[{"_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",6550383,"mediaKeyId","5393142-4f9b2db399850c9b9a94bd9f1fcaf173","parentId",5393142,"title","Petersburg staff outline expanded Yonder Pouch plan and costs; board and principals debate take‑home approach","audioSeconds",514,"startMs",5981000,"endMs",6495000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393142-4f9b2db399850c9b9a94bd9f1fcaf173&start=5981&end=6495","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393142-4f9b2db399850c9b9a94bd9f1fcaf173/thumbnail_5981000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6550383/Virginia/Petersburg-staff-outline-expanded-Yonder-Pouch-plan-and-costs-board-and-principals-debate-takehome-approach","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550383-e790a36f25c5db3622ae40c6334396c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1777305115&Signature=iUtOEGlXkMvWonbkcskfXipdekHgd2w2h7KqPczg7usM2p8wULpDA7pQAyvgGqE-jaXPk7tT3wH7N5Ty5Mtk5Q0xgMJD4RMbEFGUNKh0XD-aIwoDZvFbJz3H5UjaH-gWTYrRMH2ky2pgPOWLl6CKyMfetKgnbHEwHYH2Z2W1FviwTzzeo6zyTh70qXW28ohtFPrPM4HTs7azESRUOAFgcZhMK9NoYXxiguYBXr8jk0zTQSrKfajZDGYUgR7htXbGOEB4TaxieKJ1sYky8YPqbC3WV~tijVER9A7qy6Z5tN5MasXAwU965ixtkiAWQ7ZftmUOlFz9UIsf9CmSLCm5ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Petersburg City Public Schools","date","2025-07-03T11:37:20Z","article","Petersburg City Public Schools presented a revised implementation plan for Yonder pouches — the magnetic pouches used to store student phones during the school day — and described a reset that district leaders say dramatically reduced costs and increased retention.

Nut graf: District staff told the board that a January reset and revised protocols raised retention after distribution and cut prior replacement spending. They proposed a continued roll‑out across schools for 2025–26, new inventory and replacement planning, and different handling rules for middle school students that would allow pupils to take pouches home and return them each day.

Paul Ronka, director of safety and security, summarized the district’s timeline: Petersburg adopted portable device guidelines December 2023, revised them in February 2024, and implemented a reset after VDOE guidance and a governor's executive order. Ronka told the board the initial August 2024 pouch distribution had about 13% retention; after the January reset, retention rose to 88%.

Principals described how the pouches will be handled. Alicia Fields, principal at Petersburg High School, said pouches will be color‑coded and checked out in first block; teachers will record distribution on a spreadsheet, note damage and work with security to unlock pouches at the end of the day. Fields said students who comply will receive incentives such as access to a gaming room and snacks during lunch.

Reba Green, principal of Vernon Johns Middle School, said middle‑school students would be assigned a pouch to keep and bring each day; they would secure phones and carry the pouch throughout the day. Green said parents requested the take‑home approach because of concerns about pouch cleanliness and sanitation when pouches were collected and stored at school.

District financial details: Ronka reported nearly $95,000 spent in FY25 on pouches, and presented a proposed FY26 replacement budget of $12,607 to start the year. He told the board Blandford Academy (now on year three of pouch use) accounts for about one third of the FY26 replacement need and the district plans inventory twice per year and quarterly principal meetings to manage replacements and costs.

Board members questioned accountability and durability. Chair Kenneth Pritchett and members asked how the district would prevent students from damaging pouches or failing to return them; Green said teachers will use spreadsheets, laminated names inside pouches and morning checks during a brief “raw time” to track distribution. Member Steven L. Pierce Sr. suggested a 45‑day pilot window (first 45 days / first nine weeks) to evaluate whether the take‑home approach reduces damage and replacement costs.

Parents and a district observer raised practical issues. Yvette Wilson, a Ward 5 resident, asked whether teachers in provider programs would gain VRS credit if they served with the vendor; vendor representatives said University Instructors could not enroll employees in VRS while they were the vendor'employer but that they compensate instructors to mitigate the lack of VRS credit and work to make candidates eligible for district employment in future years. A citizen who works in a nearby district warned that students often learn to defeat pouch locks and may be able to open pouches in class if the device is not robust.

Ending: The board did not adopt a new formal policy change during the meeting; staff said they will monitor pouch usage and replacement costs and report back with data after a pilot period. The district plans continued quarterly reviews and an inventory process to limit unplanned replacements.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Regular Meeting - July 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Petersburg City Public Schools presented a revised Yonder pouch implementation plan July 2, reporting lower replacement costs and proposing a take‑home option for middle school pouches amid questions about accountability and durability.","taxTitle","PETERSBURG CITY PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",57196,"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},6550373,"Votes at a glance: Petersburg School Board actions and approvals from July 2 meeting",312,10439000,10751000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393142-4f9b2db399850c9b9a94bd9f1fcaf173&start=10439&end=10751","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393142-4f9b2db399850c9b9a94bd9f1fcaf173/thumbnail_10439000.jpg","/articles/6550373/Virginia/Votes-at-a-glance-Petersburg-School-Board-actions-and-approvals-from-July-2-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550373-74123faea5b1611bf3d2e79301b49243/orig.mp4?Expires=1777305115&Signature=RzWcrir24yEPoysrZGvAqE3AMSfEA1WC6Qp2vpxjNR~uXaB4~4u8KGDgL44VRTwaBDou4W9k5ziauNOAEeovgJr~mdC3r6fW4n3W9aerjfmXow86WmMBWrNf41BpdLPL3pdVGiDiuQbtJuOlSizbr4s8sqmypUF0rEQnhGn11O5sxSmpDiAlKg3rcckGdpm8mtClcCgfivt2-uXXEd9D26ZSi98VKJaVwskhaIAl6KkMIglhOr6AU8Rg~gswMHyCPL1Ufp29--YGIZv0MoAkXBa4FVKE4Us~vWYAdFwRYfgI3vSYE8~xqm-QSs0EKmyyYZFz5qVL-zdK9zoophWlyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its July 2 meeting the Petersburg City School Board approved several motions and routine items. The board used voice votes for most actions; the clerk recorded motions, seconders and that votes carried without recorded opposition.

Summary of key board actions and outcomes (voice votes unless otherwise noted):

- Partnership with University Instructors — approved. Motion: \"Approve partnership with University Instructors and authorize up to $1,700,000 to recruit and place 13 teachers for the 2025–26 school year.\" Moved by Bernard J. Lundy Jr.; seconded by Adrian Danz. Outcome: approved.

- Petersburg High School restroom renovation — approved. Motion: \"Authorize contract spending up to $640,000 for Petersburg High School restroom upgrades (addition of toilets/urinals and fixtures).\" Moved by Joyce Proctor; seconded by Adrian Danz. Outcome: approved.

- Division organizational chart (2025–26) — approved. Motion: \"Approve the 2025–26 division organizational chart as provided.\" Moved by Joyce Proctor; seconded by Adrian Danz. Outcome: approved.

- Student/employee calendar revision (graduation date change) — approved. Motion: \"Approve the 2025–26 student calendar revision moving graduation from May 30 to May 29 (time to be established).\" Moved by Steven L. Pierce Sr.; seconded by Joyce Proctor. Outcome: approved.

- Job descriptions — approved. Motion: \"Approve revised job descriptions for lead technology support technician, special education elementary compliance lead, and McKinney‑Vento/residency liaison.\" Moved by Bernard J. Lundy Jr.; seconded by Adrian Danz. Outcome: approved.

- Consent agenda items (approval of agenda, acceptance of donations, approval of consent items shown in meeting materials) — approved. Example: approval of donations for Petersburg City Public Schools. Motion: Moved by Steven L. Pierce Sr.; seconded by Adrian Danz (as recorded). Outcome: approved.

Procedure note: Several actions were approved by voice vote with the board chair calling \"All in favor? Aye.\" No formal roll‑call totals were provided in the meeting minutes for those final voice votes. Where a formal roll call occurred earlier in the meeting (certifying closed session), each board member registered individually.","At its July 2 meeting the Petersburg City School Board approved several operational and procurement items, including a $1.7M partnership to recruit teachers and a $640,000 restroom renovation contract for Petersburg High School.",{"_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},6550378,"Petersburg details $1.2M+ in capital projects; restroom, security and window work scheduled",320,8316000,8636000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393142-4f9b2db399850c9b9a94bd9f1fcaf173&start=8316&end=8636","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393142-4f9b2db399850c9b9a94bd9f1fcaf173/thumbnail_8316000.jpg","/articles/6550378/Virginia/Petersburg-details-12M-in-capital-projects-restroom-security-and-window-work-scheduled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550378-e963ef55fd2b6f4137acdb7b7d44eec7/orig.mp4?Expires=1777305115&Signature=l5kI-ZMv2XGzAZ0wP3~9rPQzfMzwrPpeR9JPuYrS8XVpI-vUPMgIT1~lb~OmBoLFxrn6gPJVfbhC3eh1C2OkOX1Jz24fTnTpMk9c5Y8zDSVG8o81EvLH~rBZdPCqNkPnf3w26rvQgltGXGOLpC1OxGFaFyO2Qa1yyKKydQp6idJGCziCDQ8k4XadCyYFa36T2MEMWFtUvW9de8OGw71-lGHqRD-Xy0FENpGD-mBcuscu8Mx3tP2KT79uHxhmhmaSLF7bNoVwx0qUYMK5oYaaKnAFDk-l~HkojJPJkXQmgYXODbqQP684n8dGsv23nmG6QuW-agoaHQtwKIX20CCmbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Petersburg City Public Schools on July 2 updated the board on a multi‑project capital improvement program funded from fiscal‑year savings and FY26 capital allocations. District staff reported two completed projects, several projects in progress and two projects that require formal bidding.

Nut graf: The update covered exterior power washing and painting, restroom renovations at Petersburg High School, asphalt resurfacing, security vestibule and access upgrades, technology infrastructure work and bid‑required window and door replacement projects. Staff described timelines, vendors, and estimated completion dates.

Assistant Superintendent Jay Martinez and his operations team presented a slide set identifying 10 capital projects in Phase 1. Projects completed or substantially complete include asphalt resurfacing and striping at Westview and Vernon Johns and replacement of facility vehicles for transportation. Work substantially complete or well underway includes exterior power washing and painting at multiple schools, technology infrastructure upgrades (domain controller replacement and data drop upgrades), the Petersburg High digital marquee (installation underway) and security vestibule replacements at several elementary schools.

Martinez reported that restroom renovations at Petersburg High School will be comprehensive — six restrooms in the gymnasium and auditorium — and that the district sought additional funds ($90,000) to add toilets and urinals not included in the original quote. At the meeting the board separately approved the revised Petersburg High restroom contract for up to $640,000.

Window and exterior door replacement at Cool Spring and Lakemont elementary schools will require formal architectural specifications and a public bid; Martinez said those projects are planned for completion by late 2025 and estimated the window work at roughly $750,000–$900,000 depending on final scope. Staff said they plan to schedule the installation during December break to minimize classroom disruption.

Other items reported: a new digital marquee at Petersburg High (installation nearly complete), expanded security vestibule glass and electric access systems scheduled for completion late July, and a renovation of the school board office that required abatement work and is expected to finish in August. Martinez credited facilities coordinator Dorel Gaudette and named other staff for project delivery.

Ending: District leaders told the board any budget increases or scope changes requiring additional funding would be brought back for board approval. Staff said they would report final costs and change orders as projects proceed.","Petersburg City Public Schools on July 2 updated the board on a ten‑project Phase 1 capital package funded from FY25 savings and FY26 capital allocations, including restroom renovations, security vestibules and bid‑required window and door work.",{"_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},6550388,"Petersburg schools approve $1.7 million contract with University Instructors to fill teacher vacancies",6496,4057000,10553000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393142-4f9b2db399850c9b9a94bd9f1fcaf173&start=4057&end=10553","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393142-4f9b2db399850c9b9a94bd9f1fcaf173/thumbnail_4057000.jpg","/articles/6550388/Virginia/Petersburg-schools-approve-17-million-contract-with-University-Instructors-to-fill-teacher-vacancies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550388-695ce4756a96e809770393d9fcaf048f/orig.mp4?Expires=1777305115&Signature=JZaXtMF2ZTkLE1dez-BJHfEbws6ZvqLGe51OcLast4RUyLSvVBhx6kKt0u~RjWRLq0nufTarpSizKgS5DlPSMU4jHt-sgtsI5OXSvSg7jgscCLjISqj2AEUMyc16yjsfKrYuKyZ7EgMU4kLVOiKtLoBd5AYsf7Vr~4vHHuDiWvAAE2sJX3WFIFhpgoUjIHiE2UMgRnpcdFjjRpOJkBYfHiMNkORUdqbqHke9nwztwZCOLyKJYYf-428DkKdM3nUCL1qUjUV7wnyBYjEiL6djeX-vGPEUbnasPp7RjTtOLS-ySH8gsSF2lvW6ba86QUJNG19jWjzIOjLNgpkILM7LpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Petersburg City School Board on July 2 approved a $1.7 million agreement with University Instructors to place 13 teachers in city schools for the 2025–26 school year.

Superintendent Yolanda Brown told the board the division currently has about 54 teacher vacancies and asked members to approve the contract to “provide 13 additional certified, provisional, or licensure‑eligible teachers for the 2025–26 school year” focused on the division’s highest‑need schools. The board approved the superintendent’s recommendation after a motion and voice vote; no member opposed.

Nut graf: School leaders said the partnership is intended to reduce class vacancies quickly while building a longer‑term pipeline of local candidates who can be transitioned to district payroll. University Instructors, a Virginia‑based company with a national footprint, will recruit, vet and train teachers, offer coaching and data services, and assist candidates with provisional licensure and placement.

University Instructors presenters described their program and track record. Dr. Michael Gill, strategic planning associate director for University Instructors, said the company uses a “pathway model” that recruits locally, trains instructors, places them in classrooms and attempts to move successful candidates onto district payroll the following year. The company displayed placement and tutoring data collected in Virginia partners showing what it described as large gains among students who received tutoring in the prior year.

Superintendent Brown told the board the proposed contract would be funded by reallocating existing budget dollars tied to vacant positions and other approved budget lines. She described the arrangement as a one‑year contract with provisions to encourage candidates to remain in Petersburg, including financial repercussions if candidates leave before completing the commitment period.

Board members and the public asked procedural and benefit questions. Board Chair Kenneth Pritchett and members asked how quickly placements could happen; University Instructors said it typically takes four to six weeks from agreement to placement, and the company said it recruits in the Petersburg area to encourage retention and community familiarity. At the public microphones, residents raised questions about volunteer tutors, VRS retirement credit and how community members can apply to tutor or for positions; the superintendent and the vendor gave contact information and said applications will be posted on the vendor’s website.

The board approved the contract by voice vote after a motion; the superintendent asked for authority to spend up to $1,700,000 to establish the partnership. Superintendent Brown said the vendor will place 13 teachers initially, targeting Vernon Johns Middle School and Lakemont Elementary among other high‑need sites.

Ending: University Instructors’ team said they will coordinate with principals and district HR on onboarding, coaching and data reporting. The board did not vote on specific placement lists during the meeting; district staff said placement and rostering would follow established HR and VDOE rules.","The Petersburg City School Board voted unanimously July 2 to approve a $1.7 million, one-year partnership with University Instructors to recruit and place 13 provisional or certified teachers aimed at reducing roughly 54 current vacancies, with the vendor to provide recruitment, training and data services.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Petersburg staff outline expanded Yonder Pouch plan and costs; board and principals debate take‑home approach

Votes at a glance: Petersburg School Board actions and approvals from July 2 meeting

Petersburg details $1.2M+ in capital projects; restroom, security and window work scheduled

Petersburg schools approve $1.7 million contract with University Instructors to fill teacher vacancies