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School Board

The Roanoke City School Board is made up of dedicated community members who work together to support the success of every student and staff member in Roanoke City Public Schools. The Board helps shape policy, set priorities, and ensure that our schools reflect the values and needs of our community.

School Board Documents

The Roanoke City School Board utilizes BoardDocs Pro for the production and dissemination of Board-related documents. School Board meeting agendas, policies, and other public Board-related documents can be accessed through BoardDocs.

BoardDocs

School Board

(From left) Christopher T. Link, Deidre E. Trigg, Dr. Eli C.S. Jamison, Franny Apel, Michael L. Cherry II, Joyce W. Watkins, and Auraliz "Liz" C. Quintana

About the School Board

The Roanoke City School Board governs Roanoke City Public Schools. Article VIII, Section 7, of the Constitution of Virginia establishes the legal basis for local school boards by providing that, "The supervision of schools in each school division shall be vested in a school board to be composed of members selected in the manner, for the term, possessing the qualifications, and to the number provided by law."  

Each person appointed or elected to a School Board shall, at the time of his appointment or election, be a qualified voter and a bona fide resident of the district from which he is selected if appointment or election is by district or of the school division if appointment or election is at large; and if he shall cease to be a resident of such district or school division, his position on the school board shall be deemed vacant. For more information, visit the Code of Virginia.

In the City of Roanoke, School Board members are appointed by City Council for a three-year term of office. The terms of the seven-member Board are staggered, and no more than three Board seats are appointed each year. Board members may apply for reappointment to the Board and serve a maximum of three three-year terms. The Clerk's Office for the City of Roanoke (540) 853-2541 provides information regarding the qualifications required of a prospective Board member. Visit Roanoke City Code for more information.

Student School Board Representative

RCPS believes student voice matters. To help strengthen that voice, the Roanoke City School Board includes Student Representatives to the School Board from each of our high schools.

There is one Student Representative from each high school. These students help create a direct link between the School Board and the student body. They share feedback on topics that affect students, help the Board better understand student concerns, and give students an opportunity to have input on the direction of RCPS. Serving in this role also provides valuable experience in leadership, governance, and the decision-making process.

Student Representatives serve in a non-voting, advisory-only capacity. They are not members of the School Board, do not count toward a quorum, and do not vote on Board actions. Their role is to provide insight, perspective, and feedback that reflects the experiences of students across the division.

Each Student Representative serves a one-year term that begins at the start of the school calendar year and ends at the close of that same school year. To be eligible, students must have senior class status at the time they serve.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, students must:

  • Attend an RCPS high school
  • Be a rising senior
  • Have a 2.0 GPA or higher, with no failing grades in the current semester
  • Complete the full application packet, including an essay and interview
  • Commit to attending open meetings of the School Board
  • Submit a signed acknowledgement from a parent or guardian confirming approval and support of the commitment

This is a meaningful opportunity to represent your school, grow as a leader, and help shape the future of Roanoke City Public Schools!

The deadline for the 2026-2027 school year has passed.

Contact the School Board

P.O. Box 13145
Roanoke, VA 24031
(540) 853-1655 | boardclerk@rcps.info  

School Board Priorities, Duties, and Responsibilities

Headshot Franny Apel

School Assignments for 2025-2026 School Year: Preston Park Elementary, Virginia Heights Elementary, James Breckinridge Middle, Patrick Henry High, and the Roanoke Technical Education Center (ROTEC) 

Contact Mrs. Apel

Headshot Deidre Trigg

School Assignments for 2025-2026 School Year: Fairview Elementary, Morningside Elementary, James Maddison Middle, and Forest Park Academy  

Contact Ms. Trigg

Headshot Joyce Watkins

School Assignments for 2025-2026 School Year: Crystal Spring Elementary, Westside Elementary, Noel C. Taylor Learning Academy, Charles W. Day Technical Education Center (DAYTEC) 

Contact Mrs. Watkins