[{"_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",6295828,"mediaKeyId","2519449-3d6e790bc776fc3f579d7348ee41d38d","parentId",2519449,"title","Public hearing on superintendent’s FY26 budget draws appeals for facilities repairs, before-and-after care and staff pay","audioSeconds",157,"startMs",7710000,"endMs",7867000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2519449-3d6e790bc776fc3f579d7348ee41d38d&start=7710&end=7867","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2519449-3d6e790bc776fc3f579d7348ee41d38d/thumbnail_7710000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6295828/Virginia/Public-hearing-on-superintendents-FY26-budget-draws-appeals-for-facilities-repairs-before-and-after-care-and-staff-pay","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6295828-1066b3a41e71c023f5fd0f8fe0b9f4ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156656&Signature=ejGfjL52-1YrAtj87A8NOokKWZTOOmpw6O~Pr3yT22IMTTamXqLaqsenTBBN8swq6myWyskQsznZtY4z7zg5QEGHenqQqQ17TkCbvRPy6Bq0vpEav3yCTUqonOsEaKkg29QmWmStU4MB0-3C1Ig5WlTytG7NUVTGgiiq338x1OelsvnHuql2pzREPL4SJjYYrzPxbgUCosrslKDN7RGZTlYAFwgtrhYDR8gUEBBqt39iOGFmPyYHdG0GZRt780sQ-HoIYTT0LlsFtuFY0~10-tiyCelIbfBPGdNy7QPv7k8g3CMN64DcgmR-ZwlDM~lRTvlfy13IMPgYfzifFSdYdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Norfolk City Public School","date","2025-03-06T01:35:01Z","article","Norfolk Public Schools held a public hearing on March 18 on the superintendent’s proposed fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget. Chief Financial Officer Miss Spivey summarized the proposal, which she said totals about $772.9 million across funds and includes a $450.2 million general fund, staff compensation adjustments (an average 4.5% COLA and step increases, higher starting teacher pay) and continued capital investment including the Maury High School rebuild.

Speakers at the public hearing — 15 individuals who had signed up in advance — raised a range of local concerns and requests:

- Facilities and maintenance: Parents and PTA representatives urged more urgent repairs at older buildings. A parent of students at Oceanaire Elementary described deteriorating caulking, ceiling tiles and roofing repairs and said the condition affected a child with respiratory allergies; she cited research linking school facility condition to student outcomes and teacher retention and asked the board to prioritize maintenance funding.

- Ghent and Maury process: Several Ghent parents and neighborhood residents said they support the Maury rebuild overall but expressed alarm that schematic plans would reduce the usable play area in front of Ghent and asked for continued, direct involvement in site decisions. Speakers asked for greater outreach and clearer, accessible channels for community input beyond the meetings already held.

- Jaycox before-and-after care (ELC focus): Multiple speakers representing parents, local organizers and community groups urged a dedicated, universally accessible before-and-after-school care program at Jaycox Elementary (an ELC school). Speakers said the school’s 9:00 a.m. start time and local workforce patterns leave many families with childcare gaps; they asked the board to include a budget line (speakers suggested figures and a pilot funding level and indicated a potential $600,000 startup as a community estimate) to contract a provider that can operate before and after school for all grades, including pre-K.

- Wellness assistants and part-time clinic staff: Wellness assistants and clinic staff asked that part-time positions be converted to full‑time roles, or receive wage and hour protections, so they are not regularly unpaid on holidays or snow days while carrying clinic responsibilities every school day.

- Music education and arts: A parent and an alumnus asked the board to increase support for music and arts programs across elementary, middle and high schools and to ensure instruments, staffing and performance opportunities are funded at every school.

- Pedestrian and bicycle safety / Safe Routes to School: A member of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission urged reinvestment in Safe Routes programming and school field trips to regional safety curricula, and asked the division to support applications that can unlock matching funds for cross‑agency pedestrian-safety programs.

Several speakers thanked the division for existing supports (tutoring, ELC pilots) while asking for expansion and more equitable distribution across neighborhoods. CFO Spivey and other administrators said the FY26 proposal increases starting pay for teachers to $60,088, continues program funding for early-literacy tutors and includes major capital projects in the capital improvement fund; she noted city council review and finalization of the budget will follow the school board’s adoption schedule.

What this means: The budget hearing surfaced strong neighborhood-level requests that could translate to specific budget amendments or addenda as the board finalizes a proposed operating budget and forwards it to the City of Norfolk. Board members and administration will weigh requests against revenue and capital constraints during the upcoming adoption process; some requests (lifting part-time wellness assistants to full time or launching a universally funded before/after program) would require recurring operating funding or targeted grant/partnerships to sustain.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","LIVE School Board Meeting: 3-5-25 (4:00 p.m.)","oneSentenceSummary","At a public hearing on the superintendent’s FY26 operating budget, community speakers urged investment in school repairs, before-and-after care at Jaycox, pay and hours for wellness assistants, music education, and more equitable facility funding across neighborhoods.","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},6295832,"Norfolk Public Schools reports winter gains on new Virginia reading assessment; concerns remain for EL and special-education groups",1152,4555000,5707000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2519449-3d6e790bc776fc3f579d7348ee41d38d&start=4555&end=5707","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2519449-3d6e790bc776fc3f579d7348ee41d38d/thumbnail_4555000.jpg","/articles/6295832/Virginia/Norfolk-Public-Schools-reports-winter-gains-on-new-Virginia-reading-assessment-concerns-remain-for-EL-and-special-education-groups","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6295832-2e6a35630177398506be8931bb55073f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156656&Signature=WkUL9e86KhlUFBTyMVnFT3d9nbFwM6anHKLs4Im0XxcKthrN2rvqlbWOiTmls8MI7aHmB9hLWdk03-Byr8Plpm2gBRTVj6XXn8L~ZzkU9aDOloFYojCDmNzQ1l1rL--zIu0pKQxeYpRRJfO8yY385PfyDLsKp7W41yOIXewqJVs8Tzr0gKKPMk8V7dpbm9~vg0X05LwmOlnXCZiiWw3oh0AmVSlOeS6xH3Z5UEI9rHoiGjGggRAzBRjjKv1HLyPwf1Q9qcuHYZnezV2a~dmaSAjfDnP4s1IMe0mLxqRzt3kwcMBO18UyaVdroxfavCJuWvxvtAlsyNLodv-rqox8BQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Norfolk Public Schools on March 18 reported winter assessment results that show gains in early-literacy screening and third‑grade STAR benchmarks, and outlined ongoing interventions under Board Goal 2 to increase third‑grade reading proficiency.

Dr. Pohl (English office) presented winter VALS (a new state-aligned reading diagnostic) data and said first- and second-grade populations showed double-digit movement from the fall into a lower-risk band. The division said reading intervention plans (student reading plans) were created for approximately 2,891 students and that the early-literacy tutor program, Lexia Core5 and SIPPS interventions continue to be central to instruction and remediation.

“Both grade levels saw double digit gains of students moving into the low level risk band from the fall to the winter VALS assessment,” Dr. Pohl said, summarizing progress. He cautioned that 36.5% of first graders and 28.8% of second graders remain in the high-risk band and need sustained intervention.

For third grade STAR screening (measure 2.2), the division said winter proficiency rose above the target set for the year and urgent‑intervention percentages declined; winter proficiency was reported at about 69.8% for the cohort tracked and urgent-intervention at about 12.9% in the division’s winter snapshot. Staff said 18 of 30 schools met the winter proficiency target for third grade.

Presenters credited a multi-pronged approach: expanded early-literacy tutors (the division reported roughly 82 tutors), structured intervention programs (SIPPS for tiers 2/3, Lexia Core5 for tiered use), monthly professional development for reading specialists and tutors, and family resources tied to each student reading plan. Division staff said they are conducting intervention walks and using a VDOE English-learning walkthrough protocol to monitor implementation fidelity.

Board members asked about winter targets, participation rates, the sustainment of tutoring and curricular supports in the proposed budget and how literacy strategies will be adapted for English learners and students with disabilities. Staff said third-grade participation rates on STAR are high (roughly 92–95% reported) and confirmed the budget continues to include funding for tutors and curricular resources. For English learners, staff said the division is expanding EL staffing and certification (additional EL positions are included in the budget proposal) so students with the highest need receive more targeted EL teacher time.

Officials said the division will provide more comparative statewide benchmarking when VDOE releases broader VALS comparative data and will continue to update the board with intervention and monitoring results.","The division reported winter VALS and STAR screening results that show improvement in early grades and third-grade screening, while noting gaps remain for English learners and students with disabilities. Staff outlined tutoring, curriculum and professional development steps.",{"_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},6295836,"School board creates educational facilities planning steering committee after narrow vote",1167,6412000,7579000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2519449-3d6e790bc776fc3f579d7348ee41d38d&start=6412&end=7579","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2519449-3d6e790bc776fc3f579d7348ee41d38d/thumbnail_6412000.jpg","/articles/6295836/Virginia/School-board-creates-educational-facilities-planning-steering-committee-after-narrow-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6295836-0bb2af95876090c24e203700c4207d5c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156656&Signature=GcS7OorqomBjbum1HYNijcPtulqjCIt5hLSyYjCseCTJfMp7g7EMCU6SyilmvuYcdJExHYS7wAlDV1Y0JkqbXrrkkgam3Eehe7ZC9FbSh68bCZIJORx9CqTFaxKAHOIiWhHc82RTsMssFWXHtPLNFUGPwNbDfNLMLhSriR6C5ub1e6OvUHRXCHf5-IPAgD~SEHqYWqn6Ect6Izr6eHLLXygK8b7sbXHT2eoUexVFBglYLvGVjuNzNV8TzmHgTo0W2mTSZo6n59tBg24pDnd-MQ8cqPzAsqFDQv8sPl2drObja8NYHnIolY71FsMZp7XFN~fK3jTF69rMt9mT8HKfRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norfolk School Board voted on March 18 to create an Educational Facilities Planning Steering Committee to advise the board on facility planning, consolidation and portfolio adjustments. The decision came after extended debate about whether the committee should be treated as an administrative advisory group under the superintendent or as a board-appointed advisory body.

Board members discussed outreach and selection. Administration officials said they contracted a local consulting team (Wilpert Group) to manage outreach, field applications and score candidates with a rubric. The administration reported 99 applicants and said the consultant recommended a slate of roughly 30 community members representing different wards, parents, faith‑based and civic leaders, and school staff. Board members who backed the resolution said that independent vetting produced a broader and more diverse applicant pool than the division’s usual volunteer pool.

Opponents of board control said the board already has significant policy oversight and that detailed management of selection and administrative tasks would duplicate the superintendent’s responsibilities and slow the process. Supporters countered that this committee will make consequential recommendations about potential school closures and consolidation and therefore requires school-board oversight and a transparent appointment process.

After discussion the board voted to create the committee as a special advisory committee to the board. The roll call recorded individual votes for several members; the motion passed and the board then entered a closed session to discuss committee appointments and to seek legal advice on the process.

What this means: The committee will operate as an advisory body to the school board and will receive administrative support from the superintendent’s office. The administration will continue to assist the committee with staffing, scheduling and data but the board will have appointment authority for the committee’s membership and final oversight of its recommendations. The board said it expects the committee to consult on educational specifications, facility capacity and equity implications and to report recommendations back to the school board for policy decisions.","The board voted to establish an Educational Facilities Planning Steering Committee as a special advisory committee; debate focused on whether the board or administration should manage the committee and on transparency of applicant vetting.",{"_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},6295841,"Norfolk School Board approves Maury High School schematic design with conditions to keep Ghent community involved",3666,533000,4199000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2519449-3d6e790bc776fc3f579d7348ee41d38d&start=533&end=4199","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2519449-3d6e790bc776fc3f579d7348ee41d38d/thumbnail_533000.jpg","/articles/6295841/Virginia/Norfolk-School-Board-approves-Maury-High-School-schematic-design-with-conditions-to-keep-Ghent-community-involved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6295841-75e88a5e1d0b47815c917707a444cf27/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156656&Signature=egknjv-2cZNrkfyA7QMc4lv2ffjEJZY2MqZUTb5GpuGKAVU-1vbYuo4mTSnWoGlcHIZzkXZ4tmKcAJulsSnOn6GQT~JDnBmSUkyHrqN6G7q3kBhPYezuMs9NXZdjCGz2Jc81teslgZjWZWVKnk3ueoVIrxgqf8FhBZY5WS8uNOjOa6I72D0SDeWRyX-rarHCr7yjaA5YfFZOOhO7bR9gtfGtFHu34Qk66MFkma0a1l3lbTh1CcQWGdgwfB4DM6mS8Sz8zbtEmJqseXZe6c0JGpVXWcFCQEIASmDyqIUEf2SBDc6wYn9qLoJmZfQuC0vUr4oEQ0XdhHxusjGGY7Iycg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norfolk School Board on March 18 approved the schematic design for the Maury High School rebuild and authorized the project to move into the design development phase, with board members recording that the design process should retain flexibility and continue direct engagement with Ghent School stakeholders.

School system staff and the project team presented a progress update before the vote. Norfolk Public Schools staff said the project is in an interim agreement phase with developer Heartland, which will deliver design development documents and a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) after schematic design is finished. The design team said the goal remains to open the new Maury for the fall 2028–29 school year.

Architects and the developer reviewed the site plan, athletic and arts facilities, a new bus canopy entry on Washington Park, and a proposed shared-use natatorium. The team said the plan retains the most historically significant portion of the existing Maury building while proposing selective demolition of non-historic additions; a Preliminary Information Form (PIF) will formally begin the Virginia historic‑resources review needed to set the historic boundary.

Mel Price of WPA, the lead architect, told the board the schematic is a “snapshot in time” and that the team has more stakeholder meetings planned. Price said the designers heard concerns from parents and teachers about how Ghent School’s playgrounds, basketball court and mobile classrooms (learning cottages) would be relocated and are continuing site-level conversations to try to avoid loss of on-site amenities. “We hope we will have the opportunity to continue to work with Norfolk Public Schools, with the parents, with the faculty, so that we can get this right,” Price said.

Project managers said Heartland will provide a GMP at the end of design development; if the GMP is accepted by Norfolk Public Schools and the City of Norfolk, Heartland would enter a comprehensive agreement and construction would follow. The presentation listed site security measures, stormwater landscaping, a proposed turf multipurpose field and a covered bus loop. The team said they had conducted two community meetings (June 2024 and January 2025) with roughly 140–150 attendees, and they plan a third community meeting before construction documents.

Board members asked detailed questions about acreage and play space for Ghent students, the status of the learning cottages and how the project will avoid reducing outdoor space used by Ghent. Project staff acknowledged they have placed the required amenities on the new site plan but said they have not yet completed a specific calculation of net open play area and that they will provide those measurements in the next phase. The team said some portable classrooms are planned to be decommissioned and that Norfolk Public Schools is evaluating whether to move those classroom uses inside the new building over a summer schedule.

After questions and an amendment to emphasize that the design approval should allow continued flexibility and include Ghent community participation in follow-up planning, the board voted to approve the schematic design and allow the project to advance to design development. The administration and project team said they will return with a GMP and further community engagement as design development proceeds.

What this means: With schematic approval the project moves to a phase in which design details, phasing and pricing are developed. The GMP produced during design development will be the contract figure Heartland offers for construction; the city and school division must agree on that number before a construction contract proceeds. The historic‑resources review (PIF) will establish what parts of the current Maury building are considered historic and therefore must be retained.

Board members, project staff and the developer emphasized the plan remains iterative and that further changes are possible in design development, particularly around Ghent School amenities and the final historic boundary determination.","The board voted to approve schematic designs for the Maury High School rebuild and move the project into design development, while recording commitments to preserve the historic portion of Maury and continue community engagement with Ghent School stakeholders.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public hearing on superintendent’s FY26 budget draws appeals for facilities repairs, before-and-after care and staff pay

Norfolk Public Schools reports winter gains on new Virginia reading assessment; concerns remain for EL and special-education groups

School board creates educational facilities planning steering committee after narrow vote

Norfolk School Board approves Maury High School schematic design with conditions to keep Ghent community involved