Montgomery County Public Schools public meetings in 2021
28 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Board met to discuss one employee matter and seven student disciplinary matters in a closed session. The meeting also included the adoption of the agenda and certification of the closed session proceedings.
- Closed session regarding one (1) employee matter
- Closed session regarding seven (7) student matters
- Certification of closed session legality
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a regular session, entering closed session for two student disciplinary matters, then reconvening to handle routine business. The board approved a $1,135,771 grant proposal for ESSER III-funded after-school and summer programs, and authorized a request to the Board of Supervisors for a $2,259,387 supplemental appropriation to the 2021-2022 operating budget. The agenda also included recognitions, a public hearing on the safe return plan, and consent items.
- Approved grant proposal for ESSER III Set-Aside Competitive Awards totaling $1,135,771 for after-school and summer programs
- Authorized request for $2,259,387 supplemental appropriation to 2021-2022 School Operating Budget
- Approved payment of bills totaling $11,440,545.19
- Approved out-of-state field trips for Blacksburg High School (Princeton WV, Arlington TX, Washington DC)
- Approved RFQ for Construction Manager at Risk for Christiansburg High School renovation
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held its regular session, approving consent items, financial reports, and several action items. The board also discussed staff vaccinations, the 2022-2023 budget, and calendar updates. The meeting included recognition of four seniors of the month and public address.
- Approved payment of bills totaling $9,421,564.91 for FY 2021-2022
- Approved MCEF 2021 Fall Grant Cycle application for 22 projects totaling $22,025
- Approved additional teacher workdays for second semester 2021-2022
- Approved out-of-state field trips for BHS and CHS sports teams
- Discussed staff vaccinations and 2022-2023 budget planning
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a joint session with the Board of Supervisors to discuss construction updates and funding for the Christiansburg High School project, as well as legislative priorities. The board also approved the payment of bills totaling $7,528,456.19 and the personnel report. Upcoming meetings were outlined, including budget discussions and policy reviews.
- Update on Christiansburg construction projects
- Discussion on funding for Christiansburg High School project
- Proposed legislative priorities for Board of Supervisors
- Approved payment of bills: $7,528,456.19
- Approved personnel report
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a special session to approve revisions to the 2021-2022 school calendar. The board voted to add three full-day teacher workdays before January 2022 and to make November 1 a holiday for all employees. The board also discussed upcoming meetings, including a joint meeting with the Board of Supervisors and a discussion on a COVID vaccination mandate for staff.
- Approved three additional teacher workdays: Oct. 29, Nov. 15, Dec. 9
- Changed Nov. 1 to a holiday for all employees
- Upcoming joint meeting with Board of Supervisors on Oct. 19
- Nov. 9 meeting to include COVID vaccination mandate discussion
- Nov. 16 legislative meeting scheduled
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held its regular session on October 5, 2021, approving the payment of bills totaling $6,876,858.60 and a motion to increase pay for instructional aides starting November 1. The board also discussed staff vaccination mandates, teacher classroom displays, and legislative priorities, and entered closed session for personnel, legal, and student matters.
- Approved payment of bills totaling $6,876,858.60 for FY 2021-2022
- Approved motion to increase pay for instructional aides beginning November 1
- Discussed mandated staff vaccinations (agenda amended to include this)
- Discussed teacher displays in classrooms relative to policies 5-1.5, 5-3.4, 6-1.7, 6-5.5
- Recognized Brian Light as Support Staff Employee of the Year
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a work session on September 21, 2021, covering routine procedural items, a closed session for student matters, and several action items. The board approved consent items, including an out-of-state field trip and a milk cooler grant, as well as a $6,035,888.64 payment of bills. The most consequential action was approving six grant partnerships with Virginia Tech totaling $29,893,651 in requests, with an estimated direct benefit to MCPS of $47,400.
- Approved $29,893,651 in Virginia Tech grant partnerships (6 grants), including $25,000,000 ARIES Center and $1,886,155 Talent Search
- Approved payment of bills totaling $6,035,888.64 for FY 2021-2022
- Approved $8,000 grant for two milk coolers at Harding Avenue Elementary and Christiansburg Middle
- Approved out-of-state field trip for BMS 7th/8th grade band and choir to Carowinds, Charlotte NC, $100 per student
- Approved CRSSA funding application for hiring positions and pay scale adjustments
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held its regular session on September 7, 2021, approving consent items, financial reports, and several grant proposals. Key actions included approving a $821,812 grant for Chromebooks for grades 1-3, a $50,000 grant for IT course pathways, and revisions to Policy 5-7.5 on leave. The board also received updates on Christiansburg High construction, the CRSSA application, and COVID-19 response plans.
- Approved $821,812 grant for 2,116 Chromebooks for grades 1-3
- Approved $50,000 grant for IT Course Pathways - Year Two
- Approved revisions to Policy 5-7.5 (Leave) to align with FMLA and add bereavement leave
- Approved payment of bills totaling $5,252,663.33
- Approved out-of-state field trips for multiple schools
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a work session and business meeting, approving several policies and actions. The most consequential item was the approval of Policy 7-1.5 on the treatment of transgender and gender-expansive students, which passed with two opposing votes. The board also approved a revised superintendent's contract, revisions to the citizen participation policy, and other routine items.
- Approved Policy 7-1.5 on transgender and gender-expansive students (4-2, with Bond and Partin opposed)
- Approved revised superintendent's contract (4-3, with Cherbaka, Franklin, and Kass opposed)
- Approved revisions to Policy 1-6.8 removing street address requirement for public comment
- Approved out-of-state field trips for AHS and BHS sports teams (no cost to students)
- Updated masking guidance to align with CDC recommendations
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held its regular session, entering closed session for legal advice, hearing public comments on COVID-19 masking and transgender student policies, and approving financial reports. The board voted to start the school year with universal indoor masking for students, while staff may go unmasked when students are not present, with a review scheduled for September 7.
- Approved payment of bills totaling $3,019,138.30 for FY 2021-2022
- Voted to start school with universal indoor masking for students; staff can be unmasked when students are not in the classroom or work area
- Heard public comments on COVID-19 masking and transgender student policy proposals
- Entered closed session to discuss one legal matter with legal counsel
- Approved electronic participation for board member Mark Cherbaka
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held an additional meeting to approve year-end budget actions, all passing unanimously. The board authorized requests to the Board of Supervisors for re-appropriating unspent operating funds, transferring capital project balances, and carrying over encumbered purchase orders into the next fiscal year.
- Approved re-appropriating $2,532,980 in unspent operating funds and excess revenue to FY2021-22
- Approved transferring $2,510,904.86 for renovations at Christiansburg Elementary, Christiansburg Primary, Belview Elementary, and property at Harding Avenue Elementary
- Approved re-appropriating $751,988.17 for ongoing school capital projects
- Approved re-appropriating $26,915,259.32 in encumbered purchase orders from 2020-2021 to 2021-2022
- Approved electronic participation for two board members who were out of town
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a public hearing on the 2021-22 Health and Safety Plan, with several residents expressing concerns about lack of masking protocols for unvaccinated students and communication. The board also approved the agenda, allowed electronic participation, and approved consent items including minutes and a grant.
- Public hearing on 2021-22 Health and Safety Plan
- Approval of MCEF grant proposal for $1,000
- Approval of minutes from Feb-May 2021 meetings
- Electronic meeting participation approved for Mark Cherbaka
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board met virtually in a closed session to evaluate the superintendent, as permitted by Virginia law. The board voted to enter the closed session, returned to open session, and certified the closed session complied with legal requirements. The agenda also listed upcoming board meetings, including a public hearing on the 2021-2022 Health and Safety Plan.
- Closed session for superintendent's evaluation
- Certification of closed session compliance with Virginia FOIA
- Upcoming July 13 meeting: Public Hearing for 2021-2022 Health and Safety Plan
- Upcoming August 3 meeting: Innovation Update on VaLIN and GoVirginia
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a work session, entering closed session for personnel matters and the superintendent's evaluation, then returned to open session. The board approved payment of bills totaling $20,601,532.89 for FY 2020-2021 and authorized the superintendent to approve final June and July invoices for fiscal year close-out. The board also reviewed legislative policy updates (first reading) covering topics like electronic meetings, carbon monoxide detectors, and school meal debt, with approval planned for the July 13 meeting.
- Approved payment of bills totaling $20,601,532.89 for FY 2020-2021
- Authorized superintendent to approve final June FY2020-21 and July FY2021-22 invoices
- First reading of policy updates from 2021 General Assembly, including HB 1931 (electronic meetings), HB 1823 (carbon monoxide detectors), HB 1998 (lockdown drills reduced to two annually), HB 2013 (prohibits lawsuits over school meal debt), and SB 1225 (broadband services for education)
- Closed session for personnel matters and superintendent's evaluation
- Public address guidelines: 30 minutes total, 3 minutes per speaker
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board is meeting in a special closed session to evaluate the superintendent and discuss one personnel matter and one legal matter. The board will also certify the closed session complied with Virginia law and approve a personnel report. This is a procedural meeting with no public policy decisions.
- Closed session for superintendent's evaluation
- Closed session for one personnel matter and one legal matter
- Certification of closed session compliance with Virginia FOIA
- Approval of personnel report
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a public hearing on the 2021-2022 operating budget and discussed the final budget, which will be approved at the June 15 meeting. The board also discussed the 2021-22 school start plan, including face covering guidance, field trips, and facility use. Several advisory committee memberships were presented for future approval. The board approved paying bills totaling $19,437,377.97 and entered closed session for personnel matters.
- Public hearing for 2021-2022 operating budget
- Payment of bills FY 2020-2021: $19,437,377.97
- Discussion on 2021-22 school start plan (masks, field trips, facility use)
- Advisory committee memberships for CTE, SEAC, Safety Audit, School Health
- Closed session for personnel matters
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a virtual meeting that included a closed session for personnel matters, approval of the personnel report, and a visioning session for the Christiansburg High School academic wing design presented by Josh Bower of Crabtree. The board also reviewed upcoming meeting dates and agenda items.
- Closed session to discuss one personnel matter, authorized under Virginia Code 2.2-3711(A)(1)
- Approved personnel report for May 25, 2021, with addendum
- CHS Visioning Session: design update for Christiansburg High School academic wing by Josh Bower of Crabtree
- Upcoming June 1 public hearing and approval of 2021-2022 operating budget
- Future policy first readings: Student Code of Conduct (7-3.1) and Suspensions/Expulsions (7-3.2) on July 13
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a retreat with team building and a collective bargaining discussion with Sands Anderson. The board approved the personnel report, acknowledged the April financial summary, and approved payment of bills totaling $18,099,244.32. Upcoming meetings include a public hearing on the 2021-2022 operating budget and first readings of several policies.
- Approved payment of bills for FY 2020-2021 totaling $18,099,244.32
- Approved personnel report for May 18, 2021
- Acknowledged financial summary report for April
- Discussed collective bargaining with Sands Anderson
- Upcoming public hearing on 2021-2022 operating budget on June 1
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board is meeting to approve the 2021-2022 operating budget for submission to the Board of Supervisors, along with the 2021-2022 pay plan and the school nutrition budget. The board also approved the payment of bills totaling $16,867,130.63 and several grant proposals. The meeting includes recognition of the May Senior of the Month and Teacher of the Year awardees.
- Approved 2021-2022 Operating Budget for submission to Board of Supervisors
- Approved 2021-2022 pay plan reflecting average 3% pay increase
- Approved payment of bills totaling $16,867,130.63
- Approved grants including $8,000 for a vision screener and $764 for science grants
- Recognized Amber Pogue as Teacher of the Year and four Seniors of the Month
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a work session covering financial approvals, field trips, and policy discussions. The board approved paying $16,384,408.46 in bills, authorized a $227,505 supplemental appropriation request to the Board of Supervisors, and approved an out-of-state field trip for Shawsville Middle School's Jr. Beta Club. They also received updates on the 2021-2022 operating budget and strategic plan, and voted to have the board attorney attend every other meeting starting June 2021.
- Approved payment of bills totaling $16,384,408.46 for FY 2020-2021
- Authorized request for $227,505 supplemental appropriation for eRate reimbursements and STEM/student services grants
- Approved SMS Jr. Beta Club field trip to Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando FL, June 28-July 1, 2021, cost $1500/student
- Voted to have board attorney attend every other board meeting beginning June 2021
- Received update on 2021-2022 operating budget based on Board of Supervisors' April 19 approval
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a regular session that included a closed session for legal matters, followed by a return to open session and certification. The board heard public comments from numerous residents, many urging the district to establish racism prevention strategies and anti-harassment policies, particularly in response to anti-Asian incidents. The agenda also included recognitions for Senior of the Month and School Library Month.
- Closed session to discuss legal matters under Virginia Code 2.2-3711
- Public comments: 30+ residents called for anti-racism education and policies
- April Senior of the Month: Jordan Paige Lockhart, Chidera Joy Nwaihesie, Jaanai Mequensi Smith, Brandon Keith Edwards
- School Library Month presentation by school librarians
- Superintendent announcements by Dr. Miear
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a development session and a joint work session with the Board of Supervisors. The board approved routine items including a personnel report, payment of bills totaling $14,103,335.03, and an out-of-state field trip. The joint session discussed the school board's funding request for 2021-2022, the proposed county budget, and an update on the Christiansburg High School construction project.
- Approved payment of bills totaling $14,103,335.03 for FY 2020-2021
- Approved personnel report for March 16, 2021
- Approved out-of-state field trip for AHS golf to New River Country Club (March 11, 2021, $0 cost)
- Discussed School Board Funding Request for 2021-2022
- Reviewed design update for Christiansburg High School additions and renovation
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board met on March 2, 2021, and approved a $5.1 million funding request for the 2021-2022 school year, along with other financial and policy items. The board also received updates on the Phase 3, Level 3 reopening plan, the Christiansburg High School renovation, and the Virtual School Program expansion. Public comment included a request to keep the virtual program for the next school year.
- Approved School Board Funding Request for 2021-2022 requesting $5.1 million from the Board of Supervisors (vote 6-1, Cherbaka opposed)
- Approved payment of bills totaling $12,825,225.95 for FY 2020-2021
- Authorized request for categorical appropriation reclassification of $635,809 in FY 2020-2021 operating budget
- Approved expansion of Virtual School Program to grades K-5 (policy 7-2.4 first reading)
- Approved appointment of Morgan Woods as Deputy Clerk
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a special session to vote on the superintendent's proposal to move schools to Phase 3, Level 3, effective March 8, 2021. The board also considered and moved several funding requests to the March 2 meeting. The motion to move to Phase 3, Level 3 passed 4-3.
- Voted 4-3 to move to Phase 3, Level 3 effective March 8, 2021
- Moved School Board Funding Request for 2021-2022 to March 2
- Moved School Nutrition Funding Request for 2021-2022 to March 2
- Moved FY 20-21 categorical appropriation reclassification of $635,809 to March 2
- Upcoming meetings include a joint meeting with Board of Supervisors on March 16
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board will hold a work session to discuss a proposed phase/level change for school operations, with a presentation from the administration. The board will also consider consent items, including several grant proposals, and will receive public comments, including one urging approval of retirement benefits for aides. Financial reports and a request for a categorical appropriation reclassification are also on the agenda, though some business items were moved to the next meeting.
- Discussion of Phase/Level Change proposal for school operations
- Consent items: grant proposals for Barter Players at MBES ($1,000), BHS Computer Science Amazon Future Engineer ($2,500), and MCEF grants (various amounts)
- Payment of bills FY 2020-2021 totaling $11,983,591.39
- Request for categorical appropriation reclassification of $635,809 (moved to next meeting)
- Public comments on retirement benefits for aides and reopening flexibility
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held a virtual regular session, taking action on several items including ending COVID leave for employees, approving SOL testing guidelines, and approving the 2021-22 programs of studies. The board also discussed the superintendent's proposed operating budget and received an update on COVID data.
- Approved discontinuing COVID leave for employees on March 24, 2021 (motion carried 5-2)
- Approved $11,080,699.21 in bill payments for FY 2020-2021
- Authorized request for $837,375 supplemental appropriation from Board of Supervisors
- Approved SOL/EOC emergency guidelines for 2020-21, including locally-awarded verified credits
- Approved Middle and High School Programs of Studies 2021-22, adding three new courses (Theatre Arts, Corps of Cadets III, Welding III)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held its regular session on Jan. 19, 2021, approving consent items, financial reports, and a policy update. The board voted to move to Instructional Phase 3, Level 2 effective Jan. 26, with one member opposed. It also received the superintendent's proposed 2021-2022 operating budget and discussed SOL emergency guidelines, but a motion to allow virtual public comment failed.
- Approved payment of bills totaling $10,653,970.93 for FY 2020-2021
- Approved grant proposals: $500 for Auburn High School STEM and $5,000 for middle school robotics teams
- Moved to Instructional Phase 3, Level 2 effective Jan. 26 (vote 5-1, Sue Kass opposed)
- Failed motion to allow virtual public participation at all board meetings (2-4)
- Approved updated Policy 1-1.5 (Mission Statement, Beliefs, Objectives)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2002 – 2026)
The Montgomery County School Board held its annual reorganization meeting, electing officers and making appointments for 2021. The board approved the agenda, elected Marti Graham as chair and Penny Franklin as vice chair, and appointed Brenda Drake as clerk. It also approved committee appointments, reaffirmed several resolutions including hiring practices and inclusivity, and scheduled 2021 meeting dates.
- Elected Marti Graham as chair (4-1-2 vote) and Penny Franklin as vice chair (unanimous)
- Appointed Brenda Drake as Clerk; Becky Shanks and Mark Miear as Deputy Clerks
- Approved 2021 meeting calendar with meetings at 7:00 p.m.
- Reaffirmed Hiring Practices Resolution, updated to include diversity
- Approved School Board Norms and Protocols replacing 1998 protocols