The Virginia Beach School Board voted unanimously at its Jan. 20 meeting to appoint Rashard Wright the new Chief Schools Officer for Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS). In this new role, Wright will lead the Department of School Leadership, which is responsible for 86 Virginia Beach elementary, middle and high schools.

“We are entering an exciting time in public education – a time where meeting challenges such as equity, the masterful integration of technology and effective literacy and numeracy instruction is paramount. Rashard Wright is an individual who will work with our principals and teachers superbly to meet those challenges head on,” said Dr. Aaron Spence, superintendent of VBCPS. “He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experiences from working in school divisions throughout Texas and Virginia, including a deep understanding of the educational climate here in Hampton Roads. I have the utmost confidence that he will provide a strategic, comprehensive leadership approach to our schools as move forward together.”

Wright will be leaving his current post in Isle of Wight County Schools, where he serves as the director of secondary schools.

During his 14-year career in education, Wright has served in a number of roles, including principal of Kecoughtan High School (which is also his alma mater), assistant superintendent for instruction for Middlesex County Public Schools and school improvement officer/area superintendent of the high schools office for Houston Independent School District in Houston, Texas.

“It is thrilling to join the staff of Virginia Beach Schools,” Wright said. “I am looking forward to joining the work of the many talented teachers, staff members and administrators in Virginia Beach to keep our students challenged, invigorated and inspired in their learning.”

Wright will begin as Chief Schools Officer March 2.

For more information about the administrative team of Virginia Beach City Public Schools, please visit vbschools.com.