Patti Atkinson

The Board meeting included the approval of a request for remote participation, recognitions for high school winter athletic achievements in wrestling, basketball, track, and cheerleading, and the signing of a proclamation for the Virginia School Boards Association Workforce Readiness Month. Additionally, the Board received a featured school presentation from Virginia Heights Elementary School.

The board meeting involved several procedural and celebratory items. Discussions included the approval of remote participation by a board member, the approval of the meeting agenda, and a moment of silence for community members. Recognitions were given for the VSBA Equity in Education Month and the annual fire prevention art contest winners. The board featured Westside Elementary School, where students presented on their school vision, mission, and student leadership initiatives. Finally, the board approved the personnel list.

The Comprehensive Literacy Plan for Roanoke City Public Schools provides a framework for literacy development, instruction, and assessment to foster proficient readers, writers, independent thinkers, and effective communicators. It is aligned with the Virginia Literacy Act and emphasizes the use of science-based reading research, evidence-based literacy instruction, and high-quality instructional materials. The plan also focuses on continuous professional development for staff, systematic monitoring of student achievement and division progress, and active engagement with parents, caregivers, and the community to close literacy achievement gaps.

The Special Meeting and Workshop began with the approval of an amended agenda to include an additional closed meeting topic and reorder Superintendent's Reports. Recognitions were given for School Board Appreciation Month (February 2026) and School Board Clerk Appreciation Week 2026. The Board approved the Personnel List as presented. Key discussion points during Superintendent's Reports included an update on the STAR program, high school summer school, and Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-27 school year. The Board formally approved the signature of the Superintendent for the Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) plans application workbook to secure additional funding for two CSI Schools. A presentation covered the Capital Improvement Plan and Capital Maintenance Program, highlighting significant deferred maintenance needs due to budget cuts and reliance on city funding for aging infrastructure. A collaborative discussion was held regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget Development, focusing on the impact of new city funding policies which resulted in a significant budget gap, largely driven by personnel costs. Ongoing business included discussions on the evolution of Student Representative roles and communication strategies. The Board convened a closed meeting to discuss personnel matters and the potential acquisition of real property, which was certified upon reopening.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, amended to change a Targeted School Improvement Update from discussion to action. Discussions focused heavily on the FY 2026-2027 Budget Development, noting a total projected revenue of $261,576,289, and outlining several cost-saving measures such as internalizing crossing guards, deferring maintenance, and staffing reductions. A public hearing on the budget included citizen advocacy for the continuation of the PLATO program. The Board recognized Lucas Reynard for receiving the 2025 IT Superhero "Best Rookie" Award and recognized the Technology Department for earning the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) Trusted Learning Environment Seal for data privacy. The Board also received an update on the Featured School, John P. Fishwick Middle School. Personnel actions included the approval of a comprehensive list of personnel changes. Under Consent Agenda, the Board approved appropriation requests and the minutes from the January 13 and January 27, 2026 meetings. Significant action was taken to approve the Multi-Year School Support Plans for Targeted School Improvement (TSI) schools to comply with new state guidelines. An informational update was provided on the Boundary Study, confirming high school overcrowding issues and setting a timeline for committee review of scenarios.