Here are highlights from the Dec. 18 meeting of the School Board. Full presentations and a video of the meeting are available on BoardDocs.
Work session presentations
County budget process
Awards and recognitions
Watkins Elementary, Falling Creek Middle, Bird High and Manchester High were recognized for achieving designation as Heart Safe Schools. Hopkins Elementary was recognized as a Purple Star School.
Recognizing staff members
Four teachers were recognized for winning R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence:
Amber Kuper, who teaches art at Bird High School, won $15,000 to examine the deep connection between artists from Japan and France and how it has molded art and culture worldwide.
Annwyn Long, who is a first grade teacher at Alberta Smith Elementary School, won $9,700 to explore diverse American quilting traditions and engage students in making a collaborative school quilt.
Bryan Sheetz, who teaches landscaping and turf management at Thomas Dale High School, won $14,300 to visit sporting facilities (including Dodger Stadium and Wrigley Field) across the United States and attend conferences.
Jenifer Williams, who is a kindergarten teacher at Enon Elementary School, won $10,000 to spend three weeks in Mexico observing classrooms, connecting with local educators, experiencing daily life and exploring Mayan sites.
Heather Snyder, coordinator of the Office of Student Health Services, was recognized with two statewide nursing awards from two different groups.
The Virginia Association of School Nurses recognized Snyder as the 2025 Outstanding School Nurse Administrator of the Year.
The Virginia Nurses Foundation honored her with its Leadership Excellence Award.
These bus drivers were recognized for outstanding performance:
Quentin Williams, Area 1, Bus 507, two years of service
Jason Lagreca, Area 2, Bus 209, two years of service
Birgitta Kirby, Area 3, Bus 640, nine months of service
Joreatha Lewis, Area 4, Bus 619, one year of service
Crystal Cooper, Area 5, Bus 950, eight years of service
Celebrating community engagement
The School Board recognized community members for participating in Learning With You.
The School Board recognized Niagara Bottling for supporting schools in multiple ways.
Board actions
The consent agenda was approved as presented. Memos of interest included:
Memo #164-25: Appropriation and Allocation of Funds to CTC@Hull
Memo #180-25: Deed of Gift for New Library Furniture at Clover Hill Elementary
Memo #181-25: Deed of Gift for Old Hundred Elementary Sound System Upgrade
The board approved its 2026 legislative program; appropriated year-end funds; updated policy 4021 (home instruction); approved changes to policy 4190 (student wellness); approved changes to 3170-R (requirements for a waiver of the 140 clock-hour rule); and approved new policy 3176 (awarded credit by assessment).
The board approved changes to the 2026-27 school year calendar and approved changes to the 2025-26 Bellwood Elementary calendar as Bellwood returns to a regular school year in 2026-27.
Superintendent’s report
The superintendent’s report included the annual report of the Special Education Advisory Committee, meaningful moments video about monarch butterflies at Falling Creek Elementary, and highlights of recent activities and successes throughout Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Items for review
At each meeting, a number of items are shared with the School Board for review and for public consumption. These do not require action on the board’s part. This month’s packet included:
Magisterial District Improvement Funds — FY 2026
Board Committee Reports
Prekindergarten Update: October 2025
Recovery Academy Report
Financial Reports for Quarter Ending Sept. 30, 2025
Technical Edits to 2026-27 Program of Studies
Revision to Virginia Board of Education Division Literacy Plan Template