Special Meeting/Board Retreat, 14-15 August 2024, VSBA, 200 Hansen Road, Charlottesville, VA 8am-5pm
In a move that barely comes as a surprise, the York County School Division (YCSD) School Board is gearing up for their long-awaited upcoming retreat in Charlottesville, VA, a significant distance from York County. This decision stands in stark contrast to the Board of Supervisors’ recent retreat in Yorktown, which was conveniently accessible to local residents.
The choice of retreat location comes at a time of ongoing legal issues surrounding recent leadership changes within the school board and the banning of the School Board Members Alliance (SBMA) in favor of the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA). After a controversial leadership shift last May, it appears there’s a return to previous administrative practices under Superintendent Shandor watchful eye, predating the swearing-in of new board members earlier this year. This shift, facilitated by Kimberly Goodwin (formerly co-chair, now chair), underscores the mistrust many hold towards politicians who seek community support while campaigning.
YCFOIA is curious about the financial impact of this retreat on York County taxpayers. Expected expenses include travel costs for five school board members, Superintendent Shandor, his administrative team, and Melanie Berry, the superintendent’s legal counsel. So, who pays to have all these people drive up to Charlottesville for a 9-hour “team-building” excursion? Should the school board really be focused on team-building? They were elected to represent their districts and fulfill their campaign promises, not return to business as usual.
James Richardson, a District 4 board member closely tied to the VSBA as a member of its board of directors, appears to be promoting the VSBA’s interests by pushing for the retreat in Charlottesville. Despite Richardson’s assurances of no conflict of interest, YCFOIA disagrees.
YCFOIA is demanding increased transparency and accountability from the YCSD School Board leadership. Decisions impacting York County residents, particularly in areas like education policy and governance, should prioritize community interests over internal harmony for the sake of voting unanimity.
