Megan Cornelius

The Special Meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. The Board then moved into a Closed Meeting to discuss personnel matters, including the resignation, appointment, reappointment, and assignment of numerous employees and substitute teachers, as well as considering two petitions for religious exemption from compulsory school attendance. Discussions also covered Emergency Operating Plans related to school security and transportation safety. Upon returning to Open Session, the Board amended the agenda to approve a new policy, GCBF, concerning the Employment of School Security Officers, which stipulated that these officers will carry firearms but lack arrest authority. The corresponding job description was also approved, requiring experience as a sworn law enforcement officer. Further actions included approving the amended personnel packet, the religious exemptions, and the emergency operation plans for the 25-26 school year. Administrative updates provided information on pending Tussing parking lot repair costs, the status of the Zero Eyes camera software integration RFP, and the completion of scoreboard repairs at the high school.

The key discussions and actions during the meeting included the adoption of the agenda and congratulatory recognitions for the August Senior of the Month and the 2025-2026 Teachers and Staff Members of the Year across all schools, as well as perfect attendance awards. Public comments raised concerns regarding a proposed high-density development near Mount Pleasant Acres and its potential impact on student enrollment and resources. The Consent Agenda approved the minutes of a previous Special Meeting, annual policy reviews, designations for advisory committees, and a resolution for the designation of a financial institution. New Business featured the unanimous approval to waive facility rental fees for the newly formed Colonial Heights Youth Football Association, the deletion and replacement of the Cell Phone Use Policy (JFCZ) with a new policy (JFCM) due to duplication, and the approval of the Financial Report Summary for May, June, and July 2025. Reports detailed the addition of a School Security Officer position in partnership with the Police Department, updates on the cell phone booster project and tennis court resurfacing, a positive start to the school year, and reports from various school principals and committees.

The work session covered several key discussion points. The board requested additional information regarding current insurance options for future discussion. Academic matters reviewed included SOL cut scores, CHPS performance, and support frameworks, with a request for detailed summary sheets for each school. The board also discussed the draft 2026-2027 calendar based on survey results and deliberated on the priorities for capital improvement projects within the budget. Consensus was reached to allow specialty schools to participate in the Parade of Graduates. The board postponed setting a date for a retreat.

The Special Meeting and Work Session commenced with announcements expressing gratitude to operations staff for snow clearing efforts. The agenda was adopted, and the Board moved into a Closed Meeting to discuss personnel matters, including the resignation of one supplemental position, the appointment of new full-time and supplemental employees, and substitute personnel. The Closed Meeting also covered admission or disciplinary matters involving scholastic records of two students, and consultation with legal counsel. Upon returning to Open Meeting, the Board certified that only lawfully exempted public business was discussed. Subsequently, the personnel packet detailing resignations, appointments, and assignments was approved. The Work Session focused on insurance, budget priorities, and employee celebrations. Board and Superintendent comments included discussion of new information on CHPS data state cut scores and scheduling a work session for the January 13, 2026, Annual Organizational Meeting.

Key discussions during this special meeting included declarations of personal interest related to the proposed budget. The Board received a presentation from OneDigital regarding health insurance renewal options and agreed to support a third insurance plan option for employees. A work session was held to discuss the Superintendent's Proposed 2025-2026 Budget, which included a proposed 3% salary increase for all staff. The Board proceeded into a closed meeting to discuss resignations, appointments of new personnel, and disciplinary matters involving scholastic records. Upon returning to open session, the Board certified compliance with open meeting laws and approved the personnel packet detailing resignations, appointments, and assignments. Additionally, a motion was approved regarding a specific discipline case, recommending a long-term suspension and alternative placement for a student.