Mary Eppard

The Board of Visitors convened to discuss several key items. A motion was passed to amend the Bylaws to include language ensuring Deaf and Blind representation on the Executive Committee. The board welcomed a new member, Jamon Freeman. The Interim Superintendent reported significant enrollment growth, reaching 80 students, and highlighted plans for new accessibility videos focusing on the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and student transition programs, including four visually impaired students preparing for college enrollment. Operational Decision Packages were approved to potentially add 43 new staff positions, and organizational chart restructuring, including posting for a new Assistant Superintendent, was noted. The Facilities Director presented updates on the planned $13 million Lewellyn Gym Renovation and the $34 million Main Hall Renovation. The Human Resources Director reported strong recruitment metrics, exceeding state requirements for veteran and disability employment, while noting the critical need for more teachers due to student growth. The Title IX policy was amended to centralize the appeal process with the Superintendent. The IT department reported on various upgrades, including internet provider changes, disaster recovery implementation, and plans for videoconferencing infrastructure in key meeting spaces. The Board convened in closed session to discuss personnel and legal matters before returning to open session to certify the session.

The meeting included discussion and potential action on amending VSDB bylaws to ensure Deaf and Blind representation on the VSDB Executive Committee. Reports were presented by the Interim Superintendent, Director of Financial Operations, and Director of Human Resources, covering various updates. IT initiatives were also discussed. The agenda included a closed session and a public comment period.

The Board of Visitors meeting includes several key discussion points. These include the introduction of the new Chief Information Officer (CIO), a presentation on VDOE-approved Capital Planning Phase Proposals for a Mass Notification System Upgrade and Price Hall Independent Living Apartment Renovation. Reports will be given by the Interim Superintendent, Director of Finance, and Director of Human Resources, along with policy updates. Continuing business involves an overview of the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD) Accreditation Process. The agenda also includes a closed session, a discussion of the December Quarterly Meeting date and time, and a public comment period. Additionally, there were discussions around IT initiatives, a mass communication update, Price Hall renovation, VSDB Admission Report, Outreach Services, Family Engagement Tracking, and Goals and Objectives.

The meeting included presentations from the new Chief Information Officer regarding technology upgrades and a discussion about upgrading the mass notification system. There was an update on the Price Hall Independent Living Apartment renovation project. The Interim Superintendent reported on enrollment growth and initiatives, including the Operational Decision Package (ODP) funding request. The board reviewed and approved updates to the Confined Space Policy and the Fire Safety Policy. An overview of the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD) accreditation process was presented. The board also discussed amending the VSDB bylaws and exploring sign language classes at universities.

The Board of Visitors meeting included a welcome and introductions, roll call, and a review of several sets of meeting minutes. The agenda included the Superintendent's report, budget report, and human resources report. There was also a closed session to discuss Virginia Code sections related to personnel matters. The board discussed policy updates, the school calendar, authorization of signatures, Title Grants, authorization for a campus police department, and Title IX training. The meeting also included recognition of departing board members, discussion of the September quarterly meeting, a public comment period, and adjournment.