Board confirms closed-session outcomes: one student expelled, interim principal appointment approved

After convening in closed session under Code of Virginia provisions for personnel, student disciplinary, real estate and legal matters, the Chesapeake School Board on Feb. 24 returned to open session and took two formal actions announced publicly.

Superintendent Dr. Cotton moved that “student number 1” be expelled; the motion was seconded by Kim Scott and carried with all board members voting yes. The board did not disclose details about the incident in open session; expulsions were presented as items resulting from the closed meeting.

Board members then approved an administrative appointment submitted by Dr. Khan: Mrs. Jennifer L. Zagendorf was appointed principal of Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, moving from interim principal to principal. The motion to approve the appointment was moved by Mike Lamonia and seconded by John McCormick; the board voted unanimously in favor.

The board also recorded its closed-session motion language on the record, citing the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3711 subsections (A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3) and (A)(7) for the lawful grounds to convene in closed session. Pursuant to the board’s bylaws, members also approved remote participation for an outside attorney to join the closed session.

By law, the board limited public disclosure of closed-session deliberations; the open-session actions were limited to the formal motions and votes reported at the meeting.