Suffolk Superintendent Dr. John B. Gordon III has been named the Region 2 Superintendent of the Year for 2026-2027 by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS).
Each year, superintendents are selected by their peers for outstanding leadership in supporting educational success in their school divisions. At the VASS annual spring conference held later this month, leaders will name one of the eight chosen superintendents as Virginia Superintendent of the Year.
"Dr. Gordon is an inspirational and transformational leader who empowers staff and the school community to create dynamic learning environments where everyone thrives," says his nomination description on the VASS website. "As a 'students-first' superintendent, he prioritizes students being involved in extracurricular activities, and he creates a positive division culture where the entire school community always feels welcomed."
Dr. Gordon became the superintendent of Suffolk Public Schools in 2019. He has more than 27 years of experience in public education in Maryland and Virginia. He has worked as a teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, principal, director of administrative services, and chief of schools. He served as chief of schools in Chesterfield County Public Schools from 2017 to 2019.
Dr. Gordon has been in public education since 1995 when he began his career as a substitute teacher and basketball coach on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Read more about his career on the Suffolk Public School website.
WHRO Public Media is owned by 21 local school divisions, including Suffolk Public Schools. Dr. Gordon joined us last year on our Education Matters podcast.
Congratulations, Dr. Gordon!
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