John Atha

The work session primarily focused on receiving an update regarding School Accountability from the principals of Westfield High School and Westfield Middle School. For Westfield High School, accountability under the new diploma model will emphasize diploma type (Honors and Plus Seals), standardized test benchmarks (SAT/ACT), workplace learning, and credentials. The school anticipates a short-term dip in ratings due to the transition period. Strategic course integration, such as embedding Computing Foundations and Preparing for College and Careers, aims to align with staffing and workforce readiness goals. Westfield Middle School's accountability metrics will center on ILEARN proficiency, growth, attendance, and the completion of high school credits in seventh and eighth grade. WMS plans to expand transcripted high school credit opportunities in subjects like Physical Science to support middle school accountability and ensure students enter high school prepared.

The work session focused on reviewing and discussing the impact of the new school accountability model and changes to the diploma requirements, which are assumed to apply to the graduating class of 2026. Key discussion points included how student performance metrics, such as earning new diploma seals, contributing to school grades, and the increased importance of biology iLearn scores and SAT/ACT performance. Significant curricular adjustments were detailed, including embedding prep for college and careers standards into all principles courses (resulting in a third credit) and embedding personal financial responsibility standards into economics classes for the initial cohort affected by the new diploma structure. The board also discussed master schedule implications, such as moving certain required credits like computer science down to the middle school level, and the emphasis on work-based learning and internships for earning plus seals.

Destination Westfield Phase 3 is a comprehensive strategic facilities plan designed to accommodate growth and reconfigure the school district structure. Initiated in mid-2023, this 10 to 15-year roadmap outlines facility improvements and expansions, including the renovation of existing elementary schools, potential construction of additional elementary and middle schools, and the relocation and repurposing of current middle school facilities for high school use. The plan emphasizes flexibility, fiscal responsibility, and responsiveness to enrollment growth and capital infrastructure needs, while ensuring continued facility updates as buildings age.

The primary focus of the meeting was the recognition of the February Students of the Month from various schools within the district, including Virginia Fwood Early Learning Center, Kerry Ridge, Maple Glenn Elementary, Oak Trace, Shamrock Springs Elementary School, Washington Woods Elementary, Westfield Intermediate School, Westfield Middle School, and Westfield High School. Specific students recognized exhibited qualities such as generosity, empathy, hard work, determination, joy, kindness, and strong leadership. Following the student recognitions, the board planned to present the Rockstrong Awards.

The meeting commenced with confirming a quorum, a moment of silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Special recognition was given to the Student of the Month and the Rock Strong Awards recipients. The consent agenda included the approval of general consent items, board minutes, accounts payable vouchers, payroll vouchers, personnel reports, overnight/out-of-state field trips, a Letter of Engagement for Policy Analytics, LLC Services, and an Engagement Survey Agreement Renewal. Business and Operations discussions included a construction update confirming alignment for a fall opening, approval for the cancellation of outstanding checks, selection of Meyer Najem as the construction manager for the WHS Project, approval to issue an RFP for third-party management of the Shamrock Station Event Center, and approval of an updated mileage chart. Curriculum items involved approving new school names and grade level realignments (noting the cessation of WIS operation next year), approval of designated 2026-2027 middle school courses for high school credit, and an update on elementary administrative position fillings. Board members shared success stories, including recognition of a retiring staff member and recent athletic achievements.