Spanberger names new education leaders to ‘strengthen’ state’s schools

Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s administration is promoting Jenna Conway, a state education leader, to become the next state superintendent of public instruction. The administration has also named Connor Andrews as deputy secretary of education.

The announcement on Tuesday is the latest move by the incoming administration to shape the state’s education leadership. Spanberger, who last week announced longtime educator Jeffery Smith as Virginia’s next secretary of education, reiterated her goal to strengthen all levels of education in the state, including early childhood, K-12, and colleges and universities.

“Ms. Conway and Mr. Andrews share my deep commitment to putting Virginia’s students first, attracting and retaining world-class educators, and making strong investments at every level of our education system,” Spanberger said in a statement. “I’m proud to have them join my administration as we work to strengthen Virginia’s public schools across our commonwealth.”

Conway has served in the Virginia Department of Education for the past seven years, most recently as chief of early learning and specialized populations. She led improvements to Virginia’s birth-to-five early childhood system and oversaw special education, behavioral health, student safety and adult education, demonstrating a commitment to supporting all learners.

Her education experience also includes building a nationally recognized early childhood model. Over eight years, Conway helped double the number of birth-to-five children served with public funds. In addition, she helped shape other significant legislation, including the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act. 

In a statement, Conway said she joins Spanberger in a commitment to strengthening the state’s public schools and early childhood programs to prepare Virginia’s future workforce and empower students, families and educators. 

“Throughout my tenure at the Virginia Department of Education, I have been inspired by the dedication of educators, stakeholders, and parents across the commonwealth. While each voice is unique, a shared purpose unites us: we believe in our children and are determined to ensure every child has every opportunity to reach their fullest potential,” Conway said.

Spanberger’s administration also announced that Andrews, who co-chairs the governor-elect’s education policy committee, will transition to the Office of the Secretary of Education as deputy secretary.

Andrews, the director of state government relations at the University of Virginia, previously served in the office of former Gov. Ralph Northam, first as a policy analyst and later as deputy policy director, where he focused on education, workforce development and labor policy. He also staffed Northam’s Children’s Cabinet, which worked to improve outcomes for children and families.

“The governor-elect’s education plan recognizes the critical role that our education system and institutions of higher education play in expanding opportunity and preparing students for success,” Andrews said in a statement. “I look forward to collaborating with partners across the commonwealth to ensure all Virginians have access to a world-class education.”

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