February 13, 2024
Prince George County Public Schools joins school divisions across Virginia to celebrate the individuals who offer their time and talents by serving as school board members during the Virginia School Boards Association's (VSBA) School Board Appreciation Month.
The recognition is led by the Virginia School Boards Association, a partner organization of the state's over 130 local school boards and their 800-plus elected and appointed members, who promotes excellence in public education through leadership, advocacy, and services. This year's celebration theme throughout February is "The Heart of Education: Our School Boards," which acknowledges that the school board is at the heart of the education system, guiding it with kindness and care.
In Prince George County, the five-member elected school board consists of the following individuals: Robert E.L. Eley, III (District 1), Michelle Crist (District 1), Jill A. Andrews (District 2, Chair), Christopher A. Johnson (District 2), and Sherry D. Taylor (District 2, Vice-Chair). The board plays a crucial role in supporting the children of Prince George County and those who work as educators and support staff in the district's schools and operational facilities. The board also bears responsibility for an annual budget of over $93 million, over 6,000 students, and approximately 1,200 employees across nearly a dozen school campuses and support facilities.
The school board was essential in developing Prince George County Public Schools' current multi-year comprehensive plan, a guiding document that charts the future of education in our community. They continue to advocate for modernizing the division's facilities, working collaboratively with the district to develop forward-looking capital improvement plans that prioritize district needs and identify potential funding sources. The board also honors students and staff throughout the year through special recognition nights and participating in the district's Teacher and Support Employee of the Year celebrations held in the spring.
The Prince George County School Board are also engaged members of the VSBA, regularly participating in seminars and training offered by the organization. District 2 member Christopher A. Johnson continues to serve as Virginia School Boards Association's Southside Region Chair, a position he was appointed to in 2022. Through this role, Mr. Johnson, among other responsibilities, serves as a VSBA Board of Directors member, representing nearly two dozen school boards within the region. Additionally, in late 2023, the Prince George County School Board received the VSBA's Master Board designation after completing a rigorous multi-month training focused on team building, effective communication, attentive listening, and fostering board-building behaviors.
"The Prince George County School Board is a dedicated group of individuals who offer their time, knowledge, and unwavering support in service to the children of our community," Division Superintendent Dr. Lisa Pennycuff said. "Prince George County Public Schools greatly appreciates their contributions, and we express our deepest gratitude to each of them for being advocates for public education here in our community and beyond."
The school board was recognized during their regular business meeting on Monday, February 12, 2024, receiving certificates from the Virginia School Boards Association and handmade greeting cards crafted by students at the school division's five elementary schools.
To learn more about the Virginia School Boards Association, visit their website at http://vsba.org.