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Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of columns Dr. Banton is writing for the Herald, using his local, regional and state educational experience to analyze the Prince Edward County Public Schools system.

During a recent NSBA conference, a School Board Chairman stated that the responsibilities of School Superintendents are analogous to that of a naval ship captain, requiring positive outcomes from all personnel at all times. The message he was delivering was quite clear; Those in command will be removed from their “command position” if their leadership fails to produce the required positive outcomes.

His counsel is on target and applicable to anyone in a leadership position in the field of education because a child does not have a second chance for their K-12 education.

Prince Edward has an opportunity here

A 2024 research report from the American Enterprise Institute notes that two-thirds of U.S. students are disengaged by the 12th grade. It’s also worth noting that only 46% of college graduates feel prepared for the workforce. Meanwhile, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development found that U.S. students rank 28 out of 37 across international countries in math proficiency and similarly low in reading and science. Could better educational leadership in all of America’s schools help in rectifying this problem? 

The answer is absolutely! With Prince Edward’s school board initiating a search for a new superintendent, they have an excellent opportunity to bring about excitement, enthusiasm, and a renewal of hope within “all” of its families regarding a bright and successful future for their children.

The School Board would be well-advised to avoid candidates with experience in large metropolitan areas and focus on candidates with extensive experience in developing or supervising successful instructional programs for communities of small to moderate size with a mix of agricultural and industrial growth. A search for candidates who have had experience as an Assistant Superintendent for Instruction would also likely increase the number of applicants wanting to become Division Superintendents.

Leave nothing to chance

The Prince Edward Board of Education should leave nothing to chance in their search of a new leader in the education of the county’s children. A two-day visit to the communities of the successful finalists would leave nothing to chance. As President Calvin Coolidge said, “Those who put their trust in chance must abide by the results of chance. They have no legitimate complaint against anyone but themselves!

Make no mistake about it, Prince Edward County and this region of Virginia have much to offer any candidate who wants to move up the school administration career ladder. During its search for a new School Superintendent, The Prince Edward Board of Supervisors could assist the Board of Education by providing them with excellent brochures and pamphlets that would be given to finalists for their advertised school administrative positions.

When the Prince Edward County School Division is put under a microscope next year, will the County Board of Supervisors, the County School Board, and local taxpaying citizens find a considerable improvement in SOL test scores, student test scores, student attendance and school accreditation, or will they find a status quo? The clock is running for the Prince Edward School Administration and the citizens elected to serve on the Prince Edward County School Board. 

More importantly, the clock is running for the students of Prince Edward County regarding having an excellent opportunity for success in life.