On Monday, September 30, 2024, Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS) Division Superintendent Tony Brads held the first Parent Roundtable meeting, bringing together parent representatives from every school in the division. Despite the rainy weather, each school’s representative came to the CCPS Central Office for the evening meeting. Executive Director of Human Resources Michelle Metzgar and Director of Communication Laura Hoover were also in attendance to support the discussion.
The Superintendent’s Parent Roundtable is designed to serve as a vehicle for parent engagement and feedback on school policies, procedures, and practices between parents and the Superintendent. Parent representatives were selected by their child’s school administration to serve on the committee. When asked about this new parent group, one parent representative said, “Being part of the Parent Roundtable is such an honor. It's amazing to see how this initiative fosters a sense of involvement among parents at Culpeper County schools.”
The inaugural meeting started with introductions. Then, the group discussed CCPS communication tools, including an overview from Mrs. Hoover of the CCPS website including the School Board’s BoardDocs, the What’s Up newsletter, and the CCPS mobile app. Dr. Brads briefed the group on ongoing CCPS projects including the Culpeper Middle School renovation, plans for Elementary School #7, and new instructional programs. He also provided an update on the CCPS response to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 33.
The Parent Roundtable was created as a result of the CCPS Division Strategic Plan’s communication goal, aiming to enhance engagement with all stakeholders. Dr. Brads currently holds similar roundtables with teachers, classified employees, and students, making the Parent Roundtable a vital addition. This group strengthens the division’s commitment to including parents in important conversations about the future of CCPS. The Roundtable aims to build communication and awareness between parents and the administration and it's an opportunity for us to share this knowledge with the parents at our respective schools. One parent said, “This is a great collaboration in the making and I am excited to see the amazing things we will accomplish.”