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Residents at Hanover meeting challenge library and school appointments, call for transparency
Summary
Multiple residents used Citizens’ Time at the March 12 Hanover County Board meeting to criticize recent library-board appointments, demand greater transparency in school board work sessions, and oppose the permanent appointment of the interim superintendent.
Several residents spoke during Citizens’ Time at the Hanover County Board of Supervisors’ March 12 meeting to criticize recent appointments to the library board, call for more transparent school-board work sessions and oppose the prospective permanent hiring of the interim superintendent.
Kristen Stevens of Canicksville said she was concerned that recent library-board appointees were “known to favor book banning” and that the board’s choices had driven out two library directors. Stevens urged the board to be transparent in committee and appointment processes and questioned the sincerity of public engagement around some recent appointees.
Patricia Jordan of the Cold Harbor District told the board the county is not sufficiently inclusive of cultural diversity and expressed concern that highly credentialed candidates for the school board had not been appointed. Jordan also said the board did not acknowledge Black History Month. Both speakers urged the board to depoliticize appointments and to include a diversity of viewpoints.
On school leadership, Stevens said she opposed making Dr. Penicove (transcript spelling varies) the permanent superintendent and cited concerns she said had arisen from the candidate’s previous district; she asked the board to consider citizen and staff perspectives. Several speakers asked that school-board work sessions held in the same room be livestreamed so interested parents and residents can follow discussions before formal votes.
Why it matters: Appointments to advisory boards and the selection of a permanent superintendent shape policy and leadership in county institutions including the public library and schools. Multiple speakers tied appointments to broader concerns over inclusion, transparency and whether citizen input is meaningfully considered.
Board response and next steps: The board did not take immediate action on appointment criticism during Citizens’ Time. Chair and supervisors as a group later noted the schedule for upcoming public hearings and the school-appointment timeline (noting Title 22.1, Code of Virginia, for appointment schedules), and the board signaled that public hearings and an online interest form will be used as part of its appointment process.
