Gertrude Ivory

The meeting included student and staff recognitions, with a focus on the achievements of student athletes in track and wrestling, as well as recognition for students excelling in fine arts. The board also recognized teachers who won innovation grants from the Public Education Foundation. There were comments from members of the community regarding SROs and elementary school rezoning. The student representative provided a report on the equitable grading policy, highlighting student concerns about accountability and expectations.

The Charlottesville City School's 2028 strategic plan embeds equity work that began in 2018 into its ongoing strategy. The plan prioritizes academic achievement by preparing students for college, career, and life through rigorous, inclusive, and relevant learning experiences. It focuses on safety, wellness, and belonging by creating a safe and healthy environment, promoting social-emotional and physical wellness, and building a strong sense of community. Additionally, it supports staff by recruiting and retaining talent, providing professional learning, and valuing staff voice. The plan also aims for effective and efficient operations by modernizing facilities, improving operational efficiencies, and focusing on sustainability, guided by core values of relationships, growth, well-being, and joy of learning.

The update covers the SRO MOU Work Group's process, including meeting dates and support from Strategies for Youth (SfY). It highlights stakeholder discussions and focus groups, revealing key takeaways such as diverse perspectives on the return of SROs, community input, and concerns about firearms and student trauma. Key requests include clear role definitions, student-centered training, and community involvement. The update also covers the CPD perspective, instructional requirements, special education considerations, mental wellness perspective, restorative practices, and outreach/engagement.

The School Board meeting included public comments on school safety, kindergarten readiness metrics, and the value of fifth-grade arts programs. The Charlottesville City Schools Social Workers were recognized for their contributions. Updates were presented on the UVA Innovation Hub at Charlottesville Middle School and the 2024-2025 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Local Plan. The 2023-2028 Strategic Plan Dashboard was introduced, and an update was given on the Middle School Modernization Project. Feedback from the CHS safety survey regarding weapons detection, resource officers, and cell phone policy was shared, with subsequent recommendations and next steps discussed.

The Charlottesville City School Board held a budget work session to discuss budget priorities, strategic plan goals, and enrollment projections. Discussions included enrollment increases for regular education, the impact of housing and zoning changes on elementary school zones, and the need for consulting support to analyze these factors. The board also reviewed demographic data, including race and disadvantage status, and discussed the increasing English Learner (EL) population and the supports needed for these students and their families. Communication with neighborhood development services was highlighted as a key factor in projecting future enrollment.