Aug. 20 WJCC School Board Meeting Summary

Collective Bargaining, Cell Phone Mandate, and More

This summary is produced by me with the help of ChatGPT, which can make mistakes. If you wish to submit a correction, you can email me here.

Calls for Collective Bargaining Grow

Summary: During public comment, multiple speakers advocated for collective bargaining rights for Williamsburg James City County school division teachers and staff, highlighting the importance of having a seat at the table to improve working conditions, pay, and benefits. Several speakers also spoke in opposition.

Background: Collective bargaining empowers workers to negotiate contracts with their employer. Many public employees in Virginia have won collective bargaining rights in the past few years since a longtime ban was lifted in 2021.

What’s next: For months, the Williamsburg James City Education Association has been calling for the school board to form a joint committee to create a bargaining resolution. During closed session, the school board consulted with legal counsel related to collective bargaining under Virginia law.

All Students Must Turn Off Cell Phones During School

Summary: The board discussed a revision to the student conduct policy which will extend the ban on cell phone use during school hours to high school students. Violating this policy can result in confiscation of devices.

Background: This policy change follows an executive order from Gov. Youngkin last month that requires school divisions to adopt “cell phone-free” education measures by 2025.

What’s next: The board said that this policy change will be communicated to students and parents, and that mental health resources will be available for students.

Other Headlines

• Community activist Mary Lassiter called for the name of James Blair Middle School to be changed to James B. Tabb Middle after a renowned local civil rights leader. Blair was instrumental in institutionalizing slavery in colonial Virginia.

• The school board approved the superintendent’s recommendation to declare September 15-October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month for WJCC schools.

• All 16 WJCC schools earned a “No Place for Hate” designation, following efforts last year to identify ways to address bullying and planning activities that encourage an inclusive and respectful school culture.