Hanover schools report strong start to 2025–26 school year; enrollment, meals and retention numbers highlighted

Hanover County Public Schools opened the 2025–26 year with what Superintendent Dr. Lisa Pinnicoff described as "energy, optimism and a deep commitment to our students' success." Pinnicoff presented staff and student metrics to the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 8 and outlined priorities for the year ahead.

Pinnicoff said approximately 16,700 students in preschool through 12th grade are enrolled. Cafeterias served roughly 64,300 meals in the first two weeks and buses traveled about 10,620 miles each day. She reported teacher attrition declined from 11.58% to 9.65%, a level she said the division has not seen in many years and that the district attributes in part to central-office leadership and school-level climates.

The division reported academic performance above state averages in reading, math, science and history, lead regional performance in several content areas and a two-point gain in reading. Pinnicoff credited careful implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act and the adopted high-quality instructional materials for improvements.

For 2025–26 the division identified three focus areas, including a kindness and anti-bullying campaign and continued emphasis on academic growth. Pinnicoff also noted three schools are in design or construction: Beaver Dam Elementary and Battlefield Park (opening 2026) and Washington Henry (planned for 2027).

Board members thanked staff and recognized the logistical scale of daily operations — from bus routing to meal service — and praised central-office and school staff for supporting the school year opening.

Pinnicoff said the division will continue to report progress and work with the board on upcoming initiatives.