Jun 15, 2023 School Board Meeting

[ 1. Meeting Called to Order by Chair Alderton ]

[00:00:02]

WELCOME TO THE JUNE 15TH, 2023, SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.

I'M CALLING THE MEETING TO ORDER.

GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE.

THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT.

WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.

I'M CALLING THE MEETING TO ORDER AT.

6:32 P.M.

TODAY IS JUNE 15TH, 2023, AND I WILL DO A ROLL CALL.

WE HAVE A FEW MEMBERS WHO WILL NEED TO BE VOTED IN ELECTRONICALLY, SO WE'LL GET THAT IN AS WELL.

BUT I'M STARTING WITH MYSELF.

MEGAN ALDERTON IS PRESENT.

WILLIE BAILEY IS ABSENT.

KELLY BOOS.

ALL RIGHT. ABDUL AL-NUBI IS ABSENT FOR NOW.

JACINTA GREENE IS ABSENT FOR NOW.

CHRISTOPHER HARRIS PRESENT.

TAMMY IGNACIO IS ABSENT.

DR. MICHELE RIEF HERE AND DR.

SIMPSON BURIED HERE.

EXCELLENT. LET'S OBSERVE A MOMENT OF SILENCE.

[ 2. Observe a Moment of Silence ]

UM, MOVING ON.

[ 3. Adopt the Agenda for the June 15, 2023 School Board Meeting ]

MADAM CHAIR, I MOVE TO ADOPT THE AGENDA.

OKAY. WE HAVE A MOTION TO ADOPT THE AGENDA.

DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.

ALL RIGHT. HAVE MR. HARRIS, WHO'S SECOND? DR. RIEF MOTION.

MADAM CHAIR, I'D LIKE TO MAKE AN AMENDMENT.

OKAY. I MOVE THAT WE ADD, WE AMEND THE AGENDA TO ADD A CONVERSATION ON STEP INCREASES TO THE AGENDA.

OKAY, SO THERE IS A MOTION ON THE TABLE TO ADD A DISCUSSION ON STEPS.

WE HAVE A SECOND FROM DR.

SIMPSON BAIRD.

OKAY. SO WHAT I WANT US TO DO IS TO VOTE ON THE FIRST AMENDMENT.

YEAH. OKAY.

WE'RE GOING TO DO A HAND VOTE.

SO. ALL IN FAVOR? ALL RIGHT, WE HAVE ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR.

IN FAVOR. LOOK AT THAT.

I DIDN'T RAISE MY. OKAY, SO WE HAVE FOUR IN FAVOR.

ALL RIGHT. MADAM CHAIR OF ANOTHER AMENDMENT.

OKAY, MADAM CHAIR, I MOVE THAT WE AMEND THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING AGENDA FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 15TH TO INCLUDE AN ITEM ON DISCUSSION OF ENCORE TEACHER STAFFING IN SCHOOL YEAR 2324.

SECOND. ALL RIGHT, SO WE HAVE ANOTHER AMENDMENT TO INCLUDE ENCORE TEACHERS AND STAFFING.

WE HAVE A SECOND FROM MISS BOOS.

ALL IN FAVOR.

OKAY. WE HAVE FOUR IN FAVOR.

ALL RIGHT, SO NOW WE NEED TO VOTE.

GET THAT. ALL RIGHT. SO NOW WE NEED TO VOTE TO ADOPT THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.

ALL RIGHT. ALL IN FAVOR? OKAY. WE HAVE FIVE IN FAVOR OF ADOPTING THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.

ALL RIGHT. SO ARE WE OKAY? CLARK'S. WE GOOD TO GO? WE'RE GOOD TO GO. ALL RIGHT, GREAT.

A LOT OF AMENDMENTS. OKAY.

SO MOVING ON, WE HAVE ADOPT THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.

[4. Allow Participation of Board Member Jacinta Greene by Electronic Means ]

SO, UM.

DR. RIEF. YES.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. WHEREAS, BOARD MEMBER JACINTA GREENE HAS NOTIFIED THE BOARD THAT SHE IS UNABLE TO BE PHYSICALLY PRESENT FOR TONIGHT'S SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DUE TO A BUSINESS MATTER, SPECIFICALLY BUSINESS TRAVEL.

AND. WHEREAS, SHE HAS NOT PARTICIPATED IN MORE THAN 2 OR 25% OF BOARD MEETINGS BY ELECTRONIC MEANS DURING 2023.

AND. WHEREAS, BOARD MEMBER GREENE REQUESTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING BY VIDEOCONFERENCE CALL FROM OUT OF STATE, WHERE THE VIDEO CONFERENCE CALL SHALL BE HEARD BY ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THIS BOARD ROOM.

AND. WHEREAS, A QUORUM OF THE BOARD IS PHYSICALLY ASSEMBLED IN THIS ROOM.

THEREFORE, I MOVE PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE 2.2 3708 THAT THE BOARD APPROVED THE PARTICIPATION OF BOARD MEMBER JACINTA GREENE IN THIS MEETING BY VIDEO CONFERENCE CALL. SECOND.

ALL RIGHT. SO HAVE DR.

[00:05:01]

RIEF A MOTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? OKAY. WE'VE GOT FIVE IN FAVOR.

SO THAT MOTION CARRIES.

AND MS..

GREENE, YOU ARE NOW ABLE TO JOIN THE MEETING, SO WE WILL HAVE YOU DO YOUR VOTE ORALLY.

THANK YOU. GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE.

GOOD EVENING.

OKAY. WE NOW NEED TO ALLOW PARTICIPATION OF BOARD MEMBER ABDEL RAHMAN AL-NUBI BY ELECTRONIC MEANS.

[5. Allow Participation of Board Member Abdel-Rahman Elnoubi by Electronic Means ]

AND. WHEREAS, HE HAS NOT PARTICIPATED IN MORE THAN 2 OR 25% OF BOARD MEETINGS BY ELECTRONIC MEANS DURING 2023.

AND. WHEREAS, BOARD MEMBER AL-NUBI REQUESTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALL FROM OUT OF STATE, WHERE THE CONFERENCE CALL SHALL BE HEARD BY ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THIS BOARD ROOM.

AND. WHEREAS, A QUORUM OF THE BOARD IS PHYSICALLY ASSEMBLED IN THIS ROOM.

THEREFORE, I MOVE PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE 2.2 3708 THAT THE BOARD APPROVED THE PARTICIPATION OF BOARD MEMBER ABDEL RAHMAN AL-NUBI IN THIS MEETING BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALL.

SECOND. ALL RIGHT.

WE HAVE DOCTOR SIMPSON. BAIRD WHO? SECONDS. DOCTOR RIEF A MOTION.

ALL IN FAVOR? OKAY, WE HAVE FIVE IN FAVOR, SO THAT MOTION CARRIES.

AND ACTUALLY.

VICE CHAIR GREENE, WHAT'S YOUR VOTE? VOTE YES. OKAY, SO WE HAVE SIX IN FAVOR.

THE MOTION CARRIES.

ALL RIGHT, MR. NEWBY.

YOU MAY NOW PARTICIPATE ELECTRONICALLY IN THE MEETING, AND BE SURE WE'LL MAKE SURE THAT YOU PROVIDE YOUR VOTES ORALLY.

ALL RIGHT. LOTS OF MOTION.

EARLY IN THE GAME.

ALL RIGHT. SO COMMUNICATIONS AND ADDRESSES TO THE BOARD.

[ 6. Student Artwork Showcase ]

WYATT JUST TO TALK ABOUT THE STUDENT ARTWORK.

YES. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

IT'S MUCH QUIETER NOW.

WE HAD A NUMBER OF STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN HERE EARLIER WITH LOTS OF EXCITEMENT.

SO EARLIER THIS WEEK, WE DISPLAYED OVER 70 PIECES OF ORIGINAL STUDENT ARTWORK ON THE WALLS OF OUR ALEXANDRIA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL, SCHOOL BOARD ROOM.

ALL OF OUR SCHOOLS ARE REPRESENTED IN THESE WORKS HERE TONIGHT WITH ARTISTS RANGING FROM PRE-K ALL THE WAY UP TO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS.

THE CREATIVITY, SKILL AND PASSION OF THESE YOUNG ARTISTS IS CAPTIVATING.

ALEXANDRIA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BELIEVES THAT THE ARTS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE EDUCATION OF OUR CHILDREN.

THE ARTS ARE THE CORE ELEMENTS OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE DEEPENING EMPATHY, SHARPENING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS, AND PROVIDING CONNECTIONS ACROSS DIVERSE LANDSCAPES.

AND TONIGHT WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECOGNIZE THESE STUDENT ARTISTS WITH THEIR FAMILIES WHO WERE PRESENT.

AND I THINK THE FUN PART WAS NOT ONLY TAKING PICTURES WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND PARENTS AND TEACHERS AND OUR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION, BUT AFTERWARDS WE HAD COOKIES AND PUNCH, AND THAT SEEMED TO BE VERY EXCITING FOR OUR STUDENTS.

SO I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE PARENTS WHO I THINK THERE ARE A FEW PARENTS WHO ARE STILL HERE THIS EVENING AND FAMILIES SAW COMING IN TO LOOK AT THEIR ARTWORK AND JUST KNOW THAT THE COMMUNITY SUPPORTS OUR YOUNG ARTISTS HERE IN ALEXANDRIA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS ENDEAVOR.

OKAY. THANK YOU, DOCTOR.

AND THERE'S SOME REALLY AMAZING WORK IN THE ROOM, SO REALLY PROUD OF OUR STUDENTS.

ALL RIGHT. WE NOW NEED TO RECOGNIZE OUR VASAN NURSE OF THE YEAR.

[7. Recognition of Jodi Bobbitt, VASN Nurse of the Year ]

SHE IN THE ROOM? SO. YES.

YES.

CONGRATULATIONS, MISS BOBBITT.

I'M GOING TO READ A LITTLE BIT.

I SAY A LITTLE BIT, BUT I HAVE SOME GREAT THINGS THAT I'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE WHO'S LISTENING.

JODY BOBBITT, THE SCHOOL NURSE AT WILLIAM RAMSAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, WHO WAS NAMED THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION SCHOOL NURSES SCHOOL NURSE OF THE YEAR AT ITS ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN NOVEMBER OF 2022, WILL ALSO BE RECOGNIZED AT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL NURSES ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD JUNE 30TH THROUGH JULY 3RD IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA.

THAT SOUNDS LIKE A LOT OF FUN THERE.

WE WANT TO JOIN YOU ON THAT TRIP WITH THIS RECOGNITION.

NURSE BOBBITT DREW PRAISE IN THE NOMINATION PACKET FOR GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AND STAFF AT WILLIAM RAMSAY.

NURSE BOBBITT IS AN INVALUABLE RESOURCE TO OUR SCHOOL, AND IT IS AN HONOR TO RECOMMEND HER FOR THE VALUES AND EXCELLENCE IN SCHOOL NURSING AWARD, SAID OUR EXCUSE ME, OUR TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION SPECIALIST, CAROLYN DAUGHERTY.

MISS BOBBITT JOINED US IN APRIL OF 2018 AND WORKS TIRELESSLY TO SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH CHRONIC, MEDICALLY COMPLEX NEEDS BY REMOVING BARRIERS TO LEARNING, INCLUDING WORKING WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO FIND TARGETED PRIMARY CARE RESOURCES.

[00:10:05]

DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL NURSING DR.

ROBIN WHALEN, IT IS AN HONOR FOR CPS TO BE ABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SCHOOL NURSE JODY BOBBITT WITH THIS WELL-DESERVED RECOGNITION. DR.

WHALEN SAID THAT SORRY, I KNOW THERE'S A LOT.

OKAY. NURSE BOBBITT DEMONSTRATED HER PASSION AND DEDICATION TO INCREASE VACCINE CONFIDENCE BY EDUCATING HER SCHOOL COMMUNITY ABOUT COVID 19 VACCINES AND ALSO PARTICIPATED IN TWO GRANT ADMINISTRATOR PROGRAMS BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL NURSES TO INCREASE VACCINE CONFIDENCE.

IN ADDITION TO HER VALUABLE SERVICE TO HER SCHOOL COMMUNITY.

NURSE BOBBITT HAS SERVED IN LEADERSHIP ROLES IN THE SCHOOL DIVISION AND STATE.

SHE IS A NATIONALLY CERTIFIED SCHOOL NURSE AND A CERTIFIED FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER.

PLEASE HELP ME CONGRATULATE MS..

MS.. NURSE.

MS.. NURSE SORRY ABOUT THAT, NURSE JODY.

IT'S THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.

WORK WITH ME, EVERYONE.

NURSE BOBBITT.

AS SHE'S RETURNING TO HER SEAT.

I DO WANT TO SHARE ONE MORE QUOTE FROM HER PRINCIPAL, MR. RAFALSKI. NURSE BABBITT IS A TIRELESS ADVOCATE FOR CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND THE FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY.

SHE'S ALWAYS SEEKING RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO EDUCATE AND EMPOWER OUR FAMILIES.

WELLNESS. HER CAPACITY FOR EMPATHY AND ABILITY TO PROBLEM SOLVE MAKE HER AN INVALUABLE MEMBER OF OUR SCHOOL.

CONGRATULATIONS, NURSE.

CONGRATULATIONS. ALL RIGHT.

[8. Strategic Plan Video Vignette ]

THIS IS OUR LAST IN OUR SERIES.

AND DOCTOR SIMPSON, BARRETT IS HIDING HER FACE BECAUSE SHE IS THE STAR THIS EVENING.

SO. ALL RIGHT.

SO WE WILL TURN IT OVER.

WHEN FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY ARE ENGAGED IN OUR SCHOOLS, THEY HELP ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF ALL ALEXANDRIA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS.

IN OUR EQUITY FOR ALL 2025 STRATEGIC PLAN.

ACP HAS PLEDGED TO PROVIDE AN EQUITABLE, HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION THAT IS ACCESSIBLE AND ENGAGING TO ALL STUDENTS.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IS A CRITICAL PIECE TO MAKING THIS VISION A REALITY.

NOW MORE THAN EVER, WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF A STRONG PARTNERSHIP AMONG FAMILIES, EDUCATORS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE FUTURE GENERATIONS OF LEADERS HERE IN OUR CITY.

HER FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GOAL STRIVES TO ENSURE THAT ALL FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS FEEL WELCOMED, RESPECTED AND VALUED THROUGH THE FOLLOWING BY BEING INCLUDED IN DECISION MAKING PROCESSES.

BY FEELING EMPOWERED TO SUPPORT THE EDUCATION AND SERVICES PROVIDED TO OUR STUDENTS AND BY BEING CONNECTED TO A SYSTEM OF SERVICES ACROSS PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS.

IN THIS VIDEO, WE SHARE HOW FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IS HIGHLY VALUED AND NEEDED IN SUPPORTING ACP'S VISION TO INSPIRE STUDENTS AND ADDRESS BARRIERS TO THEIR LEARNING.

ACP PARTNERS WITH THE FAMILIES OF OUR MORE THAN 15,700 STUDENTS WHO COME FROM MORE THAN 119 COUNTRIES AND SPEAK 124 DIFFERENT LANGUAGES SO WE CAN WORK TOGETHER IN THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION AND IN SCHOOL AND DIVISION WIDE DECISION MAKING.

WE SUPPORT PARENTS AND KNOWING THE EXPECTATIONS FOR THEIR STUDENTS, LEARNING WHAT TO DO TO SUPPORT THEIR STUDENT'S SUCCESS AND HOW TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE.

OUR FAMILY LIAISONS WORK TO BRIDGE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HOME BY HELPING FAMILIES GET THE INFORMATION, SUPPORT AND HELP THEY NEED TO ENSURE THEIR CHILD'S ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL SUCCESS IN SCHOOL AND BEYOND.

OUR VOLUNTEERS, OUR FAMILY MEMBERS, PARTNERS AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO SUPPORT STUDENTS IN THEIR EDUCATION BY INVESTING THEIR TIME AND TALENTS.

MANY EVENTS SUCH AS FAMILY COOKOUTS AND NOCHES DE CIENCIAS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SOCIETY OF HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CHAPTER, BRING FAMILIES, PARTNERS AND SCHOOL LEADERS TOGETHER TO ENGAGE AND INVOLVE EVERYONE IN OUR STUDENTS EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT.

LANGUAGE EQUITY AND ACCESS IS A BIG PART OF OUR WORK TO MEET FAMILIES WHERE THEY ARE.

WHEN WE TRANSLATE COMMUNICATIONS INTO VARIOUS LANGUAGES OF OUR FAMILIES, WHICH INCLUDE SPANISH, ARABIC, AMHARIC AND DARI, IT INCREASES THE ABILITY TO REACH FAMILIES THROUGH PREFERRED COMMUNICATION CHANNELS, AND THE NUMBER OF FAMILIES RECEIVING REGULAR UPDATES GROWS.

[00:15:03]

DURING A PERIOD OF TRANSITION.

ACP WORKS WITH RIEF TO ENSURE AFGHAN FAMILIES AND STUDENTS ARE PROPERLY ENROLLED AND SUPPORTED IN OUR SCHOOL DIVISION.

AMIGOS DE LA COMUNIDAD IN CHIRILAGUA OR ARLANDRIA IS A GROUP OF LATINA IMMIGRANT MOTHERS WHO WORK TO ASSIST IMMIGRANT FAMILIES SEEKING ACCESS TO SERVICES INCLUDING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE AND SUPPORT FOR THEIR CHILDREN ARE OUT OF SCHOOL TIME.

PROGRAM LINK CLUB IS A FREE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PREPARE STUDENTS BY ADDRESSING THEIR COMPREHENSIVE NEEDS THROUGH A WHOLE CHILD APPROACH.

LINK CLUB BRINGS TOGETHER TEACHERS AND RECREATION AND COMMUNITY STAFF WORKERS TO SUPPORT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR SCHOOL CLASSROOMS THROUGH ACADEMIC TUTORING AND ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES. THE ALEXANDRIA PTA COUNCIL, ALSO KNOWN AS PTA, ENGAGES AND EMPOWERS FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES TO ADVOCATE FOR ALL CHILDREN IN OUR CITY COMMITTED TO OUR STUDENTS EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS, HEALTH AND WELL-BEING THROUGH STRONG FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.

P-TECH WORKS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ACP'S TO ENSURE FAMILIES ARE WELL INFORMED AND PART OF THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS.

WE HAVE ALSO ADOPTED RESEARCH BASED STRATEGIES TO DEVELOP AUTHENTIC, SUSTAINED RELATIONSHIPS WITH FAMILIES, TO SUPPORT STUDENTS SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND ACADEMIC WELL-BEING. FOR EXAMPLE, OUR COLLABORATIVE WORK WITH KINDRED COMMUNITIES, A NONPROFIT COMMUNITY PARTNER THAT WORKS WITH DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE, AND OUR FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OR FE STAFF, FACILITATES COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS TO CREATE ACTIONABLE PLANS TO REDUCE INEQUITIES ACROSS THE DIVISION.

HOME VISITS BY STAFF ARE A POWERFUL FAMILY ENGAGEMENT TOOL BECAUSE WE MEET FAMILIES WHERE THEY ARE.

VISITING STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT HOME BUILDS TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING AND CAN IMPROVE EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES.

FERDINAND DE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IS USING HOME VISITS TO BUILD MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH FAMILIES OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL AND TO HELP CULTIVATE TRUST AND A SHARED UNDERSTANDING. OUR FACE TEAM ALSO ENGAGES IN PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES SUCH AS COACHING AND MENTORSHIP TO BUILD CAPACITY AMONG STAFF, INCREASE FAMILY ENGAGEMENT PRACTICES IN SCHOOLS, AND PROMOTE AUTHENTIC PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN FAMILIES AND EDUCATORS.

FINALLY, THE OPENING OF A DEDICATED PHYSICAL SPACE.

THE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OR FAITH CENTER ALLOWS FOR A STRONGER AND MORE MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT TO SUPPORT STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND HEALTHY SOCIAL EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT. OUR LANGUAGE SPECIFIC AND BILINGUAL FAMILY LIAISONS WHO SERVE OUR AMHARIC, ARABIC AND SPANISH SPEAKING FAMILIES ARE PART OF THE FAITH TEAM.

THE CENTER SERVES AS THE HOME BASE FOR THESE FAMILY LIAISONS AS THEY WORK WITH FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY AT THE FAITH CENTER.

NEEDED RESOURCES ARE ALSO PROVIDED TO ALL ACP FAMILIES, ALONG WITH WORKSHOPS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AND OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE.

OUR FAITH TEAM'S EFFORTS STRENGTHEN FAMILY AND SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS AND INCREASE TWO WAY COMMUNICATION, CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT.

SO THE IMPACT OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT VARIES.

BUT 40 YEARS OF RESEARCH HAVE SHOWN THAT THE POSITIVE INVOLVEMENT OF PARENTS AND WORKING TOGETHER WITH SCHOOL PERSONNEL, IT DOES IMPACT IN A POSITIVE WAY THE CHILD'S EDUCATION, SOCIAL EMOTIONAL ATTENDANCE, BUT ALSO IT HELPS CHILDREN TO COMPLETE HIGH SCHOOL AND CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION BEYOND.

WHEN WE SAY IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD OR TO EDUCATE A CHILD, WE REALLY MEAN IT.

IT'S MORE THAN THE EDUCATORS, MORE THAN PARENTS, MORE THAN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.

WE REALLY ALL HAVE TO COME TOGETHER TO PROVIDE CHILDREN NOT ONLY WITH HIGH QUALITY INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES, BUT ALL OF THE WRAPAROUND SERVICES THAT THEY NEED TO SUPPORT THEM AS THEY GROW INTO HIGH FUNCTIONING AND REALLY FULLY CAPABLE ADULTS WHO ARE ABLE TO NAVIGATE OUR WORLD. AN OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE IMPACT.

THAT FAMILY ENGAGEMENT, THAT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HAS FOR OUR STUDENTS, IT REALLY INCREASES THE SUPPORTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THEM.

IT BROADENS THE THE RANGE OF RESOURCES THAT WE'RE ABLE TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO THEM AND REALLY ULTIMATELY TO THE EXPERIENCES THAT THEY'RE ABLE TO HAVE, WHETHER THEY'RE IN THE CLASSROOM OR IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES.

CPS IS COMMITTED TO CREATING MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS WITH FAMILIES TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS, ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

THE SCHOOL BOARD IN COLLABORATION WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT, SENIOR LEADERSHIP, THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT, STAFF, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS LIKE YOU

[00:20:04]

WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER IN COMMUNITY AND FOCUS ON MEETING FAMILIES WHERE THEY ARE, WE ENSURE ALL STUDENTS THRIVE IN SCHOOL AND IN LIFE.

ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU.

SO THAT WAS THE LAST IN OUR SERIES, WHICH IS, I DON'T KNOW, KIND OF INTERESTING BECAUSE THE IDEA HAPPENED OVER THE SUMMER LAST YEAR AND.

IT CAME TO FRUITION.

SO GOOD JOB TEAM AND THINK.

WE SHOULD LOOK FOR WAYS EVERY YEAR TO COMMUNICATE IN DIFFERENT WAYS.

YOU KNOW WHAT OUR STRATEGIC PLAN MEANS AND AND WHAT WE DO TO ACHIEVE THOSE GOALS.

SO THANK YOU TO ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES FOR PARTICIPATING.

ALL RIGHT. WE'RE MOVING ON TO PUBLIC COMMENT, SO I WILL JUST BRIEFLY GO OVER, UM, MY NOT SO BRIEF, UM, NORMS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

[9. Public Comments ]

SPEAKERS WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO SHARE THEIR COMMENTS IN PERSON OR USING ZOOM.

UM, SPEAKERS SHOULD ADDRESS THEIR COMMENTS TO THE ENTIRE SCHOOL BOARD AND NOT TO ONE INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBER, THE SUPERINTENDENT, A STAFF MEMBER OR THE AUDIENCE.

GENERALLY, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS DO NOT RESPOND TO PUBLIC COMMENT DURING A MEETING OR HEARING IF FOLLOW UP IS REQUIRED.

DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE COMMENTS, THE SUPERINTENDENT WILL WORK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD CLERK TO RESPOND ACCORDINGLY.

FOLLOWING A BOARD MEETING.

EACH SPEAKER WILL HAVE UP TO THREE MINUTES IF MORE SPEAKERS SIGN UP THAN CAN BE ACCOMMODATED IN ONE HOUR, WE MAY ASK SPEAKERS TO LIMIT LIMIT THEIR TIME.

ADDITIONAL TIME WILL BE PROVIDED FOR SPEAKERS WHO HAVE INTERPRETERS.

WE EXPECT THAT EACH SPEAKER WILL BE COURTEOUS MODELING FOR MODELING FOR OUR STUDENTS.

HOW ONE CAN RESPECTFULLY DISAGREE WITH OTHER'S VIEWS AND OUT OF RESPECT.

THE SCHOOL BOARD REQUESTS THAT COMMENTS ON AN INDIVIDUAL, STUDENT OR EMPLOYEE RELATED MATTER NOT BE SHARED AT PUBLIC MEETINGS.

TO MAINTAIN DECORUM, WE ASK AUDIENCE MEMBERS TO REFRAIN FROM APPLAUDING OR COMMENTING, AND THE SCHOOL BOARD ENCOURAGES SPEAKERS TO ALSO PROVIDE THEIR COMMENTS IN WRITING.

IF YOU EVER WANT TO DO THAT, YOU CAN SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO BOARD CLERK@K12.VA.US.

THE CLERK WILL START THE TIMER.

SO THERE IS THREE MINUTES.

WHEN YOUR THREE MINUTES ARE UP, THE CLERK WILL NOTIFY YOU AS WELL.

BE SURE TO STATE YOUR NAME AND THE TOPIC THAT YOU'RE GOING TO SPEAK ABOUT WHEN YOU BEGIN SUBSTITUTE MOTIONS FOR SPEAKERS ARE NOT PERMITTED AND YOU MAY NOT YIELD YOUR TIME TO ANOTHER SPEAKER.

UM, IF A FOLLOW UP IS REQUIRED, AGAIN, THE SUPERINTENDENT WILL RESPOND.

AND THANK YOU TO OUR SPEAKERS FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND.

MS.. WHAT? WHEN WILL YOU ANNOUNCE THE SPEAKERS? EMILY TURNER.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR, AND GOOD EVENING, BOARD MEMBERS.

MY NAME IS EMILY TURNER AND I'LL BE SPEAKING ABOUT ENCORE STAFFING TONIGHT.

TONIGHT, YOU'LL HEAR FROM OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF ENCORE INSTRUCTION, ABOUT THE ROLE IN SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING THAT THESE TEACHERS PLAY AND ABOUT EMPLOYEE JOB SATISFACTION.

I SHARE THESE CONCERNS, BUT I AM GOING TO DEDICATE MY TIME AT THIS PODIUM TO DISCUSSING THE IMPORTANCE OF PROCEDURE, POLICY AND PUBLIC OVERSIGHT INTO SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION. I AM GOING TO REFERENCE THE BOARD BRIEF PROVIDED BY CENTRAL OFFICE TO THE SCHOOL BOARD ON FRIDAY, JUNE 2ND, ON THE TOPIC OF ENCORE TEACHING ASSIGNMENT ADJUSTMENTS ON PAGE ONE IN THE SUMMARY PARAGRAPH, STAFF STATE THAT QUOTE THERE ARE NO CHANGES TO SCHOOL ENCORE ALLOCATIONS, END QUOTE.

ONE OF THE SCHOOLS THAT MY CHILDREN ATTEND IS PURPORTEDLY LOSING 1.6 FTES AS A RESULT OF THESE DECISIONS.

CAN SOMEONE TELL ME HERE HOW 47.2 -1.6 EQUALS 47.2? NEXT ON PAGE TWO IN THE BACKGROUND PARAGRAPH, THE BOARD STATE THE BOARD BRIEF STATES QUOTE MUSIC INSTRUCTION WAS NOT BEING OFFERED DURING THE SCHOOL DAY FOR ALL SCHOOLS.

END QUOTE. ON PAGE THREE, IT GOES ON TO SAY, QUOTE, ALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS WILL NOW OFFER MUSIC INSTRUCTION DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.

END QUOTE. NOW, HERE'S MY QUESTION.

WHERE IS THE POLICY REQUIREMENT FOR MUSIC INSTRUCTION? IS THIS A NEW POLICY? IF THIS IS A NEW POLICY THAT'S BEEN CREATED, WHERE IS THE COMMUNITY INPUT VIA OUR SCHOOL BOARD REPRESENTATIVES AND OR A WORKING GROUP PROCESS OF ENGAGING WITH OUR COMMUNITY COULD RAISE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS SUCH AS WHAT WERE THE CHILDREN WHO WERE WHO FORMERLY WERE NOT RECEIVING MUSIC INSTRUCTION DOING WITH THAT TIME BLOCK DURING THE DAY?

[00:25:08]

END QUOTE. HOW MANY CHILDREN DID NOT RECEIVE INSTRUCTION THAT WAS IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS AND FOR HOW LONG? DID SOME CHILDREN'S INSTRUCTION FALL SHORT OF VIRGINIA? STANDARDS OF QUALITY AS WELL.

WHY DID THE IMPACTED CHILDREN'S PRINCIPALS NOT FLAG THE LACK OF P TO THE CENTRAL OFFICE? AND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM THAT IT TAKES A YEAR LONG AUDIT TO FIND OUT THAT SOME CHILDREN ARE RECEIVING A SUBSTANDARD EDUCATION? THE OPENING SENTENCE ON PAGE ONE STATES THAT CENTRAL OFFICE WAS, QUOTE, WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TO ADJUST CHANGES IN THE SCHOOL ENROLLMENT AND SUBSEQUENTLY STAFFING.

END QUOTE. GIVE US SPECIFICS.

HOW DID CENTRAL OFFICE WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH OUR PRINCIPALS? REPORTS FROM RPAS INDICATE THAT MANY PRINCIPALS WERE SURPRISED BY THE ANNOUNCEMENT.

WHERE IS THE DISCONNECT? WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW.

IN SUMMARY, MY CONCERN IS THAT CENTRAL OFFICE APPEARS TO HAVE ACTED UNILATERALLY AND WITH SECRECY IN MAKING THESE DECISIONS.

WE DESERVE TRANSPARENCY.

WE DESERVE ACCOUNTABILITY.

PLEASE HELP US GET THERE.

OUR NEXT SPEAKER, PAQUIN.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBERS.

MY NAME IS FAR QUINN.

I'LL BE SPEAKING ABOUT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

I AM CURRENTLY THE ALGEBRA AND GEOMETRY TEACHER AT JEFFERSON HOUSTON.

I AM THE PARENT OF TWO CHILDREN WHO WILL BE ATTENDING BROOKS ELEMENTARY FOR THE 2023 2024 SCHOOL YEAR.

I JOINED ACP IN 20 IN THE 2017 2018 SCHOOL YEAR AFTER 17 YEARS, SEVEN YEARS OF TEACHING IN DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

I JOINED ACP IN ORDER TO TEACH IN THE COMMUNITY WHERE I LIVE AND IN THE DISTRICT WHERE MY CHILDREN WOULD EVENTUALLY GO TO SCHOOL.

THIS YEAR CONCLUDES MY SIXTH YEAR IN THE DISTRICT AT JEFFERSON HOUSTON AT MY THIRD YEAR AT JH.

I WAS CHOSEN AS THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR AS TEACHER OF THE YEAR.

IN MY FIFTH YEAR I WAS SELECTED AT THE AS THE VIRGINIA COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF MATHEMATICS, WILLIAM C LOWERY, MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR.

AND JUST THIS YEAR I WAS SELECTED TO REPRESENT THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA AS A FINALIST FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHING.

GIVEN THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS, I HOPE THAT I AM THE KIND OF TEACHER THAT ACP WOULD MAKE AN EFFORT TO RETAIN.

IF YOU ARE PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION, YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT NEXT YEAR WILL BEGIN MY 14TH YEAR TEACHING.

YET IN THE CONTRACT I RECEIVED JUST A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, I WILL ONCE AGAIN BE PLACED AT A STEP TEN.

A NEW EMPLOYEE TO THE DISTRICT WITH THE SAME YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WILL BE PLACED AT STEP 13, MAKING ABOUT $8,500 MORE THAN I WILL NEXT YEAR.

DESPITE THE NARRATIVE THAT TRIES TO CREATE THAT WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR OUR SALARY INCREASES AND IGNORE THE STEP NUMBER, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OVERLOOK THIS DISCREPANCY.

ACCORDING TO A JULY 15TH, 2022, WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE, ALEXANDRIA HAD THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF OUR WORKFORCE THAT QUIT OR RETIRED IN 2022. IN THIS REGION AT 14.4%, HIGH TEACHER TURNOVER DIRECTLY IMPACTS STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT.

YET IN RESPONSE TO EMPLOYEE CONCERNS FROM US VETERANS NOT RECEIVING OUR YEARLY STEP INCREASES, CFO DOMINIC TURNER REPLIED THAT PUBLIC EDUCATION IS NO DIFFERENT THAN OTHER INDUSTRIES WHERE RAISES CAN BE ATTAINED THROUGH GOING TO ANOTHER EMPLOYER.

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL BOARD DOING TO HOLD DISTRICT LEADERS ACCOUNTABLE? HOW ARE YOU ENSURING THAT WE DON'T CONTINUE TO CHURN THROUGH TEACHERS AND LEADERS IN OUR DISTRICT? WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR STUDENTS WHO KEEP FALLING FURTHER AND FURTHER BEHIND OUR SURROUNDING COUNTIES ACADEMICALLY? TEACHERS NEED TO HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE NOW THROUGH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES AND MORE SO THAT WE CAN COME TOGETHER FOR THE CHILDREN OF ALEXANDRIA.

[00:30:08]

GOOD EVENING. TONIGHT, WE'LL TALK ABOUT SOME OF YOUR EMPLOYEES, YOUR TEACHERS.

FOR THE PAST SIX MONTHS, I'VE LISTENED TO QUITE A FEW OF THEM AT THESE BOARD MEETINGS.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY.

LET'S START WITH THE GOOD.

LAST SCHOOL BOARD MEETING, SOME ENCORE.

ENCORE TEACHERS EXPRESSED FRUSTRATIONS OVER CHANGES IN THEIR SCHEDULING, AS WELL AS THE SHORT NOTICES OF THESE CHANGES.

I WAS IMPRESSED BY THEIR APPROACH, THEIR PERSUASIVE ARGUMENTS FOR A GREATER RESPECT ON YOUR PART FOR WHAT THEY DO.

THE ENCORE TEACHERS SPOKE OF THE RELATIONSHIPS THEY HAVE FORMED WITH THE STUDENTS AND THE NON-TEACHING FUNCTIONS THEY PERFORM THROUGHOUT THE DAY TO PROVIDE ALL STUDENTS WITH A NURTURING SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT.

THESE TEACHERS EPITOMIZED WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A TEACHER, AND THEY PROVIDE VALUE TO CPS.

NOW ON TO THE BAD AND THE UGLY.

MOST TEACHERS WHO SPOKE TO YOU THIS YEAR DEMANDED WHAT THEY TERM COLLECTIVE BARGAINING OR AS THE REST OF US UNDERSTAND IT, A TEACHER'S UNION.

THE TWO BIGGEST REASONS WERE, ONE, THAT MOST OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE ONE AND TWO, THEY AREN'T GETTING PAID AS MUCH AS TEACHERS IN THESE OTHER DISTRICTS.

ONLY A FEW OF THESE UNION SEEKING TEACHERS MENTIONED STUDENTS.

AND THEN, IN THE MOST RUDIMENTARY WAY, OVERALL HEARD INDIGNATION, FIERY AND DOWNRIGHT WHINING IN THEIR SPEECHES.

WHEN YOUR EMPLOYER, WHEN YOUR EMPLOYEES TELL YOU THAT THEY NEED A UNION BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE HAS ONE, THEY ARE ONLY FOLLOWING YOUR LEAD.

I'VE ALREADY SPOKEN TO YOU ABOUT YOUR LAZY INCLINATION TO DO WHAT OTHER DISTRICTS DO RATHER THAN ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES THAT CONFRONT OUR OWN STUDENT POPULATION.

PERHAPS IF THESE TEACHERS HAD CONDUCTED RESEARCH ON OTHER DISTRICTS OF THE SAME ILK AS AND PRESENTED THEIR FINDINGS TO THIS BOARD, I WOULD HAVE MORE RESPECT FOR THEIR ARGUMENT.

THE NOTION THAT YOUR TEACHERS NEED A UNION BECAUSE THEY AREN'T BEING PAID WELL ENOUGH IS SHORT SIGHTED AND TELLING, ESPECIALLY AFTER YOU HAD GIVEN THEM A 6% RAISE IN FEBRUARY.

WELL, I WAS HAPPY TO SEE THAT SOME TEACHERS DID INDEED STEP FORWARD.

THANK YOU. I WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT SO MANY MORE HAVE COME FORWARD SINCE THEN TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THEIR SALARIES.

WE HAVE A SERIOUS SHORTAGE, A SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS IN OUR DISTRICT, AND THEY WANT US TO BELIEVE THAT SALARY IS THE REASON WHY TEACHERS ARE LEAVING.

RESEARCH CONTINUES TO SHOW, HOWEVER, THAT A POOR WORK ENVIRONMENT AND A LACK OF RESPECT TRUMPS SALARY AS A PERSON'S REASON TO LEAVE ANY JOB.

I CONTEND THAT THE SAME IS TRUE WITH TEACHERS.

OVERCROWDED CLASSROOMS AND THE ATTENDANT INABILITIES TO EFFECTIVELY TEACH AND MAINTAIN CLASSROOM DECORUM IS DEMORALIZING YOUR TEACHING STAFF.

I DON'T SEE HOW PAYING EXISTING TEACHERS MORE MONEY IS GOING TO ALLEVIATE THESE ISSUES, BUT I DO SEE HIRING MORE TEACHERS WHO ARE CORRECT.

THE LARGEST OBSTACLES TO OUR STUDENTS ACQUIRING A QUALITY EDUCATION.

THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT.

OUR NEXT. OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS JAY FALK.

GOOD EVENING, MEMBERS OF THE ALEXANDRIA CITY SCHOOL BOARD.

AS YOU KNOW, MY NAME IS JAY FAULK.

I HAVE BEEN A STUDENT AND A BUILDING REP FOR THE EAA AND A TEACHER AT MINI HOWARD.

TONIGHT, YOU WILL HEAR FROM MANY TEACHERS ACROSS THE DISTRICT ABOUT WHAT THE EFFECTS OF ACP'S DECISIONS HAVE BEEN ON TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FROM CLASS SIZES TO ENCORE TEACHERS TO TEACHER TURNOVER.

EVERY TEACHER AND IN THIS CROWD IN RED HAS THOSE STORIES.

BUT I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU A STORY THAT IS FROM LONGER AGO.

IT'S A STORY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND WHY WE NEED IT MORE NOW THAN EVER.

MY GRANDMOTHER WAS A TEACHER IN NEW YORK CITY AT THE BEGINNING OF HER CAREER.

SHE'S ONE OF THE MOST DEDICATED EDUCATORS I'VE EVER KNOWN.

AND HER FIRST YEAR TEACHING, SHE WAS HIRED LATE INTO THE YEAR AND SHE WAS HIRED RIGHT BEFORE A SCHOOL DISTRICT STRIKE.

IT WAS A REALLY DIFFICULT DECISION, BUT THE THE UNION FELT LIKE THEY HAD NO OTHER CHOICE.

THE STRIKE ENDED UP BEING ONE OF THE LONGEST TEACHER STRIKES IN HISTORY, AT LEAST AT THE TIME, AND IT LASTED FOR ALMOST AN ENTIRE QUARTER.

THERE WAS A POLICY AT THE TIME IN NEW YORK STATE LAW THAT TEACHERS WOULD TAKE A TWO DAY PAY CUT FOR EVERY ONE DAY THEY WERE ON STRIKE.

SO THERE WAS A HUGE COST TO THE TEACHERS.

BUT MY GRANDMOTHER, DESPITE IT ALL, WAS THERE EVERY DAY ON THE PICKET LINE FIGHTING FOR WHAT SHE BELIEVED IN.

WHEN THE STRIKE WAS FINALLY OVER, THE TEACHERS RETURNED TO THEIR CLASSROOM.

BUT MY GRANDMOTHER WAS NOT AMONG THEM.

SHE HAD RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT INFORMING HER THAT SHE HAD BEEN TERMINATED BECAUSE SHE HAD GONE ON THE PICKET LINE.

WHEN WAS WHEN SHE WAS ASKED FOR THE REASON?

[00:35:02]

IT WAS A DEVASTATING BLOW TO MY GRANDMOTHER.

SHE HAD GIVEN SO MUCH TO HER STUDENTS AND HER COMMUNITY, AND SHE SO DEEPLY CARED ABOUT BEING AN EDUCATOR.

BUT SHE WAS NOT ONE TO GIVE UP.

SHE RALLIED HER COLLEAGUES.

SHE CONTACTED THE UNION AND THE UNION ENDED UP IN SOLIDARITY WITH HER GOING BACK ON STRIKE.

LIKE THOUSANDS OF TEACHERS.

THEIR EFFORTS PAID OFF.

MY GRANDMOTHER WAS EVENTUALLY REINSTATED, BUT THE EXPERIENCE LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON HER AND THEN THROUGH HER ON ME.

SHE KNEW FIRSTHAND HOW IMPORTANT IT WAS FOR TEACHERS TO HAVE A COLLECTIVE VOICE, TO BE ABLE TO STAND TOGETHER, TO FIGHT FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE IN AND TO FIGHT FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND THE EDUCATION OF OUR STUDENTS.

THAT IS WHY I URGE YOU, THE MEMBERS OF THE ALEXANDRIA CITY SCHOOL BOARD, TO MOVE FORWARD WITH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING BY PUTTING TOGETHER WORKING GROUPS THIS SUMMER.

WE NEED TO PUT THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RESOLUTION ON THE AGENDA IN AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER.

EVERY DAY LOST IS A DAY LOST OF PAY OF DIGNITY FOR OUR TEACHERS.

LET'S WORK. LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE THAT EDUCATORS ARE TREATED FAIRLY AND WITH RESPECT THAT THEY DESERVE.

THANK YOU. OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS.

OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS GREG THRASHER.

GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE. HELLO AND TO EVERYONE.

THANK YOU. SPECIFICALLY THE BOARD MEMBERS.

YOU GUYS GOT A HECK OF A CHALLENGE AND I RESPECT YOU.

UM, I ALSO APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO YOU GUYS TONIGHT.

MY NAME IS GREG THRASHER.

I'M A PUBLIC ACTIVIST AND AN ADVOCATE OF BLACK LIVES MATTER IN AMERICA.

I HAVE FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES AND BUSINESS INTERESTS IN ALEXANDRIA.

I USED TO BE A RESIDENT AS WELL.

I ACTUALLY PREPARED MY INITIAL COMMENTS TO PRESENT TO THE BOARD BEFORE THE BOARD VOTED ON THE MOU MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AUDIENCE, BUT HAD SOME SERIOUS CRITICAL FAMILY ISSUES AND WAS UNABLE TO TO COME TO THE COUPLE OF THOSE MEETINGS.

NONETHELESS, I DO APPRECIATE THIS IS THE LAST OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR.

I GUESS IT'S THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL TOO.

SO I'M HERE. AS A CAVEAT, CONSIDERING THE BOARD'S RECENT APPROVAL OF THE MOU, MY COMMENTS TODAY WILL REFLECT THAT DEVELOPMENT.

IN MY ORIGINAL COMMENTS, I SOUGHT TO INFLUENCE AND CONVINCE THIS BOARD TO NEVER ARM A SRO NOR ALLOW.

ANY SECURITY OFFICER OR RESOURCE OFFICER TO BE ARMED, UNLESS OF COURSE, THERE WAS AN INTIMATE THREAT AND RISK THAT WARRANTS LAW ENFORCEMENT IN A IN YOUR SCHOOL BUILDINGS OR ON YOUR CAMPUS.

OUR NATION IS PRESENTLY UNDER THE DAILY REALITY OF GUN VIOLENCE.

IT'S. I DON'T CARE IF IT'S A CHURCH.

WALMART, WHEREVER WE HAVE GUNS AND GUNS ARE KILLING US.

WE DON'T NEED GUNS IN OUR SCHOOLS.

WE DON'T NEED THEM IN THE BUILDINGS.

WE DON'T OBVIOUSLY NEED THEM IN CLASSROOMS. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN WE HAVE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, AKA POLICE COPS WITH GUNS IN OUR SCHOOL, THEY INTIMIDATE. A LOT OF PEOPLE.

WHO SHOULD BE FOR EDUCATING THE BEST FOR OUR CHILDREN, NOT FOR POLICE OFFICERS TO REFLECT AND FLEX THEIR MUSCLES.

I'M NOT SAYING THEY ALL DO THAT.

THE IDEA THAT A GUN, EVEN A FIREARM OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, BE QUITE CANDID WITH YOU, IS OUTRAGEOUS AND UNACCEPTABLE GIVEN THE STATE OF GUN VIOLENCE IN AMERICA.

IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.

GUNS ARE KILLING US. WE WANT TO PUT A GUN IN THE SCHOOL BUILDING.

IT'S NOT LOGICAL. HERE'S THE OTHER POINT I THINK IS CRITICAL.

THE PRESENCE OF POLICE HAS DIFFERENT REACTIONS.

UNFORTUNATELY, IN AMERICA, DEPENDING ON THE HUE AND STATUS OF AMERICA.

COULD BE BLACK, COULD BE HISPANIC, COULD BE GAY, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.

THE COPS TREAT YOU DIFFERENTLY.

NOT ALL, BUT A LOT DO.

SO BASICALLY WHAT I'M SAYING IS THIS SUPERIOR ACADEMIC OUTCOMES SHOULD NEVER BE IMPACTED NOR DIMINISHED BY THE PRESENCE OF ARMED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, AKA THE POLICE.

IN OUR SCHOOL BUILDING OR CAMPUSES ANYWHERE IN ALEXANDRIA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

THE PRESENT ROLE OF SROS IS.

WELL, MR. THRASHER, YOU'VE EXCEEDED YOUR TIME.

I'VE GOT 10S.

FINALLY. I'M SORRY, MR. THRASHER. YOU'VE EXCEEDED YOUR TIME, SIR.

ANY PUBLIC SCHOOL IN ALABAMA.

MR.. MR. THRASHER. FINALLY, MY LAST COMMENT.

IN THE EVENT THE POOR THRASHER AMEND THIS MOU.

[00:40:02]

WE THANK YOU, MR. THRASHER. AND THANK YOU, MR. THRASHER. YOUR TIME IS UP.

THANK YOU.

NEXT WE HAVE DAVID PALADIN FERNANDEZ.

GOOD EVENING. I'M DAVID POULTON FERNANDEZ AND I'M HERE FOR SIX TIME TO ADVOCATE FOR THE PASSAGE OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR TAKING A MOMENT TO PREPARE, BUT VISUALS CAN HELP EXPLAIN COMPLEX TOPICS SIMPLY AND ELEGANTLY.

AND I NEED THIS VISUAL BECAUSE IN ORDER TO EXPLAIN WHY LEADERSHIP HAS MISSED THE MARK YET AGAIN, WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT COMPLEXITIES.

FORD IS BEHIND COMPLEXITIES THAT LEADERSHIP SHIELDS THEMSELVES AS LEADERSHIP HIDES THEMSELVES BEHIND LANGUAGE LIKE ON STAFF WERE NOTIFIED IN MAY 2023 OF LIFE DISRUPTING SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT CHANGES WITHOUT TELLING US AND THE BOARD THAT THEY DID IT ON MAY 30TH, 2023, SIX DAYS BEFORE SALARY NOTIFICATIONS WENT OUT.

ACP'S LEADERSHIP HIDES BEHIND LANGUAGE LIKE GROSSLY OVERSTAFFED SCHOOLS WITHOUT TELLING US AND THE BOARD THAT THEY WERE THE ONES THAT STAFFED THESE SCHOOLS ARE NOW PUNISHING ENCORE TEACHERS WITH THEIR CHOICES, ALL WHILE USING A WORD THAT ELICITS DISGUST AND OPULENCE TO TALK ABOUT THEIR EMPLOYEES, YOUR CONSTITUENTS, AND MOST VULNERABLY OUR STUDENTS TO COVER UP FOR THE PREPOSTEROUS IDEA THAT ANY SCHOOL IN ASIA IS OVERSTAFFED BECAUSE EVERY SCHOOL IN ASIA HAS SOMEONE DOING AT LEAST TEN DIFFERENT JOBS DUE TO ACP LEADERSHIP'S CONTINUOUS CUTS.

ACP LEADERSHIP HIDES BEHIND LANGUAGE LIKE THE HIGHEST AVERAGE RAISE IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS AND NEGLECT TO TELL US AND THE BOARD THAT THEY WOULD FREEZE OR TAKE STEPS AWAY FROM EDUCATORS DESPITE APPROVAL FROM THIS BOARD TO DO SO.

AND HERE I THOUGHT THEY WERE ACCOUNTABLE TO YOU.

SO LET'S TALK ABOUT THIS HIGHEST AVERAGE RAISE.

AS IF STATISTICAL MANIPULATION SO CAN SPEND A BAD STORY ISN'T A THING AND TOUCH ON THESE NEW PAY SCALES THAT LEADERSHIP EXPECTS US TO FALL ON OUR KNEES FOR AND TURN TO THE VISUAL.

THE RESERVOIR TO MY RIGHT IS THE POCKETBOOK OF EVERY EDUCATOR.

THE GREEN LINE REPRESENTS WHAT IS CONSIDERED THE AVERAGE WAGE TO LIVE HERE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA.

THE RED LINE REPRESENTS WHAT OUR SURROUNDING SCHOOL DISTRICTS PAY THEIR EDUCATORS ON AVERAGE, AND THE WATER LINE REPRESENTS WHAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY GIVING US ON AVERAGE.

AND THIS GLASS OF WATER REPRESENTS THE NEW PAY SCALE AND THE HIGHEST ON AVERAGE RAISE IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS.

NOW, IF YOU JUST LOOK AT THIS GLASS OF WATER AND THAT'S WHAT THEY WANT US TO DO, YOU'LL THINK, OH MY, THIS IS A BIG OLD GLASS OF WATER.

THANK YOU FOR THE DRINK.

BUT WHEN YOU POUR THIS GLASS OF WATER INTO EDUCATORS RESERVOIR, LOOK WHAT HAPPENS.

IT DOES NOT COME CLOSE TO BEING ENOUGH.

BUT THIS EXPLANATION IS STILL TOO SIMPLE BECAUSE INFLATION NEXT YEAR IS PROJECTED TO BE 5%.

AND IT'S NOT LIKE THE PEOPLE WHO DETERMINE THE PRICES OF OUR MILK, EGGS AND PRODUCE ARE GOING TO DROP THOSE PRICES.

THEN THERE'S THE FACT THAT WE LIVE IN ALEXANDRIA, ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE PLACES TO LIVE IN THE COUNTRY, AND FEEL THAT BECAUSE MY GROCERY BILL IS BALLOONED FROM $100 TO 150, AND IF MY MATH IS CORRECT, THAT'S MORE THAN 5% INFLATION.

AND LET'S NOT TALK ABOUT THE 2017 TAX LAW THAT HAS STARTED TO RAISE TAXES ON EDUCATORS SUCH AS MYSELF.

AND THEN THERE'S THE UNKNOWN COST OF WORKING FOR A SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT MAKES THESE DEEPLY UNPOPULAR DECISIONS THAT FORCE ENCORE TEACHERS TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A LIFESTYLE FOISTED UPON THEM OR UNEMPLOYMENT WITHOUT COLLABORATING WITH ITS TEACHERS, PARENTS, STUDENTS AND THE BOARD TO WHICH THEY ARE ACCOUNTABLE.

THANK YOU. MR.. MR..

FERNANDEZ AND THANK YOU SO MUCH.

MR. FERNANDEZ, YOUR TIME IS UP.

THANK YOU FOR GIVING US A DRINK.

MAKE SURE THE RESERVOIR IS FILLED FIRST.

OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS MARY GADDIS.

ALL RIGHT. WE HAVE ANOTHER SPEAKER.

WE HAVE ANOTHER SPEAKER.

EVERYONE, WE WANT TO GIVE EVERYBODY TIME.

PLEASE LET MS.. GATTIS SPEAK.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, EVERYBODY.

GOOD EVENING, CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR.

GREENE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS, INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT.

DOCTOR. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

MY NAME IS MARY GATTIS.

I AM AN EDUCATION SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL KINDERGARTEN INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT AS A TRANSPORTATION SERVICE CLERK OR SERVICE CUSTODIAL

[00:45:08]

HEALTH AND STUDENT SERVICE, SECURITY SERVICE, SKILLED TRADE, TECHNICAL SERVICE AND PARAEDUCATORS.

WE PLAY A VITAL ROLE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM.

WE KEEP SCHOOLS RUNNING AND ENSURE STUDENTS ARE SAFE, HEALTHY AND READY TO LEARN.

THANK YOU FOR THE BONUS, BUT I'M VERY GRATEFUL THAT OUR CASUAL EMPLOYEES ARE RECEIVING SOME SOMETHING TO THANK YOU FOR AGREEING TO TALK ABOUT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, BUT EDUCATORS NEED A TIMELINE.

EVERYTHING WE DO WORKS AROUND TIME.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IS NOT NEW.

IT FOSTER A PLEASANT AND CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEES TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF BOTH PARTIES.

WE CAN'T EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS WORKPLACE CHALLENGES AND INTRODUCE SOLUTIONS.

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS.

YOU HAVE TALENTS THAT ARE GIVEN TO YOU.

PLEASE USE THESE TALENTS TO HELP ADVANCE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

DO NOT SIT ON THEM.

USE YOUR TALENTS TO BENEFIT AND HELP EVERYONE.

EDUCATORS, STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WANT OUR SCHOOLS TO THRIVE.

AND I KNOW YOU DO TOO.

LOVE IS AN ACTION WORD.

LET'S SHOW OUR LOVE WITH ACTION TO IMPLEMENT THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PROCESS.

THANK YOU.

OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS KATE KELLY.

GOOD EVENING, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS AND SUPERINTENDENT WYATT.

MY NAME IS KATE KELLY AND I'M THE MUSIC TEACHER AT CORA KELLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND A PROUD TITAN GRAD CLASS OF OH TWO.

I RETURNED TO ASU IN 2018 AFTER 11 YEARS OF TEACHING IN LOUDOUN COUNTY IN WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE MY MAKE OR BREAK MOMENT AS AN EDUCATOR AT THE TIME WHEN I WAS DECIDING WHETHER I NEEDED A CHANGE OF SCHOOLS AND DISTRICTS OR A CHANGE OF CAREER.

IT TURNS OUT THAT RETURNING HOME TO TEACH WAS THE BEST THING I COULD HAVE DONE.

I AM PROUD TO BE GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THAT RAISED ME, AND I FIND JOY EVERY DAY IN TEACHING THE PHENOMENAL STUDENTS IN MY HOME TOWN.

MUSIC TEACHERS SOMETIMES TALK ABOUT FINDING THEIR FOREVER SCHOOL, THE ONE WHERE THEY'LL STAY FOR DECADES AND TEACH LITERAL GENERATIONS OF STUDENTS.

CORA KELLY IS THAT SCHOOL FOR ME A PLACE OF RESPECT, COLLABORATION, STUDENT DRIVEN DECISION MAKING, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THAT'S RIGHT.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, A PLACE OF LOVE.

HOWEVER, IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS, I'VE GIVEN SERIOUS THOUGHT TO THE PROSPECT OF LEAVING ALEXANDRIA AND STARTING OVER YET AGAIN IN ANOTHER DISTRICT.

DON'T WORRY, I'VE SIGNED MY CONTRACT FOR NEXT YEAR.

CENTRAL OFFICE DIDN'T EXACTLY GIVE ENCORE TEACHERS ENOUGH TIME TO WEIGH THEIR CHOICES, BUT I'M NOT HERE TO DISCUSS THE DETAILS OF THE CHANGES TO ENCORE.

I'VE BEEN ITINERANT BEFORE.

I CAN HANDLE IT. I'LL MAKE IT WORK.

HOWEVER, THE BACKCHANNEL METHODS OF MAKING THIS DECISION LEAVE ME FEELING DISRESPECTED AND UNEMPOWERED.

THE SCHOOL BASED STAKEHOLDERS IN THIS DECISION.

THAT'S TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS IN THE SCHOOLS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE PROCESS, NOT TOLD ABOUT THE DECISION TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.

NOW, COMBINE THAT DISRESPECT WITH THE LACK OF A PROMISED STEP INCREASE I CAME TO IN MY 12TH YEAR OF TEACHING AND I ENTERED ON STEP 12. NEXT YEAR I'LL BE IN MY 17TH YEAR OF TEACHING AND I WILL BE ON JUST STEP 14.

I AM ASTONISHED THAT I'VE BEEN DENIED THREE STEPS IN FIVE YEARS.

THE CHOICE IS MADE BY CENTRAL OFFICE WILL CAUSE EXPERIENCED EDUCATORS TO LEAVE ALEXANDRIA.

WE ARE TOLD THAT THE CHANGES TO THE SALARY SCALE ARE AT LEAST PARTLY DESIGNED TO MAKE THE DISTRICT MORE APPEALING TO NEW HIRES AND RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES.

IF SO, I HAVE QUESTIONS.

ONE. WHERE ARE THESE NEW HIRES COMING FROM? BECAUSE, TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THE PIPELINE OF NEW TEACHERS IS RUNNING DRY.

TWO. WHO WILL MENTOR THESE NEW TEACHERS AND HELP THEM BECOME THE TOP NOTCH EDUCATORS OUR STUDENTS DESERVE? WHEN YOU'VE DRIVEN AWAY ALL YOUR EXPERIENCED TEACHERS.

THREE. WHAT WILL ENTICE THESE NEW TEACHERS TO STAY WHEN THEY SEE HOW LOYALTY AND LONGEVITY ARE REWARDED IN APS? TO ME, THE ONLY PATH FORWARD IS WITH A STRONG COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT.

I URGE THE SCHOOL BOARD TO DIRECT CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF TO START THE PROCESS NOW.

THE LAST FEW WEEKS HAVE DRIVEN HOME THE POINT THAT TEACHERS NEED A SPOT AT THE BARGAINING TABLE.

WITHOUT IT, MANAGEMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT NEGATIVELY IMPACT YOUR FRONT LINE WORKERS, ULTIMATELY RESULTING IN A LESSENED SCHOOL EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS.

MAKE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING HAPPEN NOW, NOT TWO YEARS FROM NOW.

THANK YOU.

[00:50:07]

I ASK EVERYBODY TO STAND UP FOR A MOMENT.

THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT SAFELY MOVE YOUR CHILDREN BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL AND HOME.

AND THIS EVENING, I'M HERE TO ECHO OUR APPRECIATION FOR THE WAY THIS BOARD AND OUR NEW SUPERINTENDENT, DR.

KAY WYATT, ARE LISTENING TO OUR ISSUES AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, FOR DEMONSTRATING THAT WHEN WE AT TRANSPORTATION ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS, WE ALL GAIN RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER AS WE RESOLVE ISSUES TOGETHER.

THIS DAY, THE LAST DAY OF CLASSES FOR A 2223 SCHOOL YEAR.

LET'S RECOGNIZE THAT WE'VE JUST EXPERIENCED AN EXCELLENT DEMONSTRATION OF WHY A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WILL BENEFIT EVERYONE INVOLVED.

WE AT TRANSPORTATION WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE LOSS OF OUR SAFE DRIVING AWARDS PROGRAM.

THIS ISSUE HAD BEEN A SORE POINT AT TRANSPORTATION FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

YOU HEARD WHY WE FELT IT WAS IMPORTANT.

AND THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF OUR NEW DIRECTOR, MICHELLE JOHNSON, WE WERE GIVEN WORD ON WEDNESDAY THAT THAT PROGRAM WILL ONCE AGAIN BE IN PRACTICE.

THANK YOU FOR THAT.

AT OUR LAST MEETING, WE POINTED OUT HOW POORLY ACP'S PAY RATES COMPARED TO OUR NEIGHBORING SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

WE BELIEVE BECAUSE YOU LISTENED, A NEW RETENTION BONUS WAS JUST ANNOUNCED.

THAT BONUS GOES A LONG WAY TOWARDS BACKFILLING THE PAY RATES THAT WERE AVERAGING $1.17 AN HOUR LOWER THAN OUR NEIGHBORS.

WHILE THIS ADD BONUS ADDRESSES THE ISSUES OF 22 AND 23, IT IS NOT A PERMANENT SOLUTION.

TO THE SERIOUS DEFICIENCIES EXPOSED.

IT IS, HOWEVER, AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS.

THANK YOU FOR THE IMMEDIATE ACTION TAKEN.

BUT NOW, TOGETHER, LET'S ESTABLISH A PROCESS THAT ALLOWS US TO PARTICIPATE IN A PERMANENT RESOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM WITH FORMAL COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IN TIME TO IMPLEMENT A REASONED SOLUTION FOR THE 24 CONTRACTS.

WE ALL UNDERSTAND THAT IT'S CRUCIAL TO US THAT WE MOVE FORWARD BY ESTABLISHING A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT.

THESE PAST FEW WEEKS HAVE PROVIDED AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF WHY AND HOW WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY IN SHAPING OUR WORK ENVIRONMENTS.

TRANSPORTATION IS READY AND WILLING TO RETURN IN SEPTEMBER AND TO CONTINUE ILLUSTRATING HOW BY CONTRIBUTING OUR VOICES TO THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS, WE CAN EXPAND AND ON THE SUCCESSES THAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED SINCE MAY.

THANKS AGAIN FOR HEARING US.

LIKE STAFF AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS THROUGHOUT, TRANSPORTATION HAS MORE ISSUES AND WE ARE HOPEFUL AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO THIS UPCOMING YEAR AND TO ESTABLISHING A CONSISTENT AND CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR MANAGEMENT AND OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY.

HAVE A WONDERFUL, SAFE SUMMER AND LET'S RESUME OUR DISCUSSIONS IN THE FALL.

OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS REGINA GROSS.

MADAM CHAIR, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS, SUPERINTENDENT KAY WYATT AND STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES.

GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS REGINA GROVES.

I'M THE SCHOOL PASSIONATE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN AT ALEXANDRIA CITY HIGH SCHOOL, MINNIE HOWARD CAMPUS.

I'M HERE TODAY, THIS EVENING FOR TWO REASONS.

FIRSTLY, TO THANK EACH OF YOU FOR THE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF LIBRARIES BY PROVIDING EXTRA FUNDING TO OUR LIBRARIES TO SUPPORT OUR AMAZING, DIVERSE SCHOOL COLLECTIONS.

THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING EACH YEAR ALLOWS STUDENTS TO FIND BOOKS THAT HELP THEM BECOME CRITICAL THINKERS AND INDEPENDENT READERS.

IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, WE RECEIVED OVER $12,000 FROM CENTRAL OFFICE FUNDING, AND THESE DOLLARS HAVE HELPED US DURING THE PANDEMIC TO INCREASE OUR VIRTUAL LIBRARY.

STUDENTS CAN ACCESS EBOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS AND CONTINUE OUR COLLABORATION WITH TEACHERS AND OTHER COMMUNITY GROUPS TO TO PROVIDE LIBRARY PROGRAMS, BOOK TASTINGS, POETRY, CAFES AND AUTHOR VISITS ON THE MINNIE HOWARD CAMPUS.

WE JUST PROVIDED OVER 1000 BOOKS FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE HOME FOR SUMMER READING, WOULD COLLABORATE WITH ALEXANDRIA CITY LIBRARY, AND IT'S THE EXTRA FUNDING THAT YOU APPROVE AS A BOARD THAT ALLOWS OUR TEAMS TO DISCOVER ENGAGING BOOKS THEY CLAIM AS THEIR FAVORITES.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO OUR SUPPORT OF OUR LIBRARIES.

SECONDLY, I'M HERE TO ADVOCATE AND URGE THE SCHOOL BOARD TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR LIBRARIES BY MAINTAINING THE ROLES OF LIBRARY ASSISTANTS, CLERKS

[00:55:01]

LIBRARY ASSISTANTS PROVIDE THE ESSENTIAL WORK NEEDED TO SUPPORT INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS, PBL PROJECTS, COLLABORATIVE LITERACY EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR. ON APRIL 11TH, ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR WILSON READ AND ISSUED A PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK.

INCLUDED IN THE PROCLAMATION WAS A SPECIAL CLAUSE GIVING TRIBUTE AND RECOGNITION TO THE WORK OF OUR SCHOOL LIBRARIES, LIBRARIANS, LIBRARY ASSISTANTS, CLERKS AND LIBRARY WORKERS.

THE PROCLAMATION READ MEDIA SPECIALISTS AND SCHOOL LIBRARY STAFF ARE DEDICATED TO HELPING OUR CHILDREN AND TEENS FIND THE RESOURCES THEY NEED TO KEEP LEARNING, THEREBY THEREBY SAFEGUARDING AND PRESERVING INTELLECTUAL FREEDOMS WHERE YOUNG MINDS CAN CREATE, EXPLORE AND CONNECT EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR. NOW WE KNOW ALL LIBRARIANS, LIBRARY CLERKS AND ASSISTANTS, OUR TEAM.

AND WE DO MUCH MORE THAN JUST CHECK OUT BOOKS TO STUDENTS.

I SUPPORT MY ENCORE TEACHERS WHOLEHEARTEDLY AND THE COLLABORATION WE DO WITH THEM ACROSS THE CAMPUSES ARE INVALUABLE.

THEY CONTRIBUTE TO THE IMPORTANT WORK OF EARLY LITERACY, AND WE ARE ALL PART OF THE STORY IN A BOOK TO BE READ OVER AND OVER.

WHEN STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS DISCUSS THEIR VISIT TO THE SCHOOL LIBRARY.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND OUR EFFORTS TO BE GREAT INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERS, GREAT COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS WITH AN AWESOME LIBRARY, TEAM OF LIBRARIANS, LIBRARY CLERKS.

LET'S JUST KEEP THE JOY OF READING ALIVE AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS DON LUCAS.

THANK YOU. UM, GOOD EVENING, CHAIR ALDERTON.

VICE CHAIR, GREENE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS.

DR. KAY WYATT, STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

MY NAME IS DAWN LUCAS.

AS PREVIOUSLY STATED, I'M A FULL TIME SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER IN CPS.

I'M ALSO THE PRESIDENT OF THE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION OF ALEXANDRIA EAA.

I STAND BEFORE YOU THIS EVENING CONTINUING EA'S ADVOCACY FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS FOR THE EMPLOYEES IN CPS.

I WAS EXCITED TO ATTEND LAST MONTH'S WORK SESSION ON COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

IT WAS REFRESHING TO SEE THE SCHOOL BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENT PUBLICLY DISCUSS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

AS YOU KNOW, IT'S BEEN A YEAR AND A HALF SINCE THE SCHOOL BOARD ADOPTED A RESOLUTION CONCERNING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, WHICH STATED IN PART TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF RESEARCHING AND COLLECTING THE NECESSARY INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY BUDGETARY AND STAFFING IMPLICATIONS WITH THE DESIRE AND INTENTION TO, IN THE FUTURE, ADOPT A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RESOLUTION CONSISTENT WITH VIRGINIA CODE 40.15 7.2 AND TO SUCCESSFULLY ENTER INTO A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT OR AGREEMENTS WITH SUCH BARGAINING UNIT OR UNITS AS MAY HEREAFTER BE FORMED BY EMPLOYEES OF ALEXANDRIA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

AT THAT TIME, EAA FELT THAT THERE WAS A STRONG COMMITMENT TO ADOPTING A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RESOLUTION.

HOWEVER, THE EFFORT SEEMS TO HAVE STALLED.

WE CONTEND THAT THE TIME TO MOVE FORWARD WITH ADOPTING A RESOLUTION IS NOW.

E KNOWS THAT MANY EMPLOYEES AND CPS SUPPORT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS BECAUSE OVER 1200 ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES HAVE SIGNED OUR AUTHORIZATION CARDS.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING GIVES EMPLOYEES A STRONGER VOICE IN TEACHING AND WORKING CONDITIONS.

WE KNOW THAT EDUCATOR WORKING CONDITIONS ARE STUDENT LEARNING CONDITIONS, AS STATED IN ACP'S RESOLUTION CONCERNING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

RECENT RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT HIGH LEVELS OF COLLABORATION IMPROVE STUDENT OUTCOMES BY INCREASING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT, TEACHER RETENTION AND COMMITMENT. WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT EDUCATOR RETENTION IS A MAJOR CONCERN NOT JUST FOR CPS, BUT OTHER SCHOOL DIVISIONS ACROSS THE STATE, AS WELL AS COUNTRIES WITH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS.

EDUCATORS CAN WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD TO FIND SOLUTIONS AND CREATE POSITIVE LEARNING COMMUNITIES WHERE ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF CAN THRIVE.

I'VE INCLUDED ATTACHMENTS TO MY REMARKS, WHICH PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

EAA LOOKS FORWARD TO WORKING WITH CPS TO DEVELOP A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RESOLUTION WHICH PROVIDES EMPLOYEES WITH A VOICE WITH THE DECISION MAKING PROCESSES.

AND CPS CLOSED WITH THE FOLLOWING QUOTE FROM DR.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

THE TIME IS ALWAYS RIGHT TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT.

THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR THE EMPLOYEES AND TO HAVE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS.

THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO.

OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS SUSIE O'BRIEN.

THANK YOU. MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD AND DR.

WYATT. MY NAME IS SUSIE O'BRIEN, AND I AM THE MOTHER OF A RISING FIFTH GRADER, THIRD GRADER AND KINDERGARTNER AT GEORGE MASON ELEMENTARY.

[01:00:03]

AS WE THINK ABOUT WHERE CPS IS HEADED IN THE FUTURE.

I WAS DISTURBED TO LEARN THAT THE ENCORE TEACHERS WERE ONLY GIVEN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME TO MAKE A DECISION ON THEIR CONTRACTS.

DESPITE THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR OF THE RULES GOVERNING TEACHER CONTRACTS.

BUT GIVEN THAT YOU HAVE KNOWN THE BUDGET AND PROJECTIONS SINCE AT LEAST FEBRUARY, WHY WERE TEACHERS GIVEN SUCH LITTLE TIME TO EVALUATE NEW TERMS OF THEIR CONTRACT? AND WHY WEREN'T THE PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS CONSULTED PRIOR TO THESE DECISIONS BEING MADE? THIS SEEMS LIKE IT WILL CAUSE A TEACHER RETENTION ISSUE.

WE ALREADY KNOW OF TEACHERS LEAVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS BECAUSE OF THESE ISSUES.

WHICH IS A WORRYING TREND.

I HOPE THE CENTRAL OFFICE IS TRACKING THE RETENTION OF OUR ENCORE TEACHERS AND IS ABLE TO BE PROACTIVE TO ENSURE VIRGINIA LEARNING STANDARDS ARE BEING MET IN CASE THERE ENDS UP BEING TEACHER SHORTAGES.

ALSO, YOU CLAIM THAT EQUITY IS A MAIN FACTOR IN YOUR DECISIONS.

WE HOPE THAT YOU CAN EXPLAIN TO US HOW YOU SEE THIS DECISION AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION AS ACHIEVING YOUR EQUITY GOALS.

AS I SEE IT, YOU'RE DECREASING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION BEING OFFERED WITHIN CPS, WHICH WOULD BE AN ODD VERSION OF EQUITY.

AS AN EXAMPLE, AT GEORGE MASON ELEMENTARY, YOU HAVE CLAIMED THAT THERE WOULD BE THE SAME QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF INSTRUCTION IN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC.

THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE WHEN GOING FROM 2.6 TO 1.8 FTES WITH A LARGER TEACHING LOAD BECAUSE OF THE ADDITION OF TWO AUTISM CLASSROOMS. IT SEEMS THAT THIS VERSION OF EQUITY IS DRIVING TOWARD THE MINIMUM, WHICH IS UNSUSTAINABLE.

THINKING MORE LONG TERM, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE CENTRAL OFFICE IN THE SCHOOL BOARD TO BE MORE TRANSPARENT WITH THE COMMUNITY ON THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN STAFFING AND BUDGETING.

WE UNDERSTAND THAT THESE ARE COMPLEX ISSUES.

IF THERE ARE LOGICAL REASONS WHY THIS SOLUTION FOR OUR ENCORE TEACHERS IS THE BEST OPTION, PLEASE EXPLAIN IT IN A TRANSPARENT AND CONSISTENT WAY, BECAUSE WITHOUT THAT INFORMATION, ALL IT SEEMS LIKE IS THAT YOU DID A POOR JOB PROJECTING YOUR BUDGET AND DID NOT ASK FOR ENOUGH MONEY TO OFFER THE SAME QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF INSTRUCTION AS WE HAD LAST YEAR. AND IF THAT IS THE CASE, I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE SCHOOL BOARD IS DOING TO ENSURE THAT NEXT YEAR'S BUDGETING PROCESS DOES NOT REPEAT THE SAME MISTAKES.

I KNOW THAT EVERYONE HERE, EVERYONE THAT TAKES TIME OUT OF THEIR DAY TO ATTEND A SCHOOL BOARD MEETING, WANTS WHAT IS BEST FOR OUR CHILDREN.

PLEASE HELP US UNDERSTAND HOW YOUR DECISIONS ARE OFFERING OUR CHILDREN THE BEST EDUCATION POSSIBLE BY BEING HONEST AND TRANSPARENT WITH US.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE, I AM DEDICATED TO SENDING MY CHILDREN TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND HAVE BEEN A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS SINCE I MOVED TO ALEXANDRIA.

NEW PARENTS HAVE ASKED ME OVER THE YEARS AS THEY'RE CONSIDERING THEIR MANY OPTIONS FOR WHERE TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL IN THIS AREA.

ABOUT MY OPINION, AND I HAVE ALWAYS WHOLEHEARTEDLY ENDORSED OUR SCHOOLS.

CPS CENTRAL OFFICE HAS MADE IT INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO ADVOCATE EFFECTIVELY IN THE LAST FEW YEARS DUE TO THE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY WHEN IT COMES TO DECISIONS OF CONSEQUENCE. I WOULD ASK YOU TO INVOLVE THE STAFF WHO ARE AFFECTED THE MOST BY YOUR DECISIONS AND TO TREAT THEM WITH THE DIGNITY THAT THEY DESERVE.

THANK YOU.

OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS STEPHANIE BOOTH.

OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS STEPHANIE, PLEASE.

THANK YOU. HI, MY NAME IS STEPHANIE BOOTH AND I'M A MOUNT VERNON COMMUNITY SCHOOL PARENT OF A RISING SECOND GRADER.

I'M ALSO A FORMER ART TEACHER.

I'M HERE TO TALK ABOUT ENCORE TEACHERS.

AS A FORMER FCPS ART TEACHER AND DEPARTMENT CHAIR WHO DEALT WITH STAFFING, I UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT THAT ENROLLMENT CAN MAKE ON POSITIONS.

IT IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AND SHOPS TO HAVE A FULL TIME TEACHER AND A PART TIME TEACHER WHO IS AT MULTIPLE SCHOOLS.

I MYSELF WAS DE-STAFFED FROM A SCHOOL WHEN MY PART TIME POSITION WAS ELIMINATED DUE TO A DECREASE IN ENROLLMENT.

HOWEVER, I WAS INFORMED OF THIS CHANGE TO MY PLACEMENT WHEN STAFFING WAS DONE IN EARLY APRIL.

I WAS GIVEN AMPLE TIME TO EITHER FIND A POSITION THAT WORKED FOR ME IN THE DISTRICT OR TRY TO TRANSFER TO ANOTHER DISTRICT.

IN SHORT, THOUGH, WE COULD NOT MAGICALLY INCREASE THE ENROLLMENT AT MY SCHOOL.

I WAS TREATED AS A PROFESSIONAL AND GIVEN THE TIME TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION FOR MY CAREER AND FOR MY FAMILY.

IN CONTRAST, HAS TREATED THEIR ENCORE TEACHERS WITH NO SUCH RESPECT.

THE LATENESS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WAS PROFESSIONALLY DISRESPECTFUL AND LEFT TEACHERS WITH FEW OPTIONS OTHER THAN TO TAKE WHAT WAS BEING OFFERED.

IN MANY CASES, TEACHERS HAD ONLY DAYS BEFORE THE JUNE 15TH DEADLINE TO RESIGN WITHOUT PREJUDICE.

THEY WERE TREATED AS DISPOSABLE AND NOT AS A VALUED MEMBER OF THEIR SCHOOL'S COMMUNITY.

THE BRIEF THAT WAS SENT BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TRIED TO SPIN THIS ALL AS A GOOD THING.

[01:05:01]

AND WHILE GLOSSING OVER THE FACT THAT THE DISTRICT WAS NEGLIGENT IN PROVIDING THE APPROPRIATE PHYSICAL AND MUSICAL EDUCATION TO ALL STUDENTS THIS PAST SCHOOL YEAR, IT DID NOT, HOWEVER, ADDRESS THE CORE ISSUE OF THE COMPLETE BREAKDOWN OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CENTRAL OFFICE AND STAFF.

THE BUDGET WAS DONE MONTHS AGO.

THE MAYOR WAS ASSURED MONTHS AGO THAT NO STAFF POSITIONS WERE BEING CUT, THOUGH THAT IS TECHNICALLY TRUE, THAT THE POSITIONS WERE NOT ELIMINATED.

THEY WERE DRASTICALLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY CHANGED.

IT GOES TO THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE SOLUTION THAT THE DISTRICTS OF THE ENCORE STAFFING PROBLEM WAS SPLITTING MANY OF OUR ENCORE TEACHERS TO MULTIPLE SCHOOLS WAS ALSO MADE MONTHS AGO. WAS THE CENTRAL OFFICE NEGLECTFUL IN COMMUNICATING THIS CRUCIAL INFORMATION TO THE IMPACTED STAFF? DID THEY NOT THINK OUR ENCORE TEACHERS HELD VALUE TO THEIR SCHOOL COMMUNITY AND THUS DID NOT NEED TO BE INFORMED OF THE CHANGE TO THEIR PLACEMENT? OR WAS THAT INFORMATION WILLFULLY WITHHELD TO KEEP ENCORE TEACHERS IN CPS AND NOT LOOKING FOR BETTER POSITIONS IN NEIGHBORING COUNTIES? ANY OPTION IS FRANKLY UNACCEPTABLE.

THE LAST FEW YEARS HAVE BEEN INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT FOR OUR TEACHERS.

THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH WE CAN DO TO KEEP THEM FROM LEAVING THE DISTRICT OR INDEED THE PROFESSION.

THE BARE MINIMUM THAT WE CAN DO IS TO TREAT ALL TEACHERS AT ENCORE AND ELECTIVE TEACHERS INCLUDED WITH THE BASIC DECENCY, RESPECT AND WITH OPEN COMMUNICATIONS ABOUT THEIR CONTRACTS.

COMMUNICATION IS ONE OF MY BIGGEST FRUSTRATIONS AS AN CPS PARENT, AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT CENTRAL OFFICE AND SCHOOL BOARD IS DOING TO FIX THESE COMMUNICATIONS ISSUES MOVING FORWARD.

HOW WE TREAT EACH OTHER IS IMPORTANT.

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS, AND WE CANNOT RETAIN THE TALENT THAT WE NEED TO EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN WITHOUT BASIC RESPECT.

THANK YOU.

OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS CHRISTY SHELL.

GOOD EVENING. I'VE BEEN AN EDUCATOR FOR 22 YEARS.

THE FIRST TEN YEARS OF MY CAREER WERE SPENT IN PENNSYLVANIA AND THE LAST 12 YEARS HERE WITH CURRENTLY AT KELLY.

I'M HERE TONIGHT TO SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR OUR EMPLOYEES.

THE AREAS WHERE I FEEL COLLECTIVE BARGAINING WOULD BENEFIT THIS DIVISION ARE AS FOLLOWS.

TEACHER RETENTION.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING OUR DIVISION IS TEACHER RETENTION.

FOR EXAMPLE, I DO KNOW THAT ONLY ONE OUT OF THE SEVEN TEACHERS I HAVE WORKED WITH SINCE 2019 CONTINUES TO WORK AT CORE KELLY.

OF THE SIX TEACHERS THAT LEFT, FOUR OF THOSE TEACHERS MOVED TO DIVISIONS CURRENTLY PARTICIPATING IN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IN 2022, VIRGINIA'S THE COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE REPORTED THAT SCHOOLS WITH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING HAVE LOWER TEACHER TRANSFER OUT RATES THAN SCHOOLS WITHOUT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

TEACHER MORALE.

TEACHER MORALE HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN IMPORTANT FACTOR TO SUCCESS IN THE CLASSROOM.

THE CLASSROOM TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL STAFF ARE UNDER AN UNPRECEDENTED LEVEL OF STRAIN.

THIS STRAIN IS COMPOUNDED BY THE RECENT UPTICK IN STAFF SHORTAGES IMPACTING SCHOOL SYSTEMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

BY MOVING FORWARD WITH AN ALREADY APPROVED EFFORT TO SUPPORT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, YOU SEND A LOUD, STRONG MESSAGE TO EDUCATORS THAT YOU AS A BOARD VALUE THE TEACHERS AND THEIR INPUT ON HOW THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IS RUN.

TEACHER PAY. I AM HAPPY THAT THE DISTRICT HAS MADE POSITIVE STEPS IN ADJUSTING THE PAY SCALE.

WHILE THIS IS A WELCOME CHANGE, I AM CONCERNED THAT THE APPROACH MISSES THE MARK ON WORKING TO ENSURE OUR SCHOOLS CAN RETAIN THEIR EXPERIENCED, DEDICATED AND LONGER TENURED TEACHERS. THERE ARE TEACHERS WHO HAVE BUILT CAREERS WITH CPS BUT FOUND THEMSELVES FROZEN ON THE PAY SCALE.

DENIED STEP INCREASES MULTIPLE YEARS.

THIS INCLUDES ME AND 12 YEARS WITH THE DISTRICT.

I HAVE MOVED ONLY SIX STEPS.

THE NEW PAY SCALE EXACERBATES THIS INEQUITY AND WILL LIKELY UNDERMINE TEACHER MORALE IN THE LONG RUN.

A TEACHER NEW TO THE DISTRICT BUT WITH THE SAME AMOUNT OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, CAN COME INTO CPS AND RIGHTFULLY BE PLACED ON STEP 16.

THIS IS A STEP I AM ON, THOUGH.

I HAVE 22 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

IT IS DISHEARTENING WHEN THE RESPONSE FROM THE DISTRICT CENTRAL OFFICE, WHEN FACED WITH A SENIOR TEACHER MERELY ASKING TO BE PLACED WHERE THEY DESERVE TO BE, IS TO MOVE TO ANOTHER DIVISION. DISMISSIVE AND IN DIRECT CONFLICT WITH WHAT SHOULD BE A TOP PRIORITY RETAINING OUR HIGH QUALITY EDUCATORS.

WE ARE SIMPLY ASKING TO BE PLACED ON THE STEP THAT CORRELATES TO OUR YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

THIS IS ESSENTIAL IN RETAINING QUALIFIED STAFF WITH CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS.

IN CONCLUSION, I WILL CONTINUE TO TEACH WITH ALEXANDRIA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WHY DO I STAY? I STAY FOR THE STUDENT WHO STILL CALLS WHEN HE HAS A FAMILY CRISIS AND NEEDS HELP.

I STAY FOR THE STUDENTS WHO, DESPITE LEAVING FOR GW MIDDLE SCHOOL, COME BACK TO SAY HOW MUCH THEY MISS THEIR CORE KELLY FAMILY.

I STAY FOR THE STUDENT WHO ENDURED MAJOR TRAUMA IN HIS HOME COUNTRY, HAS MISSED YEARS OF CONSISTENT EDUCATION, BUT STILL MANAGES TO SMILE EVERY DAY AND SAY, GOOD MORNING MISS

[01:10:05]

THERE'S STILL ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AND A CRITICAL STEP THIS BOARD CAN SUPPORT.

HELP US MOVE FORWARD WITH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

WHEN TEACHERS AND SCHOOL STAFF HAVE A VOICE ON THE JOB, THE OVERALL IMPACT IS GOOD FOR WORKERS, STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY.

WHY WOULDN'T WE WANT ALEXANDRIA TO BE A PLACE WHERE STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS CAN THRIVE? THANK YOU.

OKAY. THANK YOU. SO THAT CONCLUDES CONCLUDES OUR PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE EVENING.

UM, ALWAYS.

IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK FOR PUBLIC COMMENT, WE DO ASK THAT YOU SIGN UP THE DAY PRIOR BY NOON.

UM, AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE.

SO WITH THAT SAID, THANK YOU FOR THE COMMENTS.

YEAH. NO. YEAH, THERE WERE TWO SPEAKERS LISTED, BUT THEY ARE NOT ON THE ZOOM, SO.

ARE THEY IN THE. HOLD ON.

WE MIGHT HAVE TWO MORE SPEAKERS.

HELLO. OKAY.

YES, GO AHEAD, MISS STRAUSS.

HI. THANK YOU.

MY NAME IS SAMANTHA STRAUSS, AND I AM AN NAOMI BROOKS AND RISING MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT.

I JUST CHANGED SOME OF MY COMMENTS BECAUSE I WAS GOING TO URGE YOU TO TALK ABOUT THE ENCORE TEACHER CHANGES AND AM SO GLAD THAT YOU HAVE AMENDED THE AGENDA TO ADD THAT IN.

THANK YOU FOR DOING THAT.

I ASK THAT YOU HAVE A MEANINGFUL CONVERSATION WITH ADMINISTRATORS TO MAKE SURE THIS IS THE BEST PATH FORWARD.

MANY PARENTS AND TEACHERS DISAGREE THAT THE ENCORE STAFF CHANGES ARE A GOOD IDEA, PARTICULARLY WITH OUR TEACHERS TELLING YOU THAT THIS WILL NEGATIVELY IMPACT ENCORE EDUCATION AND NEARLY EVERY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AS IS CUTTING SIX ENCORE POSITIONS DIVISION WIDE AND NOT BACKFILLING POSITIONS AS TEACHERS DEPART AND RETIRE. ACPF ADMINISTRATORS TOLD THE BROOKS COMMUNITY THAT IT DID NOT CONSIDER ANY ALTERNATIVE TO CUTTING ONCOR STAFFING TIME ACROSS SCHOOLS, NOR DOES IT SEEM WILLING TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THIS PLAN.

THERE IS STILL TIME FOR TO RECONSIDER AND FOR THE BOARD TO STEP IN IN FIGURING OUT THE BEST WAY TO TEACH AND STAFF ENCORE.

I TRUST MY TEACHERS THE MOST, AND I HOPE YOU TWO WILL TRUST THE TEACHERS FROM MANY SCHOOLS THAT SPOKE AT THE LAST SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.

TONIGHT'S MEETING, THE BROOKS PTA MEETING A WEEK AND A HALF AGO, AND THE LISTENING SESSION HOSTED BY DR.

SIMPSON BAIRD AND MISS CARMICHAEL BOOTH ON SUNDAY.

THE TEACHERS ARE RAISING RED FLAGS TO TELL YOU THIS ISN'T RIGHT.

DID NOT CONSULT WITH TEACHERS, INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALISTS OR PRINCIPALS PRIOR TO ADOPTING THIS PLAN.

IF YOU STOP, GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD WITH THE RELEVANT KNOWLEDGEABLE PARTIES AT THE TABLE.

I'M SURE CENTRAL OFFICE AND TEACHERS CAN COME UP WITH A BETTER PLAN.

COMPROMISES MIGHT NEED TO BE MADE, BUT IT IS CRITICAL FOR TEACHER RETENTION AND CURRICULUM QUALITY FOR THOSE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT INSTRUCTIONAL AND SCHOOL IMPACT TO WEIGH IN WHAT IT MIGHT LOOK LIKE ON PAPER IN CENTRAL OFFICE IS NOT ALWAYS HOW IT WORKS IN THE SCHOOL.

PLEASE LET EVERYONE HAVE A VOICE AND DO NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH ANY STAFFING CHANGES, ESPECIALLY ONE AS WIDESPREAD AS THIS.

IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ON WHETHER IT IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR OUR SCHOOLS, STUDENTS AND TEACHERS.

THANK YOU. OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS AMY HILLIS.

HI THERE. I HOPE YOU CAN HEAR ME.

LOOKS LIKE THE VERY ELOQUENT SPEAKERS BEFORE ME HANDLED THE PORTIONS I WAS GOING TO SPEAK ABOUT WITH REGARD TO THE TEACHER PAY AND STEP INCREASES AND THE ENCORE.

SO I WILL LET THAT STAND AND I WILL THROW MY SUPPORT.

AS A PARENT OF A YOUNG CHILD STILL IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BEHIND THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, AND I WANT TO GO INTO SOME DETAIL ON WHY SOME OF THESE MEASURES ARE NEEDED.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, I'D LIKE TO ASK THE CENTRAL OFFICE.

I'M SORRY, ACP TO CRAFT A RESOLUTION TONIGHT REMINDING THE CENTRAL OFFICE EMPLOYEES THAT YOU ARE ELECTED PRESIDENT.

REPRESENTATIVES OVERSEE THEIR WORK.

THEY'RE ACCOUNTABLE TO YOU AND BY YOUR REPRESENTATION, REPRESENTATION TO THE VOTING PUBLIC OF ALEXANDRIA.

PRESENTLY, THERE SEEMS TO BE QUITE A DISCONNECT BETWEEN THE CENTRAL OFFICE AND THE EMPLOYEES IN THE SCHOOLS, AS WELL AS THE FAMILIES AND STUDENTS.

SECOND, I ASK THAT YOU CRAFT AND PASS A RESOLUTION AS THE SCHOOL FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD, WHICH IS CURRENTLY HALF WAY THROUGH ITS THREE YEAR TERM, TO DIRECT THE CENTRAL OFFICE

[01:15:04]

I'D LIKE TO RECOUNT FOR YOU A COUPLE OF RECENT EPISODES THAT SUPPORT THE NEED FOR THIS ONE JUST OCCURRED OVER THE PAST WEEK.

POOR TRANSPARENCY TO FAMILIES.

AND GUESS TWO MIGHT MIGHT BE EVEN TEACHERS AND STAFF REGARDING THE THE LATE DELAYS ON THE MACARTHUR DELIVERY.

A WEEK AGO ON JUNE 8TH, OUR PTA HELD A MEETING AND CPS REPRESENTATIVES TOLD US DURING THAT MEETING THAT THE PROJECT WAS ON SCHEDULE.

THEY SAID, STAY TUNED ON TUESDAY, WE'LL HAVE MORE INFORMATION.

TWO DAYS AGO, ON TUESDAY, DURING THE COMMUNITY MEETING ON THIS TOPIC, THE SAME OFFICIALS DISCLOSED DELAYS TO THE OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND, THE TURF FIELD AND THE SOLAR ARRAY.

NOW, I REALIZE THERE'S AN IMPULSE AMONG PEOPLE TO GO, OH, IT'S NO BIG DEAL.

THE BUILDING IS GOING TO BE OPEN.

IT'S JUST THE TURF FIELD AND IT'LL COME ONLINE LATER.

APPARENTLY, HOWEVER, THE WORD THAT DELAYS WERE LIKELY TO HIT CPS CAME TO CPS IN MID MAY.

WHY WASN'T THE PTA NOTIFIED IN OUR MEETING LAST WEEK, IF NOT SOONER? DURING THE TUESDAY MEETING, THE CPS OFFICIALS SAID THEY WERE, QUOTE, PURSUING A SCHEDULE TO GET KIDS IN SCHOOL IN THE NEW BUILDING AS PLANNED ON AUGUST 21ST. IN BOTH MEETINGS, A SENIOR OFFICIAL SAID THERE WAS NO BACKUP PLAN IF THE BUILDING IS NOT SAFE TO OCCUPY AT THAT TIME.

THERE'S ONLY TWO WEEKS BETWEEN THE TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE AND WHEN OUR KIDS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE IN SCHOOL.

SO WE WERE TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO DISCUSSION OF ANY VIRTUAL OPTION.

PARENTS WERE TOLD THAT THIS WAS, QUOTE, NOT THE FIRST SCHOOL THAT HAD BEEN OPENED UNDER THEIR WATCH.

IF IT TURNS OUT TO DELIVER IT LATE, IT WON'T BE THE FIRST LATE DELIVERY UNDER THEIR WATCH EITHER.

THIS KIND OF COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS AND FAMILIES DOES NOT ENGENDER TRUST.

IT COMES OFF AS COLD AND DETACHED.

PARENTS AREN'T ASKING THESE QUESTIONS AS A GOTCHA.

WE'VE SEEN THE PACE OF PROGRESS.

WE SAW PATRICK HENRY DELIVER LATE.

WE SIMPLY NEED TO MAKE PLANS TO.

I PERSONALLY EMAILED THIS OFFICIAL FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS AS DIRECTED.

HILLIS. I'M SORRY, BUT YOUR TIME IS UP.

THANK YOU. OKAY.

SO AGAIN, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT BY NOON THE DAY PRIOR TO THE MEETING.

ALSO, YOU CAN ALWAYS SUBMIT ANY OF YOUR WRITTEN COMMENTS.

SO IF YOU ARE HERE TONIGHT AND YOU HAVE TO SAY MORE, PLEASE SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS.

UM, AND AT ANY TIME YOU CAN SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS.

SO THANK YOU ALL.

OKAY. SO WE NOW HAVE TO MOVE INTO A CLOSED.

OH, ACTUALLY, NO, WE CAN'T DO THAT YET.

[10. Recognition of Student Representatives Zahra Rahimi and Torenzo Ricks ]

SO LAST WEEK WE RECOGNIZED MISS EMILY MILTON, AND THIS EVENING WE HAVE TO RECOGNIZE MR. LORENZO HICKS AND ZAHRA RAHIMI.

OH, GOSH. RICKS.

I'M SORRY, MR..

IT'S. IT'S.

IT'S THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.

YEAH. UH, MR. RICKS AND ZAHRA RAHIMI.

UM, SO WE DO HAVE SOME THINGS FOR YOU IF YOU WANT TO COME ON OVER.

YEAH.

ALL RIGHT. SO AT THIS TIME, I DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE ANY BOARD MEMBERS WHO WANT TO SAY ANYTHING ABOUT OUR STUDENT REPS.

UM. OR IF OUR STUDENT REPS WOULD LIKE TO SAY SOMETHING FIRST.

OKAY. ALL RIGHT.

DR. SIMPSON, I DIDN'T REALIZE THERE WAS GOING TO BE SPEECHES, OTHERWISE I REALLY WOULD HAVE PREPARED SOMETHING.

BUT I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK.

I KNOW THIS IS NOT AN EASY POSITION, AND I KNOW YOU ALL ARE INVOLVED IN SO MANY OTHER THINGS AT HHS.

AND ADDING THIS ON TOP OF THAT IS A VERY BIG COMMITMENT.

SO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR TIME AND WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT.

I WANT TO GIVE A SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO SARAH.

SHE IS OUR FIRST INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY REP AND SHE DID MAGNIFICENTLY.

[01:20:02]

WE HAVE CODIFIED THIS AS A PERMANENT FIXTURE FOR OUR STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES ON THE SCHOOL BOARD THROUGH OUR STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE POLICY.

SO WE ARE GLAD YOU WERE HERE TO PAVE THE WAY.

SARA, THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT.

ANY OTHER COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS? MS.. GREENE? NOW.

GO AHEAD. THANK YOU, GERALD.

THANK YOU, CHAIR ALDERTON. I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL STUDENT REPS.

IT IS QUITE A JOY, A COMPLETE AND TOTAL JOY WORKING WITH THEM THIS SCHOOL YEAR.

WE MEET EVERY MONTH VIA ZOOM AND EACH AND EVERY MONTH THEY BRING SUCH PASSION AND COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION TO WHAT THEY DO. YOU'VE JUST GROWN SO MUCH IN THE POSITION AND I'M SO VERY PROUD OF YOU AND JUST THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO.

ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU.

ANY COMMENTS? OH, BOOS. ALL RIGHT.

JUST REALLY QUICKLY, BECAUSE I GET THE HONOR OF SITTING NEXT TO THESE WONDERFUL INDIVIDUALS AND I WON'T SAY SOME OF THE LIKE DIFFERENT NOTES THAT GET PASSED ON, BUT THE THE SENSE OF HUMOR AND THE TIME WHERE I'M LIKE, I CAN'T LAUGH RIGHT NOW.

IT'D BE INAPPROPRIATE FOR ME TO LAUGH RIGHT NOW.

AND TERENZO IS TRYING TO CRACK ME UP.

BUT YOU GUYS, YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GRADUATION.

UM, ALWAYS A TITAN.

AND IT'S JUST BEEN.

IT'S BEEN SUCH A DELIGHT TO SEE YOU GUYS GROW IN THESE POSITIONS AND YOU BRING A LOT TO THE TABLE, SO THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT, MR. REX, YOU LOOK EAGER TO SPEAK.

OKAY. SO SHOULD WE JUST GO RIGHT TO YOUR REPORTS THEN?

[11. Report from Student Representatives Emily Milton and Torenzo Ricks ]

AND THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL OF YOUR COMMENTS TONIGHT.

HAPPY LAST DAY OF SCHOOL TO EVERYONE WHO'S HERE, ALL OUR EDUCATORS, OUR STUDENTS.

FAMILIES. ALL OF THE ABOVE.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SAY HAPPY.

WELL, I ALREADY SAID HAPPY LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, BUT AS WE ARE CHOOSING OUR NEW STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME IT WAS TO WORK WITH THESE TWO THE ENTIRE YEAR.

AND WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME I HAD WITH THIS BOARD AND HOW EASY IT WAS TO MAKE THE TRANSITION FOR MY SECOND YEAR AS STUDENT REP.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SHOUT OUT AS SOMEONE WHO COMES FROM A FAMILY OF EDUCATORS, OUR WONDERFUL TEACHERS, AS THEY DO SO MUCH WORK FOR US.

ONE OF MINE IS EVEN HERE TODAY BUT LOVE YOU.

BUT I'M HAPPY THAT WE'RE IN A DISTRICT THAT HAS SUCH PASSIONATE TEACHERS WHO CARE ABOUT THEIR JOB AND THEIR POSITION.

AND EVEN THOUGH I'M NOT A VOTING MEMBER OF THIS BOARD, I APPRECIATE THEIR PASSION TO SPEAK UP FOR WHAT THEY WANT AND NEED AS EDUCATORS AND ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO LISTEN TO THEM.

AND I WILL PASS IT OFF TO TERENZO.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

IT'S BEEN A WHOLE YEAR AND YOU GUYS HAVE STILL BEEN STUCK WITH ME.

UM, BUT NO, THIS HAS BEEN AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR ME.

I'VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF GETTING TO KNOW EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU AND REALLY BEING ABLE TO CONNECT WITH MY PEERS, BEING IN THIS POSITION.

AND I REALLY LOVE THE FACT THAT I CAN MAKE A LOT OF MY TEACHERS FEEL OLD WHEN THEY SEE ME UP HERE, SPECIFICALLY MS..

QUINN. UM, IT IS A COMPLETE HONOR TO ACTUALLY SAY THAT I AM A PART OF THIS BOARD AND A PART OF CPS.

AND REALLY, I DO HAVE TO SAY THAT YOU ALL HAVE REALLY TAUGHT ME THE DEFINITION OF FAMILY.

UM, BECAUSE WHEN YOU ALL'S JOB IS HARD.

UM, BUT HOWEVER, EVEN WHEN YOU ALL DISAGREE OR MAY, YOU KNOW, HAVE A DISAGREEMENT OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, YOU YOU GUYS STILL FIND SOME WAY TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY'S VOICE IS HEARD AND EVERYBODY'S OPINION IS, UM, YOU KNOW, TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

AND, UM, IT HAS REALLY LIKE, INSPIRED ME TO BE SURE THAT I'M WILLING AND ABLE TO LISTEN TO EVERYBODY'S VOICE.

UM, AND JUST GOING DOWN THE LINE REAL QUICKLY, ZARA, YOU TAUGHT ME SO MUCH HOW TO BE LIKE, VERY, VERY.

SHE'S SO PEACEFUL.

LIKE, I'VE NEVER MET SOMEBODY THAT EVEN IN THE MIDST OF LOUDNESS, SHE'S JUST SO QUIET.

AND THEN SHE JUST SMILES AT YOU.

LIKE. IT'S JUST. IT'S JUST.

IT'S JUST. JUST SO AMAZING.

EMILY HAS PUT UP WITH MY CRAZINESS.

SHE IS MY RIDE HERE.

SHE'S MY RIDE HOME.

UM, YESTERDAY SHE WAS MY RIDE TO A JOB FAIR.

I JUST USE YOU, BUT, UM, IT IS A PLEASURE, REALLY, GETTING TO KNOW YOU.

I CRIED WHEN I SEE HER AT GRADUATION, I'M PROBABLY GONNA CRY AGAIN TONIGHT.

UM, AND JUST REMEMBER, SHE'S MY SCORPIO TWIN.

SO WITHOUT A SEVEN, THERE'S NO 14.

UM, MISS BOOZE, YOU HAVE REALLY TAUGHT ME TO JUST LITERALLY LAUGH AT EVERYTHING.

UM, THAT'S ALL I CAN REMEMBER.

[01:25:01]

UM. EVEN THOUGH HE IS NOT HERE, MR. MISTER BAILEY, HIM AND MY GRANDFATHER ARE LIKE, THE BEST OF FRIENDS SINCE, LIKE, CHILDHOOD, SO HE'S LIKE GRANDPA.

PART TWO. UM, MISS GREENE AND MISS ALDERTON, YOU ALL ARE LITERALLY LIKE MY SPIRITUAL MOTHERS.

YOU ALL HAVE BEEN ABLE TO POUR INTO ME, ESPECIALLY AT MY LOWEST.

UM, MR. HARRIS, YOU HAVE REMINDED ME TO ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT I ADDRESS YOU.

UH, MISS IGNACIO, EVEN THOUGH SHE.

EVEN THOUGH SHE'S NOT HERE, I REALLY LOVE HOW SHE IS VERY CHARISMATIC, AND SHE REALLY KNOWS HOW TO PUT HER FINISHING TOUCHES ON THINGS.

AND IT LETS ME KNOW THAT I AM REALLY RIGHT AND DOING AND BEING A PERFECTIONIST.

UM, DR.

SIMPSON. BARRETT, YOU ARE JUST SO PASSIVE.

LIKE YOU'RE JUST YOU AND ZARA.

JUST. JUST LIKE YOU GUYS ARE JUST SO CALM AND JUST.

JUST. JUST SO STILL.

UM, DR. RIEF AND MR. NEWBY, YOU ALL HAVE REALLY TAUGHT ME THAT IT IS LITERALLY OKAY TO ASK ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS.

UM, AND I NOW CAN FEEL CONFIDENT ENOUGH TO ASK QUESTIONS.

UM, OF COURSE I HAVE TO THANK OUR WONDERFUL BOARD CLERKS, MISS ALEX BOURGEOIS, AS WELL AS SUSAN NIELSEN.

ALEX IS LIKE MY LITTLE BIG SISTER.

I SAY THAT BECAUSE I TOWER HER, BUT SHE'S OLDER THAN ME.

UM, SUSAN IS LITERALLY THE BEST.

SHE DOES EVERYTHING.

AND EVEN THOUGH SHE'S NOT HERE, I WANT TO THANK HER FOR IT.

LASTLY, DR.

WYATT, OR I'D LIKE TO CALL DR.

IN THE FLYEST JACKET YOU HAVE.

YOU'VE REALLY TAUGHT ME.

AND I BELIEVE I CAN SPEAK FOR EVERY STUDENT.

YOU HAVE TAUGHT US THAT THE DEFINITION OF THE EPITOME OF BEING DETERMINED.

AND I SAY THAT BECAUSE YOU REALLY BROKE A BARRIER.

AND I WANT YOU TO REALLY SAY IT CONFIDENTLY THAT YOU ARE THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALE, PERMANENT SUPERINTENDENT OF CPS.

THAT RIGHT THERE IS A WHOLE NOTHER LEVEL.

AND I REALLY AM REALLY GLAD THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO WEAR THAT HAT AND STILL, AS YOU SAY, IMPACT EVERYBODY'S LIFE.

THIS BOARD HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.

AND I JUST THANK YOU ALL.

PASS IT TO SEE YOU. I DON'T HAVE ANY REPORT, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY

[12. Report from International Academy Student Representative Zahra Rahimi ]

I'M FILLED WITH GRATITUDE FOR THE VALUABLE EXPERIENCES AND OPPORTUNITIES THAT THIS THAT THIS ROLE HAS OFFERED ME.

WORKING WITH THE BOARD HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLY ENRICHING EXPERIENCE, AND I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT THE INNER WORKINGS OF OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT.

BEING ABLE TO COLLABORATE WITH THE BOARD MEMBERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND FELLOW STUDENTS HAVE BEEN AN INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE.

AND I'M PROUD OF THE PROGRESS THAT WE ALL HAVE MADE THIS YEAR TOGETHER.

AND AGAIN, I'M HONORED TO HAVE SERVED AS A VOICE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY STUDENTS IN THE ESSER AND WORKING WITH THE BOARD.

THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY AND HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER.

AND THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.

[ 13. Closed Meeting ]

RIEF TO CERTIFY THE CLOSED SESSION.

OH, I'M SORRY.

I HAVE IT. YEP.

OKAY. MRS GREENE WOULD LIKE TO DO IT.

GO AHEAD, MS.. GREENE. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I MOVE THE BOARD, CONVENE A CLOSED MEETING PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE 2.23711 A1.

THE DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENT, PERFORMANCE AND CONTRACTUAL MATTERS FOR 140 SPECIFIC PUBLIC EMPLOYEES.

AND MADAM CHAIR, I MOVE THE BOARD CONVENE A CLOSED MEETING PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE 2.2 3711A6 FOR DISCUSSION OR CONSIDERATION OF INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS WHERE COMPETITION OR BARGAINING IS INVOLVED AND WHERE, IF MADE PUBLIC, WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE FINANCIAL INTERESTS OF THE BOARD.

SECOND. OKAY.

SO. ALL RIGHT.

SO LET'S GO AHEAD AND GET A VOTE FOR THAT MOTION AND THEN WE CAN ADD ON IF WE NEED TO.

ALL RIGHT. SO THERE WAS A MOTION MADE BY MISS GREENE THAT SECONDED BY DR.

RIEF. ALL IN FAVOR.

YES. MRS. GREENE. YES.

YES. OKAY.

SO. ALL RIGHT.

YEAH. OKAY.

IT'S A CERTIFICATION.

WE'RE NOW. ALL RIGHT, SO THE MOTION CARRIES.

WE CAN ALL GO INTO CLOSED.

[14. Certification of Closed Meeting ]

YES, MADAM CHAIR.

PURSUANT TO. YES, MA'AM.

MADAM. MADAM VICE CHAIR.

[01:30:02]

I MOVE THAT THE BOARD CERTIFY THAT TO THE BEST OF EACH MEMBERS KNOWLEDGE, ONLY PUBLIC BUSINESS MATTERS IDENTIFIED IN THE MOTION BY WHICH THE CLOSED MEETING WAS CONVENED AND ARE LAWFULLY EXEMPTED BY THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT WERE HEARD, DISCUSSED OR CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD IN THE CLOSED MEETING HELD ON JUNE 15TH, 2023.

SECOND. ALL RIGHT.

HAVE DR. RIEF, WHO'S SECOND VICE CHAIR.

GREENE A MOTION.

UM, YOU CAN BOARD MEMBERS WHO ARE HERE.

YOU CAN VOTE IN, UM.

VICE-CHAIR GREENE WHAT IS YOUR VOTE? YES, MR. NEWBY. YES.

OKAY. THANK YOU.

OKAY. THANK YOU.

[ Consent Calendar (Part 1 of 2) ]

CALENDAR. MADAM CHAIR, I MOVE TO ADOPT THE CONSENT CALENDAR.

HEY. NEED A SECOND? SECOND. ALL RIGHT.

I HAVE MR. EL NAVY, WHO'S SECOND, DR.

RIEF A MOTION.

ARE THEY? ARE THERE ANY ITEMS TO PULL? MADAM CHAIR, I'D LIKE TO PULL ITEM NUMBER 17.

UH, NO. LET ME LOOK IN REALLY QUICK.

IT MAY HAVE CHANGED.

THE TITLE OR THE ENTITLEMENT GRANTS TITLE ONE, TITLE TWO AND TITLE THREE.

THEY ARE 17, CORRECT? OKAY, SO ITEMS TEND TO MOVE SOMETIMES. UM, OKAY.

SO. MR.. HARRIS SO WE'RE PULLING THAT ITEM.

UM, AND SO WE'LL GO AHEAD AND ADOPT THE CONSENT CALENDAR UNLESS THERE ARE ANY OTHER ITEMS TO PULL.

SO IT'S THE CONSENT CALENDAR MINUS AT THIS POINT, MINUS THE ENTITLEMENT GRANTS TITLE ONE, TITLE TWO AND TITLE THREE, PART A.

YEAH. MADAM CHAIR, I JUST WANT TO CALL THE BUDGET AFFAIRS BYLAWS, WHICH RIGHT NOW IS DECEMBER 24TH.

OKAY, SO WE'RE ALSO PULLING ITEM NUMBER 24, WHICH IS THE BUDGET BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

BACK BY LAWS.

OKAY. SO WE CAN NOW VOTE BASED ON THOSE ITEMS BEING PULLED.

AND MAYBE. YES.

INVITE YOUR GREENE.

YES. OKAY.

ALL RIGHT. SO WHILE THAT IS BEING.

PUT INTO ESB.

[17. Title IV, Part A Federal Grant ]

I'M SORRY, I GOTTA LOOK IN THE RIGHT PLACE.

ITEM NUMBER 17.

UM, SO WE'RE SIMPLY PULLING THESE ENTITLEMENT GRANTS BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC VIEWING PRIOR TO THE MEETING.

SO WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE SO THEY WILL BE ADDED TO ANOTHER CONSENT CALENDAR LATER.

OKAY. AND SO ITEM NUMBER 24.

OKAY. NO PROBLEM.

SO LET'S GO BACK TO ADOPTING THE CONSENT CALENDAR MINUS ITEMS 17 AND 24.

[Consent Calendar (Part 2 of 2)]

YES. MS. GREENE. YES.

OKAY. YES. THANK YOU.

[24. Minutes for the June 1, 2023 School Board Meeting ]

YEAH. NO, I THINK THIS WILL GO REAL FAST.

I JUST WANTED AND I KNOW THAT WE'VE GOT ANOTHER TOPIC TONIGHT TO TALK ABOUT, BOARD ADVISORY COMMITTEES AND SOME OF THE BOARD OPERATIONS.

[01:35:01]

AND ONE OF THE ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WILL BE VOTED ON TONIGHT FOR THE BYLAWS IS TO FOLLOW CITY COUNCIL'S MODEL AND MAKE SURE THAT EACH SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER IS TRYING TO NOMINATE SOMEBODY TO BE THEIR REPRESENTATIVE ON BACK AND THEN ALSO HAVING SOMEBODY FROM.

AND THEN WE ALSO HAVE SOME MORE KIND OF AD HOC OR YOU KNOW, BUT MORE AT LARGE POSITIONS TO REALLY EXPAND THE WORK OF THAT COMMITTEE AND MAKE SURE THAT, YOU KNOW, TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU I'M SORRY, RECOMMEND THAT YOU ALSO READ THE END OF YEAR REPORT, BECAUSE THERE'S A LOT OF REALLY GOOD THOUGHTS THAT ARE GOING IN THERE IN TERMS OF HOW WE CAN RESTRUCTURE OUR BUDGET PROCESS.

SO I JUST WANT TO THANK THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE.

SO WITH THAT, I WILL MOVE THAT WE APPROVE THE BACK BYLAWS.

SECOND. ALL RIGHT.

SO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BYLAWS FOR BACK AND IS SECONDED BY DR.

SIMPSON BAIRD.

ALL IN FAVOR? ALL RIGHT. AND VICE CHAIR.

GREENE. YES.

YES. THE MOTION CARRIES.

THE BYLAWS ARE APPROVED.

[ 27. Boundary Analysis ]

AND JUST FOR CLARITY, THIS OLD BUSINESS IS AN ACTION ITEM.

UM. AND THE WE DID MAKE A POINT TO CLARIFY THE LANGUAGE ON THAT ACTION, WHICH WE WILL.

TALK ABOUT NOW? YES. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

THIS EVENING, WE HAVE DR.

HART AND HER TEAM WHO WILL KIND OF REPRESENT AND SHARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BOUNDARY ANALYSIS.

SO I WILL TURN IT OVER TO DR.

HART AND HER TEAM.

AND SHE WILL ALSO CLARIFY THE RECOMMENDATION MOVING FORWARD FOR THE BOUNDARY ANALYSIS.

SO THANK YOU, DR. K.Y..

GOOD EVENING, CHAIR ALDERTON, VICE CHAIR, GREENE AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.

SO THE TEAM ACTUALLY DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO REPRESENT TONIGHT REGARDING THE BOUNDARY ANALYSIS.

WE DID PRESENT IN FULL ON JUNE 1ST.

WE ARE HERE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT MAY HAVE COME UP SINCE OUR JUNE 1ST PRESENTATION ON THE BOUNDARY ANALYSIS.

AND IN REGARDS TO THE ACTUAL RECOMMENDATION, WHAT WE ARE RECOMMENDING OR THE INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT IS RECOMMENDING IS THAT AFTER WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT THE BOARD VOTE AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THEY WILL PURSUE REDISTRICTING IN THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR.

SO WITH THAT.

OH, AND I'D BE REMISS.

I'M SORRY TO INTRODUCE THE TEAM.

MRS BARTLETT, WHO IS THE DIRECTOR OF CAPITAL PROGRAMS, PLANNING AND DESIGN, AND SOPHIE HUEMER, WHO IS OUR SENIOR PLANNER.

AND I HOPE I DID NOT BUTCHER YOUR TITLE, SOPHIE, BUT YES, SO THE TEAM AND I ARE HERE TONIGHT TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU ALL MAY HAVE REGARDING THE BOUNDARY ANALYSIS PRESENTATION. OKAY WITH THAT, I WILL TURN IT OVER TO MY COLLEAGUES FOR QUESTIONS.

DR. RIEF. WELL, THANK YOU, DR.

HART, FOR SHARING ALL THE INFORMATION WITH US.

DON'T KNOW IF THE IS IT POSSIBLE TO SHARE ANY OF THE SLIDES TONIGHT OR.

SURE, WE CAN PULL THOSE BACK UP.

SO, SOPHIE, IF YOU CAN CUE UP THE SLIDES.

AND IF THERE'S ONE IN PARTICULAR YOU'D LIKE TO SEE, DR.

RIEF, PLEASE LET US KNOW.

YEAH, I THINK THE FIRST ONE I WANTED TO LOOK AT WAS SLIDE NUMBER NINE.

AND THIS IS THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ENROLLMENT AND UTILIZATION.

SO I THINK IT'S.

OH, THERE WE GO. YEAH, A LITTLE BIT.

RIGHT THERE. YEAH.

SO ONE OF THE QUESTIONS THAT I HAVE IS WHEN I WAS LOOKING AT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS THAT ARE ENROLLED IN EACH SCHOOL VERSUS HOW MANY ACTUALLY LIVE IN THE ATTENDANCE ZONE FOR THE SCHOOL.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT REALLY STOOD OUT FOR ME WAS THAT THE TWO SCHOOLS THAT REALLY HAVE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENTIAL IS MOUNT VERNON COMMUNITY SCHOOL, WHICH IS A DIFFERENCE OF 227 STUDENTS, AND JOHN ADAMS, WHICH IS A DIFFERENCE OF 78 STUDENTS.

AND, YOU KNOW, BOTH OF THESE SCHOOLS HAVE THE DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAMING IN THEM.

AND SO I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD JUST COMMENT ON, YOU KNOW, WHY YOU THINK THOSE ARE THE THE SCHOOLS THAT ARE MOST HAVING THE BIGGEST NUMBER OF STUDENTS TRANSFERRING IN AND WHAT ROLE YOU THINK THE DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM IS PLAYING? THAT'S THAT'S MY FIRST QUESTION.

OKAY. I'LL ASK SOPHIE TO RESPOND TO THAT QUESTION, PLEASE.

UH, SURE. YEAH. IT'S AN INTERESTING STATISTIC.

WHEN YOU WE PROVIDED A CHART OF HOW MANY STUDENTS GO TO THAT LIVE IN DIFFERENT BOUNDARIES THAT GO TO MOUNT VERNON

[01:40:10]

SO IT'S ABOUT, UH, BETWEEN A THIRD AND 50% OF THOSE STUDENTS ARE DUAL LANGUAGE.

AND SO IT IS, IT IS A STATISTIC THAT WAS OF NOTE IN THAT BOUNDARY ANALYSIS.

UM, THERE ARE, OF COURSE, YOU KNOW, ABOUT 50% THAT DO NOT FIT THAT PROFILE.

BUT THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT CAME OUT OF YOUR QUESTION, DR.

RIEF. OKAY.

THANK YOU FOR THAT. YEAH, I MEAN, I'M JUST IT'S KIND OF INTERESTING BECAUSE THOSE ARE TWO OF OUR LARGEST SCHOOLS IN THE DIVISION TWO.

SO I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S JUST THAT THEY'RE HAVING LIKE THE SPACE TO ACCOMMODATE MORE STUDENTS OR WHAT, BUT I'M, YOU KNOW, I'M JUST IT'S SOMETHING I'D BE INTERESTED IN EXPLORING FURTHER.

AND, YOU KNOW, I THINK ONE OF THE CHALLENGES, YOU KNOW, WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF CAPACITY REASSIGNMENTS AND WE'VE TRIED TO REALLY MINIMIZE, YOU KNOW, REASONS THAT THAT STUDENTS WOULD BE TRANSFERRING.

BUT I THINK, YOU KNOW, THIS THIS ISSUE OF DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAMING, YOU KNOW, ONLY EXISTING IN A COUPLE SCHOOLS IS IS A CHALLENGE THAT I YOU KNOW, IF THE DEMAND FOR IT INCREASES LIKE SORT OF WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT THAT? SO IT'S JUST SOMETHING THAT'S ON MY MIND.

AND I JUST WANTED TO KIND OF FLAG THAT.

AND THEN THE SECOND SLIDE THAT I WAS INTERESTED IN LOOKING AT WAS SLIDE NUMBER 33, WHICH HAS THE EXPECTED DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

HERE'S A MAP OF THE CITY, AND I THINK THIS IS REALLY, REALLY USEFUL INFORMATION.

THAT LOOKS LIKE THIS.

I'M SORRY. UM.

EXCUSE ME. SO WHAT WHAT I NOTICED WHEN I'M LOOKING AT THIS, IT HAS BASICALLY SOME OF THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT THAT'S PROJECTED, SOME OF THE DIFFERENT, YOU KNOW, PLANNING PROJECTS THAT THE CITY HAS BEEN WORKING ON.

AND IF, YOU KNOW, JUST LOOKING AT THE YEARS IT RUNS FROM 2024 TO 2027, WHICH IS ACTUALLY FOUR YEARS.

AND WHEN I ADDED IT ALL UP, THE POTENTIAL THERE IS FOR THE STUDENT GENERATION IS 1628 TOTAL STUDENTS.

SO GUESS WANTED TO JUST UNDERSTAND WOULD THIS WOULD THE STUDENT GENERATION.

THAT NUMBER. IS THAT SOMETHING THAT WOULD HAPPEN, THAT IT WOULD GENERATE THOSE STUDENTS RIGHT AWAY WHEN THE BUILDINGS OPENED? OR AND JUST KIND OF HOW ARE YOU HOW DOES THIS DEVELOPMENT FIT INTO THE CITY'S OVERALL KIND OF HOUSING PLANNING? BECAUSE LIKE THE FOUR YEARS, FOR EXAMPLE, AFTER THIS, ARE WE GOING TO SEE ANOTHER 1600 POTENTIAL STUDENTS JUST KIND OF TRYING TO THINK ABOUT HOW IF YOU COULD JUST KIND OF WALK US THROUGH, I GUESS, THIS INFORMATION A LITTLE BIT MORE AND HOW YOU THINK ABOUT THIS IN YOUR PLANNING PROCESS? SO CAN YOU FEEL FREE TO ANSWER THAT ONE AS WELL? SURE. YEAH.

NO, THIS IS SOMETHING I THINK ABOUT EVERY DAY.

DR. RIEF. UM, SO THIS IS A FIVE YEAR EXPECTED DEVELOPMENT.

DEVELOPMENT, AS WE KNOW, TAKES SOME STUMBLES BACKWARD, SOME SOME ACCELERATES.

AND SO EVERY QUARTER OR SO, I LOOK AT ALL OF THE DEVELOPMENT THAT'S OCCURRED AND MAKE SURE THAT IT ALIGNS WITH THE ENROLLMENT PROJECTION.

AND THEN ALSO DURING THE ENROLLMENT ENROLLMENT PROJECTION DURING THE FALL, WE LOOK AT ALL OF THE EXPECTED DEVELOPMENT THAT WE KNOW IS GOING TO COME ONLINE WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR.

THAT'S THE BEST WAY FOR US TO LOOK AT THE IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF DEVELOPMENT ON THE SCHOOLS.

FOR EXAMPLE, THE WAYPOINT OPENED FOR DOUGLAS MACARTHUR AND WE WERE ABLE TO FACTOR THOSE IN LAST YEAR AND WE'RE GOING TO FACTOR THEM IN THIS YEAR BECAUSE IT WAS A PHASED DEVELOPMENT. AND SO I WORK WITH OUR CITY PARTNERS ON UNDERSTANDING THE PHASING OF THE DEVELOPMENT AS WELL, BECAUSE YOU'RE CORRECT, THEY DON'T OPEN ALL AT ONCE.

I BELIEVE SAMUEL MADDEN IS GOING TO BE PHASED AND IT'S ALSO GOING TO BE PHASED WITH THE MARKET RATE AND THE AFFORDABLE, WHICH HAVE DIFFERENT STUDENT GENERATION RATES.

SO WE TAKE A VERY GRANULAR LOOK AT THIS.

BUT THEN MOVING BACK TO THE BIG PICTURE, 1600 STUDENTS IS A LOT OF STUDENTS.

SOME OF THOSE DO.

SOME OF THOSE ARE THE GENERATION RATE IS BASED OFF OF ASSUMING THAT THERE ARE NO STUDENTS THAT CURRENTLY LIVE ON

[01:45:05]

AND SO I WASN'T ABLE TO NET OUT SOME OF THOSE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE HERITAGE PROJECT.

BUT LIKE I MENTIONED TWO WEEKS AGO, SAMUEL MADDEN, 72 OF THOSE STUDENTS MAY BE COMING BACK.

UM, AND SO WE ALSO KNOW THAT THERE'S A HIGH LEVEL OF TRANSIENCY WITH SOME OF THESE STUDENTS AS WELL.

AND SO TAKING A LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE, WE HAVE INCLUDED THIS DEVELOPMENT INTO THE LONG TERM ENROLLMENT PROJECTION.

WE PRESENTED THAT TO THE SUBCOMMITTEE, TO THE CITY COUNCILS AND SCHOOL BOARD SUBCOMMITTEE, I BELIEVE, BACK IN APRIL.

UM, SO WE TAKE A VERY GRANULAR LOOK AT IT AND WE ALSO TAKE THE VERY BIG PICTURE LOOK AT IT.

THE CITY COUNCIL ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDENT GENERATION.

THEY SEND US STAFF REPORTS IN ADVANCE FOR US TO GET A HEADS UP ABOUT THESE PROJECTS AND WE CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THEM PRETTY MUCH ON A WEEKLY BASIS. THANK YOU FOR THAT.

THAT'S HELPFUL.

YEAH. AND WHEN I LOOK AT THESE NUMBERS, I ALSO SEE THAT MOUNT VERNON IS THE ATTENDANCE ZONE THAT HAS THE LARGEST NUMBER OF POTENTIAL STUDENT GENERATION AT LIKE 530.

SO, YOU KNOW, I DEFINITELY THINK THAT, YOU KNOW, I THINK THERE'S DEFINITELY A CASE FOR, YOU KNOW, MOVING FORWARD WITH REDISTRICTING FOR SURE.

UM, BUT ALSO, YOU KNOW, I WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT INCLUDE PLANNING AROUND SOME OF THESE ISSUES BECAUSE I KNOW THAT THE CITY, YOU KNOW, IS PART OF A REGIONAL AGREEMENT TO TRY TO INCREASE HOUSING IN OUR CITY.

AND I BELIEVE THEY HAVE A GOAL OF ADDING 3000 UNITS BY 2030.

I'M NOT SURE, YOU KNOW, HOW MANY OF THOSE UNITS ARE ENCOMPASSED HERE, BUT I THINK THAT THIS IS DEFINITELY A PRIORITY OF OUR CITY COUNCIL.

AND SO, UM, YOU KNOW, SO I HOPE THAT WHEN WE MOVE FORWARD WITH REDISTRICTING, THIS WILL DEFINITELY, YOU KNOW, WE CAN BE.

FORWARD THINKING. GUESS IN HOW WE'RE PLANNING.

SO THANK YOU SO MUCH.

OKAY. DR.

SIMPSON. BAIRD. UM, THANK YOU.

I JUST HAD SOME FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS ACTUALLY, ON THINGS THAT DR.

RIEF BROUGHT UP AROUND THE DUAL LANGUAGE PIECE.

DOES OUR HOW DOES OUR CURRENT DEMAND FOR DUAL LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION MATCH WITH OUR NUMBER OF SEATS FOR IT? I GUESS, IN OTHER WORDS, ARE THERE FAMILIES WHO ARE APPLYING FOR THE PROGRAMMATIC TRANSFER AND WE ARE NOT ABLE TO PLACE THEM AT OUR DUAL LANGUAGE SCHOOLS? I'D HAVE TO DEFER TO ONE OF MY TEACHING, LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP COLLEAGUES TO RESPOND TO THAT QUESTION.

DR. SIMPSON BAIRD.

HI, I'M LINDA WHITFIELD AND I HAVE BEEN THE STUDENT PLACEMENT FOR PERSON FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW.

AND WE HAD A LOTTERY ABOUT 4 OR 5 YEARS AGO BECAUSE WE ONLY HAD TEN PLACES AT MOUNT VERNON AT THAT TIME.

BUT EVER SINCE THEN, WE'VE HAD ENOUGH TEACHERS AND ENOUGH SPACES FOR ALL THE KIDS THAT WANTED TO ATTEND TO ATTEND DUAL LANGUAGE.

YOU. THANK YOU FOR THAT INFORMATION.

AND THEN ANOTHER FOLLOW UP ON THE QUESTIONS DR.

RIEF WAS ASKING ABOUT THE EXPECTED DEVELOPMENT IN FIVE YEARS AND THE ROUGHLY 1600 OR SO EXTRA STUDENTS IN 2027.

WILL WE HAVE ENOUGH ELEMENTARY SEATS TO MEET OR I GUESS I SHOULDN'T ASSUME THEY'RE ELEMENTARY, BUT WILL WE BE ABLE TO ABSORB 1600 NEW STUDENTS IN OUR DIVISION? THEY ALL HAVE THE CAPACITY INCREASES.

INCREASES, OBVIOUSLY AT MINNIE HOWARD AND GEORGE MASON, HOPEFULLY ONLINE BY THEN.

CAN WE ABSORB THAT? SOPHIE. BAZOOKA.

SURE CAN GO AHEAD AND ANSWER THAT.

SO I HAVE NOT USED THIS TABLE SPECIFICALLY TO LOOK AT IT AGAINST OUR ENROLLMENT PROJECTION.

HOWEVER, WE WILL HAVE GEORGE MASON AND CORA KELLY ONLINE.

BY THEN. THE 1600 STUDENTS WILL ALSO GENERALLY BE SPLIT UP 6040 BETWEEN ELEMENTARY GRADE AND HIGH SCHOOL AND SECONDARY GRADES. SO IF YOU TAKE 40% OF THAT 1600, THAT WOULD BE ELEMENTARY.

AND THEN WE DO EXPECT SOME SECONDARY.

THAT'S JUST THE GENERAL SPLIT THAT WE HAVE CURRENTLY FOR THOSE STUDENTS.

SO WE ASSUME THAT THE STUDENTS THAT COME IN WILL ALSO BE THAT SPLIT.

THANK YOU. THOSE ARE ALL MY QUESTIONS.

ALL RIGHT, MR. NEWBY. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

UM, QUESTION, UM, ABOUT THE IF WE CAN PULL BACK THE SLIDE FOR THE UTILIZATION, UM, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THERE IS A STRONG CASE FOR REDISTRICTING AND ESPECIALLY ON THE WEST END, A LOT OF SCHOOLS ARE OVER UTILIZED WHILE, YOU KNOW, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY

[01:50:08]

UM, SCHOOLS ARE LESS UTILIZED.

BUT MY QUESTION IS, IS THERE A CASE, IS THERE A CASE AGAINST REDISTRICTING, A PLAUSIBLE CASE AGAINST REDISTRICTING? AND IF SO, WHAT WOULD BE THE SOLUTION TO THIS LOPSIDED UTILIZATION? IF WE DON'T WANT TO DO CAPACITY TRANSFERS BECAUSE OF THE TOLL THAT IT TAKES? SO I'LL START IN A TEAM.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO JUMP IN.

I DON'T THINK OUR TEAM HAS ANY.

I DON'T WANT TO SAY NEGATIVE, BUT IN ANY CASE, TO NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH REDISTRICTING, WE ARE SEEING CHALLENGES.

AS YOU CAN SEE ON THIS CHART, AS WELL AS WITH OUR CAPACITY REASSIGNMENT PIECE, WHICH I KNOW WE'LL GET INTO A LITTLE BIT LATER.

WE KNOW THAT REDISTRICTING WILL HELP A NUMBER OF THE ISSUES THAT SURROUND BOTH UTILIZATION, CAPACITY REASSIGNMENT, SO ON AND SO FORTH.

AND SO OUR TEAM WOULD ACTUALLY ADVOCATE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH REDISTRICTING TO HELP RESOLVE SOME OF THESE ISSUES.

I THINK WITHOUT REDISTRICTING, WE WOULD DEFINITELY CONTINUE TO BE CHALLENGED TO SOLVE OUR OR EXCUSE ME, OUR OVER UTILIZATION ISSUE.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE CHALLENGED WITH CAPACITY REASSIGNMENTS AND HOW DO WE DO THAT IN A WAY THAT IS FAIR, EQUITABLE AND EFFICIENT? AND WE'VE WE'VE TRIED, I WOULD SAY, FOR AT LEAST 3 OR 4 YEARS TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO DO THESE THINGS WITHOUT MOVING FORWARD IN THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS BECAUSE WE WEREN'T WITHIN THE FIVE YEAR TIMEFRAME YET AND NOTHING THAT WE HAVE PUT ON THE TABLE HAS REALLY HELPED EASE THE BURDEN OR I SHOULD SAY EASE SOME OF THE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS. SO I WOULD SAY OUR TEAM STRONGLY ADVOCATES TO MOVE FORWARD WITH REDISTRICTING IF THAT'S THE BOARD'S PURVIEW.

THANK YOU. APPRECIATE THAT. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

THANK YOU. ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? ALL RIGHT. SO THIS IS AN ACTION ITEM AND WE NEED A MOTION.

ANYONE FEEL FREE.

MADAM CHAIR, I MOVE THAT WE APPROVE THE BOUNDARY ANALYSIS.

SECOND. SO I THINK WE ACTUALLY WE'RE NOT APPROVING THE BOUNDARY ANALYSIS.

WE ACTUALLY WOULD NEED A MOTION TO REDISTRICT.

OH, OKAY. GOT IT. I'LL TAKE THAT ONE.

MADAM CHAIR. I MOVE THAT WE APPROVE REDISTRICTING.

SECOND. ALL RIGHT.

SO WE HAVE.

BY ESSER GREENE, WHOSE SECOND MRS IS MOTION TO HAVE STAFF MOVE FORWARD WITH REDISTRICTING.

2324 SO.

ALL RIGHT. SO WE CAN VOTE.

AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE CAN VOTE IN, GUYS.

MR. GREENE.

YES. YES, THERE WE GO.

ALL RIGHT.

ALL RIGHT, HERE WE GO.

HE MS BOOZE IS CHUCKLING BECAUSE SHE KNOWS.

[ 28. DRAFT FY 2025 Budget Calendar ]

TURN IT OVER TO MR. TURNER OR UNLESS TURN IT OVER.

SEEMS LIKE WE JUST FINISHED ONE BUDGET YEAR AND WE'RE READY.

SO THAT'S HOW IT GOES.

BUDGET ALL THE TIME.

MR. TURNER WILL TURN IT OVER TO YOU.

SO, YES, BEFORE YOU HAVE THE DRAFT OF THE BUDGET CALENDAR NEXT YEAR FOR YOU TO REVIEW AND BE ABLE TO COME BACK IN THE FALL WITH COMMENTS SO WE CAN ADOPT THE NEW BUDGET CALENDAR FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025.

THIS IS JUST FOR INFORMATION TONIGHT AND YOU'LL HAVE THE ENTIRE SUMMER TO BE ABLE TO REVIEW AND FIGURE OUT IF THERE ARE ANY DATES THAT DO NOT WORK FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD SO WE CAN MAKE CHANGES PRIOR TO ADOPTING A NEW BUDGET CALENDAR FOR NEXT YEAR.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MR. TURNER. DO WE HAVE QUESTIONS FROM THE BOARD OR MS..

BOOS? YEAH.

THANK YOU. CAN I CAN ALSO SUBMIT THESE QUESTIONS AS WELL? JUST DOING A QUICK LOOK THROUGH SOME OF THE CALENDAR ITEMS, THE STUFF THAT SHOULDN'T BE A SURPRISE BECAUSE I BROUGHT THIS UP LAST YEAR TOO.

UM, TRYING TO AVOID DOING HAVING QUESTIONS DUE FROM THE BOARD MEMBERS THE VERY NEXT DAY AFTER A SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OR A PUBLIC HEARING.

[01:55:03]

AND THEN IT LOOKS LIKE WE'RE OKAY WHEN WE GET TO THE COMBINED FUNDS.

BUT THEN WHEN WE HAVE TO ADOPT AGAIN IN MAY, WE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE IN MAY WHERE WE SEE THOSE BACK TO BACK.

SO TRYING TO PUT A LITTLE BIT OF WIGGLE ROOM AND TIME AND NOT TRY TO HAVE THESE QUESTIONS DUE THE VERY NEXT DAY WOULD BE MY REQUEST.

AND THEN THE OTHER REQUEST WOULD BE TO REVIEW THE THE BACK RECOMMENDATIONS.

THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT THEY RECOMMENDED DOING WITHIN THE WITHIN THE BUDGET IN TERMS OF DIFFERENT WORKSHOPS AND WORK SESSIONS TO HAVE BACK BE PART OF THE PROCESS AND YOU KNOW, HOW TO ALSO INCLUDE COUNSEL.

SO TAKING A LOOK AT THAT TO SEE IF WE NEED TO ADJUST OUR CALENDAR IN THAT PIECE.

AND THEN MY THIRD REQUEST IS NOT NECESSARILY JUST FOR.

BUDGET, BUT BECAUSE IT'S REALLY SHOWING UP IN THIS BUDGET CALENDAR.

I WOULD LOVE IF WE COULD TRY TO MOVE AWAY FROM DOING A REGULAR BOARD MEETING AND THEN A WORK SESSION DIRECTLY AFTER THE BOARD MEETING, BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE WE'RE HAVING WE'RE HAVING, YOU KNOW, BIG CONVERSATIONS DURING THESE REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS AND THEN NOT STARTING WORK SESSIONS ON REALLY IMPORTANT TOPICS UNTIL 10 OR 11:00.

AND THAT'S NOT A GOOD USE OF STAFF TIME WHO I KNOW HAVE TO GET UP REALLY EARLY IN THE MORNING AND, YOU KNOW, DON'T THINK WE'RE HAVING EFFECTIVE CONVERSATIONS AT THAT POINT.

SO. AND NOTICE THAT THERE'S A LOT OF.

REGULAR MEETINGS AND WORK SESSIONS THAT ARE LISTED BACK TO BACK IN THIS CALENDAR.

DR. RIEF. THANK YOU.

I KIND OF HAD A SIMILAR FEEDBACK THAT TO WHAT MS..

BOOS WAS JUST SAYING.

I NOTICED MR. TURNER, THERE WERE A COUPLE TIMES WHERE THE BOARD MEETINGS AND THEN THEY WOULD BE FOLLOWED BY A BUDGET WORK SESSION THAT WAS WAS KIND OF WONDERING IF YOU HAD ANY INSIGHT ON THAT. SPECIFICALLY, I WAS KIND OF THINKING ABOUT, YOU KNOW, SOMETIMES WE HAVE MEETINGS ATTACHED WITH A BOARD MEETING OR WORK SESSIONS, RATHER.

SOMETIMES MEETINGS COULD FALL ON MONDAY, TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY.

I WAS JUST WONDERING IF THERE'S ANY.

IF YOU CAN GIVE ANY HIGH LEVEL KIND OF LIKE FEEDBACK TO US ABOUT SORT OF HOW YOU HOW YOU DECIDE WHAT SORT OF DAY OF THE WEEK.

BECAUSE ONE OF THE ONE OF THE IDEAS I'VE BEEN TRYING TO FLOAT WITH THE BOARD IS TRYING TO SCHEDULE AS MANY MEETINGS ON THURSDAYS AS POSSIBLE SO EVERYONE CAN JUST KIND OF HOLD THAT FOR THEIR SCHEDULE, BUT DON'T KNOW HOW THAT SOMETHING LIKE THAT WOULD WORK WITH THE BUDGET CALENDAR.

BUT CAN YOU PROVIDE A LITTLE BIT MORE INSIGHT? SO YEAH. SO WE'VE ALWAYS TRIED TO PUT A WORK SESSION ON A REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS ON A REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.

AND THAT WAS DONE BECAUSE PAST BOYS DID NOT WANT TO ADD ADDITIONAL MEETINGS TO THE CALENDAR.

THE CALENDAR IS ALREADY FILLED WITH SEVERAL DIFFERENT MEETINGS.

YOU HAVE YOUR REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING EVERY OTHER THURSDAY, AND THEN THE WORK SESSIONS DON'T IN THERE.

SUBCOMMITTEE MEETINGS AND SO FORTH.

SO WE TRY TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF DAYS THAT STAFF AND THE SCHOOL BOARD WOULD ACTUALLY HAVE TO COME THERE TO THE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER SCHOOL BOARD ROOM.

THAT WAS ALWAYS THE DIRECTION OF PAST SCHOOL BOARDS.

SO THAT'S WHY THE BUDGET CALENDAR CONTINUES TO LOOK THAT WAY.

UM, YOU KNOW, IF THIS SCHOOL BOARD WANTS TO MOVE A DIFFERENT DIRECTION AND ADD ADDITIONAL MEETING DAYS TO THE CALENDAR, WE CAN LOOK TO DO THAT.

UM, AGAIN, THAT'S JUST, YOU KNOW, THAT YOU ALL SCHEDULE, THAT'S AN ADDITIONAL DAY THAT YOU'LL BE THERE IN THE MEETING ROOM TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT.

AND THEN AS WELL AS SOME OF THE DAYS NOT BEING ON A THURSDAY, THAT'S BECAUSE ONE, JUST THE WAY THE CALENDAR LAYS OUT LIKE THE ACTUAL DAYS IN THE MONTH.

AND THEN WE'VE ALWAYS TRIED TO HAVE THE PUBLIC MEETING AT A PARTICULAR TIME.

AND I BELIEVE THAT WAS AFTER, UM, RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS.

UM, OR BEFORE I'M SORRY, BEFORE THE SCHOOL BOARD ASKED QUESTIONS.

WE WERE TRYING TO HAVE THE PUBLIC HEARING JUST SO THE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS COULD HEAR WHAT THE PUBLIC HAD AND MAYBE TAKE THAT INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN THEY'RE ASKING THEIR QUESTIONS. SO THESE WERE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE HISTORICALLY HAVE ALWAYS USED TO TRY TO ONE, LIMIT THE NUMBER OF MEETINGS THAT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS HAVE TO TO BE THERE, THE MEETING ROOM, AND THEN TO JUST TRY TO ENSURE THAT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS WILL GET THE INFORMATION FROM THE PUBLIC BEFORE THEY ASK THEIR QUESTIONS. THANK YOU FOR THAT THAT INSIGHT.

I MEAN, I'LL SPEAK FOR MYSELF AND JUST SAY THAT I WOULD RATHER HAVE MORE, BUT MORE MEETINGS, BUT SHORTER MEETINGS BECAUSE THE LONG MEETINGS, IT'S REALLY HARD, YOU KNOW, AS A

[02:00:06]

AND THEN WHEN IT GETS LATE, I THINK PEOPLE HAVE A REALLY HARD TIME FOCUSING.

SO I'LL JUST PUT THAT PLUG IN AS SOMETHING FOR FOLKS TO THINK ABOUT.

AND THEN ONE OTHER THING I NOTICED ON THE PROPOSED CALENDAR WAS THE MAY 9TH, YOU HAVE THE SUPERINTENDENTS ADJUSTED BUDGET COMING OUT ON MAY 9TH, BUT THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ARE HAPPENING BEFORE THAT.

SO I THOUGHT THAT WAS UNUSUAL.

I HADN'T SEEN THAT. DON'T KNOW IF THAT WAS AN OVERSIGHT OR IT JUST DIDN'T SEEM LIKE.

I DON'T KNOW. SO JUST WANTED TO FLAG THAT.

AND THEN JUST ALSO, WILL SECOND WHAT MISS BOOZE SAID ABOUT, I THINK SOME OF THE BACK RECOMMENDATIONS.

THAT'S OUR BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

I FEEL LIKE THEY'VE BEEN SAYING, YOU KNOW, A LOT OF THEM KIND OF MULTIPLE YEARS NOW.

SO I THINK ESPECIALLY, YOU KNOW, GOING RIGHT INTO THE NEW YEAR AND PLANNING FOR THAT LIKE COMMUNITY FORUM AND MAYBE TRYING TO INVOLVE THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM IN IN THE BACK AND SUPPORTING THAT WORK.

WOULD REALLY LOVE TO SEE THAT.

THANK YOU FOR THIS DRAFT CALENDAR.

HEY, ANY OTHER COMMENTS? ALL RIGHT. SO THIS IS A DRAFT.

THIS WILL COME BACK BEFORE THE BOARD.

SO IF YOU GUYS, AS YOU'RE VIEWING IT, IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, OBVIOUSLY JUST REACH OUT AND GET THEM ANSWERED.

[29. Student Capacity Reassignments ]

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

THIS EVENING, WE JUST WANTED TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION IT'S A REGULATION THAT READS IN A MANNER THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A RECOMMENDATION FOR CHANGE, BUT WE COULD REALLY KIND OF DEFER SOME OF THE IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS FOR A YEAR.

AND WE'LL EXPLAIN IT FURTHER IN THE PRESENTATION.

AND I THINK THAT THE DISCUSSION WE JUST HAD AROUND BOUNDARY ANALYSIS AS WELL AS REDISTRICTING, YOU'LL UNDERSTAND WHY WE ARE GOING TO RECOMMEND WHAT WE'D LIKE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS EVENING.

ONCE YOU DO HEAR THIS PRESENTATION, WE DO HAVE SOME STRATEGIES IN PLACE TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS AND OUR FAMILIES.

SO AT THIS TIME, I'M GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO DR..

SO GOOD EVENING TO EVERYONE.

UM, IT'S LATE.

SO I WILL TRY TO MAKE THIS AS SUCCINCT AS POSSIBLE.

I HAVE A COUPLE OF COLLEAGUES HERE WHO WILL JOIN ME THROUGHOUT THE EVENING, AS WELL AS DR.

HART, WHO IS ALSO GOING TO JOIN.

SO WANTED TO JUST TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO SHARE AN UPDATE REGARDING CAPACITY REASSIGNMENTS.

THIS WORK OBVIOUSLY IS DIRECTLY TIED TO OUR BOUNDARY ANALYSIS AS WELL AS REDISTRICTING.

SO CURRENTLY WE HAVE APPROXIMATELY 200 STUDENTS WHO ARE.

SEE. ALL RIGHT, HERE WE GO.

APPROXIMATELY 200 STUDENTS WHO ARE CURRENTLY REASSIGNED TO A NON-BOUNDARY SCHOOL.

AND THESE STUDENTS REPRESENT OUR CAPACITY ASSIGNMENTS SINCE 2018.

WE HAVE IDENTIFIED WITH OUR TECHNOLOGY SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

72 STUDENTS WHO COULD POTENTIALLY MOVE BACK TO THEIR BOUNDARY SCHOOL.

AND WE BELIEVE THIS IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THESE STUDENTS.

TO ATTEND THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS WITH THEIR PEERS AS WELL AS THEIR FAMILIES, TO BECOME ENGAGED IN THEIR SCHOOL COMMUNITY IN WHICH THEY LIVE.

AND SO OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR BOARD AND THE VIEWING PUBLIC IS THAT WE START TO MOVE IN THAT DIRECTION TO HELP THESE FAMILIES RETURN BACK TO THEIR BOUNDARY SCHOOLS, TO FRAME THE CONVERSATION FOR OUR PUBLIC WHO MAY NOT BE AWARE OF CAPACITY REASSIGNMENTS.

WE HAVE SOME OF OUR YOUNGEST STUDENTS.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT OUR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS WHO SOMETIMES ARE ON BUSSES FOR ALMOST AN HOUR.

THEY GET UP EARLIER IN THE MORNING AND HAVE TO GET HOME LATER IN THE AFTERNOON BECAUSE OF THESE CAPACITY REASSIGNMENTS.

SO WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN WORK WITH OUR FAMILIES TO ENSURE THAT OUR STUDENTS HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO RETURN TO THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS.

AND SO. FOR THOSE HERE AND AT HOME WATCHING WHO MAY NOT BE AS FAMILIAR WITH THE CAPACITY REASSIGNMENT OR WHY OR HOW IT HAPPENS.

ESSENTIALLY, WE HAVE LIMITS ON THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS THAT CAN BE IN A CLASS AT A CERTAIN GRADE LEVEL.

AND ONCE THOSE LIMITS ARE SET EACH YEAR BY A NUMBER OF DATA POINTS THAT OUR SCHOOL BOARD AND OUR SUPERINTENDENT LOOKS AT.

[02:05:03]

AND LATER IN THE PRESENTATION, DR.

HART IS GOING TO TALK ABOUT SOME OF THE IMPACT ON TRANSPORTATION WHEN THOSE STUDENTS ARE REASSIGNED.

AND ACCORDING TO THE STUDENT PLACEMENT REGULATION THAT YOU SEE HERE.

UM, THOSE CAPACITY REASSIGNED STUDENTS ARE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AT CERTAIN POINTS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR TO MOVE BACK TO THEIR SCHOOL IF SPACE IS AVAILABLE AT THEIR BOUNDARY SCHOOL.

AND SO WHAT WE ARE PROPOSING TODAY WILL ALIGN OUR PRACTICE WITH THE POLICY AND OUR DEPARTMENT, STUDENT SERVICES, TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES WILL WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE THAT THE ACTUAL COMMUNICATION AND TIMELY NOTICE THAT FAMILIES NEED FOR MOVEMENT BACK TO THE ZONE SCHOOLS HAPPENS. SO WE DO ENCOURAGE THE 72 FAMILIES TO RETURN TO THEIR SCHOOL COMMUNITY, AS THERE ARE A NUMBER OF BENEFITS THAT YOU SEE HERE ON THIS SLIDE.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR GREATER SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT AS STUDENTS AND FAMILIES BECOME A PART OF THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH THEY LIVE IS ONE MAJOR BENEFIT.

ALSO, SOME OF THESE STUDENTS, AS I MENTIONED, HAVE LONGER TRAVEL TIMES TO AND FROM SCHOOL.

I WANT TO PAUSE HERE AND GIVE DR.

HART AN OPPORTUNITY TO JUST TALK ABOUT THE IMPACT ON TRANSPORTATION.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, DR.

JACKSON. FROM A TRANSPORTATION STANDPOINT, THERE ARE A FEW BENEFITS TO EXCUSE ME, BENEFITS TO RETURNING STUDENTS TO THEIR BOUNDARY SCHOOLS.

TO START, IT WILL REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF TIME CAPACITY REASSIGNED STUDENTS ARE ON A BUS.

CURRENTLY, CAPACITY REASSIGNED.

STUDENTS ARE ON A BUS FOR AN AVERAGE OF 50 MINUTES IN COMPARISON TO AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 25 MINUTES IF ASSIGNED TO THEIR BOUNDARY SCHOOL LOCATION.

IN ADDITION, WE NORMALLY HAVE TO ASSIGN AN EARLIER BUS STOP ARRIVAL TIME AND A LATE DROP OFF TIME FOR THESE STUDENTS AS THEY TEND TO BE THE FIRST PICKED UP IN THE LAST DROPPED OFF TO ACCOMMODATE CROSS CITY ROUTING.

FROM A RESOURCES PERSPECTIVE, THE ABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY TRANSPORT CAPACITY REASSIGNED STUDENTS HAS BECOME AN ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TASK.

WE ARE STILL IN THE MIDST OF A NATIONAL BUS DRIVER SHORTAGE, WHICH LIMITS THE NUMBER OF BUSSES WE CAN ASSIGN FOR THIS PARTICULAR SUPPORT.

WHILE WE CAN ALSO UTILIZE PUBLIC CARRIER TRANSPORTATION TO SUPPORT CAPACITY REASSIGNED STUDENTS, THE BUDGET FOR THAT ALTERNATIVE ALSO COVERS TRANSPORTATION COSTS FOR OUR SPECIAL EDUCATION AND MCKINNEY-VENTO STUDENTS.

WE TEND TO EXCEED THAT BUDGET LINE ITEM YEARLY IN PART DUE TO CAPACITY REASSIGNMENTS.

THANK YOU. AND I WILL TURN IT BACK TO DR.

JACKSON. THANK YOU, DR.

HART. SO, AS YOU KNOW, WE'VE SAID WE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGING OUR FAMILIES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY.

AND WE SEE IT AS A WIN WIN FOR THEM TO RETURN TO THEIR COMMUNITY SCHOOL OR THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL.

SO WHAT ARE OUR NEXT STEPS? WE ARE LOOKING TO DEVELOP A PROCESS DOCUMENT THAT AGAIN WILL ALIGN OUR PRACTICE.

TO THE POLICY THAT IS WRITTEN.

WE ARE WORKING ON A LETTER THAT WILL GO OUT TO OUR 72 FAMILIES INFORMING THEM OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE BACK TO THEIR BOUNDARY SCHOOL DURING THE WEEK OF JUNE 19TH. IN ADDITION TO THE LETTER, WE ARE GOING TO BE DOING SOME INDIVIDUAL OUTREACH TO OUR FAMILIES TO MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND THE OPPORTUNITY THAT THEY HAVE HERE.

AND OUR DEPARTMENTS ARE WORKING TOGETHER.

WE'RE WORKING WITH TECHNOLOGY SERVICES TO CREATE A QUALTRICS FORM THAT FAMILIES CAN COMPLETE TO LET US KNOW WHAT THEIR DECISION IS BY JUNE 30TH, WHERE WE'LL BE ABLE TO REALLY TRACK THE RESPONSES AS WELL AS KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THE ENROLLMENT AND THE TRANSPORTATION IMPACT.

MOVING FORWARD. WE'VE ALREADY HAD AN INITIAL MEETING.

TO BEGIN TO DOCUMENT THIS PROCESS.

AS SAID, WE ARE LOOKING TO MEET WITH OUR ADMINISTRATORS AND REGISTRARS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PROCESS IS.

ANY FAMILY THAT HAS TO BE CAPACITY REASSIGNED THIS YEAR, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY GET NOTICE WHEN THEY REGISTER OF THIS POLICY AND OF THE IMPACT SO THAT THEY HAVE ADVANCE NOTICE AS THEY ARE MAKING DECISIONS AS FAMILIES SO THAT WHEN SPACE BECOMES AVAILABLE IN THEIR SCHOOL AND WE OFFER THEM THAT SPACE TO MOVE BACK TO THEIR ASSIGNED SCHOOL, THEY ARE INFORMED OF THE POLICY THAT SAYS THEY WILL BE MOVING BACK TO THEIR ZONE SCHOOL.

[02:10:03]

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT. I'LL TURN IT OVER TO MY COLLEAGUES FOR QUESTIONS.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

JACKSON FOR THE UPDATE.

UM, I YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I OBSERVED THIS YEAR LIKE REALLY ACUTELY IS THE FACT THAT WHEN WE RECEIVE, YOU KNOW, REPORTS LIKE THE MEMBERSHIP REPORT OR THE PROPOSED BUDGET BOOK, THAT THOSE THINGS ARE REALLY A SNAPSHOT IN TIME OF OUR ENROLLMENT NUMBERS OR OUR CAPACITY TRANSFERS.

BUT IN REALITY, THOSE ARE VERY DYNAMIC PROCESSES THAT ARE HAPPENING.

AND LIKE THOSE NUMBERS ARE ACTUALLY CHANGING ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS IN THE SCHOOL DIVISION.

AND SO JUST KIND OF, YOU KNOW, THAT'S BEEN JUST KIND OF A REFLECTION FOR ME THIS YEAR IN TERMS OF LIKE HOW, YOU KNOW, THINK ABOUT SOME OF THESE CHALLENGES AND SOME OF THESE DECISION POINTS.

I WANTED TO LOOK AT ON SLIDE THREE.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN SOMEONE CAN GO BACK TO SLIDE THREE.

OKAY. SO ONE OF THE THINGS IN THE POLICY I JUST WANTED TO KIND OF KIND OF HIGHLIGHT AND ASK A QUESTION ABOUT HERE IS THAT IT SAYS THERE THE SECOND SENTENCE AT THE TOP, THE SUPERINTENDENT AND SCHOOL BOARD REVIEW PROPOSED CLASS SIZE CAPS AND THE NUMBER OF HOMEROOM SECTIONS FOR EACH SCHOOL AT EACH GRADE LEVEL DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS EACH SPRING.

UM, I THINK WITH, YOU KNOW, THE ENROLLMENT SHIFTS THAT WE'VE BEEN HAVING, THE UTILIZATION RATES WHERE WE'RE SEEING OVER UTILIZATION AT SOME SCHOOLS UNDER UTILIZATION AND OTHER SCHOOLS, THE FACT THAT WE'RE GOING TO BE GOING THROUGH REDISTRICTING NOW, I THINK THERE'S GOING TO BE INCREASED SCRUTINY ON LIKE THE STAFFING ALLOCATIONS AND CLASS SIZES AND THINGS LIKE THAT MOVING FORWARD.

AND SO I YOU KNOW, IT'S IT'S JUST SOMETHING THAT I THINK WE SHOULD SORT OF PREPARE FOR.

AND I WANTED TO JUST ALSO, YOU KNOW, APPLAUD THE BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE BECAUSE ONE OF THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS WAS TO EVEN HAVE SOME KIND OF, YOU KNOW, WORK SESSION OR LIKE OVERVIEW OR SOMETHING FOR, YOU KNOW, THE COMMUNITY OF SORT OF HOW THESE THINGS WORK.

I THINK WE'VE BEEN KIND OF ALL, YOU KNOW, LEARNING AND DIGGING IN MORE ON SOME OF THESE ISSUES OVER THE LAST YEAR.

BUT ONE OF MY QUESTIONS IS ABOUT THIS POLICY AND THIS MIGHT BE A MR. TURNER QUESTION.

I DON'T KNOW. BUT. MY QUESTION IS, WHEN THE BOARD APPROVES THE BUDGET, ARE WE OR ARE WE NOT SORT OF APPROVING THE STAFFING ALLOCATIONS? THAT'S KIND OF THE QUESTION THAT I WOULD JUST LIKE SOME CLARITY ON AND.

IF ANYBODY, YOU KNOW, IS ABLE TO PROVIDE IT.

SO IT SAYS REVIEW THERE.

SO I'M JUST I'M TRYING TO UNDERSTAND AT WHAT LEVEL OF BOARD OVERSIGHT THERE IS IN THIS PROCESS.

SO I WOULD DEFER TO MR. TURNER. MR. TURNER, WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD SOMETHING OR.

I'M SORRY IF YOU SAID MY NAME, I CAN BARELY HEAR YOU.

OH, SURE. HI, MR. TURNER.

I WAS JUST ASKING A QUESTION ABOUT OUR POLICY ON CAPACITY REASSIGNMENT, AND IT SAYS THAT THE SUPERINTENDENT AND SCHOOL BOARD REVIEW PROPOSED CLASS SIZE CAPS AND THE NUMBER OF HOMEROOM SECTIONS FOR EACH SCHOOL AT EACH GRADE LEVEL DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS EACH SPRING.

SO MY QUESTION I WAS JUST TRYING TO SEE CLARITY ON IF WHEN THE BOARD IS APPROVING THE BUDGET DURING THAT TIME, ARE WE OR ARE WE NOT BASICALLY APPROVING THE STAFFING ALLOCATIONS FOR THE SCHOOLS, UNDERSTANDING THAT, YOU KNOW, THEY CAN BE ADJUSTED AND THERE'S, YOU KNOW, FUNDING FOR THAT.

BUT IS THE BOARD APPROVING THOSE STAFFING ALLOCATIONS WHEN WE ARE APPROVING THE BUDGET? YEAH. SO THE SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES THE STAFFING ALLOCATION BY SCHOOL, BUT IT GIVES THE SUPERINTENDENT THE AUTONOMY TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES TO BE ABLE TO RUN THE OPERATIONS OF CPS.

OKAY. THANK YOU. MR BIRTHS.

YEAH. THANK YOU FOR THIS PRESENTATION.

I'VE BEEN GOING BACK THROUGH THE POLICIES AND KNOW WE DID AN AMENDMENT OF THE REGULATIONS AND THE POLICIES JULY OF THIS LAST YEAR.

UM, AND GUESS MY ONE QUESTION IS I'M REREADING SOME OF THE EDITS AND THE CHANGES TO THE REGULATION PIECE.

UM, YOU KNOW, THE PRESENTATION TALKS ABOUT WE'RE TRYING TO, YOU KNOW, ASK THE FAMILIES TO RETURN BACK.

BUT IT DOES THE REGULATION SEEMS TO SAY THAT STUDENTS WHO ARE REASSIGNED DUE TO CAPACITY WILL BE REPLACED ON THE WAITLIST AND THEN TWICE A YEAR IN THE FALL AND THE SPRING SUMMER

[02:15:05]

IF SPACE IS AVAILABLE, STUDENTS ON THE WAITING LIST WILL BE REASSIGNED BACK TO THEIR ATTENDANCE ZONE OR SCHOOL.

SO I GUESS THAT'S WHERE IT'S I'M A LITTLE CONFUSED ON, YOU KNOW.

REGULATIONS AND PRACTICE.

RIGHT. SO WITH THE REGULATION, IT COMES UNDER THE SUPERINTENDENTS KIND OF PURVIEW TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE FOLLOWING IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE POLICY AS WELL.

SO WITH THIS IS WHY WE'RE ASKING FOR THAT ONE YEAR WAIVER, KNOWING THAT WE WERE GOING TO POTENTIALLY HAVE THE BOUNDS, WE HAVE THE BOUNDARY ANALYSIS AND THEN GOING THROUGH REDISTRICTING AND WE ARE TALKING ABOUT OUR STUDENTS.

WE ALWAYS WANT TO TALK ABOUT THEIR SOCIAL EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING.

FIRST OF ALL, THEY'RE ON THE BUS FOR UP TO 15, 50 PLUS MINUTES.

IT GOES ABOUT 50, 55 MINUTES THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THEM MOVE BECAUSE THERE IS SPACE AVAILABLE FOR THE 72.

SO WE'RE JUST TRYING TO BE MINDFUL AND SUPPORTIVE OF OUR FAMILIES THAT IF WE'RE GOING TO GO INTO SOMETHING IN ITS TIME, WE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WE'RE YOU KNOW, WHAT THE BOARD WAS GOING TO VOTE ON THE ACTION FOR THE BOUNDARY ANALYSIS TO DO REDISTRICTING, BUT WHERE WOULD THESE STUDENTS LAND? RIGHT. SO WE'VE GOT STUDENTS WHO ARE ALREADY CAPACITY RESIGNED.

IF WE ASK THEM GO BACK NOW, THEY'RE PROBABLY BE, YOU KNOW, HOPEFULLY IN THEIR REDISTRICT SCHOOL.

SO IT'S NOT AS MUCH CHANGE.

RIGHT. AND WE DEFINITELY WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT NOT ONLY WE'RE SUPPORTING FAMILIES, BUT THIS IS ABOUT OUR CHILDREN.

RIGHT. AND BEING IN THEIR OWN SPACE.

SO THAT'S WHY WE ASKED FOR THIS YEAR TO KIND OF, YOU KNOW, HELP US, YOU KNOW, GIVE US THIS ONE YEAR FOR ANOTHER IMPLEMENTATION OF ASKING, WOULD YOU MIND? YEAH. AND SUPPORTING THEM WITH THOSE, YOU KNOW, REALLY ONE ON ONE CALLS ALMOST, THEY ARE GOING TO PROBABLY WHAT WE'VE ALREADY DISCUSSED, A PLAN OF WHAT THAT'S GOING TO LOOK LIKE. SO THEY'LL GET A LETTER, THEY'LL HAVE A CALL.

WE'VE EVEN TALKED ABOUT HOW TO SUPPORT SPACE AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

SO THEY REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT DOES THE CAPACITY REASSIGNMENT MEAN BECAUSE WE DO GET QUESTIONS QUITE OFTEN AND THEN WHAT IT COULD POSSIBLY LOOK LIKE FOR THE DISTRICT AND HOW THAT.

SO WE'RE JUST TRYING TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACT ON OUR STUDENTS.

AND NO, I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND THAT THE BOARD VOTED ON IT BACK IN THE SUMMER TIME.

BUT I THINK AT THAT POINT WE WERE NOT TALKING ABOUT A BOUNDARY ANALYSIS.

AND NOW. THANK YOU.

AND I APPRECIATE THAT.

YOUR EXPLANATION, YOUR EXPLANATION.

AND THEN THE READING REALLY HELPS.

HELPS ME UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS AND WHERE WE ARE VERSUS, YOU KNOW, THE POLICY AND THE REGULATIONS, WHICH I KNOW REGULATIONS ARE FAR MORE UNDER THE OPERATIONAL SUPERINTENDENT SIDE. SO I APPRECIATE, YOU KNOW, THIS MOVE TO GIVE ONE MORE YEAR FOR THESE STUDENTS.

AND THAT'S THAT'S WHY WE PRESENTED THE OPTION, RIGHT.

AND THAT WE WOULD PUT STRATEGIES IN PLACE THIS YEAR TO SUPPORT THOSE FAMILIES AND KNOW DR.

HART AND THE TEAM, THEY'RE WORKING VERY HARD TO REALLY TRY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE STILL CONTINUE TO.

OKAY. ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? OKAY, DR. BAIRD.

I'M JUST TRYING TO THINK THROUGH WHAT YOU JUST SAID.

MAN WOULD BE REALLY FRUSTRATED IF MY KID HAVING CAPACITY TRANSFERRED, GOT BACK TO SOME SCHOOL AND THEY GOT REDISTRICTED.

THAT WOULD BE A REALLY DIFFICULT SITUATION FOR ANYONE.

UM, SO GUESS THE TWO THINGS MAYBE WANT TO SAY.

ONE, LIKE, LET'S ALL KEEP THOSE POTENTIAL STUDENTS IN MIND.

AND MAYBE WHEN WE THINK ABOUT REDISTRICTING, GIVING THEM SOME SORT OF PRIVILEGE TO STAY.

THE CHANGE, THE ORIGINAL NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

LIKE MAYBE THERE'S A WORKAROUND.

BUT THEN THE OTHER THING I'M THINKING ABOUT IS AND.

MAYBE AN INCOMPLETE THOUGHT, BUT THEY'RE PROBABLY NOT GOING.

SO THE WAY THAT THINK ABOUT THE SCHOOLS THAT WE WOULD CONSIDER REDISTRICTING FOR, THOSE ARE OVERCAPACITY SCHOOLS RIGHT NOW.

AND SO THESE KIDS LIKELY PROBABLY AREN'T MAYBE IN SOME SITUATIONS, DEPENDING ON THE GRADE LEVEL, BUT PROBABLY AREN'T LIKELY GOING BACK TO THOSE OVERCAPACITY SCHOOLS BECAUSE THERE WOULDN'T BE SPACE FOR THEM TO GO BACK.

RIGHT. SO IS THAT CORRECT? FOR RIGHT NOW, THERE ARE SCHOOLS THAT WE CANNOT SEE STUDENTS BACK TO.

RIGHT. AND SO TO KNOW WHERE WE'RE GOING TO LAND WITH REDISTRICTING, IT'S REALLY I WOULD SAY IT'S REALLY DIFFICULT TO SAY OF THESE 72 WHERE WHERE THEY COULD POSSIBLY GO, WE CAN MAKE A GUESS, WHICH IS WHY WE WANT TO GIVE THE OPTION INSTEAD OF IF WE WERE TO FOLLOW THE POLICY AND REGULATION, WE WOULD BE FORCED BACK AND THEN WE COULD HAVE THAT VERY SAME SCENARIO THAT BE USED AGAIN.

SO WE WERE TRYING TO SUPPORT OUR FAMILIES THROUGH THIS PROCESS BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME FAMILIES THAT WE KNOW THAT POSSIBLY WOULD LIKE TO GO BACK TO THEIR SCHOOLS. AND SO WHY NOT TAKE THOSE TO THOSE FAMILIES? AND SO THEY'LL BE TOLD THAT REDISTRICTING IS WELL, WE WILL KNOW.

OKAY. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. AFTER TONIGHT, WHICH IS WHY WE PROPOSED IT AND FRAMED IT THIS THIS WAY TO SAY IF WE CAN WORK THROUGH THIS ONE YEAR WITH THIS KIND OF

[02:20:01]

SURE. YEAH. NO, I APPRECIATE THAT.

AND I WAS ALSO CONFUSED ABOUT THE REGULATION.

SO I APPRECIATE THE. ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

OKAY. MADAM CHAIR.

OH, I'M SORRY, MADAM CHAIR.

IT'S GETTING A LITTLE BIT HARD FOR US TO HEAR ON ZOOM.

CAN SOMETHING BE DONE? AND I MEAN.

YEAH, LET ME CHECK.

WE'RE. WE'LL HAVE SOMEONE CHECK.

THANK YOU.

[30. Report from Ad Hoc School Board Advisory Support Committee ]

RIEF ON THE AD HOC SCHOOL BOARD ADVISORY COMMITTEE SUPPORT COMMITTEE.

YES, THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

SO I'LL TRY TO KEEP THIS BRIEF BECAUSE I KNOW IT'S LATE, BUT JUST A LITTLE BACKGROUND FOR MY COLLEAGUES.

WE IN MARCH OF 2021, WE FORMED AN AD HOC COMMITTEE.

THE BOARD DID, TO LOOK AT OUR HOW WE WERE OPERATING WITH OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEES, HOW WE COULD PERHAPS BETTER UTILIZE OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

I THINK SOME OF THE FEEDBACK THAT WE WERE HEARING WAS THAT ADVISORY COMMITTEES WOULD SORT OF MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AND NOT KNOWING, YOU KNOW, WHAT DECISIONS WERE BEING MADE OR IF THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE BEING IMPLEMENTED.

AND SO WE FORMED THIS AD HOC COMMITTEE TO KIND OF STUDY THAT ISSUE.

WE REVIEWED OUR POLICIES.

WE DID SURVEYS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS.

AND IN DECEMBER OF 2021, WE PRESENTED OUR RECOMMENDATIONS.

SOME OF THOSE THINGS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED, SUCH AS INVITING OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO COME AND MAKE REPORTS TO THE BOARD WHEN THEY HAVE THEIR SCOPE OF WORK OR ANNUAL REPORT ON OUR CONSENT CALENDAR.

WE ALSO REVIVED THE SCHOOL HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD AND THEN ANOTHER RECOMMENDATION IN DECEMBER OF 21 WAS TO RECONVENE THE COMMITTEE TO LOOK AT IF THE POLICIES NEEDED TO BE REVISED.

AND WE ALSO HAVE A HANDBOOK FOR OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO LOOK AT HOW HOW WE SHOULD UPDATE THAT.

AND SO THE REASON FOR THAT WAS BECAUSE OF THE THE ELECTION AND THE BOARD CHANGE.

AND SO IT TOOK A LITTLE TIME, BUT WE DID RECONVENE THIS SPRING.

MR. NEWBY DR.

SIMPSON, BAIRD AND MYSELF WERE APPOINTED TO THIS AD HOC COMMITTEE, AND WE JUST WANTED TO PROVIDE A LITTLE BIT OF A TOUCH POINT.

WE'VE STARTED, LIKE I SAID, MEETING SINCE THIS PAST SPRING AND WANTED TO JUST GIVE YOU A TOUCH POINT OF KIND OF LIKE WHERE WE ARE IN THE PROCESS JUST TO JUST TO GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO WEIGH IN IF YOU HAVE ANY FEEDBACK ABOUT IT.

SO IN THE MEMO THAT WAS ATTACHED WITH THE AGENDA ITEM, WE KIND OF OUTLINE SOME OF THE REFLECTIONS THAT WE'VE HAD THROUGH OUR COMMITTEE WORK.

AND SO ONE OF THE THINGS IS THAT THERE ARE TWO MAJOR POLICIES POLICY BCE, WHICH IS ABOUT BOARD COMMITTEES AND POLICY BKF ABOUT ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

AND WHAT WAS INTERESTING IS THAT OUR POLICY ABOUT BOARD COMMITTEES ACTUALLY HAD A LOT OF LANGUAGE RELATED TO OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEES, WHICH REALLY DID NOT APPROPRIATELY BELONG IN THAT IN THAT POLICY.

SO WHAT WE WANTED TO DO WAS REALLY TAKE A LOOK AT, YOU KNOW, STREAMLINING THOSE TWO POLICIES AND THEN ALSO LOOKING AT MAYBE A MORE EFFICIENT PROCEDURE AROUND HOW ADVISORY COMMITTEES MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD.

AND THEN WE KIND OF IDENTIFY IF WE'RE GOING TO TAKE ACTION OR DEFER OR NOT TAKE ACTION ON THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS.

AND SO WE LOOKED AT A MODEL THAT ANOTHER DIVISION IS DOING THAT WE'VE ATTACHED WITH THE ITEM TONIGHT.

SO THAT'S JUST SOMETHING FOR YOU ALL TO TAKE A LOOK AT.

BUT IT'S WE'RE THINKING ABOUT TRYING TO DEVELOP A SIMILAR TYPE OF APPROACH FOR FOR OUR SCHOOL DIVISION AND OUR ADVISORY BOARD COMMITTEES.

AND THEN THE LAST THING WAS JUST, YOU KNOW, WE ESTABLISHED A POLICY COMMITTEE OR A SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE BOARD THIS YEAR THAT I THINK HAS BEEN WORKING REALLY EFFECTIVELY.

AND SO REALLY LOOKING AT MAYBE HOW WE CAN UTILIZE THE BOARD COMMITTEE STRUCTURE TO, YOU KNOW, JUST ADDRESS OTHER ASPECTS OR CORE BOARD FUNCTIONS, HOW WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO USE THAT.

AND SO THIS THESE ARE JUST SOME POSSIBILITIES LIKE AROUND BUDGET STRATEGY OR BOARD OPERATIONS IS REALLY JUST KIND OF AN IDEA RIGHT NOW.

WE'RE STILL REALLY WORKING THROUGH WHAT THAT WOULD LOOK LIKE, BUT WE JUST WANTED TO AGAIN PROVIDE THIS UPDATE AND WE'RE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS RIGHT NOW OR TAKE FEEDBACK OR IF YOU WANT TO JUST, YOU KNOW, TALK TO US AFTER THE MEETING AND SHARE THAT FEEDBACK WITH US INDIVIDUALLY.

[02:25:01]

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

DO WE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? BILLS. YEAH.

I JUST WANT TO THANK MY COLLEAGUES FOR YOUR WORK ON THIS.

I THINK THIS IS REALLY, REALLY IMPORTANT AS WE TRY TO WORK ON OUR OWN INTERNAL OPERATIONS AND HOW WE CAN FUNCTION EVEN BETTER AS A BOARD IN SOME OF THOSE DOING SOME OF THIS MORE WORK IN SUBCOMMITTEE FORMAT.

I THINK WE'LL WE'LL DO THAT.

WE'LL GET US THERE. SO I APPRECIATE THE THOUGHT AND THE WORK THAT WENT INTO THIS.

UM, IN TERMS OF, YOU KNOW.

TIMELINE. YOU KNOW, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT IN TERMS OF, YOU KNOW, TIMELINE OF WHAT YOU KNOW? WE DO IT ALL AT ONCE.

DO WE ROLL SOME OUT AT DIFFERENT TIMES? YEAH, SIR, SURE.

I'LL SHARE. AND I'M YOU KNOW, DOCTOR SIMPSON, BARRETT OR MISTER NEWBY WANT TO JUMP IN? BUT ONE OF THE THINGS WE WANTED TO DO IS WE'RE GOING TO MEET OVER THE SUMMER AND TRY TO BE ABLE TO GO KIND OF AS THE FALL STARTS, REALLY KIND OF HAVING A TOUCH POINT WITH OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEES AND SHARING, YOU KNOW, THIS PROPOSED KIND OF DIFFERENT, YOU KNOW, MODEL OF HOW THEY WOULD SUBMIT THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS WITH THEM AND JUST KIND OF GET THEIR FEEDBACK ON IF THAT'S SOMETHING THAT THEY WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PURSUING.

THEN WE'RE ALSO REALLY LOOKING AT, YOU KNOW, PROBABLY UPDATING THOSE POLICIES AS SOON AS WE CAN AND JUST BRINGING THEM BACK TO THE BOARD, YOU KNOW, AS SOON IN THE FALL AS WE CAN IS WHAT I WOULD THINK THE TIMELINE IS GOING TO BE.

AND IF ANYBODY WANTS TO WEIGH IN.

YEAH, I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING SPECIFIC TO SAY ABOUT THE TIMELINE.

I AGREE WITH DR.

RIEF. I JUST WANTED TO SORT OF ADD A FEW OF MY THOUGHTS AND COMMENTARY TO WHAT SHE SAID.

AND I THINK WITH THESE SORRY, WITH THESE CHANGES, I THINK WHAT WE'RE REALLY STRIVING TO DO IS TO MAKE THIS BOARD MORE HIGH FUNCTIONING AND TO REALLY LEVERAGE THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE OF OUR ADVISORY ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

WE KNOW WE HAVE A LOT OF GREAT COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION THERE AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE WORK AND THE TIME THAT THEY'RE PUTTING IN IS UTILIZED AND IS IS COMING FORTH IN THE WORK THAT WE DO.

ON THE STANDING BOARD COMMITTEE PIECE, I JUST WANT TO SHARE SORT OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE HERE.

I PREVIOUSLY CHAIRED A BOARD SEVERAL YEARS AGO, AND DURING THAT PROCESS WE IMPLEMENTED A STANDING COMMITTEE STRUCTURE.

AND I DURING THAT TIME REALLY SAW FROM MY BOARD JUST BETTER BOARD MEMBER ENGAGEMENT BECAUSE PEOPLE FELT LIKE THEY HAD A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING AND KIND OF CONNECTION TO THE WORK AND ALSO PLUG AS IT'S.

10:42 P.M. IT MADE OUR BOARD MEETINGS MORE EFFICIENT AND I THINK WE'VE ACTUALLY SEEN THAT ALREADY IN PLAY HERE FOR THIS BOARD WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OUR POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE.

WE DON'T HAVE THOSE TIMES NOW WHERE WE ARE EDITING POLICY FROM THE DAIS BECAUSE WE'RE ABLE TO GET INTO THOSE REALLY IN THE WEEDS SORT OF WORK IN THE SUBCOMMITTEE. AND FOR THOSE BOARD MEMBERS WHO DO IT, GET KIND OF THEIR HANDS A LITTLE BIT DIRTIER WITH THAT WORK.

AND SO I THINK THAT THEN RELATES TO KIND OF THE ENGAGEMENT ON THE ISSUE.

SO I THINK THAT THIS IS A STRUCTURE THAT COULD WORK REALLY WELL FOR THIS BOARD AND I'M REALLY EXCITED TO TO SUPPORT IT AND TO TALK WITH YOU ALL MORE ABOUT ABOUT WHAT THAT COULD LOOK LIKE FOR US.

OKAY. ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT.

SO WE'VE GOT TWO MORE ITEMS TO GET THROUGH.

[31. Discussion on Salary Scales and STEP Increases ]

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I DO BELIEVE THERE WAS SOME QUESTIONS FOR CLARITY AROUND WHEN WE HAD OUR BUDGET WORK SESSIONS BACK ON, I THINK IT WAS MAY 4TH AND MAY 18TH. WE ALSO HAD A WEBINAR WITH OUR FINANCE TEAM AND OUR HUMAN RESOURCES TEAM ON JUNE THE 6TH THAT KIND OF SPOKE TO HELP CLARIFY THE NEWLY RESTRUCTURED SALARY SCALES.

SO I JUST WANT TO KIND OF KIND OF PUT THAT OUT THERE AGAIN, THAT WE DO HAVE THAT WEBINAR THAT YOU CAN GO BACK AND REVISIT TO LEARN A LITTLE BIT MORE.

BUT JUST TO HELP CLARIFY, OF COURSE, WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE FOR OUR OUR STAFF.

WITH THAT IN MIND, I'M TRYING TO SUPPORT STAFF AT ALL LEVELS, NEW TEACHERS COMING IN, STAFF AT THE MID LEVEL AS WELL AS STAFF AT THE TOP LEVEL.

WE CHOSE TO REMOVE THE ONE BOTTOM STEP, REMOVE THE TWO WHOLE STEPS, WHICH MEANS THAT IF YOU WERE ONE OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS WHO WERE ON ONE OF THOSE WHOLE STEPS, YOUR SALARY WOULD REMAIN SAFE. THAT'S THE WHOLE TERM FOR HOLD.

AND THEN, OF COURSE, WE HAD A NUMBER OF STAFF MEMBERS THAT WERE ON THAT TOP STEP WITH NOWHERE TO GO.

SO BY CHANGING THAT, REMOVING THE BOTTOM, REMOVING THE WHOLE STEPS AND ALSO ADDING A TOP STEP, IT REALLY WOULD SUPPORT STAFF AT ALL LEVEL AND SEEING AN INCREASE IN THEIR SALARIES. SO THAT WAS THE INTENTION AND THE PURPOSE OF MAKING SURE THAT WE TRY TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE WITH OUR NEIGHBORING DIVISIONS WITH THAT, WITH THAT, OF COURSE, FOR FOR

[02:30:09]

AND YOU DID SEE IN YOUR CONTRACT TO INCREASE IN PAY.

SO THAT'S KIND OF WHERE WE ARE WITH THOSE SALARY STEPS.

WE'RE REALLY TRYING TO FOCUS ON ALL LEVELS OF STAFF, THE VERY NEW TEACHERS COMING IN AT THE LOWER END OF THE SCALE, REMOVING THOSE TWO WHOLE STEPS FOR THOSE FOLKS, BECAUSE WE DO WANT THERE'S A NUMBER OF TEACHERS WHO ARE SITTING ON THOSE WHOLE STEPS THAT WERE NOT NOT GET AN INCREASE IN PAY AND THERE WAS A LARGE PERCENTAGE.

SO WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DID SOMETHING TO SUPPORT THEM MOVING FORWARD.

AND THEN, OF COURSE, WE ADDED THE NEW TOP STEP THAT WOULD ALSO SUPPORT STAFF MEMBERS THERE.

OF COURSE, MOVING FORWARD, WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR WAYS TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE WITH OUR NEIGHBORING DIVISIONS SO THAT WE CAN KEEP OUR OUR BELOVED STAFF HERE WITH US AND TO SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES.

SO THAT'S KIND OF WHERE WE ARE WITH THAT.

LIKE I SAID, WE DO HAVE ALL OF THAT INFORMATION.

ALL OF OUR NEW SALARY SCALES ARE ON OUR WEB PAGE.

IF THERE'S ANY QUESTIONS, OF COURSE, YOU KNOW, PLEASE CONTINUE TO USE OUR ASK OR CONTACT THE H.R.

EMAIL DIRECTLY.

OKAY. DO WE HAVE QUESTIONS? BOOS YEAH.

THANK YOU. APPRECIATE THAT UPDATE.

YOU KNOW. I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THIS MIC.

SORRY. UM, APPRECIATE THAT UPDATE, DR.

WHITE. I KNOW THAT I ADDED MADE THE AMENDMENT TO ADD THIS TO THE AGENDA, AND I KNOW IT'S GETTING LATE AT THIS POINT.

I KNOW THAT, YOU KNOW, WITH THE NEW SCALE, IT WAS IT'S A LITTLE CONFUSING.

AND YOU DID A REALLY GOOD JOB WHEN I WAS TRYING TO UNDERSTAND IT, EXPLAINING IT TO ME THAT IF YOU WERE SOMEBODY WHO WAS ON STEP 13, FOR EXAMPLE, MAYBE YOU CAN EXPLAIN IT BETTER THAN I CAN AND THEN STEP 14 AND STEP 15 WERE WHOLE STEPS, MEANING YOU MAY HAVE PROGRESSED TO 14 AND 15, BUT YOU DIDN'T GET A PAY INCREASE.

THAT IS CORRECT. SO IT JUST CHANGED IT CHANGED THE THE THE WAY THAT THE SCALE WAS WORKING.

AND IT SEEMS THAT.

EVEN THOUGH MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT EVERYBODY DID GET A STEP, THE EQUIVALENT OF A STEP INCREASE, EVEN THOUGH THE SCALE OF THE NUMBERS MAY NOT MATCH WHAT THEY PREVIOUSLY WERE.

IS THAT CORRECT? YEAH.

SO WHILE YOU'RE GETTING THE STEP, YOUR STEP NUMBER MAY CHANGE.

I KNOW THAT SOUNDS A LITTLE KIND OF HARD TO UNDERSTAND AND PROCESS, BUT YES, YOU DO SEE THAT INCREASE THAT YOU WOULD HAVE RECEIVED.

AND SO WE MADE SURE THAT WHEN WE DID ALL OF OUR STUDIES AND RESEARCH AND AND PREPARING FOR THAT, BECAUSE WE DO KNOW THAT WE WANT OUR TEACHERS TO FEEL VALUED AROUND TEACHER SALARY BECAUSE WE DO HEAR THAT CONVERSATION OFTEN WHEN WE MEET WITH TEACHERS AND ALSO WHEN WE'RE DOING OUR RECRUITMENT, WE'RE BEING VERY AWARE OF WHAT NEIGHBORING DIVISIONS ARE OFFERING. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR TEACHERS FEEL VALUED.

AND THIS IS, OF COURSE, ONE OF THOSE WAYS AS A PART OF THE TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE THAT AND I'M SORRY.

MR.. REALLY ONE MORE QUICK POINT.

IT JUST REALLY DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU FELL AS TO HOW MANY STEPS IT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPACTED, BECAUSE IF YOU WERE CLOSE TO THE WHOLE STEPS AND THAT SORT OF THING AND WE TOOK OFF THE BOTTOM STEP, IT COULD BE A DIFFERENT REFLECTIVE OF MULTIPLE STEPS, BUT YOU WOULD STILL SEE THAT.

SO I THINK THAT WAS ANOTHER QUESTION THAT WAS ASKED OF US.

GREAT. THANK YOU. AND I THINK THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE CAN, YOU KNOW, TALK ABOUT IN THE FALL WHEN WE COME BACK AND STUFF.

BUT, YOU KNOW, TRYING TO GET A SENSE AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER THIS TONIGHT, BUT I WOULD LOVE IT IN THE FUTURE, TRY TO GET A SENSE OF LIKE WHAT IS KIND OF OUR LONG TERM GOAL AS WE TRY TO CONTINUE TO TO IMPROVE OUR STEPS.

AND, YOU KNOW, HOW DO WE REMAIN COMPETITIVE AND TRYING TO LAY OUT LIKE, WHAT? WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO IN THE WE DID SOME MAJOR CHANGES THIS YEAR WITH THE STEP LIKE WHAT? BUT WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO NEXT YEAR AND THE FOLLOWING YEARS, YOU KNOW, WITH THE STEP INCREASE.

AND I THINK THAT THAT WOULD BE REALLY HELPFUL TO BE ABLE TO SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY.

YES, WE DO HAVE SOME OTHER IDEAS THAT WE ARE LOOKING AT MOVING FORWARD.

I THINK THIS YEAR WAS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

OF COURSE, THIS YEAR IT DID LOOK AND APPEAR DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE OF THAT STEP NUMBER, BUT REALLY IT WAS AROUND FOCUSING ON SALARY AND COMPENSATION TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE.

THANK YOU. DR.

RIEF. YEAH.

THANK YOU FOR THE DISCUSSION AND THAT EXPLANATION.

DR. WYATT, I THINK IT'S HELPFUL.

JUST, YOU KNOW, LISTENING TO SOME OF THE FEEDBACK THAT WE'VE HEARD.

UM, YOU KNOW, I THINK WHAT, WHAT ONE OF THE THINGS THAT, WHAT I FEEL LIKE I'M HEARING AND I THINK YOU JUST ADDRESSED THIS BUT IT'S WHAT, WHAT I THINK STAFF HAVE BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT IN THE SALARY SCALE IS WHAT'S CALLED COMPRESSION.

AND THIS IS WHEN YOUNGER WORKERS ARE SORT OF COMING IN AND CATCHING UP WITH OLDER WORKERS BECAUSE OF WHAT'S GOING ON ON THE SCALE.

BUT, YOU KNOW, AS YOU JUST MENTIONED.

SO BY REMOVING THE BOTTOM STEP, RIGHT, THAT WAS ADDRESSING ENTRY LEVEL STAFF AND THEN BY THE WHOLE STEPS WERE MORE IN THE MIDDLE AND ADDING THE TOP STEP IS ADDING SOMETHING FOR

[02:35:04]

THAT'S REALLY HELPFUL.

I JUST I GUESS THIS WAS KIND OF A FEEDBACK AND I DON'T KNOW IF MR. TURNER, UM, I'M SAYING HIS NAME SO THAT IN CASE HE'S OUT THERE, HE'S NOT, NOT ASLEEP, BUT HE, HE KNOWS THAT I'M ASKING A QUESTION THAT HE MIGHT WANT TO JUMP IN ON OR NOT, I DON'T KNOW.

BUT WHEN WE WERE PLANNING FOR THIS BUDGET YEAR, FY 23, BACK IN FEBRUARY OF 2021, I HAD SUBMITTED AN AD DURING THE AD DELETE PROCESS FOR A PAY SCALE STUDY, AND IT WAS TO IMPROVE THE SCALE AND ALLEVIATE COMPRESSION ISSUES.

AND AT THE TIME, DR.

HUTCHINGS RECOMMENDED MAKING A TECHNICAL ADJUSTMENT, UM, TO INCLUDE THAT AND THE BOARD APPROVED THAT.

AND SO I JUST, YOU KNOW, AT ONE POINT WE HAD TALKED ABOUT, YOU KNOW, YOU WERE LOOKING AT THE SCOPE AND I JUST I'M NOT CLEAR IF THAT SALARY SCALE STUDY EVER TOOK PLACE A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK. WE DID THESE.

WE HAD AN OUTSIDE GROUP THAT DID A MARKET RATE ANALYSIS ON SOME OF OUR SCALES.

AND I FOUND THAT HAVING THAT DATA WAS REALLY HELPFUL.

AND I, YOU KNOW, I FEEL LIKE IF WE COULD GET, YOU KNOW, JUST I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WITH THAT SALARY STUDY AND I DON'T KNOW IF WE'RE PLANNING ON DOING ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION STUDIES IN THE FUTURE. BUT I THINK THIS ISSUE OF COMPRESSION IS WHAT THE FEEDBACK THAT I'M REALLY HEARING THAT OUR STAFF MEMBERS WOULD LIKE US TO ADDRESS. SO SURE.

SO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGES THE COMPENSATION STUDY AND OUR OFFICE OF BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION, WHICH IS OUTSIDE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT. I HELP THEM WITH THAT TEAM PLAYER AS WE HAVE TURNOVER WITH HR, TRY TO HELP OUT THERE.

UM, BUT YES, THAT STUDY IS STILL UNDERWAY.

I BELIEVE THE CONSULTANT THAT THEY'RE WORKING WITH IS SEAGULL, I BELIEVE, OR THEY MAY HAVE CHANGED THEIR NAME RECENTLY.

UM, SO THAT THAT'S STILL UNDERWAY.

SO WE HOPE TO GET THE RESULTS OF THAT SOMETIME THIS SUMMER TO BE ABLE TO APPLY IN THE BUDGET PROCESS GOING INTO NEXT YEAR.

BUT I DO WANT TO ADDRESS THE COMPRESSION, UM, BECAUSE FROM OUR END COMPRESSION IS THE GAP BETWEEN A SUPERVISOR AND A SUBORDINATE AND THAT'S WHAT HAS GOTTEN STUDIED.

SO WE HAVE, FOR INSTANCE, ON THE FOOD SERVICES, WE HAVE A FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ONE AND TWO, THEN WE HAVE FOOD SERVICE EMPLOYEES ONE, TWO AND THREE. UM, SO THAT WOULD THE COMPRESSION WOULD BE BETWEEN THOSE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES.

SO THAT IS WHAT'S BEING LOOKED INTO.

THE COMPRESSION THERE BETWEEN AGAIN SUPERVISOR AND SUBORDINATE OR THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILITY, MEANING A ONE, TWO OR A THREE OR A ONE, TWO, 3 OR 4.

SO THAT'S BEING LOOKED INTO AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL HAVE THE RESULTS ON THAT SOON.

THANK YOU FOR THAT. YEAH, I MEAN, I GUESS WHEN I PUT THE AD IN, YOU KNOW, MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT, YOU KNOW, IF YOU LOOK AT LIKE THE LICENSED TEACHER SCALE, ANOTHER ANOTHER TYPE OF COMPRESSION IS BETWEEN, YOU KNOW, NEWER EMPLOYEES COMING IN AND MORE SENIOR EMPLOYEES.

AND AND SO THAT WAS THAT'S A TYPE OF COMPRESSION THAT I THINK IT WOULD BE REALLY HELPFUL IF WE COULD LOOK AT.

THANK YOU. MR. NEWBY. THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

UM, JUST WANT TO RAISE A POINT THAT I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AND THERE'S ALWAYS, YOU KNOW.

UM, WE CAN ALWAYS DO MORE, BUT THAT REQUIRES MONEY, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO BUDGET, WHEN IT COMES TO SALARIES.

AND I THINK, YOU KNOW, WE'RE ALWAYS LIMITED WITH THE AMOUNT OF MONEY WE CAN GET FROM CITY COUNCIL.

UM, AND. THE POINT I WANT TO RAISE WAS LOOKING AT OUR LINKEDIN AND TALKING BEING COMPETITIVE WITH OUR NEIGHBORING DIVISIONS, ARLINGTON COUNTY BOARD, WHAT THEY GIVE THEIR.

BUDGET OF THE COUNTY BUDGET.

COMPARED TO ALEXANDRIA, WE GET 29%.

LAST YEAR WE GOT 29% OF OUR CITY BUDGET.

THAT IS 10% DIFFERENT.

IF WE GET 10% MORE FROM THE CITY, THAT'S $80 MILLION.

SO I WANT PEOPLE TO THINK ABOUT LIKE WHEN WE'RE THINKING ABOUT LIKE RESTRUCTURING SALARY SCALES AND PAYING MORE.

THINK ABOUT WHAT WE CAN DO WITH $80 MILLION OR SO.

AND THE REASON I BRING THIS UP BECAUSE SEEING ALL THE.

ENCORE AND ALL THE COMMUNITY ORGANIZING THAT WENT AROUND.

[02:40:03]

LIKE ALL PARENTS LIKE IF THEY LIKE IF THAT MR. MOVIE DIRECTED.

MR ARE GETTING MORE WILLING TO DO THAT AND TO ADVOCATE MORE.

YOU HEAR ME? CAN YOU HEAR ME BETTER NOW? NOW WE CAN. COULDN'T HEAR YOU BEFORE.

OKAY. I'M OKAY.

I'M SORRY. WAS JUST SO WHAT I WAS SAYING IS, LIKE, JUST LIKE ALL THIS ENERGY THAT I SAW GOING INTO THIS WHOLE ENCORE ISSUE, IF WE DIRECT THAT ENERGY TOWARDS JUST, YOU KNOW, WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO ADVOCATE FOR CANCEL GIVING US MORE MONEY.

LIKE IF WE GET 10% MORE LIKE ARLINGTON DOES, LIKE THINK ABOUT WHAT WE CAN DO WITH THIS.

AND YES, THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT, BUT THAT COSTS MONEY.

SO I JUST WANT TO RAISE THAT BECAUSE WE ARE ALWAYS LIMITED.

WE ALWAYS WANT TO, I DON'T THINK KNOW EVERYONE WANTS TO PAY TEACHERS MORE.

WE ALL WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT, YOU KNOW, WE STAY COMPETITIVE, BUT WE'RE WE'RE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT OF MONEY WE CAN GET.

SO JUST WANTED TO RAISE THAT THAT POINT.

AND I JUST HOPE AS A COMMUNITY, WE ALWAYS RETHINK OUR PRIORITIES AND MAKE SURE THAT OUR ACTIONS REALLY REFLECT WHAT OUR PRIORITIES ARE.

SO THANK YOU.

OKAY. ANY ADDITIONAL, UM, DR.

SIMS, UM.

I KNOW IT'S LATE. I JUST WANT TO SAY I PARTICIPATED IN ALL OUR BUDGET DISCUSSIONS.

I READ ALL THE DOCUMENTS I ATTENDED, OR I WATCHED THE TEACHER WEBINAR, AND I STILL THINK THAT THE SALARY SCALE STUFF IS IT'S CONFUSING.

AND I'M JUST I FEEL LIKE WHEN YOU GET THE ONE ON ONE CONVERSATION WITH DR.

WYATT OR THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK MR. TURNER MORE BACK AND FORTH QUESTIONS, IT MAKES A LITTLE BIT MORE SENSE.

AND I'M JUST WONDERING IF WE COULD OFFER SOME SORT OF OFFICE HOURS OR SOME PLACE WHERE PEOPLE COULD COME AND ASK QUESTIONS.

I KNOW THAT THERE WAS A QUESTION ON THE WEBINAR, BUT YOU YOU JUST SUBMIT IT AND THEN YOU CAN'T ASK A FOLLOW UP.

AND AND I THINK PEOPLE HAVE SOME REAL QUESTIONS HERE.

AND GETTING THE EXPLANATION OF SOMETHING THAT'S COMPLICATED JUST HELPS A LITTLE BIT MORE.

I WAS JUST GOING TO SAY, WE THE GOAL OF THE WEBINAR WAS TO DO THAT AND WE ARE GOING TO DO AN FAQ.

I WASN'T SURE IF YOU WANTED ME TO TALK IT OUT.

WE ARE GOING TO DO THE FAQ BECAUSE WITH THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES WE HAVE TO DO ONE ON ONE.

UM, I'M NOT SURE HOW WE WOULD GET THROUGH THAT, SO HOPEFULLY THEY CAN CONTINUE TO SEND THEIR THEIR QUESTIONS AND THE FAQ WILL PROBABLY ANSWER MOST OF THOSE QUESTIONS NOW THAT WE KNOW WHAT THOSE ADDITIONAL ONES ARE OTHER THAN THE KIND OF GENERAL ONES.

SO I DON'T KNOW IF THAT MAKES SENSE RIGHT NOW AT THIS LATE HOUR, BUT UM, HOPEFULLY GOING BACK AND LOOKING AT THE WEBINAR AND LOOKING AT THE FAQ WILL PROVIDE SOME MORE SUPPORT FOR THOSE STAFF MEMBERS WHO HAVE QUESTIONS.

MS.. BOOS? YEAH.

THANK YOU. THIS WILL BE REAL FAST. I'LL JUST SECOND WHAT DR.

SIMPSON SUGGESTED, AND I THINK THAT.

I WON'T MOVE. UM, I THINK THAT.

WE NEED TO MOVE AWAY FROM DOING SOME OF THESE IN A WEBINAR FORMAT.

WE NEED TO REALLY TRY TO DO SOME IN-PERSON STUFF.

I THINK THE WEBINAR, YOU KNOW, WE NEED TO MAKE SOME OF THOSE HUMAN CONNECTIONS AGAIN AS WE'RE COMING OUT OF THIS COVID THING AND COVID PEACE AND PEOPLE BEING ABLE TO SEE EACH OTHER, YOU KNOW, AND HAVE THOSE DIRECT CONVERSATIONS.

SO I THINK, YOU KNOW, IT COULD BE A BOTH AND, YOU KNOW, YOU DO A WEBINAR FOR PEOPLE THAT'S GOING TO BE MORE CONVENIENT, BUT ALSO HAVING SOME OPPORTUNITIES WHERE STAFF CAN COME IN AND MAYBE IT'S NOT OFFICE HOURS, SO IT'S NOT ONE ON ONE, BUT IT'S MORE OF LIKE A TOWN HALL FORMAT TO HAVE THOSE CONVERSATIONS.

OKAY. ALL RIGHT.

ENCORE. MR. TURNER HAS HIS HAND UP.

MADAM CHAIR. MR. TURNER. THANK YOU.

SO I JUST WANT TO ADDRESS THAT.

SO WE ACTUALLY HAVE DONE ONE ON ONES.

I'VE RECEIVED NUMEROUS EMAILS ON THIS AND I'LL RESPOND DIRECTLY BACK WITH THE SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES INFORMATION.

AGAIN, I TRIED TO HELP OUT WHERE I CAN, SO I DON'T JUST PUNT THEM TO ANOTHER OFFICE.

I GO AHEAD AND GIVE THEM THE INFORMATION THAT THEY'RE ASKING FOR IN THAT EMAIL.

AND THEN I LET THEM KNOW THAT WE DO HAVE A BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION OFFICE STAFFED AND READY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS FOR THEM AS THEY COME IN. I'VE ALSO SAT DOWN WITH A PRINCIPAL AND TEACHER AND HAD A ONE ON ONE WITH THEM TO GO THROUGH NOT ONLY WHAT ACP'S IS DOING AND WHAT OUR RESTRUCTURED SALARY SCALE IS, BUT ALSO PROVIDE THEM WHAT THE INFORMATION OF THE SCHOOL DIVISION THAT THEY WERE THINKING ABOUT GOING TO WOULD BE PROVIDING THEM.

SO WHEN THIS COMES TO ME, I DO ANSWER IT.

[02:45:02]

I HAVE THE DATA FOR EVERY SINGLE EMPLOYEE THAT WE HAVE HERE IN AC, SO JUST PULL UP THEIR SPECIFIC INFORMATION.

I PROVIDE THEM WHAT THEIR SALARY WOULD BE HAD THE SCHOOL BOARD VOTED TO SIMPLY GIVE THEM A STEP INCREASE AND THEN I SHOW THEM WHAT THEIR SALARY IS GOING TO BE, THAT THE SCHOOL BOARD VOTED TO DO A RESTRUCTURED SALARY SCALE.

RIGHT? WE HAVE GONE FOR MASTER'S AND MASTER'S PLUS 30.

WE HAVE GONE FROM A SALARY SCALE OF 24 STEPS TO 22.

THAT MEANS THAT THEY'RE ABLE TO REACH THIS TOP OF THE STEP, THE TOP OF THE SCALE, FASTER, TWO FEWER STEPS ON THOSE SCALE.

SAME THING FOR THE BACHELOR'S, BUT THE BACHELOR'S HAD 23.

NOW IT GOES DOWN TO 21, RIGHT? SO I EXPLAINED THIS TO EVERYBODY THAT SENDS AN EMAIL, PULLED UP THEIR INFORMATION.

I SHOW THEM THAT, UM, FOR THE MOST PART, YOU'RE GETTING A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS MORE DOING IT THIS WAY THAN HAD YOU JUST GOT A STEP INCREASE AND YOUR STEP NUMBER MAY HAVE INCREASED.

BUT YOUR DOLLARS WOULDN'T HAVE INCREASED AS MUCH.

AND FOR SOME, IF YOU WERE ON A HOLD STEP, THERE ARE THREE STEPS THAT YOU WOULDN'T HAVE RECEIVED AN INCREASE AT ALL.

THE TWO WHOLE STEPS AND THE TOP OF THE SCALE.

IF WE WOULDN'T HAVE RESTRUCTURED THE SCALE, THEY WOULD HAVE GOTTEN NO INCREASE.

THE ONLY INCREASE THAT THEY WOULD HAVE SAW WOULD HAVE BEEN FROM THE MR, BUT THEY WOULDN'T HAVE RECEIVED THE INCREASE FOR THE STEP INCREASE.

SO THEREFORE, INSTEAD OF SEEING ANYWHERE BETWEEN A 5.1 AND A 7.1% INCREASE, THEY WOULD HAVE SAW JUST THE 3% INCREASE. SO I DO TAKE THE TIME TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT FOR THE EMPLOYEES THAT REACHED OUT DIRECTLY TO ME.

I GIVE THEM THEIR VERY SPECIFIC DETAILS.

THE WEBINAR WAS VERY GENERAL FOR ALL EMPLOYEES BECAUSE WE WERE TRYING TO REACH A MASS AUDIENCE, BUT WHEN THEY REACH OUT TO ME DIRECTLY, I GO TO THEIR INFORMATION, I PULL THEIR INFORMATION, WHAT STEP THEY ARE ON, ON WHAT SCALE.

BACHELOR'S, MASTER'S, MASTER'S PLUS 30.

UM, SO THEY CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE IN THE PAY THAT THEY WOULD GET BASED ON WHAT WAS APPROVED VERSUS WHAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR DOING THAT.

YOU YOU MIGHT GET A FLOOD OF EMAILS TOMORROW.

IT ALREADY HAPPENS AND HE'S GOING TO SEND THOSE TO AIR.

I'M SURE AFTER I ANSWER THE FIRST ONE, I'LL ANSWER THE FIRST ONE.

THANK YOU, MR. TURNER.

[32. Encore Discussion ]

ALL RIGHT. GOOD.

GOOD EVENING AGAIN.

FEEL LIKE IT'S ALMOST MORNING TIME HERE? JUST SPEAKING TO THE WORK.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THERE'S SOME CLARITY AROUND THE KIND OF WHY OF WHAT WE'RE DOING IS TO REALLY SUPPORT STUDENTS.

WE ARE GOING TO SPEAK TO THE PROCESS THIS EVENING.

I DO HAVE SEVERAL OF OUR TEACHING LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP STAFF MEMBERS HERE WHO WILL TALK ABOUT THE WORK THAT WE WERE DOING.

I KNOW THERE'S BEEN SOME QUESTIONS AROUND IT, BUT I WANT EVERYONE TO TRULY UNDERSTAND THIS REALLY SPEAKS TO THE WORK THAT WE DO AROUND EQUITY.

WE'VE BEEN REFLECTIVE IN REVIEWING THIS PROCESS, BUT THESE LEADERS TONIGHT WILL SPEAK A LITTLE BIT MORE TO THE PROCESS AND WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE FOR EQUITY SERVICES FOR OUR STUDENTS.

SO I'M GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO MISS CARMEN SANDERS AT THIS TIME, WHO WILL GIVE A BRIEF OVERVIEW ABOUT HOW WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS PROCESS.

RIGHT. THANK YOU SO MUCH, DOCTOR.

GOOD EVENING. BOARD CHAIR ALDERTON VICE CHAIR GREENE VIRTUALLY AND TO OUR BOARD MEMBERS.

DESPITE THE TIME, THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE HERE WITH YOU ALL TONIGHT.

UM, IN REGARDS TO SOME OF THE ENCORE CONCERNS THAT OUR TEACHERS AND OUR FAMILIES HAVE BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION, WE WANT TO BE VERY TRANSPARENT ABOUT THE PROCESS THAT WE TOOK TO COMMUNICATE TO OUR STAFF MEMBERS AS WE WANT THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW THAT WE DO VALUE OUR STAFF MEMBERS, WE WANT TO RETAIN OUR TEACHERS, AND WE WANT OUR STUDENTS TO BE ENGAGED IN HIGH QUALITY INSTRUCTION.

SO I'M JUST GOING TO TAKE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS OF HOW WE ARRIVED AT THE PLACE THAT WE DID.

AND DESPITE THE BOARD BRIEF AND WHAT SOME WOULD CONSIDER THE AMBIGUITY BEHIND IT, THIS WAS REALLY SOMETHING THAT WAS GEARED TOWARDS EQUITY AND GIVING STUDENTS ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE IN THE FULL CURRICULUM AT ALL SCHOOLS. AT THE ONSET, WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE STAFFING AT THE SCHOOLS.

AS THE COMMUNITY IS AWARE, WE HAVE ENROLLMENT MEETINGS WITH SCHOOL BASED LEADERSHIP, WITH SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS WITH

[02:50:04]

AS DR. RIEF MENTIONED EARLIER, THE NUMBERS ARE DYNAMIC, SO THEY'RE CHANGING FREQUENTLY.

SO WHAT MAY BE THE NUMBERS OF ENROLLMENT IN FEBRUARY MAY DRASTICALLY CHANGE IN MAY.

AND SO WE FOLLOWED THIS PROCESS FROM FEBRUARY ONWARD INTO MAY.

AND WHEN IT CAME TO AS WE WERE STUDYING AND WE WERE LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS AND WE WERE LOOKING AT CLASS SIZES AND ENSURING THAT STUDENTS WERE GETTING ACCESS, HAVING ACCESS TO THE THE FULL CURRICULUM AND THAT TEACHERS WERE TEACHING A FULL INSTRUCTIONAL SCHEDULE.

UM, WE TOOK A LOOK AT ALL OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.

IT'S VERY DIFFERENT IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BECAUSE MOST ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS DO NOT DEPARTMENTALIZE.

WE HAVE IT'S VERY DIFFERENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOL THAN IT IS IN ELEMENTARY.

AND SO ONCE WE UNPACKED IT, WE COMMUNICATED WITH OUR INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALISTS AS THEY WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH OUR TEACHERS, VERY INTIMATELY WITHIN THE SCHOOLS AND HAVE MORE OF A NOT BALCONY VIEW, THEY HAVE A BALCONY VIEW, BUT THEY REALLY HAVE A DANCE FLOOR VIEW OF MASTER SCHEDULES AND HOW TEACHERS WORK WITHIN THE SCHOOLS.

SHORTLY THEREAFTER, WE COMMUNICATED WITH THE PRINCIPALS REALLY WHAT NEEDED TO HAPPEN IN ORDER TO TRY TO BALANCE SOME OF THE THE WORKLOAD AND STUDENT ATTENTION THAT WAS NEEDED IN THE IN SOME OF OUR WEST SIDE SCHOOLS.

FOR EXAMPLE, WE HAD SOME PE CLASSES THAT WERE SITTING AT ABOUT 40 STUDENTS ON THE WEST SIDE AND WE HAD SOME PEAS ON THE EAST SIDE THAT WERE SITTING AT ABOUT EIGHT STUDENTS IN EACH CLASS.

SO YOU CAN SEE THAT THERE IS A HUGE DISCREPANCY THERE.

WE SPOKE TO THE PRINCIPALS ABOUT THE SITUATION.

WE SHARED THE NARRATIVE.

WE ALLOWED THEM TO ASK QUESTIONS.

WE UNPACKED IT WITH THEM AND THEN CONTINUE TO OFFER OUR SUPPORT.

UM, SHORTLY THEREAFTER, WE ASKED THEM TO HAVE THE CONVERSATIONS WITH THE TEACHERS BECAUSE WE OFTEN TALK ABOUT THE HUMAN CONNECTIONS AND HUMANIZING THE WORK, AND THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT.

SO WHAT WE WANTED TO DO WAS LEVERAGE THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT THE PRINCIPALS HAD WITH THEIR TEACHING STAFF.

ONCE THAT WAS COMMUNICATED, WE AS CENTRAL OFFICE.

IF THIS ARE GOING TO CONSISTENTLY OFFER OUR SUPPORT TO THE SCHOOLS, BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE FEEL THAT WE ARE HERE TO DO, TO GO INTO THE SCHOOLS, BE OF HELP IN ANY WAY, SHAPE, FORM OR FASHION THAT WE CAN.

UM, WE UNFORTUNATELY DID NOT GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH SOME OF THE STAFF MEMBERS AND THAT HAD CONCERNS.

INITIALLY, WE JUST, YOU KNOW, IMMEDIATELY HEARD FROM OUR PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS.

BUT I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO KNOW THAT MOVING FORWARD, OUR INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALISTS AND WE ARE READY TO SUPPORT TEACHERS WITH THE TRIBE. YOU KNOW, WORKING IN TWO DIFFERENT SCHOOLS, THE ADJUSTMENT THERE, AS WELL AS WITH MASTER SCHEDULE DEVELOPMENT.

AND SO I HOPE I WAS ABLE TO TAKE YOU THROUGH THE JOURNEY OF HOW THIS ALL TRANSPIRED.

WE DON'T WANT OUR FAMILIES TO THINK THAT IT WAS NOT A A LACK OF VALUE FOR OUR STAFF BECAUSE WE REALLY DO VALUE OUR STAFF MEMBERS.

THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT.

QUESTIONS. AND DR.

BAIRD. THANK YOU, MISS SANDERS.

I APPRECIATE THE THE BACKGROUND AND WALKING THROUGH EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED.

AND I'M JUST GOING TO ALSO JUST OFFER A COUPLE OF MY THOUGHTS AND HOW I'VE SEEN THIS FROM MY PERSPECTIVE.

AND, YOU KNOW, I THINK AS AS BOARD MEMBERS AND PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THIS COMMUNITY, LIKE WE INTERACT WITH OUR SCHOOLS EVERY DAY AND OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES, AND THEN WE ALSO GET REALLY HIGH TOUCH WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT, WITH CENTRAL OFFICE.

AND I THINK WE HEAR THINGS FROM BOTH SIDES AND SOMETIMES THEY DON'T ALWAYS LINE UP.

AND I, I KNOW THAT HAPPENS FOR FOR NUMEROUS REASONS AND I'M NOT SAYING IT SHOULDN'T, BUT I THINK A BIG PIECE OF THIS AND THIS IS LIKE SOMETHING THAT PLAYED OUT WITH THE HONOKA'A TEACHER ISSUE IS THAT THERE'S AND MANY OF US SITTING HERE INHERITED THIS SITUATION, BUT THERE'S JUST A LOT OF THERE'S A LACK OF TRUST IN OUR COMMUNITY. AND SO PEOPLE ARE VERY QUICK TO RESPOND TO THINGS, THINGS ASSUMING, YOU KNOW, OR MAYBE WITHOUT EVIDENCE OR WITHOUT REALLY UNDERSTANDING OR TAKING THE TIME TO DIG DEEP AND UNDERSTAND WHAT'S GOING ON.

AND SO I, I SEE THIS AT PLAY IN THIS SITUATION.

[02:55:06]

AND SO AS MUCH AS WE CAN GET AHEAD OF UNDERSTANDING THAT WE ARE IN THIS TRUST DEFICIT AND REALLY TRYING TO THINK ABOUT THAT WHEN WE'RE MAKING DECISIONS AND WE'RE MAKING PLANS AND WE'RE COMMUNICATING, I THINK, YOU KNOW, IT WILL IT WILL HELP ALL OF US.

UM. I APPRECIATE THE KNOW.

I KNOW I ADDED THIS TO THE AGENDA AND THANK YOU FOR MY COLLEAGUES FOR SUPPORTING IT.

I THINK IT IS I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET THESE THINGS RIGHT, YOU KNOW, AND IF THAT MEANS BACKTRACKING, BACKTRACKING.

EXCUSE ME. AND, AND RE COMMUNICATING THINGS OR GOING THROUGH THE STEPS, I THINK THAT THOSE ARE IMPORTANT PIECES TO TO JUST REBUILD THE TRUST.

SO I APPRECIATE YOU COMING HERE AND YOU SAYING THAT AND ALLOWING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THIS KIND OF AS A BOARD.

UM, MY MY QUESTION AT THIS TIME IS SORT OF.

YOU KNOW WHAT'S NEXT? WHAT ARE OUR LESSONS LEARNED FOR THE FUTURE? WHERE DO WE TAKE THIS FROM HERE? WHERE ARE WE THINKING GOING AHEAD? SO OUR TEAM WILL BE PLANNING AND WORKING THROUGH THAT THIS SUMMER AND THEN WE WILL REVISIT THIS IN THE IN THE FALL.

SOUNDS LIKE THAT'S SO FAR AWAY, BUT IT'S REALLY RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER AS WE GO INTO SUMMER, THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL TODAY.

SO OUR TEAM HAS ALREADY MET TO START LOOKING AT WHAT NEXT YEAR'S GOING TO LOOK LIKE.

SO WE'LL COME BACK WITH A PRESENTATION.

MISS BOOZE. THANK YOU.

GOT SHIFTED OVER TO A NEW MIC.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STAYING LATE WITH US TONIGHT.

NO, WE ADDED A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT AGENDA ITEMS TO THE END ON THE VERY LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.

SO AT LEAST EVERYBODY'S NOT GOING TO BE RUNNING TO THE SCHOOL IN THE MORNING WITH KIDS, BUT KNOW THAT THERE'S STILL OTHER THINGS THAT HAVE TO HAPPEN AT THE SCHOOL TOMORROW.

SO APPRECIATE THE TIME.

SO JUST ONE ONE THOUGHT RECOMMENDATION AND THEN, YOU KNOW, JUST WANT TO TOUCH ON THE TRUST DEFICIT AS WELL.

UM, SO ONE THING THAT ACTUALLY CAME UP IN OUR BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING, WHICH I THINK IS REALLY RELEVANT TO THE ENCORE, IS ONE THING.

AND THANK YOU, MATT SMITH, FOR POINTING THIS OUT.

ARLINGTON EVERY YEAR PUTS TOGETHER THEIR PLANNING FACTORS DOCUMENT AND WHAT THEY DO THAT I'LL JUST EVEN READ THE ONE SENTENCE.

THE PURPOSE OF THE PLANNING FACTOR IS TO PROVIDE A BASE LEVEL OF EQUITY AND CONSISTENCY FOR PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES TO MEET INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS AND ADEQUATELY DELIVER INSTRUCTIONS TO PROVIDE PREDICTABILITY REGARDING BUDGETARY PLANNING AND TO ASSURE COMPLIANCE WITH STATE STANDARDS.

AND THE PDF THAT THEY PUT TOGETHER IS REALLY, YOU KNOW, MUCH MORE OF A MODEL IN TERMS OF WHAT STAFFING LOOKS LIKE, YOU KNOW, FOR, FOR ALL STAFF, WHETHER IT'S JUST PRINCIPALS PER SCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AND YOU KNOW WHAT THE NUMBER OF LIBRARIANS, FOR EXAMPLE, IF I'M JUST LOOKING AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, THEY HAVE ONE LIBRARIAN PLUS ONE ASSISTANT FOR ONE TWO 749 STUDENTS.

AND THEN THAT SCALE GOES UP AND THEY DO THAT FOR ALL OF THE ENCORE TEACHERS.

SO HAVING KIND OF THAT SENSE OF THE MODEL FOR THE SCHOOLS I THINK MAY BE BENEFICIAL FOR US MOVING FORWARD.

AND AGAIN, THIS IS NOT JUST JUST FOR YOU.

IT WOULD BE, YOU KNOW, ACROSS THE BOARD WORKING WITH BUDGET AND FINANCE AND H.R.

BUT I THINK HAVING THAT SENSE THAT WE CAN SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY OF LIKE THIS IS THIS IS, YOU KNOW, THIS IS OUR STAFFING MODEL THAT WE NEED NEED TO MEET.

SO WE'RE ALSO BEING EQUITABLE AND MAKING SURE THAT YOU KNOW, THE, THE TEACHER ON THE WEST END HAVING 40 STUDENTS VERSUS A TEACHER ON THE EAST END, HAVING ONLY EIGHT STUDENTS IN A CLASS, YOU KNOW, THAT'S THAT'S CONCERNING.

AND THAT'S NOT THAT'S NOT SERVING ALL OF OUR STUDENTS EQUALLY.

SO I THINK THAT THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL.

UM, AND THEN, YOU KNOW, IN TERMS OF THE TRUST DEFICIT, YOU KNOW, I'VE MENTIONED THIS BEFORE, I'VE MENTIONED THIS WITH A LOT OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS AS WELL AND ECHO DR.

SIMPSON. BAIRD YOU KNOW, I THINK WE AS A SCHOOL DIVISION, THIS IS NOT THIS IS JUST ONE OF MANY TOPICS.

YOU KNOW, WE'VE WE'VE SEEN A LOT OF THE TRUST WITHIN ERODING OVER TIME.

CERTAINLY A LOT OF IT WENT DOWNHILL OVER, YOU KNOW, THE PANDEMIC.

AND BUT IT WAS THERE BEFORE.

IT WAS THERE BEFOREHAND.

AND, YOU KNOW, I KIND OF LOOK AT THE YOU KNOW, THE EXAMPLE I SAY WITH THE TRUST DEFICIT IS THAT WE ALL START YOU KNOW, WE HAVE A STARTING LINE, BUT WE'RE ALL NOT STARTING AT THE STARTING LINE. WE'RE STARTING FROM WAY BEHIND THE STARTING LINE.

AND SO WE'RE WE'RE GETTING INFORMATION.

WE'RE ALREADY KIND OF IN A NEGATIVE STATE.

SO PERFECT EXAMPLE WAS THE VERY FIRST DAY ROLLOUT OF THE THE THE WEAPON MITIGATION DETECTORS.

THE LINES WERE OUT THE DOOR.

IT WAS ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

YOU KNOW, WE GOT LOTS OF EMAILS OF LIKE, THIS IS HORRIBLE.

THIS IS NOT WORKING.

AGAIN, IT WAS THE VERY FIRST DAY TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT.

WE NEED THAT SPACE AND TIME TO BE ABLE TO GET IT RIGHT BY THE DAY.

TWO, IT WAS WORKING MUCH BETTER BY DAY THREE.

IT'S WORKING MUCH BETTER. AND NOW WE'RE NOT EVEN.

YOU MEAN SCHOOL'S OUT? BUT WE STOPPED HEARING ABOUT THE LINES AND WHAT WAS GOING INTO THAT PIECE.

[03:00:04]

I WANT TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO TO GET THAT TRUST DEFICIT DOWN AND GET US ALL STARTING FROM THE STARTING LINE AGAIN.

AND I THINK THAT THAT'S GOING TO WORK.

IT'S STUFF THAT WE AS A CPS HAVE TO DO.

AND SO WE AS A BOARD HAVE TO DO WITH THE COMMUNITY.

AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE NEED TO SAY TO THE COMMUNITY, YOU KNOW, HELP US TO YOU KNOW, I KNOW SOMETIMES WHEN WE GET, YOU KNOW, NEWS OR NEW INITIATIVES ARE ROLLED OUT AND THEY'RE, YOU KNOW, MAYBE WE COULD HAVE COMMUNICATED IT DIFFERENTLY.

THAT DOESN'T HELP BUILD THE TRUST.

BUT WE WE NEED TO GET TO A PLACE WHERE, YOU KNOW, WE'RE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN, BUT WE CAN ALSO SAY THE COMMUNITY LIKE, HEY, HELP US TO.

THANK YOU. OKAY.

ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU.

THANK YOU, MISS SANDERS.

[33. Report from Meagan L. Alderton ]

MY REPORT.

IS ABOUT MORE MEETINGS AND SPECIAL CALLED MEETING WE'LL HAVE ON JUNE 22ND.

THERE WILL BE THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING ON JUNE 26TH AND WE'LL HAVE OUR ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING IN JULY.

JULY 20TH.

[ 34. Report from Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt ]

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I WILL TRY TO BE QUICK WITH MY ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS EVENING.

UM, JUST WANTED TO SAY IT WAS A PROUD MOMENT FOR ALL OF US.

AS WE SAW OVER 800 OF OUR ALEXANDRIA CITY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GRADUATE TO RECEIVE THEIR DIPLOMAS.

ON JUNE 3RD, 419 SENIORS GRADUATED WITH ADVANCED DIPLOMAS, AND THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND OF ALEXANDRIA ALONE HAS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS TO 208 OF OUR TITANS, TOTALING $627,000.

AND 20 STUDENTS SIGNED LETTERS OF INTENT TO PLAY COLLEGE SPORTS.

SO I REALLY CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE IMPACT.

OF COURSE, I ALWAYS USE THAT WORD.

PEOPLE STILL ARE TALKING TO ME ABOUT THAT WORD.

AND I'M HEARING IT BACK FROM MIDDLE SCHOOLERS NOW, WHICH IS REALLY GREAT.

THE IMPACT THAT THIS CLASS WILL HAVE ON OUR COMMUNITY IN THE FUTURE.

THIS YEAR'S GRADUATION CEREMONY WAS ALSO THE FINAL ONE FOR ALEXANDRIA CITY HIGH SCHOOL EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL PETER VALLAS, WHO HAS SERVED AS THE EXCUSE ME, WHO HAS SERVED ALEXANDRIA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR OVER 20 YEARS.

AND I JUST WANT TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PERSONALLY THANK HIM FOR ALL THAT HE HAS DONE FOR OUR SCHOOL DIVISION.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO MENTION AND THANK OUR 2023 ALEXANDRIA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL STAFF, RETIREES.

OUR 72 STAFF MEMBERS WHO RETIRED REPRESENT 1503 YEARS OF SERVICE, AND THAT CEREMONY WAS HELD ON JUNE 7TH.

SO I JUST WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR IMPACT ON OUR COMMUNITY AND CONGRATULATE OUR RETIREES ON A STRONG SPIRIT THEY HAD WHILE THEY WERE SERVING OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES.

AND CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER FOR MISS JEANETTE VINCENT AS SHE TAKES ON THE ROLE OF PRINCIPAL AT GEORGE WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL.

SHE'S BEEN SERVING THERE AS THE ACTING PRINCIPAL.

AND I'M GOING TO READ THESE TWO REAL QUICK AND YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT THIS IN THE EXPRESS AND INSIDER.

BUT TWO OF OUR ALEXANDRIA CITY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE BEEN NAMED AS YOUTH HONOREES TO THE ALEXANDRIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S 40 UNDER 40.

THAT IS A HUGE HONOR.

SO I'M SO PROUD OF THE CLASS OF 2023 GRADUATE EMILY MILTON AND RISING SENIOR CHLOE TITUS, WHO WERE NAMED WITH THAT HONOR. WE ALSO HAD A STUDENT, CATHERINE BRANDT, WHO WAS AMONG THE WINNERS, WHO WAS RECOGNIZED AS A RECEIVING AWARD THAT WAS PRESENTED THIS WEEK ACTUALLY BY THE ALEXANDRIA COMMISSION ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITY IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ALEXANDRIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

AND SO THAT IS ALL I HAVE THIS EVENING.

AND I'M SORRY.

I JUST WANT TO THANK OUR STAFF.

I'M SORRY. I KNOW I'VE SAID IT BEFORE, AND I HOPE THEY ALL READ MY LETTER.

THEY'RE PROBABLY RUNNING OUT THE DOOR.

BUT I DID WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR AN AMAZING SCHOOL YEAR FOR GIVING YOUR TIME AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY.

SO AND WE WILL SEE YOU SOON.

[35. Announcements ]

MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS.

UH, THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

BOARD MEMBERS, I JUST WANTED TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO A BOARD BRIEF THAT WE RECEIVED ON FRIDAY, JUNE 2ND, AROUND OUR NEXT STEPS FOR STAGGERED TERMS. THERE ARE TWO THINGS THAT WE ARE PROPOSING IN THIS BOARD BRIEF.

FIRST ARE WE'RE ASKING BOARD MEMBERS BY DISTRICT TO FACILITATE COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS IN ORDER TO ENGAGE THEIR CONSTITUENTS IN MORE DISCUSSION ON THIS TOPIC.

THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO OUR LOWER THAN PREFERRED RESPONSE RATE ON THE COMMUNITY SURVEY.

[03:05:06]

WE'LL ALSO BE SUPPLYING YOU WITH MATERIALS TO FACILITATE THOSE CONVERSATIONS.

IN ADDITION, WE'RE ALSO IN THE PLANNING A PANEL LIKELY FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 10TH.

SORRY, I KNOW THAT DATE DOESN'T WORK FOR EVERYONE.

THIS IS A PANEL OF FOLKS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH THIS ISSUE OR WITH STAGGERED TERMS IN THE DECISIONS THAT WE ARE THINKING ABOUT HERE IN ALEXANDRIA IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS.

AND THEY HAVE BEEN THEY ARE WILLING TO COME HERE AND TALK TO US AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.

IF YOU'RE UNABLE TO MAKE THAT PANEL, IT WILL BE RECORDED AND YOU CAN SEE IT AFTER THE FACT.

YOU ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE IF YOU SO DESIRE.

THANKS. OKAY.

GO AHEAD, DR. RIEF. MADAM CHAIR, I MOVE THAT WE ADJOURN.

SECOND SUMMER.

ALL RIGHT. HAVE MS..

BOOZHOO. SECOND. DR.

RIEF A MOTION.

UH MRS. GREENE.

YES, YES AND YES, MR. AL-RUBAIE. YES, IF YOU CAN HEAR ME.

THERE WAS. YEAH, EVERYONE.

THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.