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Chesapeake Superintendent Jared A. Cotton to retire after 34-year career; State of the Schools highlights new programs
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Jared A. Cotton used his final State of the Schools address to summarize district achievements, unveil parts of the Empower 2030 plan and receive the Pride of the Peake award; he emphasized safety, well-being, and career-pathway programs.
Dr. Jared A. Cotton, superintendent of Chesapeake Public Schools, told attendees at the 2026 State of the Schools Breakfast that he will retire at the end of the school year after 34 years in education and eight years as superintendent. "It's been the honor of a lifetime to work with you," Cotton said in his final address, outlining progress and goals under the districts Empower 2030 strategic plan.
Cotton and School Board Chair Kim A. Scott highlighted recent district initiatives including a one-to-one device program, the Chesapeake Virtual Academy, the Office of Family and Community Engagement, and the districts new SmithTech lab school partnership with Old Dominion University. Scott said Cottons tenure included securing the states first 100% Purple Star designation for support of military-connected students.
The superintendent emphasized student safety and well-being as central priorities. He described a recent multi-agency reunification exercise with city partners designed to test emergency communications and reunification protocols, thanking school and city safety leaders for their coordination. "We want to make sure that our kids are taken care of in every environment," said Deputy City Manager Bob Geis during remarks about the exercise.
Cotton also showcased programs aimed at career pathways and student opportunity: SmithTech, middle-school music production and computer science electives, the iTeach licensure pathway for staff-to-teacher conversion, and local Instructional Innovations grants that funded projects across the district. He cited examples of students and alumni who have moved into district roles or earned career scholarships.
Near the programs close, the Chesapeake Schools Educational Foundation presented the 2026 Pride of the Peake Award. Chris Crouch, foundation board chair, announced a surprise that the award this year would honor Dr. Cotton for his leadership and partnerships. "Youve impacted the lives of thousands of young people," Crouch said, presenting the award.
The breakfast also included recognitions for district Teachers of the Year and presentations from student participants who described hands-on learning programs. Cotton concluded by asking the community to continue supporting students, staff and district initiatives under Empower 2030.
The district did not announce a specific retirement effective date beyond "the end of the school year" or a timeline for selecting Cottons successor at the event.
