MANASSAS, Va. (AP) - A Virginia school board has named its first woman and first Black superintendent.
WRC-TV reports that Latanya McDade will begin her new job leading Prince William County’s school district on July 1. She will replace retiring Superintendent Steven Walts.
McDade is currently the chief education officer in the Chicago Public Schools district. She’s worked there for 23 years, beginning as a teacher, then as a principal, and later working her way up to a top administrator.
After the school board’s unanimous vote, McDade told the audience she is the daughter of immigrants and understands firsthand the importance of giving students access to opportunities that “affirm their identities, strengthen their unique skills and talents, and support their aspirations.”
McDade said it’s her role as a parent that best prepares her for the job.
“All I would want in education for my own children is what I want for every Prince William County school student,” she said.
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