Essex County Public Schools

The Essex County School Board is seeking a candidate from the Central Voting District to serve on the School Board. If interested, please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Sharon Saunders, Clerk Essex County School Board P.O. Box 756 Tappahannock, VA 22560 or Email to ssaunders@essex.k12.va.us. Deadline to submit is June 27, 2025.

Rashaad Pitt joins Essex County Public Schools as the 2025-2026 EHS Principal. A native of New York, Mr. Pitt began his journey in education in 2006 as a passionate history teacher with Petersburg City Public Schools. Over the past 19 years, he has brought his deep commitment to student growth and equity to a variety of educational settings, including Chesterfield County Public Schools, the Department of Juvenile Justice, Hampton City Schools, Charlottesville City Schools, and Richmond Public Schools. His educational experience includes roles such as teacher, middle school success coordinator, high school dean of students, and career academy principal. Most recently, Mr. Pitt served as an assistant principal with Richmond Public Schools, where he focused on cultivating a strong school culture, implementing restorative practices, and supporting educator development. Prior to that, he served as principal of Charlottesville High School, leading school-wide efforts in instruction, equity, and community engagement. Mr. Pitt is a seasoned instructional leader whose areas of expertise include restorative justice, professional development, and community outreach. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Virginia State University, a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Outside of his school leadership roles, Mr. Pitt is the co-author of Next in Line to Lead: Voices of Assistant Principals and is preparing to release his forthcoming book, Leading Through the Fire: Lessons from a New Administrator’s Journey: A Candid And Practical Guide For Aspiring School Leaders. While proud of his professional accomplishments, Mr. Pitt finds his greatest joy in the growth of his own children. He is the father of three amazing children—Talia (17), Jayla (15), and Elijah (14)—and, most importantly, the proud husband of fellow educator and life partner, Charmaine.

Dana Hawes joins Essex County Public Schools as the 2025-2026 JCIS Principal with over 25 years of distinguished service as an award-winning educator and instructional leader, dedicated to improving outcomes for marginalized youth across public and private schools in the Greater Richmond Metro Area. His career includes teaching English and Pre-GED courses for the Department of Correctional Education and serving in various school leadership roles, including principalships in Richmond and Henrico County, a regional juvenile detention center in Northern Virginia, and most recently, Greensville County High School, where he led the school to full accreditation. He also served as the inaugural principal of The Refocus Center in Greensville County. Dr. Hawes holds a BA in English and Mass Communications and an Ed.D. from Virginia State University, as well as a Master’s from Walden University and a Post-Master’s in Educational Leadership from George Washington University. He is also a proud combat veteran of the United States Army.

Dr. Marvin Jones has been appointed as the Superintendent of Schools for Essex County, bringing with him more than 33 years of distinguished service and leadership in public education. A dedicated educator and administrator, Dr. Jones holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Delaware State University, a Master’s degree in School Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Dr. Jones began his career as an elementary school teacher in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where he served for eight years before advancing to Vice Principal in Charles County. Over the next 13 years, he held key leadership positions, including serving as Principal at multiple schools and later Executive Director of Schools, where he played a pivotal role in opening Charles County’s newest high school and successfully guiding a middle school through uniquely significant challenges. His exceptional leadership earned him the prestigious James E. Richmond Leadership in Excellence Award in 2019. Prior to his appointment in Essex County Public Schools, Dr. Jones served as Chief of Schools for Charles County Public Schools, overseeing the daily operations of 43 schools, county-wide extracurricular programs, and critical departments such as School Safety and Security, Student Engagement and Conduct, and Community Engagement and Equity. Recognized for his motivational speaking and commitment to equity, he was featured in African American Pride Magazine (2019) for his contributions to education. As Superintendent, Dr. Jones is committed to advancing Essex County’s “Pathways to Excellence” vision, ensuring the district reaches new heights in academic achievement and operational quality. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and a devoted husband and father of three.

🚍 Happy Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🚍 Thank you to our amazing bus drivers for keeping our students safe and smiling every day. We appreciate all you do! 💛

EHS Newsletter April 2025

🎉 Happy Assistant Principal Week! 🎉 This week, we want to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of our Assistant Principals. Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our students and school community don't go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do! 💙

🎯 Special Announcements Regarding " Special Education Grant Application and Plan" If the public would like to review and/or give comments to the 2025-2026 Essex County Public School Special Education Grant Application and Plan, they may do so from Monday, April 7-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM in the School Board Office, located at 109 N. Cross Street, Tappahannock, VA 22560. If accommodations are needed, please call Ms. Sharon Saunders at 804-443-4366.

Attention EHS Families! 📢 The Spring 2025 SOL Testing Schedule is here! Please take note of the following important dates: 📅 April 29 – World History I, World History II, & VA/US History 📅 April 30 – Reading 📅 May 7 – Biology & Chemistry 📅 May 8 – Algebra 1, Algebra 2, & Geometry ✅ Make sure students are well-rested, arrive on time, and are prepared for testing! For more information regarding SOLs, please reach out to your student’s teacher. Thank you for supporting our students!

🌟 Happy Employee Appreciation Day! 🌟 Today, we celebrate and express our deepest gratitude to the incredible team that makes Essex County Public Schools a place of learning, growth, and support for our students. To our teachers, paraprofessionals, staff members, school counselors, social workers, bus and car drivers, cafeteria workers, administrative assistance, custodians, psychologists, central office staff, school board members, and all other dedicated employees—thank you for your unwavering commitment, passion, and hard work. Your impact goes beyond the classroom, shaping the future of our students and community every day. We appreciate each of you and recognize the difference you make in the lives of our students and families. ECPS is stronger because of YOU! Again, Thank You!

March 3, 2025 Subject: Principal Retirement and Interim Leadership at Essex High School. Dear Essex High School Families, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to share important news regarding a leadership transition at Essex High School. Mr. Gross, EHS Principal, has announced his retirement effective immediately. As we navigate this transition, I am pleased to announce that Mr. Scott, the current Assistant Principal, will serve as the Interim Principal of Essex High School. Mr. Scott has been an integral part of our school community, demonstrating a deep understanding of our students’ needs, our school’s values, and the strong partnerships that make Essex High School such a special place. His leadership and familiarity with our school’s mission will ensure a seamless transition and continued support for our students and staff. Additionally, our central office team will be providing daily support to Mr. Scott and the Essex High School community throughout this transition period. We remain committed to ensuring stability and continuity in leadership while we begin the process of selecting a permanent principal. Thank you for your continued support and engagement. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. Sincerely, Dr. Harry Thomas, III Superintendent of Schools

Happy National School Social Work Week! This week, we celebrate and recognize the incredible work of our school social worker, Ms. Rachel Austria! Ms. Austria plays a vital role in supporting the well-being of our students and families, across all of our schools. Whether she’s providing resources, offering guidance, or advocating for students' needs, her dedication makes a lasting impact every single day. Thank you, Ms. Austria, for your compassion, commitment, and the countless ways you uplift and empower our school community. Your work does not go unnoticed, and we are beyond grateful for all that you do! Again, Thank you.

Congratulations, Essex High School Wrestling Team! We are so proud of our EHS Wrestling Team as they travel to Virginia High School in Bristol, VA to compete in the State Championship! Your hard work, dedication, and determination have brought you this far, and we know you'll give it your all on the mat. Best of luck—your Essex family is cheering you on every step of the way!

📢 Happy School Board Clerk Appreciation Week! 🎉 This week, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of our School Board Clerk Ms. Sharon Saunders. She goes above and beyond expectations every day, ensuring our school board, superintendent, and schools stay organized and supported. Her years of service, dedication, and countless acts of kindness do not go unnoticed. Thank you, Ms. Sharon Saunders, for your commitment, patience, and hard work! We truly appreciate everything you do to keep things running smoothly.

Good Evening, ECPS Families: Please be advised that the following announcement is a change from the message that was sent earlier this evening: Essex County Public Schools will now be closed for in-person instruction and will operate with a Virtual Asynchronous Learning Day on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, due to updated inclement weather information that will make it unsafe for travel. Thanks for your attention and please be safe.

Good evening, ECPS Families: We hope this message finds everyone well and safe. Please be advised that Essex County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Friday, February 14, 2025. Thanks for your attention and enjoy the rest of your evening.

Good Evening, ECPS Families: We hope this message finds everyone well. Thursday, February 13, 2025, will be a Virtual Asynchronous Learning Day for students of Essex County Public Schools. Administrators should report by 10:00 a.m. and essential personnel should be on site as soon as possible. Thanks for you attention and please stay safe.

The School Board Meeting will be held on February 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. A Work Session will take place at 5:00 p.m., followed by a Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. At 6:45 p.m., there will be a Public Hearing on the Proposed FY 2025-2026 Budget Calendar. All are welcome to attend.

Good Evening, ECPS Families: We hope this message finds everyone well. Due to inclement weather and dangerous road conditions, Wednesday, February 12, 2025, will be an asynchronous virtual learning day for all students and staff.of Essex County Public Schools. Thanks for your attention and please be safe!

Good evening, ECPS Families, We hope this message finds everyone well. Due to the inclement weather forecast, Tuesday, February 11, 2025, will be an asynchronous virtual learning day for all students and staff.of Essex County Public Schools. Thanks for your attention and please be safe.