Allison Anderson

The meeting included the certification of a closed session, a presentation by the Quinton Elementary School Student Council Association regarding leadership development and community service projects, and the recognition of athletes of the month and a senior of the month. The board also discussed the observance of the Month of the Military Child, Autism Acceptance Month, and School Library Month. Additionally, a public hearing was held regarding the vacancy for the District 1 school board seat.

The board conducted a special meeting to elect a new chair and address a vacancy for the District One seat following the resignation of the previous chair. The board voted to authorize a petition for a special election to fill the vacancy. Additionally, members engaged in a discussion regarding the board's collective focus on student achievement, the importance of leadership and governance, and the commitment to maintaining educational excellence despite funding challenges.

The board conducted a regular session featuring a school spotlight and recognitions for the Junior Beta Club programs from New Kent Middle School and New Kent Elementary School. Student representatives shared their experiences in leadership, public speaking, and service projects. Sponsors provided a detailed report on student participation in state and national competitions, highlighting numerous achievements in individual academic contests, arts, and robotics. Additional discussions included updates on ongoing and upcoming school-based service initiatives, such as gift drives, literacy support, and partnership activities with community organizations.

New Kent County Public Schools is committed to equipping every student with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to excel in employment, enlistment, and enrollment, fostering lifelong success and community contribution. The strategic plan focuses on optimizing teaching and learning for post-secondary readiness, recruiting and retaining highly effective talent, enhancing organizational efficiency and effectiveness through facility and budgetary planning, and strengthening collaborative partnerships with families and the community to improve student outcomes.

The regular session meeting involved exiting closed session and proceeding with the agenda, which began with presentations and recognitions. Thomas Moore was recognized as both Senior of the Month and Athlete of the Month, sharing details about his entrepreneurial venture (a skincare line) and his plans to pursue higher education with a double major in entrepreneurship and sports psychology. The board also recognized National School Counseling Week, School Board Clerk and Deputy Clerk Appreciation Week (thanking Johanna Davis and Brian Nichols), National African American History Month, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. Following a brief recess, the board amended the agenda to move four items from Section 7 to Section 10 (Action Items). The consent agenda, including minutes from January 26th, December 2025 financials, and personnel matters, was approved. The main discussion in new business concerned the proposed budget, including projected revenue increases due to enrollment growth (3,620 ADM) resulting in an anticipated $1.7 million increase in state revenue based on the Governor's budget figures. Discussions also covered shifting CIP-funded items into the general fund budget for infrastructure/operations reporting and adjustments to salary and benefits, including a proposed 2% increase for all staff (partially state-funded) and an additional 1% for teachers.