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Virginia Beach Education Association, 445 Kings Grant Road, Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

06/09/2026

Tuesday’s Takeaways: SB 6/8
Part 2 of 2
Attendance Notes: 100%

Workshop
SB Reports & Administrative matters
➡️ Melinda Rogers read several commemorations and recognitions for the month of June
➡️ De. Alveta Green recognized the importance and impact of our School Counselors’ work in assisting VBCPS graduates in receiving millions of dollars in merit scholarships & recognized Kim Melnyk for being appointed to the Board of Visitors at Longwood University

State Budget Update
➡️ The state budget has still not been finalized, the General Assembly is currently in recess until 6/18 (House) and 6/22 (Senate). A budget must Be finalized by 6/30 to avoid a government shutdown
➡️ There is a forecast of approximately $1.5 billion in additional general fund revenue for 2026-2028
➡️ The budget prepared by Gov. Youngkin provided $19.7 million in additional state funds for schools, and that seems to be the current trend to maintain
➡️ Budget discussions continue on a potential local authority to approve a 1% sales tax for school construction projects

Artificial Intelligence Simulation
Members of the Instructional Technology team guided the SB members through a simulated HS assignment using AI to demonstrate how AI is being used.
🔹 highlighted the “human first” approach, and that the use of AI is for refinement not creation
🔹 students are taught about maintaining integrity, and security guardrails are in place to ensure proper use

Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Update
➡️ the focus is on meaningful 2-way engagement and the department’s work revolves around 5 pillars: professional development, welcoming all families, volunteering, language access, and outreach
➡️ Partners in Education connects local businesses to schools to provide support
➡️ Back to School Care Fair provides needed supplies, services and resources to families
➡️ The Virginia Beach Education Foundation supports students in many ways including through Future Ready grants for schools, Beach Bags, Virginia Star, and The House that Students Built.
✅ Anyone can sign up to volunteer, be a partner in education, and/or join the VBEF

Information Item: School Board Committee assignments were shared

Consent Agenda: passed 11-0
✅ Citizens’ Advisory Committee appointments
✅ Budget - Staff Bonus Plan (this is a retention bonus for anyone continuing employment in the 26-27 SY) ⁉️ We are finding out if this includes current staff who have resigned this year’s position to accept a different position within VBCPS next year
✅ JUUL Labs settlement funding

Action Agenda
➡️ personnel report passed 11-0
➡️ Princess Anne HS resolution to use the design-build process passed 10-1 (opposed: Rose Dwyer)

06/09/2026

Tuesday’s Takeaways: School Board 6/8
Part 1 of 2: Tri-Campus update & Policy 6-18
Attendance notes: 100%

Information Item: Tri-Campus Addition Updates
➡️ Currently in the Bid & Construction phase with a groundbreaking ceremony to be held in September/October 2026
➡️ A staff meeting was held with Newtown & Diamond Springs staff after school on 6/8 to share updates ‼️ these staff members were notified on Sunday, 6/7 of this meeting ‼️
➡️ The Diamond Springs addition includes 4 core classrooms all with restrooms and 4 resource rooms. The existing building will be modified to have 6 resource rooms.
🔹Dedicated art and music rooms have been identified.
🔸 One classroom will be relocated and off limits during construction of the addition
🔸 Per the VDOE minimum requirements for shared spaces, the library, gym and cafeteria are currently adequate
🔹 Playground will be replaced during the winter of 2027
➡️ The Newtown addition includes 14 core classrooms, 2 of which have restrooms, 5 resource rooms, 2 grouped student restrooms and 1 single occupancy restroom. The existing building will be modified to have 5 resource rooms
🔹 Dedicated art and music rooms have been identified
🔸 Four classrooms will be relocated and off limits during construction of the addition
🔸 Per the VDOE minimum requirements for shared spaces, the library, gym and cafeteria are currently adequate
🔸Playground replacement date is uncertain due to the scope of construction
➡️ Students will have access to alternative outdoor locations for PE and recess during construction
📢 Campus Renaming is a topic on the School Board Retreat agenda, and it is the intent to get that ball rolling as soon as that conversation has been held
🏫 Move-In is scheduled for August 2028 for the 2028-2029 school year
⁉️ Why is the PK student to teacher ratio 18:1 when K-3 are each 16:1 🧐

Action Agenda: Policy 6-18/Instructional Time - Importance and Impact Review
➡️ After much debate and 2 other amendments made by Carolyn Weems, a substitute motion was made by Matt Cummings, and seconded by Melinda Rogers. This passed on a 7-4 vote (opposed: Bohenstiel, Brown, Dwyer, and Weems). Here are the highlights of the changes in the substitution:
🔸 elimination of devices in the classroom setting is now only in Pre-K and Kindergarten
🔹 1st grade classrooms will have a maximum of 10 devices to use with students
✅ language was added to ensure devices are available for the adaptive learning needs of English Language Learners in PK-1
☑️ A mock up of the substitute language based on what was said at the SB meeting is pictured below. The official language will be released soon.
‼️ It was clear that conversations about screen time and Chromebook use will continue. ‼️
🟠 Several School Board members expressed continued concern about the quickness of the implementation, the lack of a curriculum audit or impact review, and the disregard for the input provided by teachers.
🌊🌊 As implementation rolls out next school year, we need to ensure staff are properly supported and have the resources needed to effectively cover curriculum standards.

06/05/2026

Tuesday’s Takeaways: School Board 5/26
Part 2 of 3: Information on Policy 6-18, 26-27 Salary Resolution and Employee Bonus

Policy 6-18: Instructional Time - Importance & Impact Review
➡️ Section D is the proposed addition to include:
🔸eliminating the use of Chromebooks and similar devices in the PK-1 classrooms
🔸putting into policy the 1:1 limitations in 2nd grade that they only go home for inclement weather
🔸 putting into policy the allowance of Chromebooks and similar devices to be sent home in grades 3-5
🔸 required annual reports and presentations on student screen time
➡️ There were around a dozen public speakers on this topic. There is a general consensus that student screen time is a concern and limits dinners to be enforced at the elementary level. The differing opinions come in around the full elimination from the classroom, which will have implications for the delivery curriculum and data collection.
✅ Several SB members raised concerns about the policy affecting curriculum, the impact this will have on teachers and what resources & support they will receive, the lack of voice given to LMS and ITS at the elementary level in this process and the quickness with which this major decision is moving forward
✅ Dr. Green asked if a curriculum audit had been conducted given the potential curricular impact of this policy, and Matt Cummings asked if an Impact Review had been performed per section C of this same policy. ‼️ The answer to both was NO
🔹 Dr. Robertson talked about the guiding questions senior staff are using to ensure staff are equipped with what they need if this moves forward: What are the greatest RISKS? How are we going to address those risks? What resources & support are we giving to staff to replace it? How are we going to monitor & respond to the risks we’ve identified as well as the unknown risks that will come up?
🌊🌊 there need to be supports in place to ensure our PK-1 teachers and TAs are not having more added to their plates because of the elimination of Chromebooks - and this includes not adding excessive PD requirements
📢 There’s still time to share your opinion at the MONDAY, June 8 SB meeting.

School Year 26-27 Salary Resolution
➡️ City Council approved the VBCPS Operating Budget which included the salary considerations
🔹 Instructional Scale: 2% increase plus $1000 added to the entry-level. Eligible employees will also receive their 1.5% step
🔹 Unified Scale: 3% increase to entry-level. Eligible employees steps 1-14 will receive a 1% step increase, and 15+ will receive a 1.5% step increase
✅ This was on Information and Action and passed 11-0

Bonus Plan
➡️ The state had a “caboose” budget bill that provides a flat $1500 for K-12 SOQ positions
🔸 VBCPS funds more than the state SOQs provide for, and has determined it will provide the funding to ensure all staff receive the bonus
🔸 VBCPS is designating this as a “retention” bonus - only staff who sign their contracts by 6/15 indicating their return for the 26-27 school year will be eligible
🔹 the intent is for the bonus to be in the June 30, 2026 paycheck
📢 This will be voted on at the MONDAY, June 8 meeting

06/05/2026

Tuesday’s Takeaways: School Board 5/26
Part 1 of 3: Workshop
Attendance Notes: 100%

✅ Kathleen Brown called for SB members to review the proposed committee assignments, submit any requests they have and reminded committee chairs to submit the meeting attendance for past meetings. She also reminded SB members to review the SB retreat topics as several have been added.

Mental Health Services Update
➡️ There was an overview of the current needs and challenges as a country and in VB specifically regarding mental health
✅ VBCPS has had an overall reduction in Su***de Risk-Assessments - this is attributed in part to the increased access to mental health support and early intervention
➡️ There are 10 recommendations broken down into 4 areas: Access, Awareness, Family Engagement, and Staff Mental Health
🔹 Access components require parental consent and include Rapid Response referrals, Brief Counseling referrals, Bridge Program referrals, and Tele-mental health services. Securly alerts assist in identification, and CHKD staff assists with response.
🔹 Tele-mental health is provided by Uwill and includes unlimited sessions and does not require insurance. This service is grant funded, and the division is currently awaiting response regarding the renewal of the grant.
🔹 Care Solace is available to all VBCPS staff, students and their families. This is an assistance program for families needing mental health services, and this year expanded to include social services such as food, transportation and housing needs.
‼️ The top presenting concerns continue to be anxiety and depression
🔹 Awareness components include information tables as division wide events, partnering at community events, content development for newsletters and resources, and professional development for staff
🔹 Family Engagement components include a resource one-pager and webinars
🔹 Staff Mental Health components include a resource document and support for those experiencing suicidal ideation.

Human Capital Management (HCM) System Modernization
➡️ WISE is the current system used and is 20+ years old. The program will also no longer be supported after December 31, 2030.
➡️ The process has started to identify a new program that will be able to integrate and more efficiently support Human Resources (Applications, hiring, onboarding, records), Payroll, Benefits (health, retirement, leave), and Time & Attendance ‼️possibly eliminating paper time sheets‼️
➡️ Currently in the RFP development stage (request for proposal). Presentation and selection of vendors will begin this fall with the intent to begin integration July 1, 2027 and a full shift to a new system July 1, 2029
🔹 There will be budget implications for the cost of switching that is part of the CIP, and increased yearly fee over what is currently paid for WISE, and for the additional staff needed to support the transition. ‼️ Some of this staff will only be temporary employees, but there may be some additional positions needed full-time as well.

05/21/2026

The agenda for the May 26 School Board meeting is out.
https://www2.vbschools.com/schoolboard/agenda.pdf
There are several pieces you may want to pay attention to:
➡️ Policy 6-18 recommendations (D. Technology Usage Guidelines) - this primarily deals with PK-5 usage to begin in the 2026/2027 school year
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ews4VNQByW14CSHWCTziD3I9rgQfmTP4/view?usp=drivesdk

➡️ Salary Resolution Regarding FY 2026-27
🔸 this will also be voted on in the Action agenda section

➡️ Staff Bonus Plan

➡️ PAHS design-build method
🔸 this will also be voted on in the Action agenda section

🛑 supplemental materials have not yet been uploaded to the agenda packet at the time of this post
🌊 If you wish to speak you must sign up by 12:00 noon on 5/26
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMBT94omFTrkIDZlOn1q_wp_I8f4fONlb_go6_UCRG0wvuIg/viewform

05/15/2026

This week I have the opportunity to participate in a national leadership development conference. We have Local Presidents from across our nation sharing best practices on improving public school employees’ conditions and strengthening public education support to ensure ALL students receive the best education possible.
Educator working conditions are student learning conditions.

05/15/2026

Our fight continues. We will not stop with this roadblock.

05/14/2026

VBEA is hiring!
We're looking for an Organizer to join our MO team for 6 weeks over the summer!☀️
If you're craving tangible action and looking to forge stronger relationships with your fellow union members then this is the perfect opportunity for you. Reach out to us with any questions about the position or use the QR code to apply!

*Must be a union member to apply for this position*

05/14/2026

We're at a time where you may be asking yourself as a union member "What more can I do?"
And the Summer Organizing Institute hosted by VEA is a great place to start! Flex your organizing muscles by learning fundamental strategies and getting hands on experience. Join our VBEA team heading to Richmond this summer and add a few more skills to your toolbox!
Space is limited so sign up through the QR code today!
*This event is for VBEA members only*

05/14/2026

Tuesday’s Takeaways: School Board 5/12
Part 2 of 3: From public comment - Newtown ES Staff
Attendance notes: Mark Bohenstiel and Michael Callan were still absent during this portion

Several Newtown ES Staff members spoke about their concerns regarding the merger of the students from Bettie F Williams into Newtown given the current construction plans.
🔹Diamond Springs ES will have the same grade levels they currently have with the shift to a bi-campus model
📢 Watch the video for their comments: 20:30 through 44:24

Here are some key points addressed by the speakers:
🔸 The number of students in Newtown will double, but the plans for expanding the school don’t include expansions & upgrades to the gymnasium, cafetorium (cafeteria/auditorium shared space) kitchen, library, recess space, adequate restrooms or workrooms for staff.
‼️ The cafetorium space not being increased will have a huge impact on the school’s ability to have assemblies for all students, and they won’t be able to accommodate families for events such as student concerts and awards as they’re already overflowing with the current enrollment
🔸 Other facilities such as John B Dey ES and ODS received funding for new facilities with more than adequate space and equipment. This is a glaring equity issue particularly since Newtown and Bettie F Williams are Title I schools serving some of the most vulnerable populations of students. This renovation is only receiving a fraction of the funding the others received, and only includes the addition of a wing of classrooms.
🔸 Music & Art teachers spoke about the adverse instructional impact not having adequate space will have on their programs, not having storage areas for instruments and supplies, nor dedicated space for their classes. Without the appropriate spaces, the students will not have access to the same level of instruction as their counterparts at other elementary schools.
‼️Imagine Art on a Cart for elementary students, and the limitations this puts on what can be taught, what mediums students get to learn to use and experiment with, and how detrimental a situation like that is for true creative expression.

➡️ These dedicated staff members are asking the division to review the plans and ensure the renovations & additions to Newtown properly address ALL the space needs for students to have a safe learning environment that truly meets the instructional needs of staff.

🌊🌊This is a glimpse of what Collective Action looks like. I want to give a huge shout-out to the staff who spoke as well as those who came out to support the speakers.🌊🌊

Virginia Beach Education Association

06/09/2026

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