After 33 years of dedicated service and commitment to excellence to public education, Mrs. Virginia Gills has announced her retirement as principal of Cumberland County Elementary School, effective June 30, 2024. Her departure marks the end of an era, as she leaves behind a legacy of hard work, passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication.
Throughout her tenure at Cumberland County Public Schools, Mrs. Gills has been an integral part of the team, contributing immensely to the success and growth of the organization. Her leadership, expertise, and tireless efforts have significantly impacted the school’s mission and vision.
“Mrs. Gills has been an invaluable asset to our organization," said Chip Jones, Superintendent. "Her professionalism, dedication, and positive attitude have inspired us all, not only at the local level, but across the Commonwealth and country as well. We are incredibly grateful for her contributions and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement."
During her time at Cumberland County Elementary School, Mrs. Gills has been instrumental in cultivating a positive culture throughout the building, instrumental in the recruitment and retention of team members, advocating for professional learning, streamlining processes, promoting personal growth of others, and so much more. Her unwavering commitment to excellence earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues, clients, and stakeholders alike.
Ms. Gills has been recognized as a member of UVA SCOPE 13, 2019 VASCD Impact Award recipient, 2022 VAASL Administrator of the Year, 2023 WELV Rising Star, Virginia Elementary School Principal Board, Longwood University CEHS Board, Cumberland County representative for the Southside Virginia Community Board Local Board, and an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Dr. Jones noted, “As Mrs. Gills embarks on this new chapter in her life, she leaves behind a void that will be difficult to fill. Her presence will be sorely missed, but her impact will continue to resonate within the elementary school.”
Mrs. Gills stated, “It has been a privilege to serve Cumberland County Public Schools. To have worked with great students and to have led an awesome team who have now become family has truly been an honor. Cumberland County Elementary School has touched my life profoundly. I will carry with me a heart full of gratitude and a deep sense of pride to have been a part of the CCES family.”
Dr. Jones, speaking on behalf of Cumberland County Public Schools, extended heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Gills for her years of service, leadership, and dedication. He noted that her contributions have helped shape the organization into what it is today, and her legacy will endure for years to come. He added, “As we like to say, ‘once a Duke, always a Duke.’”