Newsroom

YCSDigest - January 15, 2026

January School Board Meetings

During the annual organizational meeting held at York Hall this week, board members elected the chair and vice chair and set the board’s meeting calendar for the next 6 months. By a vote of 4-0, Zoran Pajevic was named chair and Jimmy Richardson vice chair for 2026.

Staff members also presented on work underway this school year, including an update on the Governor's Proposed Budget for FY26 and FY27 and its potential impact on education funding. The next steps in the budget process include a public forum during the monthly meeting at 7 p.m., Monday, January 26, at York Hall, and the presentation of the superintendent’s proposed budget on February 9.

The entire meeting is available for viewing on the division’s YouTube Channel. Presentation and documents provided to board members are also available online.

School Board Meeting Presentations

Blue Ribbon School Recognition

The Virginia Board of Education has officially recognized Seaford Elementary School as one of seven Virginia schools to meet the criteria to become a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School.

In late August, the U.S. Department of Education abruptly ended the prestigious National Blue Ribbon program established by President Reagan in 1982. At the time of the cancellation, Seaford Elementary had completed the arduous requirements and was eagerly awaiting the official declaration naming SES an Exemplary High Performing School.

To qualify as an Exemplary High Performing School, a school must be among the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Schools must also demonstrate a record of equitable outcomes for all students.

“Seaford Elementary is an outstanding representation of York County’s commitment to ensuring every student is supported, valued and challenged through engaging learning experiences, said Dr. Jim Carroll, YCSD interim superintendent. “We appreciate the Board of Education’s Resolution of Recognition celebrating these achievements and hope to see Virginia follow other states by developing an official Virginia Blue Ribbon program.”

Annual Science and Engineering Fair

The YCSD Science and Engineering Fair is just two weeks away. Held annually, the fair is more than a competition; it's an opportunity for students to showcase vital skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, persistence, and communication.

The event takes place at the Grafton Complex on Thursday, January 29, with project judging from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Once the judges are done, families, students, staff, and community members can explore, talk to students about their projects, and visit interactive STEM tables hosted by local colleges, organizations, and businesses before the awards ceremony at 7 p.m.

Winners of the YCSD fair can move on to compete in the Tidewater Science and Engineering Fair, Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair, and International Science and Engineering Fair.

YCSD Annual Hiring Event

York County School Division invites prospective licensed educators to meet with school administrators and interview for a variety of licensed positions for the 2026–27 school year. Potential openings include elementary, middle, and high school teaching roles, special education positions, and other licensed positions.

Saturday, February 7

8:30 a.m. - Noon

Grafton Middle School

Attendees are encouraged to apply online for a scheduled interview, though walk-ins are welcome.

Questions? Contact the YCSD Human Resources Department at (757) 898‑0392.

Schedule an Interview

Community Announcements

Each month, YCSD shares information from local organizations regarding educational/enrichment activities, events and opportunities for students and families. While the division neither sponsors nor endorses the announcements, they are offered as a community service for our families. Community announcements can also be found on the division website and each school's website.