Fauquier County Public Schools

The work session included a presentation providing an overview of the Mountain Vista Governor's School (MVGS), covering its mission, goals, vision, and coursework. Information was shared regarding the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Trades Academy, including offered classes and credit costs specific to LRCC. Staff presented details for the FY27 Proposed Budget and Capital Improvement Plan, addressing prior questions such as central office staff salary increase impacts, MVGS cost allocation compared to other divisions, nutrition deficits, and the current bus fleet breakdown. Additionally, the Board reviewed materials concerning the time commitment and costs associated with achieving the VSBA Master Board designation. During the roundtable segment, one member addressed recent media reports concerning meeting with board members outside of official session times, and another member offered condolences to an administrator.

The meeting focused on three main presentations: Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Bleed Control procedures. The T1D discussion focused on dispelling myths, understanding symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and strategies for supporting affected students, including nurse visits and staff training. The POTS presentation detailed the condition as a form of dysautonomia affecting blood pressure and heart rate, often presenting in adolescence, and emphasized a treatment focus on hydration, nutrition, mental health, sleep, and mobility, involving multiple specialists. The Bleed Control segment addressed the critical need for bleed kits in every school, detailing the necessary components such as tourniquets and chest seals, noting that massive bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death, and recommending staff training.

The session commenced with the adoption of the agenda. A special presentation recognized School Board Appreciation Month, where tokens of appreciation were given to the board members, followed by the board thanking the school board clerks. A public hearing was held regarding the Proposed Budget and the Capital Improvement Plan for FY 2027, with several community members speaking in support of the proposed budget. The subsequent work session focused on the FY27 Proposed Budget and Capital Improvement Plan, discussing improvements in the capital improvement plan, the financial status of the nutrition fund, costs associated with Mountain Vista Governor's School and CTE academy, and clarification on dual enrollment funding now covered by the state. Calendar updates were presented, including adjustments due to weather closings and scheduling for graduation. The roundtable discussion included a focus on incentivizing employees for their service, referencing a turnover report.

The Policy Committee meeting focused on procedural matters and policy reviews. The committee adopted the agenda and discussed the process for policy revisions, noting that the school division retains authority for non-content related updates, while the school board oversees all content changes. The committee was informed about the general schedule for receiving policy revisions resulting from General Assembly updates, typically in June. An annual review of Policy 7-3.4, Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion, was conducted, with no recommended changes at this time. No further discussion items were raised during the roundtable session.

The Personnel Committee adopted the agenda and received an update regarding the Human Resources Department, noting that the team is fully staffed, and efforts are focused on process improvement and documentation. Discussions included the suggestion to create recruitment videos for applicants, and details on tuition reimbursement and financial assistance for endorsements. The committee considered a recruitment incentive program for current employees who successfully recruit bus drivers, noting 20 open positions, and requested the Superintendent bring specific bonus amounts and time-worked commitments to the full board for approval in March. Furthermore, the committee discussed increasing the pay for School Psychologist Interns from $20,000 to a proposed $40,000 to align more closely with surrounding divisions, as two intern positions are currently vacant. The committee approved the proposed pay adjustment to $40,000 and approved the principle of the bus driver recruitment incentive, contingent on bringing specific parameters to the next meeting.