School board approves TSI school improvement grant applications for VDOE submission
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Summary
The board voted unanimously to approve Targeted Support & Improvement (TSI) school SIG applications for submission to the Virginia Department of Education; CSI school MSSPs were reviewed for information only and CSI schools will submit applications as required by VDOE.
During the work session the board reviewed the VDOE-required school improvement (SIG) applications for federally identified schools. Miss McGarity (with Jerry Smith) explained the process changes from the VDOE this year that require local boards to see CSI applications and to approve TSI applications before submission.
Miss McGarity enumerated the division’s federally identified schools: five continuing comprehensive support and improvement (CSI) schools (Chesterfield Elementary, Jay Cox Elementary, Lake Taylor School, Richard Bowling Elementary and Ruffner School), two newly identified CSI schools (PB Young Elementary and Coleman Place Elementary) and nine targeted support and improvement (TSI) schools (Bayview Elementary, Granby Elementary, Ingleside, James Monroe, Norview Elementary, Sherwood Forest, Southside STEM Academy at Campus Stella, Tanners Creek Elementary, and Willard Elementary). She explained CSI schools complete a multi‑year school support plan (MSSP) and TSI schools submit SIG applications that must be board‑approved before VDOE submission. Miss McGarity noted CSI funds have a longer spending window (spend-by Sept. 2027) while TSI funding must be spent by Sept. 2026, creating a tight implementation window.
Board members asked clarifying questions about evidence‑based interventions (EBIs), funding sources and whether SIG funds could be used for summer programs; staff confirmed EBIs must meet ESSA/Tier 1 evidence criteria when required and that SIG funds can support summer learning and other acceleration strategies. Trustees also asked whether Norview’s upcoming closure would affect how funds follow students; McGarity said receiving and sending schools coordinated EBIs so services would continue through transitions and the division aims to avoid returning federal funds.
When asked whether the board could approve the TSI applications immediately, Chair Buffalo and members agreed that earlier submission was preferable. A motion to approve the TSI applications was moved by an on‑the‑record speaker (identified in the transcript as Speaker 8), seconded by another board member (Speaker 7), and passed on a roll‑call vote with Bassin, Takalajero, Martin, Polson, Slaughter, Thomas and Buffalo each recorded as 'Aye.' The board thus authorized staff to submit the TSI applications to the VDOE for final review and funding determination.
Miss McGarity said staff had worked intensively with principals to complete MSSPs and SIG applications on a compressed timetable and that division monitoring (ASM/accountability support meetings) will continue regardless of funding outcomes to oversee implementation.
Next steps: staff will submit the approved TSI applications to VDOE; CSI school MSSPs and applications will be submitted per VDOE guidance and remain available for board review.