Sarah B. Calveric

The joint meeting primarily focused on the proposed construction and expansion of Bowling Green Elementary School, including the addition of a gymnasium and new classrooms. The discussion highlighted disagreements regarding the capacity implications of the expansion, referencing ongoing facility studies and the need for educational adequacy compliance. The Board of Supervisors indicated their intent to fund the expansion using unencumbered balances, while the School Board expressed concerns about long-term capacity planning versus short-term solutions like trailers. The boards also addressed the need to discuss the FY27 operational budget, although a full review might require a separate meeting. A county representative provided context on past construction management practices for county facilities, including schools, advocating for the current construction manager's involvement.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Board members offered opening comments, expressing gratitude to staff, fire and EMS, and the sheriff's department for their extensive efforts following a recent storm, including clearing polling places for a special election. Gratitude was also extended to Delegate Cole for her advocacy on legislation concerning private utility water companies. Congratulations were extended to the newly elected treasurer. Discussions also covered the upcoming Caroline County Polar Bear Plunge charity fundraiser. Board members also shared reflections on the recent monkwalk event, highlighting its spiritual nature and the outpouring of community support. Concerns were raised regarding the maintenance of several district roads, specifically Signboard Road (including the CSX overpass) and Secretariat Road, noting their poor condition. A request was made to prioritize funding for a new safety building to accommodate the growing needs of the sheriff's office. Board members also recognized Dr. Glattis West for her significant contributions as a founder of GPS technology during Black History Month. Appreciation was shown to schools for providing emergency warming shelter space in preparation for the storm. The board recognized the retirement of Mr. Darnell Howard after over 36 years of service to Caroline County Parks and Recreation, particularly noting his focus on community connection and program growth. The board also commended the extraordinary volunteer hours contributed by fire and rescue personnel across multiple localities during the storm response. Amendments to the agenda included reversing the order of two presentations and adding a ratification item for the local declaration of emergency.

The meeting commenced with a continuation of the previous day's session to discuss a Proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Board of Supervisors and the School Board concerning facility construction, and a request to utilize Fiscal Year 2025 School Reversion Funds for purchasing Learning Villas (Modulars) for Lewis & Clark Elementary School. The regular meeting included organizational items such as the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair, adoption of Rules of Order, setting the 2026 Regular Board Meeting schedule, and making Board of Supervisors Appointments, including one for the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Consent Agenda covered the approval of warrants, the approval of a Right of Way Easement Agreement with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative for conduit installation at Lowe-Massie Park, the approval of a Non-Exclusive Deed of Easement with Cogeco US (Delmar), LLC d/b/a Breezeline for broadband services at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the declaration of a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe as surplus property. Unfinished business involved the renewal of Employee Health and Dental Insurance for the 2026/2027 plan year. New business focused on a proposal to increase pay for Election Poll Workers. Informational items included a Capital Projects Update and the approval of the Planning Commission Schedule. The session concluded with a Closed Meeting to discuss matters involving probable litigation, legal counsel consultation, and contract award discussions, followed by reconvening in open session.

The primary item of discussion was the consideration of a Right of Way Easement Agreement with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC). This agreement is necessary to allow REC to establish and maintain an electrical power supply to Breezeline equipment installed at Lowe-Massie Park. This equipment expansion is critical for extending broadband service to four underserved areas within the Dawn community, following a prior Board approval in June 2024 for the initial easement. The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the proposed agreement.

The Organizational Meeting agenda included several annual considerations for the Board of Supervisors. Key discussion items involved the election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the adoption of By-Laws and Rules of Procedure for Calendar Year 2026, and the approval of the Schedule for Regular Board Meetings for 2026. Furthermore, the Board addressed various appointments of its members to numerous external boards, commissions, and committees, such as the Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging, the Social Services Advisory Board, the George Washington Regional Commission, and others. An additional summary note indicates a pending appointment for the Board of Zoning Appeals.