[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6518344,"mediaKeyId","5392840-a197f30b0844d232a64c858c0f85a507","parentId",5392840,"title","District outlines plan to return to paid school meals; free meals provided through September","audioSeconds",308,"startMs",2752000,"endMs",3060000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5392840-a197f30b0844d232a64c858c0f85a507&start=2752&end=3060","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5392840-a197f30b0844d232a64c858c0f85a507/thumbnail_2752000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6518344/Virginia/District-outlines-plan-to-return-to-paid-school-meals-free-meals-provided-through-September","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518344-0304020bdfec83512af70c2a8297676d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770820195&Signature=JgZsbigeewTkU0oxBjwV5GAMBgBCH10aPUZAQOTIpmz6xD5YApe~mdMP6oFGaUGM-GPv7KVn6S3C314mSNsZkAy6obftWT3ZtWFab8dMIl715ULrKkqECoauyoUqh1-0Th~82jIqwxTzqjSxAxiZxalFkla966DakHNg0i7oaGQVqnXtWjZHS0H-UElE2K5ikOkxWm7tMISPkFZkD4eJhHuMu6KQau2nyqAdEEphuUkymUXtEqOatFSLNBLypzDH6eixHOCfhh4OcpeAk6dXPc3VBHqtLlNoS30U6W2s-oPyTBXnlU4uElfT650-A7XeAaRqp3n63iRULh9bKvgmtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","GLOUCESTER COUNTY SCHOOLS","date","2025-07-08T00:00:00Z","article","Gloucester County Public Schools told the school board on July 8 that the district will return from the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) to a paid-meal model and outlined outreach and processing plans to limit disruption for families.

Timing and temporary coverage: District staff said there will be a grace period and that both breakfast and lunch will be provided free in August and September. Families will be asked to submit free-or-reduced-price meal applications; staff said applications will be available in August (staff discussed an August 15 availability for the forms) and that the district will process applications quickly after submission.

Application process and outreach: The district will accept online and paper applications, provide computers at open houses for families to complete online forms and staff said they will run phone, text and email campaigns, school newsletters and social-media posts to alert families. Food service staff said they will process online applications multiple times per day and try to minimize any lapse in service for eligible students.

What happens after the grace period: Students without a completed application at the end of the district's grace period will revert to the paid model and the district will track lunch charges. Staff said they will perform targeted follow-up with families who have not returned applications, including phone calls and direct letters.

Support at community events: Staff agreed to provide informational materials at the district's August 2 back-to-school block party and to have staff on site to answer questions, although the application release timing means families may not be able to complete the application on that date.

Why it matters: Ending CEP means families who do not qualify or do not submit applications will begin paying for meals after the grace period. District staff said they will prioritize outreach to ensure families who qualify receive benefits and noted a limited processing window for new applications.

Next steps: Food-service staff will finalize communication materials, distribute applications beginning in August and report back to the board on application rates and outstanding balances after the start of school.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","GLOUCESTER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD Tuesday, July 08, 2025 at 6:00 P.m.","oneSentenceSummary","The district will return to a paid meal model; staff said breakfast and lunch will be free through August and September while the district collects eligibility applications beginning in mid-August.","taxTitle","GLOUCESTER CO PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",38573,"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},6518347,"High school renovation progresses; board hears contingency, CTE prep-day and warranty updates",424,2103000,2527000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5392840-a197f30b0844d232a64c858c0f85a507&start=2103&end=2527","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5392840-a197f30b0844d232a64c858c0f85a507/thumbnail_2103000.jpg","/articles/6518347/Virginia/High-school-renovation-progresses-board-hears-contingency-CTE-prep-day-and-warranty-updates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518347-3e74d148afc19f50e8ecc5d94fbe5041/orig.mp4?Expires=1770820195&Signature=CEzH31KGzjvvh6WrxloWH3oyAns19D~XcJpxWkTmnEeisFwUmLknrkxuTfW9ELs7rVgpDB3E2jnRKw~4stCfLor19ldsyLt8-wsc2IiXzRRUnkIUIF7R-73BRUx6H8Z5d3zrtnkdExVfm-DrT2OlDw~LmQBiNkeINBopBZWoKcvhxCv3o~2ur9bLGxS8cToP8C7lY6NVFHZ1JgPWbBTpIEpjAaYl0IVw-dM~7KRcWsNz8v-yQnCOs5a7Z927hIV2yE4lbN-rlExYrEpiqAfCMOTzmQw0HfhDdxp45om3PMXpaUyzBIOy6nQR-Eg9ATLXGPdBXZE6cds-BRwYCEyL~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Operations staff updated the Gloucester County School Board on July 8 about progress at Gloucester High School and related projects, including work timelines, contingency balances and warranty issues for recently completed work.

Work status and near-term schedule: Operations presenters said interior renovations — including terrazzo floors in the commons, auditorium carpet replacement and epoxy finishes in vocational spaces — are largely complete and that modular classrooms are being removed. \"It's coming on quite well,\" said one operations presenter about the project.

Budget and contingencies: Staff reported about $870,000 remains in construction contingency accounts. They said roughly half a million dollars is the working estimate to return to unfinished site work and that the remaining contingency will determine what exterior work can be completed. County and finance staff are reviewing the project accounts to identify exact balances before deciding on additional site work.

Warranties and punch lists: Board members raised past warranty concerns at Paige Elementary as a caution. Staff said some warranties (for wall work) had expired at Paige and that warranty coverage varies by component; they said the high school roofing system carries a different warranty (the presenter stated the high school roofing warranty is 20 years) and that retainage and punch-list leverage remain tools the district will use to ensure contractors complete outstanding items.

Career and technical education (CTE) and teacher prep days: Board members asked about giving CTE teachers additional paid days before school to set up specialized equipment and shops. Operations said they will bring a proposal to the board for extra paid days for CTE program coordinators so new and returning CTE teachers have time to prepare, with details to be included in the upcoming budget cycle.

What this means: The district expects the renovated spaces to be ready for late July/early August events and the start of school. Site work priorities will focus on safety items such as separating bus and student traffic if funds permit.

Next steps: Staff will finalize contingency accounting with finance and county partners, return with a recommended scope for remaining site work, and present a proposal for paid CTE prep days for board consideration.","Operations staff reported that interior renovation work at Gloucester High School is nearly complete, with the auditorium and terrazzo floors done or finishing this week, and that about $870,000 remains in contingency funds.",{"_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},6518349,"Votes at a glance: Gloucester County School Board actions, July 8",2494,222000,2716000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5392840-a197f30b0844d232a64c858c0f85a507&start=222&end=2716","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5392840-a197f30b0844d232a64c858c0f85a507/thumbnail_222000.jpg","/articles/6518349/Virginia/Votes-at-a-glance-Gloucester-County-School-Board-actions-July-8","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518349-4114357fbb1901bb78a7386d7f49355f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770820195&Signature=BWXV2ytSTXDildIX1whmDnls-UZXvV6ul4mcI7nRNwGMgET6OvZNorg4Z7dKKumW~6BNY9AEq1j8mYaLzBbzhKIBzaZThv4V83cMb8QgiSo7WmLWWmBY173Z0gjLfryWkMOm2L7wuKmp3QunGsZeM7nZXFDyNi2CSG2Q5mcGzVqLoqK1RBF6gFH4GvqV7NovQR9oWBLXcQEbvnNhzBr56P3w9OmIF4KKClIbOr3gEWJ8plTS36krqqMDoXaBWrDr2vVu2o6TzjutqT0KNMSnYHQVGsbYYRfIHG0o4dYrTlH6NxoItwo8vLZxJuUWdMO7e8tis8pPSMHxF~X~u~-f7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gloucester County School Board took several formal actions on July 8 after returning from closed session, approving personnel items, recognizing two media honorees, adjusting committee membership, accepting donations and advancing multiple policies on first reading.

Key outcomes

- Closed-session certification and reconvene: The board moved to return to open session and certified compliance with subsection A of Virginia Code § 2.2-3711 that the closed session discussed only matters exempted by law. The reconvening motion carried on a roll call of members present.

- Personnel appointments and resignations: The board approved the personnel appointments and resignations as presented in closed session. Motion by Mr. Anderson; second by Mr. Drew. The motion passed unanimously.

- VSBA media honor roll resolutions: The board approved two resolutions placing WXGM (99.1 FM) and Melanie Slaughter of the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal on the Virginia School Boards Association media honor roll, thanking both for coverage of local schools. Motion to approve the resolutions was made and seconded; the board voted to approve both resolutions unanimously.

- Policy review committee appointment: The board approved a change to the policy review committee, replacing Cindy Solomon's membership with Fred Brewer. Motion by Mr. Drew; second by Ms. Parker. The motion passed on a voice/roll call vote.

- Consent agenda with exception F: The board approved the consent agenda as modified, with item F pulled for separate consideration.

- Item F (consent agenda, pulled): The board subsequently approved item F. Motion by Mr. Anderson; second by Ms. Parker. The roll-call vote recorded six yes votes and one abstention (Mr. Sinovic), and the motion passed.

- Policy revisions (first read): The board accepted multiple policy revisions on first read. Motion to accept the policy revisions as a first read was seconded and passed unanimously.

- Donations accepted: The board accepted monetary donations totaling $1,037.28 for the Joyce F. Bascombe scholarship and other gifts; the school store donated $67.28 to an elementary school, and material donations included wristbands and 50 cases of water. Motion to accept was made, seconded and approved.

Meeting closure: The board adjourned by unanimous vote after routine announcements.

What this means: Several routine governance items moved forward without dissent; the separate vote on item F recorded one abstention. The board recorded its closed-session certification in accordance with state open-meeting law.

Provenance: The motions and roll-call votes are recorded in the meeting transcript during the reconvening, consent, superintendent and board member item sections.","The board reconvened from closed session, approved personnel actions, adopted media honor roll resolutions, changed a committee appointment, approved consent items including a separately considered item F (one abstention), accepted donations and took first-read action on multiple policies.",{"_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},6518351,"Gloucester County schools face potential $231,000 cut in federal Title funding",371,1627000,1998000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5392840-a197f30b0844d232a64c858c0f85a507&start=1627&end=1998","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5392840-a197f30b0844d232a64c858c0f85a507/thumbnail_1627000.jpg","/articles/6518351/Virginia/Gloucester-County-schools-face-potential-231000-cut-in-federal-Title-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518351-05ee774aa58e30cb3490247b6d711bd2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770820195&Signature=HnL5sme9UHUqxBigXdyKRJR9oSNigRkRHoR793LxwbKNGRGeEeho9RsrHKDD59k2fmlzdweymBMwppAKf9XcUdBYIeUqbvpv8NTKPYSNqniL1riDTpdR40NXwX4Fh6Br3pZgW0lPDMT20TbHpxEsenKZkvA0fnAfVO6p1CMz2mytIj2Pn95zJmeO1B0K~k-isaYyVtukNW6JA269Rz6~iSAa-zRhf7CK1HUWV~ufi0mQfcMR6l9h0uhbp447BvqCiWpVLyWLBGf4KjZnX~2ogo1EqSWbaX0leqZgNUEq9E7i-4T6CPUpP7i0Hvsd4yTKVoA5caiN08HJi7Y~J3f9CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gloucester County Public Schools told the school board on July 8 that it risks losing more than $231,000 in federal funding tied to Title grants that support teacher training, services for English learners and programs that promote well-rounded education and technology.

The funding at risk covers grants that would have begun July 1, 2025, and the division is in a holding pattern while officials wait for further action from the U.S. Department of Education and guidance from the Virginia Department of Education. \"Currently, Gloucester County Public Schools is at risk of losing over $231,000 in federal funding related to our title programs,\" said a division presenter during the board meeting.

Why it matters: The Title grants in question finance core supports the district uses to train teachers and principals, provide English-language instruction and buy technology and health- and safety-related resources. Superintendent Dr. Badu told the board these programs \"are critical to supporting our instructional programs, staff development, student support across the division\" and said the potential reductions \"are really affecting the core function of schooling.\"

What the district said: District staff broke the total into program-level impacts. They identified Title II (teacher and principal training and mentoring) as the largest exposure and estimated the division could lose roughly $163,000 tied to that grant. Title III (services for English-language learners) was described as relatively small — about $5,000 — while Title IV funding was also cited as affected though the transcript provided only an approximate description. The division said it has some remaining carryover in prior grant awards but not enough to cover the entire shortfall.

Options and limitations: Board members asked whether the state had recommended ways to bridge the gap. Staff said the Virginia Department of Education had issued a memo suggesting some reallocation of previously awarded federal funds could be considered, but that such moves require grant amendments and may not be viable because many school divisions have already spent or committed funds. Dr. Badu said the district \"will have to put our heads together\" and present the board with options for funding these critical programs if the withheld funds are not released.

Next steps: Staff said they will continue to track the legal and administrative developments in Washington, D.C., including court actions and injunctions that could change the federal administration's position. The board did not take any immediate vote on the grants during the meeting; staff said they would return with options for how to close the gap if the funds are not restored.

Context: The board heard this update during the superintendent's report section of the July 8 meeting. The division emphasized that some programming supported by the Title grants — training for new teachers, intervention programs and language supports — are ongoing needs and that losing the federal funding would force the district to identify alternative local funding or reduce services.

Looking ahead: Board members asked staff to monitor guidance from the state and federal education departments, consider short-term reallocation only where permitted by grant terms, and return with explicit budget options to preserve the programs if the federal withholding continues.","Superintendent and staff told the school board the division is at risk of losing more than $231,000 in federal Title program grants that support teacher training, English-language learner services and technology, and officials said they are reviewing options to preserve services while awaiting guidance from state and federal authorities.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6518339,"New state law cements Gloucester’s bell-to-bell cellphone limit; board to formalize policy",172,3678000,3850000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5392840-a197f30b0844d232a64c858c0f85a507&start=3678&end=3850","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5392840-a197f30b0844d232a64c858c0f85a507/thumbnail_3678000.jpg","/articles/6518339/Virginia/New-state-law-cements-Gloucesters-bell-to-bell-cellphone-limit-board-to-formalize-policy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518339-2a01e7510970eaaf1c78b74dc20c1b2e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770820195&Signature=NRgAQW3NdtlSDJo0Yy6z1mosJivITLBd04FdnTbGudtSUrKw2~y4rZbsP8PGN3j8WU4JRdCV5cYzFxF0cNHmCfILftK3G4gU~eZqz59xa2eX-YSqEbDBXf9HqIsQ5t3lTMJB8QrEL0d3U-RUyZjR6aaipMyzT1JGOHJf0DNUTEgdsZMvQkQpVvaYGSZ8AtJOu2OBzgNuvepK4DOC9ETzlTTY1fGPQPWatHEa7CY7tCH3Jq3~iCXruD-DzYjfxEYdWX7IFch8J92tgbfV0jNvAIyeLrnhsSvLbmvPRwZ8oeQ4Be6faZjqDH2mvFdZ2g1lqUpUZeIxU1qK18auD4edDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gloucester County School Board discussed cell-phone rules on July 8 after state legislation (HB 1961 and SB 738) made a full \"bell-to-bell\" cellphone-free policy a statutory requirement. District leaders told the board Gloucester has been enforcing similar rules and will bring a formal standalone policy and a superintendent regulation to align with the new law.

What the law does and the district response: Board members noted the governor signed legislation requiring school divisions to adopt campus-wide bell-to-bell cellphone-free policies. Superintendent Dr. Badu said the district's approach \"formalizes everything that we have been doing\" and recommended the board adopt a standalone cell-phone policy to provide clarity and to pair it with a superintendent regulation for enforcement.

Enforcement and consequences: Board members emphasized the need for clear, administrable steps and to avoid putting excessive enforcement burdens on teachers. Speakers said the district already uses the student code of conduct and step-based responses, and discussed options such as warnings, confiscation with parent pickup for repeat offenses and including the policy language on signature pages so parents explicitly acknowledge it.

Next steps: Staff said they will present a draft standalone policy and associated regulation at a future meeting, include language in the code-of-conduct materials and consider communications and signature processes so families understand expectations before school starts.","Following recent state legislation codifying bell-to-bell cellphone-free school hours, Gloucester County Public Schools told the board that it already enforces a similar practice and staff will present a stand-alone policy and superintendent regulation to formalize enforcement and consequences.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District outlines plan to return to paid school meals; free meals provided through September

High school renovation progresses; board hears contingency, CTE prep-day and warranty updates

Votes at a glance: Gloucester County School Board actions, July 8

Gloucester County schools face potential $231,000 cut in federal Title funding

New state law cements Gloucester’s bell-to-bell cellphone limit; board to formalize policy