School Board highlights
Here are highlights from the March 14 School Board work session and business meeting. Full presentations and a video of the meeting can be viewed on BoardDocs.
Work session presentations
- FY24 State Legislative Budget Session
- School Safety & Security Update
- Graduation 2023
- School Board Self-Evaluation, Code of Conduct and Governance Manual
Awards and recognitions
Katy Clarke, specialty center coordinator for the Governor’s Academy for Engineering Studies at Bird High, and her students were recognized for creating an engaging, educational engineering outreach project during Engineering Week.
This school year — for the first time ever — divers were part of Chesterfield County Public Schools swim teams competing in the Virginia High School League. Manchester High teacher Linda Haer coordinated the CCPS pilot program for diving, while also serving as Manchester High’s swim coach. The School Board recognized these students who jumped at the opportunity to dive for their schools:
- Cady Baron of James River High
- Isabelle Haer of Manchester High
- Ainsley Laine and James Lavender of Midlothian High
- Isabel Cheng, Kat Galang and Emily Strickland of Monacan High
Congratulations to Spring Run Elementary for being named a Virginia Naturally Recognized School.
Congratulations to Robious Elementary, Robious Middle, Salem Church Middle and Spring Run Elementary for being honored as 2021-23 National PTA Schools of Excellence.
These principals were recognized as the division’s nominees for the R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership:
- Giuliana Brink of Gates Elementary
- Katie Matheny of Woolridge Elementary
- Matthew Strittmatter of Elizabeth Davis Middle
- Dr. Amanda Voelker of James River High
- Debbie Weatherford of Watkins Elementary
Giuliana Brink and Matthew Strittmatter were named the finalists, and Giuliana Brink was declared this year’s award winner.
These bus drivers were recognized for outstanding performance:
- Natasha Craddock (Area 1, Bus 725) 10 years of service
- Jennifer Schepker (Area 2, Bus 770) five years of service
- Samuel Jacquet (Area 3, Bus 112) two years of service
- Dorothy “Lynne” Ivey (Area 4, Bus 778) six years of service
- Michelle Bailey (Area 5, Bus 861) 20 years of service
These food service employees were recognized for outstanding performance:
- Terry Phillips (food service associate at Salem Middle) three years of service
- Tara Shelby (cafeteria manager at Swift Creek Middle) four years of service
- Latifa Qorra (food service associate at Robious Middle) seven years of service
- Lisa Smith, (food service associate at Falling Creek Elementary) eight years of service
- Laura Jarrett (food service associate at Jacobs Road Elementary) nine years of service
Jacobs Road Elementary student Izzy Wagner and Providence Middle student Zara Mutch showcased their essays on why the arts are important to them.
Manchester High School’s award-winning Madrigal Ensemble treated the School Board to a musical performance.
Superintendent’s report
The School Board presented Dr. Robin Yohe with a resolution recognizing March 2023 as Music in Our Schools Month and Jimi Herd with a resolution recognizing March 2023 as Youth Art Month.
Board Actions
The consent agenda was approved as presented. Memos of interest included:
- Memo #028-23: Recommended Personnel Actions
- Memo #029-23: FY2023 – Acceptance of New Grants
- Memo #030-23: Acceptance of Donations
- Resolution Recognizing March 2023 as Equity in Education Month
- Memo #031-23: VSBA Business Honor Roll
- Memo #032-23: Approval of Participation in Proposed Settlement of Opioid-Related Claims
- Memo #033-23: Transfer of Budget from Instruction to Operations
Items for review
At each meeting, a number of items are shared with the School Board for their review and for public consumption. These do not require action on the board’s part. This month’s packet included:
- Magisterial District Improvement Funds – FY2023
- FY2023 – January – Expenditures vs. Appropriations
- Budget Change Request Summary Across Categories – January 2023
- Board Committee Reports
- PreK Update: January 2023
- FY2023 – Quarterly Budget Review – Mid-Year