M.J. Fogelsong

The meeting commenced with the call to order and verification of quorum for the October 9th, 2025 meeting. Key discussions included recognizing National School Bus Safety Week (October 20th-24th), National School Lunch Week (starting October 13th), VSBA Bullying Prevention Month, and Disability Awareness Month, both designated for October. Student enrollment at the end of September was reported at 3,537. School highlights featured numerous activities across various schools: Jackson Elementary celebrated homecoming, recognized custodians, and planned a fall festival; Max Meadows Elementary noted dress-up days and upcoming fall festival; Shep Elementary highlighted visits from the Wville Homestead Museum, classroom habit studies, and phonics lessons; Fort Chisel Middle School held a fall sports pep rally and showcased club activities including jewelry making, sign language, and scrapbooking, noting they had the best attendance in September; Fort Chiswell High School announced golf team advancement to regions, celebrated teaching excellence awards, and detailed homecoming events like a powderpuff game and bonfire, alongside noting the launch of their 'mascot shop'; Spiller Elementary reported on a barrel race fundraiser benefiting the special education program and a book fair/Title One involvement night; Scott Memorial Middle School reported on various clubs (Play-Doh, painting, jewelry making, just dance) and celebrated having the best September attendance; George W High School celebrated homecoming court announcements and showcased athletic achievements, including regional runners-up in cross country and a state indoor track champion, and started decorating for Bullying Prevention Month; Speedball Elementary detailed second and third graders visiting Richdale Farm for pumpkin decorating, and an attendance incentive challenge; Reward Treat Elementary held a Patriots Day assembly featuring their choir club debut, an Indian bandwagon tailgate attended by over 400 people, and a lunch provided by Hitachi Energy; Retreat Middle School showed band marching at the Apple Festival, successful sports teams (football, volleyball), and extensive participation in homecoming dress-up days by staff and students; and Treat High School announced their homecoming court winners. Updates from the W County Technology Center included their color guard presenting at a military appreciation game, progress on a golf simulation building for George High School, cosmetology students learning new techniques, nursing students preparing for clinical experiences by taking vitals, and culinary students compiling personal recipe books. New Horizons Academy reported on students working hard to get back on track for graduation using hands-on learning. Public comment included a substitute teacher expressing disappointment regarding a lack of communication about changes in payroll notification procedures, and a resident speaking about the importance of the local cannery.

The meeting commenced with the roll call establishing a quorum, followed by a successful motion to approve the agenda, which included moving the closed session up in the order of business. Discussions included welcoming new board members, entering and exiting a closed session to address superintendent personnel recommendations (which were subsequently approved), and reviewing school highlights from various schools such as Jackson Elementary, Max Meadows Elementary, Shep Elementary, Fort Chisel Middle School, Fort Chisel High School, Spiller Elementary, Scott Memorial Middle School, Speedville Elementary School, Roar Treat Elementary, Retreat Middle, Retreat High School, the Technology Center, and New Horizons Academy. Key topics also covered the current school enrollment (ADM) which leveled off slightly below projections, budget updates including changes to the Local Composite Index (LCI) affecting state and local funding, the start of the budget process with presentations from school principals, and the approval of VSBA policy revisions and the Program of Studies. Finally, the board reviewed and signed the With County School Board Member Code of Ethics, noting requirements for continuing education and FOIA training.

The meeting commenced with roll call and agenda approval. School highlights included recognition of a VHSL class one girls individual state championship winner, Emma Thalner, who also set a new school record. School enrollment was reported at 3525 ADM. Updates were provided for several schools: Jackson celebrated the 67th day of school and recognized veterans; Max Mills Ed Elementary held a book fair and Veterans Day assembly; Sheffy recognized fifth grade spelling winners and celebrated a Thanksgiving play; Fort Chisel district held a holiday tree shopping trip and choir concert, and is participating in an EP mastery contest; JBG explored technology career paths, ran a Toys for Tots donation, and hosted Veterans Day events; Spiller provided veterans support through donated dinners; Scott Memorial celebrated spelling bee winners, a Thanksgiving dinner, and toured CTE programs; George W High School recognized successful cross country teams and a state champion; Rural Retreat recognized veterans and started a Leaders and Learners program; Roar Tree Elementary held a Veterans Day event, a 'Balloons over Roar Tree' parade, and celebrated student achievements; Roar Tree Middle School recognized spelling bee winners and celebrated a staff Christmas picture; and the High School recognized Thanksgiving feast sponsors and FFA activities. The board also discussed the newly proposed WCPS Program Studies, detailing changes to credential testing requirements, middle school high school credit criteria, and additions to CTE/WCTC programs such as turf grass management, small animal care, medical coding and billing, and entrepreneurship. Anticipated reductions to high-quality workbased learning options were also noted.

The strategic plan for Wythe County Public Schools outlines commitments and goals focused on student development and academic excellence. Key priorities include providing students with skills for a global society, accommodating diverse learning styles, integrating technology, and fostering robust academic programs. The plan also emphasizes staff development, community engagement, and the continuous improvement of facilities and resources, aiming to increase academic achievement and support the social and emotional needs of all students.

The meeting included a review and approval of minutes from the January 11th council meeting. President John Broderick of Old Dominion University discussed highlights about Old Dominion, partnerships for collaboration, STEM initiatives, graduate programs, and research. There was also discussion regarding maritime, defense, and transportation opportunities, resilience in the pandemic, and online learning.