Winchester Public School Board public meetings in 2025
26 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held its regular December meeting at the Central Administrative Office. Members approved routine items via consent agenda, received reports on family engagement, preschool programs, and special education, and voted to update policy IGBA for students with disabilities and adopt the 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan. The board then recessed to closed session to discuss personnel matters before reconvening to approve hiring recommendations.
- Approved 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan
- Updated Policy IGBA for students with disabilities
- Approved personnel recommendations from closed session including instructional candidates, admin stipends, substitute teachers, and support staff
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held its regular November 24 meeting at the Central Administrative Office. The board approved routine items via consent agenda, including minutes, bills, and facility usage. It also approved lease agreements for Handley Trust properties and selected VMDO Architects for a $500,000 campus study at Garland Quarles Elementary School.
- Approved $500,000 contract with VMDO Architects for Garland Quarles Elementary School campus study
- Approved lease agreements with Handley Trust (HBOT and Jefferson Terminus properties)
- Approved bus purchases including 77P and 77SPED models
- Approved 2026 School Board meeting schedule
- Approved minor and major policy revisions including emergency management updates
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board met to approve budget carry-forwards from FY25 to FY26 and new FY26 funds. The board also reviewed an annual equity report and school improvement plans. A closed session was held to determine personnel recommendations for stipends, substitute teachers, and support staff.
- Approval of resolution for carry-forward from FY25 to FY26 and new FY26 funds
- Approval of personnel recommendations for coaching, admin, and musical stipends, substitute teachers, and support staff
- Review of the Annual Equity Report and 2025-26 Division and School Support Plans
- Approval of minor policy revisions including student conduct on buses and home instruction
- Approval of September 2025 monthly finance report and facility usage
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board will hold a work session to receive a facility condition assessment from Gordian and a staffing report from Human Resources. The board will also review several policies and consider minor policy revisions. The meeting includes a closed session to discuss personnel matters such as stipends and staffing.
- Gordian Facility Condition Assessment presentation by Director of Operations Ed Smith
- Staffing and demographic report from Human Resources Director Dr. V. Douglas Joyner
- Review of policies including class size, school board powers, and professional staff leaves
- Minor policy revisions on student representatives, Section 504, student conduct, and harassment
- Closed session for personnel matters including superintendent assessment and coaching stipends
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board is holding a fall retreat to review strategic performance metrics and planning. The board will discuss the Empower 2025 and Elevate 2030 plans, as well as construction priorities for GQES.
- Empower 2025 Scorecard Review
- Elevate 2030 KPI and Strategy Review
- GQES Renovation/Construction-Priorities & Impact discussion
- Closed session to discuss personnel performance
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a special meeting to address a specific action item. The board voted to approve the VDOE Cut Scores Resolution.
- Approval of the VDOE Cut Scores Resolution
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board approved the Elevate 2030 strategic plan, a multi-year framework for the district. The board also received reports on AP enrollment and performance, an early childhood special education program update, and a student voice project. A consent agenda including minutes, bills, a monthly finance report, facility usage, and CTE advisory items was approved. The board then entered closed session to discuss personnel matters.
- Approval of Elevate 2030 strategic plan
- AP Enrollment and Performance Review report
- ECSE Program Update report
- Student Voice Project report
- Closed session for personnel matters (candidates, stipends, substitutes, resignations)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board will hear reports on Standards of Learning (SOL) summary data, a renovation study for Garland Quarles Elementary School, and a school activity funds audit. The board will also go into closed session to discuss personnel matters including stipends and substitute teachers.
- SOL Summary Report presented by Superintendent Dr. Van Heukelum
- Garland Quarles Elementary School Architectural Study RFP presented by Director of Operations Ed Smith
- School Activity Funds Audit presented by Director of Finance Holly McDonald
- Closed session to discuss personnel matters including administrative, musical, and coaching stipends
- Consent agenda includes approval of minutes and bills
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board met to approve personnel recommendations for the 2025-2026 school year and categorical budget transfers for FY25. The board also reviewed the gifted program and received a back-to-school update.
- Approval of categorical classification fund transfers for FY25
- Approval of personnel recommendations for 2025-2026 instructional positions, coaching, club, and admin stipends
- Annual review of the Gifted Program
- Approval of the 2025-2026 School Board visit schedule
- Approval of VSBA Delegate and Alternate Delegate
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board approved a $912,613.95 food service contract with Merchant's Food Company for the 2025 Nutrition Services food bid. The board also received updates on summer programming and the Strategic Plan 2030, and discussed future action items including SEAC nominations and a school visit schedule. The meeting included a closed session to discuss personnel matters and emergency management plans.
- Approved Nutrition Services food bid award to Merchant's Food Company for $912,613.95
- Received Summer Programming Update from Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Buckley
- Discussed Strategic Plan 2030 (Elevate 2030) with KPI scorecards
- Future action items: 2025 SEAC Nominations, School Board Visit Schedule, VSBA Delegate & Alternate Delegate
- Closed session for personnel matters including coaching stipends and emergency management plans
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board will hold a closed session to discuss specific employee performance, as permitted by Virginia law. The board will then reconvene in open session to certify that only permitted matters were discussed.
- Closed session for discussion of specific employee performance under Va. Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(1).
- Certification vote after closed session to confirm only allowed topics were discussed.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board approved insurance coverage and updated food service policies. The board also received reports on elementary weapons detector implementation and the Judges IX annual report.
- Approved Property and Casualty and Workers Compensation insurance with VACORP for $401,761
- Approved revisions to Policy EFB regarding School Nutrition/Food Services
- Approved JROTC application
- Report on Elementary Weapons Detector Implementation
- Approved personnel recommendations for 2025-2026 instructional positions, support staff, and stipends
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board will hear reports on adopting new math textbooks for grades 6-12, an update on the Valley Health Clinic, and grading practices for the 2025-2026 school year. The board will also discuss future action items including property and casualty insurance renewal and a JROTC application. The meeting will conclude with a closed session for personnel matters.
- Math textbook adoption for grades 6-12 presented by Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Buckley
- Valley Health Clinic update from Student Services Coordinator Dr. Silvia Restivo
- Grading practices and guidelines for 2025-2026 presented
- Property and casualty insurance renewal for FY26 presented by Director of Operations Ed Smith
- JROTC application update presented by Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Buckley
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board met to approve federal grants and a series of policy updates. The board also recognized student achievements and appointed a new member to the Museum and Archive Board.
- Approval of Federal Grants
- Appointment of Ray Frantz to the Museum and Archive Board
- Major policy revisions for School Nutrition (EFB) and Textbook Selection and Adoption (IIAA)
- Approval of 2025-2026 School Board Student Representatives
- Approval of Migrant Education Regional Program agreements for 2025-2026
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a work session to review staff reports and discuss policy revisions. The board approved personnel recommendations for instructional, licensed, and support positions for the upcoming school year.
- Approval of 2025 VSBA Excellence in Workforce Readiness Award Application
- Personnel approvals for 2025-2026 instructional/licensed positions, substitute teachers, and support staff
- Review of Strategic Plan 2030
- Discussion of major policy revisions for textbook selection (IIAA) and food services (EFB)
- Reports on ASCA, WISH Grant, and Technology Department annual highlights
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester School Board will vote on staff retention bonuses for FY26, pending state budget passage, and approve $56,250 in scholarships for 2025 graduates. The board will also consider FY25 budget amendments, minor policy revisions, and the Special Education Annual Plan. A closed session is scheduled to discuss personnel matters including hiring, coaching stipends, and resignations.
- Retention bonus scenario #2 approved pending FY26 state budget passage
- $56,250 in scholarships approved for 2025 John Handley High School graduates
- FY25 budget amendments approved as presented
- Special Education Annual Plan for 2025-2026 approved on consent agenda
- Minor policy revisions approved on consent agenda, including transfer requests and staff hiring procedures
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a work session to review the Strategic Plan 2030 and several school policies. The board also discussed future action items including the Special Education Annual Plan and potential retention bonus scenarios.
- Presentation of Strategic Plan 2030 implementation goals
- Review of policies regarding suicide prevention, gang activity, and student discipline
- Discussion of 2025-2026 Special Education Annual Plan
- Presentation of FY26 retention bonus scenarios
- Approval of personnel recommendations for instructional positions and coaching stipends
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board met to approve several fiscal and operational items. Key actions included the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, new salary scales, and an easement resolution for Shentel Cable Television LLC.
- Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
- Approval of Fiscal Year 2026 Salary Scales
- Easement resolution with Shentel Cable Television LLC
- Personnel recommendations for instructional, coaching, and support staff positions
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a work session to review the FY26 budget and a proposed easement for Shentel. The board also received updates on academic instruction, student attendance, and discipline.
- Discussion of the FY26 Budget
- Proposed easement for Shentel at JKES
- Review of policies including textbook selection, field trips, and support staff evaluation
- Approval of VSBA Business Honor Roll nominations for Beiler Construction, City of Winchester, and Winchester Economic Development Authority
- Approval of personnel recommendations for 2025-2026 instructional positions, coaching stipends, and support staff
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board is holding a public hearing on the FY26 Budget. The meeting includes procedural items like call to order and roll call, followed by the hearing declared by Dr. Pearce-Gonzales. The board will then vote to adjourn.
- Public hearing on the FY26 Budget
- Meeting streamed live on Winchester Public Schools YouTube Channel
- Motion to adjourn carried unanimously
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board met to approve the expansion of the Dual Language Immersion program and the 2025 School Board Code of Conduct. The board also received reports on the FY26 budget and the Winchester Education Foundation annual report.
- Approval of Dual Language Immersion program expansion
- Approval of the 2025 School Board Code of Conduct
- Presentation of the FY26 Budget by Director of Finance Holly McDonald
- Approval of January 2025 Monthly Finance Report and bills
- Personnel approvals for 2025-2026 instructional positions, coaching stipends, and support staff
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
This is a procedural meeting for the Winchester Public School Board to receive orientation and FOIA training. The board voted unanimously to enter a closed session with legal counsel for legal training and orientation, then reconvened and certified the closed session before adjourning.
- Closed session under Va. Code § 2.2-3711(A)(8) for legal training and orientation
- Unanimous vote to enter closed session (5 yeas)
- Closed session certification motion carried unanimously
- Meeting held at The Douglas School-Central Administrative Office, 598 N. Kent Street
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a work session on February 10, 2025, where they approved a revised contract with Shentel for the Wide Area Network (WAN). The board also received a presentation on the FY 26 budget and reviewed several personnel policies. Public comment was heard, and the board later entered closed session to discuss personnel matters.
- Approved revised Shentel contract for Wide Area Network (WAN) pricing
- Received FY 26 budget presentation from Director of Finance
- Reviewed multiple staff policies including equal employment, political activities, and salary schedules
- Approved annual adoption of Policy BDD on electronic participation in meetings
- Discussed future action items on School Board Code of Conduct and Dual Language Expansion
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board approved a mid-year adjustment to the Certified Teacher Scale (TTT Scale) for the remainder of the FY25 budget. The board also approved the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan and a consent agenda including policy revisions and a Wide Area Network contract. A closed session was held to discuss personnel matters.
- Approved mid-year pay adjustment to the Certified Teacher Scale (TTT Scale) for FY25
- Approved the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan
- Approved minor and major policy revisions, including a new policy on written notification of violations for students in alternative education programs
- Approved a Wide Area Network (WAN) RFP pricing review and service agreement
- Received presentations on the FY24 audit, new VDOE accountability model, and the Evolve AI plan
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board and City Council are meeting to discuss future capital improvement projects. The session also includes a discussion on 2025 budget priorities and a revenue update.
- Discussion of Future Capital Improvement Projects
- Discussion of 2025 Budget Priorities and Revenue Update
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held its annual organization meeting, electing Dr. Bryan Pearce-Gonzales as chairman and Mike Birchenough as vice chairman for 2025. The board approved the purchase of two school buses at $151,804 each and set the 2025 meeting schedule. Members also discussed future policy revisions, a capital improvement plan, and mid-year pay adjustments for teachers on the TTT scale.
- Dr. Bryan Pearce-Gonzales elected 2025 School Board Chairman; Mike Birchenough elected Vice Chairman
- Approved purchase of two buses at $151,804 each under state contract
- Approved 2025 School Board meeting schedule
- Discussed mid-year pay adjustments for teachers on the TTT scale (future action item)
- Reviewed proposed policy revisions including new policy JFCJ on notification for alternative education students