Updated: School Board Tackles Metal Detector Debate, Approves Key Grants, and Reviews SOL Data

In the August 21, 2024 Warren County School Board meeting, several key policies and initiatives were reviewed, with detailed discussions around school safety, staff regulations, and fiscal management. The meeting opened with the second reading of Policy BDD, addressing electronic participation in meetings from remote locations. Minor corrections were noted, such as a spelling error in the policy’s language. The board opted to push the policy to a third reading in September, ensuring that all details are thoroughly reviewed before final approval.

The board then delved into updates on Policy Regulation GCVD-R, which outlines guidelines for staff sick leave. The updates aimed to clarify when and how sick days should be used. Board members emphasized the importance of clear communication with staff to ensure that sick days are reserved for actual illness or family emergencies rather than being used as extra vacation days. The policy now allows school principals to request a doctor’s note after five consecutive days of absence or if a pattern of misuse is suspected. The policy language was praised for balancing clarity with the flexibility needed to address various situations, particularly chronic absenteeism.

Next, the board approved the acceptance of several grants. The Shenandoah Valley Computer Science Regional Partnership Grant will provide $9,500 for computer science equipment and professional development, bolstering the district’s STEM offerings. Additionally, the board accepted $131,849 in federal and state grants for school safety and security improvements, such as upgrading security equipment and providing related training. Another grant from the E-Rate program, totaling $163,582, will fund improvements to the district’s internet services, including purchasing new access points, firewall protection services, and related infrastructure. This grant requires a local match of $52,775, which the board approved, and using previously secured safety and security funds to cover additional associated expenses.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on discussing metal detectors in schools, which sparked considerable debate. Initially, the board approved the purchase of a metal detector for a specific school following a weapons incident. However, it was revealed that five metal detectors were purchased and are now in storage, raising concerns among board members about the lack of transparency and the circumventing of board approval processes. The metal detectors were purchased with separate orders to keep each transaction below the threshold requiring board approval, a method that some members criticized as undermining the board’s oversight role.

Board members discussed the potential implementation of these metal detectors at school entrances, particularly at the two high schools. Concerns were raised about the logistics of screening hundreds of students each day, the potential for disruptions, and the overall need for such measures in the current school environment. The discussion also discussed the practical challenges of using metal detectors, such as staff training and the implications for daily school operations.

Ultimately, the board decided to proceed cautiously. They agreed to draft a regulation for the metal detector installed at a single school, which has experienced safety concerns. This regulation will allow the school to use the metal detector while the board considers broader implementation strategies. The idea of a pilot program was suggested, using this school as a test case to evaluate the effectiveness and challenges of metal detector use before potentially expanding the program to other schools.

In other action items, the board reviewed the financial report for July 2024, which provided a snapshot of the district’s revenues and expenditures. The report highlighted that while some expenses appeared high due to the timing of payments, overall spending was on track. The board discussed the importance of tracking variable expenses, such as substitute teacher costs and utility bills, to ensure the budget remains balanced throughout the year.

The meeting concluded with a review of the recently released Standards of Learning (SOL) data for the previous school year. The raw data showed slight declines in English and math scores, which prompted discussions about ongoing efforts to address learning gaps, particularly those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The board was informed of various initiatives to improve student performance, including implementing the Virginia Literacy Act and new math screening tools. Chronic absenteeism was also identified as a critical area of focus, with the board noting that efforts to reduce absenteeism had shown positive trends, particularly in elementary and middle schools.

Overall, the meeting was marked by carefully balancing immediate needs, such as school safety and fiscal oversight, with longer-term goals to improve educational outcomes and maintain transparency in decision-making processes.

Watch the Warren County School Board meeting of August 21, 2024, on the exclusive Royal Examiner video by Mark Williams.

This video – courtesy of Warren County School Board – is the action taken after the closed session.