Richmond Public Schools Board Chairwoman Dawn Page, 8th District, teared up as family, community members and former school board colleagues congratulated her for her service at Monday night’s school board meeting.

At the beginning of the meeting, the board recognized Page, who is leaving her seat after serving on the board for over 12 years — the longest tenure of any school board member.

She became the school board’s Chairwoman in July. During her time on the board, Page oversaw the construction of eight schools, helped achieve full accreditation and served as both chair and vice chair.

Incoming 8th District Board Member and paralegal, Emmett “Jay” Jafari, will take the seat in January, after defeating PH “Cruz” Sherman with 52.7% of the vote.

In recognition of Page’s service, red roses from family members and former school board colleagues were passed, a $300 check from Sherman for the 8th District schools was presented and Superintendent Jason Kamras presented her with a plaque.

“Mrs. Page was on the other end of the line when I was offered this position,” said Kamras during the meeting, who was appointed in 2018.

“Your leadership has been truly something to behold and we’ve been forever grateful to you.”

The meeting was of the year and the final with the incumbent Board Members. RPS also recognized the outgoing school board members, 1st District Board Member Elizabeth Doerr, 2nd District Board Member Mariah White, 3rd District Board Member and incoming City Council Member Kenya Gibson and 4th District Board Member Garrett Sawyer.

The remaining board members will continue to serve another 4-year term, 5th District Board Member Stephanie Rizzi, 6th District Board Member Shonda Harris-Muhammed, 7th District Board Member Cheryl Burke and 9th District Board Member Shovonda Dixon-Fernandez.

White, who has served on the board since 2021, expressed her gratitude for her colleagues. She will be replaced by incoming 2nd District Board Member, Katie Ricard. White has witnessed RPS accomplishments including helping to maintain William Fox Elementary School’s accreditation status and supporting the renaming of Richmond Alternative School to Richmond Success Academy.

She recently announced she would run again for the 2nd District in 2028.

“Serving on this board has been one of the great honors of my life,” White said. “This was just a little setback, no defeat. This is my third time running for school board, so be ready to see me again in four years.”

Gibson, who served on the board for almost 7 years, is elected to the 3rd District Richmond City Council seat next year in July. She also expressed her gratitude for her colleagues, despite their differences.

“Although, obviously we don’t always agree, I truly have learned from each of you,”

Gibson said. “I don’t need to say goodbye because I know I’m going to hear from you as we move forward.”

Page’s last speech also shared advice for the remaining board members and the incoming members.

“But even though my time has come to an end … I will always fight for our children, no matter who they are, where they come from or what they look like,” she said as she held back tears. “Remember, the decisions that you make have a long-lasting impact on school division – whether it’s positive or negative – let policy be your guiding principle.”

The incoming school board members will be sworn in on Jan. 6.

In addition to the farewells, RPS Chief Engagement Officer Danielle Greene-Bell and her team provided an update on chronic absenteeism in the district. They reported a 5% decrease in chronic absenteeism from the previous year, with a current rate of 19.3%.

Paige highlighted strategies, such as engaging families and implementing attendance interventions, as key factors in reducing absences. The district’s goal is to lower absenteeism to below 15% within five years. Board members discussed how to enhance parent-teacher engagement, with Greene-Bell noting the challenges of financial barriers to participation in parent-led organizations.