Coraggio Consulting
Henrico County School Board Monthly Meeting, Thursday, January 22, 2026

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Place: Henrico County School Board, Virginia
Length: 48m (video)
Official meeting video (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGjIaASwciA
Official meeting portal (Henrico County Public Schools, Diligent Community): https://henricoschools.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/MeetingTypeList.aspx

Machine transcript (speech-to-text) produced by Coraggio Consulting. Not an official county record. Names and numbers may be misspelled; check the video at the timestamp before quoting.
Speech-to-text: whisper.cpp, model large-v3-turbo. Produced 2026-10-25. Timestamps are [HH:MM:SS] into the meeting video.

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[00:00:00] I would like to welcome everyone to the January 22nd,

[00:03:41] 2026 monthly meeting of the Henrico County School Board. First, we'll start with the approval of the agenda. Is there a motion to approve the agenda? I move that we approve the agenda. Motion by Mrs. Shea. Second. Seconded by Mr. Young. All those in favor say aye.

[00:03:57] Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. The agenda is approved. Mrs. Coy. Good evening. This evening, Mrs. Lauren Bischoff, the principal of Baker Elementary School, will come to the podium and introduce students who will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

[00:04:25] Good evening, Mr. Chair, school board members, and Mrs. Coy. I'm Lauren Bischoff, principal of Baker Elementary, and I am pleased to introduce to you fifth grade student leaders Micah Bell and Zarmani Taylor, who will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance tonight.

[00:04:44] At this time, we'll have a moment of silence which can be used by those in attendance for personal reflection, prayer, or meditation.

[00:05:24] Thank you. Let's give our students a round of applause. Next on the agenda is the performance highlight, also from students from Baker Elementary School. So the board and I are going to move down to the audience to view the performance.

[00:05:41] All right.

[00:06:06] Good evening, Mr. Chair, members of the board, Mrs. Coy, colleagues and guests. My name is Christopher Mosley. I am the Education Specialist for Performing Arts, and it is my pleasure to introduce our performance highlight for you this evening. Again, we have the Baker Elementary School fifth grade singers under the direction of Mrs. Shannon Atkins.

[00:06:28] Mrs. Atkins is in her 24th year teaching and her eighth year at Baker Elementary School. The students are going to perform two selections. The first is Lift Every Voice and Sing, and we ask that you would stand while they sing that piece. And you guessed it, second song is called Here Comes the Snow.

[00:06:49] We just recognized her, but I want to give her an opportunity again. Ms. Bischoff, could you please stand to be recognized? They're a proud principal. All right, now please stand and help me welcome to the stage our Baker Fifth Grade Chorus.

[00:07:06] Good evening, Chair Irving, members of the board, and Mrs. Poy.

[00:12:36] For our first school board recognition this evening, I ask that you join me in turning back the clock to the years 1925 and 1926. During this time, the Grand Ole Opry began broadcasting, F. Scott Fitzgerald published The Great Gatsby, and two Henrico County Public Schools opened their doors for the first time.

[00:12:59] To celebrate their school's 100th anniversary, please join me in welcoming Associate Principal of Montrose Elementary, Angie Moore, and Short Pump Elementary Principal, Paige Smith.

[00:13:17] As the Henrico community has grown over the years, both schools have continued to expand their original designs the original montrose elementary school building included just six classrooms and an auditorium the building slowly transformed with additions in 1931 1950 and 1966.

[00:13:38] the building was then fully renovated in 1988. short pump elementary's original building consisted of four classrooms also built around an auditorium which is still in use as the school's library, media office, and art room. This original building included a basement that has since been used as a cafeteria, classroom, and explore lab. Of course, thriving schools and school communities are more than brick and mortar. It is the dedicated team of professional educators who are the greatest factor in the success of Montrose Elementary and Short Pump Elementary

[00:14:17] School. Thank you for your continued service to our students and your school community. congratulations montrose and short pump elementary schools on reaching this historic milestone we're excited to see what the next 100 years brings our next school board recognition is firmly in the present day we'd like to recognize tuckahoe elementary school as a 2025 national blue ribbon

[00:14:52] school representing her school please welcome associate principal jennifer madison chosen by the Virginia Board of Education, Tuckahoe Elementary joins 15 Henrico County Public Schools that have previously been named National Blue Ribbon Recipients. A National Blue Ribbon Honor is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a school for academic achievement. Tuckahoe Elementary, in fact, is one of the top scoring schools in the Commonwealth for math and reading

[00:15:30] achievement with their emphasis on student focus Tuckahoe truly encompasses the HCPS vision of empowering every learner congratulations to all of the students and staff and the school community at Tuckahoe Elementary and speaking of embodying everything that is right and good about Henrico County Public Schools we are thrilled to welcome someone else who does just that please join me in

[00:16:04] welcoming Henrico County's 2026 division-wide Teacher of the Year, Jordan Satterfield. Starting her teaching career at Cuyacuson Middle School in 2021, Jordan has worked to grow the school's chorus from a part-time 80 student program to a full-time program with nearly 200 student participants. Jordan wears many hats at the school and within the school community.

[00:16:40] she serves as the head cheerleading coach karaoke club sponsor music director for the school's theater program and co-founder and artistic director of the brava community choir in jordan's own words music is the mission but people are the purpose my work has always been more than teaching songs it's about helping students find their voice their confidence and their place in this world and her nominators wholeheartedly agree one of her nominators for the countywide teacher of the year honors stated in all facets of her work jordan models what it

[00:17:17] means to be an exemplary educator passionate about her craft devoted to her students and deeply engaged in her school community jordan's other nominator added jordan consistently looks for ways to connect her students to the larger community she builds bridges and relationships everywhere she goes between schools between programs and most importantly between people congratulations jordan and thank you for the positive impact you've made at cuyacuson middle

[00:17:45] school and the entire henrico schools community good evening everyone chair irving members of the board mrs coy we are excited to now swing our focus to the hcps student athletes and recognize the three virginia high school league fall sport state champions receiving their second state title

[00:18:20] in program history please welcome the vhsl 4a football state champions from verona high school

[00:18:26] yes big round of applause amari bowers aiden edwards braylon hood christian frazier damari

[00:19:10] carter derrick jennings dylan tombs ivan thompson jabri pearson jaden walker jeremiah white

[00:19:53] johan peyton caleb weish gassin patterson michael farley ramel robinson royal bailey

[00:20:19] jenandre williams and the team is joined by some of their coaches head coach marcus lewis chris shelton brent johnson lewis phillips the blue devils are also supported by their director of

[00:20:52] student activities mr lamont folsom and their associate principal mr dandre lightfoot mr light foot's in the crowd with his little ones there he's waving so lightfoot the verano football team finished the season with an impressive 13 and 2 record winning the championship game against loudon county high school with a score of 47-0 and stacking up more than 600 yards of total offense yeah clap that up in addition to their formidable record we would also like to highlight several

[00:21:28] individual accomplishments and also want to note that there have been more accomplishments that have come in since we wrote this and there will be more coming in still just for the record but caleb weiss is the all metro football player of the year alongside all metro football first teamers damari carter jashaun richardson and braylon hood first team all-state players include jayden baskerville damari carter braylon hood and sirex and finally we have caleb weiss jashaun richardson

[00:22:04] and coach marcus lewis as the vhsl 4a state offensive player of the year defensive player of the year and coach of the year please join me in congratulating the verona blue devils football

[00:22:20] team one last time congratulations next we'd like to recognize the glenn allen vhsl 5a girls cross

[00:22:52] country state champions. Please welcome Avery Carlson, Emma Stein, Kate Petruskiewicz, Katherine Arjona, and Mabry Lindsey. The Jaguars are supported by their director of student

[00:23:26] activities, Mr. Michael Jan Christoforo, and assistant principal Kevin Socha. The rest of the team and the coaches could not be here tonight because of the weather moved a track meet from last night to tonight, so there are more folks here. But the Jaguars beat the second place Midlothian team by more than 20 points to win the program's first state championship. Leading the charge was freshman Emma Stein. Her low score, which is a good thing in cross country, was joined by sophomores Avery Carlson,

[00:24:01] McKenna Perdue, Finley Bakey, and Katherine Arjona, as well as seniors Kelsey Balton and Kate Petruskiewicz. So they are a very bright future here for many of these young runners. We would like to congratulate the Glen Allen cross country team on their state championship. Please join me in a round of applause for the last fall state champion, we would like to welcome to the stage the Glenallen VHSL 5A

[00:24:39] Boys Volleyball State Champions. David DJ Johnson, Evan Beck, Hayden Gussie, Jackson Hartwell,

[00:25:00] Jake Anouskanich, Ilyan Ladani, Manuel Guerrero, Soham Desai, Will Bond, and William Wallace.

[00:25:25] The team is joined by their coaches, Kevin Hoy and Andy Hoy. And again, from the administration, in the Director of Student Activities, Mr. Mike Giancristoforo, and Assistant Principal Kevin Socha. With nearly an undefeated record, the Jaguars brought home the program's third state championship, beating Granby in a very convincing 3-0 sweep at Virginia State University.

[00:25:57] Of particular note, Jake Anusconich and Coach Kevin Hoy were named the VHSL 5A State Player of the Year and State Coach of the Year. Let's congratulate the Glen Island Boys Volleyball team on an amazing season thank you this concludes our vhso fall sports day championship recognition

[00:26:36] thank you again to all of our students and uh employees we are deeply appreciative of all the

[00:27:36] work that you do and we value you greatly we will now move on to the recognition of national black history month mrs atkins black history month february 1 2026 to march 1 2026 whereas the black and african-american community stands as a diverse representation of the african diaspora and the countless known and untold historic and cultural contributions with local national and global

[00:28:09] impact and whereas throughout virginia and american history black americans have demonstrated resilience and perseverance through systemic oppression through strategy sacrifice organization and resistance and whereas black americans have contributed to the fields of mathematics science and technology agriculture education architecture politics civil service the arts

[00:28:45] sports and entertainment and whereas black americans continue to enrich the local and global community with leadership and innovation and whereas henrico county public schools and the henrico community recognize and embrace our respected black and african-american community that continues to have an enduring legacy on shaping the history and culture of our schools

[00:29:19] our county our country and our world now therefore be it proclaimed that the henrico county school Board recognizes February 1, 2026 through March 1, 2026 as Black History Month and encourages observance and celebration to the attention of our citizens recognized by the School Board of

[00:29:54] Henrico County Public Schools on this 22nd day of January 2026. Chair Irving. thank you mrs atkins uh mrs coy the next item on the agenda is the henrico highlight our chance to shine the spotlight on the incredible programs and events happening in our schools this month we visit the new campus of virginia randolph where we held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week as you will see this campus celebrates innovative new learning spaces while also honoring the legacy

[00:30:30] of an education pioneer mrs virginia randolph take a look

[00:30:42] virginia estelle randolph a pioneer in education a humanitarian a fitting namesake for the splendid campus virginia randolph was the daughter of formerly enslaved parents at just 16 years old she recognized the power of education and the promise it held for black students in Henrico and beyond. That commitment and her life's work are as much a foundation for this school as the brick and mortar. Virginia Randolph believes something powerful, something

[00:31:21] simple, that every child matters. That where you were born should never determine where you end up. That education can open doors no matter your race, your zip code, or your circumstances. Her vision was bold and far ahead of its time. That belief lives on right here at this campus, in these classrooms and in every student who walks through these doors. These new buildings are more than just walls and windows. They represent hope, they represent investment, they represent a promise to our students and families that their future matters. She was a young African-American woman traveling to Goochland and Hanover to teach even before there were cars and roads. Throughout her

[00:32:01] career she made an indelible mark shaping the lives of countless students and educators alike. As we celebrate the official opening of the campus of Virginia Randolph. We are truly honoring her legacy. She believed in combining education with vocation. Ms. Randolph recruited and encouraged students of all ages to be hands-on learners, to get hands-on skills that will help them succeed later on in life. So standing here today is more than a celebration of a new building. It is a testament to persistence, to resilience, and innovation,

[00:32:36] as well as a powerful tribute to the enduring legacy of Virginia Randolph. Without being dramatic, I can honestly say that this is a hallowed place for education. As you tour this campus, you will see murals that reflect centuries and generations of learning that have taken place on this very ground.

[00:32:59] The new campus of Virginia Randolph is home to several academic programs for students from elementary school through high school, as well as family and community engagement, all designed to meet students where they are and to help them thrive.

[00:33:17] We were honored to welcome alumni of the original Virginia Randolph High School, along with members of the Virginia Randolph Foundation, to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

[00:33:34] It was remarkable to see former students walking the halls of the new and renovated building and touching the original brick. Without a doubt, the campus of Virginia Randolph holds a special place in our community's heart. And speaking of heart and soul, tonight's Heart of Henrico recognition has both.

[00:33:54] Tonight, we'll meet three very special Freeman High School students who recently came to the aid of a neighbor in need. Their care and empathy are truly remarkable. Take a look. Something happened at Short Pump Town Center a couple of days ago, back on the 7th, is that right?

[00:34:19] there was a shopper a patron who was entered and all assisted well I wanted to call you down because we have someone here to say thank you what you don't know is Dr. Cash was my graduate school professor and she also called up here the other day to let us know what great kids we have We're very proud of you, just for being great people.

[00:34:51] Y'all are what we hope our students are. I can't tell you how much your being there made a difference for me. The hand, holding her hand. Her arm was severely broken, and she really didn't know where it was.

[00:35:08] The three of you just made it calm and easy. Being there, not leaving, just staying and holding a hand and helping me. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. I remembered all the names because of friends. I hope that you can enjoy something on us. Thank you. What amazing young women. Tonight, we are proud to welcome Elena Atchison and Harper Kramer. Elise Rowland could not be with us this evening, unfortunately. Ladies, you exemplify so

[00:35:45] many of the life skills included in our Henrico Learner profile. You are adaptable, self-confident leaders. You have integrity and demonstrate ethical and compassionate behavior. More than that, you're kind and giving. You are truly the heart of Henrico. We are proud of you and thank you for

[00:36:02] being here this evening. We will now say the HCPS mission statement. Mr. Young. Mr. Chair, Henrico

[00:36:44] County Public Schools, through engagement with our families and community, equips students with the knowledge and skills to be ready for life and a successful future. Thank you, Mr. Young. We will now move to the public forum. This is a time when citizens are invited to address the school board on any matter of concern about the school division citizens have signed up in advance and will be given three minutes to address the school board speakers will be called to speak in the order in which they signed up and may not relinquish their spot to someone else we ask that each speaker come to the microphone and clearly state their name and school affiliation if applicable and the subject

[00:37:24] of the remarks before speaking after stating your name please place your number where you you were given in the cart near the podium speakers must present their remarks to the school board not the audience and may provide copies of their comments to the school board clerk. The use of obscenity or defamation is strictly prohibited and will be ruled out of order. To address you in tracking your time, there's a timekeeping system displaying the elapsed time on the screen. Speakers will also receive a notice from me when the time has expired. The school board is here today to hear from you.

[00:37:55] We will not be responding to speakers concerns or questions during the public's forum. However, a Henrico staff member will follow up with speakers. Stakeholders have also had the opportunity to provide written comments through an online form in advance of the meeting those comments are shared with the school board members prior to the meeting and posted in board docs equal consideration and attention will be given to both written and in-person comments we appreciate your attendance here this evening and for providing your input the first speaker is

[00:38:28] speaker number one hello my name is bryn leary and i'm currently a seventh grade student at the geyser program at wilder middle i live in the three top district and i go to school in the fairfield district i love playing competitive sports and i came here today to request more opportunities for girls to participate in winter sports in herico county schools playing sports boosts my confidence and challenges me to strive for my best words are a huge part of my life and

[00:39:06] i wish that more girls could have the opportunity to play sports year round why is it important that girls play sports in middle school middle school is a crucial time in the development of a girl and her self-esteem studies show that girls who play sports have significantly lower rates of depression and anxiety also girls in sports report that they are more confident in stem subjects also 94 of women executives played sports in their youth especially competitive um stalkingly by the age

[00:39:39] of 14 girls are also twice as likely as to drop out of sports compared to boys this makes middle school a crucial time to provide access to competitive sports to girls as you know henrico county offers sports in three different seasons in fall winter and spring today i want to address the winter sport offerings for boys the winter sport offered options consist of both basketball and wrestling. For girls, the only sport available is gymnastics. Gymnastics is only available in a

[00:40:16] few schools as well. Cheerleading is offered in the winter, but it is a continuation of a fall sport. There are no trials for cheerleading in the winter, and cheerleading is not a competitive sport because cheerleading teams do not compete against each other. Last year in Henrico County, 755 students were involved in wrestling and boys basketball. However, only 111 were involved in gymnastics. These numbers show girls sports participation is less than 15% of the boys sport participation in the winter. At most Henrico schools, girls have no opportunities

[00:40:53] to try out for a winter sport. Title IX is a federal mandate that states that girls and boys should have equal opportunities. I do not believe that the girls in Henrico County are given the same access to sports as boys. Some potential solutions could be to add a girls sport for the winter or to move girls basketball to the winter and add a fall sport i urge in michael county to provide more opportunities for girls to participate in winter sports because i do not believe that the girls in michael county are given the same

[00:41:26] opportunity as boys thank you for your time thank you speaker number one speaker number two good evening my name is marlene sherlock and our family lives in the fairfield district because there's not Not much on your agenda here at the start of the year, I'd like to take the opportunity

[00:42:04] to go back to two things that I haven't heard addressed. What's the plan to help the many, many schools in our division that are falling short or classified as off track or needing improvement? And two, why do you continue to require a 24-hour advance notice of the desire to speak at this public forum?

[00:42:24] Is the Opportunity Schools program intended to be your plan for helping the number of students who are struggling at least according to our dismal sol pass rates clearly that program doesn't even touch the many other schools with issues even within that program is your plan to address the working conditions that teachers identify over and over as being key to retention as adding a substitute or an additional principal have you looked at adding more classroom teachers and assistants. One of the best ways to reduce the workload has to be to assign them fewer students.

[00:43:01] And how are classroom discipline and behavioral matters being addressed? Those too are working conditions that teachers struggle with. Will we see some substantive changes in the student code of conduct later this spring to address patterns of disruption? Earlier today, Ms. Adkins and Ms.

[00:43:20] Kinsella spoke on 504 caseloads for counselors. Well, how about the caseload for the classroom teachers have you asked them or analyzed just how many 504 iep students are in the classroom it can be way more than you think next i'll transition to one of your mission statement components of engagement with our families and communities if someone were sitting here in the audience tonight and wanted to speak you wouldn't allow it i've repeatedly noted that our own county board of supervisors does not require advanced signups nor do they set a strict time limit for

[00:43:57] speaking and they actually engage with speakers let's be real how many people come and speak even during the not so popular redistricting process this past fall you had what maybe a half a dozen people show up it didn't used to be this way and i think you should go back to allowing signups at your board meetings finally one last thing that will probably be harder than asking for more money at your work session today miss adkins asked for better food and nutrition how

[00:44:30] about giving the kids more time to eat. You try getting to the cafeteria, standing in line, getting your food, finding a seat in an overcrowded lunchroom, eating and getting back to class in 25 minutes. Thank you. Thank you for everyone who attended and participated in the public forum.

[00:45:02] We appreciate your comments. Now it's time for the approval of the consent items. Are there any requests from school board members that an item be separated from the school board board discussion or and or an individual action. Hearing none, is there a motion to vote on them as a block? I move that the school board accept, adopt, approved, and or award items 8.01 through

[00:45:39] 8.10 on the consent agenda as presented. Moved by Mrs. Kinsella. Do I have a second? Second. Seconded by Mrs. Atkins. All in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed? The ayes have it. Items 8.01 through 8.10 on the consent agenda are approved.

[00:46:00] Now colleagues will move on to unfinished business. Does anybody have any unfinished business? Hearing none, we will move on to new business. Colleagues, does anyone have new business for the board? Mrs. Shea. - Mr. Irina, I have one quick acknowledgement.

[00:46:18] Mrs. Coy next to us, tomorrow is her last day as chief of staff. and so Holly has been with us for about four years. Those of us who have had the pleasure of working with you, Holly, know that you are so smart, not only in your encyclopedic knowledge of all code and policy, but also your way to problem solve and fit pieces together.

[00:46:45] You are reliable, dedicated, and all around a high caliber and good person. We are glad that we get to keep you one of our constituents and part of the Hemrico family but you will certainly be a missed part of the team thank you for your service to Hemrico over the four years and just being an all-around wonderful colleague to work colleagues oh yes Mrs. Coyne the floor is yours I just want to say thank

[00:47:25] you it has been an honor and a pleasure to serve with all of you and with the entire HCPS team and I am going to miss you all dearly it has truly been a wonderful experience working together with all of you and I will miss you all very much but won't be far we are grateful for your service colleagues do we have any other new business hearing none we will go to the amount announcement of the meeting dates the school board's next meeting will be a work session on Thursday February 12th 2026 at 3 p.m followed by a budget public hearing at 5 p.m meeting times may be adjusted as needed this meeting is adjourned

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