Superintendent
Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D.
Dr. Daniel W. Smith joins Stafford County Public Schools as superintendent with more than 20 years of transformative leadership experience and unwavering dedication to student success. Known for his student-centered approach, Dr. Smith has a proven history of fostering academic excellence, promoting equitable access, and nurturing inclusive school communities.
Most recently, as Chief of Staff and Acting Superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools—one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing districts—Dr. Smith oversaw a $1.8 billion budget supporting 83,000 students across 100 schools. During his tenure, he led significant improvements in student outcomes, boosting graduation rates and reducing chronic absenteeism. His leadership was instrumental in securing Loudoun’s first fully funded budget in six years, restoring community trust, and narrowing achievement gaps across core subjects.
Dr. Smith is known for championing forward-thinking initiatives, such as specialized academies in Health and Medical Sciences, dual language immersion programs, and expanded mental health services. His collaborative approach has fostered meaningful partnerships and ensured that every voice is valued in the pursuit of educational excellence.
As a lifelong advocate for Virginia’s public schools, Dr. Smith is excited to work alongside Stafford County’s students, families, staff, and community to build on the district’s strengths and pursue a bold vision for the future. He and his wife, Michelle, who have been married for over 21 years, are thrilled to join the Stafford County community. They have two children: Caden, a freshman at Virginia Tech, and Liliana, who looks forward to attending Stafford County Public Schools.
Dr. Smith holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Virginia and is a respected voice in education across the state and beyond.
Contact Information
📞 (540) 658-6000
📧 suptoffice@staffordschools.net
Superintendent's Entry Plan
As we embark on this journey together, my first six months as Superintendent are dedicated to listening, learning, and leading with purpose. Our focus is on fostering meaningful connections with students, staff, families, and community members while aligning our efforts with the goals of Stafford County Public Schools' Strategic Plan. Together, we will elevate opportunities for every student to inspire, empower, and excel.
Key Focus Areas
During these first six months, my goals are:
- Goal 1: Build strong and transparent relationships with the School Board, staff, students and parents;
- Goal 2: Assess the current progress of the Strategic Plan Goals, implementation and metrics, post-secondary outcomes, academic performance, climate and culture, and staff support, while ensuring that each Stafford Schools graduate is prepared to be successful in their chosen path;
- Goal 3: Evaluate organizational effectiveness and efficiency, including the degree to which clarity, coherence, and competence exist across the school division;
- Goal 4: Verify there are effective and impactful structures and systems in place to regularly monitor, intervene, and support the academic progress and growth for each student;
- Goal 5: Develop strong and meaningful partnerships with advisory groups, Parent-Teacher Organizations, Stafford Education Foundation, legislators and elected officials, local and state education associations, and community leaders.
Community Engagement
Engagement is at the heart of this plan. Over the next three months, I will host Community Connections, attend school events, and collaborate with local organizations. Your voice is critical in shaping the future of Stafford County Public Schools.
Progress Updates
Transparency is key to our success. Regular updates on our progress and milestones achieved during my first six months will be posted here, highlighting accomplishments and next steps.
Entry Plan Progress by Office of Communication
Explore Our Strategic Plan
My Entry Plan aligns closely with Stafford County Public Schools' Strategic Plan, a roadmap that ensures every decision supports our mission to inspire, empower, and excel.