Board members opened the Nov. 11 meeting with Veterans Day recognitions and school spotlights before moving into routine business. Dr. Nichols introduced a New Kent Elementary Veterans Day presentation and invited assistant principal Megan Morrell to describe the day’s events: "We had the honor of hosting 2 assemblies with our third grade students," Morrell said, noting large attendance and family participation.

Dr. Nichols announced two schools earned the Virginia Distinguished Purple Star designation for exceptional support of military‑connected students: New Kent Middle School and New Kent High School. He credited staff leads including Miss Cedarholm and Wendy Gray and highlighted student mentorship programs created to support military families.

Officials also recognized Quentin Pre‑K for achieving the Virginia Quality Birth‑to‑5 excellence honor roll, a designation Dr. Nichols described as the highest possible rating for pre‑K programs in the region.

During citizen comment, 15‑year‑old Shaya Lerner, a Southeast District Ambassador for Virginia 4‑H, urged the board to expand or integrate 4‑H programs into classrooms and extracurricular offerings, saying, "4‑H is more than just an extracurricular club... it builds leadership, public speaking, responsibility." Board members responded with praise and encouraged staff to consider partnerships.