The Essex County School Board will be holding a Special Called meeting on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.. in the Essex County School Board Office Complex.

JCIS Back to School Night - August 5th, 4 pm - 7 pm

Required Immunization Clinic
For Rising 7th Grade Students & High School Seniors

Upcoming Events!

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Upcoming Dates

Dream Team Meetup Q&A Sign-up

Please complete this form if you would like to sign up to ask a question, share a comment, offer a suggestion, or express a feeling (positive or negative) during the Q&A portion of the Meetup.

Signing up in advance is optional—you will still have the opportunity to ask questions and participate during the session even if you do not complete this form beforehand.

https://forms.gle/oWdiYga2RdGgSNHk8

Essex County School Board will hold a Public Hearing on the FY 2026-2027 Proposed Budget on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Essex County School Board Office Complex.

🎡📚 Step Right Up… Our Book Fair Carnival Is Coming! 📚🎡

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls… the greatest reading show on earth is coming to our school! Our upcoming Book Fair will have a fun carnival theme, filled with exciting stories, amazing adventures, and books that will have students cheering for more! 🎟️✨

Just like a carnival, there will be something for everyone—thrilling adventures, hilarious stories, inspiring biographies, and so many new favorites waiting to be discovered.

🎪 Don’t miss the fun!
📚 Students can explore tons of exciting books
🎟️ Find the perfect story to take home
❤️ Every purchase helps support our school

📅 Date: March 19-26th
📍 Location: JCIS Library

So grab your tickets and step right up to the greatest Book Fair on Earth! Let the reading fun begin! 🎡📖🎉

The Essex County School Board is seeking a candidate from the Central Voting District to serve on the School Board. If interested, please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Sharon Saunders, Clerk Essex County School Board P.O. Box 756 Tappahannock, VA 22560 or Email to ssaunders@essex.k12.va.us. Deadline to submit is June 27, 2025.

The Essex County School Board is seeking to appoint a candidate from the Central Voting District to serve out a resigning member’s term on the School Board. If interested, please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Sharon Saunders, Clerk Essex County School Board P.O. Box 756 Tappahannock, VA 22560 or Email to ssaunders@essex.k12.va.us. Deadline to submit is June 27, 2025.

There will be a Special Called meeting of the Essex County School Board on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Essex County School Board Office Complex.

Dana Hawes joins Essex County Public Schools as the 2025-2026 JCIS Principal with over 25 years of distinguished service as an award-winning educator and instructional leader, dedicated to improving outcomes for marginalized youth across public and private schools in the Greater Richmond Metro Area. His career includes teaching English and Pre-GED courses for the Department of Correctional Education and serving in various school leadership roles, including principalships in Richmond and Henrico County, a regional juvenile detention center in Northern Virginia, and most recently, Greensville County High School, where he led the school to full accreditation. He also served as the inaugural principal of The Refocus Center in Greensville County. Dr. Hawes holds a BA in English and Mass Communications and an Ed.D. from Virginia State University, as well as a Master’s from Walden University and a Post-Master’s in Educational Leadership from George Washington University. He is also a proud combat veteran of the United States Army.

Dr. Marvin Jones has been appointed as the Superintendent of Schools for Essex County, bringing with him more than 33 years of distinguished service and leadership in public education. A dedicated educator and administrator, Dr. Jones holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Delaware State University, a Master’s degree in School Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Dr. Jones began his career as an elementary school teacher in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where he served for eight years before advancing to Vice Principal in Charles County. Over the next 13 years, he held key leadership positions, including serving as Principal at multiple schools and later Executive Director of Schools, where he played a pivotal role in opening Charles County’s newest high school and successfully guiding a middle school through uniquely significant challenges. His exceptional leadership earned him the prestigious James E. Richmond Leadership in Excellence Award in 2019. Prior to his appointment in Essex County Public Schools, Dr. Jones served as Chief of Schools for Charles County Public Schools, overseeing the daily operations of 43 schools, county-wide extracurricular programs, and critical departments such as School Safety and Security, Student Engagement and Conduct, and Community Engagement and Equity. Recognized for his motivational speaking and commitment to equity, he was featured in African American Pride Magazine (2019) for his contributions to education. As Superintendent, Dr. Jones is committed to advancing Essex County’s “Pathways to Excellence” vision, ensuring the district reaches new heights in academic achievement and operational quality. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and a devoted husband and father of three.

Announcement A Special Called Closed Session School Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Essex County School Board Office.

🚍 Happy Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🚍 Thank you to our amazing bus drivers for keeping our students safe and smiling every day. We appreciate all you do! 💛

🎉 Happy Assistant Principal Week! 🎉 This week, we want to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of our Assistant Principals. Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our students and school community don't go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do! 💙

🎯 Special Announcements Regarding " Special Education Grant Application and Plan" If the public would like to review and/or give comments to the 2025-2026 Essex County Public School Special Education Grant Application and Plan, they may do so from Monday, April 7-11, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM in the School Board Office, located at 109 N. Cross Street, Tappahannock, VA 22560. If accommodations are needed, please call Ms. Sharon Saunders at 804-443-4366.