Shenandoah County School Board members approved multiple formal actions at their Dec. 11 meeting, including a personnel list, revisions to the high school program of studies and an increase to the fiscal year 2026 special budget.

Mister Rickard moved "I move to approve the personnel list as it was presented," which Miss Carlinio seconded; the board voted "Aye" with no opposition and approved the personnel actions disclosed during the evening's closed session. The transcript does not specify the names or number of personnel actions included in the list.

On curricular changes, Mister Rickert moved to approve revisions to the high school program of studies; Mister Street seconded the motion. The board voted in favor with no opposition, adopting the updated program for high school courses and requirements as presented to members.

The board also approved a request to increase the FY26 special budget after a motion by Miss Rickard and a second from Miss Carlinio; the motion passed with no members opposed. The meeting transcript does not list a dollar amount for the requested increase.

Members discussed two draft resolutions that will return for formal action in January. Gloria (board member) introduced a district resolution to encourage programming tied to the nation's 250th anniversary, describing plans for year-long activities and a culminating celebration; she said she had prepared the item for a January vote. On technology policy, Gloria presented a draft resolution encouraging "balanced instruction through reduced screen use," specifically raising the possibility of limiting Chromebooks in elementary (and perhaps middle) grades. She told the board, "I will be voting on it in January, hopefully," and raised concerns about student mental health, data/privacy issues and the instructional trade-offs of screen time.

Board discussion on the Chromebook resolution emphasized next steps rather than immediate action. Members urged administration and other board members to develop alternatives and a phased approach so the district can consider classroom implications, equity and how students will still learn basic computer skills. Dr. Shepherd (superintendent) and staff will work with board members to refine the draft and return a proposal for consideration at the Jan. 8, 2026 meeting.

The meeting record shows unanimous support on the three formal votes taken that evening, and it notes that both the 250th-anniversary and reduced-screen-time resolutions were introduced for discussion and scheduled for a future vote rather than being enacted on Dec. 11.