Gov.-elect Spanberger announces appointment of secretary of education

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D) announced the appointment of the new secretary of education on Tuesday.

The morning of Tuesday, Jan. 6, Spanberger's office announced that Jeffrey Smith would serve as Virginia's next secretary of education.

Smith has more than 32 years of service in public school education and spent five years as a superintendent, with eight years as superintendent in Hampton City Schools (HCS), and seven years as superintendent in the Town of West Point, according to Spanberger's office.

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“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.”

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Smith also served as the assistant 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.

According to Spanberger's office, Hampton City Schools reached a historic milestone: for the first time, all 29 schools earned full accreditation without any conditions. In addition, graduation rates increased from 88% to nearly 98%, and dropout rates declined from 5.1% to less than 1%.

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“It is an honor to serve as a member of Governor-elect Spanberger’s administration. I strongly support her Strengthening Virginia Schools Plan,” Smith said in a press release. “Together, we can advance a vision for a Commonwealth that is stronger, safer, and more affordable for all Virginians, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to achieve and succeed.”

Spanberger's office said Smith currently serves as the Executive Director and CEO of the Virginia Air and Space Science Center in Hampton. He also has over 40 years of pastoral leadership by serving a congregation in Richmond, per the governor elect's office.