Kenneth Bouwens

This Comprehensive School Improvement Plan for Thomas Jefferson Elementary School establishes a roadmap for the 2025-2026 academic year. It is structured around three core goals: guiding students to achieve their maximum academic potential, particularly in Reading and Math SOLs and foundational skills; developing student competency in the 5Cs (Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, and Citizenship); and fostering a healthy love of learning among students and families through enriched experiences and increased engagement. The plan incorporates a comprehensive needs assessment to address instructional areas, improve programs, and support the school's mission, alongside a focus on professional development for staff.

This strategic plan, 'Louisa Leads,' outlines the direction for Louisa County Public Schools from 2025 to 2030, aiming to provide a world-class, forward-thinking educational experience where every student reaches their maximum potential. The plan is structured around five core goals: ensuring student engagement through high-quality curriculum and instruction, promoting social and emotional well-being, cultivating professionalism and sustainable growth through fiscal responsibility, strengthening system-wide operations, and enhancing communication and partnerships with all stakeholders. The overarching vision is to equip students with critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and citizenship skills to prepare them for college, workforce, or military.

The meeting included a Closed Session to discuss Personnel Matters, including employment assignments and salaries, and Legal Matters concerning contract review for EV chargers and legal advice on solar production related to a grant. Following certification of the closed session, the Board approved the solar project at the Central Office. Key agenda items covered recognitions for VSBA Media Honor Roll recipients, the VSBA Food for Thought Award for the meal program, and the VACo 2021 Achievement Award for innovation in providing internet access. Project updates were provided for school construction projects, noting minor schedule variations but general progress. Action items included approving the October 5, 2021 School Board Agenda with additions and removals, accepting bills for September, approving the Superintendent's Personnel Report, and approving the 2022-2023 Budget Development Calendar. Furthermore, the Board approved supplemental appropriations for Media Production Technology Classes/MiFi Devices and to increase the starting salary for bus drivers due to a critical shortage. Information sessions detailed the 'Journey to Greatness' progress across various departments, the COVID-19 update emphasizing efforts to maintain five days of in-person instruction, and an update on the School Safety Task Force which is beginning safety audits.

The meeting commenced with a closed session to discuss legal matters and student-related issues, including a religious exemption request. Upon returning to the regular session, the agenda was approved with the addition of a revised Federal Programs Advisory Board item. Key discussions included updates on school construction projects and the acknowledgment of the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan. Action items addressed the approval of the VSBA Regional Office Nomination Form and the approval of the revised Federal Program Advisory Board. Consent agenda items approved included minutes, acceptance of bills for October, purchase orders, and the Superintendent's Personnel Report for November. Information items covered the proposed FY'2027 Capital Improvements Plan Budget and updates on the Journey to Greatness initiative and the School Safety Task Force.

The meeting commenced with a Closed Session to discuss personnel matters, student discipline, and legal matters. Upon returning to Regular Session, the Board certified the closed meeting's conformity with Virginia law. Key organizational actions included the election of Greg Strickland as Chairman and Gail Proffitt as Vice-Chairman for the 2026 calendar year, and the appointment of Melisa Campbell as Clerk. The Board set the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. as the time for Regular School Board Meetings. Actions taken during the regular session included the approval of the agenda, which featured a discussion on Student Matter Number 1 (Religious Exemption), the Proposed 2026-2027 School Calendar, and approval of VSBA Policy Services. Out of Closed Session, the Board approved Change Order 5.0 for temporary chiller provisions totaling $31,930.81. Further actions involved appointing representatives to various boards, including the Piedmont Regional Education Program Board, the Blue Ridge Virtual Governors School Board, the Louisa County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and the Louisa Education Foundation. The Board also adopted Policy LBD and approved the Proposed 2026-2027 School Calendar and the 2026-2027 Louisa County High School Program of Studies. The session concluded with the acceptance of December Bills and adjournment.