After a five-month search, a new superintendent has been approved for Stafford County Public Schools. In a special called meeting Monday night, the Stafford County School Board unanimously voted 6-0 to approve the hiring of Daniel W. Smith.
Daniel W. Smith
Smith served previously as chief of staff for Loudoun County Public Schools, where he oversaw a $1.8 billion budget with 83,000 students across 100 schools. He joined LCPS in April 2022 and was previously one of two final candidates being considered for superintendent of Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville, Florida.
Smith will begin his tenure with Stafford Schools on Dec. 9.
“Dr. Smith is an exceptional educator and leader who is clearly focused on preparing students for life after high school,” school board chair Maureen Siegmund said in a news release accompanying the announcement.
“Dr. Smith has experience at all levels of education, from instruction through administration. His proven commitment to closing achievement gaps and advancing opportunities for all students aligns with our vision for the future. We look forward to welcoming him, along with his wife and daughter, into our community and our schools, where his leadership will undoubtedly make a positive impact.”
According to the release, Stafford County is the eighth-largest public school district in Virginia, with more than 32,000 students and 4,300 employees.
Smith, a native of Chesapeake and father of two, has more than 20 years of experience in public education. He has served as both a teacher and principal across elementary, middle, and high school levels, gaining leadership experience in both rural and urban settings. He holds a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University, a master’s from Shenandoah University, and a doctorate from the University of Virginia.
He has received recognition as a Virginia Region 4, Outstanding Principal of the Year, PTA Power Principal of the Year, VDOE Level II Principal of Distinction, and the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development’s (ASCD) Emerging Leader.
He briefly addressed the board after his hiring was approved early on in Monday’s meeting. Aquia District representative Maya Guy was absent for the vote.
“Education is my passion and my calling,” he said. “Every decision I make will be in the best interest of our students.”
Chris R. Fulmer served as acting superintendent in the interim after Thomas Taylor left SCPS in June to take a position as superintendent of schools in Montgomery County, Maryland. The school board, in partnership with J.G. Consulting, conducted a national search that included community input.
The Board noted in a release that more than two dozen candidates applied for and were considered for the superintendent position.
