At a Jan. 13 budget workshop, VBCPS budget staff outlined the state budget timetable, said the division's local composite index rose to 0.4172 (about 41.7% local share), summarized the governor's proposed supplements and one-time bonus, and discussed departmental reductions, health fund questions, and rising vendor licensing costs for Microsoft and Google.
The Virginia Beach City Public Schools board adopted a resolution suspending an employee without pay after a Jan. 13 closed-session hearing that cited a November 2025 complaint and a "level 3 finding of physical inadequate supervision." The board certified the closed session and approved edits to the resolution text.
VDOE guidance allows VBCPS to apply for just over $150,000 in FY2024 Title I reallocation funds restricted to equitable services for private‑school students; public commenters urged the board to prioritize competitive pay and supports for teachers and staff.
The board voted 6–5 to return a proposed six‑page policy on student‑led demonstrations to the Policy Review Committee after several members said it was more restrictive than the prior policy and raised First Amendment concerns; PRC members said the draft prioritized student safety and clarity.
Division staff told the board that Virginia’s redesigned accreditation now focuses on compliance rather than SOL outcomes and that roughly 72% of Virginia Beach schools are 'on track' or 'distinguished'; staff discussed supports for schools flagged for targeted federal support.
At the organizational meeting the Virginia Beach school board elected Kathleen Brown as chair (6–5) and Carolyn Weems as vice chair (6–5); both elections used a colored‑ball ballot process explained by the superintendent.
The Virginia Beach school board approved the consent agenda — including textbook adoptions, facility projects and Renaissance Academy recommendations — and approved personnel and administrative appointments by recorded voice votes with 10 ayes; superintendent announced four assistant principal appointments.
Superintendent Dr. Don Robertson told the board the division faces a projected FY27 funding shortfall (roughly $19–20 million under a 3% salary increase scenario), highlighted expiring state supports (Virginia Literacy Act and Canvas funding ending 06/30/2026), and outlined options including reduced raises, program/position reductions, or possible fees; the board scheduled detailed department presentations in January–February.
The division has added agenda-based chapters and enabled YouTube's AI 'ask' features on uploaded meeting videos so viewers can jump to agenda items and request AI summaries; staff said the official record remains video, transcript, and approved minutes.
At an administrative workshop, board member Cammy Melnick told colleagues PRC advanced a class-rank matter without full-board notice and asked that future Policy Review Committee agendas be circulated in advance so members can respond to constituent inquiries. Legal counsel read Bylaw 1-31 and staff described current practice of routing policies through PRC.
