Petersburg school board approves tutoring contracts, MOU with JMU, policy updates and insurance change

PETERSBURG, Va. — The Petersburg City Public Schools Board on Sept. 3 approved a series of administrative actions including contracts for tutoring and university instructors, adoption of updated policies, and a change in employee health coverage.

In a series of motions the board approved: authorization of up to $700,000 for a university-instructor tutoring program scheduled Oct. 15, 2025–May 15, 2026; an interim $300,000 extension for Axiom educators to finish math and reading tutoring through Nov. 17, 2025; and a subsequent $713,000 contract to provide 20 math and ELA tutors from Nov. 18, 2025–May 15, 2026. Superintendent Miss Brown said those contracts will be funded from federal grants, including Title I and ARP-related funds.

The board also approved a memorandum of understanding with James Madison University and Brightpoint Community College to continue a Teaching Fellows partnership aimed at building a teacher pipeline and supporting paraprofessionals seeking degrees.

Administrators presented several policy updates on first and second reading; the board approved the policies on second read, including revisions aligning local policies with state code for purchasing procedures, student conduct, public records, school-connected overdose notification, sponsorships and home instruction.

On benefits, the superintendent recommended switching the district’s employee health plan to Anthem, effective Oct. 1, 2025. According to the administration’s financial review, remaining with the prior provider would have increased premiums by 18% (about $1.2 million), while Anthem represents a roughly 10% increase (about $676,000), producing a net savings of about $540,000 for the division. The board voted to accept the recommendation.

All motions described above were moved, seconded and carried by board vote.