NORFOLK, Va. — As Norfolk Public Schools begins its search for a new superintendent, Dr. Sharon Byrdsong has taken the helm in the interim.
The school board appointed Dr. Byrdsong as acting superintendent, last month, following the resignation of superintendent Dr. Melinda Boone who left her contract early.
“I don’t know that we have problems keeping superintendents. For a variety of reasons, superintendents have decided to pursue other positions or maybe the school board has decided to go in that direction," Dr. Byrdsong said.
The school board is now back in a familiar position: trying to find a replacement. In the last seven years, NPS has had three superintendents.
"My contract does allow for me to apply for the position. If I choose to," Dr. Byrdson said.
When asked if she was going to apply, she responded: "I'm taking it one day at a time. I'm not even official yet."
A veteran educator with more than two decades of experience, Dr. Byrdsong said her goal is to "maintain the stability" of the school district.
"One area of focus is definitely increasing percentage of schools that are accredited," she said.
She said she will also work on community involvement.
"I have planned to host some listening and learning tours," she said. "Hopefully I will be able to do that within all five high schools and we're going to invite the community to come in to talk about their perceptions of the school division's strengths, our weaknesses."
Virginia law requires school districts to select a new superintendent within 180 days after the departure of a superintendent.