Laurie Bennett

The meeting began with a roll call and the adoption of the agenda, which included a motion to move into closed session to discuss student matters, followed by student disciplinary matters pursuant to the Code of Virginia. Upon returning to open session, the board addressed an appeal under school board policy regarding a superintendent's decision, supporting the superintendent's recommendation. Key discussion points included recognizing numerous student athletes and coaches for winning CMSL City Championships in baseball, football, game day cheerleading, girls soccer, and softball, as well as recognizing VHSL First Team All-State honors in varsity football. The board also acknowledged February as School Board Appreciation Month, presenting certificates and stationery to members, and recognized the School Board Clerk and her assistant. The final portion of the open session involved the hearing of citizens.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the adoption of the agenda, which included moving into a closed session for personnel and legal matters. Key actions taken involved the election of new board officers, with Mrs. Kim Scott elected as Chair and Mr. Mike Lemonia elected as Vice Chair, both serving through December 2026. Administrative appointments were approved for several positions within the Department of Technology and Innovation and the Department of Exceptional Learning. The board also voted to support the superintendent's recommendations regarding an appeal under school board policy 5-12. Following the reorganization, the board heard comments during the Hearing of Citizens concerning difficulties accessing student test results via the Mastery Connect system. Finally, there was an informational segment regarding the governor's budget update and its potential impact on CPS.

The meeting began with the return from a closed session, followed by the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, noting condolences for the family of Forrest Hooper. Recognition was given to Board members and former members for Virginia School Boards Association awards. The hearing of citizens featured several speakers addressing policy matters, including concerns over a summer policy prohibiting personal laptops, opposition to the After-school Satan Club meeting in schools, and encouragement for teachers. The Board received updates on enrollment and state revenue, noting a potential $1.2 million shortfall in expenditures relative to expected revenues, which would require adjustments. Action items included the approval of the legislative agenda for the 2024 General Assembly session and approval for Board members to attend the VSBA Budget Workshop. The Superintendent's Report highlighted recognition months (Disability Awareness, Bullying Prevention, National School Lunch week, School Bus Safety Week), anti-bullying programs, an educational campaign on the dangers of high THC marijuana use for eighth graders, a tour with the Virginia Department of Education Chief of Staff, STEM Academy mentor breakfast updates, and a Multicultural Family Fun Night. Board member items included birthday wishes and remarks on community support following a local tragedy.

The meeting involved reconvening from a closed session with a unanimous vote to return to open session, with one member voting against. Key discussions included the presentation and approval of numerous administrative appointments and reappointments for the upcoming school year. The Board also addressed several recognitions, including a memorial resolution honoring the life and service of Mr. Sean Christopher Rayner, a special education teacher. Additionally, numerous middle school athletes were recognized as 2023 spring Chesapeake Middle School League (CMSL) Chesapeake Champions for achievements in volleyball, field hockey, and various track and field events. The Board heard public comments from citizens, which heavily focused on opposing the use of school facilities by the After-school Satan Club and discussing school safety concerning concealed carry policies and facility capacity concerns. Finally, the Board voted on two student matters: recommending expulsion for one student matter, and upholding the Superintendent's decision on an appeal.

The meeting included a return to open session from closed session, where authority was granted to the Chair to enter into a confidential settlement agreement regarding a personnel matter. The board recognized several schools for Virginia Board of Education 2023 Exemplar Performance Awards, including Hickory High School for the Highest Achievement Award and seven other schools for the Continuous Improvement Award, based on outstanding student performance on Standards of Learning tests, particularly noting success during the recovery from the pandemic. A hearing of citizens addressed multiple topics, including concerns over COVID-19 vaccination effects on immunity, appreciation for teachers' efforts at the start of the school year, requests for traffic engineering consultation for campus drop-off patterns, significant concerns regarding high classroom temperatures and lack of air conditioning in various schools, advocacy for allowing Kindles/e-readers for voracious readers, and a push to revise the school calendar to start before Labor Day. Citizens also voiced concerns about the appropriateness of materials shown for 9/11 instruction, requested awnings for portable classrooms at Grassfield Elementary School, raised issues concerning gifted education at that school, and objected to the Afterschool Satan Club meeting on school property.