Daniel F. Keever Appointed as New Superintendent for WJCC Schools

Students collaborating on a project in a supportive learning environment.

News Summary

The Williamsburg-James City County School Board has appointed Daniel F. Keever as the new superintendent, effective June 1, 2025. This unanimous decision followed a thorough search and evaluation process, highlighting Keever’s extensive experience and commitment to academic excellence. As he transitions from deputy superintendent, Keever aims to build on the school division’s achievements while addressing evolving educational needs. His three-year term is set to conclude on June 30, 2028, and the board is optimistic about his leadership in navigating future initiatives.

Williamsburg – The Williamsburg-James City County School Board has appointed Daniel F. Keever as the new superintendent, effective June 1, 2025. This decision was reached unanimously following a comprehensive nationwide search and a multi-stage interview process that took several months to complete. Keever’s selection marks a significant step for the school division, which is looking to build on its established record of academic excellence.

Keever emerged as the top candidate after a rigorous evaluation of over 40 applications for the superintendent position. His qualifications were assessed against the division’s strategic plan, goals for student achievement, and a community-defined profile of desired characteristics for candidates. Throughout the selection process, Keever consistently stood out as the leading candidate.

Sarah G. Ortego, the current Chair of the WJCC Schools Board, expressed strong confidence in Keever’s vision, experience, and leadership abilities as he prepares to take on this role. Keever has been with the WJCC Schools since 2020 and has served as the deputy superintendent since 2023. He took on the responsibilities of acting superintendent on February 1, 2025, following Dr. Olwen Herron’s announcement of retirement.

Keever’s Experience and Goals

With a career in public education spanning over 30 years, Keever has held multiple roles, including teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal, principal, and Senior Executive Director for High Schools at Virginia Beach City Public Schools. His extensive background in educational leadership positions him well to further the goals of the Williamsburg-James City County School Division.

Upon his appointment, Keever expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and eagerness to collaborate with students, staff, families, and the broader community. His focus is on driving academic success while addressing the evolving needs of students as they move forward. The school board is optimistic that under his leadership, they can continue enhancing the educational experiences offered to their student population.

Superintendent’s Term and Future Aspirations

Keever’s term as superintendent will last for three years and is set to conclude on June 30, 2028. During this time, he aims to build upon the solid foundation of excellence established by the WJCC Schools. His vision for the future includes not only maintaining high standards of education but also adapting to changes and challenges within the educational landscape.

Background Context

This appointment comes at a crucial time for the Williamsburg-James City County Schools, which is committed to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its students. Keever’s experience and leadership are expected to play a significant role in navigating the division through upcoming initiatives, educational trends, and community engagement strategies.

The search for a new superintendent was initiated to find a candidate who could embody the school’s values and address the specific needs outlined by stakeholders in the community. The successful conclusion of this comprehensive search reflects the board’s commitment to transparency and community involvement throughout the hiring process.

Overall, the unanimous choice of Daniel F. Keever as the new superintendent represents a forward-looking decision aimed at continued excellence in education for the Williamsburg-James City County community.