across all seven cities through year-round advocacy, education and community

[1:02:54] programs and our mission is simple, inclusion, dignity, and equality for all. I urge you to vote no

[1:03:00] on the proposed changes to 8-022 because respecting names and pronouns is not politics. It's an

[1:03:06] evidence-based practice that improves student safety supports educators and reflects our community

[1:03:11] values. First, I want to talk a little bit about student and safety and belonging. The

[1:03:17] data are clear, transit non-binary students face disproportionately high risk of bullying,

[1:03:23] depression, and suicide. National research shows that when schools are gender affirming,

[1:03:28] when students are called by their names and pronouns, rates of suicide attempt drops significantly,

[1:03:33] even one affirming environment, including school is associated with markedly lower depression

[1:03:37] and suicidal thoughts.

[1:03:39] These are not symbolic gestures.

[1:03:40] They're actions that save lives.

[1:03:43] Second, I want to talk about workplace climate

[1:03:44] and educator effectiveness.

[1:03:46] Your agenda states that a goal of fostering a professional

[1:03:49] and productive work environment that supports

[1:03:51] and play well being policies that restrict

[1:03:54] how educators refer to themselves or others,

[1:03:57] especially trans and non-binary staff do the opposite.

[1:04:00] They signal that some identities are left legitimate,

[1:04:03] which undermines morale increases conflict

[1:04:05] and distracts from instruction.

[1:04:06] Research on School Climate Consistently shows that supportive, inclusive environments lead to stronger engagement, better attention and better outcomes for students and staff alike.

[1:04:16] Third, I want to talk about how these policies affect everyone, not just trans and binary students and staff.

[1:04:23] Rules that police gender expression don't stop with trans people.

[1:04:26] They created chilling effect for any student or staff member who doesn't conform to rigid expectations of masculinity or femininity.

[1:04:33] And that makes schools less safe for all students, especially those already vulnerable, it's a harassment or exclusion.

[1:04:41] There is a better path forward. You don't have to choose between constitutional concerns in student-well-bort, well-being.

[1:04:47] The board can affirm names and pronouns as a standard or respectful, trauma and form practice,

[1:04:52] strength and anti-bullying and non-discrimination enforcement for all students,

[1:04:56] provides staff training and supportive communication, and partner with local organizations like Hamterra's Pride and the LGBT Life Center to support

[1:05:03] educators and families. In closing, mutual respect does not require any erasing anyone that's

[1:05:09] beliefs. It asks us to care for every student and educator and trust it to our schools.

[1:05:14] The evidence is clear, honoring affirm things and pronouns and proof safety,

[1:05:18] strengthens the workplace and reflects our community's values. I urge you to project these

[1:05:22] proposed restrictions and choose policies that keep all Chesapeake students and staff safe,

[1:05:26] respected and ready to learn. Thank you.

[1:05:30] Speaker number 22, it's your turn at podium and speaker number 23, if you'll come to the

[1:05:35] front.

[1:05:39] My name is Sean Locher and I'm a resident of Chesapeake. Since I've already emailed the board,

[1:05:45] my thoughts about the subject, I will be brief. I'm here tonight to express my opposition to the

[1:05:49] proposed changes to policy 802. This would ensure that Chesapeake public schools are following

[1:05:55] the established guidelines from professionals like the ones at the American Psychiatric

[1:05:59] association and a previous speaker here tonight, and not the opinions of some members of the

[1:06:04] city. And I did say opinions.

[1:06:09] This is very reminiscent of another issue that we sit over a year

[1:06:12] of the school board's time when the board tried to limit the religious freedom of some

[1:06:17] chesapeake residents. I hope the board has learned from those mistakes and instead chooses to focus

[1:06:22] on the real issues that need to be addressed by the board to ensure the high quality education that

[1:06:27] the city as we run to Custom 2. Thank you for your time.

[1:06:32] Speaker number 23 it's your turn at the podium and Speaker number 24 if you

[1:06:37] please come to the front. Hi I'm Danielle Spendity Fury. I reside in Hickory and

[1:06:43] Chesapeake and I also practice dentistry in Greatbridge. I think we can all agree

[1:06:49] that the number one priority that we all have is maintaining the health and safety

[1:06:54] of our children.

[1:06:58] There is a mountain of evidence of good quality studies that show that non-binary

[1:07:02] and trans students are at a high risk of mental disorders, which include anxiety, depression,

[1:07:10] suicide, ideation, and suicide attempts.

[1:07:16] One of the most important things that we can do to limit

[1:07:19] those risk factors is just acceptance of these children. One adult in their peers just

[1:07:28] listening and agreeing and identifying that they go by a different gender when pronouns use can

[1:07:34] help reduce this risk of suicide, self-harm, anxiety, depression.

[1:07:41] In refusing the preferred names and pronouns, this raises that risk if these vulnerable children's.

[1:07:48] But all we're asking for is to provide a space for these children to grow, learn, explore who they are,

[1:07:55] and allow for their preferred names in pronouns.

[1:07:59] And anybody with any suicidal thoughts,

[1:08:02] or just urge you to call 98 and Trevor Project

[1:08:06] is another great resource for those children.

[1:08:10] Speaker number 24, it's your turn at the podium,

[1:08:13] and Speaker number 25, if you please come forward.

[1:08:18] I would say good evening to you,

[1:08:19] but it is not a good evening due to this policy,

[1:08:23] 802, that you are proposing, bringing me out to Chesapeake on this freezing cold evening while

[1:08:28] I could be at home, curled up on the couch with a blanket, and a nice cup of hot chocolate,

[1:08:33] watching Netflix.

[1:08:34] My name is Gray Lydon and my pronouns are they them.

[1:08:37] I am a board member of Hampton Road's Pride and the Virginia Creer Film Festival.

[1:08:40] I'm here today to speak in opposition of policy 802, which states that all employees are

[1:08:46] expected to, and I quote, refrain from providing to a student, his or her preferred personal

[1:08:52] title or pronouns, if such personal, personal title or pronouns do not correspond to

[1:09:00] his or her sex, as well as the policies restricting educators' pronouns and name choices.

[1:09:06] Not only is this discrimination against the students and the violation of the first amendment

[1:09:11] which protects freedom of speech, but this will result in an increased negative mental health

[1:09:16] for transgender and gender non-conforming students who use a name or program now that differs

[1:09:21] from their sex. 3.3% of high school age students are transgender, and your school system

[1:09:28] serves over 399,000 students, which means in the approximate 1300 high school students are transgender

[1:09:36] within your school district. These numbers are just your high school students, and aren't

[1:09:40] even considering the students who might be within your middle schools and elementary schools,

[1:09:45] where yes, transgender students exist. According to the Trevor Projects 23 National Survey

[1:09:51] on the mental health of LGBTQ plus youth, 41% of LGBTQ plus teens, seriously considered attempting

[1:10:00] suicide. Transgender and non-binary youth who reported that the people they lived with

[1:10:06] respected their pronouns and reported lower rates of attempting suicide.

[1:10:11] Nearly one in three LGBTQ students said their mental health was poor due to anti-LGBT

[1:10:18] Q policies.

[1:10:20] Clearly, this shows that if you go forward with implementing this new policy, it will

[1:10:24] increase the rates of suicidal ideation and negatively impact more students mental health.

[1:10:30] is the goal of education not to develop successful adults who have a positive mental health.

[1:10:37] How would you, like if people refer to you by the wrong pronouns and calls you, for example,

[1:10:42] Mr. Swagger, Mr. Scott, Ms. Collins, Mr. Huddle, Ms. McCormick, Ms. Pool, or Ms. Walnut?

[1:10:50] It doesn't feel good, does it?

[1:10:52] That's what you'd be doing to your students and teachers if you adopt policy 802.

[1:10:58] If you care about parents' rights, what you say you do, what about the parents who allow their

[1:11:03] children to use their preferred name and pronoun?

[1:11:06] This policy doesn't consider the parents' rights of those parents making your so-called

[1:11:11] parents' rights, stance, contradictory, and only protecting the rights of parents who don't

[1:11:16] support their LGBTQ students' children.

[1:11:20] I strongly hope you make the right decision and vote again.

[1:11:24] speaker number 25 it's your turn at the podium and speaker number 26 if you'll come forward.

[1:11:33] Hello, I'm Dr. Oshay. I'm an avid volunteer for the Tuskegee School District. I'm the

[1:11:39] person that gets your kids through the breakfast line in the morning and at night every night

[1:11:44] on the person that takes care of you in the hospital. So I'm going to use my time to speak

[1:11:50] from my professional and clinical standpoint.

[1:11:53] Five years ago, I stood with all of my classmates

[1:11:55] and I took an oath and I said, among other things,

[1:11:59] that I would address disparities,

[1:12:01] respect differences in all, and promote inclusion.

[1:12:05] By the time I'm finished speaking and number 26 comes up

[1:12:08] if they do, a student that's affected by policies,

[1:12:13] like the one you're proposing, will try to kill themselves.

[1:12:17] During this meeting so far, I've been keeping it tally, we're at number 22.

[1:12:23] Transgender children in America attempt to decide at a rate of at least one every five minutes.

[1:12:29] And due to recent government censorship, I only have data for 13 through 17.

[1:12:36] Which is a third of youth ages of these population, I've obvious.

[1:12:41] 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.

[1:12:55] 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.

[1:13:05] So, those 30,000 kids are a direct result of policies like the one you're putting forward, or considering putting forward.

[1:13:14] Your website spotlighted a teacher that said, every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them.

[1:13:21] All of these people behind me are the champions of these students. All of these volunteers, these parents and these staff.

[1:13:28] And how can the staff inspire, engage, and empower

[1:13:31] all learners to achieve their highest potential when

[1:13:34] they aren't even allowed to achieve their own?

[1:13:37] You are their bosses, you are telling them that you don't

[1:13:40] respect them, and you're telling them to pass that feeling

[1:13:45] along to their kids, along to the students.

[1:13:49] You're telling your staff that you don't respect them,

[1:13:52] and you're telling your staff to disrespect their kids.

[1:13:56] I have so much more than I have three minutes to talk about.

[1:14:00] If you guys are ever interested, I do teach a lecture on health disparities for the LGBTQ

[1:14:05] community.

[1:14:07] I teach at various medical schools and pharmacy schools across the country,

[1:14:14] but I'll leave you

[1:14:14] with this.

[1:14:15] If I knew of a 100% effective cure for 30,000 of my patients and I didn't take it or pursue

[1:14:23] at all. I would lose my license and I would lose all shred of morality. Point blank. The fact that

[1:14:35] you guys won't consider it in those terms is very disappointing.

[1:14:41] Speaker number 26, it's your turn

[1:14:44] at the podium. Please state your name and city of residents before you begin.

[1:14:50] For Napper, oh, sorry,

[1:14:51] I'm Jennifer Naperella and I am a resident of Chesapeake.

[1:14:57] I'm Chesapeake Public Schools employee and I'm here.

[1:15:00] Tonight, to pragmatically address the three proposed additions to the CPS policy manual.

[1:15:06] Number 18 indicates that one employee should refrain from referring to another employee in a manner

[1:15:11] that violates the employees constitutionally protective rights, but does not specify which part of the constitution

[1:15:17] that proposal refers to. Therefore, I have to ask if the proposal itself violates constitutional amendment

[1:15:24] number four, which protects citizens from government overreach by guaranteeing the right of the

[1:15:29] people to be secure in their persons.

[1:15:32] Number 19 indicates that employees should refrain from providing to a student their preferred

[1:15:37] pronouns.

[1:15:38] This proposal defies parent choice that almost always involves medical supervision.

[1:15:44] Overiding parent choice is a mistake.

[1:15:47] One that just speak public schools pays for, every time the United States Department

[1:15:52] education office for civil rights finds us guilty of retaliatory actions towards students with medical

[1:15:58] accept exempt exemptions. What is number 19 if it is not retaliatory? Letter K indicates that

[1:16:07] students can't be compelled to refer to an employee in a manner that violates the students again

[1:16:13] unspecified constitutionally protected rights. Deeply problematic is the fact that employee rights

[1:16:21] are entirely overlooked in letter K. The board should recognize the inevitable consequential charges

[1:16:28] of the abusive work environment that the proposal will engender if it is passed and the victims

[1:16:34] according to Virginia Code will have a right to sue, civilly, the person or person's guilty

[1:16:41] thereof, what is K if it is not creating a hostile and abusive environment to your employees?

[1:16:49] In my novice observation, each of your each of these proposals cite is inviting lawsuits

[1:16:55] that Chesapeake Public Schools will lose.

[1:16:58] For Chesapeake Public Schools to retain the hallmarks of a law-abiding public school system,

[1:17:03] the board must not adopt any of the three opposed additions to the policy manual this evening.

[1:17:09] Thank you for your time.

[1:17:11] This concludes our speakers for this evening.

[1:17:16] Thank you for sharing your comments.

[1:17:18] Our practices to receive information,

[1:17:20] however we do not usually engage in dialogue

[1:17:22] and that is our intent tonight.

[1:17:24] If appropriate and not already provided someone

[1:17:26] from the superintendent's office will evaluate

[1:17:28] your concern and provide a response.

[1:17:30] At this time, we will consider the consent agenda.

[1:17:32] I'll entertain a motion for approval.

[1:17:35] Move by Ms. Scott, is there a second?

[1:17:38] Seconded by Mr. Pool, is there any discussion?

[1:17:41] All those in favor please signify by saying aye.

[1:17:44] All opposed?

[1:17:46] Dr Smith.

[1:17:47] Motion carries with all board members voting, yes.

[1:17:50] We will now move over to our information agenda.

[1:17:52] The first item being the monthly financial report, Ms. Lodge.

[1:17:57] Thank you, Chair Scyckert.

[1:17:59] We have included financial projections for July, August, September, and October 2025, and

[1:18:05] the board documents for tonight's meeting.

[1:18:07] Revenue in a projected expenditures are within the expected branches for the month, or for the time period.

[1:18:14] Total realized revenue for the fiscal year through October is about $214 million, including approximately $112 million from the state,

[1:18:25] about $100 million from the city, and their remaining funds from other local sources and the federal government.

[1:18:31] Turning to expenditures, total projected expenditures are $162 million throughout October.

[1:18:40] After including a conferences, which are future financial obligations incurred throughout the year,

[1:18:46] the total projection is $322 million.

[1:18:50] Projective expenditures reflect the 4% compensation adjustment provided to all contracted employees

[1:18:56] and a $6.4 million transition supplement equivalent to one week's pay to support employees

[1:19:04] as they transition to this year's new, bi-weekly, and a year's pay schedule.

[1:19:10] Fall enrollment was 39,497 or 403 fewer than planned for the fiscal year.

[1:19:18] Enrollment is the primary driver of state revenue, and the client is estimated to reduce revenue

[1:19:24] by about $3.2 million if it remains a current level.

[1:19:30] Final state revenue is calculated based on the final spring enrollment, but we will continue

[1:19:35] to monitor enrollment closely and will adjust spending as necessary.

[1:19:41] Last, I want to share that this evening's financial report is a little different from past reports.

[1:19:47] This is due to an outstanding UKG project requirement, a personnel expenditure file uploaded

[1:19:52] from UKG to our financial system people sought. Without the upload, comprehensive monthly financial

[1:19:59] reports cannot be produced. While we await the completion of this requirement, CPS's

[1:20:05] finances remain actively managed and monitored with financial controls and the review of non-personnel

[1:20:12] related expenditures in people's soft and personnel related expenditures in UKG.

[1:20:17] This requirement has been escalated and is a top priority for UKG and our project management team.

[1:20:26] Once the upload is complete, we will issue the comprehensive financial reports for July through October.

[1:20:33] This completes my finance report for the evening and I'm happy to answer any questions she may have.

[1:20:38] Thank you.

[1:20:41] I don't see any questions from the board.

[1:20:42] So, we will move on to our 2024-2025 audited financial report, back to you, Ms. Lads.

[1:20:49] Thank you.

[1:20:50] This evening, Mrs. Laura Harden, Audit Director of a Cherry Beckert Advisory L.C.,

[1:20:56] will present the 2024-2025 Audited Financial Stamence and Executive Summary.

[1:21:03] I'll hand it over to Mrs. Harden at this time.

[1:21:05] Thank you.

[1:21:10] 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

[1:21:19] 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

[1:21:28] So we did audit the school board and we issued our audit report on December 2nd, 2025

[1:21:34] 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.

[1:21:45] 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.

[1:21:54] We identified no instances of noncompliance required to be reported under those standards or specifications.

[1:21:59] 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.

[1:22:10] 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.

[1:22:22] We also did not identify any misstatements that were either corrected or left un-corrected by management.

[1:22:29] Note one of the financial statements describes the significant accounting policies of the schools.

[1:22:35] They did implement, as the statement number 101 for compensated absences.

[1:22:39] The standard resulted in a restatement of beginning that position of $1.3 million.

[1:22:44] We noted no inappropriate accounting policies sees or practices during our audit procedures.

[1:22:52] We also given an understanding of the related party of relationships and transactions.

[1:22:57] We had no issues in identifying those relationships.

[1:23:01] We did not note any that appeared to lack business purpose or had non-compliance with applicable laws

[1:23:06] regulations.

[1:23:09] We did not identify anything that we considered to be a significant tour, unusual transaction

[1:23:16] and within the financial statements, there are some sensitive estimates affecting the

[1:23:19] financials.

[1:23:20] These are things that can change year over year based on the underlying assumptions that

[1:23:24] go into making those estimates.

[1:23:27] The most sensitive to the financial statements are the pension and open benefits, assets,

[1:23:32] liabilities and deferred flows of resources, the capital asset, depreciable lives, and compensated

[1:23:38] absences, which is based on a more likely than not usage.

[1:23:42] As part of our audit process, we obtain and understand the key factors and assumptions used

[1:23:47] in developing those estimates and determine that their reasonable and relation to the financial

[1:23:51] statements as a whole.

[1:23:57] Excuse me, the financial statement disclosures are a neutral consistent and clear.

[1:24:02] 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.

[1:24:20] We also prepared the financial statements for the schools, and we assisted in the assembly and printing.

[1:24:25] For those services, management assign someone to oversee those and takes ultimate responsibility for our services.

[1:24:35] We're not aware of any other threats to our auditor independence.

[1:24:38] We are independent of the schools and we have met our ethical responsibilities.

[1:24:43] We had no difficulties in completing our audit nor did we have any disagreement with management.

[1:24:49] We did not have to consult with anybody outside of our engagement team for any difficult or contentious matters.

[1:24:54] We had management, signing representation letter as of the date of our audit opinion, which

[1:24:59] represented to us at all the information we needed to perform our audit was provided to us.

[1:25:04] We're not aware of any cases where management consulted with other accountants for any kind

[1:25:09] of second opinion.

[1:25:10] We had no other findings or issues that are required to be reported to you.

[1:25:14] We did not identify any fraud, legal act or waste or abuse during our audit, and we have

[1:25:20] of answer conditions that indicate substantial doubt about the school's ability to continue as

[1:25:25] a going concern.

[1:25:28] And with that, I'll just note that there are a couple of new reporting changes for fiscal

[1:25:32] year 2026.

[1:25:34] We'll be working with the schools on implementing those, but we don't anticipate them to have

[1:25:38] any significant change to the financials and we'll not result in any kind of restatement.

[1:25:44] With that, I'm happy to answer any questions.

[1:25:46] I

[1:25:50] don't see any questions from the board at this time, so thank you for the report.

[1:25:55] Thank you.

[1:25:56] The last item on our information agenda this evening is the 2024-25 school activity funds audit.

[1:26:02] Again, everybody in Ms. Glod.

[1:26:04] Thank you, Chair Sviker.

[1:26:05] This evening, Ms. Brittany Greggerson, Director of Assurance Services with Forbes,

[1:26:11] Ms. Ars LLP will provide a summary of the 2024-25 school activity funds audit.

[1:26:19] Welcome Ms. Greggerson to provide her summary at this time.

[1:26:23] Thank you.

[1:26:23] Thank you so much.

[1:26:25] Good evening and thank you for having me this evening.

[1:26:27] Normally, you don't have both of your auditors here at the same time.

[1:26:30] So I'm going to abbreviate mine a little bit because my audit is a component unit of the larger school board audit,

[1:26:36] which you just heard the summary of.

[1:26:38] Ultimately, we have issued an unmodified audit opinion as Laura mentioned.

[1:26:42] That's going to be a clean opinion that the best.

[1:26:45] The highest level of assurance that we can provide on those financial statements.

[1:26:50] We went out and we visited each of the schools in person and did testing at each of those

[1:26:53] schools and worked very closely with the bookkeepers and principals at each school.

[1:26:58] You should have received a copy of our final audited financial statements.

[1:27:01] These look very similar to the prior year overall about $180,000 increase in the funds.

[1:27:08] But overall not a whole lot of change there.

[1:27:10] And then you also have our report to the school board and that's going to go over a lot

[1:27:14] of the same things that Laura mentioned

[1:27:16] if we had identified any uncorrected misstatements,

[1:27:19] adjusting journal entries, if we had identified

[1:27:21] any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses,

[1:27:24] and again, happy to announce that we did not identify any

[1:27:27] material weaknesses consistent with the larger school board

[1:27:30] audit.

[1:27:31] So again, this is just for the student activity funds

[1:27:34] at each school, but I would open it up to any questions.

[1:27:39] I'm gonna leave it very high level for you all

[1:27:41] because I know you've had a lot on the agenda tonight

[1:27:44] and kind of just had the full presentation for the full audit.

[1:27:48] So I believe I've seen a questions for your report either.

[1:27:51] Thank you for being here.

[1:27:54] The first item on our action agenda this evening is the superintendent's proposed capital

[1:27:58] improvement plan, Ms. Sutz.

[1:28:00] Thank you, Madam Chair.

[1:28:01] The superintendent's proposed capital improvement plan for 2026 to 2036 was initially presented

[1:28:08] at the second meeting in October.

[1:28:11] 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.

[1:28:23] We do not have a formal presentation for you this evening because we've already had a couple of work sessions.

[1:28:29] Dr. Martinez and I are here and available to answer any questions you may have.

[1:28:34] And then if you don't have any of those, we are asking for a final action this evening on the Capitol Improvement Plan.

[1:28:41] And as you know, the superintendent's proposed Capitol Improvement Plan becomes the school boards proposed Capitol Improvement Plan.

[1:28:48] 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.

[1:28:56] And as you all know, they are required to take action by the middle of May, actually May 15th.

[1:29:03] I see no final questions from the board, so with that I will entertain a motion for approval

[1:29:08] of the Capital Improvement Plan.

[1:29:11] Move by Ms. Huddle, is there a second?

[1:29:13] Second of my Mr. Pool, is there any final discussion?

[1:29:16] All those in favor please signify by saying aye.

[1:29:19] All opposed?

[1:29:21] Dr. Smith.

[1:29:23] Motion carries with all board members voting yes.

[1:29:26] The last item on the action agenda this evening is proposed revision as the schoolwear policy

[1:29:31] the 8-2 General Personnel Matters Professional Conduct.

[1:29:34] The proposed revisions to this policy were presented at our last meeting, and the proposed

[1:29:39] changes in corporate provisions addressing constitutionally protected rights related

[1:29:43] to the personal titles and forms of address.

[1:29:46] A copy of these changes is available in board docs.

[1:29:49] I'll entertain a motion for approval.

[1:29:51] Move by Ms. Scott, is there a second?

[1:29:54] I'm going to go to the second with Mr. Cohen.

[1:29:56] We will open for discussion.

[1:29:57] I know there are a few members.

[1:30:00] At least that would like to add some thoughts to the matter. I'd like to open and if you'll bear with me,

[1:30:06] 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.

[1:30:12] But I would like to take a moment to add some clarity on what these policy revisions are and what they're not.

[1:30:18] These three policy revisions are related to employee activities, and are intended to keep the classroom focus on curriculum.

[1:30:25] The use of alternative pronouns and titles that do not align with biological sex is a controversial and complex issue,

[1:30:34] one that is most appropriately navigated by families according to their own personal values, whatever they may be.

[1:30:40] Issues such as this do not have a direct link to the curriculum and therefore they don't belong in the classroom.

[1:30:46] We must address the negative unintended consequences related to this issue,

[1:30:49] and do our very best to find solutions to solve the challenge with minimal negative impact all

[1:30:55] involved, and I know that can be difficult. I know this was never the intent of staff in this

[1:31:00] position, but we have had multiple reports of students who have become concerned and even fearful

[1:31:05] of accidentally addressing their teacher in a way that might upset them, so much so that they no

[1:31:10] longer feel comfortable asking questions in classroom. Our first priority must always be creating

[1:31:15] maintaining the best possible learning environment for our students. These policy changes are

[1:31:21] intended for that purpose. In addition, these revisions do not, in any way, govern how these

[1:31:27] issues are addressed for our students. Our policy has been and will remain that we navigate this

[1:31:33] issue with students, on a case by case basis, in full and transparent communication and partnership

[1:31:38] with their parents. The volunteer use of alternative pronouns and titles by employees amongst

[1:31:43] their peers is not prohibited by this policy. A person who does not fundamentally agree with

[1:31:49] the use of alternative pronouns and titles cannot be compelled to use them. This policy

[1:31:54] is intended to clarify that and to facilitate an environment of mutual respect as a

[1:31:58] relates to this issue. I am confident that we can find solutions that work for all who are

[1:32:03] affected by this change. I understand that these policy changes will not be supported by all,

[1:32:08] but I believe there what is in the best interest of the majority of our students and staff,

[1:32:12] and therefore I will be supporting their adoption.

[1:32:15] So those who feel this is negative for them,

[1:32:18] please understand that I do not make this decision lightly

[1:32:20] or without full consideration of the impact.

[1:32:23] It is my goal to support the administration

[1:32:25] in navigating this issue if it's adopted

[1:32:27] in a way that is in fact mutually respectful.

[1:32:31] And I do believe that that's not only possible,

[1:32:34] but necessary.

[1:32:38] Thank you.

[1:32:39] I made it pretty clear at the last meeting

[1:32:42] that I would be voting in support of policy 802 tonight.

[1:32:44] I don't think anyone is surprised or shocked to hear that I will be doing just that tonight.

[1:32:49] I agree with Chair Swigert's comments.

[1:32:51] I think she eloquently captured what this policy is and is not and why it's necessary

[1:32:57] to implement because unfortunately there have been some boundaries crossed in some of our classrooms.

[1:33:01] I've witnessed it with my own eyes.

[1:33:04] It is problematic to walk into a classroom and not know what subject to teach but to only be focused

[1:33:09] on your preferred identity that is not in line with the curriculum and that needs to be adjusted.

[1:33:13] and unfortunately, it has places in the position to where we need to more clearly define

[1:33:18] those boundaries.

[1:33:20] I do want to read some comments tonight from a parent that will stay anonymous, but I

[1:33:26] felt like she articulated her thoughts very well on this issue and I to be quite honest

[1:33:32] I agree with her.

[1:33:34] She said we often hear calls for tolerance, inclusion, and respect.

[1:33:38] These are important values, but tolerance loses its meaning when it is enforced through coercion.

[1:33:45] Inclusion becomes hollow when it only flows in one direction.

[1:33:49] 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.

[1:34:00] What we are seeing today is pressure to redefine respect as mandatory ideological compliance.

[1:34:06] Those who do not adopt certain beliefs are told they are unkind, unsafe, or intolerant,

[1:34:12] or tonight we were told we were backwards, beliefs, ignorant fools, and raised better,

[1:34:18] could be raised better.

[1:34:20] While their own constitutional rights are dismissed or minimized, that is not tolerance,

[1:34:25] that is coercion.

[1:34:27] Policy 802 does not permit harassment, it does not excuse disrespect, it simply draws

[1:34:31] necessary boundary, that kindness does not require compelled speech and professionalism does not

[1:34:37] require surrendering one's conscience. Respect must be mutual to be meaningful. It cannot be

[1:34:42] demanded from some, while deny to others. Pretty much sums it up. That's how I'll be voting tonight.

[1:34:50] Ms Walker. Thank you. Just a couple of observations that I made tonight. And honestly,

[1:34:57] a couple of pieces of advice.

[1:34:59] So first one, I feel like a lot of folks

[1:35:01] didn't really read the revisions.

[1:35:03] So I would encourage you before you come

[1:35:04] to speak or send an email that you fully read and understand.

[1:35:07] So thank you, Chair Swagger, for making it clear

[1:35:09] as to what exactly we're voting for tonight.

[1:35:12] The other thing that is kind of shocking

[1:35:14] is that people are still willing to follow blindly.

[1:35:16] If you would like your email to be impactful,

[1:35:18] I encourage you to write it yourself.

[1:35:20] A copy and paste to someone else's words

[1:35:22] doesn't carry much weight.

[1:35:25] Okay. And then finally, you know, a speaker tonight said see the children. But yet not a single

[1:35:35] speaker that's spoken opposition, talked about the sixth grader that is uncomfortable going to

[1:35:40] school because of the adults in the classroom. Not a single one of you talked about that. So I guess

[1:35:46] it's only one way. And I guess like one speaker said that individual is the ignorant fool.

[1:35:52] If you want respect, they used to treat others with respect to the amount of emails that were

[1:35:57] filled with hatred and insulting of intelligence, of the members of the sport, is completely

[1:36:02] unacceptable.

[1:36:04] I will be voting and tied in favor of these revisions and, quite frankly, they should have

[1:36:10] been put in a place a long time ago.

[1:36:15] Ms. Huddle.

[1:36:18] As I shared with the last meeting, I posed the policy, I don't feel it's needed.

[1:36:23] I believe it's discriminatory, and I'll be voting against it this evening.

[1:36:31] Mr. Cologne?

[1:36:34] I do agree with what you guys have said so far.

[1:36:36] I wrote down exactly what I wanted to say.

[1:36:39] Everyone perceives the world uniquely, and that's okay.

[1:36:42] We just can't force others to see things in our own perspective.

[1:36:47] These policy changes presented allow us to navigate this complex issue

[1:36:51] with a strong commitment to principle decision-making.

[1:36:54] I will be voting, yes.

[1:37:15] Would you mind turning on your mic and doing that one more time for me?

[1:37:18] My apologies.

[1:37:20] With that, I did not have my mic on, so we're going to go through that again.

[1:37:24] We will call the vote.

[1:37:25] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

[1:37:29] All those?

[1:37:30] No.

[1:37:31] Dr. Smith.

[1:37:32] Motion carries with a vote of seven to two with board members,

[1:37:35] Huddle and Quillin voting in opposition.

[1:37:40] There are being no additional items on the action agenda this evening.

[1:37:42] we'll move on to the superintendents report, Dr. Cotton.

[1:37:46] Thank you, Madam Chair.

[1:37:47] I do have a few announcements I want to make before I go into my spotlight for this

[1:37:50] evening.

[1:37:51] First of all, the Crestwood Elementary dedication will be on Thursday of this week to

[1:37:56] December 18, 2025 at 430 p.m., also as a reminder, I always say this, I really don't need

[1:38:02] to remind anybody of this.

[1:38:03] But the last day of school for students and staff is December 19th and schools will

[1:38:08] close from December 22nd through January 2nd for the winter holidays.

[1:38:13] Our doors will open for the new year on January 5th.

[1:38:17] And finally, when we return in January, I'm looking forward to traveling to Richmond with the board.

[1:38:23] We'll be meeting with the members of the Chesapeake delegation.

[1:38:25] 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.

[1:38:35] and I hope that each of you will be able to make it if your schedule permits.

[1:38:40] Now, on to my spotlight for this evening in a blink of an eye, the calendar has turned to December.

[1:38:46] And we are heading full speed towards winter holidays.

[1:38:49] This time of year is always filled with exciting events and activities for our students and staff.

[1:38:53] And I'm glad to be able to share some of them with you this evening.

[1:38:57] Great Virginia Media kicked off the holiday season in style with their annual Thanksgiving parade.

[1:39:02] The fifth graders at GBI created their floats and walked the halls to the tears of the third and fourth graders.

[1:39:09] The marching Wildcats from Great British High also joined in on the fun as they provided the tunes to make the parade complete.

[1:39:15] This year's theme was board games, and each fifth grade class created their displays to match their favorite games.

[1:39:21] From monopoly to the game of life, the Wildcats display their creativity as they ushered in the winter holidays.

[1:39:27] Thank you to Great Bridge Intermediate and Principal Traci Savato for putting on another exciting Thanksgiving parade

[1:39:33] I can't wait to see other fun things

[1:39:35] 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

[1:39:43] Have the opportunity to participate in a new CTE initiative and career exploration event called future focus

[1:39:50] This inaugural event was a full day of activities for our students

[1:39:54] They tore the Chesapeake Career Center and attended informational sessions, put on by the Chesapeake

[1:39:59] Fire and Police Department.

[1:40:00] The students were also able to visit Chesapeake Regional Health Care, touring several hospital

[1:40:05] departments including Surgery and Labs.

[1:40:08] These opportunities give our students invaluable glimpses into their futures, and I could

[1:40:12] mean more thank-feature-focused to future teachers that teachers were tomorrow program at Western

[1:40:17] Ranch High School, visited Region University recently to experience a day in the life of

[1:40:22] education student. Along with their sponsor, Ms. Kristi Hanna, the Bruins were able to attend

[1:40:28] lecture sessions with current Regent students, talk to the dean, and learn all about

[1:40:33] what Regent has to offer for future educators. Thank you to Ms. Hanna and the Western

[1:40:37] Branch High School for continuing to go the extra mile and giving our students the opportunity

[1:40:43] to learn and explore their futures. The Great British Middle School Orchestra

[1:40:48] participated in an exciting opportunity of their own with Grammy-nominated strings on

[1:40:53] Somal, Palavore, strings. The Wildcat Orchestra was first treated to a special performance

[1:41:00] by the professional quartet, which included many popular songs. The group also received

[1:41:05] expert coaching from a member of the quartet and advanced to the upcoming winter concert.

[1:41:10] Thank you to Orchestra Teacher, Mrs. Kate Maliby for arranging this fantastic experience

[1:41:17] 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.

[1:41:26] We once again had the opportunity to celebrate some of our fantastic employees with our November Power of the Peak Reveal.

[1:41:32] Congratulations to Timothy Jackson, security officer at Western Branch Intermediate.

[1:41:37] You'd be proud of him because he was reluctant to let me in the building,

[1:41:40] But thankfully, he was able to see my ID.

[1:41:44] Erica Green, science teacher at D.C. Middle, and Naomi Dunbar,

[1:41:48] principal at any River High School for being well-deserved

[1:41:51] honorees in the support, teach, and lead categories.

[1:41:54] Our next winners will be announced in January,

[1:41:57] so don't forget to nominate your own power of the peak winner

[1:42:01] on our employee recognition page to show your appreciation

[1:42:04] for your favorite staff member.

[1:42:06] I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the newest member

[1:42:09] for the Chesapeake School Board, Dr. Amanda Quillin, who wasn't expecting us to pop this up on

[1:42:14] the screen.

[1:42:15] But she is officially starting her tenure this evening, Dr. Quillin was sworn in on Friday

[1:42:22] here at the School of Administration Building and now joins us as an official member of

[1:42:26] the Board.

[1:42:27] We are pleased to welcome you, Dr. Quillin, and we look forward to working alongside you

[1:42:31] as you begin your service to the amazing students, teachers, and staff, and families of

[1:42:36] Public Schools and we have the opportunity to celebrate some of those amazing teachers that are 2026 teacher of the year ceremony on Thursday

[1:42:45] We celebrated the 48 individual honorees who joined us at any river high school with their colleagues and families

[1:42:52] I'd like to thank Principal Dunbar and the any river high school for being such welcoming hosts the any river high school

[1:42:59] come a road, come a rota, got to work on that one, for performing during the ceremony and for

[1:43:08] all of the people that made the event a success. It was an incredible night celebrating our

[1:43:13] marbles in teaching. We also announced our four district level winners. I hope you'll join me

[1:43:19] and congratulating elementary teacher of the year, Alexis Brugaman from Hickory Elementary,

[1:43:25] middle school teacher of the year, Michael Powers Jr. from Crestwood Middle School, high school teacher of the year,

[1:43:31] Christopher Fisher, from Western Brandt High School, and our overall test-peak teacher of the year, Susan Ratz, from BM Williams Elementary School.

[1:43:39] We are so proud of these outstanding educators. I'd also like to thank the Chesapeake Educational Foundation,

[1:43:46] who presented Mrs. Ratz with a $1,000 gift card. Congratulations again to all of the teachers of the year.

[1:43:52] we're so proud that you represent Chesapeake Public Schools and I also want to note that they'll

[1:43:56] be coming to speak to you sometime in January. This completes my spotlight for this evening.

[1:44:01] Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Cotton. Last on our agenda this evening is board member items. Does any

[1:44:06] board member have an item to bring before the group? Go to Miss Scott. Thanks. I just wanted to also

[1:44:12] welcome Miss Quillin or Dr. Quillin to the to the school board. I had the opportunity to spend some

[1:44:17] time with her. Was that last week?

[1:44:20] Kyle, leave you, gosh, time is flying.

[1:44:22] And I think she's a lovely human being

[1:44:24] and I think we're going to work well together.

[1:44:25] So welcome aboard, Dr. Quillin.

[1:44:28] I also wanted to say Ms. Worley, I love your hat.

[1:44:32] You're very festive this evening.

[1:44:33] And I also really appreciate you wishing a happy

[1:44:37] Hanukkah, especially in light of the anti-Semitism.

[1:44:40] That is rampant and my heart goes out to Australia

[1:44:43] and the people of Australia and the horrible tears

[1:44:46] attack. And then on behalf of Kim Scott, I also just want to wish you a very very Merry Christmas.

[1:44:51] Isaiah 96 is for to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his

[1:44:58] shoulders, and he will be called wonderful cancer.

[1:45:00] Thank you, Chrisness.

[1:45:06] Seeing no additional board member comments, I will take just a moment to wish a happy birthday

[1:45:11] to board member Malia Huddle, who celebrated yesterday. We hope you had a wonderful birthday and continue

[1:45:16] to celebrate this week, and I will take a personal point of privilege to celebrate the

[1:45:21] birthday of former board member Daniel Soler who still with us in the room. We hope that you celebrated

[1:45:26] last week and had a wonderful week. We hope that you are both enjoying and being celebrated as

[1:45:32] And with that, we will call this meeting adjourned.

School Board Meeting

Agenda

Transcript