Claudette Arms

This plan outlines Portsmouth City Schools' strategy for a safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services, addressing learning loss and social-emotional needs for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years. Key areas include a detailed reopening plan covering calendar, technology, classroom management, common areas, meals, hygiene, health protocols, arrival/dismissal procedures, visitor policies, and the Trojan Virtual Academy. The plan also focuses on identifying academic needs through various assessments, implementing approaches for academic gap filling, and addressing students' social and emotional needs using data from surveys and referrals, supported by defined budgets and partnerships.

This plan outlines strategies to address learning recovery and provide extended learning opportunities for students impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. It focuses on identifying academically and socio-emotionally impacted students, assessing their needs, and deploying various approaches such as summer programs, extended learning options, and tutoring. Key components include resource allocation, partnerships with local and regional organizations, and alignment with existing district plans to support student progress and well-being.

The meeting involved quarterly updates provided by various administrators and union representatives, including principals from East Portsmouth Elementary School and Portsmouth High School, the TAPS Coordinator, and the Special Education Director. Key actions included the approval of the Treasurer's September 2025 Financial Report. Personnel actions involved approving the substitute teacher list, accepting one resignation, approving several new employments and changes of status for existing staff, rescinding certain supplemental contracts, ratifying new supplemental contracts for teachers, hiring non-teacher individuals for coaching positions, and approving volunteers for coaching and advisory roles. The Board approved several Memorandums of Understanding with the Teachers' Association concerning grading periods, the Labor-Management Committee, and Sick Leave Donation. They also approved an MOU with the local employee union. Auxiliary Services Non-Public Fund contracts were approved, as were donations totaling an estimated value of $280.00. An out-of-state trip proposal for the Portsmouth High School Baseball team to Myrtle Beach, SC, was approved. Finally, the Board approved and adopted several sections of the Portsmouth City Schools Board Policy Manual, including Bylaws and policies on Administration, Program, Professional Staff, and Classified Staff.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office to two newly elected Board Members. Key organizational business included the election of the Board President, Mrs. Kalb, and Vice President, Mr. John Walker, for the 2026 calendar year. Committee appointments for standing committees, including Audit/Finance, Policy, and Curriculum/Instruction, were approved for 2026. The schedule for regular monthly board meetings for 2026 was established. Authority was delegated to the Treasurer for financial management tasks and to the Superintendent for purchasing, personnel actions, and other administrative duties for 2026. The Board also set the mileage reimbursement rate for 2026 and scheduled the annual records commission meeting for February 2026. Following the organizational session, the regular meeting addressed several items, including ratifying a supplemental contract for an elementary music instructor and approving out-of-state trips for the Junior High Cheerleading Squad. The Treasurer's December 2025 business reports were postponed until February 2026. The Board authorized the FY26 Tax Budget resolution and approved the substitute teacher list. A significant portion of the regular meeting involved an executive session to discuss contractual grievance hearings, followed by granting authority to the Board Vice President to issue a written response to a grievance.

The meeting commenced with Board recognition, including Certificates of Appreciation from the OSBA and special recognition for a member serving ten years. Two individuals addressed the Board regarding their reappointment to the CTC Board of Education. Various administrators and union representatives provided reports covering elementary schools, special education, and union matters. Key actions included the election of a president pro-tem for the organizational meeting and moving into and out of Executive Session to discuss personnel matters like appointment, employment, and resignation. Public participation involved a teacher addressing the Board regarding his football coach resignation. The Board approved the Treasurer's November 2025 Financial Report and authorized the advertisement for a Tax Budget Public Hearing at the next organizational meeting. Personnel actions involved approving a substitute teacher list, accepting resignations (including a Head Football Coach), approving new substitute hires, and approving several status/pay changes for existing staff. Donations totaling $4,300.00 were approved for student needs at an elementary school and high school. The district calendar was amended to designate January 6, 2026, as a waiver day for Staff Professional Development. Approval was granted for out-of-state trips for the Junior High Cheerleading Squad and scheduling a Work Session Meeting for January 29, 2026. Finally, the Board adopted several policy updates (Vol. 44, No. 1, August 2025) related to topics such as Nondiscrimination, student discipline, attendance, and school safety.