ROANOKE, Va. – Dr. Verletta White, the Superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools, has announced her plans to retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year. With over 30 years in public education, she has spent the last seven years at the helm of Roanoke's school system, guiding it through significant changes.
Dr. White joined Roanoke City Public Schools in July 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the beginning of her transformative leadership. As she approaches her 35th year in education, she stated that her decision to retire was not made lightly.
“I will continue to lead throughout the next year with the same focus, passion, and commitment that have guided me throughout my career,” Dr. White said.
Her career began in Baltimore City, where she worked as a teacher before progressing through various roles in Baltimore County Public Schools, ultimately becoming the interim superintendent in 2017. Dr. White's choice to lead Roanoke was intentional, as she submitted only three applications nationwide, citing a shared commitment to children.
During her time in Roanoke, Dr. White has focused on improving the school division's culture and stability, implementing long-term investments that benefit students and families. Notably, she oversaw the expansion of career and technical education with the opening of the Charles W. Day Technical Education Center, which doubled capacity and enhanced student readiness for post-graduation life.
Additionally, she launched the Community Empowerment Center at Booker T. Washington, which has served over 2,000 families in less than a year, connecting them with essential services and supporting early literacy through initiatives like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Under her leadership, Roanoke City Public Schools has also strengthened its safety measures and seen improvements in student attendance, engagement, and academic performance. The division achieved a 100% graduation rate for students completing a two-year CTE program and set records for its graduating classes.
Dr. White's contributions have garnered recognition, including being named Virginia’s 2024 Superintendent of the Year. The School Board has extended her contract multiple times, with her current term set to conclude in June 2028.
As she prepares for her departure, Dr. White emphasized her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for her successor. The Roanoke City School Board will begin a national search for the next superintendent.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WSLS (source).
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