HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - Thunderous applause erupted during Thursday's Henrico County School Board work session when the board announced it would offer Dr. Patrick Kinlaw a contract to be the new Superintendent of Schools.
"Here are my remarks, I accept," Kinlaw said as his first official statement as superintendent. He said he was excited and humbled about the opportunity. He officially assumes his new role on Friday.
His contract runs through June 2016.
Since 1997, Kinlaw has assumed a variety of roles within Henrico schools including:
- Director of Staff Development
- Assistant superintendent for Administrative Services
- Deputy superintendent
Kinlaw has been running the school system since August when former superintendent Dr. Pat Russo was placed on paid leave.
Board members praised Kinlaw's work during that time and expressed high hopes for the future under his leadership.
Russo eventually resigned after an investigation into whether or not he gave special treatment to former school board member Diana Winston and/or her husband Joe.
Winston stepped down from the board after questions were raised about the close relationship between her family and Mr. Russo.
Earlier in the meeting, the Henrico School Board elected Lisa Marshall as the new board chair and John Montgomery as the new vice chair, Chelsea Rarrick tweeted from the meeting.
“Dr. Kinlaw has proven to be the right person at the right time to lead us to the next level of greatness,” said new School Board Chair Lisa A. Marshall. “His blend of experience, leadership, and skill make him the best choice for this incredibly important position.”
