The Fredericksburg School Board recognized School Social Worker Week, Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day and a Superintendent of the Year nominee at Monday’s meeting.
Director of Student Services Maris Wyatt began by highlighting School Social Worker Week, telling the board that this year’s theme was “shining a light on social work.”
“Everyday our school social workers bring compassion, expertise and unwavering dedication to their work,” Wyatt said, providing essential outreach, support, intervention and advocacy for the city’s 3,600 students, including its homeless population.
According to Wyatt, three of the city’s five school social workers have completed their clinical licensure by the end of next month. By next year, all five will be clinically licensed.
Wyatt then presented certificates of appreciation to the city’s five school social workers; Cat Eicke, Barrie Massey, Hannah Abraham, Belen Rodas and Jennifer Bunn.
Newly appointed Director of Operations Dr. David Ferguson followed by recognizing Thursday’s Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day with an assist from Supervisor Michael Christopher, who represented the rest of the department.
Ferguson talked about the staff’s early mornings and “behind-the-scenes” time and effort to keep facilities clean and safe for students.
Deputy Superintendent Matthew Eberhardt next introduced newly-hired Hugh Mercer Elementary Principal Brian Cavanno, a William and Mary graduate who previously led the Title 1 Literacy program at Garfield High School in Prince William County.
Cavanno also has experience as an English teacher in Spotsylvania County.
Finally the board recognized Dr. Marci Catlett, who earned the nomination for the 2027 Division III Superintendent of the Year last month from the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS).
Catlett was one of five nominees from a pool of 17 school superintendents from Stafford to Gloucester County, according to VASS Region III Chairperson Tracy Seitz.
Each candidate provided background on their experience and education before providing their outlooks on leadership, communication and community involvement. Catlett was selected in a vote by her fellow superintendents.
Dr. Catlett will now compete with nominees from seven other regions for the 2027 Virginia Superintendent of the Year later this spring.
