Legends of CCPS - Volume 2

Legends of CCPS highlights our longest serving employees and captures the stories of their dedication over the years.

June 30, 2024, marked the end of an era for Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS) as two esteemed and long-serving employees, Pearl Jamison and Jeff Shomo, retired. Together, they dedicated 65 years to the school system, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and community spirit.

Jeff Shomo: A Financial Architect

Jeff Shomo, who served CCPS for 30 years, began his journey in the summer of 1994 as the school division’s first Director of Finance, a role created by then-Superintendent Tony Stewart. Before Jeff's appointment, the superintendent managed all finance and budget tasks.

Jeff recalls his early days in a small brick building on the corner near the current Floyd T. Binns (FTB) site, where makeshift offices in trailers were a norm. His first desk was an old army metal desk salvaged from a shed. The department moved to the renovated FTB first floor in September 2001 which was a significant upgrade from the old trailers.

During his tenure, Jeff witnessed and contributed to many changes, from the introduction of computers to manage payroll systems to modernizing student records and phone systems. He reminisces about his first summer, working on renovations at Farmington and the field house at Broman Field. "We've gone from dial-up service to fiber, computer labs to carts, and now every student has a Chromebook," Jeff noted.

Jeff's favorite aspect of his job has been the variety of the work, from construction projects to accounting to achieving division-level goals. Notably, he has been a part of the conversion of the bus fleet from gas to diesel and more recently, the addition of electric buses, all equipped with cameras and GPS.

When asked about retirement, Jeff said he would miss the pace of work, although he anticipates enjoying the break from the intense summer months filled with construction and budget preparations. His future plans include spending time at the beach, helping his farming family in Page County, and spending time with his new grandson.

Pearl Jamison: The Heartbeat of the Central Office

Pearl Jamison, retiring with 35 years of service, is a Culpeper County High School graduate. She joined CCPS on August 1, 1989, hired by Tony Stewart as a Central Office Secretary. Over the years, Pearl’s roles evolved, reflecting her adaptability and dedication. She served as Secretary in Personnel, Admin Assistant/Deputy Clerk of the Board for multiple superintendents, and has been a constant in the Central Office through six superintendents.

Pearl recalls her early days as a receptionist in a small office next to FTB. "It was a different time," she said, reminiscing about working with operations and maintenance and keeping textbook inventories. One memorable incident involved a snake in the records room, a reminder of how much things have changed.

Her tenure has seen significant growth in student and staff numbers, the expansion of the Human Resources department, and numerous school openings and renovations, including Emerald Hill Elementary School, Yowell Elementary School, Eastern View High School, and CTEC. She witnessed the school division’s shift from vocational education to a college focus and now back to a balanced emphasis on both.

Pearl's favorite part of the job has been the family atmosphere and the variety of responsibilities. She is particularly proud of the progress made in board operations, including the implementation of BoardDocs in 2016, which modernized record-keeping and meeting management. While she will miss the day to day interactions with her "work family," Pearl looks forward to traveling more in her retirement.

One of Pearl's funniest memories involves a superintendent who was sprayed by a skunk. "I had to tell him to go home," she laughed, illustrating the unique and sometimes humorous challenges of her role.

Reflecting on her time with CCPS, Pearl said, "We have made tremendous progress," highlighting the collaborative effort to continuously improve the school system.

A Legacy of Progress and Dedication

Both Jeff and Pearl have been integral to the growth and success of Culpeper County Public Schools. Their contributions have left a mark on the community that will last for generations, setting a high standard for those who follow in their footsteps. As they retire, they carry with them the respect and gratitude of colleagues, students, and the entire Culpeper community.

Their retirement marks not just the end of their careers but the celebration of decades of hard work, innovation, and steadfast commitment to the education and well-being of Culpeper's students. Pearl and Jeff's legacies will continue to inspire future generations of CCPS employees.