[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6203220,"mediaKeyId","3783859-451969677d61a582d3f25b164373c993","parentId",3783859,"title","Board approves personnel recommendations; one board member abstains","audioSeconds",42,"startMs",3271000,"endMs",3313000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3783859-451969677d61a582d3f25b164373c993&start=3271&end=3313","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3783859-451969677d61a582d3f25b164373c993/thumbnail_3271000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6203220/Virginia/Board-approves-personnel-recommendations-one-board-member-abstains","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6203220-5bd4c70d13c068dbdb9d52c81da8be28/orig.mp4?Expires=1771126069&Signature=Xl9JM0ILSgZt9kSpEX-tVqicMhVjA0Oy3T8ehm~oyDsa5uLxdAgP1pm8cMHDYxbGxd0oAFEdwjBCU2J4P2Yezy0DHgWw1PD-CPj~qQE-IcEkRJmmtnuyachy86Y3xrsV6aIZvaDFapwnXQhjlnXsJFjXdWBOBTG5EsZHB7Ft3iZnFE6ZX9RHpoHqJsbZuaniZtQf2boVxSitF3iEiuJZ8d~0e7Uat3YMIOIhwFYQVDnF9FhK2Nu1oxsElhRn-27yePdkAGnP6mpY~Kj2lyuHOOn9N01qZVr0K9zQ8bYMGMwIK~ITV9Hx9K5P-ZkAQQwkQL1vG5PRfTuS7ogweRt6lQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Danville, VA Schools","date","2025-05-19T17:27:10Z","article","The Danville School Board approved the superintendent’s personnel recommendations at its April 10 meeting, voting to accept the list of staffing actions presented by central office staff.

“Good evening, chairman Graves, vice chair Averett, doctor Harrison, and members of the board. You've been presented with the personnel recommendations for your review, consideration, and approval,” Miss Wemberly said when presenting the item.

Mr. Payne moved approval of the personnel recommendations and Dr. Williams seconded. During the roll call vote Miss Cunningham recorded an abstention; other voting members cast recorded “yes” votes and the motion carried.

The board treated the item as an action item and approved the recommended personnel changes; the meeting transcript did not provide the full list of hires, separations or assignments included in the recommendations and those details were not read aloud during the public portion of the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Danville, VA Schools April 10th Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Danville School Board approved the superintendent’s personnel recommendations April 10; the motion carried with one abstention from Miss Cunningham.","taxTitle","DANVILLE CITY PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",38315,"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},6203226,"Board approves Perkins and Jobs for Virginia Graduates grants to support CTE and marginalized students",156,4080000,4236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3783859-451969677d61a582d3f25b164373c993&start=4080&end=4236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3783859-451969677d61a582d3f25b164373c993/thumbnail_4080000.jpg","/articles/6203226/Virginia/Board-approves-Perkins-and-Jobs-for-Virginia-Graduates-grants-to-support-CTE-and-marginalized-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6203226-efe6626d4242d99b910e0325d4da4761/orig.mp4?Expires=1771126069&Signature=ou0i153nHYfOHVZZa9Anvf27wOHciqtgzcnlOfzq~pw7RZ~BcS1O32tv7Y9NKWgxTk9C6VEtmutZvRK3QHxSwaA81ohmkSzDXKzGHWgMrOVocFy6PIPPxhTTy0bVE0DsvFArxffIqoGkBwJT8KrHLlKQtAfd78BUepXhFTwdLXdeRQVBv9VqDI~dZAZhl9HEzaaEtQdL6yDdS2JPUwZ~FJYjbkf91OVBez5pheJ79HlOn5AU77kWcGHM0Ae-0253lh6DNrU6CnV1owA7N8MemF2CQGx9bVuR5fRQIk9WaLnLp6MJxnhQ2QSCJYmJUyQ2sb-Sbvg2M16EoFj0nr1bsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Danville School Board voted April 10 to approve two federal and state grant submissions: a preliminary Perkins allocation to support career and technical education (CTE) and a Jobs for Virginia Graduates (JVG) award to support marginalized students and school‑based career opportunities.

Dr. Stone presented the Perkins submission, telling the board the preliminary Perkins allocation is $253,000 and that funds would be used for “state of the art equipment purchases for our programs, work based learning transportation, professional development, staff salary, and curriculum needs.”

The board approved the Perkins submission on a motion by Mr. Payne, seconded by Dr. Silberman; the clerk called the roll and the motion carried. Several board members praised the presenter’s outreach and work at a regional conference.

Dr. Stone also sought approval for the Jobs for Virginia Graduates (JVG) grant, describing a preliminary allocation of $30,000 to support a school‑based enterprise called the Eagle Press, college tours, community service projects and continued work‑based learning opportunities. The board approved the JVG submission on a motion by Mr. Payne, seconded by Miss Cunningham; the recorded roll call showed those present voting yes.

Both approvals were presented as submissions for preliminary allocations and program planning; final grant award amounts and project details remain contingent on state and grant‑program processes.","The Danville School Board approved preliminary allocations for the Perkins CTE grant ($253,000) and the Jobs for Virginia Graduates program ($30,000) to buy equipment, support work‑based learning and fund a school‑based enterprise.",{"_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},6203228,"Activate STEM Academy earns Cognia accreditation and STEM certification, district officials say",471,1788000,2259000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3783859-451969677d61a582d3f25b164373c993&start=1788&end=2259","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3783859-451969677d61a582d3f25b164373c993/thumbnail_1788000.jpg","/articles/6203228/Virginia/Activate-STEM-Academy-earns-Cognia-accreditation-and-STEM-certification-district-officials-say","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6203228-f1913b7c874d598fc03ab26725cde32e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771126069&Signature=lrUYplXh7mW67IWB2K2qMJCeGwuQY3MY7eDcMjgdXqe-~9Crq7X~ZdTrkLt-G20Pzr4sKv2FJajQD3Eiz1MdcB~-6sMzbnOmkF1lxsuPhlm1cBAXEnno6LAsvw0M8T-eZAW1qwxE9BTfuUJ~1jwnMwjwJN8FkcAwI3IcUx377J~0WkYq4d2rBbhWVCtqJBfLxaVqbCgWxAJkyvBZtQpljbJBlyt63R-QH1WPX2cPMnDday-qEP2veZ9AG0muFY7VlKa5rq04xdeHqKOAjTVlgU9vL~wZBvV9uS~DL8zYbUcHhJhq53RXVz7vGSrd6uZ2kkiBaCEmzOD~6wbkpo3DDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Danville School Board on April 10 recognized Activate STEM Academy’s receipt of Cognia accreditation and STEM certification, a multiyear process district staff said affirms the school’s STEM instructional practices.

The accreditation presentation was led by a district staff member who described Cognia as “a globally recognized mission driven nonprofit organization” and explained the accreditation is “a rigorous and multiyear cycle involving reflection, evidence gathering, and external peer review.” The presenter said Activate had received both Cognia accreditation and STEM certification.

Activate’s leader, Mr. Simmons, thanked the board for support and credited central office staff, teachers and community partners. “Activate is not just a school. It's an idea born from the belief that our students could become engineers, designers, scientists, and leaders,” he said. He described the accreditation process as nearly two years of work and thanked several staff by name for their roles in preparing materials and aligning practices.

District staff noted the accreditation evaluates how deeply STEM principles are embedded in school culture and instruction, beyond simply offering STEM courses. The presenter said the recognition affirms Activate’s “commitment to high quality instruction, innovation, and student centered learning,” and that banners and certificates will be provided to the school.

Board members applauded the achievement and the staff who supported the accreditation effort. District leaders said the accreditation work included evidence collection, external review and adjustments to practice, and that the recognition marks a milestone rather than an end to ongoing improvement efforts.

No formal board action was required beyond the recognition and presentation of certificates.","Activate STEM Academy received Cognia accreditation and STEM certification, district officials told the Danville School Board, which recognized staff and highlighted the multiyear effort and community partnerships behind the award.",{"_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},6203230,"Danville schools report improved benchmark results, detail retake and remediation steps before SOL testing",725,2373000,3098000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3783859-451969677d61a582d3f25b164373c993&start=2373&end=3098","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3783859-451969677d61a582d3f25b164373c993/thumbnail_2373000.jpg","/articles/6203230/Virginia/Danville-schools-report-improved-benchmark-results-detail-retake-and-remediation-steps-before-SOL-testing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6203230-4139feee754ff9654a0edb34aaf1098d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771126069&Signature=hWeBkZZKGQTL7C8e7kTX6dmibe5gWe~R7FZljQPC3IctvOlJmrLDPuIx02ZDM96MtSu1WM~HYvh5XGZkWKi08k~qBAV2SLEe8STz0LTW6kX3oQ2-RcsK~C67u4ccqSxcbkhOOtv5yFS6NwSLj1d6oWTW86vDJL4-PDpMP4X8j-AIVexiqRfV49Xz694Q7Aw3s2lxtqNZVIQR8Tv1GqzzPKnXNkWNYnepwkvO3WzOc92EiaQwt3DxwQBP4IEJb5gKikZX9PtG~WXgNfawiUk5JilOmF6sinzdguhm4mmVQl5QrpVwN8HfYEytJMKAGXMGsi9t4XC82JOfb34U4LXVIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Danville Public Schools staff reported April 10 that students’ performance on four district benchmark assessments has generally improved over the year and described steps the division has taken to support continued gains before Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) testing.

“At this point in the year, we have had 4 benchmark assessments,” said Miss McCraw while presenting the benchmark update. She told the board the division also conducted an SOL simulation in late March and that the results are “hot fresh data.”

McCraw said the district is using multiple reports — pass rates by subgroup and student‑data‑by‑question analysis — to identify high‑pass and low‑pass standards by grade and subject. She told the board that many of the lowest pass rates were for standards that had been most recently taught before the benchmark, and that retake opportunities increased pass rates where the district offered remediation and a second attempt.

The presentation described instructional responses to the data: a district professional development day on Feb. 17 focused on rigor and data use; weekly “SOL question of the day” materials for teachers; and an “all hands on deck” approach in which district office staff provide school‑requested supports on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. “We also introduced retakes after our data presentation at request of our schools,” McCraw said, noting that many students passed after remediation and that some schools were spacing retests differently.

Board members asked questions about specific assessment formats and grading policies. Dr. Williams asked whether differences between eighth and ninth grade results could stem from test format rather than instruction; McCraw said some differences appeared linked to technology‑enhanced question formats and test‑taking strategies. Board member Miss Kynan asked whether benchmark and SOL simulation scores count toward classroom grades; McCraw said that is a school‑level decision and “generally, schools use them as what we call a gold grade, which is a test grade,” adding that each site decides how to incorporate scores.

McCraw described additional supports: retesting following remediation, school test coordinators and targeted co‑teaching and monitoring. She encouraged board members to visit classrooms to see the interventions underway and said feedback on the supports has been positive.

The report does not include final SOL results; McCraw said SOL simulation numbers are preliminary because not all retesting was complete at the time of the presentation.","District staff told the board that benchmark pass rates rose through the year and described districtwide supports including a mock SOL simulation, retake opportunities and targeted professional development; staff urged board members to visit classrooms to see in‑person supports.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6203231,"Danville school board approves superintendent’s FY25–26 budget request, including proposed raises for staff",726,3333000,4059000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3783859-451969677d61a582d3f25b164373c993&start=3333&end=4059","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3783859-451969677d61a582d3f25b164373c993/thumbnail_3333000.jpg","/articles/6203231/Virginia/Danville-school-board-approves-superintendents-FY2526-budget-request-including-proposed-raises-for-staff","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6203231-1147535d1b9c4ad37d36f539b4c67b7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771126069&Signature=MR8cHZkhE4EBRXK5OL0sqf7pc4nBeH1SIYG5qzl1h2Pj3Lzf9Q~mmvJIvQ9l6r6p77EnZ7lUpuLr19csxrWNfOgAf7lqdPGKffgycQz8YjuE5-DGYeRHLA1~JKeApf8jf-i2en7AjnX3CGaJDvDE8qu0NJC4~2LyZYf7rYxVrhIsQ-WXszqoSLNx~zvbZ-3-9SfuP6hKd~GP3Z~eL1bnfH5V2Je5USSOAzrn-o6-SRnvaom-fQg3OujJTVpHTuyLpk6Tz~S0uzWEjQsE9~bxcO9OYAi0e0dg-XJMolVr335lJcQVrSHODOHrczwzmMCPMUXbJdtunV-IhQHfAXEZ3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Danville School Board on April 10 approved the superintendent’s FY2025–26 budget request, a proposal that asks the Commonwealth and the City of Danville for increased funding and includes proposed pay increases, safety upgrades and program investments.

The request, presented to the board by Miss Gilles, asks the state and city for added revenue to support classroom resources, school safety and employee pay. “I have before you today for your approval of the superintendent's budget request,” Miss Gilles said during the presentation.

The proposal lists priorities including improved student achievement, safer school environments, additional student support services, facility renovations and expanded career and technical education. It requests an 8% salary increase and a $1,000 bonus for teachers and a 4% salary increase and a $1,000 bonus for nonteaching employees; Miss Gilles said those figures are intended to fit within a budget the district expects the city to consider. The budget also seeks investments in high‑quality instructional materials, literacy supports and additional science resources.

Board members asked for details on specific line items during the meeting. Mr. Payne asked how much rent savings would result from moving departments; Miss Gilles said the largest lease expense is about $286,000 and clarified some buildings are no longer leased. When asked what “administrative school safety” improvements mean, Miss Gilles said the budget would add a position to help manage discipline.

Miss Gilles identified several specific dollar amounts included in the request: $252,000 for utilities, $195,000 for rising transportation parts costs, $255,000 to add 10 bus aides and about $100,000 for security enhancements. She described those sums as part of a package of increases the district is asking the state and city to fund.

The board approved the superintendent’s request on a motion by Mr. Payne, seconded by Vice Chair Keisha Averett. The clerk called the roll; the motion carried by recorded vote with those present voting yes.

Next steps in the budget calendar, as the presentation laid out, include a public hearing at the City Council on May 6, a City Council consideration scheduled for May 20 and a final return to the school board for adoption on June 26 after the state finalizes its budget.

Board members and staff emphasized the request is a starting point for city and state negotiations rather than a final adopted budget. The board’s approval sends the superintendent’s proposal forward for the city and state review processes.","The Danville School Board approved the superintendent’s proposed FY2025–26 budget request, which asks the city and state for increased funding and includes proposed salary increases and safety and program investments; a city council public hearing is scheduled for May.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves personnel recommendations; one board member abstains

Board approves Perkins and Jobs for Virginia Graduates grants to support CTE and marginalized students

Activate STEM Academy earns Cognia accreditation and STEM certification, district officials say

Danville schools report improved benchmark results, detail retake and remediation steps before SOL testing

Danville school board approves superintendent’s FY25–26 budget request, including proposed raises for staff