[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6088863,"mediaKeyId","2878863-d865df04ec03fdac0f3f459e858374ff","parentId",2878863,"title","Residents press board on special education failures, transportation safety and federal civil‑rights probe","audioSeconds",422,"startMs",2786000,"endMs",3208000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2878863-d865df04ec03fdac0f3f459e858374ff&start=2786&end=3208","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2878863-d865df04ec03fdac0f3f459e858374ff/thumbnail_2786000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6088863/Virginia/Residents-press-board-on-special-education-failures-transportation-safety-and-federal-civilrights-probe","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088863-08fc062049473e9be33f705d52b89040/orig.mp4?Expires=1770605873&Signature=l~VVnEg80TIuwxZGWTUQ81snnuNHeCU3ftnGaueuG02GIP61rlWccGVlpghOm1b8WWNU7xnaZ8aVk0WqumPGOJcd86Nj6YdlBlUwcQURrxtUWIobcnVY3MEGMgy6sTzCKQhuwiLwN88CrqTTeDkV3vianF2ERJO00c84En1-LTj~cFrYGG2A0JVRvwTjp5cYbw~i2i4N6sQxgRn6lvQoA6hefXpaVrc0giDZVQakrplDZmU2XQOjiSUA5GCXBxCUOig009qQhgVPc-cQtl5L1ABdv2ZD-BVQrmDw7pQztISVApNGuM3eWAzLoOOBUr16NlYzMwEMlcl4LKn6y97RJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Prince William Co Public School","date","2025-04-04T22:25:13.977Z","article","Multiple speakers during the meeting’s public-comment period urged the School Board to act on what they described as serious systemic problems in special education, student safety and civil‑rights enforcement.

Britney (Bridal) Robinson, identified herself as the mother of three autistic children enrolled in the division, recounted long-running disputes over special-education placement and services. Robinson said one child was denied special education for years, suffered severe bullying and suicidal ideation, and was later placed in a school that uses seclusion and restraint over family objections. She reported the family has taken matters to federal court and urged the board to stop treating autistic children “like burdens,” saying, “Awareness without accountability is just performance.”

Jessica Schar (spelled “Schar” in the transcript) told the board she delivered copies of a study titled The Cost of Conflict and warned that litigation and culture‑war complaints drain resources. She also said the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights had notified Prince William County Schools that it had opened an investigation following complaints filed by America First Legal regarding policies on bathroom and locker‑room access and gender identity. Schar reminded the board that federal law and Title IX remain controlling. She asked the board to protect funding for classrooms rather than divert resources to litigation.

Sean Daley gave a personal account alleging long‑standing failures to address complaints about his son and said he had filed formal allegations since August 14, 2023. Daley said he had received no resolution and warned the board that he would publicize his records if he continued to see no action.

Edwin Lohreiro described a transportation safety issue after, he said, bus routing changes stopped dropping off his high‑school student at a familiar stop on Feb. 26. Lohreiro said staff later told his family the student would have to walk about half a mile in darkness along a route with vehicles traveling at high speed; he also said his daughter is missing an arm. Lohreiro said he had repeatedly sought responses from transportation staff and felt the division had been unresponsive.

Ashley Ellingson spoke about overcrowding at Covington Harbor Elementary, which she said had reached an enrollment figure she reported as 948 students and was using eight modular classrooms. She warned projections could require 12–14 trailers and listed safety and security concerns tied to modular classrooms, including evacuation complications, surveillance gaps and traffic congestion at drop‑off.

Board members did not vote on these public comments during the meeting; speakers requested investigations, better responsiveness from staff, and policy or placement changes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Prince William County School Board Meeting - April 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Several citizens used the public‑comment period to raise claims and requests about special education failures, a federal Office for Civil Rights inquiry about gender‑identity policies, bus‑stop safety for a student with a disability, and overcrowding at an elementary school.","taxTitle","PRINCE WILLIAM CO PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",14511,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6088868,"School Board certifies closed session and approves appointments and releases",32,282000,314000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2878863-d865df04ec03fdac0f3f459e858374ff&start=282&end=314","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2878863-d865df04ec03fdac0f3f459e858374ff/thumbnail_282000.jpg","/articles/6088868/Virginia/School-Board-certifies-closed-session-and-approves-appointments-and-releases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088868-46d03e7da14910d6101d6e90e1f1b359/orig.mp4?Expires=1770605873&Signature=MA6vgT2etfswdAPLFInggw6UaonLsMg4qsZxZeY4lZc8ut2W63woIMZPsfSQaftwuBkyeU41flahA8pWbGdFvxP9tap-k1WO6Mko3xVCcZAYVDVfYh5w10c-XyjbzeEc576eezd4ik-FgL1qQ4W~sSxXfBBqIraOW5PuiGGTJSjc7dA~pU9~FjC5MZ19PkGWDiLIkF0zOQpJI59b~1eql1zQgKrUnMOMCsa7YKcTMkaXU3JybCDovliqGnMT8QAvwhxyL-NEjv81gTxFiqa-VtImpw4JoonWSl5uPvA~Qshm3al2f52S~xvxL3GBwlt7SUPJQ37Bw0BpNTcOqsjJBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Prince William County School Board returned from a closed session called under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and unanimously certified the closed session record before approving personnel actions discussed in that session.

Vice Chair Blake moved the board into closed session citing Virginia Code sections 2.2‑3711(A)(1), (A)(7)‑(8) and (A)(19) to discuss personnel matters, probable litigation and security briefings. The board left open session after about an hour and then voted to adopt a certification resolution that states, to the best of each member’s knowledge, only matters exempted from the open meeting law and identified in the motion were discussed.

The certification resolution was adopted unanimously (vote recorded as 8 yes; member Wilk was absent at the earlier vote). The board then voted to approve the appointments and releases of specific employees as presented in closed session; that motion also passed unanimously.

What this means: The board’s certification affirms that the closed session complied with the statutory exceptions invoked. The personnel appointments and releases approved tonight were handled as closed-session actions and were recorded as approved by the board; the board did not discuss the personnel details in open session.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion to enter closed session (citing Virginia Code exemptions): mover Vice Chair Blake; second Miss Williams; motion passed unanimously (Wilk absent at that time).
- Certification of closed session under Virginia Code §2.2‑3712: adopted unanimously (8 yes).
- Motion to approve appointments and releases of employees discussed in closed session (agenda item 8.01): mover Vice Chair Blake; second Ms. Williams; vote 8 yes, motion passed.

Authorities cited: Virginia Code sections 2.2‑3711 and 2.2‑3712 were invoked on the record as the legal basis for entering closed session and then certifying it.","After a closed session held under Virginia Code, the board unanimously certified the meeting and approved appointments and releases of employees that were discussed in closed session.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6088873,"Board rejects strict limits on Q&A but expands 'board matters' time to 4 minutes in policy revision",1082,4001000,5083000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2878863-d865df04ec03fdac0f3f459e858374ff&start=4001&end=5083","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2878863-d865df04ec03fdac0f3f459e858374ff/thumbnail_4001000.jpg","/articles/6088873/Virginia/Board-rejects-strict-limits-on-QA-but-expands-board-matters-time-to-4-minutes-in-policy-revision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088873-ce67da74a4d3c04dbaeb3c2992fa728c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770605873&Signature=FRzlQXpxEGs4Dp-yGgOkKhvs9rxAf4v0qmeNWUGdMcd3b9-sowDdbd30HjCGJZAWwhUMCE0v4oPIoXvQGOV8f1rGBqPpDOPAQOfJA~Oxi5WtHYRAZZMzQvctOStFWflNjtJL53z710KsDC5Ax~KnUvRlPXxosfMaOvwS5FN-GerD6d~AsOEuAJEbQymb7TfgJ~YA3xi8jPZKLJ~5neBhZaYmutjPoNYZH9lCV6JgyHkXjO--9D3-VQMRK4uMLWZiYqjzXnAfqcscVNmFeQ~ewwAxIbDtxYrQnI-SyY1PdzFxP6hGhOQim8-fbicVZtD4XAN52ernrV38aZgmsSFoAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Prince William County School Board members voted to adopt revised language to Policy 132 (Regular, Special and Closed Meetings) after heated discussion about limits on member questioning and public transparency.

The board first considered an amendment from Ms. Trudenick that would have required members to reserve questions until the end of a presentation and limited each member to two questions of no more than three minutes apiece; the chair would have had discretion to extend time. That amendment failed on a 2–6 vote after several members argued it would unduly restrict deliberation in public.

A separate, friendly amendment from Ms. Williams increased the time allotted for each member’s board‑time remarks at the end of meetings from three minutes to four. The board approved that change 7–1 and then approved the revised Policy 132 by the same margin.

Board members who opposed the strict limit said public meetings are the only place constituents can hear deliberations and that tight time limits risk curtailing public accountability. Supporters of limits argued the change would respect staff time and improve meeting efficiency. Ms. Trudenick said the proposal was modeled after the Board of County Supervisors and framed the change as respect for staff and the public; Mr. Denik said the board “doesn’t adhere to the three minutes” now and that a limit would create parity.

Votes at a glance:
- Amendment to require questions at the end of presentations and limit members to two rounds of three minutes each: mover Ms. Trudenick; vote 2–6, failed.
- Friendly amendment to extend board-members’ end-of-meeting board‑time from 3 to 4 minutes: mover Ms. Williams; vote 7–1, passed.
- Final vote to adopt revised Policy 132 (with the 4‑minute board‑time change): vote 7–1, passed.

Why it matters: Policy 132 governs how the school board conducts public meetings and the duration and order of member remarks. The board rejected a significant restriction on member questioning but did expand the allotted time for end‑of‑meeting remarks, preserving greater opportunity for members to address topics of interest to constituents.

What’s next: The policy revisions take effect per the board’s adoption; further adjustments would require another formal motion or future review.","The board debated revisions to Policy 132 (Regular, Special and Closed Meetings). An amendment to limit members to two three‑minute rounds for questions failed 2–6. A separate amendment increasing board-members' 'board matters' time from 3 to 4 minutes passed, and the overall policy revision passed 7–1.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6088877,"Prince William board approves pilot project labor agreement for proposed 14th high school after divided debate",3910,3120000,7030000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2878863-d865df04ec03fdac0f3f459e858374ff&start=3120&end=7030","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2878863-d865df04ec03fdac0f3f459e858374ff/thumbnail_3120000.jpg","/articles/6088877/Virginia/Prince-William-board-approves-pilot-project-labor-agreement-for-proposed-14th-high-school-after-divided-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088877-c91934175eb906f5dd00dd454739b8f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770605873&Signature=ASURzgc2dUcZQWgthc9C8n4jSS4kIzkJI9KmDNqHHYM~XMBOC-Y85lUCP69d0MQAFnI8l5Wf1dQ7mGidKat1~3OltjT0yDDkXcYEryOY0WFORethwpjt6TYopdZET~QfWiXGbjUPZGj0fZXvqurcJoPJ7AmTHeyZ8Bq0hz~jkB2EzhXa4f~K5iy6P4h5xSJ~h1cfqFGsAKQiCjRkDQ~g622YZb0tHxdgmsXtxCNJo3M0aADGspNwdKGYuFTOLBZ7api14V-Y30cKHq5P4BaH8BMJ4MSJ6j53ubHi2NKvprqQWh7H4NpwPB7wo0MklF2OKsDlZ9lDkX3SSm9aH~X40w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Prince William County School Board members voted 6–2 to direct the superintendent to implement a pilot project labor agreement requirement for public works contracts related to construction of the division’s proposed 14th high school.

Supporters said the PLA will secure higher wages, apprenticeships and safety standards for workers on the project. Opponents said the agreements could raise construction costs, reduce competition from nonunion and small local contractors and divert money from classrooms.

The board’s motion, introduced by Vice Chair Blake, directed the superintendent to develop procurement regulations and bid specifications to allow a PLA on a pilot basis. Ms. Zargarpur seconded the motion. During debate the board adopted a friendly amendment replacing wording to specify the superintendent or her designees would implement the regulations; that amendment passed 7–1.

Board member Wilk argued for the resolution as a jobs and workforce measure, saying a PLA guarantees “good jobs, fair wages, and real opportunities for our local workers.” He said PLAs can increase apprenticeship opportunities and keep families working close to home. Board member Williams said she would support a pilot but cautioned the board to preserve opportunities for small local contractors and asked for regular updates if the superintendent implements the pilot.

Board member Wall strongly opposed the measure, saying PLAs can limit competition and raise costs. She warned that higher construction costs would reduce funds available for classrooms and programs and cited studies she said show PLA projects can cost more than comparable open-bid projects. Wall also noted no Virginia school division had yet used a PLA for school construction, and she urged caution.

After discussion the full motion carried 6–2. The board’s direction is procedural: it asks the superintendent to draft regulations for a pilot PLA tied specifically to the procurement process for the 14th high school. Board members and staff repeatedly said specifics—such as whether incentives for local, veteran- or women-owned firms would be included—would be determined in the superintendent’s implementing regulations.

The resolution’s text instructs the superintendent to develop procurement regulations, contract bid specifications and other bid documents to permit use of a pilot PLA for the 14th high school. The board approved the final motion with Vice Chair Blake’s original motion language, revised to say the superintendent or her designees would implement the regulations.

The board did not adopt any contract-level decisions tonight; the vote applied only to drafting regulations for a pilot implementation. The superintendent’s office and procurement staff will return with specifics if and when a PLA is proposed as part of a public works procurement.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion to direct the superintendent to develop PLA pilot procurement regulations for the 14th high school: mover Vice Chair Blake; seconder Ms. Zargarpur; amendment clarifying implementation by the superintendent or designees passed 7–1; final motion passed 6–2.

Why it matters: The pilot could change how the division procures construction labor on a high-profile project and affects local contractors, union and nonunion workers, and apprenticeship pathways for students in career-technical programs. The board directed staff to design the pilot; any final use of a PLA will require future procurement actions and contract awards.","The School Board directed the superintendent to develop a pilot project labor agreement (PLA) for procurement of the 14th high school, adopting language to allow implementation by the superintendent or designees. The resolution passed 6–2 after extended debate about costs, local contractor access and workforce benefits.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press board on special education failures, transportation safety and federal civil‑rights probe

School Board certifies closed session and approves appointments and releases

Board rejects strict limits on Q&A but expands 'board matters' time to 4 minutes in policy revision

Prince William board approves pilot project labor agreement for proposed 14th high school after divided debate