District instructional staff told the board the academic year opened with strong staffing continuity, a multi‑day new teacher orientation, summer remediation programming and an ongoing mentor program intended to reduce early career attrition.

The update matters because teacher retention and onboarding affect classroom stability, student learning and the district’s ability to deliver curriculum and interventions, including those required under the Virginia Literacy Act.

A district staff member who presented the instructional update said the division had 30 new teachers this year and reported "more than 90% retention rate," a figure the presenter described as unusually high for the region. The presenter said summer school operated at all three levels between June 16 and July 2 to provide remediation and credit recovery; professional development and convocation events this week were intended to prepare teachers and build division culture.

The district has a year‑long new‑teacher mentor program led by Jennifer Hitt and Emily Demond. Presenters described eight mentor sessions for first‑year teachers, opportunities to connect new teachers with principals and building leaders, and subject‑specific training (curriculum and lesson planning, classroom routines and management, special education coordination). "There is a year long new teacher mentor program that'll be led by Jennifer Hitt and Emily Demond," the presenter said.

Presenters emphasized the division’s focus on relationship‑based teaching and on helping new teachers acquire foundational classroom practices. The update included a request to parents to complete online registration through the parent portal; the presenter said, "We will not release schedules or class placements until you do your registration," citing data‑integrity and safety reasons.

Board members praised the convocation, recognized the district’s retention gains and asked for periodic updates on how professional development and mentor supports are performing during the school year. The board requested follow‑up reporting on attendance at summer school and outreach to families who were invited but did not attend.

— Ending: Staff will continue the mentor sessions, monitor new‑teacher progress, report back to the board on outcomes of professional development and summer school attendance, and support new hires as the school year begins.