Dr. Bruce A. Fillman is the Principal of the Virtual Learning Academy. After attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Education, a minor in music, and a commission into the United States Army Reserve, he moved to Virginia, where he taught fourth grade in Richmond City Public Schools. Upon completing his second year of teaching, he was deployed to the Middle East as a logistics officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Returning from deployment, he joined Chesterfield County Public Schools as a teacher at Bon Air Elementary School and earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. He was appointed the assistant principal at Swift Creek Elementary School in 2011 and became principal of J. G. Hening Elementary in 2015. In 2020, he completed his Doctor of Philosophy in the Educational Leadership, Policy, and Justice track at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2020. Dr. Fillman has worked on various district and regional committees, to include policy review committees, the Metropolitan Education Research Consortium, district level equity committees, as well as various other committees. Dr. Fillman believes that learning does not begin or end within the walls of a school, but that learning occurs within each child’s community. This belief necessitates the importance of community partnership to provide the education that our children deserve and need to be successful.

Bruce_Fillman@ccpsnet.net
(804) 818-5630

Will McClain joined Chesterfield Virtual School in 2023 following four years of service at Falling Creek Middle School.  His career began in Henrico County where he taught social studies for nine years before moving into instructional leadership. 

Dr. McClain grew up in Greenville, SC and attended college at Randolph-Macon College.  While teaching in Henrico County, Dr. McClain earned degrees in Administration & Supervision (M. Ed.) and Curriculum & Instruction (Ed. D.).  His career in education has afforded Dr. McClain opportunities to learn in Henrico County, Petersburg City, Chesterfield County, and the Virginia Center for Restorative Justice.

Dr. McClain is passionate about the mental health and social/emotional resiliency of our students, staff, and community partners.  Dr. McClain believes that education exists far beyond the reach of walls and desks, and he is excited to be a member of the team leading Chesterfield to the pinnacle of success in virtual education.

Dr. McClain views a collaborative school community as the key to nurturing successful growth and development. He believes partnerships with parents and community partners are essential to enriching the experience at Chesterfield Virtual School.

During his free time Dr. McClain enjoys sitting on the beach with his wife, Suzanne, hiking, fishing, and trying to get to as many baseball stadiums as they can.

William_McClain@ccpsnet.net
(804) 818-5630

Mr. Patterson is an Assistant Principal for the Virtual Learning Academy. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in History from Hampden-Sydney College in 2006 and his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech in 2017. Mr. Patterson taught history and science for 11 years at Manchester Middle School before becoming the Dean of Students at Thomas Dale High School in 2018. He joined the Virtual Learning Academy in the fall of 2021. In addition to teaching and administration, Mr. Patterson has coached football at the high school level and track and field at the middle school level. He and his wife have two boys, a four and a seven year old, and a chocolate lab. In his free time, Mr. Patterson enjoys cheering on the Atlanta Braves, Washington Commanders, and Virginia Tech Hokies. He also coaches youth sports and enjoys getting outside to take advantage of all that Richmond has to offer.

Mr. Patterson believes that every student can achieve academic success through collaboration between home and school. Together, we can ensure that all students at the Virtual Learning Academy achieve academic and social success and the skills to continue as lifelong learners.

Clinton_Patterson@ccpsnet.net
(804) 818-5630