[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,76,87,99,111],{"_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",6205848,"mediaKeyId","3768326-057739096de44672f0b00e204c5bdfb0","parentId",3768326,"title","Policy review drops LEED mandate from sustainability policy after city cost concerns","audioSeconds",480,"startMs",4980000,"endMs",5460000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3768326-057739096de44672f0b00e204c5bdfb0&start=4980&end=5460","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3768326-057739096de44672f0b00e204c5bdfb0/thumbnail_4980000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6205848/Virginia/Policy-review-drops-LEED-mandate-from-sustainability-policy-after-city-cost-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6205848-22c0512b08010200acd2c66db080dfd4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770957179&Signature=mAEityF-54iyhvm8mfU33pHv6diqYGOuVTzDcnZqQbrW5Q5cB2RDUPE5eFKIg4cemxio2hdH1aVyh0w6PQsChIIKzFv0viLyTG1Hvi3gknniQJ7rpTgvotkKV6C~0jn3RbrqT5m7Ykw4Rdcrzc6FyL~6ccsKVYXONyKYYU5FjwogM4a0gllLUvVAuEayFOz3DlF-FvoZ0gbo2O6xNYQoulWBax~OFQYDsfifYrMcWKPtsC8NNOVHRzW09mIH5vrmcf~qqlK7XJIBIdiGiIleoTtbem6ZrucA8u5lnboMRql8VaoUWsUG1zEAshu1JgqXn8htSGQIc8kpkDxZ8oCVyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","VA Beach City Public School","date","2025-06-11T16:33:00.48Z","article","The Virginia Beach Policy Review Committee recommended removing a requirement that new school construction or major renovation projects be designed to a minimum LEED standard from the district’s environmentally sustainable practices policy (Policy 3‑67).

Camie Linetti, school board attorney who presented the policy item, said the PRC reviewed language that had previously required new builds and large modernizations to meet “a minimum LEED standard certified or equal.” After discussion and review of city practices, the PRC recommended deleting that requirement and renumbering the section.

School facility staff and policy presenters said the removal would not prevent the division from pursuing energy‑efficient equipment, lighting upgrades or green construction practices; rather, it would remove a mandatory certification requirement that divisions and the city have treated differently. Miss Ingram, who addressed cost implications, estimated certification and associated documentation add a nominal fee for contractors and consultants—generally in the 1% to 5% range of project costs depending on project size.

Linette told the board she had reached out to city staff for clarification and read a memo from the city manager noting the city has not built LEED‑certified major facilities in recent large projects and that LEED certification typically increases construction costs, with cited ranges “around 5 to 10%” in some studies. The memo said the city is not pursuing LEED certification on recent large projects because of fiscal considerations.

Board member Mr. Cummings asked for a cost/benefit analysis of LEED certification versus non‑LEED construction. School staff responded that larger projects amortize certification costs more cheaply than smaller projects and that the division already incorporates many green features where fiscally appropriate. Linetti said the PRC’s recommendation removes the mandatory language while retaining the district’s ability to consider sustainable practices during project planning.

The transcript shows the PRC advanced the policy change to the board; the city manager’s memo and facility staff comments were entered into the record during the discussion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting - 06/09/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Policy Review Committee recommended deleting a mandatory LEED certification requirement from the school division’s environmentally sustainable practices policy, citing city guidance and cost concerns.","taxTitle","VA BEACH CITY PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",14520,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":42,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6205853,"School officials weigh full 'bell-to-bell' phone ban after mixed PRC guidance",5580000,6060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3768326-057739096de44672f0b00e204c5bdfb0&start=5580&end=6060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3768326-057739096de44672f0b00e204c5bdfb0/thumbnail_5580000.jpg","/articles/6205853/Virginia/School-officials-weigh-full-bell-to-bell-phone-ban-after-mixed-PRC-guidance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6205853-ce275f4a45d43b09245d84717dcc863f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770957179&Signature=dt9iBXL-fp7N80nqWelMWXZqRcz3ky7F~j3CG~YkYs8fF5NlvA-1NYqPCb8nEqTSIDBjwJ2hrqdAMyc1i5nzfQYim-YADpnY4ApJpqrHQLdenTu8~qjQvAoK9r4uQeIZKfTz1lCbg5ZmkW97ArAaDF7jXdqdJcS~pOA~wWXXOfPWkuY5CHSak0VizottdsPHy7~xbQiuhti~Z-FAA~xVRMqSwLs1Ro4PeYFk~yNlXYRf6oAKuLoTz2~cpr7Uzo82mp8XokgdzV0IYNIiZDreUi0YMnLhsusy2SsQgtIEYJjjio7~VOFD0~BCkoUef2mWvyRgZySO~kLr-p-PSu6ETA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Aaron Robertson told the Virginia Beach school board on June 9 that administration still recommends eliminating student cell phone use on school property from “bell to bell” next school year, but the Policy Review Committee (PRC) sent a narrower option to the board earlier that would allow high school students to use phones during lunch.

“Next year we were going to be cell phone free bell to bell, and I still feel that way,” Dr. Robertson said. “Our discipline data showed in January and February our number 1 infraction was cell phones.” He said his team’s recommendation is to prohibit use during the entire school day, while acknowledging caveats for emergencies and accommodations.

Camie Linetti, school board attorney and PRC presenter, said the committee discussed the same statute referenced at the state level — the transcript cites section 22.1‑793 — and that interpretation of the word “restrict” in the new state law is unsettled. Linetti told the board there was a 2–1 decision in the PRC to keep the currently allowed high‑school-lunch exception in place as written; administration recommended removing that exception.

Multiple board members asked for fuller data and a formal presentation before taking a final vote. Board member Miss Rogers requested clarity on enforcement and how a bell‑to‑bell prohibition would affect teacher duties; Superintendent Robertson said teachers would not be expected to act as “cell phone police” and that enforcement would fall to administrators and security staff, noting concerns about workload and consistency across sites.

Vice Chair Carolyn Weems and other board members pointed out a timing issue: when the division initially moved to a single lunch period in past years, enforcement and student adaptation varied by school. Board members asked administration to return with a more detailed briefing, including data on infractions, comparative district practices and anticipated enforcement burdens. Board members also noted that additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education was expected and could affect the division’s final approach.

The transcript records discussion but no final board vote on the regulation at the June 9 meeting. The PRC’s 2–1 vote to keep the high‑school-lunch allowance was recorded as part of the committee’s recommendation; the administration’s recommendation to prohibit bell‑to‑bell use was also on the record. Several board members called for a follow‑up presentation and a clearer explanation of statutory interpretation before adopting a regulation that would change student device rules for the start of the next school year.","The Virginia Beach superintendent recommended prohibiting student use of cell phones 'bell to bell' next school year; the Policy Review Committee voted 2–1 to allow high school students limited use during the lunch period. Board members requested more data and a follow-up presentation before voting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6205858,"Parents, PTAs warn proposed Policy 6-10 changes would curb in-school fundraising and speakers",1120,2220000,3340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3768326-057739096de44672f0b00e204c5bdfb0&start=2220&end=3340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3768326-057739096de44672f0b00e204c5bdfb0/thumbnail_2220000.jpg","/articles/6205858/Virginia/Parents-PTAs-warn-proposed-Policy-6-10-changes-would-curb-in-school-fundraising-and-speakers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6205858-27700f6e8edde895c24fb2417807ca16/orig.mp4?Expires=1770957179&Signature=iOLY7St5wkh5hFilvyVY2lVYCUFIgDcA1psgdb8k9sxYns-NyMlev-9vRHTZLviyItTeRaRcP6haIXmkY2YyQ-O24JHmRjSIGY6Ae8ZMgBSbLHYzgZICHy8BLA2JKw576aSXqeoUgqOtO4pbXlQMn-9JLY9rgykKgIxeaXGwB68XrcHsIRc~qrA5vzx3GbCQ1x9cyO1HuCr50Kq3oc-3JEn4iFtHULf0hJmh~8ZJspihbEAxO5-e-U9hGouNrBZ0ojwda2rjzEVof4Ka9oOsEx~OpTG1KEkTow-rL3cabMgtF1qX-qxcmhqjKB5STg55ggkT2mqn5Xw5sra7wXZwPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of parents, PTA leaders and volunteer officers spoke at the Virginia Beach School Board’s June 9 meeting to oppose proposed language changes to Policy 6-10 that would bar guest speakers and fundraiser activities during the school day.

The speakers said the change would sharply reduce parent-led fundraising that supports field trips, classroom supplies and student programs — and would especially harm lower-resource (Title I) schools where daytime events are the only reliable way for many families to participate.

Susan Berman, identified as a PTA president of one of the division’s largest elementary schools, told the board the proposed language “would prohibit guest speakers during the school day and explicitly prohibits fundraising during the school day as well.” Berman said fun runs and other events conducted during PE periods generate “tens of thousands of dollars” that PTAs reallocate by parent vote to items such as microscopes for STEM labs, field trips and library books.

Tara Campbell, president of the Virginia Beach Council of PTAs and a classroom teacher at Point of View Elementary School, said her school raises roughly $15,000 each year from a single in-school fundraiser that “funds every single event that we do,” including teacher appreciation, after-school enrichment and scholarships. “That one effort funds every single event that we do from trunk or treat to holiday celebrations, movie nights, the talent show,” Campbell said. She added the fundraiser “takes no more than 5 minutes per day of school time” and enables events “at no cost to our families.”

Jessica Bueno, vice president of the Princess Anne Middle School PTA, described classroom and program purchases paid for with school-day fundraising: instruments for music programs, oyster beds and greenhouse supplies for science, permanent equipment in tech ed, and transportation for college visits. “PTA provided scholarship money to graduating Virginia Beach seniors totaling $15,000 in just my 5 years,” she said.

Kristen Walsh, PTA president at John B. Dye Elementary and a District 8 voter, said fundraising “does not reduce learning or affect academic outcomes” and argued that fundraising is central to parent engagement and school community building. Lauren Cielo, PTA leader and volunteer, said in-school events are especially important to military families whose schedules outside school hours are unpredictable.

Speakers urged the board to decline to forward the proposed language to the Policy Review Committee or to the full board for adoption, saying other policies and the existing framework already govern fundraising and guest speakers. Several speakers asked the board to work directly with PTAs to craft any needed clarifications rather than prohibitions.

At the meeting Camie Linetti, school board attorney, presented several Policy Review Committee items to the board but did not present a final board vote on changes to Policy 6-10 during the public-comment portion. No board motion or vote to adopt the proposed policy language was recorded in the public portion of the June 9 meeting.

Board members and administration did not vote on Policy 6-10 at the meeting; several board members asked administration and PRC for further engagement with PTAs and for the proposal to be reviewed more thoroughly before any formal action.

The public-comment speakers asked that the board preserve the ability of PTAs to hold school-day fundraisers and to host nonacademic guest speakers, saying those activities support school programs, parent decision-making about PTA spending, and equitable participation across families.

The item remains at the discussion stage; the transcript does not show a board vote or regulation adopted on Policy 6-10 at the June 9 meeting.","Multiple PTA leaders and parents urged the Virginia Beach school board and Policy Review Committee not to advance a proposed change to Policy 6-10 that would prohibit guest speakers and fundraising during the school day, saying the rule would reduce revenue for field trips, classroom supplies and programs—especially at Title I schools.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_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},6205838,"Superintendent announces principal and leadership appointments set to take effect July 1",332,1778000,2110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3768326-057739096de44672f0b00e204c5bdfb0&start=1778&end=2110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3768326-057739096de44672f0b00e204c5bdfb0/thumbnail_1778000.jpg","/articles/6205838/Virginia/Superintendent-announces-principal-and-leadership-appointments-set-to-take-effect-July-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6205838-10314ce77e8a46b85aaee656545ca09d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770957179&Signature=nC~rgqEebxUf1JB-P5RCAaEmNbmqLEO9GKiQ4Ik4LD6VNEK1ZQkDY1Cv5fB7RpJV9WZVJwO6DUmsdb9zptGJEh~9lKboQ487tKy0m~8hUoJGDY7TvST89aOTx5gXiv6Y5rPYISWVaPjTGpHbk0GYmESwVfM2uQn0~f0Fe5Fn0Cs3QnNWEZJK7khtqJDV50f0m0yPSrCTn0bSS2PvgV3Wg5IqLx~FT0~cULDsXXFWo6Wbz5m8Sfvpmhp8BZDr0neNrKyMPK8Vly70ptOoBsDYYYr4PSjmscANzCUweqYNCzUNbWnUTOPYlEjPpeBuVQmo7mzdRDM7EsR27Mr~Zvosjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Aaron Robertson announced on June 9 that the division has accepted several administrative recommendations for upcoming appointments and promotions, effective July 1.

Dr. Robertson named James Dobb, currently an assistant principal at John B. D. Bridles(?) Elementary School, as principal at Luxford Elementary School and Sarah Mendez, currently assistant principal at College Park Elementary, as principal at Shelton Park Elementary. Dr. Leslie Itner, principal at Plaza Middle School, was announced as the next principal at Ocean Lakes High School.

Other appointments announced included Leah Nelson, currently an assistant principal at Cox High School, to be the next principal at Kellam High School; Tamika Singletary Johnson (referred to as SJ), currently principal at Larkspur Middle School, to Kempsville High School; Anthony Smith, assistant principal at Oscar Smith High School, to director of alternative education at Renaissance Academy; Tasha Wierin (coordinator of business and information technology) to director of the Advanced Technology Center; and Lisonbee Zicook, a special education program specialist from Norfolk Public Schools, to coordinator in special education in the Office of Programs for Exceptional Children.

Dr. Robertson congratulated the appointees and recognized family members and guests who were present in the chamber. The appointments will take effect July 1, according to the superintendent's announcement.","Superintendent Dr. Robertson announced multiple administrative promotions and principal appointments to take effect July 1, including James Dobb to Luxford Elementary principal and Dr. Leslie Itner to Ocean Lakes High School principal.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6205843,"School board appoints Vice Chair Carolyn Weems to Region 2 recovery school governing board after procedural objections",1410,7500000,8910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3768326-057739096de44672f0b00e204c5bdfb0&start=7500&end=8910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3768326-057739096de44672f0b00e204c5bdfb0/thumbnail_7500000.jpg","/articles/6205843/Virginia/School-board-appoints-Vice-Chair-Carolyn-Weems-to-Region-2-recovery-school-governing-board-after-procedural-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6205843-d3627ef596d5c93d81763d7d85341d02/orig.mp4?Expires=1770957179&Signature=h00gLH5fbsqYZcYQwAdyxFOOgdNuKyexXxpz746OaSGmWvdM5mlQqQOYhUuRBDawfU8dk8f64MLwYVQimTss6dAlBDnRqneFuVfkwDHhpw5rEtwKRyYaEgddiKAB1f7RDazFdvDQ~fzDAMtBWlYyp-KqV3EKH-dkgu81ibOcbn2pPyJLWKiTel-KBYSaztbb7BdbcI-XXHypPuDCaHEKcIdTbz5mtJ~9RMEGuIWCg9K3xXfPq8MMuHB1x9WsJNQjnqKPlIzEejxACNprmIkT4AXerDYiH1QRzrdDDw7-m4guSYNCO084tgkE~~fkABCbEblak62Q-qyB3f9UtoIHTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Virginia Beach School Board voted on June 9 to appoint Vice Chair Carolyn Weems to serve on the Region 2 Recovery School (Harbor Hope Center) governing board for a term through June 30, 2026.

The chair added the appointment to the meeting agenda after staff said the governing board would meet at 2 p.m. on June 24 and the division needed a representative present to vote on foundational matters. Some board members objected to the timing and to a recommendation that arrived with a name already attached.

Miss Melnick asked that the board discuss the nomination publicly before voting, saying, “it was brought to my seat and seeing a motion already written…nobody else had a chance to put their name in.” Miss Rogers said she had submitted her name for consideration and asked why the recommendation came with a name already attached.

Chair Kathleen Brown said the chair and vice chair prepare recommendations as outlined in the board’s bylaws and said Vice Chair Weems had been asked whether she could serve. Brown said Weems had confirmed she would make time for the role.

Board member Miss Melnick moved to appoint and the motion was seconded. After discussion that included concerns about process and acknowledgement of Weems’s long involvement with the Harbor Hope project, the board voted. The clerk recorded the vote: “So madam chair, we have 10 eyes. That motion did pass.” The appointment therefore passed with ten affirmative votes and no negative votes recorded in the public transcript.

Several members noted the item had not been on the original agenda packet and asked staff to provide clearer advance notification in the future. Chair Brown and others said the timing was driven by the regional governing board’s meeting schedule and by the need to have a voting representative at the June 24 meeting.

The transcript includes references to the governing-board memorandum of understanding and staff confirmation that the position is required by the MOU. The board planned to update the board‑assignment list for the 2025‑26 term.","The Virginia Beach School Board on June 9 added an appointment to its agenda and voted to appoint Vice Chair Carolyn Weems as the board's representative to the Region 2 Recovery School (Harbor Hope Center) governing board amid member concerns about late notice and the process used to present a nominee.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Policy review drops LEED mandate from sustainability policy after city cost concerns

School officials weigh full 'bell-to-bell' phone ban after mixed PRC guidance

Parents, PTAs warn proposed Policy 6-10 changes would curb in-school fundraising and speakers

Superintendent announces principal and leadership appointments set to take effect July 1

School board appoints Vice Chair Carolyn Weems to Region 2 recovery school governing board after procedural objections