Norfolk City Public Schools public meetings in 2021

School Board Student Appeal Hearing

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board will hold a closed executive session to discuss student disciplinary hearings and legal matters, followed by a vote on the disposition of those hearings.

• Closed executive session for student disciplinary hearings
• Vote to certify the closed executive session
• Vote on disposition of student appeal hearings
• Meeting held at Norview High School (6501 Chesapeake Blvd.)

The School Board committee held a closed executive session to conduct a student appeal hearing. The board voted to uphold the Superintendent's recommendation regarding a single disciplinary case.

• Entered closed executive session for student disciplinary hearings and legal consultation (3-0)
• Certified that the executive meeting was conducted in conformity with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (3-0)
• Upheld the Superintendent's recommendation in a single student disciplinary case (3-0)

School Board Business Meeting & Public Hearing on the Budget

The Norfolk School Board will hold a business meeting and a public hearing on the budget. The board will vote to select a candidate to fill the Ward 4 seat vacated by Christine Smith after a closed executive session discussion. The public hearing on the budget will take place before citizen comments.

• Public hearing on the budget
• Vote to select new Ward 4 School Board member
• Closed executive session on personnel, student matters, and legal consultation
• Resolution certifying closed session compliance with Virginia FOIA

The School Board appointed a new member to the Ward 4 seat and approved the November personnel and payroll reports. The board also held a public hearing regarding the FY2023 budget process.

• Approved SB Ward 4 Candidate Selection (5-1)
• Approved Consent Agenda (4-2)
• Approved Personnel Report for administrative, teacher, and classified staff
• Approved November bills and payroll totaling $37,510,350.32
• Approved motion to enter closed executive session (6-0)
• Certified two executive closed sessions (6-0 each)

School Board Ward 4 Candidate Interviews, Dec. 8, 2021

The Norfolk School Board will interview three candidates for the Ward 4 seat vacated by Christine Smith. The meeting includes a closed executive session to discuss candidate qualifications and legal matters.

• Interviews for SB Ward 4 Candidates (Bonita Anthony, Leon Rouson, Tornette Coffey-Perkins)
• Motion to enter Closed Executive Session
• Resolution certifying the Closed Executive Session
• Meeting location: School Administration Building (800 E. City Hall Avenue)
• Meeting time: 12 to 2:00 p.m.

The School Board conducted interviews for candidates to fill the Ward 4 seat vacated by Christine Smith. The board entered a closed executive session to discuss candidate qualifications and legal requirements for the interim appointment. No public vote on a specific candidate was recorded in these minutes.

• Approved motion to enter closed executive session to discuss Ward 4 candidates and legal counsel (6-0)
• Approved resolution certifying the executive meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law (6-0)

Take Your Legislators to School & Legislative Priorities Virtual Meeting

The Norfolk School Board is holding a virtual meeting to share its legislative priorities with legislators and the public. The agenda includes a discussion of NPS' legislative program with a consultant, a video tour of Maury High School, and facilities planning. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is informational.

• Discussion of NPS' legislative priorities with R. Ronald Jordan of Advantus Strategies
• Video tour of Maury High School
• Facilities and educational planning presentation

Take Your Legislators to School Day: (Rescheduled and merged with the Dec. 8 Take Your Legislator to School & Legislative Priorities)

The body is conducting a 'Take Your Legislators to School Day' event at Maury High School. The agenda includes a panel discussion and a tour of the facility.

• Panel discussion facilitated by Vice Chair Carlos Clanton
• Tour of Maury High School

School Board Student Appeal Hearing

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board will hold a closed executive session to hear a student's appeal of a long-term suspension, followed by a vote on the outcome.

• Closed executive session for student appeal hearing
• Vote required to decide student appeal outcome
• Identification verification required for entry
• Meeting held at School Administration Building
• Certification of executive session compliance

School Board Work Session

The Norfolk City School Board held a work session to discuss COVID‑19 staff vaccination policy, student performance and attendance data, and enrollment updates. A public hearing was conducted on the Ward 4 school board candidate selection process. The board then moved to a closed executive session to discuss the candidates and certify the session under Virginia law.

• Discussion of School Board mandated COVID‑19 vaccinations for staff
• Presentation of Fall 2021 PALS data and student grades/attendance reports
• Public hearing on Ward 4 school board candidate selection process
• Motion to enter a closed executive session for candidate discussion
• Resolution certifying the executive closed session

The School Board held a work session to review administration recommendations for staff vaccine discipline and analyze student academic and attendance data. No formal votes were taken during the session.

• Discussed proposed progressive discipline for vaccine non-compliance: letter of concern, 2-day suspension with pay, and termination
• Reviewed PALS universal screening data for Pre-K through 3rd grade
• Reviewed Quarter One student grades and failure rates by demographic
• Reviewed Quarter One student attendance and chronic absenteeism rates

School Board Student Appeal Hearing

This meeting is a special Student Appeal Hearing for a student's long-term suspension. The 3-member committee will convene in closed executive session to discuss the appeal, consult with legal counsel, and then vote on whether to uphold the superintendent's recommendation. No student-specific details are available as it is a confidential matter.

• Motion to enter closed executive session under Virginia FOIA for student disciplinary matters and legal consultation
• Closed session hearing of a student's appeal of a long-term suspension (no public details)
• Resolution certifying that the closed session complied with Virginia FOIA requirements
• Action item to vote on disposition of the student appeal (recommended: uphold superintendent's recommendation)

School Board Business Meeting

The School Board will hold a closed executive session to discuss personnel matters, student support, and legal issues. Specific topics include two incidents involving students and employees at Lake Taylor High School and a training contract with the Council of Great City Schools.

• Discussion of two incidents involving students and employees at Lake Taylor High School
• Review of the regular personnel and student support agendas
• Discussion of the board's training contract with the Council of Great City Schools
• Resolution to certify the executive closed session

The School Board approved the October personnel report and bills totaling $30,664,956.69. Members also certified a closed session regarding personnel, student support, and legal matters. The board discussed the selection process for a Ward 4 member.

• Approved October bills and payroll totaling $30,664,956.69
• Approved October personnel report for administrative, teacher, and classified staff
• Approved minutes for October 6 and 13, 2021
• Approved October 2021 Monthly Financial Report (5-1)
• Certified executive closed session conducted in conformity with Virginia law (6-0)
• Approved electronic attendance for Rodney Jordan (6-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda (5-1)

School Board Work Session (4 p.m.)

The Norfolk School Board will hold a work session to discuss updates on facilities, student data, and teacher support. The board will also consider adjustments to the 2021-2022 academic calendar and review legislative priorities.

• Discussion on adjustments to the 2021-2022 NPS Academic Calendar (vote required)
• Presentation on process for mandated vaccinations for employees
• Updates on STAR Reading and Mathematics data
• Review of Pre-K programs
• Discussion on plans to support NPS teachers

The School Board held a work session to review a 10-year capital improvement plan for school construction and renovations. The board also received updates on employee vaccination status and student STAR reading and math assessment data. No formal votes were taken during this work session.

• Discussed 10-year capital plan including Maury HS ($150M), Jacox ES ($42M), and Norview ES ($40M)
• Reviewed employee vaccination survey showing 85% of 3,992 respondents are vaccinated
• Established Jan. 3, 2022 deadline for unvaccinated employees to provide documentation or begin weekly testing
• Presented STAR Reading and Math longitudinal data for grades 2-8

School Board Policy Committee Meeting, October 15, 2021

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board Policy Committee will meet to discuss policy recommendations and review minutes from a prior meeting. The agenda lists an item to review the 'GCBDZ-Employee Leave' policy.

• Review of GCBDZ-Employee Leave policy
• Review of Policy Committee minutes from September 17, 2021
• Informational discussion on administration matters

School Board Business Meeting

The Norfolk School Board will convene a closed executive session to discuss personnel matters, student support services, and legal issues, followed by a business meeting.

• Closed executive session for personnel and student support matters
• Closed executive session for legal matters
• Public comments accepted via email until Oct 12, 2021
• Live stream available on WNPS Ch. 47 and online

The School Board approved the personnel report, the September 2021 bills and payroll reports, and the September 2021 monthly financial report. The board also approved the meeting minutes from September 15 and 22, 2021.

• Approved personnel report for administrative, teacher, and classified staff (6-0)
• Approved September 2021 Bills and Payroll Report totaling $41,457,662.68 (6-0)
• Approved September 2021 Monthly Financial Report (6-0)
• Approved minutes for September 15 and 22, 2021 (6-0)
• Certified two executive closed sessions regarding personnel, student support, legal matters, and a pepper spray incident (6-0 each)

School Board Governance Training (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) & School Board Work Session, 4 p.m.

The Norfolk School Board holds a governance training session (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) followed by a work session at 4 p.m. The work session includes a vote on a resolution concerning COVID-19 vaccinations for employees, as well as updates on back-to-school, SOL results, and an equity report. The board will also enter closed session to discuss legal matters including the vaccination mandate and a contract with the Council of Great City Schools.

• Vote on resolution regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for employees
• Back to School Update
• Standards of Learning (SOL) Results and On-Time Graduation Data update
• Review of Annual NPS Equity Report
• Policy discussion on GCBDZ: Employee Leave

The School Board approved a resolution requiring employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 3, 2022, or undergo weekly testing. The board also held governance training and reviewed updates on enrollment, SOL results, and equity reporting.

• Approved COVID-19 vaccination mandate or weekly testing for employees (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed executive session for legal counsel and COVID-19 matters (7-0)
• Approved resolution certifying the executive closed session (7-0)

School Board Business Meeting

The Norfolk School Board is meeting for a closed executive session to discuss personnel matters, student issues, and legal consultation on COVID-19 vaccination/testing requirements for employees, followed by a public business meeting. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific proposed decisions or public hearings listed.

• Closed executive session to discuss personnel and student support services matters
• Legal consultation on COVID-19 vaccination/testing mandates for employees
• Resolution to certify the closed executive session as compliant with Virginia FOIA
• Public comments submitted by multiple residents attached to agenda

The School Board approved the personnel report and the bills and payroll report for August 2021. Members also approved the Use of Facilities Report and swore in two student representatives.

• Approved personnel report for administrative, teacher, and classified staff
• Approved August 2021 bills and payroll totaling $30,890,440.32 (6-0)
• Approved Use of Facilities Report (6-0)
• Approved motion to enter executive closed session (5-0)
• Approved resolution certifying executive closed session (6-0)
• Swore in student representatives Karma Johnson and Shivani Rastogi

School Board Policy Committee Meeting, September 17, 2021

The Norfolk City School Board Policy Committee is meeting to discuss proposed policies on educational philosophy (AD) and staff time schedules (GAA). The committee will also consider approving the minutes from its July 22, 2021 meeting. No votes or public hearings are scheduled; the agenda is procedural.

• Review of proposed AD - Educational Philosophy policy
• Review of proposed GAA - Staff Time Schedules policy
• Approval of Policy Committee minutes from July 22, 2021

School Board Work Session

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board held a work session to review policy drafts, including employee leave and student discipline, and to discuss a five-year strategic plan and legislative program.

• Review of 17 proposed policies including student discipline and staff development
• Discussion of the 2022 Legislative Program and Advantus contract renewal
• Presentation on Special Education audit results
• Review of the 5-Year Strategic Plan and Capital Improvement Plan
• Governance training on goals and monitoring calendar

The Board held a work session and governance training to discuss the legislative program, climate surveys, and a special education audit. Several policy updates were reviewed for a future vote on September 22, 2021. No substantive policy or budget decisions were finalized during this session.

• Approved motion to allow Carlos Clanton to participate electronically (5-0)

School Board Hybrid Work Session & Business Meeting

The Norfolk School Board held a hybrid work session and business meeting on August 18, 2021. The agenda included a 'Return to School Update' and policy reviews, followed by a closed executive session to discuss personnel and student support matters.

• Return to School Update presentation
• Review of GAA Staff Time Schedules and GCN Professional Staff Evaluation policies
• Motion to enter executive closed session for personnel and student support matters
• Certification of executive closed session
• Public comments deadline of August 17, 2021

The School Board held a work session covering instructional focus, staffing vacancies, and mitigation strategies for the 2021-2022 school year. Members discussed the CGCS timeline and governance training, and a November board meeting was rescheduled.

• Moved November 17 board meeting to November 10

School Board Policy Committee Meeting, July 22, 2021

The Norfolk School Board Policy Committee will review 19 proposed policy updates covering superintendent qualifications, employee leave, student discipline, drug education, and more. The committee will also consider approving the minutes from its June 24, 2021 meeting. This is a procedural and informational discussion; no final board action is taken at this meeting.

• Review of CBA - Qualifications and Duties for the Superintendent
• Review of GCBDZ - Employee Leave policy
• Review of JFCF - Drugs in School policy
• Review of JGDZ-JGEZ - Student Suspension and Expulsion policy
• Approval of minutes from June 24, 2021 Policy Committee meeting

School Board Business Meeting

The Norfolk School Board will hold a business meeting on July 21, 2021, starting with a closed executive session at 4 p.m. regarding personnel and student matters. The public can comment via email until 4:30 p.m. on July 20, and the meeting will be streamed live.

• Closed executive session for personnel and student matters
• Policy review for nondiscrimination and student conduct
• Public comment deadline for July 20, 2021
• Live streaming of the meeting
• 100% identification verification required for entry

The School Board approved the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2022 through 2026. The board also approved a consent agenda including personnel actions and payroll reports. A motion to hold a public hearing regarding the Madison and Easton facility consolidation plans was introduced.

• Approved Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for FY2022-FY2026 (4-3)
• Approved personnel report for administrative, teacher, and classified staff (7-0)
• Approved Bills and Payroll Report for period ending June totaling $42,529,978.20 (7-0)
• Approved minutes for June 2, June 16, and June 22, 2021 (7-0)
• Approved Use of Facilities Report for period ending June 2021 (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed executive session (7-0)
• Approved resolution certifying executive closed session (7-0)

School Board Governance Training, July 9, 2021

The Norfolk Public Schools Board met for a full‑day governance training retreat on July 9, 2021. The session ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Camp Young, 145 Deepwater Dr., Chesapeake, VA. The agenda included a call to order, roll call, board governance training presented by AJ Crabill and Cindy Elsbernd, and adjournment. No policy decisions or votes were scheduled.

• Board Governance Training presented by AJ Crabill & Cindy Elsbernd
• Location: Camp Young, 145 Deepwater Dr., Chesapeake, VA
• Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Agenda items: Call to Order, Roll Call, Training, Adjournment

School Board Governance Training, July 8, 2021

The Norfolk City Public Schools Board convened a full‑day governance training retreat on July 8, 2021. The meeting took place at Camp Young, 145 Deepwater Dr., Chesapeake, VA, and ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The agenda consisted of procedural items, a training session led by AJ Crabill and Cindy Elsbernd, and review of the district’s five‑year strategic plan and board priorities. No formal decisions or votes were scheduled.

• Call to Order at 9:00 a.m.
• Board Governance Training session with presenters AJ Crabill & Cindy Elsbernd
• Presentation of 5‑year strategic plan strategies (technology, facilities, early learning, safety, equity, etc.)
• Discussion of board and division priorities such as accreditation, graduation rates, and educational equity
• Adjournment at 4:00 p.m.

School Board Organizational Meeting/Retreat, July 7, 2021

The Norfolk School Board will organize for the 2022 school year by electing a chair and vice chair, and will discuss preliminary SOL data and a five-year capital improvement plan.

• Elect Chair and Vice Chair of the School Board
• Review preliminary SOL data
• Review Five-year Capital Improvement Plan
• Discuss educational planning
• Review 2022-2026 CIP Project Detail Report

School Board Policy Committee Meeting, June 24, 2021

The Norfolk School Board Policy Committee met to review and discuss 40 proposed policies and regulations, including nondiscrimination, student conduct, and staff evaluation. The committee also approved minutes from the previous meeting.

• Review of 40 policies and regulations (ACZ, AD, AE, etc.)
• Approval of Policy Committee minutes from May 21, 2021
• Discussion on Superintendent evaluation (CBG)
• Review of student conduct and discipline policies (JFC, JGDA)
• Review of staff development and time schedules (GCL, GAA)

Special Call Meeting

The Norfolk School Board is meeting to discuss and vote on the superintendent's annual evaluation in a closed session, followed by an open session to consider employee bonuses. The meeting is held at the School Administration Building.

• Superintendent's annual summative assessment
• Employee bonus consideration
• Motion to enter closed executive session
• Resolution certifying executive closed session
• Five-Year Strategic Plan strategies

The School Board discussed allocating up to $500,000 for bonuses for long-term substitutes, part-time workers, bus drivers, and custodial staff. The board failed to pass a motion on the matter and tabled the item to the July 21 meeting for further research and a solid recommendation.

• Approved motion to enter closed session for superintendent's annual evaluation (7-0)
• Approved resolution certifying the executive closed session (6-0)
• Tabled employee bonus consideration for long-term subs and part-time staff to July 21

School Board Business Meeting--Closed Executive Session

The Norfolk City School Board will hold a closed executive session at 2 p.m. on June 16, 2021. The session will address the superintendent’s annual performance assessment, personnel matters, student support services, and legal issues including policies for transgender students. The Board will also vote to certify that the closed meeting complied with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

• Motion to enter executive closed session
• Superintendent’s annual summative assessment
• Personnel matters
• Legal matters (including discussion of transgender‑student policies)
• Resolution certifying the executive closed session

The School Board approved a consent agenda including personnel actions, the appointment of six School Board Advisory Committee members, and several district policies. The Board also approved the monthly financial report for the period ending May 31, 2021.

• Approved personnel report for administrative, teacher, and classified staff (7-0)
• Approved appointment of Emily Bebber, Sierra Johnson, Kathy Shambo, Andrew Sytsma, Akeia Holman-Boyd, and Nicole Anthony to SBAC (7-0)
• Approved policies on Family and Medical Leave, Leave Without Pay, Military Leave, Field Trips, Student Suspension/Expulsion, Suicide Prevention, and Relations with Law Enforcement (7-0)
• Approved May 5 and May 19, 2021 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved Monthly Financial Report showing revenue of $294,926,627 as of May 31, 2021 (7-0)
• Approved motion to allow Dr. Noëlle Gabriel to attend the meeting electronically (5-0)
• Approved resolution certifying the executive closed session (7-0)

School Board Work Session

The Norfolk School Board held a work session to discuss the FY 2022 Capital Improvement Plan, review policy amendments, and approve amendments to the 2021-2022 academic calendar to include the Juneteenth holiday.

• Discussion of FY 2022 Capital Improvement Plan
• Approval of amendments to SY21 & SY22 Academic Calendars (Juneteenth Holiday)
• Policy discussion on Employee Leave, Family and Medical Leave, and Student Suspension/Expulsion
• Review of Title I, II, III & IV Grants
• Review of Gifted Education Plan

The School Board reviewed a presentation from Cooperative Strategies regarding a Facilities Master Plan. The presentation included recommendations for rebuilding Maury High School and three elementary schools, as well as the consolidation of several other facilities. No formal votes were taken during this work session.

• Discussed recommended rebuilds for Maury High School, Granby ES, Jacox ES, and Norview ES
• Discussed recommended consolidations for Tidewater Park ES, Madison Alternative Center, Easton Pre-K, and Lindenwood ES
• Reviewed proposal to spend $165.7 million over five years on building envelope and HVAC renovations at 25+ schools

School Board Policy Committee Meeting, May 21, 2021

The Norfolk School Board Policy Committee will discuss and review 12 proposed policy changes, including updates to employee leave, student discipline, and suicide prevention procedures. The meeting will also cover the approval of minutes from the previous committee session.

• Review of Employee Leave policy (GCBDZ)
• Review of Student Suspension and Expulsion policies (JGDZ-JGEZ)
• Review of Suicide Prevention policies (JHH)
• Review of Field Trip policies (IICA)
• Approval of April 16, 2021 Policy Committee minutes

School Board Business Meeting

The Norfolk School Board will meet on May 19, 2021, for a business meeting that includes governance training with AJ Crabill and Cindy Elsbernd, a closed executive session to discuss personnel and student matters, and a regular business meeting with public comment opportunities. The meeting is held in hybrid format, with limited in-person attendance and live streaming.

• Governance training with AJ Crabill and Cindy Elsbernd (Council of Great City Schools)
• Motion to enter closed executive session for personnel, student, and legal matters
• Discussion of personnel matters (public personnel docket attached)
• Discussion of student support matters
• Resolution certifying closed executive session (vote required)

The School Board participated in governance training to draft SMART goals and superintendent guardrails. The Board also voted to enter and certify a closed executive session to discuss personnel and student support matters.

• Approved motion to enter closed executive session for personnel and student matters (7-0)
• Approved resolution certifying the executive closed session (7-0)

School Board Work Session

The Norfolk School Board held a work session to discuss academic priorities, including a proposal for renaming schools and updates on in-person learning. The meeting also covered collective bargaining, policy discussions, and the superintendent's annual evaluation.

• Renaming of Schools -- Community Engagement Proposal
• In-Person Learning Update
• Collective Bargaining
• Policy Discussion (Personnel Records, Media Relations)
• Discussion of the Superintendent's Annual Evaluation

The School Board held a work session to discuss new state legislation allowing collective bargaining and the potential process for renaming schools. No formal votes were taken on these items; the Board requested further reports and a future agenda item for collective bargaining.

• Tabled collective bargaining decision to July agenda pending review of VSBA report
• Requested separate September 2021 presentation on Virtual Scholars Academy performance
• Proposed review of Community Relations policies following a communications audit
• Discussed renaming process for W. H. Taylor ES, Ruffner Academy, and Maury HS

School Board Governance Training and Business Meeting

The Norfolk City Public Schools Board will hold a Governance Training at 3:00 p.m. followed by a Business Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on April 21, 2021. During the meeting the Board will vote on a motion to enter a closed executive session to discuss prospective personnel actions, student support services matters, and pending litigation. Public comments are accepted only by email, Zoom webinar registration, or live‑stream viewing, and the meeting will be streamed on the district’s Swagit and YouTube channels and on WNPS Channel 47.

• Governance Training at 3:00 p.m. with AJ Crabill and Cindy Elsbernd
• Motion to enter closed executive session (vote required) covering personnel, student support, and legal matters
• Public comment submission via email ([email protected]) or Zoom webinar registration
• Live streaming of the meeting on https://norfolkpublicschools.swagit.com/live/, YouTube, and WNPS Channel 47
• Location: School Administration Building, 800 E. City Hall Avenue, School Board Room, 12th floor

The School Board participated in governance training focused on improving student outcome tracking and agenda efficiency. The Board also voted to enter a closed executive session to discuss personnel, student records, and legal matters.

• Approved motion to enter closed executive session for personnel, student support services, and legal matters (7-0)

School Board Policy Committee Meeting, April 16, 2021

The School Board Policy Committee is meeting to review recommendations for several district policies and regulations. The committee will also discuss the minutes from the April 2, 2021, meeting.

• Review of Policy BDDC: Agenda Preparation and Dissemination
• Review of Policies GAE/JHG and JHG/GAE: Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting
• Review of Policy GBL: Personnel Records
• Discussion of Policy Minutes from April 2, 2021

School Board Governance Training & School Board Work Session

The Norfolk School Board is meeting for a governance training session and a work session. The meeting will be held in-person and streamed online due to pandemic restrictions. Public comments are not accepted during the work session.

• School Board Governance Training with AJ Crabill and Cindy Elsbernd
• Work Session
• Live streaming available via Swagit, YouTube, and Channel 47
• Public comments accepted via email until April 20, 2021
• In-person attendance limited by social distancing requirements

The School Board participated in training and role-play exercises to prepare for community engagement sessions. Members discussed and modified a script for public listening sessions and debated the timeline for using needs assessment data to set strategic goals.

• Introduced Valbrun Consulting Group to create the NPS Strategic Plan
• Agreed to provide email feedback on the community engagement script by April 15
• Scheduled community listening sessions to occur between April 14 and May 15
• Consensus reached to combine higher education and faith-based groups into single meetings
• Agreed to convene a feedback group consisting of individuals who chose private schools over NPS

School Board Policy Committee Meeting, April 2, 2021

The Norfolk School Board Policy Committee is meeting to discuss and recommend updates to a comprehensive list of school board policies, covering topics from powers and duties to student discipline and community involvement. The committee will also review and approve minutes from its previous meeting on February 19, 2021. No votes on final adoption are expected; the committee's recommendations will go to the full board.

• Review of over 30 policies including BBA (School Board Powers and Duties), GCBA (Staff Salary Schedules), IGAH (Family Life Education), and JM (Restraint and Seclusion of Students)
• Discussion of Regulation IGBCZ-R on Parental and Family Engagement under Title I
• Approval of policy committee minutes from February 19, 2021

School Board Business Meeting, March 17, 2021

This is a largely procedural business meeting. The board will call the meeting to order, take roll call, and then vote to enter a closed executive session to discuss personnel matters (hiring, salaries, discipline) and student support matters (discipline, records). After the closed session, the board will vote on a resolution certifying that the closed session complied with Virginia's Freedom of Information Act. Public comments were accepted via Zoom or email prior to the meeting.

• Motion to enter closed executive session for personnel and student discipline discussions
• Resolution certifying executive session compliance with Virginia FOIA (vote required)
• Public comments accepted via Zoom registration or email by March 16 at 4:30 p.m.
• Meeting streamed live on Swagit, YouTube, and Ch. 47

The School Board approved the consent agenda, including the personnel report, student support services report, and the January bills and payroll report. The Board also approved the monthly financial report as of February 28, 2021.

• Approved Bills and Payroll Report for period ending January totaling $35,624,002.16 (7-0)
• Approved Monthly Financial Report as of February 28, 2021 (7-0)
• Approved Personnel Report (7-0)
• Approved Student Support Services Report (7-0)
• Approved minutes for Jan. 13, Jan. 20, Feb. 3, 17, and 24 (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed executive session (7-0)
• Approved resolution certifying executive closed session (6-0, 1 abstain)

School Board (Three-member panel) Expulsion Reinstatement Review

A three-member panel of the School Board met in a closed executive session to review a student appeal hearing. The panel considered a motion to uphold the superintendent's recommendation regarding the expulsion reinstatement.

• Disposition of the Student Appeal Hearing

School Board Special Call Meeting to Discuss the Budget, Fund Balance Re-appropriations, and Lake Taylor School Update

The Norfolk School Board will hold a special call meeting to discuss the superintendent's proposed budget, fund balance re-appropriations, and an update on Lake Taylor School. No public comment will be taken; the meeting will be streamed online. The board is not expected to vote on these items at this meeting.

• Presentation of FY2022 superintendent's proposed budget and fund balance re-appropriations
• Discussion of Lake Taylor School update including a proposal presentation from February 2021
• Meeting held virtually due to COVID-19 with no public comment
• Board adopts five-year strategic plan strategies and priorities for 2021

The Board discussed the FY2022 proposed budget, including teacher starting salaries and fund balance re-appropriations. Members reached consensus on growing Pre-K programs, supporting childcare, and maintaining the name of Lake Taylor School. No formal votes were taken on the budget or fund balance, which are scheduled for March 17, 2021.

• Approved electronic participation of Dr. Adale Martin (4-0-2)
• Reached consensus to support growth and recovery of Pre-K enrollment
• Reached consensus to support childcare
• Agreed to keep the name Lake Taylor School and its technology focus
• Agreed that the Superintendent will provide City Council a plan for CIP-Strategic planning regarding fund balance

Norfolk City Council Joint Meeting with the Norfolk School Board

The Norfolk City Council and Norfolk School Board will hold a joint meeting on March 9, 2021. The agenda contains only a call to order and procedural information; no specific discussions, votes, or action items are listed.

• Only a call to order is scheduled; no rezonings, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings are on the agenda.

School Board Work Session, March 3, 2021

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board will hold a work session to review the Superintendent's proposed budget for the 2021-2022 school year and discuss plans for summer learning programs. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

• Superintendent's Proposed Budget for SY2021-2022
• Plans to Address Learning Loss (Summer Programming 20-21)
• Public Hearing on the Budget
• Motion to Enter Closed Executive Session (CANCELLED)

The School Board held a work session and public hearing to review the Superintendent's proposed budget and plans to address student learning loss through summer programming. No formal votes were taken on the budget or other proposals during this session.

• Reviewed proposed SY2021-2022 General Operating Budget of $349.3 million
• Discussed proposed teacher starting pay increase from $44,220 to $47,000
• Discussed proposed average pay raises: 5.1% for teachers, 5.0% for classified employees, and 3.0% for administrators
• Reviewed $17 million in Capital Improvement Projects
• Discussed Summer Programming 20-21 to address learning loss
• Closed public hearing on the budget at 7:21 p.m.
• Cancelled motion to enter into closed executive session

Special Call Meeting, February 24, 2021

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board will hold a special call meeting via Zoom to discuss the superintendent's performance in a closed executive session. The meeting will also include a procedural resolution to certify the closed session.

• Closed session to discuss superintendent's performance
• Resolution certifying closed executive session
• Meeting held via Online Zoom Meeting
• Public comments not accepted during meeting

The School Board convened a Special Call Meeting conducted via Zoom. The board entered a closed executive session to discuss the performance of the superintendent and subsequently certified that the session complied with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

• Approved motion to enter closed session for superintendent performance discussion (7-0)
• Approved resolution certifying the closed executive session (5-0)

School Board Policy Committee Meeting, Feb. 19, 2021

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board Policy Committee is meeting to discuss and review policies and regulations recommendations, as well as approve minutes from the previous meeting on Jan. 15, 2021. The agenda is largely procedural.

• Review of policies and regulations recommendations
• Approval of policy committee minutes from Jan. 15, 2021

School Board Business Meeting, February 17, 2021

The Norfolk School Board will receive an update on the return to in-person learning during the pandemic. The board will then vote to enter a closed executive session to discuss personnel and student disciplinary matters.

• NPS Return to In-Person Learning Update (workshop item)
• Motion to Enter Closed Executive Session for personnel and student matters
• Public comments submitted in advance (attached)

The School Board approved the personnel report and the bills and payroll report totaling $36,155,011.37. Members also approved the monthly financial report showing revenue of $164,651,445 as of January 31, 2021. A workshop was held to discuss a five-step plan for returning students to in-person learning.

• Approved Bills and Payroll Report totaling $36,155,011.37 (7-0)
• Approved Monthly Financial Report (7-0)
• Approved Personnel Report (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda minus January minutes (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed executive session for personnel and legal matters (7-0)
• Approved resolution certifying the executive closed session (7-0)

School Board (Three-member panel) Student Expulsion Reinstatement Hearing

A three-member panel of the Norfolk School Board is meeting in closed executive session to discuss student disciplinary matters involving expulsion. Following the closed session, the panel will vote on whether to uphold the superintendent's recommendation regarding a student's expulsion reinstatement appeal.

• Motion to enter closed executive session under Virginia FOIA to discuss student disciplinary records.
• Resolution certifying that the closed meeting complied with Virginia law.
• Vote on whether to uphold the superintendent's recommendation on the student expulsion reinstatement hearing.

School Board Retreat (Governance Training), Feb. 6, 2021

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board is holding a retreat to discuss governance training and review strategic priorities. The meeting is an online Zoom conference streamed live.

• School Board Retreat (Governance Training)
• Review of 5-Year Strategic Plan Strategies
• Review of Board and Division Priorities
• Meeting held via Zoom due to COVID-19
• Adjournment at 12:30 p.m.

School Board Retreat, Feb. 5, 2021

The Norfolk City Public Schools Board held an online retreat on Feb 5, 2021 via Zoom. Board members will review the retreat schedule, receive updates on St. Paul’s Quadrant and Lake Taylor School, and discuss a re‑branding and naming process for schools. No formal decisions are listed; the items are for discussion and review.

• Welcome & Review of Retreat Schedule/Ice Breaker (item 2.01)
• St. Paul's Quadrant overview and update (item 2.02)
• Re‑branding of schools and policy discussion of FFA (naming of schools) (item 2.03)
• Lake Taylor School updates (item 2.04)

School Board Retreat, Feb. 4, 2021

The School Board is conducting a retreat to discuss educational planning and governance training. The meeting includes updates on capital improvement plans and specialty programs.

• Cooperative Strategies update
• Capital Improvement Plans updates
• Specialty Program updates
• Governance Training session from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

School Board Work Session, Feb. 3, 2021

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board will hold a work session on Feb. 3, 2021, to discuss strategic priorities and conduct a closed executive session to evaluate the superintendent's performance and consult with legal counsel.

• Work session to discuss 5-year strategic plan and board priorities
• Closed executive session to evaluate superintendent's performance
• Closed executive session for consultation with legal counsel

The School Board held a closed executive session to evaluate the superintendent's performance and consult with legal counsel. The board also received presentations on a clean financial audit, virtual learning survey results, and proposed 2021-2022 academic calendars.

• Approved motion to enter closed session for superintendent performance evaluation and legal briefing (7-0)
• Approved resolution certifying the executive closed session was conducted in accordance with Virginia law (7-0)
• Approved motion to amend the agenda to move the SY2021-2022 Academic Calendar item (7-0)

School Board (Three-member panel) Student Expulsion Reinstatement Hearing

A three-member panel of the School Board is meeting to conduct a student expulsion reinstatement hearing. The board will meet in a closed executive session to discuss student disciplinary matters and scholastic records before voting on the appeal.

• Student Expulsion Reinstatement Hearing
• Vote on the disposition of the student appeal hearing

School Board Business Meeting, January 20, 2021

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board is holding a business meeting via Zoom. The board is proposing to enter a closed executive session to discuss personnel matters and candidates for school board committees.

• Motion to enter closed session for personnel discussions and committee appointments
• Review of School Board Advisory Committee applications
• Resolution to certify the executive closed session

The School Board approved its budget priorities and updated policies regarding charter schools and student suspension/expulsion. The Board also appointed members to several School Board Advisory Committees (SBAC).

• Approved School Board Budget Priorities (7-0)
• Approved policy revisions for Charter Schools (LC and LC-E) and Student Suspension/Expulsion (JDGZ) (7-0)
• Approved applicants for GEAC, CTEAC, SHAC, and SEAC advisory committees (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including Personnel, Bills & Payroll, and Use of Facilities reports (7-0)
• Approved minutes for November 4, November 18, December 2, and December 16, 2020 (7-0)
• Certified the executive closed session conducted on January 20, 2021 (7-0)

School Board Policy Committee Meeting, Jan. 15, 2021

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board Policy Committee convened on Jan. 15, 2021, to discuss policy recommendations and review minutes from a previous meeting. The agenda includes a proposal regarding the naming of school facilities and the approval of the December 18, 2020, meeting minutes.

• Discussion on naming school facilities
• Review of Policy Committee Meeting Minutes from Dec. 18, 2020
• Consideration of policies and regulations recommendations

School Board Work Session, Jan. 13, 2021

The School Board is holding a work session to discuss academic performance and instructional updates. The meeting includes a review of reading and math assessment data and an update on the district's instructional plan.

• PALS Assessment Results for Reading and Math
• NPS Instructional Plan Update

The School Board held a work session to review student literacy data, the instructional plan for returning to in-person learning, and student performance monitoring. No formal votes were taken during this session; however, the Board discussed a pending vote for the School Resource Officer MOU scheduled for January 20, 2021.

• No substantive decisions were made; this was a work session