Winchester Public School Board public meetings in 2024
24 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board voted to establish an in-district early childhood special education program, ending its partnership with the Northwestern Regional Education Program (NREP) effective the 2025-2026 school year. The board also approved the 2025-2026 High School Program of Studies and the FY26 and FY27 division calendars. Consent agenda items including a bus purchase and monthly finance reports were approved. The board held a closed session to discuss personnel matters including coaching and administrative stipends.
- Approved in-district early childhood special education program, terminating NREP partnership
- Approved 2025-2026 High School Program of Studies
- Approved FY26 and FY27 division calendars
- Approved bus purchase (dollar amount not specified in agenda)
- Received report on weapon detector implementation at Daniel Morgan Campus
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The regular business meeting scheduled for November 25, 2024, was cancelled. The agenda consisted of procedural boilerplate and several proposed action items that were not decided due to the cancellation.
- Proposed approval of 2025-2026 High School Program of Studies
- Proposed approval of FY26 and FY27 Division Calendars
- Report on weapon detector implementation at DM Campus
- Proposed bus purchase
- Discussion of 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board will hold a work session to discuss future action items including the FY26 and FY27 division calendars, a bus purchase, and the proposed 2025 meeting schedule. The board will also receive reports on a VSBA legislative update, September 30 headcount, and part-time enrollment. The meeting includes a closed session for personnel matters.
- Discussion of FY26 and FY27 division calendars
- Bus purchase presentation by Director of Operations
- Proposed 2025 School Board meeting schedule
- September 30 headcount report
- Part-time enrollment report
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board will hold a regular business meeting to approve consent agenda items including minutes, bills, monthly finance report, Title I committee members, and minor and major policy revisions. Action items include a resolution for carry-forward funds from FY24 and new funds for FY25. The board will also receive reports on a METRICS Alaska trip, annual equity and staffing reports, and an early childhood special education task force update, then convene in closed session to discuss personnel matters.
- Approve resolution for carry-forward funds from FY24 and new funds for FY25
- Approve 2024-2025 Title I Parent Advisory Committee members
- Approve minor policy revisions to 21 policies (e.g., nondiscrimination, equity, safety drills, English learners)
- Approve major policy revisions to policies on professional staff development, programs for students with disabilities, and literacy plan
- Approve personnel recommendations for instructional/licensed positions, coaching stipends, and substitute teachers
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a work session to receive staff reports on school improvement plans and the 2024 annual report, and to review minor and major policy revisions. The board also approved consent agenda items, including minutes and bills, and later convened in closed session to discuss personnel matters. No final votes on policy changes were taken at this meeting.
- Presentation of School Improvement Plans by Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Buckley
- Presentation of the 2023-2024 Annual Report by Superintendent Dr. Jason Van Heukelum
- Review of minor policy revisions covering nondiscrimination, equity, and safety drills
- Review of major policy revisions on professional staff development and programs for students with disabilities
- Closed session to discuss personnel matters including instructional positions, coaching stipends, and resignations
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board is holding a retreat to discuss generative AI in education, review the Empower 2025 strategic plan, and go into closed session for personnel performance discussions. The meeting includes presentations from district administrators and a review of superintendent goals and board survey data.
- Generative AI overview presented by Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Buckley and others
- Strategic Plan Review of Empower 2025, including strategy dashboard and year 4 assessment
- Closed session under Virginia Code 2.2-3711(A)(1) for personnel performance discussions
- Review of superintendent goals and summative performance report
- Board survey data review
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a regular business meeting on September 23, 2024, at the Douglas School-Central Administrative Office. The board approved a consent agenda including minor and major policy revisions, bills, and the monthly finance report. They also approved SEAC nominations and, after a closed session, voted on personnel recommendations.
- Approved minor policy revisions to 12 policies including DA (Management of Funds), DG (Custody and Disbursement of School Funds), and KBE (Internet Policy)
- Approved major policy revisions to GBMA (Support Staff Grievances), FF (Public Dedication of New Facilities), and FECBA (Energy Efficient Construction)
- Approved SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee) nominations for the 2024-2025 school year
- Held a closed session to discuss personnel matters including candidates for instructional positions, coaching stipends, and substitute teachers
- Approved personnel recommendations from closed session including candidates for instructional/licensed positions and stipends
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a work session to receive staff reports on a facilities condition assessment, school activity funds audit, early childhood special education taskforce, AP enrollment and performance, and policy reviews. The board also approved consent agenda items and went into closed session to discuss personnel matters including stipends and substitute teachers.
- Facilities Condition Assessment presented by Director of Operations Ed Smith
- School Activity Funds Audit for FY2024 presented by Director of Finance Holly McDonald
- Early Childhood Special Education Taskforce report presented by Director of Special Education Dr. Hayley Mullins
- FY25 AP Enrollment and Performance Review presented by Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Buckley
- Policy review covering 11 policies including administration in policy absence, school board member compensation, and student concussions
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a regular business meeting on August 26, 2024, at the Douglas School-Central Administrative Office. The board approved consent agenda items including minutes, bills, and facility usage reports, and voted on FY24 categorical budget transfers. Presentations included the annual review of the gifted program, summer school results, and a back-to-school update. The board then entered closed session to discuss personnel, student matters, and safety plans.
- Approved FY24 categorical budget transfers as presented
- Heard annual review of the gifted program by Gifted Specialist Sara Gardner
- Received summer school and back-to-school reports from Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Buckley
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, bills, monthly finance report, facility usage, VSBA delegate, FY25 hearing officers, signature authorization, and VSBA Media Honor Roll
- Entered closed session to discuss personnel, student matters, and emergency management plan
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board will hold a work session to receive staff reports on a generative artificial intelligence plan for FY25 and on CEIA weapon detectors. The board will also discuss future action items including a gifted plan and acceleration policy, FY25 hearing officers, and VSBA delegate selection. The meeting includes a closed session for personnel and student matters, followed by votes on personnel recommendations and a student's religious exemption from compulsory attendance.
- Generative Artificial Intelligence FY25 Plan presentation by Dr. Jake Boula and Mr. Aaron McBride
- CEIA Weapon Detectors report by Ms. Jennifer Buckley
- Gifted Plan & Acceleration Policy discussion for future action
- FY25 Hearing Officers discussion for future action
- Closed session for personnel and student matters, including stipends and compulsory attendance exemption
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a work session on June 10, 2024, approving a revised FY25 budget, several policy revisions, federal grant applications, and contracts for HVAC work. The board also approved a memorandum of understanding with Valley Health for a school-based health clinic and updates to the student cell phone policy. The meeting included a closed session for personnel and student matters, followed by approval of personnel recommendations and a student's release from compulsory attendance.
- Approved revised FY25 Budget
- Approved $194,770 chiller installation at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School using CSLFRF funds
- Approved $673,290 HVAC installation at Daniel Morgan Campus using Omnio Cooperative Contract #3341
- Approved MOU with Valley Health for school-based health clinic at JHHS for 2024-2025
- Approved revisions to Policy JFI on student use of personally owned electronic devices
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held its regular business meeting on May 28, 2024, at the Douglas School-Central Administrative Office. The board approved consent agenda items, including minutes, bills, and policy revisions, and took action on insurance renewal and HVAC replacement. The meeting also included recognitions, public comment, and a closed session for personnel matters.
- Approved property, casualty, and workers compensation insurance renewal for FY25 through VACORP, totaling $398,621 ($243,039 property/casualty, $155,582 workers comp)
- Approved Trane, Inc. proposal to replace all Daniel Morgan Rooftop HVAC units for $285,810 using ESSER funding
- Approved consent agenda including Migrant Education Regional Program agreement, minor policy revisions, and 2024-2025 student representatives
- Recognized Project SEARCH graduates, I'm Determined Youth Ambassadors, VHSL All-State winter sports athletes, and 2023-2024 student representatives
- Held closed session to discuss personnel matters including candidates for instructional positions, transfers, and resignations
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a work session on May 13, 2024, at the Douglas School Central Administrative Office. The board approved a $118,199 contract for an evaluation group under the WISH Grant, approved FY25 salary scales, and disbursed $56,250 in scholarships to 2024 Handley graduates. The board also received reports on ASCA updates, lab schools, and policy reviews, and discussed future action items including minor policy revisions and student representatives.
- Approved Evaluation Group contract under WISH Grant for $118,199
- Approved FY25 Salary Scales
- Disbursed $56,250 in scholarships to 2024 Handley graduates
- Discussed policy reviews for multiple policies including homework and adult education
- Convened closed session for personnel matters
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a closed session to consult with legal counsel about allegations concerning school board policies. After reconvening, the board voted unanimously to uphold the superintendent's decision regarding a written record submitted on 3/13/24 under the grievance procedure (Policy GBM). The meeting was otherwise procedural, including roll call and adjournment.
- Closed session under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(8) for legal consultation on policy-related allegations
- Board certified that only lawful exempt matters were discussed in closed session
- Motion to uphold superintendent's decision on grievance record dated 3/13/24 (Policy GBM) carried unanimously
- All votes were unanimous (6 yea, 0 nay)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held its regular business meeting, approving consent agenda items, FY24 budget amendments, and personnel recommendations following a closed session. The board also recognized the VSBA Business Honor Roll and heard public comments.
- Approved FY24 budget amendments as presented by Director of Finance Holly McDonald
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, bills, monthly finance reports, and minor policy revisions
- Recognized VSBA Business Honor Roll recipients
- Convened closed session for personnel matters and legal consultation
- Approved personnel recommendations for 2024-2025 instructional positions and 2023-2024 support staff
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a work session on April 8, 2024, at the Douglas School Central Administrative Office. The board approved consent agenda items, including minutes and bills, and took action on three purchases: K-4 textbooks for the Virginia Literacy Act, a chiller for Virginia Avenue Elementary School, and technology hardware. The board also discussed the FY25 budget and received a report on Judges IX, and entered closed session for personnel matters.
- Approved $248,502 purchase of K-4 textbooks from Open-Up Resources for the Virginia Literacy Act
- Approved $195,795 purchase of an Ascend Air Cooled Chiller from Trane, Inc. for Virginia Avenue Elementary School using Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds
- Approved $238,500 technology hardware purchase from CDW-G ($222,500 hardware plus $16,000 license)
- Discussed FY25 budget with Superintendent Dr. Jason Van Heukelum
- Heard report on Judges IX from JHHS Principal Susan Braithwaite
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board will hold its regular business meeting on March 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The board is set to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and Capital Requests, approve the 2024-2025 Division Literacy Plan, and update the Professional Development policy. The meeting also includes a recognition, a report on a cell phone pouch pilot at John Handley High School, and a closed session for personnel matters.
- Adoption of FY25 Budget and Capital Requests
- Approval of 2024-2025 Division Literacy Plan (Virginia Literacy Act)
- Update to Policy GCL-Professional Development
- Report on JHHS Cell Phone Pouch Pilot
- Closed session for personnel matters
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board is holding a budget work session, including a public hearing on the FY25 budget and a first reading of the budget presented by the superintendent. The board will also take public comments and adjourn. This is a discussion and information item, not a final vote.
- Public hearing on FY25 budget
- First reading of FY25 budget by Superintendent Dr. Jason Van Heukelum
- Public comment period with 3-minute individual limit
- Meeting at The Douglas School, 598 North Kent Street
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board met for a work session on March 11, 2024, at the Douglas School Central Administrative Office. The board heard a staff presentation on the FY25 budget and discussed future action items including the VSBA Business Honor Roll, the Special Education Annual Plan, and a Professional Development Policy update. The board also approved the consent agenda, which included minutes and bills, and convened in closed session to discuss personnel matters.
- FY25 Budget report presented by Dr. Jason Van Hee
- Special Education Annual Plan for 2024-2025 discussed
- Professional Development Policy update presented
- VSBA Business Honor Roll future action item
- Closed session for personnel matters, including stipends and resignations
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board will hold its regular business meeting, including a closed session for personnel and student matters. The board is expected to vote on a motion to reappoint Superintendent Dr. Jason Van Heukelum to a new four-year term starting July 1, 2024, and to approve personnel recommendations. The meeting also includes a FY25 budget presentation and recognitions.
- Motion to reappoint Superintendent Dr. Jason Van Heukelum for a four-year term (2024-2028)
- FY25 Budget Presentation by Superintendent
- Approval of consent agenda including bills, monthly finance report, and facility usage
- Major policy revision: deletion of Policy BCD (Agent and Deputy Agent)
- Closed session for personnel and student disciplinary matters
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held a work session on February 12, 2024, at The Douglas School. They approved the purchase of one school bus for $152,277 and discussed FY25 budget priorities, including salary initiatives. The board also received updates on the All In Winchester program, a new attendance recovery process, and a self-assessment survey. The meeting included a closed session for personnel and student matters, followed by approval of personnel recommendations.
- Approved purchase of one school bus from Blue Bird Bus Sales for $152,277 under Sourcewell contract 063020-BBB
- Discussed FY25 budget priorities, including salary initiatives for various staff categories
- Received update on All In Winchester program
- Discussed new attendance recovery process
- Approved adding Holly McDonald to signature authorization list
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held its regular business meeting on January 22, 2024, approving a consent agenda that included a bus purchase, monthly finance reports, the 2024-2025 Program of Studies, and minor policy revisions. The board also approved hourly rates for All In Virginia Saturday tutoring, received the annual audit report, and discussed the Freshman Academy and the FY24 Governor's Budget. The meeting concluded with a closed session on personnel matters and approval of personnel recommendations.
- Approved bus purchase (quote attached, amount not specified in agenda)
- Approved 2024-2025 John Handley High School Program of Studies
- Approved All In Virginia Saturday tutoring hourly rates of pay
- Received annual audit report from Brown Edwards
- Approved minor policy revisions (BCEA, DB, DJF, IZB, JGD-JGE, KG)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board held its annual organization meeting, electing Dr. Bryan Pearce-Gonzales as 2024 Chairman and Mike Birchenough as Vice-Chairman. The board approved organizational appointments, the 2024 meeting schedule, and a consent agenda including bills and finance reports. It also received reports on restraint/seclusion policy and first-semester discipline/attendance, and discussed future items like the 2024-2025 program of studies and a bus purchase. The board then entered closed session to discuss personnel matters and approved personnel recommendations afterward.
- Elected Dr. Bryan Pearce-Gonzales as 2024 Chairman and Mike Birchenough as Vice-Chairman
- Approved 2024 School Board Meeting Schedule
- Approved consent agenda including bills and November finance report
- Discussed Policy JM (Restraint and Seclusion of Students) annual review
- Discussed future bus purchase and 2024-2025 JHHS Program of Studies
BoardDocs Imported Meetings (2012 – 2026)
The Winchester Public School Board and City Council are holding a joint meeting to discuss future capital improvement projects (CIP) for 2024-2028. The agenda includes public comments and a discussion of the CIP overview, followed by adjournment.
- Discussion of Future Capital Improvement Projects (CIP 2024-2028)
- Public comments period for citizens to speak
- Meeting held at The Douglas School-Central Administrative Office, 598 N. Kent Street