Petersburg City Public Schools (PCPS) recently hosted the Family and Community Engagement Team’s “A Different World: 4 E’s Expo.” The event was designed to align with Superintendent Yolonda Brown’s vision of connecting students with colleges, Governor’s Schools, the military, and local businesses.
According to PCPS, the expo featured food trucks and performances by the Crimson Wave Band, VJMS Cheerleaders, and Divine 9 members. Superintendent Brown, Chief of Staff Yozmin Gay, and School Board members Kenneth Pritchett and Taccarri Tucker attended the event to support students in exploring various paths such as enrollment in higher education institutions, enlistment in the military, employment opportunities, or entrepreneurship.
The Family Engagement Team at Petersburg City Public Schools aims to foster collaboration among families, schools, and the community to enhance student achievement and school improvement. Their efforts are guided by six standards which include creating welcoming school environments and improving two-way communication. They also focus on providing supports for student success, encouraging family advocacy, fostering cooperation, and building purposeful community-school partnerships.
Superintendent Brown has over three decades of experience in urban education. Her career includes roles as a teacher, principal, and chief academic officer within Atlanta Public Schools where she contributed to improved student outcomes and graduation rates. At PCPS, she is focused on student-centered transformation and academic growth while working closely with the school board, state officials, and community members.
PCPS serves approximately 4,400 students across nine schools with a staff of 672 employees. The district operates on an annual budget of $70.5 million. Its mission is to prepare students for life as 21st-century citizens capable of collaboration, communication, and innovation. The district’s vision emphasizes transforming learning experiences so that every student graduates with a wide range of choices available to them. Governance is provided by a seven-member School Board elected for four-year terms; they are responsible for setting policies, approving staff hires, and overseeing the budget. Superintendent Brown leads the district with board meetings held twice monthly that are open to public attendance.
