Cassie Farrish

The Staunton City School Board convened for a work session to review updates to the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct for the 2025-2026 school year, including changes related to state and federal laws, local policies, chronic absenteeism, fee schedules, student-athlete heat safety, cell phone use, seizure rescue medications, opioid antagonists, and overdose notifications. The Superintendent provided an update on the first two weeks of the school year, administrative retreats, school visits, and community engagement. A closed meeting was held to review the division's crisis, emergency management, and medical emergency response plans.

The Staunton City School Board convened for its monthly business meeting, which included the annual reorganization. The board elected Dr. Kristin Siegel as School Board Chair and Joann Jeter as Vice-Chair for the 2025-2026 school year. Brenda Lovekamp was appointed as Clerk of the Board, and Dr. Eric Irizarry as Deputy Clerk. The Board approved the Superintendent's designee, school board member assignments, and revised meeting dates. The consent agenda, including minutes from previous meetings and personnel actions, was approved. The Superintendent introduced new administrators, and board members provided reports. The annual operations report was presented. The board approved policy revisions, the VSBA Policy Service Agreement, and updates to the 2025-2026 Student Handbook & Code of Conduct.

The Staunton City School Board held a meeting covering various topics. The board approved consent agenda items, including minutes from previous meetings, personnel actions, out-of-state field trip requests, and a statement of support for continued federal funding for PreK-12 education. The Superintendent's Report highlighted student and staff achievements, including the Region V Teacher of the Year and Dawbarn Award winners. A report was given on the Superintendent Search Community Engagement Sessions. The board also discussed and approved a policy revision packet, the 2025 Business Honor Roll, the Special Education Annual Plan for 2025-2026, the 2025-2026 Perkins Plan, the fee schedule for 2025-2026, and the FY 2026 School Division Budget.

The Staunton City School Board convened for a work session to discuss several key topics. The Clerk reviewed upcoming conference opportunities and calendar considerations. Representatives from the VCTC Foundation spoke about promoting and supporting the VCTC program's needs. Amanda Warren, SNP Director, provided an update on the School Nutrition Program, highlighting challenges at the federal, state, and local levels, including rising costs and staff shortages. The board also discussed the return of a la carte sales to increase revenue and the impact of snow days on the program. Joann Jeter reported on the SEAC meeting, where the proposed budget and potential parent survey questions were reviewed. Additionally, members discussed a statement of support for federal funding.

The 2021-2025 Strategic Plan for Staunton City Schools aims to provide a high-quality education that supports student growth and achievement, innovation, and the overall well-being of the learning community. Key goals include achievement and well-being, fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment, building staff expertise, and cultivating collaborative relationships with students, families, and the community. The plan focuses on strategies such as maintaining educational practices to improve reading levels, expanding career pathways, promoting wellness and safety, growing equity-focused programs, cultivating student leadership, providing professional development for staff, and maintaining community stewardship of resources.