John Beres

The Roanoke City School Board Workshop focused primarily on updates regarding transportation services, which marked a significant turnaround compared to the previous year, achieving 100% route coverage and zero driver shortage. Key performance indicators included a 98% on-time performance rate and high parent satisfaction ratings (4.9 out of 5 stars). The meeting also included superintendent updates on several items such as transportation, textbook adoption processes (specifically K5 English Language Arts), the elementary Spanish program, the personnel reappointment list for the 25-26 school year, policy revisions, the fiscal year 2026 budget, and a request for certification under title six and S FFA versus Harvard. Additionally, updates were provided on recent community engagement events, including the RCPS Works student job fair and the first annual Reno Summer Connect program.

The Comprehensive Literacy Plan for Roanoke City Public Schools provides a framework for literacy development, instruction, and assessment to foster proficient readers, writers, independent thinkers, and effective communicators. It is aligned with the Virginia Literacy Act and emphasizes the use of science-based reading research, evidence-based literacy instruction, and high-quality instructional materials. The plan also focuses on continuous professional development for staff, systematic monitoring of student achievement and division progress, and active engagement with parents, caregivers, and the community to close literacy achievement gaps.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, amended to change a Targeted School Improvement Update from discussion to action. Discussions focused heavily on the FY 2026-2027 Budget Development, noting a total projected revenue of $261,576,289, and outlining several cost-saving measures such as internalizing crossing guards, deferring maintenance, and staffing reductions. A public hearing on the budget included citizen advocacy for the continuation of the PLATO program. The Board recognized Lucas Reynard for receiving the 2025 IT Superhero "Best Rookie" Award and recognized the Technology Department for earning the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) Trusted Learning Environment Seal for data privacy. The Board also received an update on the Featured School, John P. Fishwick Middle School. Personnel actions included the approval of a comprehensive list of personnel changes. Under Consent Agenda, the Board approved appropriation requests and the minutes from the January 13 and January 27, 2026 meetings. Significant action was taken to approve the Multi-Year School Support Plans for Targeted School Improvement (TSI) schools to comply with new state guidelines. An informational update was provided on the Boundary Study, confirming high school overcrowding issues and setting a timeline for committee review of scenarios.

The Special Meeting and Workshop began with the approval of an amended agenda to include an additional closed meeting topic and reorder Superintendent's Reports. Recognitions were given for School Board Appreciation Month (February 2026) and School Board Clerk Appreciation Week 2026. The Board approved the Personnel List as presented. Key discussion points during Superintendent's Reports included an update on the STAR program, high school summer school, and Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-27 school year. The Board formally approved the signature of the Superintendent for the Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) plans application workbook to secure additional funding for two CSI Schools. A presentation covered the Capital Improvement Plan and Capital Maintenance Program, highlighting significant deferred maintenance needs due to budget cuts and reliance on city funding for aging infrastructure. A collaborative discussion was held regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget Development, focusing on the impact of new city funding policies which resulted in a significant budget gap, largely driven by personnel costs. Ongoing business included discussions on the evolution of Student Representative roles and communication strategies. The Board convened a closed meeting to discuss personnel matters and the potential acquisition of real property, which was certified upon reopening.

The meeting began with the call to order and roll call. Key agenda items included an amendment to the agenda to change a targeted school improvement update from discussion to action. Discussions focused on the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget development, noting a projected $16.5 million deficit which is partially attributed to a two-year funding gap (including the prior year's flat funding). Cost drivers included a proposed 2% employee raise partially offset by favorable adjustments in Virginia Retirement System rates, and a projected 10% increase in health and dental benefits. Updates on budget adjustments involved netting favorable variances from a state textbook grant and shifting certain positions to IDEA funding, balanced against increased utility costs and the need to establish a $1.3 million contingency fund. Non-personnel budget considerations included maintaining funding for the Community Empowerment Center due to long-term solar savings and existing grant support, deferring grounds maintenance, and reducing building allocations. The board also reviewed potential savings by utilizing existing staff for crossing guard services and eliminating lease costs for certain systems. Finally, the Chief Human Resource Officer outlined the five objective criteria—vacancy status, funding source, alignment with quality standards, hard-to-staff status, and mission criticality—to be used for evaluating personnel positions moving forward.