Joy Blosser

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda and a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Under Recognitions, members honored School Board Appreciation Month (February 2026), School Board Clerk Appreciation Week, and National School Counselors Week. A performance was given by cast members of the HHS/RHS musical, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." Key information items involved the first reading and subsequent approval of revisions for several policies: Policy 420 (Student-Athlete Sudden Cardiac Arrest), Policy 424 (Student Health Services and Requirements), Policy 428 (Administering Medications to Students), and Policy 647 (Support Staff). Policy 666 (Staff Weapons in Schools) requires further research. The formation of an Athletics Ad Hoc Committee, focused on improving community athletic experiences across all sports, was announced. Action items included the approval of the proposed 2026-2027 School Calendar and the Program of Studies for 2026-2027. Board members shared various committee reports and announcements, including updates on school funding outlook and remaining inclement weather days.

The Work Session commenced with the adoption of the agenda for January 22, 2026. The Consent Agenda, which included the approval of the minutes from the January 6, 2026, Organization/Business Meeting, personnel recommendations, and the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) report, was recommended for approval. Key Work Session items included an update on Accreditation and Accountability, a discussion on the draft 2026-2027 School Calendar, a presentation on the 2026-2027 Program of Studies covering new and updated courses, and a Strategic Plan Update concerning the Wellness Action Team. The session concluded with comments regarding the process for deciding school closings or delays.

The meeting began with the organization of the Board for 2026, including the election of the Chair, Tim Howley, and the Vice Chairperson, Matt Snyder. The agenda for the meeting was adopted, followed by a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key administrative appointments were made, including the Clerk (Lisa Knupp), Deputy Clerk, Fiscal Agent, and Deputy Fiscal Agents for the 2026 term. Chief officers were also designated as meeting attendees in the Superintendent's absence. Resolutions were approved authorizing staff reassignments between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026, and authorizing the process for payment of bills. Under Re-Organization Action Items, the Board discussed and agreed upon adherence to the VSBA Code of Conduct for School Board Members, and committee assignments for 2026 were confirmed, with a request for another member to shadow the departing board member. The Superintendent recognized Emma Phillips and Tim Howley for their prior service.

The Harrisonburg City School Board held a work session that included a strategic plan update, with discussions on academic updates presented by the chief academic officer. The Superintendent commented on budget delays, the hiring of qualified candidates, and upcoming positions for special education teachers, requesting permission to post openings over the holidays. An update was given on accountability ratings, and the first Athletics Academy Task Force meeting was held.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The 2026 Legislative Program was presented and later approved. Student support updates and school enrollment projections were shared. The board reviewed and approved the first reading of revised policies concerning the admission of homeless children, notification of school-connected student overdose, threat assessment teams, teaching about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, student conduct on school buses, and weapons in schools. There were also committee reports, board announcements, and comments from the Superintendent regarding family conferences.