Petersburg Schools Invite Community Input on 5-Year Plan
Community Voices Shape Petersburg Public Schools’ Five-Year Strategic Plan
Petersburg Public Schools (PCPS) recently held a town hall meeting to gather input from parents and community members as part of the district’s five-year strategic planning process. The event, organized in collaboration with Hazard Young Attea Associates, aimed to ensure that the voices of families and local residents are integral to shaping the future of the school system.
Superintendent Yolanda Brown emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating that families send their children to PCPS every day and should have a say in the district’s long-term goals. “They should have a voice in what our plan is for the next five years,” she said.
Parents and community members shared their priorities during the meeting, highlighting several key areas for improvement. These included increasing active parent participation, achieving a 95 percent graduation rate, and ensuring full accreditation for all schools within the next five to ten years.
Lakeshia Tinsley, a parent, expressed her concern about the transition from elementary to middle school. She suggested that smaller class sizes and the inclusion of teaching aides could make this transition smoother for students. Additionally, community members stressed the need for stronger written and verbal communication skills among students.
Brown, who has been leading PCPS for less than a year, is focused on developing a comprehensive plan for student success beyond the classroom. Her vision includes preparing students for higher education, military service, or entrepreneurship.
Recent standardized test results revealed some challenges. For instance, 41 percent of students passed their reading exam, which was slightly lower than the previous year. However, math scores showed a slight improvement, with 36 percent of students passing the exam. Tinsley acknowledged the results with a mix of disappointment and understanding, noting that teacher shortages may have contributed to the decline.
Brown stated that her team is committed to continuous improvement and is working to identify necessary changes. “I ask parents to continue to walk this journey with us,” she said. “I want to assure them that the leadership team of Petersburg, working with the school board, parents, and school-based employees, will figure out what needs to change.”
The district has invested approximately $1.5 million in high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and resources aligned with state standards for K-12 math and 6-12 reading. This investment aims to enhance the quality of education and support student achievement.
Another significant focus from the community is promoting teacher preparation programs. PCPS partners with several universities, including Virginia State University’s H.E.R.O. residency program, to help aspiring educators earn their degrees. Students who commit to working in PCPS for three years after graduation can receive a tuition-free Master’s degree.
Superintendent Brown noted that more students are taking advantage of these opportunities. She also highlighted the strengths identified by community members, such as:
- Family Engagement
- Cultural Awareness
- Entrepreneurship Program
- Dual Enrollment
- Social Emotional Check-ins
- Giving former students the opportunity to speak at commencement ceremonies
As the district moves into phase III of its five-year strategic planning process, it will evaluate the feedback gathered during the town hall meeting. The final strategic plan is expected to be adopted in December, reflecting the collective input of the community and the district’s commitment to continuous improvement.
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