School Board Recap

Welcome to the final edition of the School Board Recap for the 2025-2026 school year. This newsletter covers the Powhatan School Board’s regular meeting on June 16. While the agenda included a number of items, the meeting concluded in 90 minutes following closed session.

Four School Board members were present: Vicki Hurt, District 1; Susan Smith, District 2; Jeanne Wade, District 3; and James Taylor, District 4. Michele Ward, District 5, was absent.

This recap highlights key discussions and decisions from the meeting. While some agenda items are covered in greater detail than others, the additional information reflects topics that generated more discussion or include additional context from the meeting or supporting documents.

The recap highlights key information but cannot capture every point raised. To view the full discussion, watch the School Board meeting on the PCPS YouTube channel: June 16 Regular School Board meeting. For complete agendas and all materials shared during the meetings, visit the School Board page, click on BoardDocs, and select the meeting you want.

Chief Schools Officer Courtney Jarman brought forward the final vote of the 2026-2027 Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook, which outlines expectations for student behavior, school safety, and community expectations across PCPS. This was one of 17 Action Items considered by the School Board, and it ultimately was approved in a unanimous 4-0 vote.

Mrs. Jarman originally presented the proposed updates at the May 12 meeting. Revisions included updated definitions for bullying and cyberbullying, the removal of the requirement for students to return Chromebooks at the end of each school year except for seniors, and additional clarification to weapons-related language.

During the public review period, the division received one comment requesting additional clarity regarding the prohibition of smart watches. School Board members discussed whether the handbook should specifically reference smart watches with internet connectivity before ultimately amending the language to prohibit smart watches during the school day.

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Angela Stewart provided an update on plans to expand career exploration opportunities at Powhatan Middle School following the state's decision not to approve a regional GO Virginia grant application supporting the GoTech program.

On June 9, PCPS and 16 other school divisions in the Richmond region were notified that the GO Virginia State Board had postponed action on expanded GoTech funding requests while evaluating long-term sustainability plans for the initiative.

Dr. Stewart shared that PCPS is developing an alternative plan to support students enrolled in STEM 6, 7, and 8 courses for the 2026-2027 school year. The courses will introduce students to career fields such as agriculture, healthcare technologies, robotics, information technology, precision machining, engineering, and welding. Coursework will align with Virginia Department of Education career clusters and Career and Workforce Development pathways available at Powhatan High School. Throughout the summer, the division's new K-12 Career and Workforce Development Coordinator will lead the development of lessons focused on STEM concepts and career pathway exploration. An update on the status of the coursework and lesson development will be given at the August School Board meeting. Dr. Stewart noted that the division has no financial obligations related to the grant decision.

The board considered 17 Action Items on the agenda. Sixteen were approved unanimously by the four board members present, while one item passed in a 3-1 vote. Discussion regarding the Student Rights and Responsibilities is outlined above. Remaining Action Items included:

• The board approved a 10-cent increase in breakfast and lunch prices due to rising costs. New meal prices are $1.85 for K-12 breakfast, $3.60 for K-8 lunch, $3.70 for grades 9-12 lunch, $2.35 for adult breakfast, and $4.60 for adult lunch.
• The board accepted and appropriated a $28,773.60 grant for Converge, a Regional Summer Governor's School program serving rising seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-grade students identified as gifted. PCPS will serve as the fiscal agent for the partnership, which includes 13 additional jurisdictions.
• The board adopted a resolution expressing concerns about House Bill 1263 and affirming its support for maintaining local control over collective bargaining decisions in Virginia public schools. The resolution urges state leaders to preserve local discretion regarding collective bargaining policies and practices, stating that locally elected school boards are best positioned to determine approaches that reflect the needs of their students, employees, and communities.
• Several updated policies were brought for a second review and approved. The board unanimously approved: GBEB, GCBDD, GCBE, GCPA, IICA, IICC, IGBH, and IKF.
• The board also approved several policy updates after one reading due to legislative changes that take effect July 1, 2026. Dr. Taylor noted the expedited timeline was necessary to maintain compliance with state requirements.
• The board approved the Virginia High School League membership application and $5,061.50 in fees for the 2026-2027 school year.
• The board approved Mrs. Smith as the voting delegate and Mrs. Wade as the alternate delegate to represent the School Board at the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Delegate Assembly and Regional Meeting at the 2026 VSBA Annual Convention in November 2026, in Williamsburg.
• The board renewed its Policy Services contract with the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA) for $2,500. The contract provides access to model policies, updates based on changes in law and legal opinions, and policy guidance services. The price did not increase.
• The board voted 3-1 to renew its Virginia School Boards Association membership for $7,542.28. Mrs. Hurt voted against the renewal, citing the lower membership costs offered through the School Board Member Alliance. The membership fee did not increase.
• The board approved a contract with licensed social worker Teresa B. Reynolds, who will provide sociological assessments for students on an as-needed basis during the 2026-2027 school year.
• The board approved a contract with Allied Instructional Services, Inc. to provide specialized services, including vision, deaf and hard of hearing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and Braille services on an as-needed basis.
• The board approved the Healthy Relationships curriculum for middle and high school students receiving special education services, as required by state legislation enacted in 2020. The curriculum addresses topics such as sexual health, self-protection, personal boundaries, and respect for personal privacy. The cost for two curriculum kits is $3,195.
• The board adopted a resolution authorizing the superintendent to accept or reject teacher resignations submitted after June 15.
• The board approved the submission of fiscal year 2027 federal Title I, II, III, and IV grant applications to the Virginia Department of Education. The grants, totaling $510,517.72, will support reading and mathematics interventions, teacher professional development and mentoring, services for English learners, student wellness initiatives, bullying prevention efforts, and expanded academic and elective opportunities for students.
• The board approved a contract with Respondus to support the requirements of state-mandated testing (SOLs). Respondus is a testing lockdown browser that is used for online testing. It prevents students from going to any other web resource while taking an online test. The annual renewal subscription cost is $3,795.
• The board approved a contract with GrackleDocs Inc. Grackle is a platform used for assisting in the development of electronic media that meets the updated web accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. The annual renewal subscription cost is $2,500.

During the 2025-2026 school year, Powhatan County Public Schools successfully implemented 20 Tyler Drive tablets on school buses. These devices have provided valuable support for both regular and substitute drivers by offering easy access to route information and student data. Building on this success, PCPS plans to equip all remaining bus drivers with tablets during the 2026-2027 school year. This expansion will enhance operational efficiency by providing access to all routes and enabling accurate field trip documentation. In addition, families will benefit from improved communication through the My Ride K-12 app, which will allow parents to view real-time student loading and unloading information and receive push notifications with updated bus arrival times.

Rising PHS senior Kyleigh Garrett attended her first meeting as the School Board Student Liaison and was invited by Dr. Teigen to introduce herself. Kyleigh said she is excited to represent the voices of all students at PCPS.

• Several School Board policies were presented for a first reading to the board. The policies posted for stakeholders' review are: AE, AF, AH, BCA, BCB, CH, EGAA, FFA, GEA/JOH, IGAH, IGAI, IJ, INB, JFCE, JGDA, JHH, JJAF, JL, JOH/GEA, KC, KGB, KN, and KNAJ.
• The School Board recognized those who have made donations to the school division: Powhatan Education Foundation for the Retirement/Teacher of the Year Dinner ($500), Beacon Athletics for foul poles ($1,600), Powhatan County Farm Bureau for a PHS academic scholarship ($2,000), Byron Zaun for a PHS academic scholarship ($3,000), Powhatan Ruritan Club for a PHS academic scholarship ($650), the County of Powhatan for a PHS Career and Workforce Development scholarship ($500), Powhatan Lions Club Foundation for a PHS academic scholarship ($4,000), Jeannette Donovan and Kathryn Garrett for a PHS Career and Workforce Development Advisory Council scholarship ($150), Gail Timberlake for the PHS Mary Martin Scholarship ($100), Powhatan Branch NAACP for the PHS RJV Scholarship ($1,000), The Obie Goodman Cultural Scholarship Fund for a PHS cultural scholarship ($500), Powhatan Education Foundation for the PHS Blandford Career and Workforce Development Scholarship ($2,000), Powhatan Education Foundation for three PHS general scholarships ($3,000), and Jennifer Paulin for the PMS Theatre Department ($50).

• During the Public Comment period, one person spoke about limitations site subs experience with access and resources as contracted workers instead of being PCPS employees.

The Powhatan County School Board recognized PCPS students who represented the division through Future Problem Solving (FPS), an international educational nonprofit program that teaches K-12 students critical, creative, and futuristic thinking skills to solve complex global and community issues. Using a six-step process, students analyze hypothetical future scenarios (set 20+ years ahead) to develop action plans and foster lifelong learning and leadership.

On March 20-21, Powhatan County's Elementary School Gifted Students represented the school division at the Virginia Problem Solving State Bowl, which took place at Granby High School in Norfolk, VA.

Teams from all three PCPS elementary schools earned an invitation to the FPS International Competition in June, which was held at Indiana University.

The board recognized the teams for their performance at the state event:

• Pocahontas Elementary School's 5th-grade team earned second place in the Global Issues Team Booklet Competition. That team consists of Gavin Rohlfrig, Nolan Campbell, Alexander Verkay, and Lennox Pilkenton. (Not present at the School Board meeting.)
• Flat Rock Elementary School's 5th-grade team earned first place in the Global Issues Team Booklet Competition. That team consists of James Norton, Joshua Hamilton, Cora Mock Smith, and River Hampton. Pictured here with the School Board and Principal Isabella Worrell.

• Powhatan Elementary School's 4th-grade team earned first place in the Global Issues Team Action Plan Presentation. That team consists of Ella Harris, Tucker Kennedy, Caleb Henley, and Joshua Ridenhour.

Each year, the Powhatan Education Foundation (PEF) provides an opportunity for Powhatan County Public Schools' teachers to apply for a Classroom Innovation Grant, allowing teachers to explore ways to make learning relevant and engaging for their students. During the 2025-2026 school year, PEF received 17 grant requests. Seven grants were fully or partially funded, making the grant award total $16,168.99.

Do you know a PCPS employee who is Inspiring, Empowering, or Innovating? We want to hear from you. Tell us about any staff member who is making a difference in the lives of our children by inspiring, empowering, or innovating. Submit nominations here.

For your convenience, we will continue to include the contact information for all of the Board of Supervisors and School Board members, because they regularly say they want to hear from their constituents.

Board of Supervisors

* William (Bill) Donati Jr. (2026 Board Chair)

District 1 Representative

Email: bdonati@powhatanva.gov

Phone: 804-898-1701

* Steve W. McClung

District 2 Representative

Email: smcclung@powhatanva.gov

Phone: 804-892-4268

* Robert (Bob) Powers

District 3 Representative

Email: rpowers@powhatanva.gov

Phone: 804-898-1973

* Mark Kinney (2026 Vice Chair)

District 4 Representative

Email: mkinney@powhatanva.gov

Phone: 804-898-0449

* Dr. Barbara Brown

District 5 Representative

Email: BBrown@PowhatanVA.gov

Phone: 804-894-1824

School Board

* Vicki Hurt

District 1 representative

Phone: 804-869-8920

Email: vicki.hurt@powhatan.k12.va.us

* Susan Smith (Chair)

District 2 representative

Email: susan.smith@powhatan.k12.va.us

Phone: 804-598-4943

* Jeanne Wade

District 3 representative

Email: jeanne.wade@powhatan.k12.va.us

Phone: 804-718-1067

* James Taylor (Vice Chair)

District 4 representative

Email: jtaylor@powhatan.k12.va.us

Phone: 804-727-9175

* Michele Ward

District 5 representative

Email: michele.ward@powhatan.k12.va.us

Phone: 804-894-7848

Powhatan County Public Schools highly recommends that staff and families with smartphones download the free PCPS app and enable notifications. When alerts such as notice of school delays or closings are sent out, the notifications through the app appear to be one of the fastest means of receiving the information. You can sign up for notifications sent to the entire school division as well as only your school; see the news feed that mirrors much of what goes on our social media accounts if you don't use Instagram or Facebook; and find division and school calendar listings.