Wythe County school board deletes self-evaluation policy after roll-call vote

Madam Chair opened debate on Policy AFA — a board self-evaluation policy — and read the Code of Virginia language cited by the board, noting the code does not require the practice. "A school board may adopt bylaws and regulations not inconsistent with state statutes and regulations of the Board of Education for its own government," the chair read when explaining why the policy is guidance rather than a legal mandate.

A board member who supported keeping the policy said a self-evaluation would help the board "celebrate our successes" and identify areas to improve. "Whether or not it's required by law, it should be something we, as dedicated public servants, should want to do, so that we can do a good job for our community," the member said.

After extended discussion over whether evaluations should be individual or board-level, Speaker 7 moved "that that policy be deleted or eliminated from our policy." The motion was seconded and the board conducted a roll-call vote. Multiple members voted "yes" and two members voted "no." The chair announced, "So policy AFA is deleted from our policy manual."

What it means: The board removed the self-evaluation requirement from the local policy manual. Supporters had argued for a short annual form and training to make evaluations useful; opponents cited past board practice and practical concerns about implementation and data. The board did not adopt an alternative mechanism for regular self-review during the meeting.

Next steps: The board will operate without Policy AFA in the manual until members choose to reintroduce an evaluation tool or adopt alternate language. No implementation deadline or new instrument was adopted at the meeting.