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YCSD Superintendent Announces Intent to Retire

During a closed session of the York County School Board on Monday, August 18, 2025, Superintendent Dr. Victor Shandor announced his intention to retire. While an official retirement date has not been set, Dr. Shandor shared his plans so the Board could begin developing a transition plan in the best interest of the school division.

"Throughout his tenure, Dr. Shandor has led with vision, compassion and an unwavering commitment to student success," said Kim Goodwin, School Board Chair. "His leadership has strengthened our schools, inspired our educators, and enriched our community. We thank Dr. Shandor for his outstanding contributions and wish him the very best in retirement."

Dr. Shandor, the division's ninth superintendent, has served York County since 2014, making him the longest-tenured superintendent currently serving in Hampton Roads. Under his leadership, YCSD has consistently ranked among the top school divisions in Virginia for academic achievement and on-time graduation rates.

The York County School Division was named one of Virginia's first "School Divisions of Innovation" for implementing effective instructional practices and structures designed to improve learning, promote college and career readiness, and civic engagement. The division has earned numerous state and national recognitions during Dr. Shandor's tenure including National Blue Ribbon Schools, National Title I Schools, and Purple Star recognition for all 19 schools.

Dr. Shandor has championed programs promoting student engagement and real-world learning throughout his tenure. He expanded extracurricular clubs and introduced Student Connection Coaches to strengthen relationships between students and staff. He cultivated strong community and business ties to launch the EngagedIN program which now includes more than 250 partners supporting student career exploration in current and emerging industries through guest speaking engagements, mock interviews, mentorships, and internships.

"Dr. Shandor's ability to bring people together, listen with empathy, and lead with purpose has made a lasting impact on our schools and our community," stated Jimmy Richardson, School Board Vice Chair. "We will miss his leadership but wish him well in retirement."

His commitment to leadership development led to the creation of the L.E.A.D. program, designed to promote and retain highly effective talent, with more than half of the division's current administrators advancing under his leadership. He has also served as an executive coach to several superintendents serving the Commonwealth.

During his tenure, Dr. Shandor has worked closely with the School Board, York County Administrator, and Board of Supervisors to develop annual operating budgets prioritizing instruction and learning, retention and recruitment, and safety. His bold advocacy has led to continuous compensation increases and continuous improvements to the facilities. These efforts have transformed YCSD into a destination school division for families and prospective staff members.

He has also overseen nearly $150 million in capital improvements, including five comprehensive elementary school renovation projects and upgrades to school auditoriums, athletic facilities and security infrastructure. His vision for modern learning environments led to the transformation of traditional libraries into collaborative Learning Commons at Bruton and York High Schools, with plans underway for Tabb and Grafton. These strategic investments in facilities reflect a future-focused approach that benefits the entire York County community.

Dr. Shandor's leadership during times of crisis has been widely recognized. He guided the division through the Grafton Complex closure and the COVID-19 pandemic, with health and safety protocols that have been featured in national seminars and publications. In 2023, he was named Region II Superintendent of the Year. Beyond York County, Dr. Shandor has served in numerous leadership roles across the state, including appointments to the Virginia Association of School Superintendents, WHRO, and by Governor Youngkin to the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Shandor shared:

"I want to thank the YCSD School Board members, specifically Barbara Haywood, Mark Medford, Dr. Robert George and the late Page Minter, who took a chance on a first-time superintendent. They hired me and let me lead. They supported my decisions and let me be me. In 11 years, I never had to pretend to be something I wasn't. I am forever grateful. In the years since, Jimmy Richardson, Laurel Garrelts, Mark Shafer, Brett Higginbotham, and Sean Myatt have been amazing supporters and staunch advocates for YCSD. I also want to recognize our newest board members Kim Goodwin and Zoran Pajevic for their support. Each of the Board members I named should be commended for their service to this amazing community."

"I also want to recognize our executive staff, school administrators, and every member of TEAM YCSD – from teachers and paraeducators to bus drivers and maintenance crews. This is a special place. We aren't perfect, but our collective commitment to doing what's best for students is powerful. Most importantly, I must thank my wife Melissa and our children for their love and support. It has been a blessing serving this community, and I look forward to the next chapter."

Dr. Shandor holds a bachelor's degree from California University in Pennsylvania, a master's degree from Old Dominion University, an education specialist degree from George Washington University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Wingate University.