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Caroline County School Board elects Lydell Fortune chair, Allison Sears vice chair

Caroline County Public Schools School Board · January 13, 2026

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Summary

At its Jan. 12 reorganization meeting, the Caroline County School Board elected Lydell Fortune chair in a 5–1 vote, confirmed Allison Sears as vice chair and approved several administrative appointments including clerk, deputy clerk and superintendent designee.

The Caroline County School Board reorganized its leadership at its Jan. 12 meeting, electing Lydell Fortune as chair and Allison Sears as vice chair and approving routine administrative appointments.

Fortune was elected chair after nominations from the floor and a roll-call vote that ended 5 to 1 in his favor; the board recorded ayes from Allison Sears, Jawanda Rollins Fells, Lydell Fortune, Sean Kelly and Calvin Taylor, and a no vote from Michael Hubbard. Fortune accepted the gavel and thanked colleagues for their support.

The board confirmed Allison Sears as vice chair by roll-call vote. The superintendent recommended Lisa Stevens as clerk of the board; Christy Shaw was approved as deputy clerk; and Marsha Stevens was designated to attend meetings in the superintendent’s absence. The board also reappointed Jay Kelleher to continue as the student school board representative.

Superintendent Sarah Calverick opened the reorganization by citing Virginia Code sections 22.1‑72 and 22.1‑76, which require annual organizational actions and the establishment of a meeting schedule. Calverick reviewed the responsibilities of board leadership, including agenda preparation, committee assignments, and signing official documents.

In comments, outgoing chair Calvin Taylor reflected on his service to the division and outlined his approach to the role; Fortune pledged to work collaboratively and thanked community members in attendance. The board moved on to other reorganization items after the leadership votes.

The newly configured leadership team will lead the board through planned work this year, including joint discussions with the Board of Supervisors and outreach on facilities and budget priorities.