Henrico School Board to give updates on phone policy, school security, vacancies, and more at Aug. 14 meeting
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At a 3:30 p.m. work session Aug. 14, the Henrico School Board will share updates on Henrico Schools’ 2025-2026 school year, which begins this Monday, Aug. 18.
Starting this school year, HCPS will implement a bell-to-bell cellphone ban for all students, meaning students must store their phones in classroom storage devices during class and in their backpacks during class changes and lunch.
HCPS also added several new school security officers to middle and high schools with open campus-style buildings this school year, bringing the total of SSOs at all schools to 157 officers. Schools will continue to require students to wear their “Smart Student IDs,” which HCPS first implemented last school year, throughout the school day.
HCPS officials will also give an update on staff vacancies for the 2025-2026 school year. All bus routes are covered, meaning no double runs will be required, and all front-line cafeteria staff positions have been filled.
The cost of student meals will be slightly higher this year compared to last year, with breakfast prices going up 25 cents to $1.75 and lunch prices going up 10 cents to $3.
More than 200 rising seventh and 12th graders have received their immunizations through HCPS’ summer clinics, HCPS officials said, and free, on-site vaccination clinics will also be scheduled for the first week of school.
HCPS officials will also give updates on building maintenance, student mental health programs, new professional learning opportunities, and HCPS Family and Community Engagement initiatives.
The school board will also vote on a contract that would provide solar panels to the Campus of Virginia Randolph, the Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage High School, and the new buildings for Jackson Davis Elementary School and R.C. Longan Elementary School.
Liana Hardy is the Citizen’s government and education reporter. Support her work and articles like this one by making a contribution to the Citizen.
