PRC approves sending closed‑meetings and outside‑counsel policy updates to school board

The Policy Review Committee of Virginia Beach City Public Schools voted to forward two amended policies to the full school board at its March 4 meeting.

Policy 136, a closed‑meetings and bylaws update presented by staff, was discussed in the context of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and the division’s recent August 2025 amendments. After staff said no substantive changes were recommended, Miss Belton moved to approve the policy as amended and send it to the school board; the motion passed by voice vote (“the ayes have it”).

Staff also presented Policy 2‑59 on outside legal counsel and settlement authority. The proposed edits remove a local‑only selection preference for outside counsel, clarify retention and payment provisions, and add a settlement‑authority clause authorizing the school division’s risk manager or chief financial officer to settle certain claims up to $50,000 provided insurer or outside counsel review and notice to the superintendent and board. Committee members asked questions about the $50,000 threshold and the frequency of small settlements; Miss Johnson moved to accept the policy as amended and forward it to the full board, the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

No final policy adoptions occurred at the PRC meeting; both items will go to the full school board for final action. The PRC meeting record shows staff will provide any further clarifications requested by the board before that consideration.