Board votes: consent agenda, first-reading policies, closed-session authorization, plus property and salary approvals

The Washington County Public Schools Board recorded several formal votes at Monday’s meeting. Key outcomes:

- Consent agenda (items 5.01–5.05): Approved without discussion. Motion passed; vote recorded as in favor (unanimous). - First-reading policies (6.01–6.08): The board approved the packet of first-reading policy items after discussion of one amendment to the supplemental retirement program date; motion passed (unanimous). The superintendent explained the supplemental-retirement change was intended to shift an election deadline from late June to March to allow retirees time to file with the Virginia Retirement System and avoid missing checks. - Property purchase (agenda item 7.01): Authorized the superintendent to finalize purchase of an 8-acre parcel adjoining Watauga Elementary for staging, parking and a potential closed-loop wastewater system. Vote: 7-0. The sales agreement allows a cattle tenant to remain through the end of the cattle season; district access likely delayed until late fall. - Salary scales (agenda item 7.02): Adopted the 2025–26 salary scales, including a 3% teacher raise calculated at step 21, 3% for clerical staff at the top of scale, and additional stipends/contract days for specified roles (see separate board materials). Vote: 7-0. - Motion to convene closed session: The board moved into closed session under Virginia Code §2.2-3711(A) to consider employment, transfers, resignations and supplemental retirement matters for specific individuals; motion passed by voice vote and the board recessed for a five-minute break before the closed session.

All formal votes noted above were recorded as unanimous (7-0) where a tally was given; movers and seconders were not stated aloud on the record for several motions.