VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The School Board of the City of Virginia Beach has named Dr. Donald Robertson as the division's superintendent.
The vote happened at Tuesday night's school board meeting.
A native of Hampton Roads, Dr. Robertson began his career as a math teacher and wrestling coach at Princess Anne Jr. High back in 1988.
"I'm excited and I'm also very humbled," Robertson said
He progressed in leadership roles including assistant principal of Bayside High School, principal of Salem High School, chief strategy and innovation officer, chief schools officer, chief of staff and acting superintendent.
After making his way up the ranks Robertson said he plans to keep teachers at the forefront when it come to decision making.
"We want to make sure we go down to that level, if it's something we think we're going to tweak in the classroom we need to talk to the teachers," Robertson said. "Here's an idea we have, is this a good Idea tell me why or why not."
Positively Hampton Roads
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Robertson has served as acting superintendent since June of 2023 after Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence left to take the same position at Loudon County Public Schools.
Since the start of the school year the school board has been working with a consulting firm to conduct a nationwide search and host several public input sessions.
"I would imagine a division like Virginia Beach with the reputation we have there were some top candidates that put their name in the hat to have the privilege to lead this school division, the fact I was chosen I'm excited about that I think I've earned it," Robertson said.
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In a sit down interview with News 3's John Hood, Robertson said there are some things he would like to improve on that he could not speak to just yet.
He said he wants to accomplish all the goals he's established at the start of this school year including being fully accredited and over performing when it comes to standard of learning (SOL) tests.
"So those goals include, our school division has been fully accredited for seven consecutive years," Robertson said. "There is no other school division in the Commonwealth that is as large as we are that can say that."
Robertson begins his new role on Feb.1.
