DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 32, No. 29 | Richmond Suburban News | November 18, 2015
In-house hire ends superintendent search By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local ASHLAND — Sometimes, the answer to a problem lies closer to home than anyone realizes. Five months ago, Hanover County School Board members began searching for a new superintendent after accepting the resignation of Dr. Jamelle Wilson. In the end, the best candidate was Jim Ridolphi for The Local right in their own backyard, and, last Dr. Michael Gill was the week, they made their unanimous unanimous choice to become choice public. superintendent of Hanover After an extensive national search, County Public Schools during Dr. Michael Gill, assistant superintenthe Nov. 10 meeting of the Hanover County School Board. dent for instructional leadership, was He will begin his duties Dec. 1. appointed to serve as superintendent
Board members were more than of schools. Gill was selected over a number of satisfied with the selection. “When Dr. qualified and impresWilson announced sive candidates, her plans, I was devaccording to board “We got the guy astated,” said Ashland chair Bob Hundley. our people District representa“The school in Hanover County tive Hank Lowry. “I board was impressed want and need, soon realized that with the exceptionand we listened what we were buildally strong applicant ing with Dr. Wilson pool that pursued to them.” would continue. She this position, which SUE DIBBLE had brought somemade this a highly South Anna representative competitive process,” Hanover County School Board one into our system who shared her pasHundley said in a sion and carried our prepared statement. “In the end, Dr. Gill clearly rose to the vision, and I think that’s what we got in Dr. Gill.” top.”
Remembering those who served their country By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local
H
ANOVER — Millions of Americans took a moment to recognize and honor the nation’s veterans last week as they attended memorial services throughout the
country. On a sunny fall afternoon, hundreds of Hanoverians joined in the spirit of Veterans Day as they gathered Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Hanover Wayside Park off U.S. 301 at the county’s Veterans Memorial. It’s a somber ceremony that has become a Hanover tradition, and
many county officials took advantage of the day off to pay homage to the veterans who served and those who died in service to their country. Sean Davis, who represents the Henry District on the Hanover see SERVED, pg. 5
South Anna representative Sue Dibble agreed. “I felt the selection was a perfect fit for Hanover County,” she said. “We got the guy our people in Hanover County want and need, and we listened to them. We’ve got the man for Hanover.” Dibble made the motion to appoint Gill to the helm of the school district. Gill holds a B.A. from Western Kentucky University and a Doctor of Education, Master’s Degree and post Master’s Certificate from Virginia Commonwealth University. When the board unanimously approved his appointment, a round of applause erupted in the meeting room, see SEARCH, pg. 4
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Sean Davis, who represents the Henry District on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors and is a former U.S. Marine, was the keynote speaker for the Veterans Day service last Wednesday.