Radford board hears VDOE phased cut‑score plan, reviews local gains and approves transportation pay change

The Radford City School Board on Dec. 16 heard that the Virginia Board of Education will treat 2025–26 as a preparation year while phasing in higher cut scores over a four‑year period, and received district accountability results showing most Radford schools in the on‑track range and Radford High School placed in the distinguished category.

Dr. McDaniel, speaking at the board’s request, said the state used fall listening sessions and decided not to implement higher cut scores in spring 2026 as previously suggested. Instead, the Board of Education adopted a multi‑year, phased approach that includes an interim "approaching" category that will be counted as passing during the preparation years. She said students retaking Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments must meet the cut score that was in effect when they originally took the test; students who already earned verified credits will keep them. The division expects revised assessment reports for parents and school divisions to be released in the spring.

Superintendent and board members framed the news as context for local work: Dr. McDaniel distributed regional reports showing Radford schools ranked highly in several regional categories, citing strong English‑learner progress and mastery gains at certain campuses. The presentation stated the division met or exceeded federal expectations across student subgroups.

On operational and workforce issues, Director of Operations Michael Graham presented a proposal to run an in‑house school bus driver training program. Graham said the district began training in September under a certified trainer, with three candidates having completed classroom hours and one passing written exams. Trainees are paid a training rate and, upon licensure, would move to the driver pay rate; the program asks trainees to provide 30 hours of paid driving in the following calendar year as a partial reimbursement for training. Board members discussed offering the training to city employees or other divisions for a fee to expand the candidate pool.

Graham also outlined an upcoming request for proposals for a comprehensive facilities needs assessment tied to the district’s strategic plan; the RFP timetable includes a Jan. 13 mandatory pre‑proposal conference and committee reviews in late January and early February. He reported that a third‑party contractor is conducting a wide‑scope ADA audit, with higher needs identified at the high school and Dalton Intermediate campus, and said audit findings will inform budget priorities.

Administrators reported division enrollment at 1,603 in‑person students and 1,432 virtual students (total membership 3,035), and year‑to‑date attendance near 95.5 percent.

In business votes, the board approved consent items and, after discussion of Michael Graham’s recommendation, voted to adopt the proposed change to the 2025–26 transportation pay scale. The board also carried motions recorded after a closed session to approve student matters and personnel matters; the motions were passed by voice vote as reflected in the meeting record.

The board set its next regular and organizational meeting for Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. and adjourned.