The Appomattox County School Board has officially closed the application window in its search for the next superintendent, receiving 14 full applications from a pool of 20 inquiries.
Applicants bring a wide range of educational leadership experience:
2 are current or former superintendents,
2 hold or have held assistant, associate, or deputy superintendent roles,
6 are central office administrators,
3 currently serve as principals,
and 1 applicant falls under another category of educational leadership.
Of the 14 applicants, 9 are women and 5 are men. The majority—12 candidates—are from Virginia, while 2 come from out of state: one from South Carolina and one from Wisconsin.
The School Board will begin reviewing candidates in the coming weeks as part of its effort to identify a qualified and community-minded leader for Appomattox County Public Schools.
Appomattox County Public Schools (ACPS) recently conducted a public survey to gather input from staff, parents, and community members on the hiring of its new superintendent. With over 200 respondents, the feedback highlighted key expectations, challenges, and areas for improvement within the district.
Survey results indicated a strong preference for hiring an external candidate, suggesting a belief that fresh perspectives might positively impact the district’s direction and alleviate internal frustrations.
Respondents expressed concerns about micromanagement from current administrators, leading to feelings of being undervalued and mistrusted among teachers and staff. This sentiment aligns closely with another frequently mentioned issue—low morale across schools. Staff identified inadequate communication, insufficient support from central office administrators, and overall dissatisfaction with some central office personnel as significant contributors to poor morale.
Transparency and honesty were emphasized as essential qualities for the new superintendent. Respondents stressed the need for clear and open communication, suggesting a desire to rebuild trust and improve handling of sensitive district matters.
Concerns regarding favoritism and personal relationships influencing professional decisions were also mentioned. Respondents called for fairer hiring and advancement practices based strictly on merit rather than personal connections.
Additionally, respondents voiced concerns about political or ideological influences on school policies, particularly related to DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) and LGBTQ+ topics. These concerns highlight existing community tensions around curriculum content and social issues, with respondents seeking balanced and unbiased approaches.
Behavioral management, particularly addressing student and staff bullying, was noted as needing improvement. Respondents advocated for more effective measures to manage discipline and bullying.
Special Education programs were identified as an area of significant concern, with respondents noting issues such as unfilled vacancies, management challenges, and overall dissatisfaction among staff and parents.
Lastly, teacher salaries and retention emerged as critical issues. Respondents expressed clear frustration regarding compensation and emphasized the importance of retaining experienced educators to ensure educational quality.
Overall, the survey highlights a strong community commitment to Appomattox County schools and underscores the need for leadership that prioritizes transparency, effective management, fairness, and unbiased decision-making.
Appomattox County Public Schools will be closed Tuesday, February 18, following a cybersecurity incident that disrupted some network systems over the weekend.
In a statement posted to Facebook, ACPS officials said they have engaged outside cybersecurity experts and notified state and federal authorities as they investigate the incident.
While essential school operations, including security cameras, doors, and phone systems, remain functional, internet service and other network-based systems are temporarily affected.
Officials say they will update the community as they assess the potential impact on personal data and work to restore full operations.
Appomattox, VA – The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors met with the School Board on March 5, 2024, at the Appomattox Community Center. The meeting was about the public-school budget for the next year. All members of the Board of Supervisors and School Board were in attendance.
Appomattox County Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Dr. Annette Bennett dedicated a significant part of the agenda to presenting updates on capital improvement projects and their FY25 budget request.
The proposed budget for the next fiscal year totals $34.3 million, with a request for $7.49 million in county contributions. This budget includes a 1-3% salary increase for teachers but is dependent on the result of the state budget. The boards addressed the end of CARES federal funds. The funds now support academics and mental health. They also support attendance monitoring and contracted counselors. Dr. Bennett stressed the importance of continuing behavioral and mental health supports.
The composite index, set by the Virginia Department of Education, fell slightly. It determines state funding for education. Appomattox County must use local funds to cover 28% of the budget. A sum of $1.39 million of federal funding was reported.
ACPS FY25 Proposed Budget
Federal
$1,390,000
State
$25,459,886
Local
$7,490,000
Total
$34,339,886
Attention was drawn to ACPS’ textbooks and curriculum materials, with an overhaul required by the Virginia Department of Education. Standards of Learning (SOL) tests will no longer be multiple choice. “It will require a total revamp on the materials that we use.” according to the Superintendent. The new standards will be fully in place in the Spring of 2025.
In addition, the Superintendent provided an update on major capital projects including the renovations at ACHS. The ACHS renovation project has been underway for close to three years at a cost of roughly $23 million. Upcoming projects include removing the classroom trailers, resurfacing the track and tennis courts, and upgrades to the School Board Office.
Supervisor Carter asked about the condition and usability of the current bus shop. He cited space constraints. This led to a discussion about possibly moving the bus shop. The boards considered a new or upgraded bus shop with its own consolidated fuel point, which could offer savings on diesel, gas, and propane to government owned County and Town vehicles.
Dr. Bennett mentioned the possibility of combining the maintenance and IT shops. Vacating the current maintenance shop was a requirement set by Appomattox County. The current maintenance shop sits on the Carver-Price campus which is planned to be used as part of the new vocational education center.
The joint session adjourned.
The Board of Supervisors continued their budget work session. They considered departmental requests and a “very draft budget” with a roughly $200k surplus.
The board showed restraint in their consideration of funding requests. Public safety was a high priority. The board voted unanimously to approve an operating budget increase and one-time cash payment to the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department. The one-time payment of $100,000 will go to pay off a loan associated with a recently acquired firetruck.
All funding decisions were unanimous except for the American Civil War Museum. Supervisor Wolfskil opened discussion “I’m uncomfortable giving free enterprise money.” Supervisor Jones corrected Mr. Wolfskil reminding the board that the ACWM is a non-profit. Supervisor Hipps remarked “I want it to succeed, but I want it to support itself.” On a motion to “zero fund the American Civil War Museum,” the board voted 3-2, with Jones and Carter voting against the measure.
The board asked several groups to provide more materials or make a presentation. They include the Appomattox Railroad Festival and the Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation District.
Funding Summary
American Civil War Museum: $0.00
Appomattox Rescue Squad: $10,000
Appomattox Tourism Committee: $10,000
Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department: $60,000 + $100,000 one-time payment.
Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC): $3,500.00
Concord Volunteer Fire Department: Level Fund
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA): $3,000.00
Horizon Behavioral Health: Level Fund
Legal Aid: $0.00
Pamplin Community Center: Level Fund
Pamplin Volunteer Fire Department: Level Fund
Piedmont Are Veteran’s Council: $7,000.00
Railroad Festival: Asked to make a presentation.
Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation District: Asked to make a presentation.
Toga Volunteer Fire Department: Level Fund
Virginia’s Retreat: Asked to make a presentation.
The next meeting of the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors is set for March 18 at 6:00 PM at the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors meeting room at 171 Price Lane, Appomattox, VA.
In a celebration of educational excellence within Appomattox County, Mrs. Kimberly Jones, a fifth-grade language arts teacher at Appomattox Elementary School, has been named the 2023-2024 Division Teacher of the Year by Appomattox County Public Schools. This accolade recognizes Mrs. Jones’s unwavering commitment and innovative approach to teaching 5th grade Reading/Language Arts.
Holding degrees from James Madison University and Longwood University, Mrs. Jones began her teaching career in 1990 in Appomattox. After a stint with Lynchburg City Schools, her bond with the Appomattox community led her back, where she has since continued to inspire and educate.
Known for her vibrant enthusiasm for life and learning, Mrs. Jones has created a classroom environment that is a balance of structure and discipline with warmth and inclusivity. Her teaching philosophy underscores the importance of rigorous academic challenges while ensuring a supportive space for students to thrive.
With over three decades in the field, Mrs. Jones has been hailed as a “children’s literature connoisseur,” using literature as a pivotal tool for connecting with her students and enhancing their learning experience. Her integrity and dedication to education have made her a respected figure among her peers and a beloved teacher to her students.
The distinction of Division Teacher of the Year for Mrs. Jones not only celebrates her accomplishments but also paves the way for further recognition as she becomes a contender for the Region 8 Teacher of the Year award, expected to be announced this spring.
Mrs. Jones’s recognition serves as a testament to the impact that passionate and committed educators can have on their students and the broader community, highlighting the vital role teachers play in shaping the minds of the future.
