Gina J. Wohlford

The board meeting covered a range of agenda items, including the appointment of an interim school board deputy clerk and student representatives. Recognition was given to new employees and student athletes for their accomplishments in state competitions. The board addressed financial matters, including reviewing accounts payable, and conducted readings for several VSBA policy updates. Discussions also took place regarding the Norton City Schools Crisis Management Plan and upcoming quarterly committee meetings, including equity, finance, facilities, and transportation. The superintendent provided updates on enrollment, security grant submissions, and planning for student trips. Furthermore, the board authorized the superintendent to hire personnel through September 7, 2025, and concluded by ratifying various personnel appointments and resignations following a closed session.

The board meeting included recognitions for School Board Appreciation Month, National School Counseling Week, and Career and Technical Education Month. The board discussed and took action on financial items including financial statements, an annual report of expenditures, and the approval to advertise for bids on the Burton Paving Projects. Several field trips were approved. Budget updates were presented, and the 2026-2027 school calendar was selected following a vote. Additionally, the board discussed potential make-up days for snow closures and authorized the superintendent to hire for vacant positions. A closed session was held to discuss personnel and coaching supplements, which were subsequently approved.

The meeting began with a Public Hearing regarding the 2021-2027 Comprehensive Plan, which was later approved. The session included showcasing the 2021 Golf Team and recognizing several employees, including NCS Nurses and Bus Drivers, as well as recipients of VSBA Awards of Achievement and Recognition. The Student Representative provided an update, including a presentation of a student poll comparing pandemic safety measures. Financial information reviewed included Accounts Payable for September and October 2021, and Financial Statements for August 2021. Discussions covered field trips for the Senior Class (Orlando, FL) and the Band (Cincinnati, OH), both of which were approved. A resolution acknowledging Bullying Prevention Month was passed. Policy updates from VSBA were reviewed, with some passing final reading and others first reading. Strategic Planning updates were provided for Transportation, Facilities, and the Comprehensive Plan. Authorization was granted to the Superintendent to hire Paraprofessionals. The Board then entered and returned from a closed session to discuss personnel matters, appointments, and the Superintendent's Evaluation Goals, concluding with the approval of actions taken in closed session, including personnel appointments and resignations.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included student recognition for the Swim Team and recognition of entities on the VSBA Business Honor Roll. The Board unanimously approved the 2022-2023 Budget across several funds via roll call vote. Discussions focused on the 2021-2022 ADM Revenue, with input received regarding classroom funding for Kindergarten and Pre-K furniture. The Special Education Annual Plan for 2021-2022 was approved by roll call vote, as were the Special Education Committee Members for the 2022-2023 school year. Financial items included the approval of February 2022 Financial Statements and an update to Salary Scales for 2022/2023. The Board approved funding for the 2022 After Prom Party and authorized the contract for NCS Bathroom Renovations pending final review. Updates regarding the Capital Improvement Plan, the School Health Services Monthly Report, and the Updated Safe Return to Schools Plan were presented. The Board approved six out-of-state field trips. Final reading approval was given to VSBA Policy IKC with modifications concerning class rank eligibility for transferred or early graduating seniors, and first reading approval was given to Regulation BFC-R. A change to the 2021-2022 Calendar to close on April 15, 2022, for Good Friday was approved. Strategic planning items, including the Six-Year Plan and Summer School details, were discussed. The Board concluded with a closed session to discuss personnel matters before returning to open session to approve personnel appointments.

The meeting commenced with organizational actions, including the election of Sherry Adams as Chairperson and Mark Leonard as Vice Chairperson, followed by the appointment of Rebecca Elkins as Clerk of the School Board and Tamrya Spradlin as Deputy Clerk. Kaye Mink was appointed as the Superintendent Designee. The agenda was approved, and the board proceeded with recognition for student and faculty achievements, specifically highlighting excellence in All County Band, Honors Band, All District Band, and Spelling Bee winners, along with an Appalachian Heritage Day slideshow. A proclamation for Principals Appreciation Week (January 22-28, 2017) was recognized. In response to public comments from a previous meeting, updates were provided regarding coach to student ratios and oversight of fundraising accounts. An audit summary for 2015-2016 was presented. Financial matters included the approval of Accounts Payable, November 2016 Payroll, November 2016 Other Transactions, and December 2016 Payroll. The board adopted the VSBA Code of Conduct for School Board Members. Following these items, the board entered a closed session to discuss matters authorized by Virginia law, reconvening to open session and approving appointments made during the closed session, including long-term substitute and substitute teacher placements.