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Buckingham County Public Schools will soon be looking for another superintendent. Dr. John Keeler informed the school board at their Wednesday, Oct. 9 meeting that he plans to retire at the end of this current school year. Keeler’s retirement, which was “reluctantly” accepted by the school board, will take effect as of June 30, 2025. 

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as a member of this school division,” Keeler said to the board, thanking them for their help and guidance. “Your dedication to the success and wellbeing of our students has kept the focus of the school division on what matters most.” 

Keeler originally joined the district in an interim role, taking over after former BCPS Superintendent Dr. Daisy Hicks announced her retirement back in 2021. The interim tag was removed in 2022 and Keeler took over the position full-time. 

Keeler pointed out several things that he was proud of developing over the course of his time in Buckingham. Chief among them is the improvement with SOL (Standards of Learning) test results. The district met or exceeded state standards when it comes to pass rates this year. The only reason none of the district’s schools were accredited without conditions is due to one ongoing problem: chronic absenteeism. At the high school, chronic absences remain high at 34.61%, just barely down from 36% last year. At the middle school, chronic absenteeism is a problem as well, with 25.77% of students affected. Meanwhile, the actual pass rates are climbing. For example, last year, only 58% of Buckingham Middle students passed English and now that’s up to 76%. A total of 77% passed Math, up from 65% last year. 

“I am immensely proud of our teachers and staff,” Keeler said in his statement to the board. “These accomplishments underscore our collective dedication to ensuring the best education for our students.” 

Other improvements in Buckingham

Keeler also pointed out that during his time here, the district set up a retirement banquet, to honor departing staff. Also, he helped establish the Teacher and Employee of the Year awards, as well as Senior of the Month recognition, along with the Heroes Breakfast each year in December.  

A graduate of Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in science education, Keeler also has a master’s degree from Virginia State University in educational leadership and a doctorate in education leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Before coming to Buckingham, Keeler had retired as superintendent of Buena Vista City Public Schools, where he served as superintendent from 2013 to June 2021. During his speech to the Buckingham board on Oct. 9, Keeler said he had confidence the district would continue to improve after he’s gone. 

“I am confident this division will continue to thrive under the leadership of this school board and the next superintendent,” Keeler said. 

Buckingham School Board Chairman Joii Goodman said it’s been a pleasure working with Keeler and he appreciates the effort the man puts in. 

“I appreciate his dedication, his commitment to the citizens of Buckingham County, and to the students, the teachers, the faculty and the staff,” Goodman said. “We really do appreciate it.” 

As for next steps, Goodman said that will begin soon. 

“We’re going to be getting the process going to help to facilitate the transition to a new superintendent,” he told the board. 

A school board  member stepping down

Keeler wasn’t the only one announcing his pending departure during the Oct. 9 meeting. School board member Jennifer Spessard also announced she’ll be stepping down at the end of 2024. To be clear, that will take effect as of Jan. 1, 2025. 

“It’s been an honor to serve,” Spessard told the board. “I thank everybody for mentoring me through my rookie year. I wish that I could finish out the four year term, but after a health scare, my family has been urging me to put my priorities with them, so that’s what I’m going to be doing.”