Miriam Flores-McCoy

The meeting included the introduction of five young students as pledge presenters from the Blossom Bees program, detailing their individual achievements. Public comment was opened, during which the HR coordinator presented new personnel for December 2025: Patricia Gonzalez, a PAR professional for Blossom's Early Learning Center, and Mr. Brian McGra, a long-term substitute for math at Brick Virginia High School. The Director of Blossoms provided an extensive update on the early learning program, covering staff recognition, the zero to three hive enrollment (30 families served by two parent educators), monitoring results (passing the first step but missing one essential requirement regarding parent educator pay), quality standards assessment progress, home visits (including virtual visits), parent group connections such as fire safety demonstrations and baby safety information, Thanksgiving breakfast for families, and community outreach events with local police departments. The update also covered classroom statistics, noting that all classrooms are operating, enrollment figures (158 children enrolled, an increase from the previous year), attendance issues due to a hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreak, and the use of the DA 4 and preIPT assessments for learning and language evaluation.

The school board meeting included discussion of student and staff recognition, public comments, and assessment data. The D168 Excel award was presented to a staff member from Strawburg. An overview of assessment data from the spring and fall was presented, including summative designations and indicator scores for ELA, math, and science. The board also discussed mobility rates and chronic absenteeism.

The board members shared their experiences from a conference, highlighting sessions on mental health and AI. They discussed a performance at the Grammy Museum and the impact of childhood trauma. The finance committee provided an update on the budget, noting a significant difference between July and August balances due to pending tax revenue. The board also discussed upcoming events, including an IASB dinner, and the nomination of the superintendent/boarding secretary for an award. The SCOPE committee discussed the veto session, mandatory categorical impacts, transportation costs, tier 2 pensions for teachers, and the K2 suspension expulsion bill. They also planned to break into regions to discuss the needs of special education and approach legislators for funding. A virtual training session was scheduled for superintendent evaluation, and the board approved the FY26 proposed budget.

The meeting included recognition of new employees, a public hearing for the budget for the 2526 school year, and discussion regarding the budget, including revenue and expenditure projections. There was also a presentation of the D168 Excels award to Miss Jenkins for her contributions to education in District 168.

The meeting included discussions on pending payments, financial balances, and a board member development conference. There was also discussion regarding a division meeting and concerns about IASB's representation and communication. The board discussed policy matters, community partnership joint initiatives, and fundraising platforms for schools. Updates were provided on legislative matters, including free and public education for immigrants and opt-out options for LGBTQ+ books. The board also discussed the superintendent evaluation process and a board retreat. The opening of school this year was reported as one of the best, with thanks given to the administrative team for their staffing efforts.