As we wrap up the first month of the 2025–26 school year, one theme has been clear across all nine of our schools: a commitment to student experience. From the very first day, our teachers and staff have worked to ensure every student feels welcomed, included, and connected.

Each of our schools emphasizes its own set of core values, weaving them into daily interactions and school culture. At the elementary level, students are placed into character houses or teams that span classes and grade levels. This creates a sense of belonging and family, while also reinforcing the school’s core values. Throughout August, our youngest learners — including new kindergarteners — were warmly welcomed into these groups.

At the middle and high school levels, students began the year with pep rallies, orientation events, and induction activities designed to build community. Sixth graders, along with new ninth and tenth graders, were introduced to their school culture, expectations, and traditions in ways that set the tone for success.

This intentional focus reflects The Vestavia Way and our focus on Student Experience — helping every student thrive both academically and personally.

The Vestavia Hills Board of Education held a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Aug. 25. The meeting also served as the first of two required annual budget hearings for Fiscal Year 2026; the second budget hearing will take place on Monday, Sept. 8 at 12 p.m. During yesterday’s meeting, the Board approved several items related to overnight field trips and disposal of property. The Board also approved several revisions to policies on financial expenditures, data governance, employee leave, admission to schools, absences, and student searches, to ensure that these policies remain up to date with current state law. The Board also approved regular monthly personnel actions. You can view budget information on our website at www.vhcs.us/finance or on the ClearGov Transparency Portal; we will also send you an in-depth look at our Fiscal Year 2026 budget next week.