NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact

Jaime Gomes, School Board Chair Essex County School Board jgomes@essex.k12.va.us

Gina Patterson, Executive Director Virginia School Boards Association 434-295-8722

Essex County School Board Announces Superintendent Search

(July 15, 2026)—The Essex County School Board announced on Monday that it will begin the process of hiring a new superintendent by seeking public input on qualifications.

The school board has created a survey related to superintendent criteria, which is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EssexCountySearch26 and on the home page of the division website. Hard copies of the survey will be available at the school board administration offices and at each school. The deadline for surveys to be completed is by August 2, 2026.

In addition to the survey, the board will hold a public hearing to receive comments from the community:

 Date: August 10, 2026

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: Essex County School Board Office (109 Cross St, Tappahannock, VA 22560)

“Selecting a superintendent is among the most significant decisions a school board makes, and community input is essential to that process,” stated Jaime Gomes, School Board Chair. “We invite parents, staff, students, and community members to share their perspectives by completing the survey and participating in the upcoming public hearing.

The school board selected the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) to assist the board with the superintendent search.