News Summary
Daniel F. Keever has been appointed as the new superintendent of Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, effective June 1. He previously served as the interim superintendent and has over 30 years of experience in public education. Keever aims to promote academic excellence and strengthen community relationships. His appointment follows a nationwide search that attracted more than 40 applicants. The school board is optimistic about his leadership in fostering an inclusive environment and enhancing educational outcomes for students.
Williamsburg, Virginia — The Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools have officially appointed Daniel F. Keever as their new superintendent, effective June 1. Keever has been serving as the interim superintendent following the retirement of Olwen Herron on January 31. His new appointment comes after a thorough nationwide search that attracted over 40 applications for the position.
The selection process for the new superintendent involved multiple rounds of interviews and evaluations, where candidates were assessed based on their alignment with the division’s strategic plan and student achievement goals. According to the school board, Keever consistently emerged as the top candidate throughout this rigorous evaluation process. Sarah G. Ortego, the school board chair, expressed enthusiasm about the decision, suggesting that Keever’s proven track record made him the ideal choice for the role.
Keever has a rich background in public education, bringing over 30 years of experience to his new role. He joined the WJCC Schools in 2020, and was subsequently promoted to deputy superintendent in 2023. His career trajectory includes various roles such as a school security officer, teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal, and principal. Before joining WJCC Schools, he served as the Senior Executive Director for High Schools at Virginia Beach City Public Schools, further enhancing his qualifications for the new position.
In his role as superintendent, Keever will serve a term lasting until June 30, 2028. In response to his appointment, he articulated a desire to prioritize academic excellence and to foster strong relationships within the community. He views the WJCC community as rich in history and dedicated to ensuring that each student is acknowledged, supported, and inspired to achieve their fullest potential.
The transition follows a well-planned search conducted by the school board to ensure the district’s leadership aligns with its educational vision. The board recognized the importance of finding a leader who could effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities faced by the school division. With Keever at the helm, the board anticipates continued progress in meeting the educational needs of the region’s students.
Keever’s role as superintendent will involve overseeing a variety of initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes and enhancing student engagement. This includes addressing current educational challenges and implementing new strategies to support teachers and staff. The school board is optimistic about Keever’s ability to drive positive change and reinforce the district’s commitment to educational excellence.
The Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools serve a diverse student population, and the board believes that Keever’s leadership will be instrumental in fostering an inclusive environment that meets the needs of all students. As the school district moves forward, stakeholders are hoping for a seamless transition and a fruitful partnership between the new superintendent, the school board, and the community.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- Daily Press
- GovTech
- WYDaily
- Pilot Online
- Wikipedia: Education in Virginia
- Google Search: WJCC Schools
- Google Scholar: superintendent leadership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: superintendent
- Google News: WJCC Schools
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
