Stephen Cowles

The meeting included an opening session, roll call, and agenda approval. Key discussions involved the Superintendent presenting the FCPS School Improvement plan for approval. A delegate introduced Franklin High School students who were recognized at the State Capitol. The board also viewed a video presentation related to the Franklin High School Varsity basketball Team. During the closed session, personnel matters, including the Superintendent's employment contract notice, were addressed. Following the closed session, the board approved the personnel agenda.

The Work Session Meeting included discussions on various administrative matters. Key topics included voting on allowing a member to join the closed session virtually and approving the motion for a member to join the open session virtually. The agenda approval incorporated the addition of two new personnel items. Under the Consent Agenda, the minutes for the Regular Meeting of October 16, 2025, were approved on the second reading. The Superintendent's Report covered an update on the CTE Expo scheduled for December 10, 2025, the awarding of a $75,000 Healthy Space Grant from the Obici Healthcare Foundation to replace outdated playground equipment with an inclusive design, and the status of SOL Score Reporting showing no change for the 2025-2026 School Year. The Board requested the Truancy report for the subsequent meeting on December 18, 2025. School Board Business included welcoming a new member and noting a request for a parent advisory spokesperson to present at the next Board Meeting, as well as scheduling student attendance at future meetings starting January 15, 2026.

The meeting involved separate closed and open sessions. Key discussions during the open session included motions to amend the agenda, specifically adding the Superintendent Evaluation to the close session and discussing moving the Citizen Time to the beginning of the meeting, which required further policy review. The Board approved the agenda and personnel agenda. Superintendent reports covered the Virginia School Performance and Support Framework, presenting accreditation statuses (SP Morton: Fully Accredited; FHS: Conditionally Accredited), chronic absenteeism rates, readiness indicators, and a presentation on Vaping Detectors. The Finance section included a presentation of the FY 2027 Budget Calendar and approval of Budget Amendment #BA26-004. During Citizen Time, concerns were raised regarding SP Morton Elementary School, accountability data, and SOL testing. One Board member expressed dissatisfaction with leadership accountability for student outcomes. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 pm.

The meeting commenced with a discussion regarding the Citizen Time Policy and the proper protocol for its amendment. The Superintendent's report featured the introduction of the Student Advisory Committee (SSAC) students who received certificates and supplies, an update from the Parent Advisory Representative, presentation of data on FCPA Special Program & Interventions Pre-Camp Scholars, and an update on USDA Nutrition Regulations and budget expenditures. Operational updates included an item on an awning for Mod C at S.P. Morton and the first meeting of the FCPS Calendar Committee. The Finance section included the presentation of the Finance Report, December 2025 Vouchers, and approval of a Budget Adjustment request for FY26. The Climate and Culture Survey results were presented, as well as first-semester SOL Pass Rate Data. During citizen time, an individual spoke on School Accountability Data. The Board also addressed personnel matters in a closed session, approved the general agenda and personnel agenda, and agreed to finish all Superintendent Report presentations in the first part of open session. Future plans include discussing the Citizen Time Policy and developing an Agenda Policy at the next meeting.

The Work Session Meeting addressed several governance and operational items. Key discussions included a presentation by SPM Students showing appreciation for the School Board during School Board Appreciation Month and reports from the Superintendent's office covering Early Childhood Program graduation, Student Climate Survey results, Educational Foundation Awards, and operations updates, including a request to sell Inflatables. The Finance Report included the Initial Proposed Budget for the 2026-2027 School Year and a Budget Timeline. Curriculum and Instruction provided First Semester SOL Pass Rate Data. Governance discussions involved proposed additions to the agenda, including a discussion on Superintendent Evaluation Procedures and a motion to authorize consulting legal counsel at all future Board meetings starting March 5, 2026. The Board also passed a motion to create a Whistleblower Policy and a policy regarding Board member training.