Here are highlights from the March 12 School Board work session and business meeting. Full presentations and a video of the meeting are available on BoardDocs.
Work session presentations
Awards and recognitions
After hearing from three students on what art means to them and a performance by the Cosby High chamber ensemble, the School Board adopted resolutions that recognized March as Music in Our Schools Month and Youth Art Month.
Heather Russell, who teaches fourth grade at Bettie Weaver Elementary, was recognized for being named the 2023 Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Society for Technology in Education.
Vivian Rivera-Maysonet, who teaches fourth grade at Elizabeth Scott Elementary, was recognized for being named the 2024 Bilingual Teacher of the Year by the National Association for Bilingual Education.
Six principals were recognized as the division’s nominees for the R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership, and Dr. Randi Smith of Ettrick Elementary was announced as this year’s winner.
These bus drivers were recognized for outstanding performance:
Ernest Duncan, Area 1, Bus 646, two years of service
Eric Sorenson, Area 2, Bus 208, one year of service
Nicole Winningham, Area 3, Bus 258, two years of service
Christina Austin, Area 4, Bus 223, two years of service
Josh Simon, Area 5, Bus 600, six years of service
These food service employees were recognized for outstanding performance:
Gina Aldaz, food service associate at Swift Creek Middle, three years of service
Deshara Thomas, food service associate at Providence Middle, seven years of service
Fen Huang, food service associate at Cosby High, 11 years of service
Misty Fens, assistant manager at CTC@Courthouse, five years of service
Catherine Clement, assistant manager at Ettrick Elementary, eight years of service
Superintendent’s report
Shawn Smith, chief communications and community engagement officer, provided an update on the 2024 legislative program.
Board actions
The consent agenda was approved. Memos of interest included:
Resolution Recognizing March 2024 as Equity in Education Month
Memo #029-24: Approval of the Additional CCPS Mathematics Pathway
Memo #030-24: FY2024 — Transfer of Budget from Federal to State Revenue Source
Memo #032-24: Alternative Accreditation Plan for Carver College and Career Academy
Memo #033-24: Appointment of Members to School Board Advisory Committees
The board approved memo #038-24, which recommended that the board retain Kirton McConkie (and its associated law firms) to assert any claims it may have against the named social media defendants for damages arising out of the design and operation of social media platforms and the creation of a public nuisance; and authorize the chair of the School Board to execute the attorney-client engagement agreement necessary to effectuate such retention on behalf of the entire board.
Items for review
At each meeting, a number of items are shared with the School Board for review and for public consumption. These do not require action on the board’s part. This month’s packet included:
Magisterial District Improvement Funds — FY 2024
FY 2024: January Expenditures vs. Appropriations
Budget Change Request Summary Across Categories — January 2024
Board Committee Reports
Prekindergarten Update: January 2024