October 10, 2024 School Board Meeting Highlights

Meeting Opening

At 7:07 p.m., the School Board Regular Meeting was called to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence, and a performance of the National Anthem by the West Springfield High School Student String Ensemble under the direction of Alexandra Blaine.

Following the national anthem and in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Groveton Elementary School Chorus performed De Colores. De Colores is a song that is thought to have originated in Spain and has been sung in the Americas and throughout the Spanish speaking world since the 16th century. The phrase “de colores”, means many colors. The upbeat melody speaks to the celebration of creation and the joy of seeing the world’s many colors. This traditional folk song has evolved as it’s been passed down through time and from generation to generation. De Colores is a song that celebrates the beauty of life, love, and unity.

The School Board approved proclamations honoring School Principals, Administrators, and Administrative Assistants Appreciation Month; Indigenous People's Day and Native American Heritage Month; LGBTQIA+ History Month; and Red Ribbon Week.

Community Participation

The School Board heard from 11 members of the public during Community Participation.

Student Representative Matters

Student Representative Megan Sawant presented Student Representative Matters to the School Board.

Action Items

There were no action items considered by the School Board, except for confirming actions of its closed meeting earlier that evening.

Executive Limitation Performance and Policy Review

Superintendent Reid presented a monitoring report on Executive Limitation-5: Financial Planning. The School Board found the Superintendent in compliance with EL-5. In a related action, the School Board voted to maintain Executive Limitation 5: Financial Planning, as it is currently detailed in the Strategic Governance Manual.

Presentations to the School Board

Dr. Reid presented a Strategic Plan Update on Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

Dr. Reid presented  Academic Matters on 2024 School Accreditation and SAT Outcomes.

Dr. Reid presented Superintendent Matters to the School Board.

Consent Agenda

The School Board approved minutes of the September 6, 2024 and September 7, 2024 retreat, additional Committee appointments, and several contracts. Further, the School Board adopted a revised School Board Member Virtual Participation Policy.

Meeting Closing

Governance Committee Chair Ms. Lady and Public Engagement Committee Chair Ms. St. John-Cunning gave Committee Reports.

State Legislative Liaison Ms. Meren and Federal Legislative Liaison Dr. Anderson gave a report on the annual Legislative Briefing.

Finally, the School Board regular meeting concluded with Board Matters.

Watch the full meeting on the FCPS YouTube channel.

Upcoming School Board meetings include:

• Governance Committee Meeting on October 15, 2024, 3:00 p.m.
• Comprehensive Planning and Development Committee Meeting on October 17, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
• Regular Meeting on October 24, 2024, 7:00 p.m.