York County

The York County School Board has announced that Superintendent Victor Shandor will retire effective December 31. Following an agreement with the Board, Shandor will transition out of his day-to-day responsibilities on September 30, 2023. His interim successor, James Carroll, has been unanimously appointed to take over the role starting October 1.

Carroll, who joined the York County School Division in 2014, has held several key leadership positions, including Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Operations Officer. During this interim phase, Shandor will serve as an advisor to Carroll to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of leadership through the end of the year.

Kim Goodwin, the Chair of the York County School Board, has expressed confidence in Carroll’s leadership abilities, considering him well-suited to guide the division during this period.

The York County School Board has initiated plans to conduct a nationwide search for Shandor’s permanent replacement. Details about public participation in the search process will be released in the coming weeks.

Shandor’s Tenure and Contributions

Shandor has been a pivotal figure in the York County School Division since August 2014, making him the longest-serving superintendent in the Hampton Roads area. With a robust academic background that includes a bachelor’s degree from California University in Pennsylvania, a master’s degree from Old Dominion University, an education specialist degree from George Washington University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Wingate University, Shandor has a well-rounded profile for leadership in education.

Under his stewardship, the York County School Division has consistently ranked among the top school divisions in Virginia for academic achievement and on-time graduation rates. The division has garnered numerous state and national awards, including National Blue Ribbon Schools and National Title I Schools. Furthermore, Shandor oversaw nearly $150 million in capital improvements to school facilities, enhancing the learning environment for students.

Leadership During Challenges

Shandor demonstrated strong leadership during critical situations, including the crisis following the Grafton School Complex fire in February 2020 and the initial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to navigate complex issues has been widely recognized within the community.

Future Plans

As Shandor prepares to retire, he has expressed gratitude towards the School Board and staff for their collective dedication to student welfare. He looks forward to embarking on a new chapter following his distinguished service to the York County community.