We kick off this week's newsletter with great news: Every Henrico County school is fully accredited. We also saw growth and improvement on all state performance indicators, which we'll outline below. Congrats to all our schools! 

More in this edition: We provide an update on HVAC systems and school facilities. We also have reminders on REB award nominations and high school specialty center applications. And be sure to check out the fun video featuring Shady Grove's STEAM Night! 

Henrico County Public Schools saw growth and improvement across all school performance indicators for the 2025-26 school year and achieved full state accreditation across all schools.

This year:

“I congratulate all our schools on receiving full state accreditation!” said Henrico Schools Superintendent Amy Cashwell. “I am so proud of the hard work and consistent effort that has made this achievement possible.

“Henrico Schools’ performance growth across all levels is an incredible accomplishment. Our teachers, specialists and school leaders work every day to understand each student and respond to their needs to create an environment where every student can learn and grow.”

Another highlight for HCPS this year was growth at Glen Lea Elementary School. According to VDOE data, the school ranked among the top elementary schools in the state for improvement, gaining more than 15 points on the performance framework score.

On Friday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger visited Glen Lea to celebrate the school's achievement. Other state and local officials who joined the visit Friday include Secretary of Education Jeffrey Smith; Superintendent of Public Instruction Jenna Conway; Del. Destiny LeVere Bolling; Sen. Lamont Bagby; Ryan Young and Alicia Atkins of the Henrico School Board; Roscoe Cooper of the Henrico Board of Supervisors; HCPS Superintendent Amy Cashwell and members of the HCPS Division Leadership team. 

Henrico Schools continues to make progress in resolving heating and cooling problems, reducing the number of impacted schools across the division. We are strengthening our operational infrastructure to help prevent future issues and keep classrooms comfortable year-round. This work is made possible through a strong partnership between the School Board and the Henrico County Board of Supervisors, providing the necessary funding for essential repairs and preventive maintenance to ensure our facilities operate as efficiently as possible.

Right now, technicians are making permanent repairs as parts arrive and removing temporary air conditioning units wherever possible. At the same time, preventive maintenance vendors are checking boilers and heating systems. They’ve been in schools for nearly four weeks and will keep at it until all building systems are prepped for the colder temperatures ahead.

To improve long-term operations, HCPS contracted a local company, CapTech, for a comprehensive third-party assessment, with recommendations expected in November. That information, along with input from school principals and maintenance staff will be key for reshaping how we do business.

Of course, to support improved operations, we need to expand our workforce with employees who have expertise in HVAC and facilities work. HCPS is actively recruiting for key positions, including a Director of Facilities Operations and Maintenance, an Operations Liaison and HVAC technicians. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the team, visit the Careers page of the school division’s website to apply.

Don't forget: the REB Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership are accepting nominations until Nov. 5!

The program is a chance to recognize the dedication and hard work of Henrico County Public Schools principals who have gone above and beyond to create an exceptional education environment. Students, families, staff and members of the community are invited to submit nominations. 

The honorees will receive $20,000 to be used for school initiatives as well as an unrestricted $10,000 cash grant. A runner-up will also be chosen and could receive $10,000 for use toward school projects. 

Principals from Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties and the City of Richmond are eligible, and one nominee from each school division will be honored. 

For more information on eligibility criteria and the nomination process, and to submit a nomination, visit cfrichmond.org/receive/scholars-educators/educators/leadership.

The awards were established by the REB Foundation and Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond. Award recipients will be announced in March 2027. 

LEVEL UP: Students and families enjoyed an array of activities at Shady Grove Elementary's STEAM Night, including Lego building, coding, arts and crafts, and playing catch with a robot!

HCPS has extended the deadline on its staggered start survey to Oct. 18.  

This year, we used a staggered start model to help young students, as well as sixth graders and high school freshmen, transition into their new schools. We want to hear your thoughts on what went well and where we can improve.

The survey is open to staff and families. Please share your thoughts using the English survey link or Spanish survey link. If you need help completing the survey, contact the Department of Assessment, Research, and Evaluation at (804) 652-3830. 

Thank you for helping us improve!

A big change is coming to henricoschools.us! Our redesigned website will feature a more modern look, easier navigation, and improved access to the information that matters most to families. 

P. O. Box 23120 • 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA 23223 • 804-652-3600 

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