The Roanoke City School Board on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, unanimously approved a two-year contract extension for Superintendent Dr. Verletta White. With this extension, Dr. White’s contract will now run through June 30, 2028.

Since joining Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) in 2020, Dr. White has been instrumental in leading the division’s efforts to create an inclusive, student-centered learning environment. Under her leadership, RCPS has:

• doubled Career & Technical Education seat capacity with the opening of the Charles W. Day Technical Education Center (DAYTEC), in pursuit of Dr. White’s goal of ensuring all students graduate with both a diploma and a resume.
• advanced community and family engagement opportunities, including the creation of an Early Literacy Academy, Parent & Guardian University, and the forthcoming Booker T. Washington Community Empowerment and Education Center, set to open in August 2025.
• centralized RCPS administration using the former Roanoke Times building, which allowed for the creation of DAYTEC and the Community Empowerment and Education Center.
• made strides in student achievement, including gains in reading and math on the 2023 Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments, in alignment with Strategic Plan academic goals.
• has enhanced safety and security measures, fully implementing 25 safety enhancements that the School Board approved in 2022, including the creation of Staying Safe by Staying Connected summer programming.
• and has been recognized as Virginia’s 2024 State Superintendent of the Year, Virginia’s Region VI Superintendent of the Year, and was also touted as one of the five superintendents in the nation to watch by K-12 Dive.

“We are thrilled to continue working with Dr. White as we move forward with our shared vision for our students, families, and staff,” said School Board Chair Dr. Eli Jamison. “Her leadership has been key in driving positive change throughout the district, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact she will have on Roanoke City Public Schools.”

Dr. White expressed her gratitude to the School Board and the Roanoke community for their continued support. “I truly appreciate the confidence you’ve placed in me,” she said. “It is an honor and a blessing to serve the children, families, and staff of Roanoke City Public Schools.”

This is the second contract extension that Dr. White has received. In 2022, the School Board extended her contract by two years through 2026.