Petersburg City Public Schools (PCPS) recently announced that representatives from the Central Virginia Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) and Fort Lee officials visited Cool Spring Elementary School to donate backpacks and school supplies.
According to PCPS, this initiative aims to support students as they begin the new academic year. The district expressed appreciation for these contributions, emphasizing how such support helps students start prepared and reflects a shared commitment to education.
Cool Spring Elementary School, located at 1450 Talley Avenue in Petersburg, Virginia, is part of the PCPS district. It serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade under the leadership of Principal Jennifer Kelley and Superintendent Yolonda Brown. The school has seen a slight increase in enrollment from 529 students in 2023–24 to 540 in 2024–25. The student body includes 68 kindergartners and 101 students each in grades one and four.
The Central Virginia Chapter of AUSA, which covers Richmond and Charlottesville, was established in March 1988 and currently boasts over 6,000 members. Open to anyone interested in supporting the U.S. Army, it serves various military programs and personnel including soldiers, civilian employees, retirees, veterans, and their families. AUSA is a nonprofit professional and educational association that advocates for the Army by providing resources and networking opportunities while honoring those who have served. Locally, the chapter contributes through scholarships, awards, and community programs.
PCPS serves approximately 4,400 students across nine schools with a staff of 672 and an annual budget of $70.5 million. Its mission is to prepare students for life as capable citizens in the 21st century by fostering collaboration, communication, and innovation skills. The district’s vision focuses on transforming learning opportunities so every student graduates with a wide range of choices. Governed by a seven-member School Board elected to four-year terms, PCPS is responsible for setting policies, approving staff hires, and overseeing the budget under Superintendent Yolonda Brown’s leadership.
