My education career began after enjoying four years at home with my two children and culminating with retirement from a local school division.  

The impact of institutional knowledge in all types of organizations is well-documented.  As highlighted below, I have 

  • 12+ years of dedicated classroom experience,
  • 10 years providing education licensure regulation and support statewide, and 
  • 14 years of school division leadership and service.  

That is 36+ years of KnowHOWledge I share with Goochland to improve what we as a community have already built.

Education Career Experience

Director of Human Resources

July 1, 2014-June 30, 2018 (retired)

Powhatan County Public Schools, Powhatan, VA

  • Supervise and conduct all personnel functions within the Code of Virginia, Virginia Administrative Code, School Board Policies, and all State and Federal laws
  • Recruit and hire all staff for division
  • Participate in Division Leadership Team with Superintendent
  • Revise division policies for approval by School Board
  • Lead development team for 2019-2025 Division Strategic Plan
  • Supervise all Division licensure actions
  • Monitor and comment on proposed changes to State licensure regulations

Assistant Director, Licensure-HR

July 1, 2009-June 30, 2014

Powhatan County Public Schools, Powhatan, VA

  • Coordinate all aspects of staff licensure
  • Support Assistant Supt of Personnel in hiring highly qualified staff
  • Serve as liaison between division and Virginia Department of Education
  • Prepare and submit state and federal reports related to personnel
  • Assist the Assistant Supt with all personnel functions

Licensure Specialist

October 1999-June 30, 2009

Virginia Department of Education, Division of Teacher Education and Licensure, Richmond, VA

  • Interpret and implement state licensure regulations for school personnel
  • Issue and renew licenses to qualified applicants
  • Provide licensure expertise to school division personnel, college/university staff, and the public seeking a license

Elementary Teacher-Kindergarten and Grade 3

August 1987-June 1999

Henrico County Public Schools, Henrico, VA

  • Fair Oaks, Montrose, Laburnum and Maude Trevvett Elementary Schools
  • Taught Kindergarten, 3rd Grade with 32-41 students/year
  • Planned, organized, and implemented a developmental Early Childhood Curriculum emphasizing the Virginia SOLs
  • Served on variety of school committees each year
  • Grade Chairman 1993-1995, 1998-1999
  • Led a team of middle school parents and school personnel to create a parenting guide, The Source – Parent Handbook
  • Supervised four student teachers

Goochland School Board Service

Elected to serve District 3* – November 6, 2018

Elected to serve District 3* – November 5, 2019

*Due to the recent election redistricting in Goochland County, my home is now in District 2.

Professional Licensure

Collegiate Professional License, Early Education NK-4

Professional Organizations

VASPA, Virginia Association of School Personnel Administrators

RASPA, Richmond Association of School Personnel Administrators

VSBA, Virginia School Board Association

Leadership Organizations

Goochland Leadership Enterprise 20th Class-March 2017

Division Leadership Team, Powhatan Co. Public Schools 2014-2018

Committees and Special Assignments

GCPS Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee

Goochland School Board Representative to the Blue Ridge Virginia Governor’s School Board

Goochland School Board Chair 2021

Goochland School Board Policy Advisory Committee

Federal Relations Committee-representing Congressional District 5, VSBA 2023

Volunteer and School Support

Goochland Elementary School Volunteer

Support all 5 school communities with participation and attendance at events and classroom activities

Goochland Cares Clothes Closet Volunteer

Goochland Christmas Mother packing and distribution day volunteer

Keeping Goochland clean one bag at a time-make frequent stops to pick up litter

Karen Horn’s 2023 MLK Day began and ended as it has for many years. She shared in prayer with community at The Ministers’ Conference of Goochland & Vicinity 28th Annual MLK Day Celebration. The result of her personal act of service is pictured here. Students and citizens will have a nicer experience on River Road West between GES and GHS, for at least a few days.

I am proud to represent the citizens of Goochland.

Karen R. Horn

Working For Excellence Through Experience