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Superintendent Search

Stafford Schools Welcomes Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D. as Superintendent!

Superintendent Appointment Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D. Superintendent Stafford County Public Schools

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.

On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the Stafford County School Board unanimously approved JG Consulting to conduct a nationwide search for the new Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. JG Consulting will facilitate community engagement events to identify the essential qualities required of the next superintendent. Based on community input, a leadership profile will be created for recruiting the future leader of Stafford Schools.

We encourage our families and community to participate during the selection process for our new Superintendent by attending a Community Town Hall or completing the Superintendent Search Survey. School Board advisory committee members, staff, and students will receive invitations from the Office of the Superintendent to participate in stakeholder focus group sessions.

Our school community's input is invaluable in ensuring we find a leader who will inspire, empower, and excel in guiding Stafford County Public Schools.

The Search Process

  • June 2024

    • Stafford County School Board unanimously approved JG Consulting to conduct a nationwide search.

  • July 2024
    • Stafford School Board meets 1:1 with JG Consulting to begin developing a leadership profile.
    • Launch Superintendent Search landing page on district website.
    • Community Town Halls and stakeholder meetings are scheduled. 
    • An online Superintendent Search Survey is released.
  • August 2024
    • Community Town Halls and stakeholder groups meet to share input to build a leadership profile.
  • September 2024
    • Report of the community's input is presented to the School Board.
    • Position description is finalized after a comprehensive review of community input.
    • Recruitment begins, including position advertisement.
  • October 2024
    • Candidate reviews.
  • November 2024
    • Candidate reviews.
    • Next Superintendent selected and announced.

Community Town Halls

In the crucial process of selecting a new leader for Stafford County Public Schools, it is essential to listen to the community's input. The Stafford County School Board invites the entire community to share input to build a leadership profile for the next Superintendent of Stafford Schools during Community Town Halls:

August 7, 2024
6 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom

August 20, 2024
7 p.m.
Auditorium at Colonial Forge High School (550 Courthouse Rd, Stafford, VA 22554)

August 21, 2024
10:30 a.m.
School Board Chambers at the Alvin York Bandy Administrative Complex (31 Stafford Ave, Stafford, VA 22554)

Superintendent Search Survey

All citizens, families, staff, and students are invited to provide input to build a leadership profile for the next Superintendent of Stafford Schools by completing the Superintendent Search Survey by Friday, August 30. To foster open feedback from constituents, all responses will be anonymized and aggregated before being presented to the School Board and public.

Interested Applicants

Individuals interested in becoming the next Superintendent of Stafford Schools should complete an application with JG Consulting. All applications will be reviewed for candidacy.