Prince William County Public Schools

School Board Meeting of February 17, 2021

View the agenda on the Electronic School Board webpage.

Watch the School Board meeting on PWCS-TV.

The School Board Approved:

• The attached Resolution (PDF) Approving Participation in and Adopting the Optional Retirement Plan of the Commonwealth of Virginia for Public School Superintendents in order to make this benefit available to the incoming Superintendent if requested, and further, that the Chairman is authorized to enter into the Virginia Retirement System Adoption Agreement implementing the same;
• The Agreement of Sale (PDF) to purchase 20.80 acres of land from the Travers Family Limited Partnership for construction of the 14th High School for $2,718,198. Further, the Chairman and clerk are authorized to sign any necessary documents pertaining to the agreement, subject to approval as to form only by the Division Counsel;
• The award of a contract (PDF) for the Independent Hill Water Line Extension to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Utilities Unlimited, LLC, in the total amount of $1,399,000;
• A request to the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) (PDF) for an additional $461,350.00 awarded by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to Prince William County Public Schools.
• A request to the BOCS (PDF) to accept the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplementary Appropriations Act (CRRSA) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) II Funds to Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) in the amount of $39,124,565.05. And, that the BOCS adjust the FY 2021 School Board Operating Fund budget by an increase of $39,124,565.05, and to direct staff to prepare the appropriate documents to be forwarded to the BOCS to request the adjustment;
• The School Board Meeting Minutes (PDF) for February 3, 2021;
• The School Board Meeting Minutes (PDF) for February 6, 2021; and
• The School Board Meeting Minutes (PDF) for February 8, 2021.

Citizens Addressed the School Board on the Following Topics:

• Return to In-Person Learning plan

Student Matters:

• Student perspectives on the hybrid model

Staff Presentation Topics:

• Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (PDF)
• English Language Arts Textbook Adoption (PDF)
• Superintendent's Update on the Pandemic (PDF)
• Resolution (PDF) Supporting Vaccination of all Prince William County Public Schools Staff
• Update on the PWC Racial and Social Justice Commission

Superintendent's Time:

• During the pandemic, we continue our important efforts to ensure that equity is embedded in all of the work that we do. As a reminder, in the area of digital equity, our technology staff members have prepared and distributed 80,000 new digital devices since March, helping to ensure each student has the tools needed to learn virtually.
• As I mentioned on February 3, this month is School Board Appreciation Month. Leading through a pandemic is extremely difficult, and we appreciate our School Board members during this critical time. Check out the thank you video for our School Board.
• And speaking of the School Board, this week is School Board Clerk Appreciation Week. During a pandemic, it is also important to acknowledge our School Board Clerk, B Simpson, and Deputy Clerk, Brandy Reaves.
• As mentioned earlier this month, while we are enduring this pandemic, our schools continue to recognize the outstanding contributions of African Americans during Black History Month. Next month we will share a video highlighting the many activities celebrated at our schools.
• February is also Career and Technology Education, or CTE month. I am very proud of the expansion of our CTE program, and the many CTE educators who have been working with our in-person students since December and our virtual students since September.
• In closing, I would like to express how important it is to remain kind during this critical time and difficult pandemic. This week is Random Acts of Kindness Week. Like our schools, I encourage you to exercise kindness in everything you do, and remind your loved ones, friends, neighbors, and colleagues how much you appreciate them.