Washington County School Board Office

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included special recognition for two middle school students and several art/poetry contest winners. Student School Board Representatives provided updates. The Superintendent reported on exploring inclusive playground options, coordinating construction impacts, and hosting the second Artificial Intelligence Summit to expand work-based learning. The Consent Agenda included approvals for the January 2026 Financial Statement, various bill listings, and proclamations for Autism Acceptance Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and other awareness days/months in April. Action items approved included Option #1 for the 2026 Graduation Dates, the 2026-2027 School Calendar, the textbook adoption, and authorizing Thompson & Litton to conduct a school facilities study. The Board later convened in closed session to discuss performance, employment, transfers, resignations, retirements, supplemental retirements, and coaching supplements for specific individuals, before certifying the closed session and adjourning.

The meeting included special recognitions for School Board members, the Clerk, and various staff members through the VSBA recognition programs and "Being a Bean" recognitions. The Superintendent provided updates regarding Congressionally Directed Spending awards for inclusive playgrounds, potential state budget impacts including employee bonuses and salary increases, and survey results related to new transportation zones. Action items involved approving changes to the FY25-26 calendar to include full session days on March 11th and 12th, and the initial approval of the FY27 Budget Estimate of Needs. Following a closed session to discuss personnel matters including employment, resignation, retirement, and non-teaching assignments for coaching supplements, the Board took action on these items, including the employment of three individuals and numerous coaches, approvals for five resignations, one retirement, and four non-teaching coaching supplements. The Board later reconsidered and adjusted the funding request for the FY27 Statement of Needs.

The meeting included special recognition for High Point Elementary School's Preschool Program for achieving the VQB5 Excellence Honor Roll Award. The Superintendent provided an extensive update on instructional days lost due to weather, snow day policies, and applications for waivers from the Virginia Department of Education. The Consent Agenda, which was unanimously approved, included the review of bills and financial statements, public surplus items, and the approval of several proclamations for March 2026 events such as Equity in Education Month and Music in Our Schools Month. A policy concerning Memorials on School Property was approved on first reading. Presentations covered proposed options for the 2026-2027 School Calendar, an update on Preschool Programs, and budget reviews. Unfinished business included updates on recruiting students from the Teachers for Tomorrow program and planning recognition for Fine Art Students. The board moved into and out of closed session to discuss and take action on performance, employment, resignation, and retirement of specific individuals.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence to honor recently passed retired teachers. The agenda approval was confirmed, followed by special recognition segments. The Board recognized numerous student achievements across various sports, including football, golf, and volleyball, highlighting individual statistical milestones and team successes, most notably the Abington High School volleyball team winning the 3A state championship. The head coach, Alexis Perkins, received recognition as coach of the year. Legislators were also present to honor the students and the team's accomplishments.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Key discussions included special recognition for the 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year across elementary, middle, and secondary schools, with Amy Dewease named the overall Teacher of the Year. Student representatives provided updates from their respective high schools. The Superintendent reported on the January 19 make-up day and announced a two-hour delay for January 20 due to weather. The Consent Agenda involved approval of bills, multiple proclamations for appreciation weeks/days in February 2026, and the adoption, removal, or revision of several board operational policies related to legal status, goals, electronic participation, monitoring systems, staff conduct, and advanced mathematics instruction. The Board also conducted its first reading of several other policies covering academic freedom and class size. A presentation was given on the 2026-2027 Budget. The session concluded with the Board entering and exiting a closed session to discuss and take action on the performance, employment, resignation, retirement, and non-teaching assignments of specific individuals.