Chesapeake Public Schools selects new superintendent after 5-4 vote

The Chesapeake School Board has selected Dr. Doug Brubaker as the next superintendent after a closely split 5-4 vote, according to WHRO. The district says Brubaker will begin on August 13, 2026, following outgoing Superintendent Dr. Jared A. Cotton’s retirement effective July 1, 2026.

A close vote, and who disagreed

WHRO reports the board voted 5-4 during its Monday night meeting. It also reports that board members Malia Huddle, Norman Pool, Amanda Quillin, and Angela Swygert voted no and did not share comments during the board’s discussion.

Who Brubaker is, and when he starts

Chesapeake Public Schools announced on July 13, 2026 that Dr. Brubaker—who currently serves as superintendent of Texarkana Independent School District—will take over as Chesapeake’s superintendent effective August 13, 2026. The district’s announcement also says Brubaker brings 31 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader.

Key dates families and staff can track

For residents trying to understand what changes between now and the start date, here are the specific milestones described in reporting and district postings:

• February 2026: Board called for applications.
• April 2026: Board interviewed candidates.
• May 2026: Application period was extended by two weeks.
• June 29, 2026: Board announced it had selected a superintendent and began contract negotiations.
• July 1, 2026: Outgoing Superintendent Dr. Jared A. Cotton’s retirement takes effect.
• July 13, 2026: District publicly announced Dr. Doug Brubaker and his effective start date.
• August 13, 2026: Dr. Brubaker’s first day as superintendent.

What to watch during the handoff window

Officials have described the transition planning as an entry plan process for Brubaker’s onboarding. Practically, that means the most important things to look for between selection and the Aug. 13 start are:

• How the district communicates leadership changes (especially around who residents should contact day-to-day).
• Transition updates tied to the announced dates.
• Any confirmed changes the district chooses to announce after onboarding—without assuming new direction before officials say what will change.

Where to stay updated

For the fastest official announcements, monitor Chesapeake Public Schools’ superintendent-related updates and the district’s live feed posts tied to the Brubaker transition.

Sources

• WHRO (July 14, 2026): Chesapeake selects new superintendent with 5-4 vote
• Chesapeake Public Schools: Dr. Doug Brubaker Named Superintendent of Chesapeake Public Schools