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Please stand by for realtime captions.

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reconvene this february 13th, 2024 meeting of the goochland county  school board. To the best of each member's

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knowledge, one, only public business matters lawfully exempted by virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting

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to which the certification resolution applies and two, only such public business matters as were identified in

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the motion convening the closed meeting were considered by the

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goochland county school board . Each member will respond when

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called by the clerk. >> I so certify.

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>> iso certified. >> iso certify. I so certify.

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>> thank you. Will you please join me in a moment of silence.

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thank you.  Amaya, will you lead us in the pledge?

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>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of

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america and to the republic , for which it stands, one nation

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under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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>> I will entertain a motion for adoptions of the proposed

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agenda. >> madam chair, I have two

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additions that I would like to put under new business. I would like to add one that deals with school board dues and a second

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one that will deal with legal counsel. >> thank you, madam vice chair. >> I second that motion.

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>> it has been moved and properly seconded  to add two

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items to new business. One related to school board dues and the other related to legal counsel. Is there any discussion or are you ready for the question? Hearing none, all

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those in favor of the motion say I. All those opposed, say

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no. Very well, the motion is adopted.  I understand we have

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some recognitions this evening. >> thank you, madam chair. We have a wealth of recognitions. At this time I would like to

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bring to the podium, mr. Brutes -- mr. Bruce watson . He will

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be celebrating the achievements of a lot of our students. Mr.

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watson. >>

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]

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with the ct appreciation month, one of our  commanders who has

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taken the courage to enlist in the united states marine corps and his job will be airframe mechanic. This time next year

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this young man will be part of the  less than 1.1% of the

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population that will stand and represent our constitution and our freedom along -- around the world. I have known this young

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man for about four years. Goochland is sending one of our

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best and brightest to united states drink or.  If it wasn't for the wonderful teachers and the support that we have with

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the administration is going to elevate him where he is going

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to be able to do wonderful things with the marine corps.

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it is with immense pride that I want to recognize him here. Two things are happening with the enlistment and the

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commissioning process. There are two ways to serve our

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nation. It is one of the most noble things that any young person can possibly do today. I just wanted to say thank you

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for taking on the mantle of freedom and taking the choice

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to serve our nation. I know you are going to do us proud and

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goochland is going to be on the map because of you. I just wanted to tell everybody that. >>

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people are taking the other truck to serve our nation. This is cadet captain, aubrey strong . Megan reid is our cadet first

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sergeant . And  landon schroder, he is smart. He is

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our executive officer. They represent our command team .

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they are our top cadets. They all put in for the very prestigious and hard to get rotc scholarship. Landon and megan put in and received the marine option navy scholarship

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and aubrey recently was awarded, the navy rotc

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scholarship. All three of these young people will go to school for free. That is going to separate them from their peers

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right away. Above and beyond that, they will be paid a tax

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free living stipend every month that they are at school. Each

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summer paid internships will begin this summer before they

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even get to school. That separates them from their

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peers, they will graduate without debt. Most college

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graduates have close to $30,000 of debt. When they complete

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their rotc curriculum and they earned her undergraduate

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degree, they will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the marine corps. This very prestigious

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and lucrative position, they are not going to be underemployed. They will be serving this nation. People

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like kayden are going to look to them to get the job done. It is a big deal.  If they choose to stay in the military for 20

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years or 30 years, they will be paid for the rest of their lives. If they choose to get out after four years, hordes of

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dissent hunters will get after them like plagues of locusts. At 17 and 18 years old, these young people have made a

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decision that will put them on the trajectory of success, I

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say their peers, they have no peers. They are peerless as

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they are on this trajectory of success for the rest of their lives. We all owe them a debt of gratitude for what to --

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they are going to do . They are going to do what others are

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unwilling to do, it is remarkable. Congratulations for what you've done, thank you for what you are going to do, I

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am proud to have the opportunity to know you, to lead through your stories. >>  before these two fine

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gentlemen take a seat, I need to say that this is the 10th

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year of this program.  One of the first things I was asked to

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do when I came to goochland county was to start an rotc

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unit .  You saw three young people appear recognized for their scholarships. Each of those scholarships is worth at

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least $175,000 or more. It is highly unusual for a unit to

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get one scholarship a year. It is extraordinary for a unit to

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get two scholarships a year. Absolutely unheard of for an rotc unit to get three scholarships per year. It is

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due to the hard work and dedication of these two fine

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gentlemen that not only these three cadets are receiving these scholarships but the ones who have gone before them and

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received the scholarships are due to the work of these fine

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gentlemen. >>

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>> next, I would like to ask malachi montgomery to join me

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appear . >> each year 32 school

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divisions have the opportunity to nominate  three students.

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there are 40 slots given to 32 different school divisions. Students have to apply to that. Rising juniors and seniors can

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apply to the academy and develop their workforce readiness and entrepreneurial skills. Malachi is a junior, he

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has a 4.77 gpa as of when I checked this morning, I hope

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that is correct >> I hope it is too.

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>> he is ranked 40th in a class of 148. He is a second

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lieutenant in a platoon commander. He has taken the

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video and media production classes, he was a fine

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representative for goochland high school last summer when he attended the regional governor school. Congratulations and thank you . >>

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>> every year the students in the econ and personal-finance class take the wise test . We are privileged to do the hard

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work of the three teachers to be awarded the coveted blue

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star award and to earn this award, the students have to

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achieve, we had to have 80% of the students passed the test.

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again through their hard work and dedication, we were able to

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achieve the blue star award and it's the first time in several years, I don't know how many, that we have received this

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award.  Thinks for them working with our students to earn this

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recognition for the school and for their students. Thank you.

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the blue star award, miss eyp and miss g  were awarded the

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gold star award. To earn this award, 92%, 93% of their students had to pass this test on the first round . Again,

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congratulations to both of these teachers for achieving the gold star award given by the wise testing foundation. A

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congratulations. >>

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>> with that, I thank you so much.

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>> thank you mr. Watson, bravo to all of our recognized

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students tonight. At this time I would like to introduce dr. Jennifer wagner and miss demetrius harris who are going

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to share about our eccho  award recipients.

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>> good evening, matter chair -- madam chair. This may be the

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first meeting that all of you have attended where we have had eccho awards. Core values of excellence, creativity, honor

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and optimism. We try to recognize some employees and students who have demonstrated those values based on nominees

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for their colleagues. If miss hannah jones, goochland high

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school senior could join me up front .  So, hannah was

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nominated by dr. Beth fowler. I'm going to read everything that she wrote because I feel like if I leave some sentences

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out it won't tell the complete story. At one of the first base meetings of the school year, hannah had the opportunity to

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hear from a board member about the adult advisory group , ace,

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including the room for base representatives on the group. She took it upon herself to seek a conversation with the

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board member immediately and expressed immediately being a part of this important work. Since joining ace, hannah has

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exhibited courage  and what can be seen too many students like an intimidating group of adults. Her optimism and desire

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to help achieve  excellence for all students shine through and

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every comment. She has most recently contributed many creative ideas of how to involve other students in these important conversations by incentivizing their

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participation at an upcoming community conversation event.

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or student  perspective paired with the maturity to engage

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alongside adults on the ace committee have proven invaluable to the work of the school board advisory committee. We're super proud of hannah and can't wait to

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see what she pushes -- accomplishes in the future. And there is your award. >> thank you so much. Thank

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you. >>

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>> is mr. Braggs, goochland high school senior year  so,

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mr. Braggs was nominated by his spanish teacher recently resigns, but nevertheless we want to tell you what mr. Reyes

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lopez said about you. It is pretty special. His commitment

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to academic excellence has not gone unnoticed. I want to

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acknowledge the positive changes I have observed in his manners and milling this -- willingness to be a respectful

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member of our school committee -- community. His overall

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character development. His growth and progress have not

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only impressed me, but they have also had a positive impact

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on our environment. We're super proud of him and can't wait to see what he accomplishes in the future.

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>>

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school teacher here?  So, potter is an english teacher at

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the middle school. She was nominated by two colleagues,

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ashby pond and christina whitfield. They write, as a

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colleague, danielle has the biggest heart. Is always willing to collaborate, encourage open and honest

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medication, lead plcs and join various school committees. Through her meticulous planning and delivery of instruction,

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she is consistently able to meet the ever-changing needs of her students. She models our core values up  -- of courage

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for our students. Danielle is the epitome of optimism and we are so happy to have her here at  goochland middle school.

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congratulations. >>

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>> mr. Sykes, is mr. Sykes here?  So, mr. Sykes was

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nominated by multiple teachers and administrators and a

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parent. So, lauren simmons of the high school, and a parent,

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all nominated mr. Sykes. I'm going to tell you about why.

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mr. Sykes continuously demonstrates the qualities of an excellent creative, optimistic, passionate

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educator. Always lifting up and encouraging his students. Many

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staff members, parents and students have all spoken about how mr. Sykes revived the band program. When you watch the

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students perform, you can tell they are excited to be a part of it. His love for music shows up in the quality of

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performance his students produce when they are engaged in their band activities. I enjoy watching the students sing the schools fight song while mr. Sykes encourages high

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energy for students. They ensure they master their craft.

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he supports the administrative staff by holding his students

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to high standards and expectations. We're super grateful to have him as a part of our team. Congratulations,

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mr. Sykes. >> I saw mr. Josh roque in the

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crowd mr. Roque was nominated he is an incredibly brave

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honorable and optimistic in the way that he is caring and everything that he does. He has continued to offer mindfulness

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with his students . They meet once a week and students bring

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up what is on their minds, they have discussed topics from stress management to personal and family issues to academic

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plans and more. They share with other students strengthening their empathy, listening skills, and peer to peer

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relationships. Learning to mansion -- manage their own

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stress.  He does a lot of planning and follow-up for

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this. He also incorporates these techniques into his regular classes. All of us care about our students and colleagues but josh goes many extra mile to show that and to

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help everyone care about each other. Congratulations. >>

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that is getting ready to,. Mr. Turner, miss jenkins, ms.

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timberlake, I think that is the whole crew. This lovely team

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was nominated by a host of people including mr. Hahn, ms.

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hudak  as well as renee farrell, the director of counseling at goochland high school  we have summarized all

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of the comments together because there are so many lovely things that were said. Ms. Parker and her instructional assistants have been such a positive light. On

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a daily basis they maximize the potential of all of their learners in the classroom. The compassion and love for their

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students is noticeable in their daily work. Our administrative team cannot be more proud  of the work that they do for all

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of their students. That was one set of comments. There are more. All that students -- all the students are doing amazing

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in ms. Parker's crap -- class . It is not only a delight to

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staff, but valuable opportunities for workplace

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learning  coupled with the genuine care that they exhibit

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toward their students further solidify the contributions for

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both the classroom and the broader school community.

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congratulations. >> congratulations ms. Parker.

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least, miss donna dickerson. Could you please come forward?

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>>

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absolutely loves the spotlight was nominated by ms. Patricia harris and miss margaret joyner . I have also attempted to

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summarize these comments as well because there were so many lovely things to say about you. Miss joyner said, I am absolutely thrilled to nominate ms. Dickerson for the echo

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award. She is not only an amazing preschool special education teacher, she is a superhero to the little ones in

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our school. Miss dickerson is a marvel at what she does. Her dedication to each child's growth and development is

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unparalleled . She doesn't just teach, she inspires and

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empowers these young minds to help them succeed every step of the way. What makes her exceptional is her unwavering

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commitment. Miss dickerson never settles, she is always exploring new techniques and methods tailored to each

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child's unique needs. Her passion for helping kids reach their full potential is evident . In the classroom, her energy

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is infectious, she creates an environment where kids feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Miss dickerson's ability to connect on a personal level sets the stage

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for remarkable progress.  Her tireless efforts in genuine

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care for the success of each child are truly extraordinary and deserve to be celebrated. Thank you for considering ms.

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dickerson for this well-deserved recognition. It would mean the world to her and the children  whose lives she touches every single day.  She is constantly amazing me with

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her dedication, determination, innovation, empathy, and abundant kindness and optimism. She is truly remarkable and

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highly deserving of the echo award. Having a profound

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positive impact on her students. Congratulations.

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>>

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>> thank you to dr. Wagner, miss harris for celebrating all

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the excellent things happening for our student and our staff.

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there someone else we want to celebrate tonight. Someone else was kind of in the background. You may not be aware of all of

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the things that she does for us. This well oiled machine is

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not by accident. Diane bennett is our school board  clerk.

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this week is school board clerk appreciation week. We want to

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take this opportunity to publicly recognize her for her thoughtful, diligent, and professional partnership to make what we do look easy to you. So to you miss bennett, we

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said thank you.

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feels good about themselves, it's time to get down to the business of the evening . >> thank you, madam chair.

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several announcements this evening. First, we are in the middle of february which as we all know is black history month. I'm very proud of the instructional activities and

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events that are going on in our school as our student celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of

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african-americans to the development of our country. As we learned earlier, in celebration of all of our wonderful students who are receiving accolades, february

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is also career and technical education. National school counseling week was february 9th, february 5th through the

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ninth, excuse me. We enjoyed celebrating all of our school counselors. School resource officer  appreciation day is on

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february 15th. February is a busy month. The goochland county planning county commission will meet to discuss

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digital signing for the new elementary school  on february

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the 15th at 6:30 at the goochland administration building right here in this hall . As we just found out,

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and most recently knowledge, this is also school board clerk

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appreciation week. We will have textbook  resource materials on

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display for public viewing from february 20th through march the first. That will be at our school administration building.

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conundrum day for students in grades pre-k through eighth

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will be february 24th from 8:45 to 11:30 at goochland middle school. We will have a budget approval meeting on february

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the 27th right here at 5:30. And a host of town halls in the month of march, district 4 will be on march the fourth at salem

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baptist church. District 5 town hall will be march the seventh at 6:00 . District one town hall will be on march the 11th

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at six -- 6:00 p.m.. We're going to hold a regular school board meeting here at 5:30. District  2 and 3 will have a

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combined townhall at march the 18th at 6:00 right here in this building. Early announcement for graduation, we plan to

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celebrate our class of 2024 on june the eighth at 7:30 at the goochland high school stadium . Madam chair, that concludes our

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announcements . >> there is certainly never a dull moment, is there? At this time, we have our owners

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representatives mr. Ryan to give us an update on the construction of our new goochland elementary school .

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good evening. >> madam chair, board members,

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as we mentioned, my name is ryan waldrop  they will be

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going over some of the key stakeholders updating you guys who is involved in the team and moving on to the program

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timelines, some of the stuff that is happened, we will move into the construction status. Discuss some of the layout,

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starting construction. Upcoming construction to actually

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opening the building. For the project team, we first have to start with a project owner. The school board, you are the

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project owner for the new school itself. With that, you have a construction manager construction manager for the

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project to help the system with the construction management portion. With that, you also have to have an architect to design the site and the building and put out the plans

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for the general contractor. To rounded out, the fourth team

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member, the general contractor for construction that is actually building the new school.  Moving on to the

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program timeline, we consider this a program, it is not just a project. Starting off with the design phase, that is when

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we are brought on for june 2021. That led all the way to

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december of 2022 through the actual pre-design and design

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phase of the project. Moving into the construction phase which we are currently in now, that started right around 400

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01:03:53,973 --> 01:03:53,973
days ago, january 2023. We are getting to the end. That will

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be closing up of may of 2024. The substantial completion of

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the building.  That is all of your technology equipment.  We

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01:04:20,600 --> 01:04:20,600
are all excited for and hoping for the opening  this is

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pertaining just to the contract. On the left, you have your time status. As you can see in bold, our completion

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01:04:41,621 --> 01:04:41,621
date is may 21st, 2024.  Time completed, right now we are at

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01:04:50,030 --> 01:04:50,030
78% for the project . Moving on to the right-hand side, we are

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currently at pay application number 12, that shows where we are at the finance portion of it. He usually doesn't line up

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01:05:02,742 --> 01:05:02,742
with each other. Today's present  we pay for works that

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01:05:13,119 --> 01:05:13,119
are completed, we don't forecast the work

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>> starting with the site itself, the entire property is around 19 acres. The elementary school is going to be located

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01:05:29,702 --> 01:05:29,702
on.  176 cars can park on the facility and you have more area

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01:05:40,512 --> 01:05:43,516
that's kind of ties into your drop off and pick up lane, it's over 2000 feet for double stacking. You won't have cars

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01:05:45,584 --> 01:05:45,584
backing up on bulldog lane. Some of you may know the gross

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01:05:52,324 --> 01:05:52,324
volume is 104,000 square feet. Your max capacity will be at

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01:05:59,031 --> 01:05:59,031
700 students, that is broken out into 650, kindergarten

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01:06:05,571 --> 01:06:05,571
through fifth grade and then pre-k is another 50 students

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within that . Within the building itself, your 44 different classrooms, some of the modern features you have

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and there are security and energy features.

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>> will go over some of the key features, purses -- first is

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the faculty parking lot located on the northwest side.  Moving

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on to playgrounds and fields, it's broken out into a couple different areas. The first one being the multipurpose field in

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01:06:46,145 --> 01:06:48,714
the back, that will be the green area for kids to play. Sucker, you have your playground,  you have a port in

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01:06:58,524 --> 01:07:01,026
place rubber as well as a mulch area as well. Your secondary two playgrounds, you will have one playground for the middle

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education and then your secondary playground will be for your area that goes directly out to their classrooms. Parking lot located up front. That is also, around

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01:07:10,636 --> 01:07:12,904
the parking lot you have your student drop off, coming up double lane making a loop and exiting through the site.  A

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01:07:21,179 --> 01:07:23,615
work in progress that we are trying to get grant for, that is being considered. Your bus loop is located on the

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01:07:31,022 --> 01:07:33,725
right-hand sight. That backs up to some of your mechanical kitchen area. Moving on to site progression. We will go through

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01:07:37,529 --> 01:07:37,529
a couple of photos starting back in february 2023. This is

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01:07:43,034 --> 01:07:43,034
right where we were breaking ground for the actual

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01:07:49,641 --> 01:07:52,510
construction site . Moving in to april, only a couple of months, the site is completely cleared. That is the building

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pad that we are establishing for the building. Next slide we

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move on to july 2023. Now you can start to see the gymnasium

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01:08:09,628 --> 01:08:11,929
coming up. You also start to see the perimeter of the building for the foundations. On the right, it's going into

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the academic area that is two-story construction with

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01:08:27,712 --> 01:08:29,547
structural steal. Moving onto the next one coming you can start to see the crane in the back, the decking for the

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second floor is going on. This is right around a month or two

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right before the ceremony that we had for the building. This

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is taken late january . You have a couple of things

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01:08:53,437 --> 01:08:56,874
finished, asphalt, sidewalk and everything it is pretty much established for the building and its watertight. We will go

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over to the drone flyover  so right now we are about over

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01:09:17,295 --> 01:09:17,295
bulldog way, you have the bus loop that has its own entrance

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01:09:24,502 --> 01:09:24,502
. Visitor parking lot is coming to the center right.  Right now

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01:09:40,018 --> 01:09:40,018
in the bottom section of the screen there finishing all of

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01:09:47,292 --> 01:09:47,292
the veneer . Within the playfield area, you also have a

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01:09:52,263 --> 01:09:52,263
stone track that will go around the perimeter. You start to see

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01:09:58,602 --> 01:09:58,602
the high school and the middle school top right  and then over

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01:10:15,786 --> 01:10:15,786
on the left to start to get to your kitchen delivery area that

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is where we are doing our port in place concrete .  And then

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01:10:42,913 --> 01:10:44,849
rounding out middle of the screen lower portion, that is your main entrance.  We talked about the exterior of the

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01:10:59,196 --> 01:11:01,732
building getting into the interior talking about the first floor building layout, the first for we break it into

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01:11:06,070 --> 01:11:06,070
multiple different sectors it will transfer over to owner

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with owner numbers as well. Sector eight is primarily

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01:11:17,680 --> 01:11:19,950
consisting of your gymnasium, your cafeteria, and then your back of house establishments for the mechanical room,

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01:11:26,023 --> 01:11:26,023
electrical room, that's where your main receiving area is.

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01:11:30,693 --> 01:11:30,693
this is where we start to get into the two story

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construction. You have your kindergarten on your southside. Hector c1, you have first grade on either side and the left you

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have the music area in the center. Second floor, only

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01:11:50,513 --> 01:11:50,513
sector b and sector c, that's when you get to your second,

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01:11:58,188 --> 01:11:58,188
third, fourth and fifth grade. Some of your shoeboxes that

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01:12:02,391 --> 01:12:02,391
will make up some of your specialized programs. This is

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an interior photo that was taken last week right now you

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01:12:14,237 --> 01:12:16,306
can see the skylights, this is very minimal lighting within the building. A couple of staff walk through during a power

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01:12:21,678 --> 01:12:24,080
shutdown and everything, you can see a lot of lighting that you will have in case something does happen. For finished

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01:12:28,751 --> 01:12:31,721
product and everything, you will have wall panels. That will dampen a bit of the soundproofing within the room.

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you will have your scoreboard on two sides of the wall. The volleyball structure for the four.  Moving in the cafeteria,

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01:12:48,538 --> 01:12:48,538
in two separate halves, you have construction progress on

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01:12:55,812 --> 01:12:59,782
the left.  And then your rendering on the right, you can kind of see how construction is taking place, where the final

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01:13:01,784 --> 01:13:05,221
product is going to be for the cafeteria area, on the top left you have your overhang that is looking into the academic area.

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01:13:07,557 --> 01:13:10,326
on the right, you have part of your casework and you also have your security grill in case of emergency services. Moving on

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01:13:17,833 --> 01:13:17,833
to the performance large group area . The construction

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progress is looking down from the second floor. You have your shoebox, your center pod area. It's not connecting to the exterior of the building. You have your performance area,

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01:13:36,351 --> 01:13:39,855
your gifted resource area above, that will create the area. Moving on to your library area. The left is construction

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photos with your rendering on the right for the center, some of the center sections we have a tree house that actually

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01:13:50,967 --> 01:13:50,967
overhangs over the first floor from the second floor with

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structural poles underneath that will have glass around two perimeters of it you can actually look down in the

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library section . Upcoming construction we broke the cell

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in two different sections for the building. A lot of what's happening on the interior now with 108 days remaining, is going to be a lot of finishes for the plumbing. Hallway

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flooring, we actually had our flooring contractor here today doing a site walk and everything. We're working on

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final paint, it's actually taking place in admin. We're

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01:14:33,508 --> 01:14:36,445
actually getting ready, we have weekly meetings with technology from goochland county public schools get ready for summer .

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we're going to finalize top soil was seated and everything. Moving on to your concrete sidewalks, your asphalt drive

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lanes. Your lighting and security  for the interior and

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01:14:57,365 --> 01:14:59,501
exterior of the building. Also playground prep that is going to take place by another vendor. That is it for the

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update, thank you . >> you have any questions for

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01:15:11,413 --> 01:15:11,413
him about the construction project? So, I ask you this

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01:15:18,153 --> 01:15:18,153
each time you present, we are currently under budget and on

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01:15:28,830 --> 01:15:32,200
schedule . Other than weather because that was the answer he gave me before, what are any risk to our timeline in the

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01:15:34,336 --> 01:15:34,336
next eight months? >> right now we are tracking

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01:15:42,810 --> 01:15:42,810
procurement. It hasn't been an issue, but scheduling

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appropriately for the first day of school. >> we are very excited . >> I do have a question, so,

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when will you be done? Blake okay, you can walk in?

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>> right now we are going through all the pre-final

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inspections for all of the traits that we have with the county and everything . Once we get the majority of the

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building done, we will transfer over to final inspections. That's what we're doing pre-final inspections for the entire building. That will be based on county approval.

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>> will you have time for people to give it a run through before the students actually get there? Like break things

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01:16:34,829 --> 01:16:34,829
that can be broken? >> we're working on a summer

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01:16:42,604 --> 01:16:44,538
schedule of how things are going to lay out where she can come in for the next day , also the ribbon-cutting for the

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01:16:55,616 --> 01:16:57,251
school and transitioning to an owner period. We will go through owner training with her staff on how to operate. If

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anything does break, it goes to the contractor

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>> let's say the plumbing just goes  you don't envision

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01:17:29,049 --> 01:17:30,985
anything like that? >> that's why we have so many checks and balances. We're doing checks for each level one

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and two. >> we look forward to seeing

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01:17:46,233 --> 01:17:46,233
you in two weeks. >>  we are now going to share

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01:18:02,282 --> 01:18:05,618
and update on the fiscal year 2025 budget. Is >> thank you. >> again, good evening to the

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citizens of goochland county, those who are in attendance as well as those who are watching and/or listening . Madam chair,

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madam vice chair, members of the school board, I'm very proud tonight for presentation of public hearing for fiscal

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01:18:43,189 --> 01:18:43,189
year 2025. Tonight will be a celebration of our successes. A

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01:18:49,697 --> 01:18:49,697
couple of the challenges ahead, we will also take a

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01:18:56,837 --> 01:18:56,837
comprehensive look  of our financial outlay for the fiscal

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01:19:01,107 --> 01:19:04,878
year 2025. Again, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our division and school-based leaders and budget members, I'm sorry, budget managers for their committed

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01:19:06,680 --> 01:19:10,150
work for this process. As a formality, it is called the superintendent's proposed budget. It could not happen

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without a dedicated team. For them I say bravo, and thank

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you.  You saw a lot of this night represented through the

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recipients of the echo awards and the students that we

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01:19:32,738 --> 01:19:36,542
celebrated. Creativity, courage, honor and optimism. And our kohler -- core goals. We aim to maximize  each of our

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01:19:49,922 --> 01:19:51,424
students potential. We aim to maximize resources for instruction. We aim to improve the climate of our

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01:19:55,061 --> 01:19:57,030
organization. Our vision is to inspire the next generation to make a positive impact, it is supported by our mission to

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01:20:00,600 --> 01:20:00,600
maximize the potential of every learner.  I want to give an

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01:20:08,641 --> 01:20:08,641
overview of what tonight is going to look like in terms of

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01:20:16,182 --> 01:20:17,816
our presentation. We're going to celebrate division successes and talk about our needs relative to engage  2026, our

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01:20:31,097 --> 01:20:34,667
strategic plan. Goal one is instruction in lifelong learning. Goal two is inclusive and engaging culture. Goal three is facilities, resources, and technology. We are going to

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talk about strategic abandonment and finally we are going to be talking about funding resources. I want to

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01:20:41,540 --> 01:20:41,540
talk about alignment. Our financial resources are aligned

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to our strategic plan, our vision, mission and values and our budget allocation.  Get ready for their careers in

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01:21:03,729 --> 01:21:06,799
professional development of our staff. A business operations aligned for our purpose to maintain safe and orderly

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01:21:14,407 --> 01:21:14,407
schools.  As always, we make every decision with the best

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interest of our students in mind. I am confident that that will be reflected here this evening. I want to start by

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talking to you about enrollment. The table that is

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01:21:38,797 --> 01:21:40,999
displayed on the screen gives you a look at our enrollment over the last four academic years, by school.  As important

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01:21:50,909 --> 01:21:53,379
is a summary of our september enrollment for this academic year. If you will look on september the 30th, we had 2572

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01:21:55,381 --> 01:21:55,381
students on our roles. It runs pretty consistent with two

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01:22:02,254 --> 01:22:02,254
years ago consecutively. Last year was a little bit of an

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01:22:07,459 --> 01:22:07,459
anomaly. I am proud to share some of our successes. All five

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01:22:12,697 --> 01:22:12,697
of our schools have been designated  distinguished

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01:22:19,437 --> 01:22:20,772
schools. Apple distinguish schools or centers of leadership in educational excellence. It demonstrates

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01:22:27,379 --> 01:22:27,379
applevision of technology. For context, there are 362 apple

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01:22:33,418 --> 01:22:35,454
distinguished schools in the united states. For greater context, they are  about 116,000 k-12 schools in the

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01:22:45,130 --> 01:22:46,765
united states. 362 apple distinguished schools. Five of them right here in goochland county . We received the

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01:22:55,607 --> 01:22:55,607
virginia board of academic exemplary award.  Implementing

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01:23:03,014 --> 01:23:05,850
virtual reality into teaching and learning. As you all well know, for the 16th year in the row -- a row, our teachers have

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01:23:11,189 --> 01:23:11,189
been rated number two of the best teachers in the richmond

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01:23:17,428 --> 01:23:20,065
area. We are going to have to talk to them about the metric for that. We are a nationally recognized special olympics

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01:23:22,267 --> 01:23:22,267
unified champion school. And for many years running, we have

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01:23:27,772 --> 01:23:27,772
received a distinguished budget achievement award from the

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01:23:32,044 --> 01:23:32,044
government finance officers association. Goochland is one

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01:23:36,415 --> 01:23:36,415
of 10  school divisions with 100% of its schools accredited

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01:23:42,954 --> 01:23:42,954
for over a decade. We should applaud that. One of 10.

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01:23:49,527 --> 01:23:49,527
>>

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01:23:59,003 --> 01:23:59,003
is one of 10 of 132. Not just this year, 10 years running.

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01:24:03,441 --> 01:24:06,044
goochland public schools has been a leader in monitoring student growth. For 11 years now, through the math testing,

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01:24:10,348 --> 01:24:10,348
we have assessed student growth in grades two through an eight.

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01:24:27,331 --> 01:24:30,001
ahead of you are fruits of that labor. The pink line indicates the national average . Each bar graph by grade,

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01:24:37,608 --> 01:24:39,610
grades two through 11 represent the percentage of our students who met or exceeded their projected growth goal. As you

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01:24:41,946 --> 01:24:41,946
can see, our students and our schools well outpace national

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01:24:46,717 --> 01:24:46,717
averages in student growth for reading. In math, the story is

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01:24:56,660 --> 01:24:56,660
almost identical . We have work to do with sixth grade

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01:25:07,104 --> 01:25:10,808
mathematics. I'm confident that when I stand here to present the budget for fiscal year 2026, that line will also be well above the national average. History, we are first,

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01:25:15,746 --> 01:25:15,746
fourth in science. If you look at longitude  of our

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01:25:26,490 --> 01:25:28,158
achievement versus the state average, you will see that our successes are not new successes. What I really want

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01:25:34,065 --> 01:25:36,400
to highlight on this graph is the successes are the data from 2022, 2023. This gives a pretty clear indication that we are

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01:25:41,471 --> 01:25:41,471
almost over learning laws do to covid, do to the pandemic  we

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01:25:56,386 --> 01:25:56,386
should also be very proud of our graduation rates  for the

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01:26:03,627 --> 01:26:03,627
last four years  a 97% graduation rate does not

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01:26:19,209 --> 01:26:19,209
necessarily equate to a 3% dropout rate.  So now, I want

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01:26:26,750 --> 01:26:26,750
to talk about some of our needs. We will take this by

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01:26:33,690 --> 01:26:36,092
each goal as is outlined in our strategic plan. Goal one instruction in lifelong learning.  All students will

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01:26:45,535 --> 01:26:48,305
experience high levels of growth engagement and personalization of learning, all students will graduate and

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01:26:52,475 --> 01:26:52,475
prepare for future life goals. To help us advance this, we are

405
01:27:02,585 --> 01:27:05,288
requesting investments. A small personnel change. Five extra days of reading specialists . A .5 teaching equivalent at the

406
01:27:13,063 --> 01:27:13,063
high school for band. Advancing those programs.  Moving

407
01:27:25,541 --> 01:27:25,541
positions to federal funding. A total of $45,367. It's less

408
01:27:32,281 --> 01:27:32,281
than one full-time teacher equivalent. We were very

409
01:27:36,753 --> 01:27:36,753
strategic in maneuvering that. We hope to fund this or

410
01:27:47,130 --> 01:27:47,130
allocations and  federal dollars. We seek stipends and

411
01:27:55,038 --> 01:27:58,941
other costs for summer school programs and before and after school tutoring at a cost of $109,592. We have a textbook adoptions to advance our literacy  for which we had

412
01:28:06,382 --> 01:28:07,984
training this morning and mathematics instruction at an estimated cost of $223,024.  We will request additional

413
01:28:17,360 --> 01:28:17,360
classroom investments for supply and software. It's

414
01:28:23,466 --> 01:28:25,501
mentioned previously, new keyboards for our eighth grade students ipads so that they can become more proficient typists

415
01:28:30,172 --> 01:28:30,172
as they move into high school . All of these initiatives come

416
01:28:37,946 --> 01:28:37,946
at a request of $92,112. Additional costs related to

417
01:28:44,019 --> 01:28:44,019
special ed programs, $41,307. We've requested stipends for

418
01:28:57,433 --> 01:28:57,433
wrestling, indoor track, and cheer. A total cost. An

419
01:29:03,339 --> 01:29:03,339
additional cost for tuition charges, and accelerated

420
01:29:11,814 --> 01:29:11,814
mathematics at a requested cost of $81,769.  Our requested

421
01:29:20,789 --> 01:29:23,758
investment for instruction in lifelong learning across the county, total $613,781. Inclusive and engaging culture

422
01:29:37,773 --> 01:29:41,143
. Creating engaging and responsive experiences where everyone feels informed, included, valued, and

423
01:29:47,015 --> 01:29:47,015
empowered.  Our goal is to support staff and engage our

424
01:29:56,091 --> 01:29:59,027
community in the ongoing work of our school division. You've heard us talk about how salaries in goochland county

425
01:30:08,136 --> 01:30:10,472
public schools rank compared to other schools in our region. We spent a lot of time playing this out. I will say this,

426
01:30:17,345 --> 01:30:17,345
goochland county is represented here  in the left corner.  It

427
01:30:28,223 --> 01:30:31,393
would be areas in which our salary at that point of service outpaces the average of the region. We'd either be number

428
01:30:37,065 --> 01:30:37,065
one, two, or three in conversation. There is no

429
01:30:41,937 --> 01:30:41,937
green. Yellow indicates that we rest right on the line. Three,

430
01:30:49,711 --> 01:30:49,711
doing better, three doing not as well. The red indicates that

431
01:30:56,050 --> 01:30:56,050
we are in the bottom or below the regional meeting. We rank

432
01:31:02,390 --> 01:31:06,294
either fifth, sixth, or seventh. To give you an idea, teachers that we hire fresh out of a prep program new to the

433
01:31:11,766 --> 01:31:11,766
field would earn, if placed at zero would earn  -- at

434
01:31:22,543 --> 01:31:22,543
competing for that same talent and the candidate made a

435
01:31:29,250 --> 01:31:31,252
decision exclusively on compensation, the three school divisions that would have a leg up right out of the gate. That

436
01:31:34,022 --> 01:31:34,022
story becomes more dire after five years, after 15 years, 20

437
01:31:39,894 --> 01:31:39,894
years, and 25 years.  When you look at it, you may say that

438
01:31:48,702 --> 01:31:50,972
the numbers indicate that it is very very close. They do indicate that it is very very close. In our times, people are

439
01:31:57,277 --> 01:31:57,277
making decisions on dollars and cents. Every single one counts.

440
01:32:05,987 --> 01:32:08,723
if you look at our salaries based on a seven-year trend, this is very compelling data. In 2017, we ranked third in the

441
01:32:14,996 --> 01:32:14,996
region. We currently slipped three slots to fourth. At five

442
01:32:19,733 --> 01:32:19,733
years we ranked third in the region, we are fifth. At 10

443
01:32:24,138 --> 01:32:27,775
years, we were third in the region. We are fifth. That story goes for 15 years, 20 years, and 25 years. The

444
01:32:34,181 --> 01:32:34,181
challenge there is, that is not to imply that we have not taken

445
01:32:39,753 --> 01:32:41,489
care of our employees annually with annual compensation increases, we certainly have the challenge with closing a

446
01:32:48,629 --> 01:32:51,031
gap of this size is if we are doing a percentage in our surrounding neighbors are doing an equal percentage, then the

447
01:32:55,236 --> 01:32:55,236
disparity remains. I want to be very clear, we've done a good

448
01:33:02,209 --> 01:33:02,209
job. They have done a good job with compensation increases,

449
01:33:06,947 --> 01:33:08,048
the challenge comes that everybody around us is compensating or increasing compensation at similar rates.

450
01:33:16,056 --> 01:33:16,056
our midyear resignations are up 120%. Folks, that is not

451
01:33:23,430 --> 01:33:23,430
because they hate my guts. That is not . Folks are leaving us

452
01:33:32,873 --> 01:33:32,873
to take private sector jobs it increases that we can't argue

453
01:33:37,077 --> 01:33:37,077
nor blame them for taking advantage of. We've had staff

454
01:33:41,381 --> 01:33:44,984
members who have left us to take opportunities at private schools and academies. Historically, that never

455
01:33:49,690 --> 01:33:49,690
happened. Public education always outpace private schools

456
01:33:55,562 --> 01:33:55,562
in terms of teacher compensation and pay. Our

457
01:34:00,567 --> 01:34:00,567
midyear resignations are up 120%. We have been very

458
01:34:08,776 --> 01:34:11,011
blessed. When we lose people we can often backfill those positions or come up with other ways to provide instructional

459
01:34:14,881 --> 01:34:17,184
services to kids so that we don't miss a beat. This is slowly becoming a hemorrhage. My concern is with every

460
01:34:26,026 --> 01:34:27,727
accumulating resignation, the probability of landing on our feet is decreased. We have lots of advantages. I'm going to

461
01:34:35,368 --> 01:34:35,368
imagine that five years ago, the same seesaw with the same

462
01:34:40,841 --> 01:34:44,444
leverages would've tilted in the other direction. People love our average class size in goochland county schools. Our

463
01:34:49,482 --> 01:34:49,482
teachers love that we trust them  to practice their craft

464
01:34:55,221 --> 01:34:55,221
and that they have autonomy to do so. Supportive leadership

465
01:35:07,367 --> 01:35:07,367
some of the feedback we are receiving from people , commute

466
01:35:18,010 --> 01:35:18,010
is becoming more and more significantly challenging for

467
01:35:24,116 --> 01:35:25,951
our employees. As we previously shared, 52% of our workforce resides outside of goochland county . We talked about

468
01:35:31,758 --> 01:35:35,194
salary, we talked about instructional calendar, and we've got some proposed amendments tonight that are

469
01:35:36,596 --> 01:35:36,596
going to help us aid that situation, inflation over which

470
01:35:40,767 --> 01:35:40,767
we have no control. Housing opportunities, powering

471
01:35:51,377 --> 01:35:54,914
incentives . These things are combining to tip the scale and cost leading to us have resignations in record numbers.

472
01:35:59,785 --> 01:35:59,785
tonight our proposed  budget proposes a 5% pay increase for

473
01:36:08,660 --> 01:36:08,660
all employees. All employees who have met a satisfactory

474
01:36:14,099 --> 01:36:16,835
evaluation. Employees with unsatisfactory or needs improvement will remain at their current scale placement per our policy. Staff at the top of the scale will receive

475
01:36:23,308 --> 01:36:23,308
less than 5%.  Here's a summary of our requested

476
01:36:32,885 --> 01:36:32,885
investments. Advancing inclusive engaging culture.  It

477
01:36:41,961 --> 01:36:41,961
comes in at an estimated $1,327,683. We've talked about

478
01:36:48,300 --> 01:36:51,303
a potential 9% health insurance increase. That is a projected increase based on the information we have available

479
01:36:59,311 --> 01:37:02,381
to us at this time. If it is 9% or less, this budget includes funding to absorb increases for our staff. A cost of $411,000,

480
01:37:08,921 --> 01:37:08,921
I'm sorry 411 $389. We have salary changes since the budget

481
01:37:16,862 --> 01:37:16,862
was adopted. Specifically decreases , this will, at a

482
01:37:25,204 --> 01:37:25,204
savings of $392,762. We are proposing to increase our

483
01:37:35,480 --> 01:37:39,284
substitute pay  conversation to make it easier so that we can secure subs when our teachers are away and can perform their

484
01:37:42,221 --> 01:37:42,221
duties. This investment comes at an ask of $50,278.  We have

485
01:37:50,795 --> 01:37:53,798
hr initiatives. Bonuses, stipends, and other trainings for which we seek an investment of $59,340 . And communication

486
01:38:03,341 --> 01:38:05,143
initiatives so that we can keep our families well-connected to our schools and well informed of what we had going on in the

487
01:38:07,812 --> 01:38:11,049
division. This comes at a requested investment of $20,870. Our total requested investment for inclusive

488
01:38:18,089 --> 01:38:18,089
culture .  Strategic goal three. To enhance and support

489
01:38:29,767 --> 01:38:32,037
the instructional learning needs of all students and staff. All of our environments are inviting . Student staff

490
01:38:41,045 --> 01:38:41,045
and visitors with a safe environment at all times. They

491
01:38:45,249 --> 01:38:45,249
will use appropriate technology and network services. All

492
01:38:50,921 --> 01:38:52,123
resources are allocated with transparency, equity, efficiency and compliance. Our summary of investments to

493
01:39:01,833 --> 01:39:01,833
advance our goal for facilities resources and technology.  It

494
01:39:24,555 --> 01:39:24,555
requires extra manpower to keep the facility as pristine as is

495
01:39:30,294 --> 01:39:30,294
the standard of our schools. To do that, we are requesting for

496
01:39:36,367 --> 01:39:39,770
custodians, all of these things total when you take into account insurances, when you take into account extra

497
01:39:47,211 --> 01:39:47,211
manpower . Fuel costs are going up and our other facilities as

498
01:39:54,385 --> 01:39:54,385
well. Projecting increases. Facilities and transportation,

499
01:40:16,707 --> 01:40:16,707
$122,873.  To include $50,000 for classroom equipment. This

500
01:40:28,318 --> 01:40:28,318
will require an investment. When you adjust for inflation

501
01:40:40,864 --> 01:40:40,864
and staff increases.  Reserving contingency for private

502
01:40:56,380 --> 01:40:56,380
schools. $55,448. In other words, if there are matters or

503
01:41:00,684 --> 01:41:00,684
dollars that private schools are entitled to be portioned,

504
01:41:07,124 --> 01:41:11,094
this takes into account for those items. A total investment for goal three. >> we have taken on strategic

505
01:41:24,507 --> 01:41:27,644
abandonment. It has been a long-standing tradition here. That's when we take a critical look at those things that we

506
01:41:30,480 --> 01:41:34,117
are currently investing and decide which of those things either provide replicable service or provide services

507
01:41:40,457 --> 01:41:40,457
that we might be able to get through other perhaps cheaper

508
01:41:47,898 --> 01:41:51,100
means . Some of the things that we decided would be adequate reductions under strategic abandonment. Staffing changes.

509
01:41:54,638 --> 01:41:54,638
a .5 fte for high school spanish. Secondary extra

510
01:42:02,011 --> 01:42:02,011
sessions. Costs or savings. We've taken a look at some of

511
01:42:08,651 --> 01:42:08,651
our software programs and abandon those that we can

512
01:42:16,726 --> 01:42:16,726
function without.  They had a savings of $44,500 . We have

513
01:42:24,734 --> 01:42:24,734
eliminated or removed any unused staff stipends  at a

514
01:42:33,043 --> 01:42:36,646
savings of $5500. We have removed classroom and maintenance trailers for which we were paying rent and reduce the numbers of device leases and given up a lease that we

515
01:42:38,948 --> 01:42:38,948
have on a bus parking lot. That comes out of savings of

516
01:42:47,857 --> 01:42:51,093
$104,328 . We have had a reduction in services for uniforms, testing, printing, third-party support systems out

517
01:42:57,066 --> 01:42:57,066
of savings estimated to be $55,530 and a reduction in

518
01:43:01,104 --> 01:43:01,104
specific I.t. Equipment savings is projected to be $13,000. We

519
01:43:09,545 --> 01:43:09,545
were able to reduce by 1.8 full-time teaching equipments

520
01:43:18,187 --> 01:43:18,187
and a total savings of all of these initiatives totaling

521
01:43:25,027 --> 01:43:25,027
$278,000 $620 -- 278 $620 . I would like to offer a summary

522
01:43:33,169 --> 01:43:35,704
of our total investments under goals. The total additional investment for all three goals indicates a need  -- this takes

523
01:43:50,019 --> 01:43:50,019
into account, $2,000,630  in state and local funding.

524
01:43:57,226 --> 01:43:57,226
regrettably a reduction of $303,017 from our federal

525
01:44:08,103 --> 01:44:08,103
budget allocation.  A 5.7 increase, our new total

526
01:44:16,145 --> 01:44:16,145
investments equal $43,497,804. A celebration to be had over

527
01:44:27,022 --> 01:44:30,426
that . When we take a look at how our proposed dollars in budget investments by state categories are allocated, I'm

528
01:44:34,997 --> 01:44:37,600
very proud to share with our board and our public that over 77% of our funding is dedicated to instruction and technology

529
01:44:42,671 --> 01:44:42,671
and instructional goals. That is outstanding . We also have a

530
01:44:50,312 --> 01:44:50,312
6.6 or 7% contribution to technology. And 9% contribution

531
01:44:57,019 --> 01:44:59,755
to maintenance, about 7% goes to keeping our buses well-maintained. 7% goes to administration and health.

532
01:45:08,664 --> 01:45:08,664
when you look at our investments by type of expense,

533
01:45:17,206 --> 01:45:17,206
83% of our budget supports salary and benefits for our

534
01:45:24,212 --> 01:45:24,212
staff . An additional 8% goes to supply and textbook. 5% for

535
01:45:32,454 --> 01:45:32,454
miscellaneous charges, about 24% obviously and for benefits.

536
01:45:44,465 --> 01:45:44,465
so, how do we pay for it all? We base our budget on a

537
01:45:58,646 --> 01:45:58,646
projected adm now the numbers that I shared with you a bit

538
01:46:03,050 --> 01:46:03,050
ago, we based our average daily membership on the end of march.

539
01:46:11,325 --> 01:46:14,062
it reflects the december 2023 governor's budget. Doesn't include any house proposed budget changes. There are a few

540
01:46:22,471 --> 01:46:22,471
remaining. Several I'd say. Federal funding is the same as

541
01:46:29,477 --> 01:46:29,477
october 2023. Plus and anticipated carryover for our

542
01:46:37,485 --> 01:46:37,485
title funds.  The final year of our covid related monies. For

543
01:46:42,991 --> 01:46:42,991
those of you who do not know, the covid related dollars have

544
01:46:50,098 --> 01:46:53,401
exhausted . We have pretty much got until september to reconcile all of those costs and funds. Here is where the

545
01:46:55,570 --> 01:46:55,570
dollars come in. Sales tax projected at 97 1/2% of state

546
01:47:10,317 --> 01:47:10,317
numbers. $4,181,735 which is a 2.6% reduction over the prior

547
01:47:17,691 --> 01:47:17,691
fiscal year. All other state aid I am proud to share has

548
01:47:23,130 --> 01:47:23,130
grown a little bit over half percent.  And our federal aid

549
01:47:32,239 --> 01:47:32,239
is mentioned because of the exhaustion of covid dollars or

550
01:47:36,344 --> 01:47:36,344
the expiration of covid dollars down 11.3%.  It's down from

551
01:47:46,520 --> 01:47:46,520
$2,666,584 in the previous budget. If you take a look at

552
01:47:54,729 --> 01:47:56,797
this graph, and the graphs that I'm going to show you subsequent to this one, it tells a story. If you take out

553
01:48:04,004 --> 01:48:04,004
2023 which is an outlier, for the purchases of this example,

554
01:48:10,310 --> 01:48:12,980
it even still works. Folks will say, well this illustrates that every year there has been record investments in public

555
01:48:17,784 --> 01:48:17,784
education. Folks, that is true and undeniable. We should be

556
01:48:22,756 --> 01:48:22,756
able to say that, every single year. Next year, we should be

557
01:48:26,760 --> 01:48:26,760
able to say, not as a point of pride but a point of

558
01:48:32,066 --> 01:48:32,066
expectation that this is a record year in funding our

559
01:48:39,806 --> 01:48:39,806
public schools. This is where the revenue comes. We would

560
01:48:45,879 --> 01:48:48,682
like to thank our board of supervisors and county administrator for a county transfer recommended in crease

561
01:48:54,053 --> 01:48:54,053
of $2.122 million over fiscal year 2024 allocations. This

562
01:48:58,392 --> 01:48:58,392
represents an increase of our total budget. 3% of our budget

563
01:49:07,133 --> 01:49:07,133
will be accounted for in the category of other, this

564
01:49:11,171 --> 01:49:11,171
includes facility rentals, students who pass tuition  4%

565
01:49:18,144 --> 01:49:18,144
of our budget to support at the federal grants, about 14% of

566
01:49:24,084 --> 01:49:24,084
our budget is funded through state grants. About 10% funded

567
01:49:29,189 --> 01:49:29,189
through state sale proceeds. Again, this is a 10 year trend

568
01:49:36,029 --> 01:49:39,265
of all revenue sources. And again, this number trends northward as it should. Additional revenue matches for

569
01:49:51,677 --> 01:49:53,880
additional expenses. This is what you call a balanced budget. Our total additional investments come in at  -- pay

570
01:50:03,089 --> 01:50:03,089
through these revenue sources, additional county transfer

571
01:50:10,963 --> 01:50:10,963
funding, $150 . Less state funding, that is a deficit of

572
01:50:16,836 --> 01:50:16,836
$71,830, additional local funding at $502,492 , and less

573
01:50:23,709 --> 01:50:23,709
federal revenue at a deficit of $303,017 . Combined with our

574
01:50:31,651 --> 01:50:33,819
cafeteria fundings and for those of you who don't know, our cafeteria is a standalone operation that operates at that

575
01:50:39,158 --> 01:50:39,158
prophet, $79,335. When you add the positives and subtract the

576
01:50:44,664 --> 01:50:44,664
negatives, we are flush it $2,329,130 . Our total school

577
01:50:52,137 --> 01:50:52,137
budget has grown by 5.65%. We make sacrifices as do all

578
01:51:03,282 --> 01:51:06,018
school divisions when preparing a budget. I like to talk about in no particular order some of the things that if we could

579
01:51:11,557 --> 01:51:14,427
would be really wonderful for us to have been able to include in this budget. We talked about a market adjustment tool for

580
01:51:21,300 --> 01:51:21,300
our teachers so that we would be in the top half of the

581
01:51:25,871 --> 01:51:27,840
region. We talked about three additional interventionists or specialist to help us advance literacy. One per elementary

582
01:51:30,643 --> 01:51:30,643
school. Special education's teachers to reduce caseloads.

583
01:51:37,917 --> 01:51:41,654
assistant principals at every elementary school to share the duty of school leadership in 2024. Instructional technology

584
01:51:48,494 --> 01:51:48,494
coaches at every school. Advance from a work based

585
01:52:01,840 --> 01:52:01,840
learning coordinator. More discretionary funding for our

586
01:52:08,347 --> 01:52:08,347
schools.  We would love for that number to be  seven, 10%.

587
01:52:20,392 --> 01:52:22,761
third-party afternoon programs for summer school. Permanent substitutes, one per school. Five allocations. Clerical

588
01:52:26,898 --> 01:52:26,898
support for facilities. A driver trainer . The middle

589
01:52:35,440 --> 01:52:37,242
school have their athletic coaches paid on a percentage based on their salary. Similar to what we do at the upper

590
01:52:44,449 --> 01:52:44,449
secondary school.  Less than conventional needs. In by less

591
01:52:52,858 --> 01:52:52,858
than conventional, I mean that there are folks who are degreed

592
01:52:59,231 --> 01:53:03,068
but didn't trained to be teachers, didn't study to be teachers. They come to us with degrees in their particular content area but while there actually teaching, they are

593
01:53:06,672 --> 01:53:10,042
enrolled gaining the educational courses for certification. A leave coordinator.

594
01:53:33,165 --> 01:53:33,165
>> we like to have this budget included, and additional

595
01:53:40,471 --> 01:53:40,471
funding for transportation operations. Especially for

596
01:53:45,309 --> 01:53:45,309
costs and unknown increases. These are things that are

597
01:53:52,249 --> 01:53:52,249
essential fun parts of our function. An ideal budget that

598
01:53:58,056 --> 01:53:58,056
reflected our needs, all of these things would've been

599
01:54:05,997 --> 01:54:09,701
included . There are other unfunded items that we will potentially use end of your funding from this current

600
01:54:11,769 --> 01:54:11,769
fiscal to address. Heavy equipment purchase, rubber tire

601
01:54:16,808 --> 01:54:16,808
loader, and estimate cost of $60,000.  We start our middle

602
01:54:26,718 --> 01:54:26,718
schoolers in competitive wrestling.  They need a man to

603
01:54:34,558 --> 01:54:36,694
be able to do that. That cost $15,000. Vehicle replacements which we so desperately need. Four maintenance mechanics

604
01:54:42,600 --> 01:54:42,600
trucks, estimated cost, $220,000. Randolph elementary

605
01:54:49,640 --> 01:54:49,640
school , these digital display boards, five of those to help

606
01:54:56,747 --> 01:54:58,349
advance their student citizenship and information programs, $2500. School bus seat repairs, $10,000 . I want

607
01:55:08,526 --> 01:55:10,528
to say this about school bus seat repairs so that everybody is clear. These repairs pertain to wear and tear on school

608
01:55:12,896 --> 01:55:15,599
boards, school bus seats. Not vandalism. That's wildly uncommon for us. Your standard wear and tear that happens when

609
01:55:21,339 --> 01:55:21,339
vinyl has lots of buds sitting on it for lots of years.

610
01:55:26,744 --> 01:55:26,744
security camera replacements at $15,000. Classroom boards at an

611
01:55:33,217 --> 01:55:36,887
estimated cost of $40,000. These items were not funded from the current fiscal year 2024 school board request .

612
01:55:46,296 --> 01:55:48,699
we're hopeful that we can discuss some of these issues if not all of them with surplus funds at the end of this year.

613
01:55:52,236 --> 01:55:55,606
we are in the business of building brighter futures. Parts of me wish that it were cheaper to do it. It is not,

614
01:56:00,410 --> 01:56:00,410
these are modest asks and I would like to thank our board

615
01:56:05,615 --> 01:56:05,615
of supervisors. I would like to thank you all for our faith in

616
01:56:11,254 --> 01:56:11,254
us to get this job done and I'm very proud of the budget

617
01:56:16,993 --> 01:56:16,993
that we brought forth tonight for public comment. Thank you

618
01:56:24,535 --> 01:56:24,535
all. >> thank you.

619
01:56:28,939 --> 01:56:28,939
>>

620
01:56:36,813 --> 01:56:36,813
it for public hearing, do you have any questions? We have

621
01:56:42,886 --> 01:56:45,155
been over this content in great detail so there shouldn't be any surprises from the side but let me give you the

622
01:56:50,093 --> 01:56:52,461
opportunity. >> I have a question. >> yes ma'am. >> we talked about this

623
01:56:58,535 --> 01:56:58,535
earlier, if you're giving a 5% increase across the board, what

624
01:57:05,107 --> 01:57:05,107
are the other regional schools giving?

625
01:57:10,947 --> 01:57:10,947
>> I would say the medium number  -- median number was

626
01:57:19,089 --> 01:57:21,658
4%, we had a conversation that what would've been january meeting where everybody thought we would be doing great if we

627
01:57:23,794 --> 01:57:23,794
could do 3%. I went in a little reserved because I thought a

628
01:57:29,299 --> 01:57:31,901
little outside of what we said, but I'm proud of it and it's good for our people. I want to talk a little bit about how we

629
01:57:37,039 --> 01:57:37,039
got to 5% in the scenario that is unique to goochland . All of

630
01:57:44,280 --> 01:57:44,280
our counties will realize a 5% pay increase. Everybody who

631
01:57:49,185 --> 01:57:49,185
works for the county will realize a high percent pay

632
01:57:54,391 --> 01:57:57,860
increase. It's only right that they receive that equitable bump. A >> it's not going to help keep

633
01:57:59,729 --> 01:57:59,729
the teachers here, 5% there is less than 5% there.

634
01:58:06,836 --> 01:58:06,836
>> the gap that we are offering is going to be insignificant to

635
01:58:12,542 --> 01:58:12,542
address the discrepancies, disparities  right now we're

636
01:58:23,352 --> 01:58:23,352
probably going to hold power in the region.

637
01:58:35,331 --> 01:58:35,331
>> and ask related to a market adjustment for our teaching

638
01:58:42,271 --> 01:58:42,271
professionals >> that ball remains in the

639
01:58:48,644 --> 01:58:51,980
court, he and I have a meeting that is going to be coming up next week where I hope to ask specifically about it. For the

640
01:58:53,916 --> 01:58:55,951
benefit of people who might not have heard about that market adjustment increase last month, actually it wasn't last month,

641
01:58:58,987 --> 01:59:00,923
it was a couple weeks back, time is floating by. We essentially took a look at our employees who were classified

642
01:59:10,932 --> 01:59:14,837
as teachers. Of them we have 234, 226 of them are actual classroom teachers, eight of them hold other positions that

643
01:59:16,471 --> 01:59:16,471
are paid on the teachers scale. Nobody but those  folks

644
01:59:33,722 --> 01:59:35,925
classified in that category. It will be an investment of about $1.4 million to do that. I suggest we do it now. I suggest

645
01:59:39,528 --> 01:59:39,528
we do it now. It will help us in ways that are almost

646
01:59:47,069 --> 01:59:47,069
indescribable. You see the numbers, 120% job, four or five

647
01:59:53,008 --> 01:59:56,311
years ago you were coasting several years without a single one. Now is the time to make that investment in our schools.

648
02:00:03,318 --> 02:00:03,318
>> thank you. >> for the benefit of our

649
02:00:15,764 --> 02:00:18,267
public at this time, we will hold a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 25 budget. Only comments about the

650
02:00:26,307 --> 02:00:28,677
budget will now be heard. Once the comment has been closed, we will have a separate public comment period on other

651
02:00:30,445 --> 02:00:33,214
matters. The public comment period on the proposed fiscal year 25 budget is now open. >> good evening madame chair,

652
02:00:45,927 --> 02:00:45,927
good evening board. Well down -- it done, sir. It always sees

653
02:00:55,103 --> 02:00:57,539
me proud to see you working every day. The budget reflects the work that goes into the budget reflects an interesting

654
02:01:01,109 --> 02:01:01,109
mind-set that every day the people that  celebrated for the

655
02:01:08,984 --> 02:01:08,984
work of this budget, every day they are working to create an

656
02:01:15,022 --> 02:01:17,626
amazing experience. There's also that part of them going, what do I need for next year. A huge mind of work for the

657
02:01:26,468 --> 02:01:26,468
folks that are creating these numbers, creating, recognizing

658
02:01:30,604 --> 02:01:30,604
these needs, I appreciate it so much. There was an item about

659
02:01:38,512 --> 02:01:38,512
moving the ratio of school counselors, if you follow

660
02:01:48,523 --> 02:01:48,523
legislation , those bills were continued to 2025 for

661
02:01:52,994 --> 02:01:55,062
appropriations. Is that a good thing, or a bad thing? We know that mental health is huge, a huge need and that school

662
02:02:01,969 --> 02:02:03,838
counselors carry an amazing weight every single day to support our students. It is kind of a win loss thing. For

663
02:02:09,676 --> 02:02:09,676
the budget, we know it is one less hit on our budget. The

664
02:02:18,052 --> 02:02:20,755
legislation  for moving teacher compensation to the national average is still moving forward. We do still have more

665
02:02:26,160 --> 02:02:28,362
conversation to take place about that percentage increase. That will be interesting. When we look at the items that were

666
02:02:33,367 --> 02:02:33,367
still on our list of needs, I think it is so interesting that

667
02:02:39,941 --> 02:02:39,941
it's a lot of people. This is a human business serving humans

668
02:02:46,614 --> 02:02:49,816
and it's our people who make such a huge difference. As we move forward and we find additional funding, we

669
02:02:54,922 --> 02:02:54,922
appropriate additional funding the people that are working

670
02:02:59,860 --> 02:02:59,860
today and for tomorrow will continue to make great

671
02:03:06,600 --> 02:03:06,600
decisions , thank you for your time and thank you for the

672
02:03:13,573 --> 02:03:13,573
work.

673
02:03:31,391 --> 02:03:31,391
district 2. I just want to thank for his presentation on

674
02:03:38,131 --> 02:03:40,167
this budget. One thing that is for sure, he used the term investment a lot. That means that our students are our

675
02:03:46,740 --> 02:03:49,142
biggest investment. The things that he has requested in this budget support those students. As a citizen, I do ask this

676
02:03:55,983 --> 02:03:58,818
board to continue to support these efforts as well as when you go before the board supervisor to encourage them to

677
02:04:02,622 --> 02:04:02,622
support the efforts of our students and our teachers.

678
02:04:07,394 --> 02:04:07,394
there are a lot of things that are against us in this county

679
02:04:12,632 --> 02:04:12,632
when it comes to retaining staff. Much of what you don't

680
02:04:16,803 --> 02:04:16,803
have control over, we still need to try to employ and

681
02:04:24,377 --> 02:04:24,377
retain teachers that are going to look out for the best for

682
02:04:31,551 --> 02:04:31,551
our students and staff. I ask again that you support this

683
02:04:36,589 --> 02:04:39,159
budget, you were at my church a couple weeks ago and talk to about 25 citizens who are fully supporting the school budget

684
02:04:41,327 --> 02:04:41,327
so, thank you. >> is there anyone else who

685
02:04:58,511 --> 02:04:58,511
would like to speak on the proposed budget?  Seeing none,

686
02:05:08,287 --> 02:05:10,190
the public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 25 budget is now closed. Now, we will welcome public comment on other

687
02:05:19,398 --> 02:05:21,467
matters. As a reminder, speaker comments are limited to three minutes and should be addressed to the chair and the business

688
02:05:26,973 --> 02:05:29,475
of the day. Please understand that there are a number of information items on the agenda, I know that this is a

689
02:05:34,013 --> 02:05:35,814
definite point of interest for several of our speakers tonight and wanted to know that we value your input as it informs

690
02:05:41,821 --> 02:05:43,857
our decision-making. If you would like your school board member to follow up with you, please make sure that you leave

691
02:05:47,459 --> 02:05:47,459
your contact information so that we can reach out to you.

692
02:05:53,265 --> 02:05:53,265
with that said, the public comment period is now open. We

693
02:05:58,337 --> 02:05:58,337
have someone signed up and that is miss samantha from the vs

694
02:06:05,778 --> 02:06:09,249
p.a. >> madame chair, members of the school board, great to see you all in person, it is wonderful

695
02:06:12,451 --> 02:06:12,451
to see the work that you do and you had such a great

696
02:06:17,590 --> 02:06:20,625
representation of your school division here today. I'm glad I got the opportunity to see that and be a part of that with

697
02:06:24,363 --> 02:06:24,363
you. I'm the deputy executive for the virginia school boards

698
02:06:29,335 --> 02:06:31,503
association. One of the recognitions that is also in february, schoolboard appreciation month. My soul

699
02:06:35,240 --> 02:06:37,710
role here is to appreciate you five for the work that you do every single day on behalf of your students in goochland

700
02:06:41,280 --> 02:06:44,049
county  I do have recognition that if I can read for you, this is given by governor glenn. I will read this for you

701
02:06:51,090 --> 02:06:51,090
at the end. School board members are elected to

702
02:06:56,695 --> 02:06:56,695
represent the interest of students, teachers and parents

703
02:07:03,569 --> 02:07:06,238
. School boards play a vital role in ensuring that students across the commonwealth have access to high-quality rigorous

704
02:07:12,010 --> 02:07:14,613
education and whereas school boards of the governing bodies responsible for the oversight, success and effectiveness of

705
02:07:17,716 --> 02:07:17,716
school systems across the commonwealth  and school board

706
02:07:27,993 --> 02:07:30,962
members work with parents, businesses, educational professionals and other community members to create a shared vision of success for students. Whereas these

707
02:07:32,598 --> 02:07:34,433
decisions affect the present and future lives of children and chart a path for all students to be competitive in a

708
02:07:38,470 --> 02:07:38,470
local state and national economy. Whereas schoolboard

709
02:07:43,708 --> 02:07:47,680
appreciation month acknowledges the contributions dedication and service of virginia's local school board leaders. Now

710
02:07:51,950 --> 02:07:51,950
therefore, I do hereby recognize  february 2024 as

711
02:07:59,558 --> 02:08:01,025
schoolboard appreciation month in our commonwealth of virginia and I call this observance  to the attention of all of our

712
02:08:08,834 --> 02:08:10,969
students. I want to reiterate, thank you all for your work that you do. We know you are not in it for the long hours,

713
02:08:13,871 --> 02:08:13,871
you're in it for the students and we really appreciate the

714
02:08:21,112 --> 02:08:21,112
work.

715
02:08:40,598 --> 02:08:40,598
who is the new chairperson? All right, good afternoon madame

716
02:08:48,372 --> 02:08:48,372
chair.  I am here again and I want everybody to look, I mean

717
02:09:02,487 --> 02:09:02,487
business when I say I am advocating  for my grandkids, I

718
02:09:10,595 --> 02:09:12,731
mean I am advocating. I'm not playing any games. I should've got a peer for the budget, I'm not sure that was the time I

719
02:09:18,703 --> 02:09:18,703
should've spoke. Anyway, thank you all for allowing me to

720
02:09:28,613 --> 02:09:32,383
speak  you will see a lot of me, I wish I could've been here last month but I'm dealing with a lot of health issues.

721
02:09:38,823 --> 02:09:40,858
cheryl, I would've been here last month, but I'm having major health issues so I really had to get myself together to

722
02:09:43,627 --> 02:09:43,627
get here today. I'm supposed be on the operating table today

723
02:09:50,334 --> 02:09:50,334
but praise god that things have shifted. So, with that being

724
02:09:56,240 --> 02:09:56,240
said, I'm coming first with the word of god. In isaiah

725
02:10:02,113 --> 02:10:04,448
chapter five, they call evil good and good evil that put darkness for light and light for darkness. Put bitter for

726
02:10:08,519 --> 02:10:08,519
sweet and sweet for bitter. They are wise in their own

727
02:10:13,090 --> 02:10:13,090
eyes, improving in their own site, with that being said, we

728
02:10:19,263 --> 02:10:22,032
are in the last days. We all got to go to judgment whether we believe it or not. And what we do to the least of them is

729
02:10:28,406 --> 02:10:30,941
what god's verse says that you don't do for him. I am coming to you for two of the least, they are great in my eyes, I

730
02:10:33,777 --> 02:10:33,777
don't know about anybody else's. As everybody can see,

731
02:10:39,016 --> 02:10:41,418
most of you guys know the story. These children have been through more than the average adult would ever go through in

732
02:10:43,754 --> 02:10:43,754
their entire life . They witnessed murder, they been

733
02:10:54,331 --> 02:10:56,066
abused, misuse, they've been taught things that no child should be taught. But I can't get the education system to

734
02:10:58,702 --> 02:11:01,305
teach them. For some he go to what I've written down. First I would like to say there's no such thing as a coincidence. I

735
02:11:07,377 --> 02:11:10,347
have been dealing with some major health issues like I said and I'm here to tell you that there is a law firm out there

736
02:11:18,121 --> 02:11:20,357
called sam's anderson and they have been ripping schools off. Goochland  county has paid them over $250,000 and four months

737
02:11:26,763 --> 02:11:26,763
time not to educate my grandchildren . I am filing

738
02:11:34,704 --> 02:11:37,207
every complaint I possibly can and I will continue, $250,000, goochland county could've educated these kids but  yet

739
02:11:40,010 --> 02:11:40,010
they are at home regressing and they have no business in the

740
02:11:44,882 --> 02:11:44,882
public school because we tried that and it didn't work so, as

741
02:11:51,187 --> 02:11:53,556
albert einstein says, if you keep doing the same thing you're going to, with the same results . It is the definition

742
02:12:00,831 --> 02:12:03,000
of insanity. Why are we doing that? Why won't we send these children who have been traumatized to the max, some of

743
02:12:06,002 --> 02:12:08,605
the worst case, and the administration said it when I brought the kids here, the staff said it, they said this

744
02:12:11,074 --> 02:12:11,074
is the worst case they've ever seen of children have been

745
02:12:15,245 --> 02:12:17,347
traumatized like these kids, they witnessed their mother dying and they talk about it every day. They talk about it

746
02:12:19,950 --> 02:12:19,950
every day. They are disabled, the disability list goes on for

747
02:12:27,558 --> 02:12:27,558
miles. Goochland is not teaching these kids, educating.

748
02:12:33,429 --> 02:12:33,429
there was an act in place that says no child left behind. I am

749
02:12:40,336 --> 02:12:42,605
almost finished. No child left behind, that was the act, now it is every child succeed. They have been at home for over a

750
02:12:50,713 --> 02:12:52,615
year. There not succeeding, their failing, drowning, and dying. Justice, I'm looking to each one of them  I will hold

751
02:13:04,560 --> 02:13:06,896
you accountable and I will put together a petition for the whole community to come together  to help me get what I

752
02:13:17,273 --> 02:13:21,110
need for these children, will you help me? I've been begging and pleading with the school system, help these children. They are dying, they are losing weight like crazy, they are

753
02:13:23,546 --> 02:13:23,546
regressing, they need help, help them. I'm done.

754
02:13:37,693 --> 02:13:37,693
>> how are you doing, I'm from over there  I am saying the

755
02:13:52,507 --> 02:13:54,644
most important policy by far they're going to have coming up the next four years hopefully, surely you're going

756
02:14:01,049 --> 02:14:03,218
to extend a, little bonus time, maybe have a little pulver who had the best public comment last month, give them a little

757
02:14:05,454 --> 02:14:07,489
extra time. Little things like that, I strongly encourage you to do that. I will say, I think the most important issue that

758
02:14:15,630 --> 02:14:19,001
we are going to face his treating people as individuals. I think the old school  board have failed in that regard, who

759
02:14:29,411 --> 02:14:31,580
you hire should not be based upon what group they're in, whether they are left or right handed, the color of their

760
02:14:33,949 --> 02:14:33,949
skin, what they do or don't do, these kind of things. I

761
02:14:39,855 --> 02:14:43,158
think they should be treated as individuals. They are extremely limited to circumstances  where you can get to know people. You

762
02:14:56,705 --> 02:14:59,708
only have a few minutes maybe in those extremely rare circumstances things are different. Even in those circumstances, I just don't believe we should ever be

763
02:15:01,644 --> 02:15:04,379
treating people based upon their race certainly at the top of the list. Treat them as individuals. I think the school

764
02:15:06,648 --> 02:15:06,648
board has failed in that regard in the past. Similarly, our

765
02:15:13,688 --> 02:15:13,688
students . People have what they call equity. Equity as far

766
02:15:17,859 --> 02:15:19,862
as kindergarten class would go would mean that they would look at me and fred who failed and they would say 100% of the

767
02:15:22,563 --> 02:15:22,563
american guys failed, they are going to get one treatment and

768
02:15:27,269 --> 02:15:29,304
most of the young children pastor vietnamese they're going to get treated differently. I think all of us

769
02:15:35,310 --> 02:15:35,310
who fail the vietnamese class last year deserve to be treated

770
02:15:39,480 --> 02:15:43,017
as individuals. When students are having difficulty in class, don't treat them as members of groups. I want to wish you all

771
02:15:47,088 --> 02:15:47,088
a good day and you guys work on that public comment lens, you

772
02:15:51,860 --> 02:15:51,860
have a great night. >> good afternoon, I can see

773
02:16:15,817 --> 02:16:15,817
without my reading glasses on. District 3, madam chair, board

774
02:16:22,957 --> 02:16:26,694
members, thank you for this opportunity to speak. My name is jennifer, oil bill district 3. I am a member of the

775
02:16:35,102 --> 02:16:35,102
goochland  naacp.  I appreciate all the teachers and staff do

776
02:16:43,144 --> 02:16:43,144
to celebrate people who work so hard and contributed so much

777
02:16:48,849 --> 02:16:50,352
and waited so long to be recognized as citizens. Just across the river, the father of black history month was born in

778
02:17:00,394 --> 02:17:03,097
1875. In two weeks, we will celebrate the black students who integrated goochland schools a little over 50 years

779
02:17:06,067 --> 02:17:06,067
ago  I'm also a board member of glisson.  We envision a

780
02:17:17,311 --> 02:17:21,282
world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity,

781
02:17:22,917 --> 02:17:22,917
or expression. Historically, gcps works on a case-by-case

782
02:17:35,196 --> 02:17:35,196
basis.  You are taking time to work on a policy that

783
02:17:40,334 --> 02:17:41,936
marginalizes a handful of students and potentially opens our county up to lawsuits. This is time and money for all

784
02:17:48,976 --> 02:17:48,976
students . I listened today to the school board work shopping

785
02:17:56,316 --> 02:17:58,619
the exact same policy. It was painful, over an hour was spent on policies regarding a tiny handful of students. At one

786
02:18:02,790 --> 02:18:05,859
point they decided that pronouns would not be recognized and later that counselors must call parents immediately if any child discusses their gender or

787
02:18:12,333 --> 02:18:12,333
sexuality . Please be mindful that you are discussing real

788
02:18:17,371 --> 02:18:21,242
human beings today. Young children were sensitive and need to know that they are loved, respected, and wanted in our community. They hear you, if not on the live stream, they

789
02:18:23,544 --> 02:18:23,544
will hear the echo of how you speak of them. Be kind, be sure

790
02:18:31,051 --> 02:18:33,220
that everything you say here today is something you would want to be heard by the youngest most vulnerable years.

791
02:18:35,288 --> 02:18:35,288
it is the single best  that can lead to suicide, leave room for

792
02:18:43,397 --> 02:18:46,533
the idea that interracial and marriage shunned and villains in the courts. Someday soon trent people will likewise be

793
02:18:53,673 --> 02:18:53,673
embraced in our laws. You can be on the right or the wrong

794
02:18:58,945 --> 02:18:58,945
side of that. They continue the tradition of respecting every

795
02:19:07,721 --> 02:19:09,723
child, meeting them where they are and helping them through their public school years with dignity and respect and love.

796
02:19:14,861 --> 02:19:14,861
our county can afford it. Thank you so much.

797
02:19:34,247 --> 02:19:34,247
>> I am in district two, I just wanted to make a couple of

798
02:19:40,052 --> 02:19:40,052
comments and that is that you all were elected and everyone

799
02:19:44,190 --> 02:19:44,190
didn't vote for you, but you are charged with looking out

800
02:19:49,530 --> 02:19:49,530
for the best interest of every citizen in the county. You took

801
02:19:56,836 --> 02:19:56,836
an oath of office that says that I will do my due diligence

802
02:20:03,509 --> 02:20:03,509
to represent every citizen in the county. I can stand here

803
02:20:09,983 --> 02:20:12,652
and say I didn't vote for either one of you but I do respect you for stepping up and running these physicians, if

804
02:20:15,821 --> 02:20:15,821
you know anything about me you know that I don't have any

805
02:20:22,762 --> 02:20:25,198
problem with who holds office in terms of reaching out and calling on you for support and assistance I charge you today

806
02:20:31,070 --> 02:20:31,070
to keep that in mind that you are here to represent every

807
02:20:35,641 --> 02:20:35,641
student regardless of whether they vote for you, regardless

808
02:20:40,413 --> 02:20:42,849
of what their sexual preference or identities are, what their race is, whatever gender they or we think they are, you are

809
02:20:48,921 --> 02:20:48,921
here to support those students. The other thing that is black

810
02:20:57,730 --> 02:20:57,730
history, and let me step back for a minute . I would say

811
02:21:10,042 --> 02:21:11,677
congratulations because I was not here to say congratulations to each of you for being on this board. Black history month

812
02:21:14,313 --> 02:21:14,313
is this month, we know black history, 365 days  regardless

813
02:21:24,190 --> 02:21:24,190
of who you are . I will say that I am a little bit

814
02:21:32,832 --> 02:21:32,832
disappointed that we didn't see our program here as we have in

815
02:21:37,002 --> 02:21:39,205
the past that acknowledge black history month, I hope that you all will address that and do better next year. Think you.

816
02:21:41,540 --> 02:21:41,540
>> thank you. >> good evening, I am a

817
02:22:02,528 --> 02:22:02,528
goochland parent . Both of which would happen if the

818
02:22:06,932 --> 02:22:06,932
proposed policies for discussing tonight , the title

819
02:22:14,440 --> 02:22:14,440
sounds nice but the title is false. It takes them away from

820
02:22:21,313 --> 02:22:21,313
them. Naming it that does not protect it because

821
02:22:25,851 --> 02:22:28,053
unfortunately for the people who made that policy, they can read very well. We can clearly see that it violates the

822
02:22:33,825 --> 02:22:33,825
protection laws of the constitution, violates title ix

823
02:22:39,130 --> 02:22:39,130
it will cause irreparable harm to our student body. It will

824
02:22:43,935 --> 02:22:43,935
waste countless hours in tax dollars just to eventually undo

825
02:22:53,712 --> 02:22:53,712
it anyway.  They just come to the same conclusion, forcing a

826
02:23:05,857 --> 02:23:07,392
transgender child, forcibly outing them or repeatedly missed rendering them, all account is based on gender

827
02:23:10,495 --> 02:23:10,495
identity which is unconstitutional. You can look

828
02:23:17,001 --> 02:23:20,806
within virginia  in which the supreme court ruled the same amendments being proposed today as unconstitutional. They have

829
02:23:23,008 --> 02:23:23,008
already tried this policy and it failed. You are obligated to

830
02:23:28,212 --> 02:23:31,183
work for the safety and success of all children. Public means on the matter who they are or what they choose. Putting

831
02:23:36,387 --> 02:23:36,387
phrases like all students are all parents does not make it a

832
02:23:40,425 --> 02:23:42,360
policy for all especially when people of a particular identity would be harmed by it. That is definition discrimination.  It

833
02:23:54,005 --> 02:23:54,005
is not criminal for the child to want to safely use the

834
02:23:58,576 --> 02:23:58,576
restroom without harassment . It is a crime however to

835
02:24:05,516 --> 02:24:05,516
discriminate against those children based on their

836
02:24:11,622 --> 02:24:11,622
identity . Research evidence has shown that it is. On the

837
02:24:22,467 --> 02:24:23,734
reason someone would look at that evidence and still push for that policy is specifically to harm lgbt kids. They wanted

838
02:24:28,640 --> 02:24:32,477
so badly that they are willing to violate the constitution to do it. If you move forward with it, we will know more about

839
02:24:35,246 --> 02:24:35,246
you. Thank you. >> good evening.

840
02:24:52,964 --> 02:24:52,964
>> I first want to acknowledge, she did respond to my emails

841
02:24:59,436 --> 02:24:59,436
and even return my phone call by afternoon. That is huge.

842
02:25:04,509 --> 02:25:04,509
engaging with and acknowledging us is a huge. I would like to

843
02:25:11,182 --> 02:25:14,151
strongly advocate against pushing through the harmful policy up for discussion tonight I sent you all some

844
02:25:26,463 --> 02:25:26,463
things earlier  family conflict is the primary cause of

845
02:25:38,542 --> 02:25:38,542
homelessness for these kids. It is disproportionately do to

846
02:25:45,182 --> 02:25:45,182
lack of acceptance by family members. This is significant

847
02:25:53,556 --> 02:25:56,260
that all students have in our schools. If a child does not feel comfortable coming out to their parents, there's likely

848
02:25:57,995 --> 02:26:00,164
a very good reason that they don't feel safe and secure doing so. Forcibly outing a student to their parents can

849
02:26:02,265 --> 02:26:02,265
usually mean that they will end up homeless or worse. This is

850
02:26:08,639 --> 02:26:11,108
not putting the safety of the students on the forefront. It is even worse to require a parents permission to be --

851
02:26:15,512 --> 02:26:15,512
there is also the language of this policy. We have to adhere

852
02:26:19,883 --> 02:26:19,883
to state and federal laws including time of mind. It

853
02:26:25,355 --> 02:26:25,355
states that we need to keep our students safe . It goes on to

854
02:26:36,166 --> 02:26:37,601
contradict that. Not respecting a student's pronouns, names, or gender identity is a form of bullying and/or harassment.

855
02:26:44,675 --> 02:26:44,675
this policy seems to be school boards . I'd like to finish

856
02:26:55,218 --> 02:26:57,521
with the why, why are you bringing this policy now? There has been no change to the laws. I want to ask you all to

857
02:27:03,961 --> 02:27:03,961
reflect on that. There is no violation of  policies for the

858
02:27:12,535 --> 02:27:14,571
rest of the students when students maintain lgbtq policies. They do have the data that it indicates the risk of

859
02:27:20,443 --> 02:27:20,443
harm. I do want to mention that it does not trump them to be

860
02:27:27,951 --> 02:27:27,951
discriminated against. I want to ensure that we are not

861
02:27:34,590 --> 02:27:34,590
executing this, putting every student first, please do not

862
02:27:39,028 --> 02:27:41,097
adopt these harmful or discriminatory policies that will create a hostile environment. Thank you.

863
02:28:12,328 --> 02:28:12,328
I am a resident of goochland county, I am a former college

864
02:28:20,503 --> 02:28:22,372
professor and teacher. We who are privileged in the united states of america enjoy many freedoms. One of which is the

865
02:28:28,577 --> 02:28:31,080
freedom to access information. Most people today use the internet to do so but we still want the old-fashioned methods

866
02:28:37,019 --> 02:28:37,019
of looking up information in books. We deserve and reserve

867
02:28:45,094 --> 02:28:45,094
the right to seek education and enjoyment. Libraries were

868
02:28:54,770 --> 02:28:54,770
created to give access to knowledge. The public library,

869
02:29:05,814 --> 02:29:05,814
before that  the 1600s establish the first free public

870
02:29:13,122 --> 02:29:13,122
library. 60 men founded the library company of burlington

871
02:29:18,927 --> 02:29:18,927
new jersey, it is still in operation today. 267 years

872
02:29:24,567 --> 02:29:24,567
later. They assisted benjamin franklin who opened the company

873
02:29:37,312 --> 02:29:40,582
in 1731. Thomas jefferson's vast collection of books on every topic was purchased in 1815 to rebuild the library of

874
02:29:47,155 --> 02:29:47,155
congress after the british burned it down in 1812.

875
02:29:54,563 --> 02:29:58,033
carnegie helped build more than 1700 public libraries in the united states between 1881 and 1919. The whole purpose of

876
02:30:03,038 --> 02:30:03,038
libraries is to foster curiosity, clinical -- critical

877
02:30:10,111 --> 02:30:10,111
thinking and creativity. And of course, to further good

878
02:30:15,083 --> 02:30:15,083
education. In other words, to foster good sense. Remember

879
02:30:20,922 --> 02:30:20,922
that benjamin franklin said census close to sound. Educated

880
02:30:31,366 --> 02:30:33,602
goochland county citizens who intend to fight back against attacks on good sense. I have signed petitions , many others,

881
02:30:45,847 --> 02:30:48,516
particularly grandparents who are raising their voices against banning books and the american way. Thank you.  He

882
02:31:21,349 --> 02:31:23,585
met think you for the opportunity to speak with you today, my name is christina page and I live in sandy hook

883
02:31:25,954 --> 02:31:28,590
virginia and have been a resident for 10 years now. As a parent of a rising sixth-grader who attends ges, I want to

884
02:31:31,860 --> 02:31:34,729
express my deep concern and disappointment to adopt model policies on transgender students in goochland county

885
02:31:40,335 --> 02:31:42,337
public schools. According to legal experts and advocates, these policies may not  be only unenforceable, those violations

886
02:31:50,711 --> 02:31:53,948
could land  them in another unnecessary lawsuit costing the taxpayers and district valuable time and money which would be

887
02:31:56,184 --> 02:31:56,184
better spent on our students and teachers. Has many

888
02:32:02,023 --> 02:32:05,359
educators and community members have pointed out on multiple occasions, the current policies regarding transgender students are already in compliance with both state and federal laws and

889
02:32:07,361 --> 02:32:07,361
do not need to be modified. Suggesting goochland should

890
02:32:14,234 --> 02:32:14,234
implement  the model policies continues to push

891
02:32:24,411 --> 02:32:27,548
misinformation that there are ongoing issues with transgender students in goochland schools when there aren't any. Instead, I encourage the board to engage in a more inclusive

892
02:32:29,784 --> 02:32:32,720
and evidence-based approach policy making  educator scientists in a diverse assortment with media members will help ensure that all of our policies align with both

893
02:32:34,989 --> 02:32:34,989
the spirit across every issue. The gcps website states  the

894
02:32:45,533 --> 02:32:45,533
recognition of each student's individuality. The model

895
02:32:50,070 --> 02:32:50,070
policies are a breach of our mission and values  the

896
02:32:56,910 --> 02:33:00,247
individuality and the safety of their school environment. Lacking the sense of safety negatively impacts  the quality

897
02:33:13,227 --> 02:33:16,297
of their education opportunities. I strongly urge the school board to reconsider implementing these policies. It is crucial that our schools prioritize the well-being and

898
02:33:17,931 --> 02:33:19,700
rights of all students including transgender students who would be disproportionately affected. No one wants their

899
02:33:25,138 --> 02:33:26,907
child to be targeted. Do not make decisions based on misunderstanding, at best, or prejudice at worst. Unless you

900
02:33:31,178 --> 02:33:31,178
and your loved one find yourself on the receiving end

901
02:33:36,617 --> 02:33:39,119
of unjust and discrimination. The beliefs you carry in your personal lives have no place in your life as a school board

902
02:33:49,630 --> 02:33:52,933
member if they harm the well-being of any student. If you are truly dedicated to providing the best possible education for all students in goochland you must uphold your

903
02:33:55,035 --> 02:33:55,035
ability to maximize every learner.  Including our

904
02:34:05,145 --> 02:34:06,780
transgender students, it is a job requirement you are obligated to honor. Thank you.

905
02:34:16,990 --> 02:34:16,990
>> good evening, I am from double brook road, this is kind

906
02:34:27,167 --> 02:34:29,235
this week, I'm going to start with two very nice statements about items on the agenda tonight. Thank you to dr.

907
02:34:32,839 --> 02:34:32,839
faller for working on this program , we have long heard

908
02:34:40,047 --> 02:34:40,047
that our middle school students want more gifted education

909
02:34:46,719 --> 02:34:46,719
programs  it shines a really nice light on what is happening

910
02:34:56,463 --> 02:34:58,564
in our classroom and technology use. Thank you to everyone who worked on those.  The previous school board did not adopt

911
02:35:09,942 --> 02:35:09,942
northam's policy, but we did revise all the policies to

912
02:35:16,950 --> 02:35:18,784
further our commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, welcoming and inclusive environment for all students

913
02:35:26,859 --> 02:35:26,859
and staff  there only in there for four years, when you jump

914
02:35:37,003 --> 02:35:37,003
around like that, are you really paying  attention to

915
02:35:44,110 --> 02:35:45,911
your community. It is the community of goochland. Every single child , a majority, I know that some of you think

916
02:35:49,949 --> 02:35:49,949
that ja represents the majority of people, but the true

917
02:35:54,386 --> 02:35:54,386
majority of children, that's the majority sitting at the

918
02:36:00,359 --> 02:36:00,359
table of that parent that has the rights and the

919
02:36:04,831 --> 02:36:07,900
responsibilities for that child. That's the majority that matters every single day to that parent. If we say we

920
02:36:16,642 --> 02:36:18,478
are acknowledging parents rights, we also know there is responsibilities with that. We are acknowledging parent rights

921
02:36:22,515 --> 02:36:22,515
that includes that parent with the transgender child. These

922
02:36:29,488 --> 02:36:31,724
speakers tonight shared many of the legal cases that I was going to also share. I am going to remind you that the grim

923
02:36:42,468 --> 02:36:42,468
decision  answered the question of whether schools refusal to

924
02:36:49,708 --> 02:36:52,945
allow a transgender student to use the school bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity violates the u.s. Constitution's equal protection laws and it

925
02:36:54,213 --> 02:36:58,150
discriminates based on sex, a violation in title ix. Lastly, from the judges in those cases, how shallow a promise of equal

926
02:37:03,655 --> 02:37:03,655
protection that would not protect graham from the

927
02:37:09,161 --> 02:37:12,331
fantastical fears and unfounded prejudices of his adult community. It is time to move forward. Discrimination like

928
02:37:21,473 --> 02:37:23,709
that has reared its ugly head throughout american history. For most americans, time has rendered it an embarrassment to

929
02:37:29,481 --> 02:37:29,481
the legacies of the individuals inflicting it. With that

930
02:37:36,221 --> 02:37:38,022
observation, I join in the thorough and well reasoned opinion of my colleague, judge floyd. Thank you. Please do not

931
02:37:48,333 --> 02:37:48,333
support ja. >> I want to say that I have

932
02:38:11,389 --> 02:38:11,389
hate in my heart for a lot of things. But it doesn't include

933
02:38:23,101 --> 02:38:23,101
people it includes the actions of people if those actions go

934
02:38:28,072 --> 02:38:28,072
against god and go against the things of god  sin is to be

935
02:38:41,853 --> 02:38:43,955
hated. It is not to be loved. It's not to be coddled, it's not to be celebrated  it's not made to be look like it is

936
02:38:55,600 --> 02:38:55,600
good, it is not good  to tell somebody that is a boy that

937
02:39:06,478 --> 02:39:06,478
thinks he is a girl that you are a girl, you are lying to

938
02:39:15,219 --> 02:39:15,219
that person  you're not helping that person you are not

939
02:39:20,157 --> 02:39:20,157
loving that person the so call experts that say well he is a

940
02:39:28,499 --> 02:39:28,499
girl, they are lying too  these things need to be worked out

941
02:39:36,840 --> 02:39:36,840
with a psychiatrist. I'd say a godly psychiatrist, somebody

942
02:39:43,114 --> 02:39:43,114
that is going to tell them the truth. Not coddle them and say

943
02:39:47,217 --> 02:39:47,217
oh, you are okay, and another thing, as far as these

944
02:39:56,094 --> 02:39:58,630
bathrooms,  we have a policy here in goochland county in the schools , no bullying. So that child goes into a girls

945
02:40:04,302 --> 02:40:04,302
bathroom or a boys bathroom and goes into the bathroom that

946
02:40:10,941 --> 02:40:13,611
they were born, the gender they were born with, the sex that they were born with, they shouldn't be bullied even if

947
02:40:18,982 --> 02:40:18,982
they think they are a girl and they go into a boys bathroom,

948
02:40:25,255 --> 02:40:27,291
there shouldn't be no bullying going on, that should be reprimanded right there. But if you are a boy that goes into

949
02:40:42,506 --> 02:40:42,506
a girls bathroom, things can happen. That's what I am

950
02:40:48,745 --> 02:40:48,745
concerned about. >> good evening,

951
02:41:06,329 --> 02:41:06,329
congratulations I didn't get a chance to say that to you last

952
02:41:13,137 --> 02:41:13,137
january . I am in support of model policies, I read them, I

953
02:41:19,910 --> 02:41:19,910
consider them reasonable. I am a former educator and I have

954
02:41:25,983 --> 02:41:29,052
had relationships with many children over the years individually, I knew my students and I knew what they

955
02:41:35,426 --> 02:41:38,228
needed. I see you all as people who would work individually with a child, with the parents, and not just  as a blanket

956
02:41:47,771 --> 02:41:50,673
policy, it would be individual because you do care about the children. I've seen you care about the children and I want

957
02:41:53,076 --> 02:41:53,076
to thank you again for your service. Monetarily it is not a

958
02:41:59,015 --> 02:42:01,951
lot, but I do want to thank you for your time that you are going to gift to our kids and for your consideration of this

959
02:42:05,488 --> 02:42:05,488
policy, thank you. >> hi, this will be short.  I

960
02:42:24,006 --> 02:42:24,006
do approve of governors policy and I'm asking you to vote for

961
02:42:29,278 --> 02:42:32,082
it. I am thinking about the girls, the young girls that go into a bathroom and a boys and their and it is like they are

962
02:42:37,587 --> 02:42:39,689
not even being considered about their feelings for this. I am asking you to support the policy.

963
02:42:43,560 --> 02:42:43,560
>> thank you.  Is there anyone else?  Seeing none, the public

964
02:43:05,549 --> 02:43:05,549
comment period is now closed. Okay. Now we have a report from

965
02:43:14,424 --> 02:43:17,994
our student representative. Amaya, we look forward to hearing from you. >> hello, everyone. Today I

966
02:43:25,501 --> 02:43:27,704
will be announcing some of the amazing events and achievements that have happened since the last year. Before I discussed

967
02:43:33,442 --> 02:43:36,245
those, I just want to say how grateful and excited I am to work alongside the board members and get a chance to

968
02:43:39,048 --> 02:43:39,048
represent our members at ghs and gms in the cafeteria. They

969
02:43:49,325 --> 02:43:49,325
could ask any questions that they may have had. On the 25th,

970
02:43:57,499 --> 02:43:57,499
ahs took pictures for the school's yearbook . We had a

971
02:44:01,904 --> 02:44:01,904
pep rally to celebrate our winter athletes. During our

972
02:44:06,642 --> 02:44:06,642
very spirited pep rally, the seniors of each sport were

973
02:44:12,715 --> 02:44:12,715
announced and they played a series of entertaining games .

974
02:44:20,956 --> 02:44:24,760
february 5th through the ninth was a counselor appreciation week. Recently counselors have been going into classes and talking to students about next year's courses and will be

975
02:44:26,728 --> 02:44:26,728
meeting with every student  to discuss their academic and

976
02:44:34,336 --> 02:44:37,907
career plans. We should recognize all of their hard work and be appreciative because without their guidance and support, our schools would not be the same. February 6th

977
02:44:40,276 --> 02:44:40,276
through the 13th, the dead poets society continued their

978
02:44:45,815 --> 02:44:45,815
tradition where students can purchase  roses and cookies and

979
02:44:56,625 --> 02:44:58,961
give to the person of their choosing. Business partners had tables set up to showcase different career options and to

980
02:45:00,696 --> 02:45:02,431
answer any questions that students may have had pertaining to each career. Both ghs  students got to visit

981
02:45:09,938 --> 02:45:12,073
these tables. In honor of virginia kindness week, there would be a pet food and supply collection drive to help

982
02:45:14,943 --> 02:45:14,943
support the goochland  animal shelter and adoption center.

983
02:45:27,022 --> 02:45:29,524
we encourage students to bring in treats, toys, beds, clorox wipes, litter, canned dog and cat food and more. As our

984
02:45:31,993 --> 02:45:31,993
winter sports season begins to come from in and,  we are proud

985
02:45:40,469 --> 02:45:42,570
of all of our students and their many accomplishments that they have made the season. I have some special mentions,

986
02:45:49,611 --> 02:45:49,611
they brought home the first regional title. In addition,

987
02:45:58,286 --> 02:46:00,388
perry belcher, phil belcher and charlie harrington all brought home individual gold medals. That is my update for february

988
02:46:08,997 --> 02:46:08,997
and I look forward to being able to get one next month,

989
02:46:16,137 --> 02:46:19,107
thank you. >> thank you so much, amaya, board members do you have any questions for amaya?

990
02:46:20,742 --> 02:46:20,742
>> first off, that's awesome. Gold medals. Could you tell me

991
02:46:29,251 --> 02:46:29,251
again when the pet drive is? >> the pet food drive, let me

992
02:46:41,162 --> 02:46:41,162
see, it is from february 12th through the 16th.

993
02:46:45,433 --> 02:46:45,433
>> great, thank you. >> wonderful, thank you so much

994
02:46:55,943 --> 02:46:59,781
for your report. I really appreciate it and congratulations to our winning students. At this time, we look forward to your comments sir. >> thank you, madam chair.

995
02:47:03,418 --> 02:47:03,418
school board night rings many challenges for a

996
02:47:10,824 --> 02:47:14,395
superintendent. One of my greatest challenges is having to offer remarks after a student representative. She did a wonderful job. I want to bring to the attention of our

997
02:47:17,866 --> 02:47:20,301
publics that march 5th is presidential primary day which you all likely no. What we found out recently is that two

998
02:47:27,108 --> 02:47:27,108
of our schools, randolph elementary  and bird elementary

999
02:47:36,584 --> 02:47:39,120
are going to be used as polling places. Being a newbie to the community I've learned that it is a relatively new arrangement

1000
02:47:46,027 --> 02:47:49,997
for us . In our preparation figure out what teaching and learning would look like that day, we've considered every possibility to maintain normalcy. We talked about what

1001
02:47:51,798 --> 02:47:54,135
it might look like to contain polling in the gymnasium at byrd and maintain instruction throughout the remainder of the

1002
02:47:57,438 --> 02:47:57,438
building. Several challenges were presented.  The first is

1003
02:48:10,151 --> 02:48:12,253
inadequate parking. The second is having a through flow of citizens through our school while we are housing students,

1004
02:48:16,590 --> 02:48:19,126
they didn't like the idea of the possibility of some potentials of things to go awry there. Then we considered what

1005
02:48:21,161 --> 02:48:21,161
might it look like if we just did something alternative for

1006
02:48:27,601 --> 02:48:27,601
elementary age students and kept the secondary kids in

1007
02:48:31,605 --> 02:48:31,605
normal session. Clearly that requires young people to be

1008
02:48:37,211 --> 02:48:37,211
home during the day, families are going to rely naturally on

1009
02:48:42,950 --> 02:48:44,518
older siblings to look after younger children so that didn't fly in the face of being right. What I am

1010
02:48:53,894 --> 02:48:56,330
proposing to the board tonight is going to be a calendar amendment to the 2023, 2024 calendar to allow us the

1011
02:49:02,169 --> 02:49:04,237
opportunity to offer march the fifth as a virtual asynchronous day for students and staff. The school division has a history

1012
02:49:06,573 --> 02:49:06,573
with such days. On that day there be no new instruction .

1013
02:49:16,850 --> 02:49:18,952
assignments for that day, projects for that they will be in progress and there will be no grading. Preschoolers to

1014
02:49:20,854 --> 02:49:24,291
second graders will be encouraged to work on engaging activities such as choice boards and students in grades three through 12 will be expected to advance their

1015
02:49:26,193 --> 02:49:26,193
reading and studying for upcoming tests.  This will be

1016
02:49:33,200 --> 02:49:33,200
part of our recommendation for the board tonight as a calendar

1017
02:49:38,338 --> 02:49:40,240
amendment. Also when we make amendments to the calendar that required folks to potentially -- providing childcare like the

1018
02:49:47,513 --> 02:49:47,513
ymca and parks and recreation. I am pleased to report that the

1019
02:49:56,289 --> 02:49:56,289
ymca has  offered full-day childcare to the families who

1020
02:50:02,462 --> 02:50:06,332
subscribe to the service. If your child goes to aftercare in the ymca, there will be opportunities for the child to be covered for the full day. Our partners at parks and rec

1021
02:50:08,801 --> 02:50:12,638
are unable to do that with the stuffing that they have. We want to convey that we didn't want to just call it a day.

1022
02:50:23,516 --> 02:50:23,516
actions that families have care for that day  I think all of

1023
02:50:31,858 --> 02:50:31,858
our students and families and staff  I am looking forward to

1024
02:50:45,371 --> 02:50:45,371
next year's book. I want to talk about a letter, the

1025
02:50:52,244 --> 02:50:52,244
superintendent for instruction making what I thought was a

1026
02:51:02,088 --> 02:51:05,324
clear and insightful delineation between our measures of academic progress assessments which I talked about earlier during our budget and the virginia department of

1027
02:51:08,060 --> 02:51:11,964
education growth assessments. The virginia department of education has released reports that go to students families

1028
02:51:17,236 --> 02:51:17,236
based on student performance on their growth assessment which

1029
02:51:21,473 --> 02:51:21,473
is still very much -- this is the first year of the

1030
02:51:30,082 --> 02:51:31,851
assessment. We feel that because we've got fidelity with measures of academic progress assessment,  these

1031
02:51:40,526 --> 02:51:40,526
assessments, we've got 10 years that they are reliable.

1032
02:51:49,335 --> 02:51:49,335
they can make informed decisions , the response is

1033
02:52:02,314 --> 02:52:04,483
overwhelmingly positive. I want to publicly thank him for his insight and I want to thank him and our community for your

1034
02:52:07,919 --> 02:52:07,919
trust and your willingness to take two things, one of which

1035
02:52:16,095 --> 02:52:17,996
we've got a demonstrated history spanning over a decade with and one which is very new and make good assessments as to

1036
02:52:22,034 --> 02:52:22,034
how your children are growing when in our care. There are

1037
02:52:29,974 --> 02:52:29,974
couple of organizations that will be celebrating in a couple

1038
02:52:36,882 --> 02:52:36,882
of weeks . Agencies such as the fire department, sheriff's

1039
02:52:43,989 --> 02:52:45,557
office and county administration and the school celebrate members with exemplary service to goochland

1040
02:52:53,565 --> 02:52:55,333
county you. Also the goochland foundation is a long-standing partner of our schools,  more information on the gala ,  it

1041
02:53:09,348 --> 02:53:09,348
can be found on the goochland education foundation's website

1042
02:53:14,419 --> 02:53:17,021
.  Lastly, when I came to goochland, I promised to do a lot of things . One of the things I'm really excited

1043
02:53:21,626 --> 02:53:21,626
about is a launching a student advisory council. Next week I

1044
02:53:27,432 --> 02:53:27,432
will meet with students to talk about those issues that are of

1045
02:53:34,539 --> 02:53:34,539
interest to them. They are our most  important clientele.

1046
02:53:42,614 --> 02:53:46,017
students and their parents, the families that they represent represent the most important clientele to us. I'm very eager to engage in them. I'm very much looking forward to

1047
02:53:48,452 --> 02:53:51,255
that process. We will meet monthly thereafter until april when assessments start. Basically we will take a look

1048
02:53:58,496 --> 02:54:01,999
at february. Based on where the dialogue goes we will likely have more when school gets out in june. Madam chair, that

1049
02:54:09,307 --> 02:54:09,307
concludes my comments. >> board members, do you have

1050
02:54:17,949 --> 02:54:17,949
any questions? >> does that sound good to you?

1051
02:54:23,221 --> 02:54:23,221
>> very good, glad to hear it. All right we're moving to the

1052
02:54:30,161 --> 02:54:30,161
consent items portion of our agenda. What is your pleasure?

1053
02:54:49,147 --> 02:54:49,147
approve items and to discuss, I moved to approve .

1054
02:55:05,596 --> 02:55:08,199
>> madam chair, I second. >> great, it is been moved to approve the consent agenda items and properly seconded, is

1055
02:55:09,767 --> 02:55:09,767
there any discussion?  Hearing none, I will call the question,

1056
02:55:17,508 --> 02:55:19,810
all those in favor of approving the slate of consent agenda items, say I. >> I.

1057
02:55:23,314 --> 02:55:23,314
>> any opposed? The consent items are approved.

1058
02:55:36,394 --> 02:55:38,195
>> would you like to tf our instructional report? >> yes ma'am, I will do that. I think that dr. Beth fowler is

1059
02:55:43,801 --> 02:55:43,801
back there and mr. Matthew mason are going to come forth

1060
02:55:48,072 --> 02:55:48,072
to talk to us about quest. >> okay, so this only has the

1061
02:56:21,672 --> 02:56:21,672
pdf? That means I can't look at my notes, but okay. It's

1062
02:56:27,611 --> 02:56:27,611
fine, it's fine.

1063
02:57:00,844 --> 02:57:00,844
chair, school board, first I want to tell you thank you, we

1064
02:57:05,115 --> 02:57:05,115
wanted to present a new idea at goochland middle school .

1065
02:57:10,386 --> 02:57:10,386
whatever it takes,  it means every single student, every

1066
02:57:20,263 --> 02:57:21,898
person who walks into the building the matter what you believe, who you are, our job is to make sure you are

1067
02:57:24,267 --> 02:57:26,737
successful as we prepare you for the high school. I want to present to a class, we will talk a little bit about that in

1068
02:57:31,874 --> 02:57:31,874
a minute. It is called quest. It stands for quality use  --

1069
02:57:41,184 --> 02:57:44,988
at the middle school, the gifted students that we want to improve and giving them the supports that they need, this is what we would like to do here. I am accompanied by an

1070
02:57:51,894 --> 02:57:53,829
incredible individual, I say that because six years ago I started at goochland high school as an assistant

1071
02:57:57,200 --> 02:58:00,170
principal. I will tell you she is one of the best people to work with, I appreciate her, I enjoy her input. That is dr.

1072
02:58:06,976 --> 02:58:06,976
fowler and dr. Fowler is going to speak a little bit .

1073
02:58:14,283 --> 02:58:17,420
>> thank you so much, that was so very kind. It is been a long journey and a wonderful one with you. We are so happy to

1074
02:58:19,555 --> 02:58:23,392
have you back. Back when matthew and I first started working together as the director of school of

1075
02:58:24,927 --> 02:58:26,796
counseling, now I stand before you as the coordinator student advancement. I'm very pleased in that role to support grades

1076
02:58:34,604 --> 02:58:34,604
k-12. We have a comprehensive gifted plan for goochland

1077
02:58:38,841 --> 02:58:42,445
county public schools that both allows for individuality  of our student needs and also aligns to state mandates . That

1078
02:58:49,452 --> 02:58:51,820
includes the excerpts that you see here about our philosophy of gifted education within goochland schools. I am so

1079
02:58:56,359 --> 02:58:56,359
pleased tonight two present with mr. Mason  about this new

1080
02:59:01,998 --> 02:59:03,899
course that we are proposing because it is so closely aligning with the philosophy and moves it into practice

1081
02:59:06,035 --> 02:59:06,035
which is always the difficult part. It is a class that will

1082
02:59:12,474 --> 02:59:13,942
show opportunities for our gifted students to interact with other gifted students throughout the school day. It

1083
02:59:16,946 --> 02:59:16,946
will allow them to pursue their areas of particular interest

1084
02:59:21,783 --> 02:59:24,286
intensely to share the results of those pursuits with the real audiences and have products of their learning at the end of

1085
02:59:28,057 --> 02:59:28,057
this journey critiqued. It will allow them to show that there

1086
02:59:32,594 --> 02:59:32,594
are fluent and original thinkers and to set and achieve

1087
02:59:38,300 --> 02:59:38,300
long-term goals. As I said, our gifted plan not only includes

1088
02:59:45,206 --> 02:59:46,942
our individual philosophy as a district of gifted education, but we are also mandated by the state to provide certain

1089
02:59:50,479 --> 02:59:50,479
elements within our  gifted service options. Those options

1090
03:00:03,725 --> 03:00:06,962
k-12 have to include an opportunity for students to interact with intellectual and academic peers, those were able to achieve at the same level as they are, they also have to

1091
03:00:09,765 --> 03:00:11,333
include some instructional time. So, all the sixth-graders with the sixth-graders. There has to be an option for them to

1092
03:00:18,673 --> 03:00:22,477
work independently as well. That is kind of philosophy, that is kind of how we get there. We have our gifted

1093
03:00:29,218 --> 03:00:32,821
identified students clustered together so that there would likability peers, they are within a larger mix so they are

1094
03:00:37,893 --> 03:00:40,429
with other students of various aptitudes and abilities. They get direct instruction in grades three through five, also

1095
03:00:49,204 --> 03:00:51,406
grades three through five they are able to participate in what we call grip. It is a gifted research project  where the

1096
03:01:02,083 --> 03:01:05,320
students pick something they're passionate about, usually something that has been introduced to them within the curriculum and they do a deep dive on it. That is where they

1097
03:01:08,056 --> 03:01:11,893
get that independent self-motivated sort of research opportunity. Is skipping over middle for just a second, this

1098
03:01:16,664 --> 03:01:19,433
is what it looks like at the end of the road. At the high school, we have time with academic aptitude peers because

1099
03:01:23,871 --> 03:01:23,871
we have leveled academic courses. We have elective

1100
03:01:29,410 --> 03:01:29,410
opportunities that are not leveled. Just mixed ability

1101
03:01:35,884 --> 03:01:37,519
were all students are mixing together. We also have a variety of specialty programs for our students individual

1102
03:01:42,289 --> 03:01:44,826
interests so that they can dive deeper whether that is a stem interest, we have many program opportunities. Work-based

1103
03:01:49,898 --> 03:01:49,898
learning opportunities and every senior completes a senior

1104
03:01:55,903 --> 03:01:55,903
project that is their own design as well. We're hitting

1105
03:02:01,976 --> 03:02:01,976
the three mandates of the state in there.  We have the time

1106
03:02:09,450 --> 03:02:11,652
would likability peers, we have the time with age level peers and we have time for independent study. At the

1107
03:02:13,588 --> 03:02:13,588
middle school we are doing a fantastic job, we have academic

1108
03:02:18,693 --> 03:02:20,894
leveling. We have mixed ability groups for grade level electives. We're hitting two out of the three levels there.

1109
03:02:26,300 --> 03:02:28,569
this course quest is going to be the opportunity for us to bridge a much needed  offering for our gifted learners to

1110
03:02:33,040 --> 03:02:33,040
indulge in an interest driven research opportunity.

1111
03:02:53,461 --> 03:02:56,463
>> so, just kind of getting us toward the end of our presentation, just a little bit more about quest. It is an

1112
03:02:58,599 --> 03:03:02,570
elective opportunity for sixth grade students. It starts the sixth grade, we want to begin there. It is optional. We are not forcing a student to be a part of that . It is a part of

1113
03:03:05,839 --> 03:03:09,543
the series talked about earlier. It is huge for our students, we want them to have the skills and further the

1114
03:03:18,319 --> 03:03:18,319
education.  A deeper dive into the curriculum, in-depth

1115
03:03:25,193 --> 03:03:26,693
research connecting with adult mentors creating meaningful final product shared with an authentic audience. It also

1116
03:03:30,297 --> 03:03:30,297
nurtures academic independence and advanced medications. We

1117
03:03:36,203 --> 03:03:38,004
don't want to tell her students what to do, our students have to be able to think on the fly to continue to

1118
03:03:40,607 --> 03:03:40,607
advance wherever they are. Who would teach it to, it fits

1119
03:03:47,113 --> 03:03:47,113
flexibly into any department. Five current gms teachers,  it

1120
03:03:56,423 --> 03:03:56,423
would not require  -- we do feel like we can make this

1121
03:04:10,204 --> 03:04:10,204
happen >> he has done a lot of work

1122
03:04:14,674 --> 03:04:14,674
trying to see how this would work. On our curriculum night

1123
03:04:19,179 --> 03:04:19,179
he was available for questions. He spoke to about 16 parents.

1124
03:04:30,524 --> 03:04:30,524
all of them being offered to their students. Done a lot of

1125
03:04:36,129 --> 03:04:38,231
the legwork to see if this is something that students would like to be a part of. What in this comic is the schedule? No,

1126
03:04:42,035 --> 03:04:42,035
it would not. You would also have access to other semester

1127
03:04:52,745 --> 03:04:52,745
long options. This could be a year-long opportunity for

1128
03:04:58,151 --> 03:04:58,151
students. This would give our school counselors the

1129
03:05:02,221 --> 03:05:02,221
opportunity to move it around. It would create a pretty

1130
03:05:06,359 --> 03:05:06,359
flexible opportunity for our students. If you can see up

1131
03:05:10,363 --> 03:05:10,363
there, do you have any questions? Again, I have to

1132
03:05:16,802 --> 03:05:16,802
give that to dr. Fowler, I wasn't too quick on the jump

1133
03:05:21,107 --> 03:05:21,107
to fix that one. >> thank you, dr. Fowler, board

1134
03:05:27,180 --> 03:05:27,180
members, any questions? >> I do have one question: the

1135
03:05:36,155 --> 03:05:36,155
last five you are talking about it is a semester long program

1136
03:05:43,897 --> 03:05:45,764
for the class, what happens if they don't like it, don't succeed, can they transfer into another class and not be at a

1137
03:05:53,640 --> 03:05:53,640
disadvantage? >> kind of like many of our

1138
03:05:59,579 --> 03:05:59,579
electives , if they're not, we're going to put them in the

1139
03:06:18,030 --> 03:06:19,832
position where they can go, also, this is the type of class where we are looking at failure, the whole goal is to

1140
03:06:22,201 --> 03:06:24,671
in some ways, we want you to try, not succeed, learn from it, get better. The whole point is to get you and up vision,

1141
03:06:27,340 --> 03:06:29,742
that is life, you're going to fail, can you learn from that and grow from that. The hope and the goal is that a student

1142
03:06:32,678 --> 03:06:32,678
is going to want to be in their. How can you do this

1143
03:06:41,253 --> 03:06:41,253
better? >> I was going to say

1144
03:06:46,826 --> 03:06:49,128
productive struggle is such a part of being the gifted resource teacher and it would be a gifted certified teacher

1145
03:06:51,163 --> 03:06:54,767
likely he was teaching this. There designing something that is manageable and achieving this. I will also add that

1146
03:06:59,671 --> 03:07:03,409
within the sixth grade curricular options, there are semester long options, art 6 is a semester long elective.

1147
03:07:17,122 --> 03:07:19,057
offering this would be that students didn't have to choose. They could still have art and do this or if they just

1148
03:07:21,660 --> 03:07:24,297
really love the idea of quest, they could do two quest courses and make it year-long . >> I was just curious as to

1149
03:07:31,303 --> 03:07:31,303
when you are going to start this ?

1150
03:07:40,979 --> 03:07:43,248
>> it is a course that is proposed for the 25 of 26 school year, just needed a little bit more information and

1151
03:07:45,250 --> 03:07:45,250
context around it for you guys.

1152
03:07:57,296 --> 03:07:57,296
>> is there an idea of maybe expanding that to seventh and

1153
03:08:03,134 --> 03:08:03,134
eighth grade? >> if it works , let me

1154
03:08:11,443 --> 03:08:11,443
rephrase that, when it works, we would like to continue that.

1155
03:08:23,655 --> 03:08:23,655
alluded to earlier in a public comment , we hear a lot of

1156
03:08:31,997 --> 03:08:35,934
concerns from students and parents as they transition from fifth-grade in the gifted program when they bonded really closely with that gifted resource teacher. In many cases

1157
03:08:38,003 --> 03:08:38,003
they've had that teacher  it seems like the next progression

1158
03:08:49,914 --> 03:08:51,983
but also is going with that bridge metaphor, a nice bridge from the elementary to the middle school curriculum as

1159
03:08:55,253 --> 03:08:56,420
well. >> we already meet the state criteria because we offer leveling.

1160
03:09:02,360 --> 03:09:02,360
>> we offer the opportunity for individual research, this is

1161
03:09:06,664 --> 03:09:09,534
just a more robust offering of that. >> thank you. >> how many students are in

1162
03:09:17,341 --> 03:09:17,341
this program to begin with? >> I'm so glad you asked that

1163
03:09:22,347 --> 03:09:25,250
question, I was well prepared for it. We do universal screening in two grade levels, one of those is fifth-grade.

1164
03:09:31,222 --> 03:09:31,222
that screening is taking place in spring. We have 25 or 20

1165
03:09:44,702 --> 03:09:44,702
students  that are monitored and it will grow exponentially

1166
03:09:50,541 --> 03:09:53,177
in the referral window just as an example, we have about 50 sixth-graders who would've been eligible for this class.

1167
03:09:54,979 --> 03:09:57,315
>> that was going to be my next question, thank you. >> my questions or maybe a little different. Are there any

1168
03:10:04,755 --> 03:10:06,957
weighted classes from hepa point of view? I believe there are that algebra one class , I'm curious about how you're

1169
03:10:14,999 --> 03:10:18,602
going to academically compute? >> great question. Weighted gpas only come into play for

1170
03:10:24,208 --> 03:10:24,208
high school credit. This would not be offered for high school

1171
03:10:28,546 --> 03:10:30,213
credit. >> and how will you assess for grade assignment, the criteria? What does a a look like versus

1172
03:10:39,123 --> 03:10:41,826
what is a b look like? >> I think the answer lies in the skills curriculum. The content is not something that

1173
03:10:43,894 --> 03:10:47,831
is testable. It is going to be the real-life product that will be largely of the students design. It will show them that

1174
03:10:54,371 --> 03:10:54,371
they have mastered these research skills,  the

1175
03:11:01,212 --> 03:11:02,713
presentation skills coming up with a research question and developing it into a full product, it is absolutely some

1176
03:11:11,555 --> 03:11:11,555
curriculum work to be done there. We are excited to have

1177
03:11:16,693 --> 03:11:19,062
those five gifted endorsed teachers at the middle school that I talked about. We want to give credit where credit is

1178
03:11:21,298 --> 03:11:21,298
due, we have one gifted license teacher at the middle school

1179
03:11:28,205 --> 03:11:31,708
prior to the board having endorsed and supported financially those classes being offered to our teachers on site at the secondary complex and it's only because of that

1180
03:11:37,581 --> 03:11:37,581
effort, we are able to offer that this year and have such a

1181
03:11:45,689 --> 03:11:48,925
robust number  to teach it. >> history, science, mathematics are the  -- what about students that are gifted

1182
03:11:58,936 --> 03:11:58,936
in drama or in language, other subject areas ?

1183
03:12:05,241 --> 03:12:06,709
>> that identification beyond the academic areas actually does not start until seventh or eighth grade. It could be built

1184
03:12:09,846 --> 03:12:09,846
into future levels of quest added on that way.

1185
03:12:22,959 --> 03:12:25,395
>> so, when they do testing in seventh and eighth grade, that is put out to the public as parents are allowed to refer

1186
03:12:27,997 --> 03:12:29,933
their child without a teachers referral so that gives opportunity for our whole community.

1187
03:12:34,704 --> 03:12:34,704
>> thank you for mentioning that, we advertise that

1188
03:12:40,276 --> 03:12:40,276
opportunity. We will take a referral  and pound the

1189
03:12:48,685 --> 03:12:48,685
pavement for them,  if there is anyone watching at home and you

1190
03:12:56,659 --> 03:12:58,561
are interested in knowing more about this gifted referral process, feel free to reach out to me or to your school's

1191
03:13:06,069 --> 03:13:06,069
gifted adviser . >> I just want to follow-up, it

1192
03:13:10,406 --> 03:13:12,842
is your expectation that this will be a part of the course offering for the 25-26 school year, this will come back

1193
03:13:16,612 --> 03:13:16,612
around -- 24-25, I apologize if I misspoke. Next fall.

1194
03:13:21,885 --> 03:13:23,452
>> to be see that in the course catalog? >> no ma'am. >> the course recommendations

1195
03:13:32,295 --> 03:13:33,763
-- >> fantastic, that is why I was still little bit like I hadn't seen it before .

1196
03:13:42,071 --> 03:13:44,574
>> this is also a targeted audience so it will be very easy to get that information out.

1197
03:13:52,648 --> 03:13:55,151
>> thank you both very much this is very informative and I look forward to seeing what you can do with it.

1198
03:13:57,052 --> 03:13:57,052
>> thank you. >> okay, as part of our

1199
03:14:02,157 --> 03:14:02,157
information items they see next up we have -- to speak to us

1200
03:14:07,929 --> 03:14:07,929
about our younger learners . I would like to acknowledge ms.

1201
03:14:15,470 --> 03:14:15,470
robinson for suggesting that we have him share this content

1202
03:14:20,142 --> 03:14:20,142
with both the board and the public. With that, we look

1203
03:14:25,815 --> 03:14:25,815
forward to learning from you. >> good evening, I noticed that

1204
03:14:32,087 --> 03:14:32,087
I was on the same  -- I have the second best thing,

1205
03:14:49,104 --> 03:14:49,104
suspense. Pictures of our kids. I know it's weird I am

1206
03:15:10,525 --> 03:15:10,525
starting a presentation about technology with a slide of a

1207
03:15:14,863 --> 03:15:17,432
graduate. That's because everything that we do, no matter what it is, we filter through this  I want you to

1208
03:15:30,012 --> 03:15:30,012
look at our knowledgeable strands, we know we have

1209
03:15:37,386 --> 03:15:41,189
science sol's but we also have computer science standards that go from kindergarten to eighth grade and then we have computer

1210
03:15:43,591 --> 03:15:43,591
science courses and I work with dr. Fowler, on making sure that

1211
03:15:49,164 --> 03:15:49,164
we provide great computer science instruction for our

1212
03:15:54,802 --> 03:15:56,437
high school students. We also have digital learning standards that go right along -- it is kind of a fancy way think

1213
03:16:00,775 --> 03:16:00,775
medication and collaboration this is straight from a

1214
03:16:12,387 --> 03:16:14,889
national ed tech plan, there were two groups of students, one group of students  that build and explore and

1215
03:16:25,399 --> 03:16:29,103
collaborate using technology and then there is another group of students, they just consume media and it's kind of like what you think if you are not in our classrooms. I want to

1216
03:16:31,773 --> 03:16:34,009
say that does not happen in gcps. Our students are engaged using technology .  Sometimes it looks a little messy,

1217
03:16:48,456 --> 03:16:48,456
learning is messy, we wanted to be a little messy it wants to

1218
03:16:54,129 --> 03:16:54,129
be something that he is going to share with his family.  They

1219
03:17:05,373 --> 03:17:07,775
get the message oh, johnny sent this to me, let me listen to it and I can reply with my voice. Students can indicate with

1220
03:17:10,545 --> 03:17:12,146
their families regularly. We have almost 90% of our students engaged. That is incredible. We don't force teachers to use

1221
03:17:17,985 --> 03:17:20,788
certain programs even though we spend a lot of money on them and we give them a lot of professional development. We

1222
03:17:22,790 --> 03:17:25,260
want them to use them but we want them to have autonomy and 90%, that is amazing. I think that 10% is actually preschool

1223
03:17:27,628 --> 03:17:27,628
that doesn't use it regularly because it is preschool.  Maybe

1224
03:17:44,878 --> 03:17:46,547
they are creating a video together and yes we have students creating videos as young as preschool, they're

1225
03:17:50,518 --> 03:17:52,219
making green screen videos and doing great stuff. We actually have a third grade student who is the son of our school

1226
03:17:55,722 --> 03:17:55,722
library and who is in the broadcasting club at goochland

1227
03:18:01,528 --> 03:18:05,299
elementary school and he is an editor, he uses  can vote which is what I made this in and he saw his mom using  canva. Even

1228
03:18:17,144 --> 03:18:19,180
the younger students that will prepare them for the tools they will use in the future . My most favorite pictures coming

1229
03:18:25,920 --> 03:18:25,920
up. They communicates,  this is the first day of school, he

1230
03:18:34,494 --> 03:18:36,564
took a picture of his friend and he is introducing his friend to his family so. It's amazing. This is an app that we

1231
03:18:39,099 --> 03:18:39,099
actually saw preschool students using during your visit at ges.

1232
03:18:44,839 --> 03:18:44,839
there actually programming and making a computer program using

1233
03:18:51,545 --> 03:18:51,545
coding.  I think this was in the library at ges with misses

1234
03:18:59,186 --> 03:19:01,789
smith, they read a book and they are kind of like retelling the story using coding. I think this is the best picture I've

1235
03:19:03,990 --> 03:19:06,193
ever taken. This is amazing. I feel like this was miss robinson's face when she came and visited. And we balance

1236
03:19:11,298 --> 03:19:11,298
digital technologies with also unplugged innovation. We don't

1237
03:19:16,136 --> 03:19:16,136
only focus on screens. This is my job , but I know that

1238
03:19:26,579 --> 03:19:28,815
screens aren't great for us all the time, we need to be outside but also, let's figure out ways to incorporate, this

1239
03:19:30,750 --> 03:19:30,750
lesson addressed following directions  incredible for

1240
03:19:37,057 --> 03:19:38,892
preschool which is also a language arts standard. Following directions, cause and effect, colors and they can

1241
03:19:43,496 --> 03:19:43,496
also work on spelling. I'm sure they have played with some

1242
03:19:47,800 --> 03:19:47,800
of the stories as well. They have evidence of learning,

1243
03:19:51,805 --> 03:19:51,805
artifacts of learning so, that app seaside talked about

1244
03:19:58,445 --> 03:19:58,445
creates a journal for them. Third grade is a transition

1245
03:20:06,018 --> 03:20:07,687
year to canvas which is our learning management system that we learned from third to 12th grade. When the students leave

1246
03:20:14,795 --> 03:20:16,729
third grade they actually leave at the portfolio of all the work that they have done since preschool and it shows their

1247
03:20:19,765 --> 03:20:21,835
growth which is pretty amazing. We wouldn't have that ability if we were trying to keep that in crates with paper and

1248
03:20:27,340 --> 03:20:30,543
pencil. Don't get me wrong, I love paper and I love pencil. We have to make sure we leverage afforded says. How do

1249
03:20:32,912 --> 03:20:35,681
we do that? How do we get teachers to actually make sure that we are focused on the profile of the graduate, where

1250
03:20:40,886 --> 03:20:40,886
focus on computer science standards and they've got a

1251
03:20:45,091 --> 03:20:45,091
laundry list of things to do, we have an incredible team, we

1252
03:20:51,831 --> 03:20:51,831
have four instructional technology coaches and

1253
03:20:56,168 --> 03:20:56,168
goochland elementary school, she was at the preschool visit,

1254
03:21:00,539 --> 03:21:00,539
next year she is just going to be at goochland elementary

1255
03:21:05,077 --> 03:21:07,914
school . We have a new one starting, we actually finished up the second interviews today, I'm very excited to share that

1256
03:21:11,183 --> 03:21:14,653
is but I can't do that yet. It's top-secret and that elementary will be at randolph and bird. Maybe one day we will

1257
03:21:28,300 --> 03:21:30,536
have fun. Then we have jade miller who also just started with us last week because we had two itc's leave.  One is

1258
03:21:41,647 --> 03:21:41,647
using her creative technology skills in the private sector,

1259
03:21:45,685 --> 03:21:45,685
that is half the team but we are so excited about jade

1260
03:21:50,022 --> 03:21:50,022
miller, she is certified  in code va. She is a certified

1261
03:21:57,329 --> 03:21:57,329
coach, she has led girls who code club. She is exactly what

1262
03:22:01,500 --> 03:22:01,500
we need for this robust computer science experience .

1263
03:22:09,674 --> 03:22:11,443
catherine richards, all-around rockstar. If you haven't met her yet, you will and you are going to love her, I promise.

1264
03:22:15,080 --> 03:22:15,080
they use many things to guide their use integrating with

1265
03:22:19,818 --> 03:22:19,818
technology. This is one of my favorite models, it doesn't

1266
03:22:23,822 --> 03:22:23,822
put technology on a pedestal, technologies in the goal, the

1267
03:22:28,660 --> 03:22:28,660
goal is teaching and learning. How did they integrate, is it

1268
03:22:34,299 --> 03:22:34,299
whole group or small group, students communicative are

1269
03:22:39,504 --> 03:22:39,504
collaborating and then the content knowledge, the

1270
03:22:43,775 --> 03:22:47,045
standards that we have to teach science and social studies but also computer science and the digital learning standards.

1271
03:22:57,856 --> 03:23:01,092
so, as he stated, we are an apple distinguished school. All five of our schools are apple distinguished schools which is

1272
03:23:03,729 --> 03:23:03,729
a huge deal because there are very few schools in the world

1273
03:23:09,101 --> 03:23:09,101
who are apple distinguished schools. It's not official and

1274
03:23:14,439 --> 03:23:14,439
we have only been nominated for it but we are the first

1275
03:23:19,310 --> 03:23:19,310
district to be nominated for the first  apple distinguished

1276
03:23:26,651 --> 03:23:28,754
district which is pretty amazing. I hope we get it, hopefully putting it out to the universe lets that happen but

1277
03:23:31,723 --> 03:23:33,791
as soon as I know I will definitely be sharing with you that is a huge deal. The first ever in the whole world , it's

1278
03:23:47,105 --> 03:23:49,908
not that we chose apple because it's amazing, and I do love it, it's not because of the tool, it's because their egos

1279
03:23:51,876 --> 03:23:54,479
aligns with our egos. When you look at their hopes for education in the way that they support education, it aligns so

1280
03:23:56,747 --> 03:23:56,747
well with our profile , they want to empower students the

1281
03:24:03,755 --> 03:24:06,258
same way we want to empower students. They also have a team, they have three members of the team that's come and

1282
03:24:08,526 --> 03:24:08,526
visit with us. We have a consultant to comes, I bug him

1283
03:24:13,931 --> 03:24:16,635
all the time. He probably does not love when I email him, he probably does. I bet he does right now I'm all the time and

1284
03:24:22,707 --> 03:24:25,977
I am like hey, this is what we are planning on doing. Come and visit and take a look. I would love to bounce some ideas off

1285
03:24:28,512 --> 03:24:31,515
of you and he is all about it. And then we have somebody on the operations side. He helps with any issues we are having

1286
03:24:37,521 --> 03:24:40,358
but also forecasting five, 10 years into the future and how can we support  students even better. That comes along with

1287
03:24:50,568 --> 03:24:51,869
our purchase, even though you see the high-priced heavenly talk about computers and ipods, it also comes with a team that

1288
03:24:56,907 --> 03:24:59,044
supports us to do amazing things. We don't talk about them that much but I think we should talk about them. I'm

1289
03:25:01,479 --> 03:25:03,748
going to leave you with some pictures. This shows the balance of unplugged and plugged in activities, we've

1290
03:25:05,917 --> 03:25:05,917
got to really engage kids, but I also want to show you what

1291
03:25:10,755 --> 03:25:10,755
teachers look like when they are engaged because it is

1292
03:25:15,026 --> 03:25:15,026
amazing. Now I did cheat, that is a top 10 picture that I've

1293
03:25:19,997 --> 03:25:19,997
ever taken but they are in elementary school so I kind of

1294
03:25:27,772 --> 03:25:29,573
cheated. I promise that the lower elementary school teachers look just like that too when they look at our team.

1295
03:25:32,142 --> 03:25:32,142
this is what we want to do with technology. We are trying to

1296
03:25:36,547 --> 03:25:36,547
create labs of kids where they just stare at a screen all day,

1297
03:25:43,820 --> 03:25:46,690
there  -- we want kids to be creating, communicating. They have lots of good ideas, they have so much to share  I would

1298
03:26:17,788 --> 03:26:19,957
also love, I know this is unconventional, but I would love to assisted our preschool and I know we have another

1299
03:26:21,825 --> 03:26:25,596
visit coming up. >> okay. So, he is changing it back to us. Thank you, board members, do you have any

1300
03:26:36,040 --> 03:26:36,040
questions? >> first off, the visit was

1301
03:26:41,979 --> 03:26:41,979
wonderful.  Roughly how many hours a day to your students

1302
03:26:58,562 --> 03:26:58,562
from preschool -- who is what we saw.

1303
03:27:03,834 --> 03:27:03,834
>> how much time a day average?

1304
03:27:27,190 --> 03:27:29,359
>> before I was here, I started my education career as a preschool teacher, not a lot of people know that, and then I

1305
03:27:31,995 --> 03:27:31,995
taught third grade for a while I feel like kids need

1306
03:27:42,038 --> 03:27:42,038
exposure, they need a tool to create, but they also need

1307
03:27:47,844 --> 03:27:47,844
balance. They need to be able to explore in many ways. Not

1308
03:27:54,718 --> 03:27:54,718
just screens.  It is not all day

1309
03:28:10,933 --> 03:28:13,837
>> it is nice to be able to code to build something, who is going to build it? >> do you mean coding like on

1310
03:28:32,922 --> 03:28:35,157
the ipad, the computer? >> let's say you wanted to come up with something see design it on the ipad,

1311
03:28:37,994 --> 03:28:37,994
whatever, you do everything on the ipad and then well, you can

1312
03:28:45,101 --> 03:28:45,101
do that on the ipad but you can't get a job building

1313
03:28:50,106 --> 03:28:51,641
anything. >> it seems like I paid you to ask that question. Thank you so much for asking that question.

1314
03:28:57,179 --> 03:28:57,179
I agree that there are jobs , I don't remember the number,

1315
03:29:05,254 --> 03:29:07,322
tens of thousands of jobs open in virginia right now that involve the coding aspect of computer science. I think it is

1316
03:29:15,197 --> 03:29:18,834
important , giving them the opportunity to express themselves in different ways. I don't get is our job to raise

1317
03:29:27,809 --> 03:29:27,809
2600 computer scientists . We want people to become doctors

1318
03:29:35,752 --> 03:29:35,752
and nurses and teachers. It doesn't just stop there. I

1319
03:29:42,591 --> 03:29:42,591
think on the visit that you went with he was the rockstar

1320
03:29:51,133 --> 03:29:51,133
in goochland,  not first year teaching but first hearing one,

1321
03:29:58,974 --> 03:29:58,974
he talked about his shark take idea, what the kids did, they

1322
03:30:06,114 --> 03:30:08,150
designed, my favorite use of technology is blending digital and analog together and figuring out ways to put that

1323
03:30:10,352 --> 03:30:10,352
together. He had kids design things that our kindergartners

1324
03:30:16,825 --> 03:30:16,825
can use with very high scaffolds. It is tricky. Is

1325
03:30:27,369 --> 03:30:29,338
kind of like playing with blocks and then you can create a design in the new 3-d print it and have the design. It

1326
03:30:32,040 --> 03:30:34,576
might inspire somebody to become an architect. They used 30 printers and it might inspire somebody to be a

1327
03:30:38,047 --> 03:30:40,315
teacher. It takes that stuff that is trapped in the digital world and takes it out and put it  into our physical world and

1328
03:30:49,024 --> 03:30:51,393
I love that. We use things like hummingbirds and honestly you can cut me off at any time, I could talk all night. We have

1329
03:30:54,363 --> 03:30:57,665
things like hummingbirds, you have things that you can make with the cardboard in this picture , you can attach your

1330
03:31:04,907 --> 03:31:07,676
ipad to it. It has gears and motors and lights. Before I came to goochland , I went to a scratch made up, is like a

1331
03:31:11,246 --> 03:31:11,246
computer programming website there is a teacher from

1332
03:31:18,487 --> 03:31:20,655
goochland who is now the gifted resource teacher . She was sharing off some project in. One of the students had the

1333
03:31:31,566 --> 03:31:33,902
best project I've ever seen in my entire life. It was a unicorn that she made out of cardboard and this was seven,

1334
03:31:37,071 --> 03:31:37,071
eight years ago.  You had to solve a problem on the ipad and

1335
03:31:48,750 --> 03:31:48,750
when you solve it, the unicorn spun around and then opened its

1336
03:31:54,255 --> 03:31:56,992
mouth and tons of glitter just came out at you, it was so messy it was amazing and she was so proud. It was one of my

1337
03:32:00,695 --> 03:32:00,695
favorite things. It takes that digital and it unites it with

1338
03:32:06,701 --> 03:32:06,701
the analog and it kind of opens up the door to more and more

1339
03:32:11,139 --> 03:32:11,139
creativity. It starts here because that is where things

1340
03:32:16,111 --> 03:32:16,111
start with computer programming. We don't want to

1341
03:32:21,282 --> 03:32:21,282
leave it there, we want things to impact the real world. Great

1342
03:32:30,691 --> 03:32:30,691
question . >> anyone else?

1343
03:32:37,331 --> 03:32:37,331
>> you are so entertaining and we needed that.  My tour after

1344
03:32:45,406 --> 03:32:45,406
being a teacher and a preschool director and seeing what I

1345
03:32:51,145 --> 03:32:51,145
observed on our tour was absolutely amazing  and I

1346
03:32:59,420 --> 03:33:01,422
don't give a lot of complements, but that, the thing that impressed me the most was all of those children,

1347
03:33:09,864 --> 03:33:09,864
someone computers , and I loved where they were actually taking

1348
03:33:14,068 --> 03:33:14,068
the robot cars and designing the roads, every child was

1349
03:33:25,312 --> 03:33:25,312
engaged.  There was absolutely no need for any discipline,

1350
03:33:31,218 --> 03:33:33,420
they are children now, anything could burst out but it did not. Because I think they were so engaged. We thank you for that

1351
03:33:39,326 --> 03:33:39,326
for making those kinds of things happen and for a

1352
03:33:44,765 --> 03:33:44,765
preschool, I couldn't go for first grade, but those kids and

1353
03:33:49,403 --> 03:33:49,403
somewhat disability it was just beyond, probably the best tour

1354
03:33:56,977 --> 03:33:56,977
I've had, they've got to be great because I am all into the

1355
03:34:02,015 --> 03:34:02,015
children. I thank you for that opportunity.

1356
03:34:08,088 --> 03:34:10,690
>> thank you so much for saying that. That was definitely the highlight of my year, it was amazing. I can't take all of

1357
03:34:14,461 --> 03:34:18,365
the credit for it. This team right here, they make magic happen. And said this is a story that I tell, I told once

1358
03:34:21,468 --> 03:34:21,468
before and I promise I'm going to end soon, when I first

1359
03:34:26,005 --> 03:34:26,005
started doing this job, the instructional technology coach

1360
03:34:33,113 --> 03:34:35,315
job, it was my first day and I went into a fourth grade classroom with the teacher that I just met and she introduced

1361
03:34:37,951 --> 03:34:37,951
me to the kids and she said oh your last name is crazy how you

1362
03:34:44,024 --> 03:34:44,024
say it, and I said they can call me dr. C. He has a best

1363
03:34:53,600 --> 03:34:53,600
job in the world, he helps teachers dreams come true and I

1364
03:34:59,639 --> 03:35:02,175
was like oh my gosh I'm putting that on my resume. That is the best job in the whole world. That's what these almost four

1365
03:35:07,580 --> 03:35:09,816
people do every single day. That's why every year we ask for a fifth one. I just can't wait to have a full team

1366
03:35:13,253 --> 03:35:13,253
because the magic that they make happen is incredible .

1367
03:35:23,996 --> 03:35:23,996
>> how did you choose that? >> that was before me, but we

1368
03:35:30,170 --> 03:35:33,773
did have it where he came from before, you probably have a little bit of experience with it and I love that app because

1369
03:35:36,409 --> 03:35:36,409
it's a predator -- pretty popular app. There saying that

1370
03:35:45,951 --> 03:35:49,655
upper grades use it too. I would love to see upgrades use it. I think that would be too expensive. We will stick with

1371
03:35:55,695 --> 03:35:55,695
canvas. But it is so popular because of what you can do with

1372
03:36:02,969 --> 03:36:06,772
it . There is zero barrier to entry. Kids can open it up and start making they can take pictures, and then they can

1373
03:36:12,177 --> 03:36:12,177
take those and share them out . We don't want it just to stay

1374
03:36:29,395 --> 03:36:31,564
like we talked about it in the sandbox where nobody can see it, we want to engage with an authentic audience and that's

1375
03:36:34,199 --> 03:36:36,269
an app that allows that. It took me forever to figure out why they call that seesaw, I don't know if this is why, but

1376
03:36:38,938 --> 03:36:41,640
I imagine a kid that made did you see that app, I thought that's why they call it seesaw,  it is a great app, I

1377
03:36:54,987 --> 03:36:56,988
love that app. >> I was just going to thank you for the presentation. Is nice to see what they're

1378
03:36:59,158 --> 03:37:01,026
working on and I think the thing that I just appreciate the most is balance. As a teacher of young children, I

1379
03:37:08,000 --> 03:37:10,436
see so many that don't have the grip strength and the finger strength when they are writing or even just opening up

1380
03:37:13,105 --> 03:37:15,307
things were building and so there has to be a balance where they are doing both. Wonderful things with technology they

1381
03:37:19,077 --> 03:37:19,077
need to have that play, thank you so much.

1382
03:37:29,488 --> 03:37:29,488
>> okay, this was very timely. He's gone, come back. We have

1383
03:37:42,701 --> 03:37:45,337
apple device purchase on the action items for later so that was good timing on your part. >> so maybe I was put in the

1384
03:37:53,245 --> 03:37:53,245
right meeting . >> I will tell you my

1385
03:38:02,354 --> 03:38:04,489
observations and then I would like to hear from amaya because as a student in our schools, I'm curious to know her take

1386
03:38:06,791 --> 03:38:09,194
is on the ratio of analog and digital learning and how it has benefited her. I see applied learning, I see interactive

1387
03:38:11,029 --> 03:38:13,765
learning icy conceptual learning even in a digital world. I see an investment, we didn't become an apple

1388
03:38:20,539 --> 03:38:20,539
distinguished school division. Well, it is division . They can

1389
03:38:30,549 --> 03:38:30,549
decide later if they want to give us the award. We didn't

1390
03:38:34,986 --> 03:38:36,654
reach that without a significant dollar investment from our citizens. We need to like publicly acknowledged that

1391
03:38:41,092 --> 03:38:41,092
this was a shared investment and thank them for that. The

1392
03:38:48,199 --> 03:38:52,003
last thing before I get amaya to share her thoughts, your enthusiasm is utterly contagious. I love it, don't

1393
03:38:56,308 --> 03:38:56,308
ever let anybody take that from you. The kids are going to love

1394
03:39:01,047 --> 03:39:01,047
that. You will relate to them and build bonds. I just want to

1395
03:39:05,650 --> 03:39:05,650
applaud you, many years ago someone told me I needed to

1396
03:39:10,121 --> 03:39:10,121
temper my enthusiasm and I would like to just go back  to

1397
03:39:17,662 --> 03:39:21,633
retract those words now, I don't think you should ever temper your enthusiasm. >> I agree, thank you. >> miss amaya, what do you think?

1398
03:39:26,404 --> 03:39:26,404
>> I think it's awesome, I think the more into the future

1399
03:39:31,876 --> 03:39:31,876
we get, I think that a lot more things are going to be, you

1400
03:39:38,916 --> 03:39:41,285
have to use technology so we can't just rely on, I think it is important like you said to have balance between these

1401
03:39:44,321 --> 03:39:46,658
things but I also think it's important that we learn these while we are young before we are older and we struggle

1402
03:39:50,061 --> 03:39:50,061
learning how to do these certain things and I know you

1403
03:39:56,634 --> 03:39:58,536
mentioned canva, when you are making presentations and videos, I think it is a lot of trial and error  so I think

1404
03:40:02,706 --> 03:40:02,706
when you learn how to use these certain platforms and things, I

1405
03:40:07,311 --> 03:40:09,580
think that the younger you start the better that you will be and it will help you later in life.

1406
03:40:12,617 --> 03:40:15,987
>> I could not have said that better. I know we talked a little around, we might have a presentation coming up in

1407
03:40:23,060 --> 03:40:25,930
another month , but we can't expect kids going into ninth grade to be successful at a place like that without exactly

1408
03:40:28,099 --> 03:40:28,099
like you said, starting at day one. Perfect.

1409
03:40:41,512 --> 03:40:45,183
>>  I understand in the absence of dr. East, you are going to tee up our first reading of policy updates?

1410
03:40:49,687 --> 03:40:52,189
>> yes ma'am, I'm going to reiterate what you may have said earlier in the meeting and that is that the policy tonight

1411
03:40:57,127 --> 03:40:59,797
is up for discussion under first reading and not a vote for adoption. Just to give a little bit of the brief history

1412
03:41:03,166 --> 03:41:03,166
of the policy draft , this is a new policy that is being

1413
03:41:15,712 --> 03:41:15,712
proposed. There is no pre-existing or correlating

1414
03:41:20,350 --> 03:41:21,785
policy that exists by the virginia school boards association. This policy is proposed in reference to 22.1

1415
03:41:29,826 --> 03:41:33,130
dash 23.3 . We present it now for conversation about the policy. >> thank you. Board members, no

1416
03:41:41,538 --> 03:41:44,241
action tonight, would welcome any discussion, you've all had an opportunity along with the public to review the policy.

1417
03:41:50,414 --> 03:41:52,183
I'm certain the policy advisory committee would like your feedback and input . Feel free if you would like to let

1418
03:42:07,631 --> 03:42:07,631
me share. >> madam chair. We feel that, I

1419
03:42:14,538 --> 03:42:14,538
feel and I believe that, I'm not going to speak for anyone

1420
03:42:21,311 --> 03:42:21,311
else. I feel that the plan is a good plan, I think that we need

1421
03:42:26,983 --> 03:42:26,983
to have something in the policy to keep us from getting in

1422
03:42:32,489 --> 03:42:32,489
trouble, being sued , to keep all of the students safe, not

1423
03:42:42,866 --> 03:42:42,866
99% of them, not 1% of them, but 100% of them, it may need

1424
03:42:47,370 --> 03:42:47,370
some tweaking, I don't know about that, we will see and I

1425
03:42:52,275 --> 03:42:52,275
have heard some criticisms that you might have a new governor

1426
03:42:59,950 --> 03:43:02,718
in a couple of years in which case if they change the policy then we will, I would vote for abiding by the state rules.

1427
03:43:14,664 --> 03:43:14,664
>> thank you. >> I believe that when looking

1428
03:43:22,205 --> 03:43:25,708
at the policy that it really puts the parents in the driver seat for their child and it gives them the ability to

1429
03:43:33,382 --> 03:43:33,382
advocate for their child in the school system. For me it gives

1430
03:43:40,389 --> 03:43:43,293
all parents the ability to make decisions and be aware of what is happening to their child. >> miss maxwell?

1431
03:43:57,673 --> 03:43:57,673
>> when I was running for office, a lot of people that I

1432
03:44:03,178 --> 03:44:03,178
met with in my division were concerned about things and

1433
03:44:09,318 --> 03:44:11,854
bottom line they just felt like there needed to be something definitive, definitive policy regarding these issues . I

1434
03:44:20,062 --> 03:44:23,733
don't know that they felt necessarily one way or another but they felt like it should be a definitive policy regarding the issues of bathrooms. That was their main concern to be

1435
03:44:29,471 --> 03:44:29,471
honest. >> miss moses?

1436
03:44:35,110 --> 03:44:37,679
>> one thing that I do like about it that I really like about it is that the, it gives the parents an option to say

1437
03:44:41,483 --> 03:44:41,483
yes, I want my students to be treated like this.  One of the

1438
03:44:49,958 --> 03:44:49,958
requirements is in order for them to have a name change or

1439
03:44:55,397 --> 03:44:55,397
pronouns or something like that, they have to have, lack

1440
03:45:01,670 --> 03:45:03,972
of a better word, permission slip. The parents need to know what's going on. It's their children. Parental rights is

1441
03:45:08,410 --> 03:45:08,410
important here and the parents do need to know what is going

1442
03:45:12,615 --> 03:45:12,615
on, thanks. >> thank you, miss moses.

1443
03:45:20,456 --> 03:45:20,456
>> okay, my turn. It is no surprise to any of you that

1444
03:45:28,663 --> 03:45:28,663
this is been a very close to my heart issue not since last

1445
03:45:37,973 --> 03:45:37,973
january, but since july of 2021 . For nearly three years I have

1446
03:45:47,750 --> 03:45:49,917
studied this issue, I have followed the legislation, I have followed the attitudes of the day towards divisions  and

1447
03:46:00,395 --> 03:46:02,731
I want to direct some of the misinformation that has been spoken here tonight. First of all, virginia code, section 22

1448
03:46:08,603 --> 03:46:08,603
¿ 23 explicitly states that putting that legal reference in

1449
03:46:18,012 --> 03:46:18,012
the 19 nondiscrimination policies that we have at

1450
03:46:24,052 --> 03:46:24,052
goochland says we will follow the policies adopted by the

1451
03:46:28,523 --> 03:46:29,691
virginia department of education. Last summer, the virginia department of education  adopted a governors

1452
03:46:36,164 --> 03:46:38,933
policy. Already today we could all just go home and say, we are already following the model policy simply based on the

1453
03:46:45,172 --> 03:46:45,172
letter of the law. Now,  like miss maxwell, I heard extensive

1454
03:46:54,215 --> 03:46:54,215
feedback from community members that they did not like the

1455
03:46:59,020 --> 03:47:00,855
vagueness, we should not be asking our parents, students, and staff to try to figure out the web of illegal

1456
03:47:07,028 --> 03:47:07,028
cross-references about what the expectations are  in our

1457
03:47:15,803 --> 03:47:19,641
schools. Putting forth the policy provides clarity around that issue and ensures that everyone is on the same page. Also to miss moses his point, make sure that the staff

1458
03:47:27,315 --> 03:47:28,783
understand a procedural and operational practices point of view what the expectations are. It was mentioned during public

1459
03:47:32,920 --> 03:47:35,890
comment tonight that you can't deny a student with a gender identity different from -- access to the bathroom of their

1460
03:47:46,967 --> 03:47:46,967
choice.  Accommodations will be made to support that student.

1461
03:48:01,749 --> 03:48:03,751
by the way, from everyone who spoke tonight is consistent with what we are already doing and would not be a change

1462
03:48:18,432 --> 03:48:20,768
there has been express concern about you can't out a child and this could be dangerous to them, that is not the role of

1463
03:48:23,137 --> 03:48:25,439
the schools, that is the role of social services. If that child is in danger, the school division has a legal obligation

1464
03:48:27,674 --> 03:48:27,674
to report that to social services.  Why are you doing

1465
03:48:40,754 --> 03:48:40,754
this now? This should've been done last august.  Six more are

1466
03:48:55,869 --> 03:48:58,605
pending adoption  in several school divisions have taken pieces of the policy and integrated into other areas of

1467
03:49:00,440 --> 03:49:04,144
the policy. Those include hanover, virginia beach schools alike. Even if none of the school divisions had taken

1468
03:49:08,948 --> 03:49:08,948
action, I earnestly believe that what  governor young can,

1469
03:49:16,056 --> 03:49:19,159
the virginia department of education, and the attorney general have determined by legal review to meet the needs

1470
03:49:22,996 --> 03:49:22,996
of all students. I don't know how many students identify as

1471
03:49:30,870 --> 03:49:34,775
transgender because guess what, that's not relevant to me, that is a private personal matter to their well-being.

1472
03:49:39,913 --> 03:49:43,049
what I do know is both transgender students and non-transgender students alike deserve privacy, protection,

1473
03:49:48,689 --> 03:49:48,689
and equal opportunities for services from our

1474
03:49:53,093 --> 03:49:53,093
administration and our guidance counselors. There is nothing in

1475
03:49:58,998 --> 03:50:02,602
this draft policy that says that that would not be provided. I also appreciate that in several sections where

1476
03:50:08,608 --> 03:50:09,943
there is superseding authorities for decision-making, the policy clearly states shall provide

1477
03:50:15,514 --> 03:50:17,717
reasonable modifications for this policy only to the extent required by law. We are not negating laws that go above and

1478
03:50:23,122 --> 03:50:24,891
beyond with our local authority can allow. Those cross-references are also included. From my assessment ,

1479
03:50:35,468 --> 03:50:38,137
spending way too much time in the last two and half years examining this issue, I appreciate the work that the

1480
03:50:40,139 --> 03:50:42,309
policy advisory committee has done to this point to bring this draft forward. I do not have any technical edits at

1481
03:50:47,681 --> 03:50:49,782
this time, but look forward to continued feedback from our public as we take the next month to consult with our

1482
03:50:54,620 --> 03:50:54,620
superintendents central administration office and other

1483
03:50:59,392 --> 03:50:59,392
staff and best understand, what does this look like for you in

1484
03:51:05,031 --> 03:51:05,031
practice? Any final thoughts from any other board members

1485
03:51:11,370 --> 03:51:11,370
this evening?  Very well, thank you for your input on such a

1486
03:51:17,510 --> 03:51:17,510
delicate get important topic for our community. Okay, miss

1487
03:51:24,183 --> 03:51:26,218
white, we had training on roberts rules of order so just sit tight there. Believe it or not this works differently than

1488
03:51:32,324 --> 03:51:32,324
you might think it does. Board members, we are now moving to

1489
03:51:38,731 --> 03:51:38,731
the action items portion of our agenda and I will entertain a

1490
03:51:45,237 --> 03:51:45,237
motion, would you like to take them as a slate, or what is

1491
03:51:52,978 --> 03:51:52,978
your pleasure? >> I think we should talk about

1492
03:51:59,217 --> 03:51:59,217
the apple device divide for the apple device purchase to be

1493
03:52:07,893 --> 03:52:07,893
separate  -- >> I have a motion and a second

1494
03:52:28,647 --> 03:52:28,647
to separate the section of the apple device purchase from the

1495
03:52:33,419 --> 03:52:33,419
instructional calendar topics and all of those in favor, any

1496
03:52:40,292 --> 03:52:40,292
discussion?  Great, all those in favor say I. Any opposed?

1497
03:52:50,869 --> 03:52:53,305
debbie, we are learning. Miss white, we look forward to hearing from you on the apple device purchase.

1498
03:53:01,914 --> 03:53:01,914
>> thank you. So, this is a request that you will get every

1499
03:53:08,487 --> 03:53:08,487
year. Every year we renew  our third, sixth, and ninth grade

1500
03:53:18,897 --> 03:53:18,897
devices. The ipads last for three years each and are -- our

1501
03:53:23,201 --> 03:53:23,201
macbooks last for -- they get a new laptop and it will last for

1502
03:53:31,777 --> 03:53:31,777
their high school career . So, as you can see, the current

1503
03:53:40,585 --> 03:53:43,054
cost for an ipad is $429, that is a discounted rate for the school division and the laptops are $849 each.  We are looking

1504
03:53:50,829 --> 03:53:50,829
to buy a 570 devices and what we've done over the last few

1505
03:53:58,303 --> 03:54:00,938
years  is we have slowly increased the budget so that we no longer have to lease those items, we can outright purchase

1506
03:54:02,841 --> 03:54:02,841
them. What happens is at the end of that time, they can

1507
03:54:08,613 --> 03:54:11,882
either pass it along to staff, or the ipads to our younger students that don't use them quite as often, don't take

1508
03:54:14,419 --> 03:54:17,655
them home so they have a little bit longer of an afterlife. We eventually sell them on got deals. We get fairly decent

1509
03:54:23,794 --> 03:54:23,794
money for those devices because we take very good care of them.

1510
03:54:30,168 --> 03:54:30,168
is so, what we are asking for you today is, you see a

1511
03:54:38,008 --> 03:54:38,008
purchase here for $328,000 which is within our budget, we

1512
03:54:44,816 --> 03:54:44,816
use bps a grant money as well as our own operating budget for

1513
03:54:50,154 --> 03:54:50,154
that and I also ask that you agreed to let us source apple

1514
03:54:56,127 --> 03:54:56,127
and we will post that, and on our website . That is my asked

1515
03:55:04,001 --> 03:55:04,001
tonight for you to approve this purchase and to allow us to use

1516
03:55:08,439 --> 03:55:08,439
apple as the only place we can by apple device.

1517
03:55:15,379 --> 03:55:15,379
>> do we have any questions? >> I'm just curious, so,

1518
03:55:23,521 --> 03:55:26,991
third, sixth, and ninth grade you replace them. So, is this typically the same amount every time? The amount of --

1519
03:55:37,568 --> 03:55:39,703
>> so, every cohort has slightly different numbers of students but our cohorts are typically 200 students per

1520
03:55:45,977 --> 03:55:45,977
grade.  We have a smaller than 200 cohort .

1521
03:56:05,696 --> 03:56:07,598
>> have you noticed a huge increase in cost? >> no. We have had pretty steady pricing for the ipads

1522
03:56:09,800 --> 03:56:09,800
and macbooks over the 12 years that I've been here.

1523
03:56:16,206 --> 03:56:16,206
>> they only last you three to four years?

1524
03:56:25,449 --> 03:56:25,449
>> yes. There are different generations as you know of

1525
03:56:30,654 --> 03:56:30,654
ipads and macbooks. At a certain point, even if the

1526
03:56:36,927 --> 03:56:40,029
device itself is in pretty good shape, although think about kids taking this back and forth to school all of the time, they

1527
03:56:43,834 --> 03:56:43,834
do get banged up a little bit. The platform that they run on,

1528
03:56:49,940 --> 03:56:53,109
at a certain point our technology department doesn't get the support and so everything that they do on

1529
03:56:59,350 --> 03:57:02,886
these devices are done remotely so they tried to keep them all about the same level of the platform that they run on so

1530
03:57:12,129 --> 03:57:14,464
that they can be feeding information out to these computers and updating them regularly remotely on a common

1531
03:57:21,971 --> 03:57:21,971
platform. >> board members, any other

1532
03:57:25,975 --> 03:57:25,975
questions for ms. White?  All right, board members, we have

1533
03:57:39,623 --> 03:57:41,457
an apple device purchase request before us, I will entertain a motion. >> the motion is written there,

1534
03:57:48,498 --> 03:57:48,498
it's very specific because it's got the apple sole-source

1535
03:57:53,569 --> 03:57:55,238
language. >> madam terry moved to approve the purchase of ipads and macbook errors for 328,530 and

1536
03:58:02,345 --> 03:58:06,149
that there is only one source practically available to provide the apple ipads and macbook errors and that source

1537
03:58:15,091 --> 03:58:15,091
is apple. >> I have a motion, do I have a

1538
03:58:22,799 --> 03:58:25,535
second? >> it has been moved and properly seconded to approve the purchase of the apple

1539
03:58:29,339 --> 03:58:33,276
devices. Any further discussion, or are you ready for the question. All those in favor of the motion say I?

1540
03:58:42,385 --> 03:58:42,385
those opposed say no. It is approved miss white, thank you

1541
03:58:52,695 --> 03:58:52,695
very much. >> our students will be very

1542
03:58:57,366 --> 03:58:57,366
happy with shiny new devices this fall . Board members, just

1543
03:59:05,407 --> 03:59:09,078
reminding you that your original motion for action items was to deal with the apple device purchase and to deal with the instructional calendar separately. With that

1544
03:59:11,347 --> 03:59:11,347
I'm going to turn it over to walk us through  one at a time

1545
03:59:20,857 --> 03:59:22,091
please. A >> we will start with the calendar for the upcoming academic year, 2024-2025. A

1546
03:59:29,131 --> 03:59:31,400
little history, we really work to modify our calendars so that they are better aligned with the rest of our region as

1547
03:59:38,641 --> 03:59:42,345
previously presented tonight and over the last several months, that is something that our staff has been very desirous of and it would certainly help us with our

1548
03:59:44,079 --> 03:59:44,079
retention efforts. We made some modifications and had this

1549
03:59:48,717 --> 03:59:48,717
calendar up for considerations in december, I pulled that's

1550
03:59:56,058 --> 03:59:57,793
because I wanted to have the new board have opportunity to weigh in on the calendar. Some of the most, some of the

1551
04:00:02,865 --> 04:00:02,865
biggest differences in the draft that is currently adopted

1552
04:00:10,873 --> 04:00:13,475
. And the draft that I am proposing this evening would be in august 19th start date as opposed to august the 12th. The

1553
04:00:17,312 --> 04:00:19,347
last day of school is being recommended for amendment to may the 30th as opposed to june 6th, this calendar maintains

1554
04:00:24,553 --> 04:00:27,389
the integrity of all of our other student holidays and professional development days. This calendar is proposed also

1555
04:00:32,961 --> 04:00:32,961
would move our spring break to the first week of april, which

1556
04:00:38,667 --> 04:00:38,667
conveys to the remaining schools in our region. Teachers

1557
04:00:46,007 --> 04:00:48,577
expressed interest in wanting to have us continue some form of a fall break. That was extremely popular this past

1558
04:00:54,749 --> 04:00:56,284
fall when we had our intercessions. Teachers have the opportunity to choose whether to work intercession or

1559
04:01:02,523 --> 04:01:04,526
take the time off to recharge their batteries. They expressed to us the importance of maintaining that time. They had

1560
04:01:09,464 --> 04:01:11,566
put forth at two days in october which would've been coupled with an optional friday for what could be five

1561
04:01:15,270 --> 04:01:17,205
consecutive days for staff to travel if that's what they wanted to do. This particular calendar proposal does not

1562
04:01:24,011 --> 04:01:24,011
include the. We have taken the two days from october and moved

1563
04:01:29,751 --> 04:01:32,020
them to the monday and tuesday preceding thanksgiving. Traditionally thanksgiving break in goochland has been

1564
04:01:37,458 --> 04:01:40,829
inclusive , this would give staff and students the holiday for the entirety for the entire week of thanksgiving.  Allowing

1565
04:01:50,004 --> 04:01:50,004
our teachers greater extended opportunity to recharge their

1566
04:01:54,342 --> 04:01:56,777
batteries. Madam chair, those are the highlights of the newly proposed calendar. >> thank you and correct me if

1567
04:02:03,618 --> 04:02:03,618
I am wrong, but I believe that this instructional calendar may

1568
04:02:07,756 --> 04:02:09,624
have eight fewer teaching days than our current calendar which gives our hard-working staff some much-needed time back.

1569
04:02:13,094 --> 04:02:13,094
>> those days come in as mentioned one week later and

1570
04:02:21,869 --> 04:02:21,869
concluding  one week early. This does include 176 days as

1571
04:02:34,782 --> 04:02:37,485
opposed to the 180 that lots of people are accustomed to. Again I will remind you that the code prescribes 180 days or 990

1572
04:02:39,720 --> 04:02:41,655
instructional hours. Our school day is longer than the average school day of the commonwealth by 30 minutes. We are going to

1573
04:02:44,158 --> 04:02:44,158
make the hours easily and have room for adverse for implement

1574
04:02:53,934 --> 04:02:57,472
weather. >> just recalling our conversations, this also retains to align with the

1575
04:03:02,744 --> 04:03:02,744
pre-christmas window. A very natural sequence .

1576
04:03:09,284 --> 04:03:11,518
>> these are all things that I would've highlighted but admittedly I am in my 16th hour of work. You are absolutely

1577
04:03:18,793 --> 04:03:20,861
correct in that this will maintain our tradition of ending the semester at winter break. The first semester will

1578
04:03:23,864 --> 04:03:27,267
start on the first day of school august 19th and conclude on that day. >> board members, do you have,

1579
04:03:36,043 --> 04:03:36,043
no, I will entertain a motion.

1580
04:03:45,986 --> 04:03:48,488
>> madam chair? >> I move that the 2024, 2025 calendar be approved as written.

1581
04:03:52,426 --> 04:03:52,426
>> motion? >> I will second.

1582
04:03:57,531 --> 04:03:57,531
>> and a second, is there any discussion about the calendar?

1583
04:04:08,308 --> 04:04:10,678
have heard from a number of teachers that the day after the super bowl would be a good day to have off.

1584
04:04:16,149 --> 04:04:19,987
>> for the fan of the losing team, it is certainly a good day to have off. And if I didn't have my two by twos

1585
04:04:25,725 --> 04:04:25,725
yesterday, I swear I would've taken it.  I think I am more

1586
04:04:34,267 --> 04:04:34,267
down now than I was then. It never gets easier when you are

1587
04:04:41,374 --> 04:04:43,509
a fan. >> okay, board members it has been moved and properly seconded to adopt the proposed

1588
04:04:49,582 --> 04:04:49,582
changes to the 24-25 school year calendar as presented by

1589
04:04:55,989 --> 04:04:58,358
-- hearing no further discussion, I will call the vote. All those in favor say I. Any opposed say no.  You have

1590
04:05:09,136 --> 04:05:10,971
your calendar. >> thank you so much, madam chair. This will certainly make our staff and students and

1591
04:05:13,272 --> 04:05:13,272
hopefully families very happy.

1592
04:05:21,180 --> 04:05:21,180
>> this really just pertains to the fifth

1593
04:05:35,528 --> 04:05:35,528
>> board members, I will entertain a motion.

1594
04:05:43,436 --> 04:05:43,436
>> I move that it be approved as written.

1595
04:05:55,615 --> 04:05:55,615
>> I have a motion and a second to approve the 2024 school year

1596
04:06:01,454 --> 04:06:01,454
calendar to make march 5th an asynchronous learning day for

1597
04:06:07,393 --> 04:06:07,393
all students across the division. Is there any further

1598
04:06:14,200 --> 04:06:18,104
discussion?  Hearing on, all of those in favor say aye, any opposed, say no.  Dr. Cromartie? Fantastic, moving

1599
04:06:32,218 --> 04:06:34,286
right along, we have items for board review, would you like to share anything out of this selection  of material? None

1600
04:06:37,055 --> 04:06:39,558
other than to say that last year the school board agreed that we would present the to an tactical board plan quarterly.

1601
04:06:44,396 --> 04:06:47,900
it is time for us to do that in the month of february. The next time that we come forth, it will be the month of april. The

1602
04:06:54,207 --> 04:06:54,207
attendance updates are pretty much standard.

1603
04:07:01,780 --> 04:07:01,780
>> board members, no action here for us, do you have any

1604
04:07:07,219 --> 04:07:07,219
questions or any comments? >> hearing on, we will move to

1605
04:07:17,330 --> 04:07:17,330
any new business. That is just part of items for review but if

1606
04:07:23,135 --> 04:07:23,135
you would like to comment on the. Great, there were two

1607
04:07:27,138 --> 04:07:30,208
items added to our agenda when you adopted them several hours ago for new business, miss moses.

1608
04:07:36,548 --> 04:07:39,384
>> okay, I moved to have ms. Bennett as school board clerk pay dues for personal school board member dues.

1609
04:07:50,495 --> 04:07:50,495
>> I second. Payment great, it has been moved and second to

1610
04:07:57,302 --> 04:07:57,302
have the school board clerk pay for annual membership. Any

1611
04:08:06,578 --> 04:08:06,578
further discussion?  Great. Is, if any member has already paid

1612
04:08:16,588 --> 04:08:18,891
their dues personally, could you please make that known so that there are not duplicate l.e.a.p. Paid -- paid more than

1613
04:08:29,967 --> 04:08:29,967
once. Are there any members that have paid for the year

1614
04:08:37,342 --> 04:08:37,342
2024 ? Miss moses has paid the dues see you can take that from

1615
04:08:42,414 --> 04:08:42,414
the invoice total please. Okay, any other discussion?  Hearing

1616
04:08:50,021 --> 04:08:50,021
none, all those in favor of having the annual membership

1617
04:08:54,426 --> 04:08:57,629
dues paid, say I. >> I. >> any opposed, say no. Your motion carries miss moses.

1618
04:09:03,501 --> 04:09:03,501
>> thank you, I also have another motion that  we look

1619
04:09:14,278 --> 04:09:14,278
into alternate legal counsel for the school board.

1620
04:09:20,685 --> 04:09:20,685
>> do I have a second? >> I second that.

1621
04:09:28,760 --> 04:09:28,760
>> it has been moved and properly seconded to explore

1622
04:09:33,164 --> 04:09:33,164
legal counsel options for the school board, is there any

1623
04:09:39,470 --> 04:09:42,873
discussion?  Hearing none, I will call the question, all those in favor say I. All those opposed, say no. And again,

1624
04:09:48,813 --> 04:09:48,813
miss moses, your motion carries. Think you.  -- thank

1625
04:10:02,693 --> 04:10:02,693
you all those in favor say I, any opposed? Wonderful, the

1626
04:10:15,006 --> 04:10:17,008
goochland county school board will reconvene at 5:30 p.m. On tuesday, february 27, that is two weeks from today.  In the

1627
04:10:19,509 --> 04:10:19,509
goochland annex building at 2938 river