PCPS welcomes two new principals for 2025-2026 school year
Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS) is pleased to welcome two dynamic educators to lead two of its schools in the 2025-2026 school year. Mr. Michael Pierce has been hired as Principal of Powhatan High School, and Dr. Jason Gill will serve as Principal of Powhatan Elementary School.
Both men were approved at the School Board’s April meeting and will assume their new positions effective July 1, 2025.
Mr. Pierce to lead PHS
Mr. Michael Pierce brings more than two decades of service in education and the military to his new role at Powhatan High School. Most recently serving as Principal at James H. Cary Intermediate School, Mr. Pierce said he strives to be a collaborative leader focused on instructional excellence and student success. His career spans 11 years in public education and 10 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army.
“I’m excited to assume my role as Principal of Powhatan High School and apply the lessons I’ve learned over the past 20 years as an Army leader, teacher, coach, and administrator,” Mr. Pierce shared in a letter to the PHS community. “My guiding philosophy - the thread I can trace through the diverse journey that brought me here - is the paramount importance of building relationships and maintaining a servant’s heart.”
When working with PHS staff, Mr. Pierce said he will endeavor to provide the outstanding leadership they deserve through collaborative and data-driven decision making, ensuring that teachers have the information, tools, and time they need to accomplish their important work.
Regardless of his title, Mr. Pierce said he will always view himself as a professional educator, adding his primary place of duty is in the classrooms and common areas of PHS, working alongside its talented staff to educate the young adults of this community.
Mr. Pierce holds two master’s degrees in education from Old Dominion University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Drury University. He will be joined in Powhatan by his wife, Pamela, and their three children.
“Our family is excited to become part of this community, and Pamela and I are thrilled to place our children’s education in the capable hands of Powhatan’s teachers and coaches,” he said. “We look forward to playing an active role in the community and meeting new friends and neighbors.”
The role of interim PHS Principal is currently being filled by Aaron Boughner, who stepped into the position this spring and has done a wonderful job leading the high school. Mr. Boughner will transition to his new role as Assistant Director of Student Services and Interventions on July 1, 2025.
Dr. Gill to lead POWES
Dr. Jason Gill joins Powhatan Elementary with 24 years of educational experience, including 11 years in leadership roles within Chesterfield County Public Schools. He is currently serving as Associate Principal of Falling Creek Elementary School, where he provides instructional leadership, guides professional development, and oversees special education services and school-wide attendance initiatives.
In a letter to the POWES community, Dr. Gill emphasized his commitment to building strong relationships with staff, students, and families. He plans to spend his first 60 days meeting with school leaders to better understand the needs and strengths of the school community. He also announced plans for summer engagement opportunities, including weekly chat sessions with parents and community members, as well as a back-to-school picnic in August.
“My personal vision as a member of the Powhatan community is to provide a safe learning environment where all of our students feel loved, welcomed, and are pushed to be the best student he or she can be,” Dr. Gill said. “We can do this by working collectively to ensure we are using the most up-to-date and research-based instructional practices, making sure we have the necessary materials for our staff to use with our students, understand the social and emotional well-being of our students, and inviting parents and community partners into our school to share in this journey.”
A graduate of Virginia Tech with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Dr. Gill also holds a master’s degree from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s from Longwood College.
Dr. Gill emphasized his commitment to instructional leadership, relationship building, the ability to form community partnerships as well as knowing how to make a school a fun learning environment.
Mrs. Constance Deal has helped lead Powhatan Elementary as an administrator for almost 30 years, first as Assistant Principal and then in her current role as Principal. Mrs. Deal’s outstanding 37-year career in education has taken place at Powhatan Elementary, and she has touched the lives of generations of Powhatan children in her career. She will retire as of June 30, 2025.
We want to make our PCPS families aware of an important update for the 2025–2026 school year. The School Board has approved adding 10 minutes to the school day, and adjusting bell schedules across all schools to better coordinate transportation. The new daily schedule will be as follows: Elementary students may be dropped off at 8:25 a.m., with classes starting at 8:40 a.m. and dismissal at 3:30 p.m. Middle School drop-off begins at 7:20 a.m., classes start at 7:35 a.m., and dismissal is at 2:25 p.m. High School students can be dropped off at 7:25 a.m., with a 7:40 a.m. start time and dismissal at 2:30 p.m.
In addition, the beginning of the 2025–2026 school year will begin with staggered start dates to help key grade levels ease into the new school year with extra support. For elementary students, Grades 1–5 and Pre-K/Kindergarten students with last names A–M will start on August 18. Pre-K/K students with last names N–Z will begin on August 19, and all Pre-K/K students will attend together starting August 20. For secondary students, only Grades 6 and 9 will start on August 18. Grades 7–8 and 10–12 will join them on August 19.
We encourage families to review the dates and times closely and mark their calendars now!
#wearepcps #teampowhatan
📚🎲 Earlier this semester, a group of engineering students from Powhatan High School created an awesome game to help Powhatan Elementary third graders in Mrs. Beach’s class practice their math facts—and they’ve been loving it ever since! One of the students visited the classroom to teach the students how to play. All of the students got a chance to try it out, and they were so excited. The best part? The game is adaptable for any subject—not just math! 💡🎉 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
💜 April is the Month of the Military Child, and Pocahontas Elementary showed its support by participating in Purple Up! Earlier this month, students and staff wore purple to honor our military-connected children and recognize the strength and resilience they show every day. Some POCA military students stayed after school to celebrate—reading a story together, decorating cookies, and adding their handprints to a banner that now hangs proudly in the school’s front hall. We’re proud to stand with our military families and thankful for all they do! 💜 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
PCPS will not offer Head Start in 2025-2026 school year
Contributed Report
In response to a recent decision by Richmond Public Schools to reduce its Head Start program allocations, Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS) is no longer able to offer the program beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.
On April 8, the Richmond School Board voted to reduce its regional preschool program by 200 seats, including 17 slots previously filled by Powhatan students. This decision stems from evolving circumstances and shifts in regional partnerships, which unfortunately impact Powhatan’s ability to support a Head Start class next year.
PCPS remains committed to the importance of early childhood education, particularly for children who need additional support transitioning into kindergarten. Powhatan will continue to offer its Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) programs. These programs have distinct eligibility criteria and application deadlines, which parents and guardians are encouraged to review on the PCPS website.
For more information on the ECSE and VPI programs, please visit https://www.powhatan.k12.va.us/page/preschool-programs or contact the PCPS Early Childhood Education office at 804-598-5700.
In March, Powhatan High School’s Readers and Writers Club hosted a Cake Walk in the library — a sweet celebration with a deeper meaning. 🍰📚 Originally planned for February in honor of Black History Month, the event was delayed due to snow but still brought the students together when it finally happened. The cake walk has powerful roots. According to the Birmingham Historical Society, it began as a pre-Civil War dance performed by enslaved African Americans. Known then as the “prize walk,” dancers would compete for a beautifully decorated cake — the origin of familiar phrases like “takes the cake” and “cakewalk.” We’re proud our students honored this unique piece of Black cultural history with fun, learning, and reading-themed prizes. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
🍦🎉 Students who have joined Pocahontas Elementary since October got a sweet surprise today—a new student ice cream party during lunchtime! Each new student got to bring a friend, making the celebration even more special, as you can see by the smiles on these kindergarteners’ faces. This tradition happens twice a year, giving new students a chance to feel seen, celebrated, and connected. 🧡 🍨 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Time to turn in those aluminum pop tabs! 🧡 This week, all five schools are collecting tabs to recycle for the Ronald McDonald House. Don’t forget to bring them in. Which school will come out on top? #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Today at Powhatan Elementary, our amazing third graders made Earth Day extra special! 🌍🌱 Students from Mrs. Rose and Mrs. Beach’s classes took it upon themselves to help clean up the playground. Mrs. Beach had just finished a lesson about Earth Day this morning, and these young environmentalists were so motivated, they decided to pick up trash all on their own. We are so happy they were inspired to take action to do something for their school and for the Earth. 💚 🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Still smiling from all the laughs and talent at Friday night’s Mr. Powhatan 2025 competition! 🎤 Huge shoutout to all the amazing young men who took the stage—you brought the energy, the charm, and definitely the fun.
🎉 Big congrats to our new Mr. Powhatan, Alberto Sanna!
👏 First runner-up: Nolan Stamp
🙌 Second runner-up: Maki Enomoto
You guys crushed it!
Also, mad love to contestants Jackson Faris, CT Rich, Colin Murray, and Matthew Taylor—you made the night unforgettable.
And let’s not forget the awesome work by the PHS Leftovers with their fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and all of the staff members who pitched in to help. So proud of this crew! 💜🎗️ #wearepcps #teampowhatan
The latest School Board Recap Newsletter is now available! Catch up on the highlights from the April 15 meeting and stay informed about the important decisions shaping our schools. Your voice matters, and we invite the entire community to engage with the information that affects us all. Read the newsletter to learn more and join the conversation about our students' futures! The link to the newsletter is in the first comment. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Reminder: Powhatan County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, April 21. We hope all of our students and staff and their families have a safe and happy three-day holiday weekend.
🎤✨ TONIGHT at 7 p.m.! Come join us in the Powhatan High School auditorium on Friday, April 18 for an unforgettable evening of laughs, creativity, and a little unexpected glamour at the Mr. Powhatan 2025 competition! Tickets are just $5, and every single one helps raise money for Relay for Life, supporting the fight against cancer. 🎗️💜 Our brave contestants are ready to put on a show you won’t want to miss — think talent, personality, and some serious school spirit!
If you're free tonight, come cheer them on and support a great cause. We promise, it'll be a night to remember! 🙌 🧡 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
The Stone Age Meets the Tech Age!
Learning was on the move right before spring break in Mrs. Dillon’s fifth grade class at Powhatan Elementary! In a fun and engaging collaboration with Mr. Wolfgang, the Innovating Learning Coach, students explored the rock cycle using Ozobots — tiny, programmable robots that brought science concepts to life. As part of the ACES grant initiative, this hands-on activity highlighted the power of integrating technology into the classroom. Students worked together to code, problem-solve, and visually diagram the rock cycle in a creative and interactive way. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Earlier today, Powhatan High School held a small reception to honor students whose parents serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community. The Month of the Military Child is a time to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices and the challenges they overcome. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Ms. Phinney and Mrs. Tew’s eighth grade physical science class took on an awesome challenge in the Innovation Lab with Dr. Spott at Powhatan Middle School last week! 🧲⚙️ Students designed experiments to test the strength of an electromagnet—then leveled up by creating devices that use those magnets to move objects. Super cool to see science in motion! #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Junior English students at Powhatan High School had an unforgettable time at the annual Gatsby Gala in March! 🎉✨ After reading “The Great Gatsby,” students got to experience the novel in a fun, hands-on way with interactive stations set up in the library. 📚 Students tried their dance moves by learning the Charleston. They took photos in front of a green screen that could be placed on images related to the novel. They even took a peek at a 1923 pocketbook to see how the cost of living then compared to present day. A huge shoutout to our amazing teachers and librarians for teaming up to make this event such a success every year. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Before spring break, Mrs. Bowman’s fifth-grade class at Pocahontas Elementary was all about mastering prefixes! 📚 They dug into their HMH reading lesson and worked in pairs to read and discuss, really reinforcing what they were learning. #wearepcps #teampowhatan
🎉 B-I-N-G-O and bingo was... YOUR name! 😄
Join us Saturday, April 26th at Powhatan High School for a night of fun, food, and PRIZES — all to support PHS Football! 🏈
🕔 Doors open at 5 p.m.
🎉 Games start at 6 p.m.
🎟️ 12 Games for $25
🍽️ Grab dinner, your dauber, and get ready for some laughs (and maybe a win or two)!
🎂 Don’t miss the baked goods auction & 50/50 raffle!
Jonathan will be calling the numbers — all we need is YOU! Tag your bingo buddy and we’ll see you there! 🙌 #wearepcps #teampowhatan
Big surprise at Powhatan Elementary on Monday! 🎉 Longwood University staff members Amber Litchford and Jennifer Whitaker stopped by to present student teacher Emily Boeckle with the Tamara Bird Jones Outstanding Student Teacher Award!
Ms. Boeckle, an elementary ed major at Longwood, has been student teaching in Mrs. Lewis’s 5th grade class since January—and clearly making a big impact. This award honors future educators who go above and beyond with creative teaching, thoughtful planning, a strong commitment to student growth, and promoting appreciation and respect for students’ differences.
Congrats, Ms. Boeckle—we’re so proud of you! 👏🍎#wearepcps #teampowhatan
