Erica Basnight-Johnson

The meeting involved an update on the comprehensive redistricting process. The presenter noted that public information sessions were conducted on March 4th and 5th. The next scheduled meeting on March 18th at the America of High School was being evaluated for potential changes, including conversion to a virtual format, due to unfolding public meeting events.

The meeting agenda was approved. A board member, Mickey Agron, was absent due to the birth of a grandchild. The meeting commenced with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance led by students from Three Chopt Elementary School. Highlights included a performance by the Tucker High School Select Ladies Ensemble. Several new administrative appointees were introduced, including Dr. Leslie Hughes as the new Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Anna Hatfield as the Specialist for English Learners, Kara Jean O'Neill as the Educational Specialist for Professional Learning and Leadership, and recognition of Kim Ziegler as the recipient of the 2019 REB Award for Distinguished Leadership. Volunteers, including Richard Meadors from Sandstone Elementary School and Jessica Tutwiler from Highland Springs High School, were recognized with the Helping Hand Volunteer Award. The 2019 Henrico County Public Schools Spelling Bee Champion, Vishnoi Veticon Cherry, was recognized alongside the 2018 champion. Christopher Moseley was honored as the 2019 Music Educator of the Year. Finally, highlights from the past month in Henrico County Public Schools were presented, focusing on community partnerships, literacy, STEAM nights, and life-ready student preparation.

The session began with the approval of the agenda, followed by a motion to enter a closed (executive) session to discuss matters pertaining to the assignment, appointment, performance, disciplining, and release of contract for specific school board employees, including the evaluation of the superintendent. Following the closed session, the board approved administrative appointments for the 2019-2020 school year. A key discussion item was an update on class sizes, comparing data from November 2018 to May 2019, noting changes primarily in secondary class enrollments. Board members expressed concerns regarding high class sizes in specific schools and their link to upcoming redistricting efforts. The board also reviewed a request to add 11 full-time equivalent positions to support elementary teacher planning and implement a resident teacher program. Finally, an update was provided on proposed changes to the 2019-2020 Code of Student Conduct and a comprehensive redistricting plan timeline, including the process for selecting committee members.

The meeting, identified as a Work Session, focused primarily on discussions related to instruction and scheduling. Key topics included a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including appointments, discipline, and religious exemptions from compulsory education. The board also addressed the readmission of a specific student and a request for release from compulsory attendance based on religious beliefs. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to administrative appointments for the 1920 school year. Furthermore, the board reviewed and adopted amendments to the Fiscal Year 1920 Annual Financial Plan, which involved adjustments for employee salary increases following a Board of Supervisors action and changes to fund allocations. The session concluded with an in-depth presentation regarding the transition to a block schedule for Freeman and Godwin High Schools, emphasizing how this change aligns with the Henrico Learner Profile and deeper learning models, and detailing support plans for both teachers and students during this transition.

The work session included administrative actions such as approving the agenda and moving into a closed session to discuss employee assignment, appointment, performance, discipline, release of contract, and student discipline matters. Representatives from the Henrico Retired School Personnel Association presented information regarding their organization's activities, membership, advocacy for support personnel health credits, and requested assistance in reaching new retirees. The board also addressed several superintendent recommendations, including the approval of expulsions for four students (cases 18-19-s-15, 17, 18, and 19) for code violations, approval for participation in an alternative program for three of those students, and approval for the appointment of administrative personnel for the 2019-2020 school year. Additionally, a significant portion of the meeting focused on approving a revision to the 2018-2019 school calendar to make Tuesday, June 11th, a student holiday and staff clerical day due to primary elections, which was done proactively. The board also received an update on the subcommittee report regarding equity, parent engagement, and special education.