The Chesterfield County School Board appointed Jenna Darby as the interim representative for the Clover Hill District, effective Jan. 1, following the announced resignation of Dorothy Heffron, who is stepping down after controversy over a social media post. Her resignation is effective Dec. 31.

The board made the appointment Oct. 31 during a special meeting. Darby will serve until a special election is held to fill the remainder of the term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2027. A date for the election has not been set. 

Darby said she plans to focus on providing strong instruction in literacy and mathematics, maintaining safe and welcoming schools, and supporting special education and student services. 

Darby, who has worked in education for 21 years, currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University and as an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Richmond. 

The board solicited applications for the vacancy from Clover Hill residents via an online process in October. Nearly 20 people applied. In her application, Darby highlighted her experience in diverse schools and her commitment to equitable instruction, while acknowledging she had not previously served on a school board. 

Darby earned her doctorate in educational psychology from VCU, a master’s degree from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s from Covenant College. She and her husband, Martin, have lived in the Clover Hill District since 2021. Both of their children attend Chesterfield County Public Schools. 

Darby said she will recuse herself from discussions and votes involving her husband, who is the assistant director of special education for CCPS, to avoid conflicts of interest.