School Board certifies closed session and approves appointments and releases

The Prince William County School Board returned from a closed session called under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and unanimously certified the closed session record before approving personnel actions discussed in that session.

Vice Chair Blake moved the board into closed session citing Virginia Code sections 2.2‑3711(A)(1), (A)(7)‑(8) and (A)(19) to discuss personnel matters, probable litigation and security briefings. The board left open session after about an hour and then voted to adopt a certification resolution that states, to the best of each member’s knowledge, only matters exempted from the open meeting law and identified in the motion were discussed.

The certification resolution was adopted unanimously (vote recorded as 8 yes; member Wilk was absent at the earlier vote). The board then voted to approve the appointments and releases of specific employees as presented in closed session; that motion also passed unanimously.

What this means: The board’s certification affirms that the closed session complied with the statutory exceptions invoked. The personnel appointments and releases approved tonight were handled as closed-session actions and were recorded as approved by the board; the board did not discuss the personnel details in open session.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to enter closed session (citing Virginia Code exemptions): mover Vice Chair Blake; second Miss Williams; motion passed unanimously (Wilk absent at that time). - Certification of closed session under Virginia Code §2.2‑3712: adopted unanimously (8 yes). - Motion to approve appointments and releases of employees discussed in closed session (agenda item 8.01): mover Vice Chair Blake; second Ms. Williams; vote 8 yes, motion passed.

Authorities cited: Virginia Code sections 2.2‑3711 and 2.2‑3712 were invoked on the record as the legal basis for entering closed session and then certifying it.