DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Special supplement
Vol. 30, No. 16 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | August 21, 2013
Hiring numbers differ from departure claim By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local
Our Annual Hanover Discover 2013-2014 County Guide Book is included in today’s edition.
Kelly-Wiecek, Harris tapped for GRPB board Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com Angela Kelly-Wiecek, a member of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, has been selected to serve on the Greater Richm o n d KELLY-WIECEK Pa r t nership’s Board of Directors for the 20132014 fiscal year. see GRPB, pg. 4
“We are anxiously awaiting the beginning of school and, certainly, preparing the best learning environment for them (the students).” That was the statement made by Dr. Jamelle Wilson, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, as Hanover County School Board members gathered Tuesday, Aug. 13, for their last regular meeting before the 2013-2014 term begins. Kathy Easter, representing Friends of Hanover Schools, told the School Board it’s important to address the issue of teacher attrition in county schools. “It’s a huge concern for parHiring figures don’t appear to support claims of an unusual number of teachers leaving Hanover County schools — at least not compared with other years.
ents,” she said. “Learning about the number of teachers that are leaving, there appears to be a spike in attrition. I’m glad you are looking at that topic.” Hiring figures don’t appear to support claims of an unusual number of teachers leaving
PRSRT. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Wilson: student achievement still her leadership goal By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com
S Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Hanover County School Board Chairman Robert Hundley, photo at left, presided over last week’s meeting, the last before the 2013-2014 term of Hanover County Public Schools begins on Sept. 3. Cold Harbor representative Norman Sulser, right, announced his retirement from his position as a substitute teacher at Lee-Davis High School. He said he plans to devote his time to School Board duties.
Hanover County schools — at least not compared with other years. At a workshop session last week, Assistant Superintendent Charla Cordle said this year’s turnover was about average at around 100 positions, not a notable increase from last year’s numbers. “I am personally aware of a whole lot more teachers who did not find positions outside of the school system who are still here. A lot of these teachers are not being vocal,” Easter said. Easter said it’s important to know why teachers are leaving and where they are going. “If you haven’t done exit inter-
views, I would encourage you to do so.” Newly-appointed Cold Harbor District School Board representative Norman Sulser said he would resign from his position as a substitute teacher at Lee-Davis High School. “I’ve loved the fun of teaching and working for the students for the past 12 years,” Sulser said. “In my new role as a School Board member, I don’t want anyone to have the perception that I am only focused on Lee-Davis.” Sulser said he wanted to commit his time to his School see HIRING, pg. 4
tudent achievement is paramount to Dr. Jamelle S. Wilson as superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools. In her third year at the helm and preparing for the Sept. 3 start of the 2013-2014 term, she talked candidly last week about the renowned school division. Her performance since taking the top office in 2011 apparently has met with the approval of the Hanover County School Board. In May, her contract was extended to June 30, 2017. Wilson made history two
years ago when she was named to succeed Dr. Stewart D. Roberson as superintendent. She became the first female and African American to hold the school district’s top seat. In recent months, controversy seemed to swirl around the school system’s operations – from budget struggles to the wage of a crossing guard, who is a member of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. Cold Harbor District representative Elton Wade resigned in June from his $41.25 an hour job. He had been employed by the school system for 52 years. Last Wednesday, however, Wilson maintained see WILSON, pg. 4
JAMELLE S. WILSON Superintendent Hanover County Public Schools