Mark Giles

The meeting included educational reports from the Wise County Education Association (WCEA) and the Wise County Parent Association (WCPA), highlighting teacher compensation needs and school activities. Student achievements were recognized, including a "Huggable Hero" award and participation in the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars Academy. Public comments raised concerns about funding allocations, particularly regarding fringe benefits, facility projects, and the use of UVA-Wise for school events. The board addressed these concerns and provided clarifications on the PPEA process, construction projects, and financial procedures. A resolution was approved for the PPEA process, with one dissenting vote. The creation of a Capital Building Foundation and the hiring of a grant writer were also discussed. The meeting concluded with a summary of the good news regarding school accreditation and a report on a pre-K field trip.

The meeting addressed various topics, including reports on the Clinch Coalition Contest, Wise County Career-Technical Center achievements (Practical Nursing and Skills USA), and Bus Driver Appreciation Week. A presentation recognized Megan Seals for her participation in a zero-gravity flight. Public comments included concerns about inclement weather school cancellations, proposed climate surveys, new school site selection, and the attendance policy. The board held a closed meeting for personnel, legal, and homeschooling matters. A significant portion of the open meeting focused on a presentation detailing the consolidation plan for six high schools into three, including enrollment data, budget implications, and facility details. Discussions included staff assurances, the 2009-2010 budget, a retirement plan, and the approval of contracts. The board also addressed issues related to home schooling, and set a date for a public hearing on the budget.

The meeting addressed an early retirement plan for support personnel, with 100% of their salary capped at $40,000. A closed meeting was held to discuss personnel and legal matters. The board engaged in a discussion regarding the new high school, specifically athletic facilities, with differing opinions on the optimal location and cost-effectiveness of various proposals. Concerns were raised about potential inequities and the need for a new school for all communities. The board also discussed the scheduling of forums and public hearings on site selection, and the upcoming Governor's Conference. Finally, the high school graduation schedule was presented.

The meeting addressed various topics, including reports from the Wise County Education Association (WCEA) and school highlights. Discussions focused on the Powell Valley Middle School project integrating art into the curriculum, recognition of outstanding teachers, and the departure of a long-serving employee. Public comments covered community forums, school consolidation, stimulus funding for renovations, and the cost of school consolidation. The board reviewed educational priorities, the "Lighthouse Project" to improve public perception, budget concerns, retirement options for employees, and the process for community forums on school consolidation. A financial analysis of a potential partnership with the City of Norton was presented. The board also discussed the construction approach for new high schools, attendance policy, make-up days, snow routes, a reduction-in-force policy, and a policy clarifying school board work sessions. The meeting concluded with discussions on vendor additions to the 403(b) plan and other issues.

The board convened a closed meeting to discuss personnel matters, including prospective candidates for employment, and the acquisition and disposition of real property. Following the closed meeting, the board returned to open session and subsequently adjourned.