Virginia Beach education leaders evaluate staffing and support for wellness days

Concerns over staffing levels and support for wellness days dominated the recent Virginia Beach City Public Schools Board Workshop, as officials sought to clarify the structure and efficiency of the district's central office.

Chairwoman Brown initiated the discussion by presenting a detailed document outlining the staffing by department, aiming to address ongoing concerns about perceived overstaffing in non-school-based areas. She emphasized the need for transparency, allowing board members to directly inquire about specific positions and their functions. "We have heard year over year... that the non-school based areas like Central Office have way too many people," she stated, underscoring the importance of understanding departmental roles.

In a comparative analysis, it was revealed that Virginia Beach's Central Office operates with fewer personnel than similar districts while achieving higher academic performance. This data is expected to be shared with the board, reinforcing the notion that the district is effectively utilizing its resources.

The conversation then shifted to wellness days for staff, with board member Rogers raising concerns about the lack of support for teachers wishing to take these days. Dr. Robertson acknowledged the challenges, particularly during peak times when substitutes are hard to find. "We introduced wellness days two years ago... but that presents a significant issue to the school," he noted, indicating a need for better planning to ensure staff can take advantage of these days without disrupting classroom activities.

Rogers also questioned the district's leadership structure, suggesting a potential streamlining of executive roles to reduce perceived top-heaviness. While Dr. Robertson committed to researching this further, he clarified that current leadership levels are based on the number of staff supervised, not arbitrary expansions.

The meeting concluded with a call for more aggressive workforce development initiatives, as board members expressed concern over the district's ability to meet the growing demand for skilled teachers, particularly in technical fields. The board's discussions reflect a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and supporting staff well-being, with further evaluations and actions anticipated in the coming months.