Jonathan Hochman

New Kent County Public Schools is committed to equipping every student with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to excel in employment, enlistment, and enrollment, fostering lifelong success and community contribution. The strategic plan focuses on optimizing teaching and learning for post-secondary readiness, recruiting and retaining highly effective talent, enhancing organizational efficiency and effectiveness through facility and budgetary planning, and strengthening collaborative partnerships with families and the community to improve student outcomes.

The regular session meeting involved exiting closed session and proceeding with the agenda, which began with presentations and recognitions. Thomas Moore was recognized as both Senior of the Month and Athlete of the Month, sharing details about his entrepreneurial venture (a skincare line) and his plans to pursue higher education with a double major in entrepreneurship and sports psychology. The board also recognized National School Counseling Week, School Board Clerk and Deputy Clerk Appreciation Week (thanking Johanna Davis and Brian Nichols), National African American History Month, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. Following a brief recess, the board amended the agenda to move four items from Section 7 to Section 10 (Action Items). The consent agenda, including minutes from January 26th, December 2025 financials, and personnel matters, was approved. The main discussion in new business concerned the proposed budget, including projected revenue increases due to enrollment growth (3,620 ADM) resulting in an anticipated $1.7 million increase in state revenue based on the Governor's budget figures. Discussions also covered shifting CIP-funded items into the general fund budget for infrastructure/operations reporting and adjustments to salary and benefits, including a proposed 2% increase for all staff (partially state-funded) and an additional 1% for teachers.

The meeting began with the certification of a closed session in conformity with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The primary focus of the public session was the reorganization of the board, including the nomination and election of a chair and vice chair. Subsequent actions involved the reappointment of the clerk and deputy clerk, and the unanimous adoption of the code of conduct for board members and clerks. Significant time was dedicated to recognizing staff achievements, including Principal Appreciation Week, and honoring multiple Teachers of the Year across the division (High School, Middle School, Elementary School, and George Watkins Teacher of the Year). Additionally, the custodial department recognized an employee, William Brown, for receiving the GEM (Great Employees Make Magic) of the Year award at the district level, resulting in a $1,000 donation to the school division. The session concluded with the approval of the consent agenda, which included monthly financials for November 2025, meeting minutes from the December 25th regular meeting, and superintendent recommendations concerning approximately 10 personnel matters that were discussed in closed session.

This strategic plan aims to equip every student with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to excel in the 'three Es': Enrollment, Employment, and Enlistment, preparing them for lifelong success and empowering them to contribute positively to their communities. The plan focuses on four primary goals: optimizing student achievement, recruiting and retaining highly effective talent, enhancing organizational efficiency and effectiveness, and strengthening partnerships with families and the community.

The session commenced with the unanimous certification that a preceding closed session complied with Virginia law regarding public business matters lawfully exempted from open meetings. Key discussions during the public session included presentations and recognitions for student achievements, specifically honoring Carly Sachs as the December Athlete of the Month and Andrew Fallon and Owen AG as December Senior/Athlete of the Month recipients. The entrepreneur club from George Watkins Elementary School presented their activities. The board also reviewed updates on school board goals and policy revisions, noting progress through section G of the policy manual with a target completion of section L by the February meeting. Unfinished business involved the second reading and discussion of three proposed new high school courses: AP Business and Finance, Making Pastry Specialization, and AP 3D and Design. Finally, the 2026 school board meeting calendar was presented for review.