School Board Appoints Dr. Lisa Pennycuff as HCPS Acting Superintendent
Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, an educator and administrator for more than 30 years, has been selected to serve as the acting Superintendent of Schools for Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS).
At a special Hanover County School Board meeting held Tuesday night, the School Board selected Dr. Pennycuff to serve as the acting HCPS superintendent, effective Monday, August 5. This action follows the resignation announced last week of Dr. Michael Gill, which the School Board accepted as part of its special meeting.
“I am thankful to the Hanover County School Board for this opportunity to join the team of outstanding educators to serve the children, families, and community. There is a long-held tradition of excellence, dedicated educators, and of strong community support here in Hanover County,” said Dr. Pennycuff. “I am excited to engage and build relationships with everyone, and to support the county through this transition.”
Dr. Pennycuff has been preparing young people in the Commonwealth for success for more than 30 years. Her service to the children of the Commonwealth includes serving as a classroom teacher, Learning Specialist for students with disabilities, as Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Accountability and Instructional Services with the York County School Division, and as the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Accountability and Superintendent of Prince George County Public Schools.
“During the 2023-2024 school year, my mother was hospitalized for six months. During that time it became apparent that my mother and aunt for whom my mother was the caregiver needed help to transition into a more sustainable life plan. I have been blessed to have these past few months to get my aunt settled into assistive living and to get the supports in place that allow my mother to stay in her home,” Dr. Pennycuff said. “In my life, I have found that there is no more important work than helping our children build a strong foundation for their futures. I am thankful for this opportunity to support and serve Hanover County.”
Dr. Pennycuff earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Queens College, a Master of Education in Special Education from the College of William and Mary, an Education Specialist degree from The George Washington University, and her Doctorate in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership from The College of William and Mary, where she has also served as an Adjunct Professor for the Graduate School of Education.
School Board Chairman Lt. Col. (Retired) Bob May of the South Anna District welcomed Dr. Pennycuff to HCPS following the announcement of her appointment.
“Our focus is preparing our children for their future through the achievement of the goals in the 2023-29 HCPS Comprehensive Plan:
- Goal 1: High quality instruction
- Goal 2: Effective allocation of our resources
- Goal 3: Recruit and retain excellent faculty and staff
- Goal 4: Support a positive educational climate and community
We look forward to working with Dr. Pennycuff to advance these goals,” he said.
More information about the selection process for the next Superintendent of Schools will be shared as it becomes available.