Accomack School Board working on steps to find superintendent replacement

In the wake of Dr. Rhonda Hall’s firing as Accomack County Superintendent, many have asked who is currently making decisions in the school board office.

Board Chair Janet Turner stated that the organizational structure created by Dr. Hall remains in effect during this interim period.

“Beth Onley is the #2 as the Chief of Operations, and all directors will report to her. Any instructional questions or issues will be handled by Karen Taylor for upper grade levels or Katie Ferrell for lower grades,” she said.

According to the Accomack Public Schools Organizational Chart, seven leadership positions report directly to the Superintendent, who in turn reports to the school board.

Turner explained that there is no assistant superintendent because that was Dr. Hall’s request when she was hired.

“We interviewed many qualified candidates, but Dr. Hall didn’t want an assistant; she just wanted her team,” Turner said.

Turner added that the School Board will meet soon to decide on the process moving forward.

In Virginia, a school board that has not appointed a superintendent within 120 days of a vacancy shall submit a written report to the Superintendent of Public Instruction demonstrating its timely efforts to make an appointment. Upon request, a school board shall be granted up to an additional 180 days within which to appoint a division superintendent. The school board may appoint a licensed interim superintendent to maintain continuity, as they did when Dr. Kregg Cuellar left halfway through the 2016 school year.

In accordance with Code of Virginia 15.2-1510.1, the Accomack County School Board announced that Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Hall will receive a severance payment of $87,280.30.