News Summary
A new agreement for operating the Williamsburg-James City County school division is nearing completion, with discussions involving key local leaders. This follows the termination of a longstanding joint contract due to a feasibility study suggesting independent school systems. Leaders emphasize maintaining a partnership and addressing issues like student performance discrepancies. Aiming for completion by Labor Day, the agreement seeks to modernize operations and ensure equitable solutions for approximately 11,000 students.
Williamsburg, VA – A new agreement aimed at operating the joint Williamsburg-James City County school division may soon be finalized, as indicated by School Board Chairwoman Sarah Ortego. During a recent work session, Ortego shared that this new agreement could potentially be ready in the upcoming weeks. This session took place following an earlier committee meeting held on August 29, where discussions surrounding the contract were held.
The committees engaged in these discussions comprise several important leaders, including School Board Vice Chair Andrea Donnor, Superintendent Daniel Keever, and members from both James City County and Williamsburg city councils. Their collaborative efforts involve James City County Supervisor Ruth Larson, Vice Chair John McGlennon, County Administrator Scott Stevens, Williamsburg Councilor Stacy Kern-Scheerer, Vice Mayor Pat Dent, and City Manager Andrew Trivette.
This renewed contract arises after over a year of negotiations between city and county leaders. The impetus for these discussions was a feasibility study initiated by the Williamsburg City Council in June 2023, which examined the possibility of the city operating its own independent school system. As a result of the study, James City County officials voted to terminate the longstanding joint contract that had been in place since 1955, which formally expired in June.
Following the termination, discussions recommenced, leading both city and county officials to agree on the importance of developing a new contract. Ortego has mentioned that significant progress has been made, with all parties focused on catering to the needs of students from both areas. The overarching objective of the new agreement is to ensure equitable solutions, a sentiment shared by all stakeholders involved.
The joint school division currently serves around 11,000 students, with approximately 10,000 from James City County and 1,000 from Williamsburg. Jim Icenhour, chair of the county’s Board of Supervisors, noted that both sides aim to establish a fair cost-sharing agreement regarding the school’s operations.
City and county leaders express a clear preference to maintain their partnership rather than separate into independent school systems. Williamsburg officials are particularly keen on developing a contract that addresses identified deficiencies from the previous year, particularly regarding discrepancies in student performance.
The new agreement is designed to modernize operations while sustaining the benefits experienced through the joint school division. To ensure the contract meets the various needs and expectations, further meetings will be scheduled between representatives of both localities and the school board.
While negotiations have been described as productive, both sides acknowledge ongoing frustrations regarding the pace of progress. There is a general expectation to reach a new agreement by Labor Day, as expressed by Icenhour and Mayor Doug Pons.
Concerns surrounding disparities in student academic performance and the equity of school discipline practices continue to be focal points in these negotiations. Both parties recognize that discussions about funding and student assignment are complex, necessitating careful consideration to avoid disruptions to the education of local students.
Despite the uncertainties related to the eventual agreement, leaders from both Williamsburg and James City County emphasize their commitment to developing a solution that prioritizes the best interests of all students within the joint division.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: New WJCC Schools Contract Potentially Coming in Next Few Weeks
- Wikipedia: Williamsburg, Virginia
- WYDaily: Where Things Stand in the Effort to Fund WJCC Schools
- Google Search: WJCC schools funding
- 13 News Now: WJCC Officials Desire to Keep Joint School System
- Google Scholar: Williamsburg-James City County schools
- Daily Press: WJCC School Division Negotiations Continue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Williamsburg schools
- Pilotonline: WJCC Officials Agree to Talks
- Google News: WJCC joint school system
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
