[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6383060,"mediaKeyId","2125350-6f8a07daf881e7d9f7eb202078a6e706","parentId",2125350,"title","Kathleen Brown elected chair; Tonietta Weems elected vice chair as board adopts organizational items","audioSeconds",455,"startMs",381000,"endMs",836000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2125350-6f8a07daf881e7d9f7eb202078a6e706&start=381&end=836","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2125350-6f8a07daf881e7d9f7eb202078a6e706/thumbnail_381000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6383060/Virginia/Kathleen-Brown-elected-chair-Tonietta-Weems-elected-vice-chair-as-board-adopts-organizational-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6383060-12c72eda91aab9c39cb333fbd862b2e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773767503&Signature=VEgzqRuVl2WzI6qC7jHpZaUbjmhFiDRYM0efzvMxR-z3iZApbFlaYpYnIP4Gq1L1bVyqvj6H0MCESASzrwLWgh3JuVWamPtiaOfJT~mW0rc7plSB4tUQnUTXSLbx3lV1G4hQGMa1KlT73EFwBvSzq46YP6j43x55CrDfITmQY6fgX5L0r9~fVYNEQ3WpRmnF3eZfs2yC35tpf10k-NB~KnLMeMobJdHnkoAMPPe1Juvv2jTo0QaJFkzXJB1AwawCLOqbsRg~lZW7hBtBmtzrmk9gsElpEcivMqTEImZfUzgxJG3YQ7JScK8GLxjMARfWm5D3EGlSlBLvnw0A6SZUEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","VA Beach City Public School","date","2025-01-15T13:47:37Z","article","At its annual organizational meeting on Jan. 14, the Virginia Beach School Board completed officer elections, approved routine organizational items and adopted its meeting schedule through June 30, 2026.

Elections and officer appointments
Kathleen Brown was elected chair by a vote the clerk counted as six votes for Brown. The clerk announced the six members voting for Brown as: Mister Callan, Kathleen Brown, Tonietta Weems, K. David Culpepper, Mister Bohenstein and Miss Dwyer. After the chair election Brown presided over the remainder of the meeting.

Tonietta (Tonnie) Weems was elected vice chair following a separate round of voting; the clerk reported a six‑vote majority in favor of Weems and announced the result.

Routine organizational business and votes
- Clerk and deputy clerk appointments: The board moved and approved the superintendent’s recommendations for clerk and deputy clerk; the clerk reported 11 ayes on the motion.
- Meeting schedule: The board approved the proposed schedule of school board meetings through June 30, 2026; the clerk reported 11 ayes. Board members discussed a possible future change of meeting day to reduce conflicts with city council; members agreed to have the superintendent return later with alternate calendars rather than change the current year’s schedule.
- Adoption of agenda and minutes: The board adopted the Jan. 14 meeting agenda (11 ayes) and approved the Dec. 10, 2024 minutes (11 ayes).
- Consent agenda: The board approved a consent agenda that included several policy review recommendations (Policy 6‑33, 6‑63, 6‑72), multiple HVAC and kitchen projects at elementary schools, a temporary construction easement and other items. The clerk reported 10 ayes for passage of the consent agenda.
- Personnel report: The January 14, 2025 personnel report and administrative appointments were approved (motion by Miss Melnick, second by Miss Rogers); clerk announced 10 ayes.

Procedures and nominations
The superintendent explained the nomination and colored‑paper voting procedure used for officer elections; nominations did not require a second and nominees were allowed to speak. Several board members used a public records (FOIA) review of attendance data to support nominations and comments. Former chair Miss Melnick declined a nomination to serve another term.

Ending note
Board members also discussed committee assignments, school visit swaps for incoming members and reminders about upcoming events and deadlines including the teacher‑of‑the‑year banquet and the conflict‑of‑interest form due Feb. 3. The board moved into a closed session later in the evening to consult legal counsel on pending litigation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting - 01/14/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the Virginia Beach School Board annual organizational meeting, Kathleen Brown was elected chair and Tonietta Weems vice chair. The board approved clerk appointments, adopted a meeting schedule through June 30, 2026, approved the consent agenda and accepted several routine personnel and minutes votes.","taxTitle","VA BEACH CITY PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",14520,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6383065,"Sustainability update: tree plantings, composting, solar and new welding lab highlighted",1082,4172000,5254000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2125350-6f8a07daf881e7d9f7eb202078a6e706&start=4172&end=5254","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2125350-6f8a07daf881e7d9f7eb202078a6e706/thumbnail_4172000.jpg","/articles/6383065/Virginia/Sustainability-update-tree-plantings-composting-solar-and-new-welding-lab-highlighted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6383065-54cfa8cc2b6eebed201748a1c55257b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773767503&Signature=NwWnaR8PBpXMVeFKnt6o2CcLbA6F2GjrKfIeY2a~jIh032xix9hBNAMmWUpgEQRChyJYVzo9MVCg64D2kuEB3z7pNOyl2dlvLbBSZoTj7EUrTCxpxq0hB40-mcsS-aB1aU8QHfPTAu41qIogfRf1tEA0jkTFUU1zndyhTrMq1cv9E2vpQG~KPyyf9yYHNUC4x-aSDVpF7QgtsYw-BOeVjSFuDJMlZyn~rrWURaoP-~MGEKfgjm095kJxSdxYvw-3R~kSx1wURXaYeAvSbOiyWcPOo4KZkqT~pLrVWW5XeM2XsYGi~mlQ~zo1l~mmjYB50UbCkbiZHVLdeXbTWviNlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Virginia Beach School Board received an update Tuesday on the division’s sustainable‑schools work, which officials said combines environmental, economic and social goals while connecting students to hands‑on learning.

Ryan Hersey, sustainability officer in Facility Services, presented district accomplishments and ongoing projects, emphasizing student engagement and partnerships with parks, utilities and outside funders.

Why it matters: Presenters framed sustainability not only as infrastructure work to reduce energy use and costs but as an instructional opportunity — a way to teach students about trees, water, renewable energy and careers in trades such as welding.

Highlights
- Urban canopy and outdoor learning: Five partner schools celebrated Arbor Day and three schools were certified as Tree Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation. Corporate Landing Elementary and Middle planted nearly 70 trees across two campuses; the district plans to plant more than 550 trees at school sites using Dominion Energy mitigation funds and support from Parks and Recreation.
- Composting and student accountability: Arrowhead Elementary piloted an in‑school composting system designed by custodial staff that ties student participation to conduct‑based selection; the district said the system engages students, helps cafeteria waste diversion and supports school gardens.
- Solar and energy dashboard: Ocean Lakes Elementary reached net‑zero energy after incremental renovations, and the division’s utilities dashboard visualizes actual energy data for schools. Solar installations began in December at Red Mill Elementary and Lansdowne schools, with Old Donation School slated for summer 2025. Presenters noted temporary regulatory delays with a local utility had been resolved.
- Augmented reality and career exposure: The division installed AR sandboxes at several elementary schools and used the tool in environmental studies projects that produced real‑world solutions adopted by external partners. A new welding lab — funded by more than $2 million from the U.S. Department of Defense as part of a regional maritime training initiative — opened in September and increased CTE enrollment.

Board exchange and questions
Board members asked whether teachers outside sustainability staff led many of the projects (presenter: yes, school‑based educators incorporate materials into lessons), how initiatives were scheduled during the school day, and how projects are funded (many use external grants and partner resources). Members lauded student engagement and the connection to career pathways.

Next steps
The sustainability committee will meet again in March to coordinate priorities, funding opportunities and curriculum integration. Presenters said several initiatives will continue to focus on student ownership, workforce exposure and low‑cost partnerships to expand programming.

Ending note
Board members highlighted the learning potential in student‑led sustainability projects and encouraged continued use of outside funding and partnerships to scale infrastructure and curriculum work.","Virginia Beach City Public Schools presented a sustainable schools update focused on student engagement, urban tree canopy projects, composting pilots, solar installations, an energy dashboard and a new welding lab supported by a U.S. Department of Defense grant.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6383068,"Renaissance Academy year‑2 evaluation finds mixed outcomes; administration concurs and plans modifications",1218,5737000,6955000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2125350-6f8a07daf881e7d9f7eb202078a6e706&start=5737&end=6955","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2125350-6f8a07daf881e7d9f7eb202078a6e706/thumbnail_5737000.jpg","/articles/6383068/Virginia/Renaissance-Academy-year2-evaluation-finds-mixed-outcomes-administration-concurs-and-plans-modifications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6383068-09be8dc6cd44f1f679a7f2137100763d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773767503&Signature=brnhAGQXy9yRsK0KGmk5ocKy-LCIg3jDjRBRYH1rQoZosZ6wq3gvyhckh333bVIr64UleaL~Nm0FTbhr~M8-hQt3oEkftEIE8lfZKlpsddcL6lalNTtrKRJ4JOa5BaBdk3mRTI3ioGHdeG9e0zh8NcO6GAqELj5LnXHkmpZpHYztGPDktwhIASXA-OjoXNOnADxaYFsaoQM~R0ztzfC5~71b1MQrXZt73V7CAiINswADmPefec4d3~LvghyoBUq9duXWeTj211DpXUxrdq6QCBNIr17u97llLpEu8aHpr4xlmaS9KhyEWOgrHk3PTSQDQ-3WgXyUUCZ2IUe3N2E-dA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Virginia Beach School Board on Tuesday received a year‑two implementation evaluation of Renaissance Academy, the division’s alternative education program, which serves middle and high school students who have struggled in comprehensive settings.

No formal vote was taken; the evaluation and the administration’s response were presented for information and will be returned to the board for action on Jan. 28.

Why it matters: Renaissance Academy is a sizable and resource‑intensive program. The evaluation examined enrollment patterns, student outcomes, staffing and programmatic supports. Board members pressed for clearer measures of long‑term outcomes and asked for further data on transitions back to home schools.

Major findings and administration response
- Enrollment and demographics: In 2023–24, 774 students were enrolled at Renaissance Academy at some point (295 middle school; 479 high school). The student population was 60% male, 60% Black, 70% economically disadvantaged and 24% special education — all proportions higher than division averages.
- Duration and referral reasons: About 58% of enrollments lasted less than half a school year; the majority of placements were for behavior code offenses. Half the students were first‑time enrollees.
- Outcomes while enrolled: Staff‑reported and student survey items showed improvements for many students: 77% of students had fewer discipline referrals, 75% had fewer suspensions and 68% improved core course averages while at Renaissance. Passing rates on state tests varied; English/writing passing rates were high but other SOL pass rates ranged widely.
- Post‑return outcomes: After returning to home schools, students on average had higher discipline referrals than comprehensive school averages. Only 42% of returning students maintained attendance rates they had at Renaissance, and 14% sustained the grade averages earned while at Renaissance.
- Costs: The evaluation reported program costs at approximately $14.9 million for 2023–24, with staffing and transportation the largest expense categories.

Recommendations and planned actions
The evaluation recommended continuing the program with targeted modifications: enhanced social‑emotional and self‑regulation interventions (anger‑management, self‑management, relationship skills), strengthened transition procedures for students returning to home schools, and expanded instructional supports and academic opportunities. The administration concurred and listed actions already underway, including adding an instructional specialist, AVID implementation at Renaissance, trauma‑informed skills training for staff, increased concurrent enrollment with home schools to allow ongoing monitoring, and simplified residency verification to reduce placement delays.

Board questions and public comment
Board members sought clarifications on the definition of “good grades” (administration confirmed a C average as the benchmark for return), the distinction between short‑ and long‑term enrollments (short = <50% of school year; long = >50%), staffing levels (four counselors, four student support specialists with one on FMLA at the time of presentation) and the 92% parent orientation satisfaction figure. Some members expressed concern about long‑term costs and the relatively low percentage of students who sustain gains after returning to comprehensive schools; presenters said many of the recommended interventions were new or only recently implemented and that future evaluations should show the impact.

Next steps
The administration’s response and further supporting materials will be on the Jan. 28 agenda for action. Staff committed to provide follow‑up data requested by board members, including more granular demographic and short‑ vs. long‑term enrollment breakdowns and further evidence on post‑return outcomes.

Ending note
Presenters and several board members emphasized the program’s role in meeting student needs and noted planned improvements aim to increase the share of students who sustain academic and behavioral gains after returning to comprehensive schools.","A year‑2 implementation evaluation of the Renaissance Academy alternative education program showed some gains in behavior and academics for subsets of students but highlighted attendance and post‑return challenges. Administrators accepted the recommendations and outlined next steps.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6383073,"Regional recovery school proposal presented to Virginia Beach board; vote scheduled for Jan. 28",2104,8506000,10610000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2125350-6f8a07daf881e7d9f7eb202078a6e706&start=8506&end=10610","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2125350-6f8a07daf881e7d9f7eb202078a6e706/thumbnail_8506000.jpg","/articles/6383073/Virginia/Regional-recovery-school-proposal-presented-to-Virginia-Beach-board-vote-scheduled-for-Jan-28","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6383073-0143ece079a836fe50785d772cd1d98b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773767503&Signature=Qho3N8jir6cqT1Q5iDiWjlA8QgZBQkGNEeq5Uy2Ma-CbchW1fmbYZ6RhttVMqMLeFI4ewAFn2D-EsfWNqXORZcHeYpIGkfF1lpuNd8g55IyusoCOA1FAa143L8VevN4rQ8LBAWrcsrDGeIffjnriys-bZ4Y6CeuLWJNHrE4VwD8OI44sZBLkH1EbXGOG9aFL9Q26d-ZoNyl8tRKU1aQ4Go~hBnnfQ2VQgf7ZmWHDizP~aadrJRWWkNDjJiP0zTkABxjRFPmc4T1pxjuQr8xxBQrRJ6Fa4ClUorSrLWvOz1sbZNIgYJXRG9CBweIJ367B2VjIc~nxQtJLoj-mSTds7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Virginia Beach school officials on Tuesday received a detailed proposal to open the Harbor Hope Center, a regional recovery high school that would serve students from Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Suffolk.

The presentation, led by Robert (Bobby) Jamieson, executive director of student support services, described a model that blends academic instruction with clinical and peer recovery services and would operate under a regional memorandum of understanding with Virginia Beach acting as fiscal agent.

The board was told the Harbor Hope Center is voluntary and intended for students in active recovery from substance use disorders. Under the plan, students would attend a hybrid academic program — including a multidivision online platform for coursework, credit recovery options and a GED pathway — while also receiving clinical counseling and peer-support services. Jamieson said students would receive at least one to two 30-minute individual sessions per week with a licensed clinician and one to two 30-minute peer recovery specialist sessions weekly, in addition to daily therapeutic groups.

Why it matters: Presenters cited research indicating recovery high schools can increase graduation rates, lower dropout and absenteeism rates, and reduce substance use compared with treated students who remain in non-recovery settings. The steering committee said the regional approach distributes costs and specialized staff so no single division must carry the entire financial or clinical burden.

Key details
- Opening timeline and seats: The steering committee proposed opening with 25 students in year one and expanding to a 30-seat daily capacity in year two, with a long-term cap near 50 students. Enrollment would be rolling and students may enter midyear. Jamieson said students may remain at the Harbor Hope Center through graduation if clinically appropriate; diplomas and transcripts would reflect the student’s assigned comprehensive school.
- Staffing and services: Year‑one personnel included a program coordinator, one full‑time teacher, a teacher assistant, an office associate, one licensed clinician and one peer recovery specialist; Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Health would staff and evaluate clinical roles. Clinical services would include weekly individual therapy, group therapy and peer support, with summer remote services and in‑person options as needed.
- Budget and funding: Projected first‑year operating expenses were $708,406 (personnel, instructional technology, professional development and operations). The presentation listed projected first‑year revenue of $849,326, drawn from a 1) $550,000 expected carryover and General Assembly planning grants, 2) $160,000 direct opioid‑abatement contributions from participating cities, and 3) a $139,326 one‑time award from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Steering committee members said transportation costs would be borne by each sending division and were not included in the central operating budget. The proposal described a shared funding formula for later years that apportions operating costs by division size and committed seat counts.
- Admissions and policy: Admission would require an application, interviews with the student and guardian, a records review and a medical/provider recommendation. The school would require students to submit to random drug testing administered by clinical staff; refusal could result in removal. The Harbor Hope Center would not be a substitute for mandated alternative placements; attendance would be voluntary.

Public and board reaction
Multiple public speakers and board members voiced support for the proposal during the meeting’s public comment period and in dedicated discussion, citing perceived gaps in local supports for adolescents in recovery. Several speakers described recovery programs in other jurisdictions and urged the board to approve the plan. Board members asked about clinical staffing ratios, seat allocations, transportation costs and contingencies if a participating division declined to participate. Jamieson said Chesapeake’s in‑kind facility contribution helped reduce the anticipated cash needed from each division and that the steering committee would finalize memoranda of understanding prior to launch.

Next steps
Jamieson said the steering committee will seek formal board approval on Jan. 28; contingent on approvals by the five divisions and successful grant applications, hiring for a program coordinator would begin in February, clinical hires would follow in spring, and the school aims to open in August. Board members asked for additional written data about outcomes from existing recovery‑school models and for clear documentation of projected per‑student transportation costs.

Ending note
Board members and public speakers framed the Harbor Hope Center as a regional effort to provide a dedicated educational and clinical pathway for students in recovery, while acknowledging open questions about staffing, transportation and long‑term funding that will be considered before a final decision.

","A multi-jurisdictional proposal to open the Harbor Hope Center — a recovery high school serving five Tidewater school divisions — was presented to the Virginia Beach School Board. Administrators described staffing, costs and a shared funding formula; the board will consider formal approval on Jan. 28.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Kathleen Brown elected chair; Tonietta Weems elected vice chair as board adopts organizational items

Sustainability update: tree plantings, composting, solar and new welding lab highlighted

Renaissance Academy year‑2 evaluation finds mixed outcomes; administration concurs and plans modifications

Regional recovery school proposal presented to Virginia Beach board; vote scheduled for Jan. 28