The R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership honor principals who go beyond day-to-day demands to create an exceptional educational environment. Annually, one principal each from Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover and Richmond is honored and receives $20,000 for school projects plus $10,000 for individual use.
Bird High Principal Adrienne Blanton is this year’s winner for Chesterfield County Public Schools. She will dedicate the award money to re-imagining the school library (created in 1978) as a space that students and staff members enjoy as they undertake innovative, educational projects. Blanton taught English and math at Salem Church Middle for eight years before moving into administration at Bird High, where she has been principal since 2018.
Curtis Elementary Principal Susan Wilson is the CCPS runner-up. She received $10,000 and will use it to boost the school’s house system; hold workshops to help parents understand their role in the learning experience; and connect with teacher-chosen professional development. After serving as Curtis Elementary’s assistant principal for a year, Wilson was named principal in 2012.
Five Chesterfield County Public Schools principals were finalists for the award:
Dr. Elizabeth Baber, principal of Matoaca High
Rovez Ingram, principal of Marguerite Christian Elementary
Melanie Jasinkiewicz, principal of Matoaca Elementary
Deborah McGonigle, principal of Watkins Elementary
Kristin Saady, principal of Hening Elementary
The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and the R.E.B. Foundation oversee the awards. Nominations come from members of the school community and the general public.