[{"_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",6348840,"mediaKeyId","2240195-27e87efa6b42054208b0127a09bcf07d","parentId",2240195,"title","School board appoints Jason Inge to fill Ward 3 seat after candidate interviews; appointment approved in closed session vote","audioSeconds",160,"startMs",6193050,"endMs",6353540,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2240195-27e87efa6b42054208b0127a09bcf07d&start=6193&end=6353","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2240195-27e87efa6b42054208b0127a09bcf07d/thumbnail_6193050.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6348840/Virginia/School-board-appoints-Jason-Inge-to-fill-Ward-3-seat-after-candidate-interviews-appointment-approved-in-closed-session-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348840-c06def86aadbb8a73cf070c4a427bc38/orig.mp4?Expires=1775932445&Signature=ItaKhgkg4cOqjsshlcE4wlmij3paxF5AsIGSu2VSPXuEXMaCRyfnU3RcW8pUwugdV31Id2J1S5YhhYPchQ9~GHXDUN~9rDIjd757ignR1kytOLRDJowlTwxRUbZicGxlHoqujCw5jaL0pqI39J88Yfve6NCz8Xz-X~jJ0whYatbPtWz0TEqJ~I5ekWBlqwnKk0KaCqNQZ5foRFhs3qdZepnB1mdCDr4iKWZpZKAAM04AKlT0BkhXQHysRr~JGJnDcXmxq~Fg02ngxCNYO2L7j2vwzlDyG8QMdJEL645PfzK-9kM3OT9ASixkU94Z5JjNhGIpOOpEGlR~etqxp-gBmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Norfolk City Public School","date","2025-02-06T17:29:05Z","article","After a panel of candidate interviews and a public comment, the Norfolk School Board voted to appoint Jason Inge to the Ward 3 seat, to serve until the position is filled by a special election.

Process and interviews
The board held several candidate interviews during the meeting. Candidates who spoke publicly during the interview block included Corbin Brown, Tiffany Buffalo (served as a board questioner), Cortez Forrest (referred to as Corey Forrest), Jason Inge, Shavon Smith, and others. Each candidate answered a standardized set of questions about qualifications, ethical decision making, community engagement and how they would address disparities in student outcomes. The board limited candidate answers to about two minutes per question.

Public comment
A public commenter, Dr. John Sitka III, told the board he was concerned the interview process excluded some candidates who had run in the prior election and said voters, not appointees, should determine representation. He asked that the board consider the views of the ward’s voters in any appointment.

Closed session and vote
The board recessed into closed session for interviews and legal consultation under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act provisions authorizing closed meetings for personnel and legal consultation. After returning to open session and completing the required certification that closed‑session business complied with applicable law, the board moved to appoint Jason Inge to the Ward 3 seat.

Action taken (motion and vote)
- Motion: \"I move to appoint Jason Inge to serve as the school board representative for Ward 3 until the position is filled by a special election.\" (mover: Tiffany Buffalo; second: Dr. Adele Martin)
- Vote: Roll call recorded — Bassin: Aye; Buffalo: Aye; Martin: Aye; Paulson: Aye; Thomas: Aye; DeCalogero (chair): Aye. The motion carried; the appointment was approved.

Why it matters
The appointee will serve until a special election fills the seat. Board composition affects committee membership, policy votes and oversight of programs, budgets and facilities planning. The appointment followed interviews and a closed session certification as required by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Next steps and procedural notes
Board staff read the statutory certification language upon return from closed session. The division will post administrative information about the special election timeline and any requirements for the appointed member to stand in that election; the transcript indicates that the appointee will serve until the vacancy is filled by that special election.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Work Session: 2-5-25","oneSentenceSummary","After interviewing applicants for the Ward 3 vacancy, the Norfolk School Board recessed to closed session, certified that the closed meeting complied with Virginia law, and voted unanimously to appoint Jason Inge to serve until a special election fills the seat.","taxTitle","NORFOLK CITY PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",14513,"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},6348845,"Norfolk launches feasibility study to convert Lake Taylor into comprehensive CTE high school",337,5067530,5405380,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2240195-27e87efa6b42054208b0127a09bcf07d&start=5067&end=5405","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2240195-27e87efa6b42054208b0127a09bcf07d/thumbnail_5067530.jpg","/articles/6348845/Virginia/Norfolk-launches-feasibility-study-to-convert-Lake-Taylor-into-comprehensive-CTE-high-school","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348845-d43435a3caec4ea84fde5888fb3f2b58/orig.mp4?Expires=1775932445&Signature=B8sthKZDY4QsbJyxoYRbcifKHW9YqQIePj5Q~j3OBnsj~jAyiLRfSg98BDHeaK-ktvjU5ovrSo8~ZJoK0sNfLWFB6p5subaVNSsEQdZ6sgxsod9KskuF7msjyoa5dxWG90OoI4ns6zZFLuyqnzK8UDZi~zGmqBrbqLW-ivd-qQMcI0shG7R0iFZRfw7dO1KW2kIH1~vA~t6GKUxvd~eMueh7OOsw9pYXNSLVlmo0~MO5wWxw61wFo6VSX4Li6Hk1Ae0Jl5KDUDKa9l9v1wYg2OeYhv5HwMrSZQdmT-9gKe90L0iPpmFb51S160QeyBVjcFom7k1zLeOWxO6QalU-7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Norfolk Public Schools staff and RRMM architects presented the scope and timeline of a feasibility study to reconfigure Lake Taylor High School into a comprehensive career and technical education (CTE) high school, with a program emphasis on renewable energy and advanced technology.

What presenters said
Dr. Pohl and Rob Burrs of RRMM described a multi‑phase study that will gather input from students, parents, community members and business partners; assess existing building spaces; develop program and staffing needs; and produce conceptual designs and a cost estimate. The recommended redesigned facility would serve 1,300 to 1,400 students to accommodate both Lake Taylor enrollees and students from the Norfolk Technical Center and other division programs who may enter a comprehensive CTE campus.

Engagement and timeline
Presenters said stakeholder engagement will include in‑person and virtual meetings, employer consultations, surveys, drop‑in sessions timed with school events and programming workshops. The schedule presented showed stakeholder engagement from February through April 2025, program development and space planning from March through May 2025, and a final concept and cost estimate delivered by September 2025 to inform the school year 2027 budget process.

Why it matters
The study aims to expand CTE capacity, align programming with local workforce demand, and create a campus sized to deliver specialized technical programs. The board did not take an action to approve construction or program conversion at the meeting; RRMM will return with concept designs and estimated costs for board consideration in fall 2025.

Next steps
RRMM and division staff will hold the planned stakeholder sessions, refine programmatic needs and prepare a concept design and cost estimate for presentation to the board by September 2025.","The division contracted RRMM architects to study transitioning Lake Taylor High into a comprehensive career and technical education high school focused on renewable energy and advanced technology; stakeholders, programming and a concept design with cost estimate are due by September 2025.",{"_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},6348850,"Consultant urges ‘newer and fewer’ schools; committee to recommend right‑sizing and rebuild options",1790,2777550,4568130,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2240195-27e87efa6b42054208b0127a09bcf07d&start=2777&end=4568","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2240195-27e87efa6b42054208b0127a09bcf07d/thumbnail_2777550.jpg","/articles/6348850/Virginia/Consultant-urges-newer-and-fewer-schools-committee-to-recommend-rightsizing-and-rebuild-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348850-2c17da9d634c6cbb0cc5a3504f0064eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775932445&Signature=WOr3OUuDEDzvFLIzHywS8qmjadrSfGJs~tTT76xAZkBO5IGqBQm4fcOtDBI-wSqAAdjzNHyJSQUHLKVCknr1n~wFLq8ZP052m-43Bu4Lvwrgd5o4Cp9BbyaXzln9EhUYPj1TS-c-iMWCpOLIYbQ9eJLyiM~3pZqq4y4dT08f0rR02-eZQO1aD8gFgVZL912IkI3nAqOx90ez-~bNoZEWct3ehClJprI8zTTg2hc6xoGVpeh6523D9-sbiOcdCTuxw1t3Dh58aFxKpiNjjmwIkC9neyGzr4lWeV8-LsLDsn~zfbRLnciyUihbyf5HI5ZM2W7-XzMhYtQUJerz9nJNkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","David Sturtz, the division’s educational and facilities planning consultant, briefed the Norfolk School Board on portfolio planning, presenting the rationale for “newer and fewer” schools and outlining a committee process to produce recommendations for consolidations, rebuilds and boundary changes.

Why it matters: Sturtz said the division currently carries surplus building capacity while enrollment has fallen; right‑sizing the portfolio, he argued, creates resources to reinvest in instructional programs, staffing and facilities for remaining schools.

Findings and framing
Sturtz summarized long‑term enrollment decline in Norfolk and linked it to the city’s population trends. He presented state‑level analyses showing that building condition correlates with outcomes and argued there is no evidence that larger enrollment schools harm student achievement; in some state comparisons, larger schools had higher accreditation and passage rates. He said the Facility Condition Index (FCI) has a measurable link to chronic absenteeism and recommended prioritizing students’ placement in lower‑FCI facilities.

Configuration options and community process
Sturtz described options the committee will explore: maintain current configurations while reducing the portfolio; expand K–8 options; or move toward a dominant K–8/9–12 model similar to changes seen in Baltimore and other districts. He said a practical planning target is operating regions at about 85% utilization, plus or minus 5%, to allow flexibility and avoid overcrowding.

Committee formation and outreach
The presentation noted the division received roughly 100 applications for a facilities planning committee; Sturtz and staff recommended a manageable committee of two to three dozen people with citywide representation, experience relevant to the work and an expressed commitment to objectivity. The division has sub‑contracted local communications firm Miles Agency to assist with applications, community engagement and facilitation. Sturtz said community engagement will include meetings, focus groups, surveys, direct mail and print/electronic outreach, and the proposed operating budget includes an estimated $130,000 to underwrite planning and communications.

Case studies and cautions
Sturtz discussed Baltimore City, Philadelphia and urban Ohio districts as comparative cases: Baltimore consolidated middle schools into K–8s over a decade and saw mixed but overall improved outcomes as configuration and investments changed; other urban examples indicated middle schools can be challenging for attendance and achievement compared with K–8 arrangements. He emphasized that consolidation can produce savings only if reinvestment occurs and that “doing it wrong” can fail to yield fiscal or educational gains.

Board questions and next steps
Board members asked about committee selection and redistricting sequencing; Sturtz recommended the board first define the desired portfolio vision and then draw boundaries, to avoid conflating the two processes. He said the committee and consultants will return with prioritized options and data for board review and that FCIs and a recent HBA study on building conditions will be provided to board members.

Ending
Sturtz closed by reiterating the three non‑negotiables for a portfolio plan: good building condition, right‑size to allow investments in every student every day, and proximity to where students live. He said consolidation must be one component of a broader rebuilding strategy and committed to bringing detailed recommendations to the board after committee work and community engagement.","An educational‑facilities consultant told the Norfolk School Board that chronic enrollment decline and building condition analyses point toward a portfolio plan of fewer, newer schools and an emphasis on rebuilding high‑FCI facilities; the administration plans a community committee and communications work funded in the proposed budget.",{"_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},6348855,"Norfolk Public Schools presents lean FY 2025–26 operating budget; proposes raises, staff additions and $253M in capital projects",2595,24790,2620680,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2240195-27e87efa6b42054208b0127a09bcf07d&start=24&end=2620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2240195-27e87efa6b42054208b0127a09bcf07d/thumbnail_24790.jpg","/articles/6348855/Virginia/Norfolk-Public-Schools-presents-lean-FY-202526-operating-budget-proposes-raises-staff-additions-and-253M-in-capital-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348855-6d68da38c8fe8d3c081793ffc8355671/orig.mp4?Expires=1775932445&Signature=UXjTIy0TzAsdHCYBPi5ga7Zge4gzutnHQmqAj6Im1Ju19gHHM3MqZc-4skPzS5IgyUJ7KRXiU~FS3MKdIq--vC6nPCJUZoCYRptlAUiTLpRoWrchDJQ4bO3lQymx39ONgKhevDkGEy3flGwrOefC7Y7~uCuYpPo3kJTK00V2kbsE~1HC2Q-peell2LTueXtHUDPrSPnbmGBFXy7VBWfQaRZIwAu7cG2XU4nbaygus-NtfHafNQ5KCfL5mG0szjB8RXEua8a4VTO65rLon1HjNflUjUo4kZ5zDo~Pai-lDtL8HXYBB3LdBV8ZGNUxGUz8fq5FiwiPT5Ajzp3K2ubzPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Birdsong and Chief Finance Officer Miss Fivy presented Norfolk Public Schools’ proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26 at a school board meeting; the division set a public hearing for March 5 and recommended board approval on March 19 before submission to Norfolk City Council by the April 1 statutory deadline.

The proposal, described during the presentation as a disciplined and “lean” plan built on the division’s strategic priorities, ties the budget’s constraints to falling enrollment and the end of federal pandemic relief funds. \"That funding has ended,\" Dr. Birdsong said, and the division expects to have about $16,800,000 less to work with next fiscal year. CFO Miss Fivy reported a multi-fund operating budget that the presenters described on slides: a general fund of about $450,200,000, a school nutrition fund near $26,900,000, grants and special programs around $42,800,000, and a capital improvement proposed budget of $253,000,000.

Why it matters: salaries and benefits make up the largest share of the operating budget, so shifts in revenue primarily affect program and capital spending. The administration framed the plan to protect employee pay increases and to target remaining funds at high‑priority instructional and safety needs while beginning a citywide facilities planning effort to right‑size the division.

Key revenue, priorities and schedule
State aid was shown as the largest revenue source on the slides at about $263,300,000, followed by the city contribution at $167,800,000, federal funds at about $5,400,000, an estimated $10,000,000 in reversion funds from FY24, and nearly $3,700,000 in other local revenue. Miss Fivy reviewed the required timeline: a public hearing (March 5), recommended board approval (March 19), statutory transmittal to Norfolk City Council by April 1, and an expected city appropriation in May, with the board to address any differences afterward.

Compensation and staffing proposals
The administration proposed a 4.5% salary increase for starting teachers (presented as moving the starting teacher salary from $57,500 to $60,088) and a 4.5% increase for current teachers that includes a one‑step increase plus a cost‑of‑living adjustment. Employees at the top of their salary scales were recommended to receive a one‑time 2.2% bonus. Administrative staff and classified employees were proposed to receive parallel adjustments: classified starting pay was shown increasing from $15.05 to $15.72 per hour and current classified employees were also included in a 4.5% increase plus a one‑time 2.2% bonus for top‑of‑scale employees. The presenters said there would be no increase in employee health‑care premiums for FY26, allowing staff to keep the full value of proposed increases.

The proposal ties nearly all of the general fund to personnel: Miss Fivy said salaries and benefits comprise 81.2% of the proposed operating budget, with 18.8% for all other costs.

Instructional and program investments
The proposal includes funding for targeted instructional and student supports rather than large new programs. Notable items presented:
- 33 additional English‑learner teachers to respond to a reported increase in English learners (presenters cited a rise from roughly 1,108 to 1,903 English learners).
- 14 additional special education teachers, described as nine inclusion teachers, two teachers for post‑graduates, one teacher for students with visual impairments and one for students with autism.
- Five attendance technicians to provide daily attendance support at each high school.
- Conversion of a part‑time reading specialist at Northside Middle School to a full position to meet the Virginia Literacy Act expectation for a full‑time reading specialist.
- Continued funding for tutoring programs and social‑emotional supports (CareSolace and Panorama) and retention of stipends (previously under ESSER funding) for PBIS support, wellness champions, club sponsorships, grounds patrol and class coverage (presenters estimated this set of stipends at about $2,800,000).

Pilot and targeted programs
The presentation proposed funding year three of the Lindenwood Elementary pilot program (presenters reported improved teacher retention and full accreditation for the school after 17 years) and recommended extending the Equity and Excellence Learning Center (EELC) model to Southside STEM Academy at Campus Stella at an estimated overall cost of $434,150. Leadership‑mentoring for new principals and a small pool for contracted specialized legal services were also proposed.

Capital Improvement Program
Miss Fivy said the FY26 CIP totals $253,000,000, with roughly $231,000,000 shown for a proposed Morey High School rebuild and the remainder for deferred maintenance projects, bus replacements and system upgrades (HVAC, roofs, restroom and electrical upgrades, Camp Young pool replacement). A separate facilities condition assessment (HBA) was referenced; speakers said updated Facility Condition Index (FCI) work would be provided in a forthcoming brief.

Enrollment and right‑sizing
Presenters repeatedly cited a multi‑decade decline in enrollment as a major constraint. They described a long‑range facilities planning effort, a committee to produce recommendations and a proposed $130,000 set‑aside (listed in the presentation) to underwrite educational and facilities planning plus communications and community engagement. The administration emphasized that closure and consolidation recommendations would follow committee work and community engagement and said no specific closures were being proposed at the presentation.

Numbers to note (from slides and remarks)
- General fund (slide): $450,200,000
- Total proposed operating budget (slide): $772,000,000 (presentation displayed this figure; a later oral remark by the superintendent included a larger inconsistent number; presenters also emphasized the general fund and CIP values above)
- CIP proposed: $253,000,000 (roughly $231,000,000 for Morey High rebuild)
- Starting teacher salary proposed: $60,088 (presented as the starting salary under the 4.5% proposal)
- Total ESSER/ARPA funding to the division over three years cited: $176,600,000

What presenters and board members said next
Board members thanked staff, asked for follow‑up briefings and requested targeted workshops and 2‑by‑2 sessions with the budget team. The administration offered additional meetings and said the staff and consultants would provide more detailed material ahead of the March 19 recommendation.

Ending (next steps)
Presenters restated the schedule: public hearing on March 5, board action recommended March 19, transmittal to Norfolk City Council by April 1 and expected council appropriation in May. The board signaled interest in follow‑up workshops and additional committee or 2‑by‑2 meetings with the budget team to address detailed member questions.","Superintendent Dr. Birdsong and Chief Finance Officer Miss Fivy presented a fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget proposal that emphasizes employee compensation, targeted staffing, and a $253 million capital-improvement program while citing declining enrollment and the end of federal pandemic-era relief.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School board appoints Jason Inge to fill Ward 3 seat after candidate interviews; appointment approved in closed session vote

Norfolk launches feasibility study to convert Lake Taylor into comprehensive CTE high school

Consultant urges ‘newer and fewer’ schools; committee to recommend right‑sizing and rebuild options

Norfolk Public Schools presents lean FY 2025–26 operating budget; proposes raises, staff additions and $253M in capital projects