School Board Appoints Dr. Lisa Pennycuff as Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, an educator and school administrator for more than 30 years, has been selected to serve as the next Superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS).
At its meeting tonight, the Hanover County School Board selected Dr. Pennycuff, who currently serves as the HCPS Interim Superintendent, as the next Superintendent. The announcement comes following
a transparent search process that included robust community engagement.
“Since my appointment in July, I have had the pleasure of working alongside our dedicated team of teachers, support staff, division leaders, families, community members, and our School Board, with a shared goal: the success of our students. That has been my focus for more than 30 years in public education and will remain our goal as we collaborate as Team Hanover,” said Dr. Pennycuff.
She added: “I am deeply grateful for the School Board’s confidence and support, and for the entire HCPS community for your trust and partnership. I am eager to continue to work alongside you to enhance the opportunities available for our students, deepen the connection between our schools and community, and support the amazing work that takes place in our schools every day.”
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; a Learning Specialist for students with disabilities; an Assistant Principal, Principal; the 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.
The Hanover County School Board appointed Dr. Pennycuff as the Interim Superintendent, beginning August 5, 2024. Since that time, Dr. Pennycuff has worked collaboratively with the HCPS community to serve HCPS students, including with the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act, the development of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, and in planned school facility projects, among other things.
“Since her appointment as our interim superintendent last summer, Dr. Pennycuff has exhibited a spirit of collaboration, professionalism, and, most importantly, a deep commitment to the success of our students, faculty, and staff. Her leadership and dedication to our schools has helped to foster a learning environment where our students continue to thrive,” School Board Chairman Lt. Col. (Retired) Bob May of the South Anna District said. “From the successful implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act and our updated mobile device policy to leading a budget process that will not only result in substantive salary increases for our teachers and support staff, but also expand opportunities for students in the trades, we are truly thankful for her work already here in HCPS. Dr. Pennycuff has quickly become a vital member of Team Hanover.”
He added: “As a School Board, we are focused on supporting our students and staff and we look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Pennycuff to further strengthen our commitment to excellence.”
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.