[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",6288618,"mediaKeyId","2537356-c8bd5c4c491c94d1ec5b3225aaed39ff","parentId",2537356,"title","Music teacher urges community to attend events as Chesapeake marks Music in Our Schools Month","audioSeconds",181,"startMs",658000,"endMs",839000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2537356-c8bd5c4c491c94d1ec5b3225aaed39ff&start=658&end=839","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2537356-c8bd5c4c491c94d1ec5b3225aaed39ff/thumbnail_658000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6288618/Virginia/Music-teacher-urges-community-to-attend-events-as-Chesapeake-marks-Music-in-Our-Schools-Month","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288618-3d4b96afa547b43de729e483c246b36a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775107753&Signature=oHbSPOEO0Bg8j4mTEzJgblbY4ngH8HPcHTYDsAVBLs68sfsQlBc7gnZYs-93HYZA8oLLZXnNHKtW3a4q9-nMaMEG5j9lULriJLNxChqc-1X9ky6RE9M8Xc8QDGk7vnxRD0vlMjAxLWfJY~A3KIBbHbOQ5zzHBCTLnHf82YRFLLqguJzXLA3u28AhZUKUL-TjUX4mIIZua~saFJfFxuEsJ0ARB0BTUY8AweBtN~s8wVCHuPF~Tta59~rcC98zybdBoM-0CMuPxFJvF7G9adKAC4GUiogDKAw8hE3bBVJLadicioHEeHBZHY-D6v44X~jwXtNqPehqvORxSGogmA~sag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Chesapeake City Public School District","date","2025-03-11T11:07:19Z","article","At Monday's school board meeting a Chesapeake music teacher urged the public to attend student performances as the division marks Music in Our Schools Month.

Ernest Stokes, who identified himself as a music teacher in the division, told the board he has taught music for many years and described a monthlong slate of performances and activities that celebrate music education. Stokes said students from elementary through high school perform at district, state and national conferences and that over the coming month hundreds of elementary and middle school musicians will rehearse and perform at all-city events.

Board members thanked Stokes and others for their work; a board member noted personal experience with music education and commended teachers' role in student development. The board heard that music activities included classroom instruction, ensembles and special events such as gallery walks and living-history projects used during Black History Month.

Why it matters: Board members and the teacher said music instruction supports student engagement, confidence and long-term participation in arts and career-technical pathways.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting: Monday, March 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Chesapeake music teacher highlighted Music in Our Schools Month activities and student performances across the division.","taxTitle","CHESAPEAKE CITY PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",14503,"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},6288622,"Parent tells board enrollment process was 'tedious' and staff agree to review delays",152,447000,599000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2537356-c8bd5c4c491c94d1ec5b3225aaed39ff&start=447&end=599","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2537356-c8bd5c4c491c94d1ec5b3225aaed39ff/thumbnail_447000.jpg","/articles/6288622/Virginia/Parent-tells-board-enrollment-process-was-tedious-and-staff-agree-to-review-delays","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288622-e21c9270c787a1e5773201be96424f02/orig.mp4?Expires=1775107752&Signature=jTSWRbtSUK-ULeZKY9~5PgCXOg7e9ukUUZX3pV1xDEcOfPTDV0qp5nth2cZoV3DTTzsZ17W6bad2j7RUlWOLzfWadn9LzVeQcAHCE2C3c9lcTTrjAYK85CBCi599sWtlANEU2S82exiF4c7cAb1gOqrdtNTow8KUqsXXCd7uXC2sNPWVU9oES0prj-Yof64JnZepkDtKbqH47Mf9wYLRfCxR1lWynJE4xeKcemEYWIwKBtpgu-vwly8E8YPPq-J9N0hEhwtWK~ajzr3Xn0cVg~vo-PXFjCDa-idj-JYJtibzxHxOx3uCc3DTwHWbPjhoxQI~reGYb1DL6J6Jhh-zcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Chesapeake parent told the school board she had repeatedly encountered obstacles while enrolling multiple children in Chesapeake Public Schools and asked the division for help.

Ashley Van Oel, who identified herself as a Chesapeake resident, nonprofit owner and parent of eight children (six currently enrolled in Chesapeake schools), said the enrollment process had been \"very tedious\" and described repeated requests for documentation and a rejected proof-of-progress submission during summer enrollment for a seventh grader. Van Oel said she had asked school staff whether she could bring a child with anxiety to the building for a non-school-hours visit to ease the transition; she said office staff declined to arrange such a visit and that calls requesting follow-up went unanswered until she visited the office in person.

Board response and follow-up: Board member Dr. Britney Walker thanked Van Oel for speaking and said staff member Dr. Miller had already assisted to address the concern. Walker asked the board to \"take a look into what's happening\" because she has noticed enrollment delays more often than is typical for this time of year; she noted she had seen similar reports on social media and from residents. The board chair and superintendent said the division receives public comment and, when appropriate, staff will evaluate concerns and follow up with the speaker.

Why it matters: Enrollment processes affect families' access to school services and program placement; the board flagged the issue for staff review ahead of the start of the next school year.

What the speaker said: Van Oel praised Chesapeake teachers as responsive and credited them with being \"top notch,\" but said administrative processes had been an obstacle. She asked the board for assistance and said she was not criticizing teachers but seeking help for families navigating documentation and transitions.

Next steps: Board members requested staff review recent enrollment patterns and follow up with the speaker as appropriate.","A Chesapeake parent described difficulty enrolling multiple children in the division; board members asked staff to investigate recent enrollment delays.",{"_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},6288625,"Chesapeake outlines summer school dates, sites and program focus for 2025",62,883000,945000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2537356-c8bd5c4c491c94d1ec5b3225aaed39ff&start=883&end=945","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2537356-c8bd5c4c491c94d1ec5b3225aaed39ff/thumbnail_883000.jpg","/articles/6288625/Virginia/Chesapeake-outlines-summer-school-dates-sites-and-program-focus-for-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288625-c4d579b915921aa7e6f78cdc1e87a6ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1775107752&Signature=Uw2ZMx8y69vxnDUPXoHkXIF2PCa9AlGH3O6kE9MQTnVeB59aJSMIpzOY-v5UNYfWLKH9NxZfPWT5Qw662D8zf69QrnsRKGmJtIr9YuhZdvLpPo3xGJVQ7r4kiIm0yY15zDY4CXc7PkmV5qoE5pvGHXwHiWxSp5sIKuzR-5w1CgG2d0y~EE-jpdNWY8WEuRXaGBhiw05fcxywtr1ZSrtmv6tMyusENIey8DtDsJa5E2KbnxjtlWI7sFxx2CZwcpeLX5E6IrHDKXwikilEXZUOHaRc5RvNaJmcq5NI9zgWfxFeuDSYv0zeomf9mk8-6pj2WnZMLZbNniujmkT~TibxGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chesapeake Public Schools staff presented the division's planned summer 2025 learning programs, which will emphasize accelerated learning and literacy supports, targeted interventions for exceptional and English learners, and a mix of in-person and virtual high-school options.

Kim McGrath, director of academic support, told the board the division plans to serve approximately 3,500 students through a combination of elementary, middle and high school offerings. Elementary summer school is scheduled June 30 to July 31, Monday through Thursday, from 7:35 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. at five elementary sites; staff said each elementary site will have two reading specialists providing targeted small-group instruction and enrichment, and rising fifth graders will access career and technical education (CTE) offerings.

Middle school summer programs are scheduled for June 30 to July 31 and will run as two nine-day sessions, 8:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.; McGrath said middle-level instruction will focus on reading and will provide two reading specialists per site and specialized services for English learners and exceptional learners. High school summer learning will offer both in-person and virtual options: in-person instruction is planned for credit recovery, SOL quick review, and courses for initial credit when possible; Chesapeake Virtual Academy will also offer online credit-bearing courses. Staff said Chesapeake Virtual Academy charges $300 per course, with a reduced rate available for students who receive free or reduced-price lunch or who enroll in required academy courses.

Program design: staff described a condensed schedule for secondary students due to the June 17 last day of school and a teacher work day on June 18; to preserve instructional time the division will lengthen secondary school days by 30 minutes so middle school students can complete two nine-day sessions and high school students can access sufficient in-person instruction for credit recovery and SOL review. The division also plans enrichment offerings including a CTE academy, IB Academy and STEM camp.

Board Q&A: Dr. Britney Walker asked whether summer opportunities are open to all students or by invitation; McGrath said enrollment is \"based on data\" and that criteria are used to identify students for reading and math interventions; she confirmed that enrichment slots and exceptional learner placements follow set criteria.

Why it matters: summer programming is positioned to address learning gaps and provide recovery and credit opportunities that affect students' progression and graduation timelines.","Chesapeake Public Schools presented plans for summer 2025 programs covering elementary, middle and high school students with a focus on literacy, targeted interventions and credit recovery.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":79,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6288631,"Chesapeake School Board adopts proposed FY 2025-26 budget, approves expulsion and other motions",1397000,1549000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2537356-c8bd5c4c491c94d1ec5b3225aaed39ff&start=1397&end=1549","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2537356-c8bd5c4c491c94d1ec5b3225aaed39ff/thumbnail_1397000.jpg","/articles/6288631/Virginia/Chesapeake-School-Board-adopts-proposed-FY-2025-26-budget-approves-expulsion-and-other-motions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288631-7ee023b5ebd1b817b325fd0c9ac62902/orig.mp4?Expires=1775107752&Signature=T9VHgUH--CwgrV3XnVmTJv1KyzZFMgoJDgEoqj~-qtBl5tRjq5GDgAXPHCz8GOupP75lbVIev3e62-X4ZmGdYxF3v6Sj2nrMvmWJ~LVBOdIw9DfTQ0-rQZPFdraAnlpJXPDqsobi75eeJnFLceNZXiDeapq3-hGC9RoLdyCrHtzdZ~Mq23T5nx~d9yzNYVF67oYuKaCsjA9d2GTFdGf6QHSKaARksgZXO-3rPnEeuVCKKLuvm60DNwYFhUyCH13sea2d1BNMv2HM9TtywS0sTlx9CJ8pADbdM73GZHN~gmjegupSS3QxrYvJXZOFUtpKEuBXcA3MIlwrMXaJlXDpwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chesapeake School Board on Monday approved the superintendent’s proposed fiscal year 2025-26 operating, categorical and special funds budget and voted on several procedural items, including a student expulsion and the consent agenda.

The board voted to adopt the division’s proposed budget as its submission to the city. During a presentation, staff described the proposed budget as $813,400,000,000 — a figure the presentation said represents about a $9,000,000 (1.1 percent) decrease from the current year — and outlined drivers including compensation adjustments, benefits cost increases, and changes in purchased services and categorical funding. The board also approved the recommended appropriation of one-time funds on July 1, 2025, and endorsed using the governor’s December 2024 budget proposal as the division’s current revenue assumption while the state process continues.

The board returned from closed session and approved the superintendent’s recommendation to expel “student number 1.” That disciplinary action followed a closed-session review of student disciplinary matters as permitted by the Code of Virginia. The board approved other routine items, including the consent agenda.

Why it matters: Adoption of the proposed budget sets the school division’s numbers and priorities for the city’s review and for further reconciliation with the state budget; the expulsion is an immediate, legally consequential disciplinary outcome recorded in the meeting.

Key details from the budget presentation: staff said the proposed fiscal-year 2025-26 budget includes a combined 3 percent average compensation adjustment for teachers (a 1.5 percent base increase plus a 1.5 percent step increase), a proposed new teacher starting salary of $56,012, 42 new positions, and the transfer of 41 positions from grant funding into the operating budget. Staff described roughly $24,300,000 available for one-time use (about $8,300,000 from school-year 2023-24 reversions plus nearly $16,000,000 from city fiscal 2023-24 favorable variance). A vendor selection for school-bus routing software reduced that line-item’s estimate from $4,300,000 to $2,000,000, producing an estimated $2,300,000 in savings the administration recommended moving to turf field and track upgrades.

Board procedure and next steps: staff said the division will continue to use the governor’s December 2024 proposal as its revenue baseline until the governor and General Assembly finalize a state budget. The superintendent said he will present priorities for additional revenue funding on April 7, and the board is scheduled to reconcile and adopt the final budget after the city and state processes conclude on May 19.

Votes at a glance
- Adoption of meeting agenda: Moved by Vice Chair Kim Scott; seconded by Norman Poole; motion carried (recorded as all board members voting yes).
- Motion to convene closed session under Code of Virginia §2.2-3711 (personnel, student disciplinary and real estate matters): Moved and seconded from the dais; motion carried (recorded as all board members voting yes).
- Expulsion of student number 1 (recommendation from Superintendent Dr. Cotton): Moved by Norman Poole; seconded by Kim Scott; motion carried (recorded as all board members voting yes).
- Consent agenda (routine items): Moved by Kim Scott; seconded by Elijah Colon; motion carried (recorded as all board members voting yes).
- Approval of the superintendent’s proposed FY 2025-26 operating, categorical and special funds budgets, including 07/01/2025 appropriation of one-time funds: Moved by Malia Huddle; seconded by Kim Scott; motion carried (recorded as all board members voting yes).

What the board recorded in closed session: the board stated, on the record, that the only items discussed in closed session were those listed in the motion to convene and other items lawfully exempted from statutory meeting requirements. The board then took the expulsion vote in open session as a formal action.

A note on reported numbers: figures and dollar amounts are stated as presented by division staff during the meeting.","The Chesapeake School Board approved the superintendent’s proposed fiscal year 2025-26 operating, categorical and special funds budget and a recommendation to expel a student. The board also approved the consent agenda and several procedural motions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Music teacher urges community to attend events as Chesapeake marks Music in Our Schools Month

Parent tells board enrollment process was 'tedious' and staff agree to review delays

Chesapeake outlines summer school dates, sites and program focus for 2025

Chesapeake School Board adopts proposed FY 2025-26 budget, approves expulsion and other motions