Development News for Williamsburg, Virginia

WJCC Seeks $175,000 Contract Amendment for Student Transportation Services

The Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) School Board reviewed an amendment to the 2025-2026 Everdriven Technologies contract, requesting an increase in authorized funding by $175,000. This amendment brings the revised estimated cost for the 2025-2026 school year to $1,475,000, up from the original $1.3 million. The request includes a budget transfer from instructional salaries and benefits to transportation contracted services to cover the additional contingency funding. The superintendent recommends the board review and prepare to vote on this amendment at the June 16th meeting.

WJCC Allocates $366,400 for Sound System Upgrades in Elementary Schools

The Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) School Division presented a review of the purchase request for elementary school sound systems, with a total cost of $366,400. The division-wide review found current sound systems in meeting spaces (auditoriums, gymnasiums, cafeterias) to be outdated, making repair parts and service difficult to procure. This purchase aims to standardize systems, improve training, servicing, and operation across all elementary schools. The purchase includes single-side systems for Clareberg Baker, DJ Monahue, Laurel Lane, and Norge, and double-side systems for JB Blatton, James River, Matoaka, and Stonehouse. Matthew Whaley is being upgraded through a separate capital improvement project. The purchase will be made using contract number 21-15019 with Optek, with a budget transfer requested from instructional salaries and benefits to technology contracted services.

WJCC School Division Outlines 2026-2027 Federal Grant Applications for Title I, II, III, and IV Programs

The Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) School Division presented an overview of its federal program grant applications for Title I, Title II, Title III, and Title IV for the 2026-2027 school year. Title I funding supports academic achievement in identified schools, Title II focuses on teacher training and recruitment, Title III aids English language learners, and Title IV provides funds for programs to improve student academic success. State funding for these grants is formula-based and subject to change in the fall. The division detailed how funds are allocated, prioritizing direct student services for Title I, educator effectiveness for Title II, language development for Title III, and well-rounded learning opportunities for Title IV, with specific programs and initiatives outlined for each grant. A portion of Title II funds must also be shared with local private schools, a requirement for all four programs.

WJCC School Board Streamlines Student Conduct Policy, Consolidates Dress Code

The Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) School Board reviewed updates to the 2026-2027 student code of conduct (Policy JFC) and proposed retiring the separate student dress code policy (Policy JFCA). The revisions to Policy JFC strengthen language regarding the prohibition of personally owned cell phones and smart devices, aligning with recent state law changes and clarifying exceptions for students with approved plans for health needs or assisted technology accommodations. The policy also explicitly links dress code violations to consequences outlined in the code of conduct, aiming for consistent enforcement. Policy JFCA is being retired because its content is now fully integrated into Policy JFC, consolidating all student conduct expectations into one document. Both policies have been reviewed by legal counsel and approved. The board also reviewed Policy GCI (staff assignments) and Policy IGDA (extracurricular activities), which included updates for clarity and alignment with state and federal regulations, along with new companion regulations.