Jill Buss

The meeting focused on the Facilities Planning Update for Academies of Loudoun (AOL), including coordination with various LCPS departments for electrical, water, plumbing, and food services. A contract for Construction Management of Risk was awarded, which includes Design Assist for subcontractors, utilizing a concrete structure. The preliminary construction schedule anticipates a Fall opening date in 2018, contingent on key milestones such as moving dirt in early February and beginning concrete work in June/July. The AET Curriculum Update covered analyzing regional economic data, visiting other magnet programs for best practices, fostering partnerships with two-year and four-year institutions, and utilizing software for selection criteria; GW and NOVA are engaging for dual enrollment opportunities. Regarding AET Opening Discussion, initial budget planning and hiring for leadership positions were noted. Community outreach emphasized securing business partnerships for internships and exploring funding mechanisms. The committee moved to recommend opening AET with a freshman cohort in Fall 2016 and incorporating its launch as a Strategic Action within the division's Strategic Plan.

The committee meeting focused on two primary agenda items. The first involved a review of the proposed Monroe Advanced Technology Academy, including the status of current programs, expansion issues, and the concept for the new facility, noting an immediate urgency to secure space for Claude Moore Scholars medical sciences students due to hospital demolition plans. The second item addressed online academic offerings and the consideration of a future LCPS Online Academy, reviewing current LCPS-GMU online courses, upcoming course completions, and the expected impact of state legislation (HB1388 and SB738) mandating local school boards to offer online learning options starting in the 2011-12 school year.

The committee meeting focused on providing additional feedback on the building design concept for the Academies of Loudoun, emphasizing the construction timeline needed for a fall 2018 opening. Stantec Architects presented the latest design refinements. Following dialogue and a question-and-answer session, the general consensus favored pursuing a design utilizing the network design concept over the central concept. Staff briefly presented the overall timeline, with further detailed discussion scheduled for the subsequent meeting.

The meeting, focusing on the transition of the Monroe Advanced Technology Academy (MATA) to the Academies of Loudoun, involved extensive discussion on programming changes. Several solutions were addressed, including shifting nine programs from two-year to one-year formats, allowing students to apply to two-year programs as rising juniors, and maintaining flexibility for one-year program applications. Enrollment evaluation plans were detailed, noting the addition of a Cybersecurity course. Key transition issues reviewed included the quality of the student experience, IT offerings for seniors (specifically addressing CISCO students needing Cybersecurity I), and the lack of practicum experiences, leading to plans to offer Level III courses in Auto Servicing Technology, Graphic Communications, and Welding, and utilizing a Placement Coordinator. Admissions criteria, which include academic review, SOL scores, and counselor recommendations, were discussed, along with the competitive nature of some programs. The committee also reviewed the Academies of Loudoun facilities update, including the parking plan, fee structure, and confirmation of adequate lab facilities for LPN and Cosmetology programs.

The meeting included an update on the opening of the Academies of Loudoun, noting a successful start with active learning observed during a recent visit, despite ongoing unpacking. Concerns were raised regarding communication with parents, which staff addressed by detailing numerous communication efforts. Issues regarding teacher storage space were explained as part of the settling-in process, with leadership assisting staff. A construction update confirmed that minor work continues outside of student hours, the media wall will be ready for the dedication, and a safe, temporary solution is in place for the welding course's gas pipeline while awaiting a permanent part. The parking allocation process using a lottery system was reviewed, along with ongoing work to adjust routes causing long commutes. A detailed discussion occurred regarding the Health and Medical Science (HMS) pathways, including current enrollment increases and capacity limits for existing courses, and a review of six proposed new HMS pathways. The committee decided to schedule a future meeting for staff to present recommendations on HMS pathway changes. Finally, the topic of seeking Governor's School Designation was tabled to allow staff further time for research.