In Case You Missed This:

Two Northumberland citizens have initiated the process to move from an elected to an appointed School Board.  While NCSBWatch takes no position on this issue – we feel it is important for the information to be available to you.

The press release:

NORTHUMBERLAND CITIZENS BEGIN PROCESS TO ABOLISH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

Media Contact:
Patrick O’Brien
804-450-2002

HEATHSVILLE, VIRGINIA
April 3,2025

Yesterday Northumberland County citizens Jim Penny and Patrick O’Brien initiated the statutory process for eliminating the elected county School Board and to replace it with a school board appointed by the county Board of Supervisors. As required by §24.2-684.1 and §§22.1-57.2 through 57.4, the citizens filed a petition with Clerk of the Circuit Court calling for a referendum on the question in the November, 2025 elections. Penny and O’Brien believe that appointment of qualified accountants and business persons can eliminate school budget chaos while improving the quality of education in the County and relieve taxpayers of wasteful spending. They note that overall academic performance has declined relative to other local counties, while spending has skyrocketed amid a steady decline in the numbers of students. “Retired and low income taxpayers are at the breaking point” said O’Brien.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court must certify receipt of the petition within 10 days of the filing, after which the petition may be circulated for signatures by the registered voter who are citizens of the County.  At least ten percent of the citizens registered to vote in the County, some one thousand voters, must sign the petition form before the question can appear on the ballot. Signed valid petition forms must be submitted to Court and the Board of Elections at least 111 days before the elections (by July17, 2025). The same question can appear on the ballot only once every four years if defeated by a majority of actual voters