Contributed report

The Chesterfield County School Board recently elected a chair and vice chair and scheduled meetings for the rest of the year. 

Patricia Carpenter, who represents the Midlothian District, will serve as chair.  David Wyman, who represents the Dale District, will serve as vice chair. 

The other School Board members are Carrie Coyner, representing the Bermuda District; Dianne Smith, Clover Hill District; and Tom Doland, Matoaca District.

Looking ahead, Carpenter said, “We face this coming year with optimism and gratitude. We have much to be thankful for here in Chesterfield County. We enjoy an excellent quality of life and a reputation for providing high quality instruction and being a leader in public education throughout the Commonwealth.”

“We will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do. Complacency is not an option. We live in a time of fast paced change, increased demands and decreased resources,” she added. “It is this board’s intention to continue our commitment to high standards and high quality.”

She also said that the continued support of the public – both internal and external stakeholders – is crucial to the school division’s success.

“This is the community’s school division; these are the community’s facilities. As elected officials, we must make decisions that are in the best interests of our students. And that, in turn, is in the best interest of the long-term vitality of our community,” Carpenter said.

In other business, the School Board agreed to meet at 7 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road, on Feb. 14, Feb. 28, March 13, March 27, April 24, May 8, May 22, June 26, Aug. 14, Aug. 28, Sept. 11, Sept. 24, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11. 

Work sessions also are held before every regular meeting, starting at 4:30 p.m. in the Central Office Board Rooms, 9900 Krause Road. 

The School Board will hold a retreat on Feb. 3.

The School Board will hold budget work sessions starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Central Office Board Rooms, 9900 Krause Road, on Feb. 7 and Feb. 21.

The School Board will hold a public engagement session starting at 7 p.m. at the Fulghum Center, 4003 Cogbill Road, on Oct. 23 (Model County Government).

The board will hold quarterly work sessions in the Central Office Board Rooms, 9900 Krause Road, on March 23, May 25, Sept. 28, Dec. 14.

Visit the school division’s web site at mychesterfieldschools.com for additional information about School Board meetings.