The Fluvanna County Public Schools Board Seminar held on October 23, 2024, focused on critical discussions surrounding the FY26 budget planning, cell phone policy, and strategic priorities for the school district.

The meeting began with a review of current student enrollment figures, highlighting the complexities of predicting future enrollment due to ongoing housing developments in the area. Board members expressed the need for clarity on how many new students might enroll as new homes are built. A member raised a question about the potential impact of these developments on current homeschooling rates, suggesting that the board should analyze data to better understand these trends.

To facilitate this analysis, a request was made for Dr. Stribling to assist in creating an Excel spreadsheet to model various enrollment scenarios. The board engaged in a collaborative effort to input data and calculate potential outcomes, aiming to reach a consensus on how to approach the budget in light of these projections.

The discussion also touched on the cell phone policy, with members indicating a general agreement on the need for a structured approach to managing cell phone use in schools. However, there was no significant push to alter the associated costs, suggesting a preference for maintaining the current policy framework.

Overall, the seminar emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making as the board prepares for the upcoming fiscal year, with a clear focus on understanding enrollment dynamics and refining school policies to support student success. The board plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, ensuring that all perspectives are considered as they move forward with budget planning and policy adjustments.