Spanberger nominates Jeffery Smith as Virginia’s next secretary of education

Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger announced on Tuesday morning that long-time educator Jeffery Smith would be Virginia’s next secretary of education.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch first broke the story about the announcement, as the next administration prepares to shape education and other areas of state governance for the next four years.

Smith has over 32 years of experience in public education, including 15 years as a superintendent. He led Hampton City Schools for eight years and served seven years as superintendent in the Town of West Point. He now leads the Virginia Air and Space Science Center. 

“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,” said Spanberger in a statement. “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.”

Once confirmed by the General Assembly, which will be under Democratic control in the House and Senate, Smith will guide education agencies and key state learning institutions, including the Virginia Department of Education, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, museums and cultural institutions, and boards and foundations.

His career also includes work in several Virginia school divisions and teaching roles at Old Dominion University and William and Mary. 

In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly recognized Smith for his service and academic achievements during his time with Hampton City Schools, among other local, state, and national recognitions. Smith was one of four finalists for AASA National Superintendent of the Year and recipient of the Virginia Department of Education’s Mary Peake Award for Education Equity.

While at Hampton, Smith was involved with two notable accomplishments:  strengthening the division’s dual-enrollment program with the Virginia Peninsula Community College and expanding career pathways at the Academies of Hampton.

“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 Tuesday’s announcement. “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 will be inaugurated in Richmond on Jan. 17, replacing Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who cannot run for a second consecutive term.

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