PETERSBURG, VA (January 16, 2026)–At the January 14, 2026 Petersburg City Public Schools (PCPS) Board Meeting, the School Board unanimously appointed Mr. Kenneth Pritchett as the Board Chair and Mrs. Taccarri Tucker as the Vice Chair for 2026.

 

Pritchett has served Ward 3 and the School Board as Board Chair for 18 years. Throughout his tenure, he has provided steady governance, strategic oversight, and fiscal stability for the school division.

 

“I remain fully committed to leading with transparency, integrity, and fidelity, while ensuring that this Board continues to function as a unified governing body, focused on what matters most: the success and well-being of our students, staff, and families. As a School Board, we will continue to work collaboratively, respectfully, and purposefully to move PCPS forward,” said Board Chair Pritchett.

 

Pritchett’s leadership has included service on several key committees, including the Petersburg School Board Disciplinary Committee, the Petersburg Liaison Committee for Intergovernmental and Community Relations, and the Petersburg Schools Gifted Committee. In addition, he was reappointed by the Petersburg City Council to serve his second full term on the Brightpoint Community College Board. His term will extend through June 30, 2029.

 

“Congratulations to Mr. Pritchett as he begins another year as School Board Chair. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow under your leadership as we work together to strengthen our school system for the benefit of our students, families, and community,” said Vice Chair Tucker.

 

Tucker was elected to the School Board in November 2024. She is a graduate of Petersburg High School, where she served as both Senior Class President and President of the Petersburg Teen Council.

 

For years, Tucker has worked to uplift Petersburg’s youth by coaching sports through the Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department and within local schools. Previously, Tucker served as a Family Engagement Specialist for the school division, where she spent three years fostering meaningful connections between families and schools, providing vital resources, and building trust within the community.

 

Tucker actively serves on the Superintendent’s Attendance/Chronic Absenteeism Advisory Committee as the School Board designee, where she informs the school division’s attendance policy.

 

“I am truly honored and deeply grateful to accept the position of Vice Chair of the School Board. First, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Pierce for his service and leadership as the Vice Chair. I am grateful for his guidance and the example he set. I also want to thank my fellow Board Members for entrusting me with this responsibility to uphold the vision of this great School Board and school division. I do not take this lightly, and I promise to lead with integrity, humility, and grace, always keeping what is best for our students at the center of every decision,” said Vice Chair Tucker.

 

“Mrs. Tucker has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for our schools and a genuine love for the Petersburg community. It is my goal to mentor and prepare her to lead this School Board in 2027, and I am confident she will do so with excellence,” said Board Chair Pritchett.

 

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Pritchett and Mrs. Tucker on their appointments as Board Chair and Vice Chair. It has been an honor to partner with them to serve the students, families, staff, and community of Petersburg. Their passion and commitment is truly honorable, and their leadership will serve the school division well. I look forward to continuing our meaningful work together,” said Superintendent Yolonda Brown.

 

The school division extends its thanks and gratitude to Mr. Steven Pierce for his many years of dedication and service as the Vice Chair.

 

Pritchett holds a Master of Arts degree in Pre-Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Norfolk State University. He also earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science degree in Human Services from Brightpoint Community College.

 

Tucker earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Chowan University. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

 

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Petersburg City Public Schools serves approximately 4,500 students from preschool to adult across nine schools in Petersburg, VA. PCPS is home to 672 staff members who serve the school division community. The mission of PCPS is to develop and empower students through innovation and collaboration so they demonstrate virtue, good character and make meaningful contributions to society. The vision of PCPS is to transform and expand opportunities for learning so that every student graduates with a life filled with choices.