Public commenters urge council to address school dysfunction, staffing for animal control, street lighting and housing

Multiple residents and organizational representatives used the Feb. 18 public‑comment period to press Lynchburg City Council on a range of issues including recent school board conduct, student safety, animal control staffing, street lights in Ward 2 and the need for more shelter and housing options.

Catherine Bragg, assistant principal at Sandusky Middle School, told council that recent Standards of Learning (SOL) scores and accreditation data circulating on social media "is not the data that we are proud of," and urged the council and school board to collaborate on systemic changes. Bragg referenced student deaths and said, quoting a line from the musical Wicked, "I don't want it and I can't want it anymore," urging the council to stop accepting limits and to prioritize coordinated, long‑term support for students.

Several speakers focused on the school board controversy involving an admitted inappropriate action by a school board member. Aaron Reed, a 27‑year classroom veteran at E.C. Glass High School, said the incident touched on "honor" and told the council that "consequences matter," arguing that the board member should consider resignation and that school leaders must set an example.

Colleen Larkins, representing Save Our Schools, said the episode and subsequent public fallout hurt the school division’s reputation and could deter prospective superintendents. Larkins called for unity and for the council and community to continue working together to support Lynchburg City Schools.

Mary Dietrich, a Ward 4 resident, asked the city to increase staffing and weekend coverage for animal control after she found a skunk in her yard on a weekend and was told animal control was not available; she said she arranged removal herself and later had to wait for testing for rabies. Dietrich asked the council to consider more resources for animal control to protect residents and pets.

Robert Flood, speaking for Rescues of the Youth, and other speakers raised concerns about nonworking street lights and the absence of cameras and lighting in parts of Ward 2; Flood asked the city to prioritize fixing lights and consider cameras only after lighting is reliable.

Sarah Bonner, a Ward 1 resident and Air Force veteran who previously worked with homeless veterans, urged the council to expand housing options and work with human services and community partners to prevent deaths during cold weather. Bonner recounted that two individuals were found frozen to death in Lynchburg between December and January and asked for coordinated action to increase housing availability.

Citizen Jeff Rosner addressed a finance committee item on federal grant guidelines and a referenced presidential executive order on diversity, equity and inclusion. Rosner said the executive order does not require Lynchburg to change its DEI programs to receive federal grants and urged accurate public information ahead of a related Feb. 25 finance committee meeting.

Speakers represented a mix of school employees, neighborhood representatives, nonprofit organizers and residents. City staff did not take immediate action during the public‑comment period but council members acknowledged the issues and, in some cases, asked staff to follow up.