Mathews County School Board approves remote participation for absent member, moves into closed session

The Mathews County School Board on May 19 approved electronic participation for board member Linda G. Hodges and voted to move into a closed meeting to discuss personnel matters, student disciplinary cases and probable litigation.

At the meeting, Ms. Diggs moved "to approve the request for the school board member Linda G. Hodges for electronic participation in the May 19th, 2026 closed meeting from 17 Preston Point Road, Matthews, Virginia, 23109 due to a medical condition that prevents her physical attendance." Ms. Bohannon Stewart seconded the motion; the board approved it by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

After a brief roll call conducted at the chair's request by Mrs. Hundley, Mr. Morgan moved "that we enter into closed meeting in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act section 2.2-3711 A1, A2, A7," specifying topics to include support staff resignations and retirements, 2026–2027 professional staff appointments, admission or disciplinary matters concerning students, and consultations with legal counsel regarding probable litigation. Ms. Bohannon Stewart seconded, and the motion was approved by voice vote. The board then proceeded into the closed session; no further public details were disclosed on the record.

The board cited the Virginia Freedom of Information Act exceptions in making the closed-session determination; the meeting record notes the statutory citations but does not provide public discussion of the substantive personnel, disciplinary or litigation matters addressed in closed session.