Heated discussion erupts at Board of Supervisors meeting over redistricting; Henrico Schools planning to modify teacher contracts following staff concerns
Amidst the slew of education news that been happening nationally, there has also been a bunch happening locally here in Henrico:
Henrico’s Board of Supervisors criticized the school board for dropping a redistricting proposal, and also expressed frustrations about a school board member’s early departure from their budget meeting. HCPS plans to add a contract addendum to teacher contracts in May to respond to staff complaints about “vague” contract language and “unclear” job expectations.
'There’s no excuse for it'
Henrico Board of Supervisors members criticized the school board’s decision to hold off on a high school redistricting plan and urged board members to “do more” to address disparities between schools across the county at a joint budget meeting.
Last week, the Henrico School Board voted 3-2 to drop a redistricting proposal that would change the attendance zones of Douglas S. Freeman High, Mills E. Godwin High, Henrico High, and Highland Springs High to help balance out capacity. BOS members made it clear they were not satisfied with the board’s decision.
“I can’t for the life of me understand nor support the lack of action,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Dan Schmitt (Brookland District).
HCPS to clarify teacher expectations
Henrico Schools officials will add an addendum to teacher contracts this May that clarifies expectations for duties, planning time protections, and the breakdown of work days and hours in an effort to respond to staff concerns about “vague” contract language.
At a Henrico School Board meeting March 13, HCPS Chief of Staff Holly Coy outlined a number of efforts the school system will be taking to address staff complaints about a lack of teacher voice in decisions and “unclear” expectations outlined in yearly contracts.
School board drops boundary proposal
With a 3-2 informal vote at their March 13 meeting, Henrico School Board members decided to drop a proposal that would have changed the attendance zones of four high schools to help balance out capacity.
The proposed changes, which would have gone into effect during the 2026-2027 school year, would have shifted 190 students from Douglas S. Freeman High into Mills E. Godwin High and 76 students from Highland Springs High into Henrico High.
Trevvett ES principal awarded
Arainau "Rainy" Neal, principal of Maude Trevvett Elementary School, has been awarded the 2025 REB Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership for Henrico County Public Schools.
The Community Foundation and the REB Foundation present the award to four principals annually — one each from the school divisions of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties and one from the city of Richmond. Neal was surprised with the news March 14 at a school celebration attended by her family, staff members, students and HCPS leaders.
Events
🧑🌾11 a.m. - 3 p.m. March 23 - Lakeside Farmers’ Market “Spring Fling” Sale (6110 Lakeside Ave)
👶March 24 - Online registration opens for HCPS 2025-2026 Kindergarten
🍀March 27 - Registration opens for Henrico Junior 4-H Summer Camp
📝8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., April 10 - In-person kindergarten registration at all HCPS elementary schools
Photos of the week
Fair Oaks Elementary launched a 5th grade Safety Patrol program this week! (@fairoakscardinal)
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MORE IN VA
State Board ends DEI initiatives at Virginia’s community colleges
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NATIONAL NEWS
Trump signs executive order to begin 'eliminating' the Department of Education
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