Olwen Herron, deputy superintendent of Williamsburg James City County schools, was selected to replace Superintendent Steven Constantino during a school board meeting Tuesday night.
The promotion comes after Constantino resigned on July 12 to serve as the Virginia Department of Education’s chief academic officer and assistant superintendent for instruction, effective August 15.
Herron will receive an annual salary of $175,000 and serve until June 30, 2017 — or until a new superintendent is selected.
“She’s had good mentorship,” said Sandra Young (Berkeley). “I think she will bring a different direction to the county, so I’m excited about that.”
As deputy superintendent, Herron oversaw the division’s special programs, human resources, student services and technology.
Prior to coming to JCC, Herron was the academic officer for the Fort Bend Independent School District in Sugar Land, Texas, and the director of organizational development for Virginia Beach City Public Schools. She holds degrees from the University of Liverpool in England, Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland and Regent University in Virginia Beach.
“I’m honored to serve and ready to build on the wonderful things Dr. Constantino has done as a leader of the system,” Herron said.