This message was sent Aug. 22, 2025, on behalf of the superintendent to all families of Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Good evening,
This is the most difficult message I have shared, both as superintendent and as a dad.
This afternoon, a Chester Early Childhood Learning Academy teacher was arrested and charged with eight counts of felony manufacturing of child pornography and two felony counts of indecent liberties with a child.
Additionally, an Elizabeth Davis Middle School teacher who was arrested in July (and has been on leave since the arrest) was charged today with an additional 25 counts of felony manufacturing of child pornography and five felony counts of indecent liberties with a child.
This news is deeply disturbing and strikes at the heart of our responsibility to protect children. I recognize the range of emotions and concerns this raises. The safety and well-being of our students is my highest priority, and I want you to know that I am taking the following immediate actions:
I have directed that both teachers are immediately terminated from employment (with appropriate due process).
I have asked for a joint investigation with Chesterfield Police and Child Protective Services.
I have directed our CCPS Human Resources Department to interview every employee at CECLA, and to share this information directly with law enforcement. Because all school staff members are legally required to report suspected child abuse within 24 hours, this will be a focus of the investigation.
I have appointed Elementary School Leadership Director Dr. Rachel Foglesong as the interim principal at CECLA, and the school’s principal and assistant principal have been placed on leave.
Please know that I am in direct contact with Chesterfield Chief of Police Col. Frank Carpenter, and I am committed to full cooperation with law enforcement and CPS throughout this process. Col. Carpenter shared the following with me this evening:
The Chesterfield County Police Department has already begun its investigation and urges anyone with information to contact police immediately.
We are committed to protecting the vulnerable in our community, and we will work with our local, state, and school partners to thoroughly investigate, leaving no stone unturned and bringing any and all perpetrators to justice.
I have shared this information with staff, and I will continue to share information with staff and our school community as I am able.
Respectfully,
Dr. John Murray
Superintendent