Warren County School Board Meeting of June 26 Recap (Part 1)

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)