School board enters closed session under Virginia code, then unanimously certifies and approves personnel actions

The Prince William County School Board voted to convene a closed session at its Feb. 5, 2025 meeting citing multiple subsections of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The motion, read aloud at the meeting, invoked Virginia Code § 2.2‑3711 and § 2.2‑3712 and listed purposes including personnel actions, student disciplinary matters, litigation and security briefings.

Board member Mr. Blake moved the motion to enter closed session and Miss Williams seconded. The board recorded the motion as passing unanimously: "Vote is 8 yes, unanimous. Motion passed."

When the board returned to open session roughly an hour later, the body adopted a certification resolution that each member certified only matters lawfully exempted from open meetings law were discussed. Mr. Blake moved the certification, Miss Zargarpur seconded, and the board again voted 8‑0 to approve the resolution.

Following certification, the board voted to approve "appointments and releases of specific employees as presented in closed session." The motion was moved by Miss Blake and seconded by Miss Zargarpur; the vote was recorded as 8‑0, unanimous.

Why it matters: the closed session covered personnel and student privacy matters allowed under state law; the board followed the statutory certification process after returning to open session and recorded formal action to implement personnel changes.

Authorities and meeting law cited at the meeting included Virginia Code provisions cited by board members during the motion to enter closed session.

Ending: The board announced it would return from closed session in about an hour, then completed certification and the closed‑session action items in open session.