Trevor Bennett

The joint meeting focused on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget for both the County and the School system. Key discussion topics included the importance of sharing budget materials in advance, ensuring pay scale comparability, the development of long-term planning strategies, and the necessity for increased communication between boards. Participants also reviewed the capital plan, factors contributing to recent salary adjustments for facilities staff and bus drivers, collective bargaining fees, and concerns regarding student test scores.

The Work Session included procedural actions to amend the agenda by removing the weapons policy section pending the attorney's final response, followed by the formal adoption of the amended agenda. The session proceeded into a Closed Session to discuss student and personnel matters, which concluded with a return to open session and certification that only lawfully exempted public business was discussed. Actions in open session included failing to approve two separate motions regarding religious exemptions for compulsory attendance, and approving the Personnel Report. Key information items covered the Mission and Beliefs Statement presentation and student representative reports. During the Consent Items section, minutes from January 28, February 3, and February 10, 2026, were approved. Financial discussions included acknowledging the January 2026 Financial Summary Report, noting significant contracted speech services costs, and approving the Payment of Bills. In the Business Meeting, the Superintendent provided an update on his 90-day plan and listening sessions, and School Board Clerk Appreciation Week was recognized. An update from the Montgomery County Education Association covered collective bargaining, substitute shortages, and instructional time. The board approved a specific version of School Calendar Proposal draft number one, which modified several instructional and non-instructional dates. An update on instructional hours and remote learning was also provided. Unfinished Business included discussions on a Railroad Safety Program, updates regarding CHS expenditures, and policy on extracurricular activities during inclement days. New Business primarily focused on clarifying responsibilities between the superintendent and board committees.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the amended agenda, which included adding a discussion item regarding the board retreat. The Board entered a closed session to discuss student and personnel matters, subsequently certifying the closed session proceedings upon return to open session. Actions taken in open session included long-term suspension motions for two students and approval of the personnel report. Recognitions were made for a Board member's 25 years of service and the announcement of the 2025-2026 Montgomery County Teacher of the Year, along with recognizing the Seniors of the Month for February 2026. Key business items involved approving the Program of Studies for Middle and High School with specific amendments to course descriptions for Forensics and Chemistry II, and approving Multi-Year School Support Plans for several schools. The budget was amended to include additional funding for professional development. A first read of the Weapons Policy was conducted, along with a first read of two different School Calendar Proposals, which included considerations for Fall and Spring breaks. The Board also held a discussion to plan a retreat for February 27 and 28. Financial reports included the approval of bills for FY 2025-2026.

The meeting included procedural steps such as the adoption of the agenda and the Pledge of Allegiance. A closed session was held to discuss a student matter and personnel matters, followed by certification upon returning to open session. Key actions included a motion to long-term suspend Student A until the end of the 2026 academic year and approval of the personnel report. The board also approved a contract and announced the new superintendent. Financial discussions involved acknowledging the December 2025 Financial Summary Report and approving the payment of bills. Business items included a report from the Superintendent, an update from the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) supporting salary increases and other budget requests, authorization for a supplemental appropriation of $5,095,650 to the 2025-2026 School Capital Improvement Budget, a mid-year presentation by Sodexo on food service, appointment of a hearing officer, presentation of School Performance and Support Framework results, and a budget discussion for 2026-2027.

The session commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the adoption of the agenda, which included approval for electronic participation for one member. Discussions included a closed session concerning student and personnel matters, followed by a return to open session and certification. Key actions taken involved approving motions to exempt two applications from compulsory attendance due to religious exemptions and approving the personnel report. The board recognized Seniors of the Month for March 2026, recognized the Support Staff Employee of the Year, and honored state and national winners in Fine Arts, along with winners of the Southwest Virginia Governor's School Science Fair. During Public Address, concerns were raised regarding the middle school schedule proposal. The board approved several consent items and authorized the payment of bills. Major business discussions involved a report from the Superintendent, a presentation on Black History Month activities, and an extensive discussion regarding the proposal to revise the middle school schedule to potentially increase instructional time, which generated significant board input concerning start times, bus logistics, and gifted students. The board also authorized a supplemental appropriation for the School Nutrition Operating Budget, received a financial update on Christiansburg High School renovations, authorized a supplemental appropriation for facility and phone safety upgrades, and approved proposed revisions to Policy 7-3.1 regarding weapons.