Dr. Aaron Spence
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Student Enrollment: 82,946 (58% students of color, 22% economically disadvantaged, 14% Limited English Proficient)
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Superintendent Bio
Since 2014, Dr. Spence has served as superintendent of Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS), a school district of over 65,000 students and 10,000 employees. During his tenure, Dr. Spence supported significant growth in the division, ensuring all schools became and remained fully accredited and overseeing processes resulting in the division’s highest graduation rates on record. Other work to meet the needs of students, staff, parents, and the community includes the implementation of full-day kindergarten, the development of an Environmental Studies Program classroom at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center, an expansion of career and technical education opportunities in areas including manufacturing and renewable energy, and a significant increase in family and community engagement efforts, including focused voice groups and expanded supports for English learner families.
Prior to that role, he was the Superintendent of Moore County Schools in North Carolina for two years. His previous positions have included Chief High Schools Officer for Houston Independent School District, Chief Academic Officer and Director of Curriculum for Chesterfield County Public Schools, Principal of Deep Run High School and Assistant Principal of Henrico High School for Henrico County Public Schools, and a French teacher at Brook Point High School in Stafford County Public Schools.
A recognized leader at the state and national level, Dr. Spence was named 2018 Virginia Superintendent of the Year by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS). In selecting him for the award, VASS lauded Dr. Spence as a “textbook example of leadership necessary to make large-scale changes in an organization that produce significant changes and positive results.” When presenting him with the award, VASS President Jennifer Parish said, “As a result of Aaron Spence’s leadership, Virginia Beach schools have been able to address achievement and discipline gaps . . . his communication and community engagement strategies continue to ensure the success of his school division.” He was also named the EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators and CoSN at the 2021 National Conference on Education and serves as a mentor and teacher for new superintendents across the country.