Colonial Heights picks new superintendent with decades of experience

COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. (WRIC) -- Colonial Heights Public Schools has named a man with over two decades of public education experience as its new superintendent.

Travis Ridley, who currently serves as the school district's assistant superintendent of instruction, will officially become its new superintendent on July 1, according to a May 14 press release.

“Travis Ridley brings strong leadership and a clear vision for achieving student success while promoting the culture that defines our school system," said Steven Neece, chair of the city's school board, in the release. "The school board is excited about the future of our school division under his guidance and looks forward to the continued growth and progress of Colonial Heights Public Schools.”

Ridley has 22 years of experience in public education, which began with him serving as a teacher and coach in Colonial Heights Public Schools.

In the years since, he has held a variety of leadership roles within the city school division, from assistant principal to director of career and technical education. He also served as assistant superintendent of instruction for Buckingham County Public Schools.

“I am honored to be selected as the next Superintendent of Colonial Heights Public Schools,” Ridley said in the release. “I want to thank the School Board for their confidence in me, and I look forward to working collaboratively with our students, staff, families and the entire Colonial Heights community to continue building on the division’s strong tradition of excellence.”