Warren County School Board Honors Attendance Achievements, Reviews Ethics Code and Social Media Policy in Final Meeting of 2025

The Warren County School Board held its final meeting of 2025 on December 3, addressing a wide range of topics, including student attendance awards, a second reading of the Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and the continued review of a proposed employee social media policy. The meeting also marked the final appearance for two outgoing board members, Antoinette Funk and Andrea Lo, who were thanked for their service.

Attendance Awards Highlight Efforts to Boost Student Presence

The meeting began with a celebration of strong student attendance across the division in November.

• A.S. Rhodes Elementary was recognized for the highest attendance among elementary schools, with a rate of 95.24%. Staff reported their chronic absenteeism rate remains under 14%, an improvement of two percentage points from the previous year. Special recognition went to Mr. Sider’s class, which had the school’s highest attendance for the month.
• Warren County Middle School earned the highest secondary attendance award with a 93.75% rate. School representatives noted that this marked approximately the 16th or 17th consecutive month the school had received the award. They highlighted efforts such as Red Ribbon Week activities, daily December spirit days, school dances, and monthly special recess rewards as key strategies to improve attendance.
• Ressie Jeffries Elementary was named the most improved for November. School leaders said their competitive staff culture and rewards, such as covering recess duties, have helped improve attendance, emphasizing that creating a positive and welcoming school atmosphere has made a meaningful difference.

Volunteer Tennis Coach Thanks Board for Repairs

During public comment, Jeff Brown, a volunteer tennis coach at Skyline High School, thanked the board for funding emergency repairs to the tennis courts at both Skyline and Warren County High School. Brown emphasized the importance of a long-term fix for aging courts and urged the board to consider applying for grants, including from the Virginia Land and Water Conservation Fund, to help fund permanent reconstruction.

Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Hearing Draws No Speakers

A scheduled public hearing for the FY 2027 budget saw no public participation. School leaders encouraged continued engagement and noted that a second hearing will be scheduled in 2026 following the superintendent’s formal budget presentation.

Superintendent’s Report: Day Three Reflections

Newly appointed Superintendent Dr. Troy Wright delivered his first formal remarks to the board, reflecting on his initial days in the district. He shared his experiences visiting several schools and praised the unique school cultures he encountered.

“I saw students who know they’re loved and appreciated. That’s the culture we want,” Dr. Wright said. He also proposed adding instructional highlights to future board agendas to showcase academic successes more frequently.

Dr. Wright noted that the district currently has 14 staff vacancies, including teaching and assistant positions. He encouraged interested community members to apply through the Human Resources department.

He also shared personal news: he and his wife are preparing to close on a home in Warren County, signaling a long-term commitment to the community.

Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct: Second Reading

The board held a second reading of the Warren County School Board Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, a document intended to guide board member behavior, promote professionalism, and increase transparency. Board member Tom McFadden presented a draft handbook that consolidates ethics policies, governance protocols, board roles, and violation procedures into one accessible document.

“It doesn’t leave things to the imagination,” McFadden said. “You can read it and say, ‘Oh, this is what we’re supposed to be doing.’”

While no vote was taken, the document will be available for incoming members to review over the winter break. The board intends to finalize and adopt the code in early 2026.

Social Media Policy: Fifth Reading and Ongoing Edits

The board also conducted a fifth reading of a proposed employee social media and electronic communication policy, focusing on interactions between staff and students. Concerns were raised in previous readings about how the policy might impact employees’ First Amendment rights.

McFadden noted that revisions had been made based on administrator and staff feedback, particularly in sections addressing personal use of social media outside of work. He plans to submit a redlined version of the policy to legal counsel for review.

Board member Melanie Salins strongly supported addressing social media interactions between staff and students, citing national concerns about online grooming and inappropriate communications.

“Parents have a right to know if grown adults are pursuing relationships with their children outside of school hours through recreational social media,” Salins said.

The updated draft also includes specific language requiring employees to protect student privacy and comply with FERPA, the federal law that protects student educational records.

Organizational Meeting Scheduled for January 7

The board voted to hold its 2026 Organizational Meeting on Wednesday, January 7, at 6:00 p.m. at the Warren County Government Center.

Farewells and Reflections

In closing comments, outgoing board members Andrea Lo and Antoinette Funk offered reflections on their four years of service.

Lo emphasized the importance of civil dialogue and community engagement, encouraging residents to stay involved even when opinions differ. Funk highlighted several accomplishments from her tenure, including facility improvements, staff salary increases, and the hiring of Dr. Wright.

“I worked hard to keep political motives out of our work and to uphold the fundamental purpose of our school board,” Funk said. “It’s been an honor to serve.”

The board also thanked Dr. David Martin for his service as interim superintendent and welcomed incoming members George Cline Jr. and Sara Jones, who will take office in January.

Click here to watch the Warren County School Board Meeting of December 3, 2025.