Sunday, November 3, 2024

WJCC Schools Superintendent Olwen Herron Announces Retirement

Olwen Herron during her tenure as superintendent of WJCC Schools. (Photo Provided by WJCC Schools)

WILLIAMSBURG/JAMES CITY COUNTY— The Williamsburg-James City County School Board accepted the retirement of Superintendent Olwen Herron at its Oct. 1 meeting, effective Jan. 31.

Herron has served as superintendent in WJCC Schools since February of 2017 and was acting superintendent and deputy superintendent for five years prior.

“Serving WJCC Schools as superintendent has been the greatest honor of my professional career and I am truly blessed to be part of this wonderful community,” Herron said. “I am full of hope for the future of WJCC Schools as I know the strength and dedication of its leadership, teachers, and staff, and I am proud to have served as superintendent.”

Williamsburg James City County Schools said that under her leadership, the division’s schools are fully accredited, and the division has seen academic growth across grade levels, subject areas, and demographic groups, while chronic absenteeism has fallen. Graduation rates have increased while drop-out rates have decreased.

The division credited Herron for creating an opportunity to expand access to early childhood education through the planned construction of two new, inclusive, pre-K centers and sustaining a decade-long partnership with Williamsburg Health Foundation to provide direct health and wellness instruction across all schools. She is also credited for facilitating the increase of workplace-ready experiences for students and ensuring new and innovative pathways are available to meet the diverse needs of all learners through the Restorative Center and Learning Lab.

During her time as superintendent, the division noted Herron also launched the Teacher Supply Shop to provide free, donor-financed supplies and materials to division staff and led the development and deployment of expanded mentoring and professional learning programs to support educators at all points in their careers — including those switching into the teaching profession.

Herron was named Region II Superintendent of the Year in 2024, serving as Chair of Region II Superintendents and on the Virginia State Superintendent’s Leadership Council, the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of WHRO, the WJCC Schools Foundation Board, and on the University of Virginia K-12 Advisory Council Leadership Steering Committee.

Over her 43-year career in education, Herron has served in leadership roles in large and mid-size school systems in Northern Ireland, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia. Herron has served as a teacher, school administrator, Director of Organizational Development, Chief Accountability Officer, Chief Academic Officer, Deputy Superintendent, and Superintendent.

“Dr. Herron’s commitment to academic excellence and the well-being of students, staff, and families, leaves a lasting impact on WJCC Schools,” said Sarah Ortego, Williamsburg-James City County School Board Chair. “Her vision for our system and dedication to our community not only brought about many accomplishments during her tenure, but also poises us for continued success.”

The Williamsburg-James City County School Board will outline its superintendent search process in the coming weeks. The next school board meeting will be on Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

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