ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke City Public Schools has found its next leader.
On Tuesday evening, the school board announced that Verletta White would be the school district’s next superintendent.
“My husband, my family and I we watched, we listened, we visited, and we got to know what Roanoke City is all about. And I can tell the heart of this city is where my heart wants to be," White said.
White comes to Roanoke from Baltimore, Maryland, where she worked in the public school system there in a variety of roles.
“I couldn’t be more excited to serve this beautiful community. I am excited to meet all of my new colleagues and to start partnering for the benefit of all of Roanoke City’s wonderful children,” said White in a news release.
She began her teaching career in 1992, as an elementary school teacher in Baltimore City, then transitioned to a teaching position in Baltimore County in 1995 and eventually became interim superintendent.
“So whether or not your’re a part of a larger system or a smaller system, we share some of the same values, we share some of the same challenges and so I believe that my experience in education will be a benefit to Roanoke City," White said.
She’ll begin in Roanoke on July 1, 2020, replacing Dr. Rita Bishop, who was the superintendent for 13 years.
Parents and community leaders had a long list of asks to the board during the search.v
“They wanted someone who had experience in an urban school district who would consider and provide the best education for all children and that’s what we were looking for and that’s what we found," school board vice chair Lutheria Smith said.
White is currently working on her doctoral dissertation in urban educational leadership at Morgan State University and anticipates earning her doctorate this December.
“Trust is built through conversation I believe one conversation at a time with time, with conversation, with a listening ear, with an open heart, and an open mind, we can work together and do great things for our boys and girls," White said.