[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,76,87,99,111],{"_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",6086677,"mediaKeyId","2894432-5afecdfbb2490c1675c532b5268463d1","parentId",2894432,"title","Winchester special education director outlines 2025–26 annual plan; SEAC voices support","audioSeconds",1053,"startMs",2165000,"endMs",3218000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894432-5afecdfbb2490c1675c532b5268463d1&start=2165&end=3218","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894432-5afecdfbb2490c1675c532b5268463d1/thumbnail_2165000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6086677/Virginia/Winchester-special-education-director-outlines-202526-annual-plan-SEAC-voices-support","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086677-d0e273299ad12646fd00c2a291d6584c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770857731&Signature=bodeG9bHYSeMn8tz7Pcri0iSPBsKf~ooKCSfvHDUYlLywYtNnAtgfDbPPv9NTuAgOEMwCAXRcVcAO8mUAbTiS77ruG5aNllBF13eNAgT2dCe1m33xcExIuxvNfrdNiXB9~Y6J~fETM~qHCIT3VDoRtL95Y2BpAfAOzNKFd0KLj84rU4IIkgfjLRr9UFyPyJ0S0Faemb~VYMmaWIGvOeNKc1Jn8Tm7QlP~FUQlaacqT0ztanr7TT3r-TKkPo12BPLXLwOTIGhtp6Gm7GzUoACaJ-xdn7HVOqMXvUsPyFiNRXO8wjCTH3QpblfGTeOb1e8IlXBkh6YLjBBw1LMvUTCtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Winchester City Public Schools","date","2025-04-08T00:00:00Z","article","Dr. Mullins presented the Winchester Public Schools 2025–26 Special Education Annual Plan at the board’s April 7 work session, describing enrollment trends, funding sources, federal compliance tests and proposed program allocations for the coming school year.

The plan, which the board must approve at its next regular meeting, covers students age 2 through 21 and lays out five components required for the federal use-of-funds agreement, including maintenance of effort, proportionate set-aside, preschool allocations, school-age allocations and program descriptions. Dr. Mullins said the division projects to meet federal maintenance-of-effort tests and that projections show planned expenditures at equal or greater levels than the prior year.

The presentation noted that Winchester’s overall special education identification rate has remained just under the commonly cited 14% threshold over the past several years. Dr. Mullins said the division brought its early child-find work in-house last year, which increased identification of young children (developmental delay category) because families previously were routed to an outside provider. She said the district expects to catch more children earlier as it opens its early childhood special education program in August.

Dr. Mullins described areas the district continues to monitor, including a recent uptick in students identified with emotional disabilities and the broader, sometimes overlapping “other health impairment” category. She told the board that the diagnostic team is reviewing local thresholds to distinguish behavioral needs from emotional disability designations.

Funding: federal, state, local and Medicaid

Dr. Mullins told the board the special education program operates from an approximately $12.5 million projected budget for next year, with the majority of funding coming from the locality and additional federal funds of “a little over $1,000,000” earmarked for the annual plan. She explained several federal compliance items: maintenance of effort (MOE) assurances, Comprehensive Early Intervening Services (CCEIS) requirements and the “proportionate set-aside” of funds for services to students who are homeschooled or attend private schools.

The district reported it is no longer subject to CCEIS corrective allocation after eight years, a change Dr. Mullins credited to targeted interventions, staff training and partnerships that reduced disproportionate identification. She said the district previously allocated roughly $166,000 annually to CCEIS work; after removal from CCEIS those funds will revert to the district’s special education budget.

Dr. Mullins also explained the proportionate set-aside for private and homeschooled students. Using last year’s counts and local per-pupil calculations, she said the district anticipates spending just under $21,000 next year on consultative and direct services for students at private schools (for example, Sacred Heart) and homeschooled city residents. She clarified these services are provided under a separate service plan (not an IEP) and that the district has more discretion about scope and location of services for private-school students than for students receiving a free appropriate public education in the public schools.

Preschool and staffing

Dr. Mullins said the district will take direct operational responsibility for preschool special education this year, reallocating roughly $33,000 previously passed through to an outside provider toward district preschool staffing and assistive technology.

She highlighted staffing stability in special education, reporting strong retention among hard-to-fill positions (speech-language pathologists, psychologists, diagnosticians and physical therapists). She said the department has maintained a high retention rate for special education teachers, with improved licensing rates among teachers in the last year.

Medicaid reimbursement

Dr. Mullins noted the division’s Medicaid reimbursements are a separate revenue stream. She said Winchester expects approximately $200,000 in Medicaid reimbursement for eligible services and that Medicaid reimbursement is not included in the federal annual plan totals.

Public comment and advisory committee support

Michelle Wainard, speaking on behalf of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), told the board the committee reviewed the annual plan in March, that Dr. Mullins “did a wonderful job” explaining who receives services and how federal funds will be spent, and that SEAC supports the plan as presented. Wainard briefly described SEAC’s role as the local committee that identifies unmet needs for students receiving special education services.

Next steps

Dr. Mullins asked the board to be prepared to approve the annual plan at the next meeting and invited questions from board members about components of the plan.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Winchester Public School Board Work Session 2025-04-08","oneSentenceSummary","Dr. Mullins presented the Winchester Public Schools 2025–26 Special Education Annual Plan at the April 7 work session, describing enrollment, federal compliance and proposed spending and saying the division projects to meet federal maintenance-of-effort tests.","taxTitle","WINCHESTER CITY PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",58185,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6086656,"Votes at a glance: Board adopts consent agenda; closed‑session motion introduced",0,218000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894432-5afecdfbb2490c1675c532b5268463d1&start=218&end=218","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894432-5afecdfbb2490c1675c532b5268463d1/thumbnail_218000.jpg","/articles/6086656/Virginia/Votes-at-a-glance-Board-adopts-consent-agenda-closedsession-motion-introduced","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086656-bd4d832fd627b6615b01cb9d6b572f2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770857731&Signature=J7HBh8DwP5OPXtYCCfKJ64wO2blmVsjp5yhrYN8WejdsyIh70AocPoWVJB0q-F8YMAn4mJygyeHldVNaqlJExZPdbYwg8YsV8rQBCxf3tc49Gt8ac-lOqMklhqV6aWFOqbNthSMCo6BO7FWHlXhFKxJQsMPnveUGkm0glmJTwF7trqV-zfXPOOn7sx8O44eLXGImP1LPCA8XlZCziCH6~VotH-xKTrk5~LSD5fw6B~OQHXQK58jIvEfu-qCORqrbpty1T-iCsNRc5K~8Q7Vi5MnvmAafgmBDNeNCMAHSK34dlZ8MIbzJrml75uSO450FdA0HWd3ZwzLhF1pvl~lhYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Winchester Public Schools Board adopted the meeting’s consent agenda by voice vote and later moved to convene a closed session.

Consent agenda
A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Mr. Ireland and seconded by Dr. Tedrow. The board approved the consent agenda by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the provided transcript.

Closed session
Later in the meeting the board moved into closed session. The motion cited Section 2.2‑3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia as the authority to convene a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including candidates for instructional/licensed positions, coaching appointments, substitutes and support staff, transfers, retirements and related personnel actions. A second was recorded; a formal vote on the motion and the outcome were not recorded in the supplied transcript excerpt.","At the April 7 work session the board adopted the consent agenda by voice vote and moved to convene a closed session citing Virginia statute; details of the closed‑session vote were not recorded in the provided transcript.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6086661,"Board reviews policy language on K–5 door‑to‑door fundraising, transfer requests and dual‑language placement",243,1716000,1959000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894432-5afecdfbb2490c1675c532b5268463d1&start=1716&end=1959","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894432-5afecdfbb2490c1675c532b5268463d1/thumbnail_1716000.jpg","/articles/6086661/Virginia/Board-reviews-policy-language-on-K5-doortodoor-fundraising-transfer-requests-and-duallanguage-placement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086661-fde363ff4c09f91efc2dd7e15b3d831d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770857731&Signature=cEBwZc29nbMRbzfUOt1dlvjEkbiuBZMPFIPU1X72qniXNzaWhy9XgE30V47KO~U1joPL87bJtr24HXXRuX-S6T~eRZSv-e7WpwSnNAubPucMbc6fOgW2W4abuP5NT65ZcOVoWd9H9q8xbY7Qlwx1ePgSf9E-CU23obRi54ATPMUiHufToJoAgviCCVKPNEjUpEeByWa0KibWdX65Ejw2QcpIdSJfkzbNiBptTLj0ObKi-xViauYD8pI5z9JNCNztPpAq44CFnKhGRhsW4prY6YCf6QGclfr9PgfaSaOGI-pkgJC7qs8PvR6HFHhpn5J50d9uaxixzP0K3u1VH4gm1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members reviewed six policy updates that were described as language and legal‑reference updates rather than substantive changes. Discussion focused on two operational items: door‑to‑door fundraising in the district’s policy JL and transfer requests related to dual‑language programming.

A board member flagged paragraph language in the district’s JL fundraising and solicitation policy that currently reads “K to 5 may not participate in door to door solicitation.” The member asked whether the provision intentionally excluded sixth graders in the district’s configuration (where grades 5 and 6 are combined in an intermediate configuration). Staff suggested the simplest fix is to replace the numeric range with the phrase “elementary school students” for cohesion; the board directed staff to review and return recommended wording. A staff member said they also would confirm whether any state code or law dictates an age or grade cutoff before finalizing language.

On transfer requests, board members asked whether the policy text adequately addresses dual‑language programming. Staff said the current transfer request process allows families to request an instructional programming transfer (including opting out of dual language) and that approval depends on availability and space. Board members noted Winchester’s small size and limited capacity — the district has one high school and one middle school — which can limit options for moving students between schools. Staff said alternative placements exist but have limited space and the division attempts to problem‑solve at the school level.

Other policy updates presented were described as minor language or legal reference updates (hiring procedures, unlawful controlled‑substances language, voluntary retirement savings program, staff suspension language). Staff said none change the substantive meaning of the policies and that the superintendent retains emergency authority where previously stated; the board will consider minor revisions at a future agenda item.","Trustees reviewed several policy language updates including a proposed clarification to remove 'K–5' in favor of 'elementary school' for door‑to‑door solicitation rules, and discussed how transfer requests and dual‑language program placement are handled.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6086666,"Board reviews state-proposed retention bonus scenarios; staff to return with recommended scenario",402,3445000,3847000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894432-5afecdfbb2490c1675c532b5268463d1&start=3445&end=3847","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894432-5afecdfbb2490c1675c532b5268463d1/thumbnail_3445000.jpg","/articles/6086666/Virginia/Board-reviews-state-proposed-retention-bonus-scenarios-staff-to-return-with-recommended-scenario","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086666-fb65a17158adf33dd3a99d4b350ff809/orig.mp4?Expires=1770857731&Signature=TleduYaAshokYiZvDbnaHQhphWgq1jH36JNckaeJ76M5mwKzby7jUiE6-FlewxnqowCbX3xUidzLxSfYmYgDp8fxfemnt4Q5CftQCdAl7Z~foqzm4y0DIN9bEvwrwxKHpM~OM29r~QXac0U~or2WulovLrDIv0M0b5ZCztPCfpYvjDygVV-4jkkhjtgtCzT40pf7Ed4eEWkMLgBcw8jQ9GR5eRl~hcmvO040835XJwQBLBdkIbVpHtBqM~rqDG5ko~dQGQSMgH20Oz68ufueXL2VpRnPCCIzwOD0yW5f6F~JYmO1yyMA855kbcAfUj5RQcMyFV19FUM7r9G3mwdRMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent’s staff presented proposed scenarios for a one‑time retention bonus tied to a state proposal and the governor’s budget language. The state’s proposal would reimburse divisions for bonuses paid to Standards of Quality (SOQ) instructional and support positions; the division presented three scenarios for board consideration.

Scenario details presented by staff:
- Scenario 1: State funding only; approximately $537 gross per eligible full‑time employee (no local funds required).
- Scenario 2: $750 gross per eligible full‑time employee; would require roughly $177,181 in local funds in addition to state funds.
- Scenario 3: $1,000 gross per eligible full‑time employee; would require roughly $385,000 in local funds in addition to state funds.

Staff said the state’s estimated reimbursement to Winchester would be $446,920 for SOQ‑funded positions; the division’s projection of additional state revenue leaves an available balance of roughly $171,000, which would cover the local share for Scenario 2 without drawing from the district’s capital account. Scenario 3 would require using funds from the district’s capital improvement (931) account or other savings to cover one‑time costs.

Board members discussed tradeoffs. One member described Scenario 2 as the “compromise” because it provides a meaningful one‑time payment without reducing capital reserves needed for buses and facilities; another member said Scenario 3 would be preferable if the district could afford it without impairing planned capital projects. Staff reminded the board that final state budget language and allocation rules remain subject to the General Assembly’s action and that the proposed bonuses are one‑time payments, not permanent raises.

Next steps

Board members directed staff to prepare a recommended scenario and bring a specific approval item to the next meeting, pending final state budget action and any locality decisions about funding sources.","Staff outlined three state-proposed bonus scenarios (approx. $537, $750, $1,000 gross) that would be partially funded by the state; board members favored a midrange $750 scenario if local funding can be allocated.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6086672,"Board reviews draft 'Elevate 2030' strategic plan goals and conducts in‑meeting review activity",326,241000,567000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2894432-5afecdfbb2490c1675c532b5268463d1&start=241&end=567","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2894432-5afecdfbb2490c1675c532b5268463d1/thumbnail_241000.jpg","/articles/6086672/Virginia/Board-reviews-draft-Elevate-2030-strategic-plan-goals-and-conducts-inmeeting-review-activity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086672-80c5a2014f9029f574c21f7898e3d6d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770857731&Signature=TDBpsr9qKAV0iFbhr9NkQXrxK00IbBmHK6rcWB8S3G-7HrJMzWQjDONAlIesW3mpfrijtLq~lQs1zZZRk8WXFfoWuJ4qAYpTIPChvuOJhyu0st8C370CM4fBaBCdiaQyDqTuDHcMKoqYBqYdRIzPa4uMmDtjHiyDJb0bzsmGeV4HCULK2ZpHEPm4gmxOZjmtStEFlDWZkqWqYqiARIBStOka0AyR9dFPvJ2FPwzqHc6YPsQuLQxcG2nws67l9fJLJa6s3LAe5oKGWsOMo39PV9wc3~PQEh8nuOfeg7Ri1Ry64DOuf7JTRPhfcJtg63r1Mb~gfFpF-JvXZwAJdcHz3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District leaders presented draft goals for a five‑year strategic plan, temporarily labeled “Elevate 2030,” and engaged the school board in a facilitated review exercise during the April 7 work session.

Chief presenters (identified in the meeting as Butler and Jennifer) summarized the draft’s four major goal areas: Elevate learners, Elevate staff, Elevate community and family, and Elevate operations. They said the document is in draft form, that the division used the same consultant as the prior planning cycle, and that school‑level leaders and principals participated in early development to increase understanding and ownership.

Board members were asked to read one goal and complete guided sentence stems on paper in a paired “think, pair, share” activity; staff said the exercise was intended to test whether the goal language is clear enough that anyone can pick up the plan and understand it. Presenters said the next steps will include collecting board feedback, sharing proposed key performance indicators (KPIs) and broader engagement sessions through June.

Board discussion touched on word choice: several members endorsed “agency” as a useful framing for student and staff empowerment and said it signals a stronger emphasis on ownership than the prior plan’s “empower” theme. Staff said they will return with additional wording options, KPIs and proposed strategies and tactics for accomplishing objectives.

The presenters told board members the plan will be iteratively reviewed at future work sessions and assigned “homework” to complete remaining goals outside the meeting. Staff emphasized that the draft is not finalized and encouraged board members to provide written feedback so the division can refine wording and indicators before broader release.","Winchester Public Schools staff presented draft goals for the district's 2025–2030 strategic plan (working title: 'Elevate 2030'), led an in‑meeting paired activity for board feedback, and assigned homework and KPIs to be shared in later meetings.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Winchester special education director outlines 2025–26 annual plan; SEAC voices support

Votes at a glance: Board adopts consent agenda; closed‑session motion introduced

Board reviews policy language on K–5 door‑to‑door fundraising, transfer requests and dual‑language placement

Board reviews state-proposed retention bonus scenarios; staff to return with recommended scenario

Board reviews draft 'Elevate 2030' strategic plan goals and conducts in‑meeting review activity