ECPS Superintendent Dr. Harry R. Thomas III (left) has been placed on administrative leave while the School Board conducts an internal investigation. Assistant Superintendent Doranda Scott has assumed the Superintendent’s duties as the hiring process for a replacement has begun.
The outgoing superintendent of Essex County Public Schools (ECPS) has been placed on administrative leave while the School Board conducts an internal investigation.
The nature of the investigation was not disclosed in a March 18 release signed by School Board Chair Garlyn R. Bundy.
The Virginia State Police (VSP) has not been contacted to perform an independent investigation, VSP spokesperson Sgt. Jessica Shehan told the Rappahannock Times.
Dr. Harry R. Thomas III has been the ECPS superintendent since August 2019. Last month, Thomas told the Rappahannock Times he is leaving the school system at the conclusion of the current academic year to perform consulting work with school divisions that are seeking to improve their student achievement.
In the release, it was announced that assistant superintendent Doranda Scott “will assume the duties of Superintendent as the designee until a new superintendent is selected. A superintendent selection search has already begun.”
She has been serving in that role since March 18.
The School Board release says: “Our board regards itself as the guardian of the decisions that affect student achievement, budget priorities, and strategic focus. To this end, the Board consistently evaluates the outcomes and progress made in this school division.
“We, the members of the Board, value the contributions of each family in our school division, as we seek to advance this division and its students in meeting the challenges of the twentyfirst century. Specifically, this Board believes that it has the unique opportunity to re-evaluate current conditions and to provide a fresh perspective and a new direction for the school division.”
Last week’s revelation about the internal investigation is the latest issue the Essex School Board is facing.
Most recently, the School Board requested a financial department consolidation with Essex County.
The county’s Board of Supervisors has instructed its legal counsel to draft a cooperative services agreement.
School division departments impacted, if the agreement is approved, include Accounting, Finance, Payroll, and Procurement. School System Director of Finance Libby Franklin left her role earlier this year.
Bobbie Tassinari was appointed as the school system’s Purchasing Agent. Tassinari is Essex County’s chief business advisor.
Finances were also a topic of discussion at the October 2024 School Board meeting when Board member Scott Croxton said he was not getting the regular financial information he sought from the Central Office.
In addition to Thomas, the School Board is seeking a replacement for Essex High School Principal Roger “Butch” Gross who retired earlier this month.
The release issued last week concluded by saying, “Our actions are intended to demonstrate the Board’s desire for the progressive future of our school division that will continue to be one characterized by trust, transparency, and responsibility.”
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