Chronology of Events: The Closure and Advocacy for St. Margaret’s School
October 2024
Church Schools of the Diocese of Virginia (CSDV) informs the St. Margaret’s School Board of Governors that it must raise $2.6 million to meet a “cash test” that allows the school to issue employment and enrollment contracts for the upcoming academic year
February 5, 2025
The St. Margaret’s community successfully raises $2.6 million in pledges and donations, meeting the “cash test.” CSDV authorizes the school to issue enrollment and employment contracts for the 2025-2026 academic year.
May 28, 2025
CSDV unexpectedly notifies parents, alumnae, and school employees that it has concerns regarding the school’s financial ability to be open in the fall. CSDV expresses doubt that the school will enroll a benchmark of 79 students for the fall and that pledges will be collected by June 30. However, all indicators show otherwise, and this announcement causes immediate harm to student recruitment, donor trust, and the school’s future.
CSDV requires families and employees to sign contract amendments to remain enrolled/employed for the 25-26 school year. The amendment states that signers acknowledge the school may be closed for the fall.
June 6, 2025
A St. Margaret’s parent files a legal complaint in the Essex County Circuit Court seeking an injunction to halt the closure of the school.
June 30, 2025
The St. Margaret’s community exceeds the fundraising goal, collecting $2.7 million in pledges and donations. Despite meeting the “cash test”, CSDV imposes additional conditions and restrictions, further destabilizing the school’s operations.
July 10, 2025
Excluding the two St. Margaret’s representatives, all CSDV Board members vote to close St. Margaret’s School despite it meeting the mandated “cash test”.
July 15, 2025
An amendment to add two additional plaintiffs to the pleading is filed in the Essex County Circuit Court.
Plaintiffs argue that the school has sufficient resources and students to support continuing operations.
July 23, 2025
The Essex County Circuit Court rules that the amended complaint, seeking an injunction to halt the closure of St. Margaret’s School, can proceed.
July 23-August 15, 2025
Following the July 23 hearing, the plaintiffs presented to CSDV a $6 million opportunity from a friend of the school to purchase the campus. CSDV ultimately dismisses this offer.
On July 30, the Foundation for St. Margaret’s School (FSMS) is incorporated, and its purpose is “fundraising, resource management, operation, and advocacy for a girls’ school in the Episcopal tradition, in Tappahannock, Virginia.” Board members include leaders from the defunct St. Margaret’s School Board of Governors.
CSDV relays that it will suspend discussions with the plaintiffs until a real estate assessment and site use analysis is completed at the end of October.
August 4, 2025
CSDV files a legal motion to dismiss the amended lawsuit, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction over the internal affairs of a religious organization.
September 1, 2025
FSMS receives 501(c)(3) status and begins fundraising and resource management efforts to reestablish the school.
October 1, 2025 – Present
FSMS is actively working to reestablish the school. Efforts include fundraising, resource management, and advocacy for a girls’ school in the Episcopal tradition in Tappahannock, Virginia.
FSMS has rented a building along Water Lane to establish an office and has begun offering educational programs such as music lessons, rowing, and SAT prep.
The Foundation has hired initial staff and is pursuing the acquisition of the Water Lane campus from CSDV to reopen the school.
CSDV has yet to provide updates on the real estate assessment and use analysis of the school property, and it appears unwilling to work with FSMS to sell the property and reopen the school.
December 22, 2025
A new lawsuit is filed against CSDV with seven plaintiffs who served as members of the St. Margaret’s Board of Governors in the 24-25 academic year. Two of the plaintiffs also served on the CSDV Board when it voted to close the school, and another plaintiff chaired the legacy St. Margaret’s Foundation that held all donations given to support the school.
The complaint presents a detailed argument that the closure of St. Margaret’s School by the CSDV constitutes a breach of fiduciary duties, a violation of trust law, and an abandonment of the school’s charitable purpose. The plaintiffs seek legal remedies to prevent the dissipation of the school’s assets, ensure their proper use, and facilitate the reopening of the school under new management.
