News Summary
Over 2,000 staff members from Williamsburg-James City County Schools gathered for a kickoff event to welcome the new school year. New Superintendent Daniel F. Keever emphasized the importance of unity and inspiration. Notable speakers shared insights while new educators were introduced, highlighting the district’s commitment to personalized education. The event showcased the impact of dedicated teachers on students and set a positive tone for the upcoming school year, reflecting a community focused on fostering supportive educational environments.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Over 2,000 staff members from Williamsburg-James City County Schools (WJCC Schools) gathered on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Williamsburg Community Chapel to kick off the 2025-26 school year. This event took place one week prior to the return of students and was designed to be both a celebratory and aspirational gathering.
New Superintendent Daniel F. Keever led the event, emphasizing the theme “United in purpose; inspired by possibilities.” The kickoff included a panel of students who shared positive experiences about their educational journey, highlighting the crucial role of dedicated teachers and staff in personalizing education for every student.
Distinguished Guests and New Beginnings
The event featured several notable speakers, including Jim Icenhour, Chair of the James City County Board of Supervisors; Douglas Pons, Mayor of the City of Williamsburg; and Sarah Ortego, Chair of the WJCC Schools Board. The gathering also marked a significant occasion for 137 new teachers who are joining the district this year, contributing to a total of 1,013 educators focused on serving approximately 11,700 pre-K-12 students.
Spotlight on New Educators
Among the new teachers is Emma Stephens, a third-grade teacher at Clara Byrd Baker Elementary. With a double major in elementary education and psychology from William & Mary, she expressed her excitement about returning to her former school. Andrea Wirt, a new special education inclusion teacher at Lafayette High School, previously worked in the front office at Hornsby Middle School before discovering her passion for teaching through the iteach program. Both educators are committed to creating supportive environments that emphasize self-advocacy and personalized education for their students.
Leadership Transition
Daniel F. Keever, who will officially take on the role of superintendent on June 1, 2025, has considerable experience in public education, having served as Deputy Superintendent at WJCC since 2020. His appointment follows a thorough national search that evaluated over 40 candidates, showcasing a significant step in the leadership of WJCC Schools. Keever’s brief stint as acting superintendent began on February 1, 2025, and he is now poised to guide the division through the upcoming school year with a focus on enhancing educational experiences that meet the diverse needs of the student population.
Fostering a Supportive Education Environment
WJCC Schools remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive and dynamic educational environment, as evidenced by the enthusiasm of the new teachers and the community’s support at the kickoff event. The presence of students sharing their success stories underscores the impact that engaging and caring educators can have on young learners. As the new school year approaches, the commitment to personalized education and community involvement will be crucial in shaping the experiences of both staff and students alike.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: WJCC Schools Welcomes New Teachers
- WY Daily: Funding WJCC Schools Update
- Wavy: WJCC Schools Cyberattack
- 13 News Now: New Superintendent for WJCC Schools
- GovTech: WJCC Schools Recovery from Cyber Attack
- Wikipedia: Williamsburg, Virginia
- Google Search: WJCC Schools
- Google Scholar: WJCC Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WJCC Schools
- 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.
