BERRYVILLE, VA — August 2026 — The Clarke County Education Foundation (CCEF) proudly helped Clarke County Public Schools kick off the 2026–2027 school year with a $7,000 investment in the division’s annual Convocation, held August 11 at Clarke County High School.
CCEF’s support fully funded the day’s keynote speaker and concurrent professional learning sessions, providing an inspiring and engaging start to the school year for approximately 300 CCPS educators and staff members.
The morning featured nationally recognized educator, author, and speaker Dr. Andy Jacks, who quickly had the auditorium buzzing. From the beginning of his presentation, Jacks had staff members laughing, participating, and literally on their feet. Through humor, personal stories, research, and practical strategies, he reminded educators of the tremendous influence they have on their students, their colleagues, and the culture of their schools.
The result was a room filled with laughter, energy, and enthusiasm and a memorable way to begin a new school year together.
“CCEF exists to enhance educational opportunities in Clarke County, and that includes investing in the incredible people who make those opportunities possible every day,” said Beth Williams, Executive Director of the Clarke County Education Foundation. “We were proud to invest $7,000 to fully fund the keynote and professional learning sessions for Convocation. Andy had the room on their feet, laughing and participating, and you could feel the excitement and connection throughout the auditorium. It was such a fun and meaningful way to welcome our educators back and start a new school year together.”
Dr. Jacks is an award winning principal, international keynote speaker, leadership coach, and author dedicated to helping schools build cultures where students and adults thrive. A former Virginia Principal of the Year and National Distinguished Principal, he has led both elementary and middle schools and currently serves as principal of Ellis Elementary School.
Throughout his career, Jacks has led transformational school improvement efforts that have produced measurable gains in student achievement, school culture, and organizational performance. As principal of Ashland Elementary, he helped lead the school from 422nd to 49th in Virginia based on overall state assessment performance. His work earned national recognition, including a visit from the U.S. Secretary of Education to highlight the school’s success.
Jacks holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Tech, where his research focused on reducing exclusionary discipline for students with disabilities. As the author of Discipline Win, he is known for blending research, humor, compelling stories, and practical strategies that inspire educators to build stronger teams, strengthen school culture, and create lasting impact.
Following the keynote, CCPS educators and staff participated in two rounds of concurrent professional learning sessions, also fully supported through CCEF’s Convocation investment. Together, the keynote and sessions gave staff members an opportunity to learn, connect, laugh, and begin the year energized for the work ahead.
The day continued with lunch, dessert, and a Community Connections Fair, followed by remarks from the Superintendent and Convocation recognitions celebrating CCPS employees and their contributions to students and schools. School division and county leadership concluded the day with an afternoon leadership session.
CCEF’s investment in Convocation is part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting not only Clarke County students, but also the teachers and staff who make exceptional educational experiences possible.
Throughout the year, CCEF supports educators through Classroom Impact Grants, teacher and staff scholarships, STEM and career and technical education initiatives, arts programming, innovative instructional opportunities, and other resources that help bring new ideas and experiences directly into Clarke County classrooms.
As the 2026–2027 school year begins, CCEF looks forward to continuing to work alongside CCPS, educators, families, businesses, and community partners to create opportunities that help Clarke County students and the people who serve them thrive.
About the Clarke County Education Foundation
The Clarke County Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Clarke County Public Schools by connecting community resources with opportunities that enrich education for students and educators. Since its founding in 1991, CCEF has surpassed $4 million in support for Clarke County students, teachers, classrooms, scholarships, and innovative educational programs.
For 35 years, CCEF has worked in partnership with Clarke County Public Schools and the greater community to provide opportunities beyond what traditional school funding can support, helping ensure that Clarke County students and educators have the resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
To learn more about the Clarke County Education Foundation, visit www.ccefinc.org
