Annual School Committee Reports, WJCC Literacy Plan, and more
Annual School Committee Reports, WJCC Literacy Plan, and more
Williamsburg-James City County School Board Summary June 18, 2024
Howdy!
Below is a summary of this week’s Williamsburg-James City County School Board regular meeting. Next month, there is no regular school board meeting. Be on the lookout for some investigative reports from Round the Triangle.
If you’d like to receive a summary of the July 9 WJCC School Board work session, please upgrade to a paid subscription or refer a friend to earn one month complimentary access.
No Hosang Shenanigans?
I know, right? After board member Michael Hosang’s tirade at the June 4 work session, where he insinuated that Black students performed worse when there were more Black teachers, he was noticeably tight-lipped at this week’s meeting.
Before the board comment period, which is when Hosang typically gets on his soapbox, board chair Sarah Ortego reminded the board, not “addressing anyone in particular,” that their comments, including the tone in which they are given, set an example for the community and have an impact.
“Of course, we want free and open expression,” Ortego said. “I just want to remind everyone that this is not a place to have personal arguments or vendettas.”
WJCC School Board Summary June 18, 2024
Committees Present Annual Reports, Make Recommendations
Career Ready Advisory Committee
Recommendations:
Provide stipends for Career and Technical Student Organization advisors
Expand local employer partnership network
Create more enrollment opportunities in trades-based courses
Board Response: Emphasized importance of community partnerships and diverse options for students.
Student Advisory Committee
Recommendations:
Foster a more positive learning environment
Improve attendance rates
Diversify learning mediums
Involve students more
Plan to evaluate collective student voice in coming year
Board Response: Supported adding student representative to committee, praised leadership from students and committee members.
Special Education Advisory Committee
Recommendations: More support for inclusive audit recommendations and family engagement opportunities.
Board Response: Highlighted the importance of connecting families with resources and role of community advocacy groups.
Admission of Homeless Children Policy Update
Background: These revisions were prompted by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which mandates full and equal educational access for homeless children.
What’s changing?: The updated policy ensures immediate enrollment of homeless children and provides better services, including transportation and meals.
The Bigger Picture: The recent Williamsburg Independent School System Feasibility Study noted there are roughly 231 students experiencing homelessness in WJCC and called for more comprehensive support.
Other Headlines
The board approved an amendment to extend the agreement with EverDriven Technologies to address the current shortage of 20 bus drivers. The contract is extended to June 30, 2025 with a budget of $1.2 million.
To achieve the goal of 85% of K-12 students meeting state literacy standards by 2028, the WJCC Literacy Plan includes training school administration and teachers based on Virginia Literacy act guidelines.
During public comment, several speakers advocated for recognizing lacrosse as a varsity sport. Board members appreciated the input but said careful planning would be needed in order to add a new sport.
Upcoming Events
When: June 20, 8:30 am
Where: Virtual
Special Call Meeting:
When: June 27, 8:15 am
Where: Room 300 in the Annex at the School Board and
Central Office, 117 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA
WJCC School Board Work Session:
When: July 9, 4:30 PM
Where: Room 300 in the Annex at the School Board and
Central Office, 117 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA
This public meeting summary is produced and edited by me with the help of ChatGPT.