Dr. Tara Grant presented results from district surveys showing a majority of students and staff report belonging and safety, while 20–30% of certain groups say they do not feel fully informed; the district will analyze four survey datasets and pursue improved communication, the board heard.
Finance staff reported revenues slightly under budget but a county transfer that leaves roughly 52% of funds available; the district flagged a potential 24% insurance increase and is exploring reinsurance via the Jefferson Health Plan consortium. The board approved spring field-trip changes and the 2024–25 testing calendar.
During final public comment, Susan Peters of Draper told the board the district’s written transfer policy is minimal and urged clearer, written procedures so staff facing transfer understand expectations and have consistent treatment.
District staff told the school board the special‑education annual plan affirms ongoing services and requests $1,170,000 in federal 6‑11 grant funding (plus a $36,000 6‑19 award) to support paraprofessionals, specialist salaries and contracted services; the plan returns next month as an action item for submission to the Department of Education.
The board approved minutes, tonight’s agenda, the consent agenda (including sale of surplus property and personnel items), approved spring field‑trip updates and moved the VSBA showcasing innovation award application to action for signature and submission.
Representatives from the American Exchange Project described a free, donor‑funded reciprocal exchange that pairs high‑school seniors from different U.S. towns for two weeks (one week each way). Organizers said the program is typically run by local educators, is funded by philanthropy, emphasizes background checks for host families and recommended 5–12 students in year one for Pulaski County.
The district reported about 33% of the budget year remained and a projected county general fund transfer of $10,484,901, leaving roughly $6.6 million (about 38%) available for the rest of the year; staff said a 3% raise and insurance increases are included and they expect more clarity after the governor’s action on the budget in late March.
Finance staff reported the capital fund balance and listed three committed projects (PCHS stadium lighting, a security wall at PCHS, and fiber at Northwood). Staff said the district can complete work in house to save costs and is awaiting contractor bids and AEP pole clearance for the fiber timeline.
At a Feb. 4 budget work session, Pulaski County Public Schools staff recommended a 3% pay increase (estimated at roughly $1.3 million) to access state compensation‑supplement funds while warning health‑insurance claims and reinsurance costs could force tradeoffs with benefits or require spousal‑exclusion policies.
Virginia / School Districts / PULASKI CO PBLC SCHS
The board heard a presentation on federal school-improvement designations for three Pulaski schools and approved a multiyear support plan for Krizer pending typographical corrections; the presentation described evidence-based interventions and federal grant funding options.