In this last segment of the Warren County School Board meeting of June 26, 2024, the board discussed several key 2024-2025 school year issues, including approving salary scales, insurance rates, and the substitute plan. The board also addressed concerns raised by board members regarding these agenda items.

Salary Scales Approval

The board reviewed and discussed the proposed salary scales for the 2024-2025 school year, which reflect the increases previously approved for teachers, instructional assistants, and the rest of the staff.

Board member Melanie Salins raised concerns about the trade worker category, noting that it lists increased pay for degrees, but not all trades require a bachelor’s degree. Salins suggested changing the phrasing to reflect certification requirements relevant to those trades.

Dr. Ballenger agreed with that suggestion, acknowledging that trade certification requirements should be more clearly defined. He mentioned that the board had discussed this in cabinet meetings and planned to work with Mr. Helmick to establish these certification requirements for the next year.

A motion was made to approve the 2024-2025 salary scales. The motion was seconded, and the board voted favorably, with all members approving.

Insurance Rates Approval

The board considered three options for the insurance rates for the 2024-2025 plan year. Dr. Ballenger recommended option three, which involves a 7.9% increase in employee premiums.

Board member Salins expressed frustration with the timing and legibility of the uploaded documents, noting that teachers had called her to express their concerns about being unable to review the information.

A motion was made to approve option three for the insurance rate proposals. The motion was seconded, and the board voted favorably, with all members approving, except Salins, who abstained.

Substitute Plan Approval

Board Chair Kristen Pence emphasized the importance of addressing underlying issues with staff absences and exploring ways to reduce the reliance on substitutes.

The board discussed the substitute plan for the 2024-2025 school year, which involved renewing the contract with ESS, the current substitute management company. Several board members expressed concerns about the performance and costs associated with ESS.

Board member Tom McFadden highlighted the need to include specific metrics and an on-site presence in the contract. Board Chair Kristen Pence emphasized the importance of addressing underlying issues with staff absences and exploring ways to reduce the reliance on substitutes.

Dr. Ballenger and Mr. Jody Lee, Director of Personnel, agreed that the contract should be revised to include:

• Specific performance metrics.
• A clause for an on-site ESS representative.
• Clear guidelines on how substitutes are hired and managed to ensure accountability and efficiency.

The board decided to postpone the approval of the ESS contract until revisions can be made. The revised agreement will be presented at the next meeting for final approval.

The board moved to enter a closed meeting to discuss personnel matters, including the personnel report, the superintendent’s evaluation, and an employee grievance. The board seconded and approved the motion to enter a closed meeting.

Watch the Warren County School Board Meeting of June 26, 2024, in the exclusive Royal Examiner video by Mark Williams.

(Part 4 is covered in the video from 2hr25 to the end.)

The Warren County School Board held an in-depth discussion on the non-labor fiscal year 2023-2024 budget, providing a detailed comparison of appropriations, expenditures, and current balances across various cost centers. This review aimed to identify potential savings and necessary adjustments to balance the budget effectively.

Key Budget Considerations

Non-Labor Budget Overview

The board reviewed the non-labor budget, including all expenses outside salaries and benefits. The report compared the appropriations and expenditures for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2023, with the current fiscal year’s appropriations, expenditures, encumbrances, and pending payments. As of the meeting date, the available balance for non-labor expenses stood at $469,230, though this amount is expected to decrease once all costs are audited and accrued.

Utilities and Pending Payments

Board members noted that utility bills for June had not yet been received, which could significantly impact the final available balance. Other pending payments, such as the food service bill from Sodexo, will also be accrued back to the fiscal year that ended.

Carryover Funds

The board discussed the lack of a formal agreement with the County Board of Supervisors regarding the return of unspent funds for capital improvements. Although past years have seen requests for carryover funds to be used for transportation and equipment, the current financial climate and the county’s need to maintain a balanced budget make such returns uncertain.

Superintendent Dr Chris Ballenger discussed budget adjustments with the school board.

Proposed Budget Adjustments

Insurance Costs

Three options were considered for handling the increase in insurance costs:

1. The division covers the entire increase.
2. The cost is split between the division and employees.
3. Employees cover a 7.9% increase in premiums, with the division covering the remainder.

Dr. Ballenger recommended the third option to minimize employees’ financial burden while addressing the increased costs.

Staff Positions

Several staff positions were recommended for hold or removal to help balance the budget:

• An agriculture teacher position.
• An additional kindergarten teacher due to lower enrollment numbers.
• An additional reading specialist position.
• A dean position at Skyline High School.
• A fourth-grade teacher position at E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School.
• Three special education teacher positions, with plans to repurpose these roles for registered behavior technicians (RBTs) and a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA).

Non-Labor Budget Cuts

To address the budget shortfall, the following non-labor budget cuts were proposed:

• A $100,000 reduction in the overall non-labor budget.
• Specific cuts to the substitute budget ($148,000) and technology budget ($20,000).
• Limiting the increase in the substitute budget to $300,000, focusing on efficient use and monitoring of leave.

Board Discussion and Concerns

Board members expressed concerns about the impact of budget cuts on classroom resources and educational quality. They highlighted the need for careful monitoring of spending, especially in areas like substitute teaching costs. The high markup from the external substitute management company (ESS) was a particular point of contention, with suggestions to explore ways to reduce reliance on such services and keep more funds within the community.

The board acknowledged the difficult decisions required to balance the budget and emphasized the importance of proactive planning for the next fiscal year. They agreed to focus on efficiency and cost-saving measures that do not adversely affect students’ educational experiences.

The proposed fiscal year 2025 school operating budget was approved, amounting to $76,193,989, with a capital improvement facilities budget of $1,307,500. Despite some members abstaining due to concerns about the budget process and final allocations, the majority voted in favor of the proposed budget.

Watch the Warren County School Board Meeting of June 26, 2024, in the exclusive Royal Examiner video by Mark Williams.

(Part 3 is covered in the video between 1hr20 to 2hr20.)

During the Warren County School Board meeting, several student conduct and discipline policies were reviewed, highlighting the board’s commitment to ensuring a safe and orderly educational environment. The policies under review included:

1. JFC – School Conduct
2. JFCD – Weapons in School
3. JGD/JGE – Student Suspensions and Expulsions
4. JGDA – Discipline of Students with Disabilities
5. JGDB – Discipline of Students with Disabilities for Infliction of Serious Bodily Injury

Key Discussion Points

Inconsistencies in Expulsion Language

One of the primary issues discussed was the inconsistency in the language used across different policies regarding student expulsions for certain offenses. Specifically:

• Policy JGD/JGE mandates that the school board “shall expel” students for firearms and drug offenses.
• Policy JFCD and Policy JFCF use the term “may expel,” which implies discretion.

Board member Tom McFadden pointed out that this inconsistency could create confusion and legal challenges, as “shall” implies a mandatory action, while “may” suggests optional action. It was noted that the discrepancy might stem from varying interpretations of state statutes. The board decided to consult legal counsel to ensure consistency and compliance with state laws.

Board Member Tom McFadden questions the inconsistency in the policies.

Discipline of Students with Disabilities

Policies JGDA and JGDB address the discipline of students with disabilities. The board discussed the importance of aligning these policies with federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to ensure fair treatment and appropriate disciplinary actions for students with disabilities, particularly those involved in serious incidents.

Firearms and Drug Offenses

The discussion also covered specific firearms, destructive devices, and drug offense statutes. The board considered the nuances of these laws, including exemptions for educational purposes and scenarios where immediate expulsion might not be appropriate.

Board members and the public expressed the need for clarity and consistency in these policies. Suggestions included:

• Ensuring all related policies use the same terminology to avoid confusion.
• Clearly defining exceptions and special cases in the policies.
• Regularly updating policies to reflect changes in state and federal laws.

The board recognized the urgency of updating these policies to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment while ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Next Steps

The board decided to revisit these policies for a second reading in an upcoming meeting, incorporating feedback from legal counsel to address the inconsistencies. They emphasized the importance of having comprehensive and clear policies that protect students’ rights and ensure a safe school environment.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the policy audit agreement with the School Board Member Alliance (SBMA), aiming to review and update policies to ensure compliance and best practices. The motion passed, and the board members were tasked with collaborating with SBMA to identify and rectify any policy discrepancies.

Watch the Warren County School Board Meeting of June 26, 2024, in the exclusive Royal Examiner video by Mark Williams.

(Part 2 is covered in the video between 48 to 80 minutes.)

The Warren County School Board held a work session this evening, starting with the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. Both were accepted without modifications after being moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

Division Literacy Plan for 2024-2025

The first significant item discussed was the Division Literacy Plan for the 2024-2025 school year. This plan is crucial as it aligns with the new Virginia Literacy Act requirements. Ms. Heather Bragg and Eileen Knesh, the Dyslexia and English Coordinator, presented the plan. The plan focuses on K-5 implementation, including resources, required teacher training, and communication strategies with stakeholders and families.

Ms. Heather Bragg and Eileen Knesh presents the Division Literacy Plan to the board.

Ms. Bragg emphasized that this is the first year of the new requirements, and the plan is a one-year roadmap. One board member raised concerns about the lack of clear metrics for success. Ms. Bragg responded that the Division Plan, which will be shared next week, includes more detailed metrics and continuous improvement strategies.

The discussion shifted to the instructional materials listed in the literacy plan. It was clarified that most materials were already in use, such as the core instructional material, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s “Into Reading” for K-5. The plan will expand as more state-approved materials become available.

Teacher training is a significant component of the plan, focusing on professional development and implementing high-quality instructional materials. The new K-3 assessment, VALS (Virginia Assessment for Literacy Skills), will be a critical metric for measuring effectiveness. The state does not yet have assessments for grades 4 and 5, so the division plans to pilot different programs to find the best fit for future use.

Board members raised additional questions about the specific details of the training and the materials. Ms. Bragg and Ms. Knesch explained that the state is still rolling out guidelines and approved programs, so some decisions are pending. They also highlighted the significant changes coming next year, including new English and math standards and the challenge of balancing these with the VLA implementation.

After a detailed discussion, the board approved the Division Literacy Plan for the 2024-2025 school year. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Donations and Budget Adjustments

The board accepted a generous donation of $10,961.52 from Giant/Martins to assist with after-school snacks for programs not qualifying for the CACFP program. The motion to accept the donation was moved, seconded, and approved with gratitude.

Additionally, the board discussed and approved an additional appropriation of $1,227,437.73 to the school food services budget. This adjustment is due to increased meals served, corresponding reimbursements, and capital improvement projects in various schools.

School Resource Officer (SRO) MOU Update

The board reviewed updates to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office regarding School Resource Officers (SROs). The revised MOU aligns with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services model, clarifying roles and responsibilities and differentiating between SROs and School Security Officers (SSOs). The new MOU also includes clear definitions of disciplinary misconduct and criminal offenses.

Custodial Services Contract Renewal

The board discussed the renewal of the custodial services contract with Sodexo. The contract renewal, effective from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, includes an increase to $2,343,583. This amount covers salary increases for custodial staff and ensures competitive entry-level wages. The renewal was approved unanimously.

Facilities Use MOU with the County of Warren

An updated MOU for facility use with the County of Warren was presented. The board added a clause regarding Bing Crosby Stadium, ensuring that it remains the home field for both high schools due to the initial funding secured by Warren County Public Schools. The MOU was approved with the new amendments.

Next Steps and Future Meetings

The board will continue to work on implementing the new literacy plan and other significant changes for the next school year. The next board meeting will include more detailed discussions on the Division Plan metrics and additional calendar adjustments for teacher training.

The Warren County School Board is committed to ensuring a smooth transition into the new school year with significant updates to the literacy plan, teacher training, and instructional materials. The collaborative efforts with the Sheriff’s Office and the County of Warren demonstrate a solid commitment to providing all students with a safe and supportive educational environment.

(This story covers the first 48 minutes of the Warren County School Board Meeting of June 26, 2024)

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reminds motorists to prepare for busy travel days on the roads and stay safe as drivers head out for cookouts, fireworks, and summer activities.

To keep traffic moving during this time, VDOT will suspend many highway work zones and lift most lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Wednesday, July 3, until noon on Friday, July 5.

While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time. Check VDOT’s Travel Advisories for the latest travel alerts in your area and around the state.

Additionally, VDOT offers several resources to help plan travel ahead of time.

Travel Trends Map Estimates Peak Congestion

VDOT’s online, interactive travel trends map shows peak congestion periods anticipated on Virginia interstates during the Fourth of July holiday period. While it cannot precisely predict when congestion will occur this year, it can help motorists avoid travel when traffic has historically moved slowly.

Based on historical data:

• The days of highest travel on the interstates are likely to be on Wednesday and Sunday, with moderate to heavy congestion likely from noon through 7 p.m. on these days.
• I-95 northbound and southbound is expected to be heavily congested in Fredericksburg and Northern Virginia on Wednesday and Friday through Monday.
• I-77 northbound is likely to be congested between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. during the entire period in the Wytheville area.
• Routes to and from Virginia Beach will likely be congested between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the holiday period.

Plan Ahead with VDOT 511: Traffic Information at Your Fingertips

VDOT’s free mobile 511 app offers information about construction, traffic, incidents, congestion, access to traffic cameras, weather, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and more. Use 511’s “speak ahead” option for hands-free and eyes-free audible traffic alerts for incidents and construction along your route. Traffic information is also available at 511Virginia.org or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.

Northern Virginia Express Lanes Schedule and Other Information

• Find directional schedules for the reversible I-95 and I-395 Express Lanes and information for the I-495 Express Lanes at expresslanes.com.

Hampton Roads HOV Schedule, Tunnels, and Other Information

• Travel to Virginia Beach — Peninsula traffic to Virginia Beach is encouraged to use the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT) as an alternative to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). If traveling to Virginia Beach, take I-664 south to the MMMBT. Then, take the Portsmouth/Norfolk exit (exit 15A) to I-264 east to Virginia Beach.
• Travel to Outer Banks — Traffic to the North Carolina Outer Banks should use I-664 and the MMMBT as an alternative to the HRBT to save time. From I-664 south, take I-64 west (exit 15, Chesapeake/Virginia Beach) to exit 291B (Chesapeake Expressway (Route 168)/Great Bridge/Nags Head). Continue south on Route 168 to the Outer Banks.

Stay Safe

Here are some additional tips for safely navigating the roadways during the holiday period:

• If you plan to drink, have a designated driver.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911 as soon as it is safe.
• Always wear your seat belt — your best defense against impaired and distracted drivers.
• Put your phone down, and don’t drive distracted.
• Use caution as more pedestrians and cyclists are outdoors enjoying the holiday.
• Obey the “Move Over” law, requiring motorists to move over one lane, if possible, for all vehicles with flashing lights, flares, or warning signs stopped on the side of the road.

For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

Fire Chief James Bonzano kicked off the unveiling of the new medic unit before turning it over to Captain Austin Cucciardo. “This is our new medic unit. It’s a significant investment, and we want to thank the board of supervisors and administration for their support. Special thanks to Alyssa and her crew for their hard work. We know it was tough, but we’re really happy,” said Bonzano.

Fire Chief James Bonzano starts unveiling the new medic unit, expressing gratitude to the Board of Supervisors and administration for their support.

He emphasized the need for the new unit due to the old, sometimes unsafe equipment the team had been using. “This was really needed, and we’re very appreciative,” he added before handing over to Captain Cucciardo, who oversaw much of the work on the new units.

Cucciardo detailed the features of the new 2023 Ford F-450 chassis. “It’s the first of five new units. We chose a gas engine for significant cost savings upfront and reduced maintenance costs,” he explained. The gas engine saved around $15,000 initially and is cheaper to maintain in the long run.

Captain Austin Cucciardo shows the new medic unit to the Board of Supervisors, highlighting its advanced features and the significant improvements over older equipment.

Highlighting the advancements, Cucciardo pointed out the cooling bar that provides 50% more airflow and 30% better temperature regulation, essential for comfort in the back of the ambulance. “Anyone who has been in the back knows how important temperature regulation is,” he said.

One major update is the electronic control screen, both in the front and rear, allowing better operation management. “Teams can control lights and other functions from both ends of the unit, enhancing safety and efficiency,” noted Cucciardo.

The new power load system for stretchers, capable of handling up to 870 pounds, was another significant upgrade. “This system removes the physical strain of lifting stretchers, reducing the risk of injury for our personnel,” Cucciardo said.

The units now feature a four-point harness for improved safety and a liquid spring suspension system for a smoother ride, which is crucial for patient comfort, especially on rough roads. “It significantly improves riding conditions and reduces maintenance costs compared to traditional air ride systems,” Cucciardo explained.

The new medic units will be distributed across various stations, starting with Linden, then Front Royal and North Warren. This rotation system ensures that each station receives the new units efficiently and maintains a reserve fleet for backup.

The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. The investment in new equipment reflects a commitment to safety and efficiency, benefiting the emergency responders and residents.

Special Thanks to Mark Williams, Royal Examiner, for this exclusive video.