RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger announced Tuesday that Dr. Jeffery O. Smith, former superintendent of Hampton schools, will be the next secretary of education.
“As a mother of three daughters in Virginia’s public schools, I understand the importance of making sure Virginia’s students are set up for success and the invaluable foundation that the Commonwealth’s schools provide for our next generation of leaders,” Spanberger said in a press release. “Dr. Smith’s decades of experience leading districts in Virginia gives the Commonwealth’s students a champion who I know will work tirelessly on their behalf — and I’m excited to work alongside him to strengthen our schools.”
Smith served as a superintendent for 15 years with eight years in Hampton City Schools (HCS) and seven years in the Town of West Point. He additionally served as the superintendent for instruction with Amelia County Public Schools, assistant superintendent for academic services with Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools and assistant superintendent for academic services with Newport News Public Schools. He was a member of the adjunct faculty at Old Dominion University and the College of William and Mary too…