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Meeting roundup: expulsions, appointments, grants and a calendar change at Chesapeake School Board
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Summary
The board approved two student expulsions, two administrative appointments and a resolution recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child; staff presented special education and Perkins grant plans that will return for approval on April 20; the board also approved an asynchronous instructional day on April 21, 2026.
At its meeting, the Chesapeake School Board took several formal actions after a closed-session review and a series of informational presentations.
Closed-session outcomes and personnel actions: Superintendent Cotton reported two student disciplinary recommendations following closed session. The board voted to expel student 32326EDash1 with services (motion moved by Elijah Colon, seconded by Malia Huddle) and to expel student 32326EDash2 (moved by Mike Lamonia, seconded by Elijah Colon); both expulsions were approved unanimously. The board also approved two administrative appointments: Jean Marie Park to special education administrator for Chesapeake Virtual Academy (effective 07/01/2026 if approved) and Dr. Crystal Moore to assistant principal at Crestwood Elementary (effective immediately upon approval).
Resolutions and calendar: The board unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing April 2026 as the Month of the Military Child after a presentation from Laura Lerf and guests from NSA Hampton Roads, who noted that every school in the division has earned a Purple Star designation. Later, Superintendent Cotton asked the board to amend the 2025–26 academic calendar to designate April 21, 2026, as an asynchronous instructional day because 17 schools will serve as polling locations for a special election; the board approved the calendar amendment (motion by Mike Lamonia, seconded by Malia Huddle).
Grants and plans presented: The board received but did not vote on two grant-related items. Towanda Shirley presented the proposed 2026–27 special education annual plan and Part B flow-through application, noting Chesapeake Public Schools had a 12/01/2025 child count of 6,841 students with disabilities and that the draft allocates $9,700,000 to Section 611 and $225,842 to Section 619; the application will be on the consent agenda for the April 20 board meeting for approval and submission to the Virginia Department of Education prior to the May 8 deadline. Dr. Anna Hellmer presented the Carl Perkins local plan and budget proposal for 2026–27, totaling $707,300.37, with approximately $424,000 for capital/equipment and about $192,000 for purchased services; action on the Perkins plan is scheduled for the April 20 meeting.
Superintendent search and special meeting: Superintendent Cotton announced a special closed meeting on 2026-04-13 at 5:00 p.m. to consider superintendent candidates; the board will reconvene in open session only to announce interview schedules and conduct no other public business.
Consent and finance: The consent agenda passed unanimously. Mrs. Glaude presented the February 2026 financial projections, reporting realized revenue of roughly $58 million (about $32 million state funds and about $25 million city funds) and projected expenditures around $55 million (rising to $87 million when encumbrances are included); staff cautioned that falling enrollment will reduce final state revenue, though savings so far are offsetting the decline.
What the board approved tonight: expulsions of two students; two administrative appointments; a resolution recognizing April as Month of the Military Child; adoption of Option 3 for Culpeper Landing attendance zoning (see separate story); amendment to the academic calendar to make April 21 an asynchronous day; approval of remote participation for outside counsel and VSBA representatives to join the closed session.
The board adjourned after brief member remarks and several acknowledgments.
