Chesterfield County School Board appoints Dr. John Murray as superintendent
The Chesterfield County School Board has appointed Dr. John Murray as the new superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools, effective Jan. 17. After a nationwide search, Dr. Murray was selected for his commitment to academic excellence, exceptional leadership skills and innovative vision. Dr. Murray is the first superintendent since at least 1921 to have been a student in Chesterfield County Public Schools.
“After a nationwide search, no one even came close to our very own Dr. John Murray,” said Ann Coker, School Board chair and Bermuda District representative. “Over the past few months with Dr. Murray as our interim superintendent, we have seen tremendous energy and positive momentum to move our school division forward. There is no doubt that he is the right person to lead Chesterfield schools.”
This video shows the excitement created by Dr. Murray’s appointment as superintendent.
Closed Jan. 20
On Jan. 20, all schools and school offices will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Complete student calendars for 2024-25 are available on this webpage, including English and Spanish versions of the regular school year calendar and the year-round calendar followed by Bellwood Elementary. It is best to access student calendars from the school division website. If you search for a calendar via Google, then an outdated version of the calendar may appear in the results.
Budget presentation set for Jan. 23; town halls begin Jan. 27
Superintendent John Murray will present his proposed budget for FY 2026 at 4 p.m. Jan. 23 in the Public Meeting Room (10001 Iron Bridge Road). Details will be available after that date on oneccps.org.
The Chesterfield County School Board will hold budget work sessions at 4 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room:
Jan. 23
Feb. 4
Feb. 11 (includes public hearing)
Feb. 19
Members of the Chesterfield County School Board will hold town halls at 6:30 p.m.:
Jan. 27 at Thomas Dale High
Jan. 28 at Midlothian High
Jan. 29 at Meadowbrook High
Feb. 3 at Manchester High
Feb. 5 at Tomahawk Creek Middle
Feb. 6 at Manchester Middle for Spanish speakers
School Board elects chair and vice chair and schedules 2025 meetings
(pictured above: Ann Coker, chair, Bermuda District; Lisa Hudgins, vice chair, Midlothian District)
The Chesterfield County School Board met Jan. 15 to elect its chair and vice chair for the coming year and to schedule meetings for 2025.
School Board members are Ann Coker (Bermuda District), Dot Heffron (Clover Hill District), Dominique Chatters (Dale District), Steven Paranto (Matoaca District) and Lisa Hudgins (Midlothian District). The School Board elected Coker as chair and Hudgins as vice chair.
The School Board also approved this 2025 meeting schedule:
Work sessions on the FY 2026 budget will start at 4 p.m. Jan. 23, Feb. 4, Feb. 11 and Feb. 19.
Business meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 will begin with a public hearing on the FY 2026 budget.
Special meeting to adopt the FY 2026 budget will start at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25.
Work sessions will start at 4 p.m. and business meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. March 11, April 8, May 13, June 3, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 12 and Dec. 9.
Summer work session is set for noon Aug. 12, followed by a 6:30 p.m. business meeting.
The Chesterfield County School Board is the governing body of Chesterfield County Public Schools, central Virginia's largest school system. There are five School Board members, each representing one of the county’s magisterial districts. Members are elected to four-year terms; the current terms continue through Dec. 31, 2027.
School Board meetings generally take place in the Public Meeting Room (10001 Iron Bridge Road). Work sessions and business meetings are shown live on Comcast channel 98 and Verizon channel 28, livestreamed here and curated on the school system’s YouTube channel. Additional School Board information is available at oneccps.org/school-board.
Principals Appreciation Week
Be sure to let our principals know they are appreciated because Jan. 12-18 is Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week. This is an annual opportunity to recognize the hard work of school principals and to recognize their importance in ensuring that every child has access to a quality education. Here’s the official proclamation from Gov. Glenn Youngkin recognizing “the hard work of Virginia school principals and … the importance of school leaders in ensuring that every child has access to a quality education that prepares them for life.”
Registration opens for free SAT prep session
Chesterfield County Public Schools regularly offers free sessions to help high school students prepare to take the SAT. Registration for the Feb. 24-27 SAT Academy is open through Feb. 19. While there is no cost for the academy, students must purchase this study guide from the store or online site of their choice: Princeton Review Digital SAT Premium Prep, 2025 (ISBN 9780593517529). More information is available on this webpage.
When to expect report cards at end of second nine weeks
The second nine weeks of this school year ended Dec. 20 for students at Bellwood Elementary and Jan. 15 for students at every other school. On Jan. 17 at Bellwood Elementary and on Jan. 31 at all other elementary, middle and high schools, printed report cards will be issued to students and digital report cards will be posted to ParentVUE.
Parents can find easy-to-follow directions for accessing ParentVUE online. ParentVUE is also available as a free app from the App Store and Google Play. Parents who do not have access to ParentVUE should contact their child’s school to get login information.
As a reminder, at the end of the fourth grading period, digital report cards will be posted to ParentVUE instead of being printed and mailed to homes. Parents who want a paper report card have the option of coming to school to have the report card printed out.
Nominations open for R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence
Nominate outstanding teachers for R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence! The program is accepting nominations through 5 p.m. Feb. 18. About 15 central Virginia teachers are selected each year to receive amazing grants up to $15,000 to support professional development. Award winners have earned graduate degrees, climbed mountains, traced their ancestors and met peers from around the world — all to continue their love for learning and to pass it on to their students. Details can be found on the foundation’s website. Answers to frequently asked questions are available here.
Elementary teachers invited to apply for Feb. 1 hiring event
Chesterfield County Public Schools is hosting a Feb. 1 job fair to hire elementary teachers. To be considered, interested candidates must apply online by Jan. 29. This event is to hire qualified licensed teachers for the 2025-26 school year in these areas:
early childhood (Title I prekindergarten, Virginia Preschool Initiative and Head Start)
grades K-5
special education (general, adapted and early childhood special education)
English as a Second Language
reading specialist
Qualified candidates will be invited to the job fair after their application is reviewed. See the job fair listing for full information about qualifications and requirements. (Teachers of art, P.E. or music, school counselors and librarians should refer to specific postings for those positions because they are not included in this job fair.)
PowerSchool data breach
PowerSchool is a large software solution provider in K-12 education. In late December, PowerSchool experienced a data breach that impacted its student information system product. The data breach has received significant media coverage. While Chesterfield County Public Schools uses a number of staff- facing PowerSchool services, CCPS does not use the PowerSchool student information system. CCPS has received confirmation from PowerSchool that no CCPS student or staff data was compromised in the data breach.
Learn about earning college credits while in high school
Parents and students are invited to learn about the advanced academic programming available in Chesterfield County high schools. A Jan. 30 virtual session is for rising 11th and 12th grade families, and a Feb. 10 virtual session is for rising ninth and 10th grade families.
Families of rising 11th and 12th graders: Are you interested in learning about college readiness, dual enrollment courses and opportunities to earn college credit in high school? Rising juniors and seniors and their families are invited to a virtual information session at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30 to learn about opportunities students have to participate in rigorous courses and how these can benefit students in their college experience after high school. This free session will also be an opportunity to hear from Brightpoint Community College about dual enrollment courses. Use this link to register and submit questions in advance for the Jan. 30 session. A link to join the virtual meeting will be provided via email the afternoon of Jan. 30.
Families of rising ninth and 10th graders: Are you interested in learning about college readiness and opportunities to earn college credit while in high school? Rising freshmen and sophomores and their families are invited to a virtual information session at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 to learn about pathways of rigorous, college-level courses that count toward high school graduation while simultaneously earning college credit. This free session will also be an opportunity to hear from Brightpoint Community College. Use this link to register and submit questions in advance for the Feb. 10 session. A link to join the virtual meeting will be provided via email the afternoon of Feb. 10.
Students invited to create art to thank teachers
Each year, the Virginia Lottery encourages students to create art that expresses their gratitude for Virginia’s public school teachers. The winning artworks will be printed on thank you notes sent to educators beginning in April and through Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9). Three winners will be selected: one each from elementary, middle and high school levels. Winning students will receive a $200 gift card, and their schools will win $2,000 in art supplies. Feb. 3 is the deadline to enter, and submission details are provided here.
Cameras to enforce speed limits in school zones
Chesterfield County is placing cameras in school zones to enforce speed limits, protect students and boost road safety. Cameras will be installed at multiple schools this winter to ensure drivers follow posted speed limits in active school zones. The cameras will enforce speed limits only while flashing warning lights are active during school hours. On school days, the warning lights are on for one hour in the morning as students arrive and one hour in the afternoon as students depart.
A spring 2023 study indicated that speeding is a significant issue in active school zones throughout Chesterfield County. For example, during five days at Reams Road Elementary, an average of 48 percent of drivers sped through the school zone in the morning and 50 percent sped through the school zone in the afternoon.
Automated speed cameras will first be installed outside these schools:
Beulah Elementary
Marguerite Christian Elementary
Cosby High
Ecoff Elementary
Grange Hall Elementary
Manchester Middle
Midlothian High
Moseley Elementary
Old Hundred Elementary
Reams Road Elementary
Swift Creek Elementary
Bettie Weaver Elementary
Woolridge Elementary
After the installation of each camera, a 30-day warning period will begin so drivers can adjust their behavior. During this time, violators will receive warnings instead of citations when their vehicles are documented going more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit in an active school zone. Speeding after the warning period will result in a $100 fine. A camera has been installed outside Moseley Elementary, and the 30-day warning period began on Monday, Jan. 13. This website offers the latest information.
Feb. 4: “The New Drug Talk” will equip parents with fentanyl info
“The New Drug Talk” is a powerful film designed to equip parents and caregivers with accurate information about fentanyl and its impact on today’s drug landscape. It highlights the dangers of self-medication and casual drug use in the fentanyl era while encouraging healthier coping strategies for stress and mental health challenges. Reserve your seat for a free screening of "The New Drug Talk" at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Career and Technical Center @ Hull, 13900 Hull Street Road.
A panel discussion will take place after the 30-minute film. Panelists from Chesterfield County Public Schools, Chesterfield County Mental Health Support Services and SAFE will provide insights to help parents have open, informed conversations with their children. Attendees will receive free resources, including naloxone, medication locking and disposal pouches and printed information about fentanyl, fake pills and regional substance use resources.
Six educators to join Hall of Fame
Six more supernova educators will soon join the Hall of Fame of Chesterfield County Public Schools. A partnership between the school system and the Chesterfield Education Foundation, the hall recognizes retirees and volunteers who made a significant difference in Chesterfield County schools. Congratulations to the 2025 honorees:
Katherine Baugher, theater teacher at Midlothian High
Bessie Cooper, principal of Bensley Elementary
Kathy Kitchen, assistant superintendent of business and finance
Catherine “Kitty” Neale, Spanish teacher at Bird High
Brad Peebles, who began as a biology teacher and rose to become principal of the Juvenile Detention Center
Linda Wood, who began as a fourth grade teacher, became principal of Harrowgate Elementary and retired as director of elementary education
Details about their remarkable careers and a spring Hall of Fame celebration will be shared soon.
Off and away all day: New cellphone policy is now in place
The School Board passed an updated policy regarding student cellphone use at its meeting Dec. 10. The new policy took effect Jan. 1. (This information was emailed to families Dec. 11 and included in the Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 digital newsletters to families.) See the full content of policy 4010-R regarding cellphone guidance here.
What you need to know: When students return from winter break, the updated policy means that cellphones must be stored away and out of sight. Students will not be able to use a cellphone or have a cellphone in sight at any time during the instructional day. This includes lunch, times between classes, when students are in hallways, etc. If a cellphone is not stored out of sight or is being used during the instructional day, it could result in confiscation and other consequences that are outlined in the policy.
Prepare now: The changes will have little impact on current practices in elementary and middle schools, but there will be significant changes in high schools. It is important to talk with your child about these changes before they take place so they can begin planning for them. Schools will soon share detailed information about what the policy means for students and the process that will be used to implement the policy.
Reminder: Free online tutoring is available for students in grades 3-12
Free online tutoring is available for students in grades 3-12 via K-12 Tutoring, which used to be called Stride Tutoring but changed its name in December.
Students can reserve time for online video meetings with tutors licensed in subject areas in which they need additional support. Students do not need a teacher referral or recommendation and there are no fees for families.
To access K-12 Tutoring, students along with their families should go to the backpack icon on the RapidIdentity dashboard using their CCPS-issued Chromebook. Click the K-12 Tutoring icon under the “District Applications” heading. No additional login credentials are required.
Tutors are certified teachers who develop instruction to help students succeed. Tutoring sessions may be scheduled for any subject/topic/concept where additional instruction is needed. Students may share materials from class and representations of their work to help the tutor best align the session with the work being done in the classroom.
At this time, there is no limit to the number of tutoring sessions a student may use. Additional information, including FAQ and a quick-start guide for logging on to the Stride platform, is available at oneccps.org/tutors.
To provide this service, Chesterfield County Public Schools is using funds available through the Virginia Department of Education’s ALL In initiative as well as other funding sources. Free tutoring will be open to students as long as funds are available.
Families invited to What’s Next Wednesdays
What’s Next Wednesdays is here to help families support middle and high school students as they make plans for life after high school. Led by Team Chesterfield member and ex-NFL pro Ken Oxendine, What’s Next Wednesdays tackles new topics with practical guidance for every step in the journey. Each free, online session can help with key decisions that can sometimes feel overwhelming for students and their families. Register at bit.ly/WNWccps for these 6 p.m. gatherings:
Jan. 8: Navigating NCAA Compliance
Jan. 22: Exploring Two-Year Colleges
Feb. 12: Finding Scholarships and Financing Your Plan
Start the new year with Coffee & Conversation
Coffee & Conversation is an easy way to connect with experts offering advice on topics helpful to parents. The free online gatherings take place 1-2 p.m. Register here for these upcoming sessions:
Jan. 22: Beyond Deep Breathing: How to Support Anxious Children
Jan. 29: Big Feelings! Emotional Regulation Ideas for Families
Feb. 5: Ten Things You Need to Know about IEPs
School bus poster contest seeks entries
The Virginia Association for Pupil Transportation invites public school students to compete in a poster contest with the theme “Safely Rolling to My Destination.” The submission deadline is April 18, and details are available here.
It’s so easy to nominate school employees!
Have you heard about this easy and important way to honor outstanding teachers and staff members of Chesterfield County Public Schools? You can nominate them for the Superintendent’s Game Changer Award! Everyone is encouraged to use this simple online form to recognize employees who go above and beyond to connect with students, build relationships, provide engaging learning opportunities and help families.
Nominations are accepted throughout the school year. Then each month, 21 remarkable employees will be chosen and will receive their awards when the superintendent and a School Board representative stop by to surprise them.
But before any teacher or school employee can receive the Superintendent’s Game Changer Award, they first have to be nominated by a parent, student, colleague or community member.
So how about it? How many game changers do you know? Please nominate them by answering the five easy questions on the nomination form. By spending five minutes of your day to fill out the form, you can spark great joy throughout Chesterfield County Public Schools.