Here are highlights from the April 9 School Board work session and business meeting. Full presentations and a video of the meeting are available on BoardDocs.

Work session presentations

Administrative appointments

Dr. Daugherty introduced these new administrators:

  • Bruce Fillman, principal of west area middle school

  • Scott Males, coordinator of alternative programs

  • Jonathan Dixon, principal of Matoaca Middle School

 

Awards and recognitions

Three students were recognized for being in the top five students in the Region 1 CyberStart America leaderboard challenge supported by the Virginia Department of Education: Rohit Gayli, 12th grader at Clover Hill High; Conor Hamilton, 12th grader at Manchester High; and Richard Bates, 11th grader at Thomas Dale High.

 

Edward Petersen, a Thomas Dale High student, was recognized for winning the Rule of Law Day essay contest.

The Monacan High girls swimming and diving team was recognized for winning the VHSL Class 4 state title for the third year in a row.

The Manchester High girls basketball team was recognized for winning the VHSL Class 6 state championship.

Teachers of the Year from every school were celebrated in advance of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10).

Congratulations to the 22 participants who completed the latest round of the Learning With You.

These bus drivers were recognized for outstanding performance:

  • Jhos Paulino, Area 1, Bus 480, one year of service

  • Chris Timmer, Area 2, Bus 749, two years of service

  • Ruth Harrup, Area 3, Bus 888, 21 years of service

  • John West, Area 4, Bus 714, two years of service

  • Lora Murray, Area 5, Bus 20, two years of service

These food service employees were recognized for outstanding performance:

  • Summer Posey, food service associate at Davis Elementary, one year of service

  • Irma Thanasack, food service associate at Moseley Elementary, two years of service

  • Rie Sakurai, food service associate at Watkins Elementary, three years of service

  • Denise Moore, food service associate at Wells Elementary, 24 years of service

  • Dorothy Kitts, assistant manager at Bensley Elementary, 11 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:

The board approved memo #053-24, which recommended that the board move forward the top three names for the new west area middle school so the school division can engage the community to gather input about a final name to come before the School Board in May.

The board approved memo #054-24, which recommended that the board approve the 2024-25 local special education annual plan.

Superintendent’s remarks

Superintendent Mervin B. Daugherty announced that he will retire; his last day in the office will be June 30.

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: February Expenditures vs. Appropriations

  • Budget Change Request Summary Across Categories — February 2024

  • Board Committee Reports

  • Prekindergarten Update: February 2024