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Chesterfield on Cusp of Historic Accomplishment: Eliminating Use of Trailers as School Classrooms
 As new school construction creates thousands of seats of additional capacity between now and 2029, demographic trends and facility demand projections show the county is on the cusp of a multigenerational milestone.
“We are poised, for the first time in 30 or 40 years, to say there are no trailers being used as classrooms in Chesterfield County,” said Dr. Joe Casey, county administrator, during the Board of Supervisors’ Dec. 17 afternoon work session.
Chesterfield’s K-12 public school enrollment has plateaued and even fallen slightly over the past three years. While the county’s overall population increased by more than 15,000 from 2022-25, Chesterfield County Public Schools’ enrollment dipped by 131 students during the same period.
See enrollment and capacity data for all CCPS schools, as of Sept. 30, 2025, on the county website.
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In the News
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Submit Application for Next Police Citizens Academy
The Chesterfield Police Department is accepting applications for its upcoming Police Citizens Academy. The next academy session takes place on Thursday mornings from Feb. 5 through March 19 at Lifelong Learning Institute.
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Chesterfield Council on Aging to Meet on Jan. 22
Chesterfield Council on Aging is hosting a one-of-a-kind program on Thursday, Jan. 22 at the Lifelong Learning Institute from 9 to 10 a.m. Learn about services at little to no cost for Medicare/Medicaid recipients.
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Jan. 26 Ribbon Cutting Marks LaPrade Library Reopening
LaPrade Library reopens Monday, Jan. 26 with a refreshed look and new spaces designed to better serve the community. Join us for a ribbon cutting at 2:30 p.m. and explore everything the newly renovated space has to offer.
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Numerous Events Planned for Black History Month
Chesterfield and Virginia State University will celebrate Black History Month throughout February with a variety of programs designed to explore the ongoing contributions of Black Americans to our county and nation.
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Register Now for County's 76th Basic CERT Class
Registration is officially open for the 76th Basic CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Class. Don’t miss your chance to gain essential emergency preparedness and response skills that can help you protect your family and community in times of crisis.
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Recycle Your Live Christmas Tree at Convenience Centers
Chesterfield residents can recycle live trees at no cost at both the Northern and Southern Area Convenience Centers through Saturday, Jan. 31. Trees must be free of all ornaments and decorations to be recycled. Please bring proof of residency.
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Abundant Opportunities for Wintertime Fun
A new year calls for new experiences, and January in Chesterfield is full of easy ways to get out of the house, try something new, and have a little fun close to home. From trivia nights and karaoke to creative nights out, family-friendly events, and hands-on activities, there’s something on the calendar for everyone this month.
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Upcoming Events
Marlbank Farms Town Hall
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m. at Matoaca Elementary School
Matoaca District Supervisor Kevin Carroll will host a town hall to discuss the pending Marlbank Farms residential rezoning case (25SN1153). The scheduled meeting is a follow-up to a community meeting hosted by the case applicant Dec. 1. The town hall will provide residents an additional opportunity to learn about the proposed rezoning and offer feedback.
Tree Walk: WInter Walk in the Orchard
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Lane B. Ramsey County Administration Building
Join the Horticulture Shop for a special winter tour of the orchard. On this tree walk, you'll learn how to identify trees in winter, smart pruning strategies and tips for keeping orchards healthy year-round. Bundle up and enjoy a seasonal walk filled with hands-on learning and fresh air.
Snowball Festival
Saturday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at River City Sportsplex
Celebrate winter at this free event with music, food and activities, including skating on a synthetic ice rink and playing in winter-themed inflatables. Step into a snow globe to take a commemorative photo with your besties or go on a toboggan ride.
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Through Resident Feedback, Chesterfield Continues Building Strong Community
Chesterfield County recently completed its 2025 Citizen Satisfaction Survey, conducted every three years to better understand residents’ views on services, priorities and overall quality of life. The survey was mailed to 3,000 randomly selected households, with an online response option, and benchmarked regionally and nationally by the National Research Center at Polco to determine livability.
Livability captures how well a locality supports both daily needs and long-term goals by evaluating the 12 dimensions of community – governance, ten factors of livability and quality of life.
The findings help track progress as improvements continue by measuring how residents experience life in Chesterfield today. The survey informs planning that shapes what the community becomes tomorrow to ensure the county remains a strong place to live, learn, work and play.
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Chesterfield Behind the Mic
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On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, which drops tomorrow, we talk to Carolyn Jensen about recently being named the new director of Chesterfield Public Library, what that means to her, how she sees the future of the library, the myriad ways libraries do much more than just offer books to check out, and much more.
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Every Monday, This Week in Chesterfield points residents to fun, exciting and interesting things going on around their community.
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Chesterfield Behind the Mic is an audio and video podcast focusing on the people, stories and happenings of #Cfield.
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Subscribe to our Chesterfield on Point blog to stay informed about a variety of topics and events important to the community.
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Adoptable Pet Spotlight
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Meet Bugle!
Hello everyone, my name is Bugle and I am looking for my new best friend. Do you have another dog? That's Great! I love other dogs. I am a very sweet and playful boy who loves everything about life. I love to make people laugh and smile with my silly personality. I am 5 year old, neutered male. Pit Bull Mix who weighs 60 pounds. If you are the best friend I'm looking for come meet me today.
If you are interested in meeting this pet, please contact Chesterfield County Animal Services at 804-748-1683, option "2," to schedule an appointment. Office staff are available by phone 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Our shelter is located at 9300 Public Works Road.
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Resources and Useful Information
Report Concerns or Request Assistance
Chesterfield County is dedicated to upholding the highest standards through efficient uses of resources, promoting integrity and accountability and ensuring Chesterfield is the best place to live, learn, work and play.
As part of that commitment, the county welcomes and encourages citizens to provide feedback, concerns, report fraud, waste or abuse.
If you are experiencing an emergency or to report a crime in progress, call 911. For more information, please visit chesterfield.gov/report.
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GRTC's LINK Service Now Operating on Hull Street Road
LINK, the on-demand microtransit service from GRTC, is now available in the Clover Dale Zone.
LINK runs Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-8 p.m., connecting you anywhere in your community. Simply download the GRTC on the Go app and select your pick-up and drop-off locations anywhere within our service area, and we’ll be there within 20 minutes to get you where you need to go.
The Clover Dale Zone provides quick and convenient service along Hull Street Road from Chippenham Mall to Harbourside Centre, with direct connection to downtown Richmond via GRTC’s Route 1C and 82x. LINK vehicles are fully ADA accessible, and feature on-board WIFI and USB charging ports – and right now, LINK is entirely fare-free!
For more information, visit ridegrtc.com/link or call 804-358-4792.
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Get Accurate, Up-to-Date Information from Chesterfield Alert
Now is the time for residents to familiarize themselves with all of the different ways that Chesterfield County puts out emergency information.
One of those is Chesterfield Alert, an opt-in system that sends messages directly to you in the event of an emergency. This system can send out alerts via text, email, and phone call depending on how the subscriber chooses to receive the messages. Sign up today!
Click here to learn more about how you can get accurate, up-to-date information from Chesterfield in the event of an emergency.
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Request a Speaker Today!
Did you know your group or organization can request a speaker from the #Cfield Speakers Bureau? The Speakers Bureau features a variety of topics on current and timely subjects from county leaders who are eager to talk to your group or organization.
Our subject-matter experts want to be your best resource for getting answers to important questions about Chesterfield. Topics include:
✅ District update – Request your board member to speak
✅ Preparing for an emergency - Emergency Management
✅ Senior resources in Chesterfield - Office of Aging and Disability Resources
✅ So much more
Request a speaker online.
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 Nominate an Educator for an R.E.B. Award for Teaching Excellence
Do you know a CCPS teacher who inspires their students and community? Nominate them for an R.E.B. award by Feb. 17, 2026. Around 15 central Virginia teachers are selected each year to receive amazing grants up to $15,000 to support professional development. Learn more and make your nomination here.
Apply to Serve on a CCPS Advisory Committee by Jan. 29
Advisory committees established by the Chesterfield County School Board are one way community members connect with schools. Members include parents, teachers, staff members, students and others interested in helping Chesterfield County Public Schools achieve its vision of creating a better tomorrow. See the available positions and apply here.
Superintendent to Present FY 2027 Budget, Town Halls Scheduled
On Thursday, Jan. 22 at 4 p.m., CCPS Superintendent Dr. John Murray will announce his proposed budget for FY 2027 to the Chesterfield County School Board. The community will have an opportunity to learn more and offer feedback at our budget town hall meetings, starting Jan. 26. Learn more about the CCPS budget.
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Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Get your weekly dose of Chesterfield news by signing up for Happening in Chesterfield.
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Explore career opportunities in Chesterfield and join our team of dedicated professionals in Government and Public Schools—apply today to shape our community’s future.
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Discover who represents you in Chesterfield and learn more about your magisterial district to stay connected and informed.
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