Superintendent Search

August 25, 2014 - School Board Announces New Superintendent

The York County School Board unanimously appointed Dr. Victor Shandor as the next superintendent of the York County School Division at the August 25 monthly meeting. Dr. Shandor has most recently served as an area superintendent for Fulton County Schools in Georgia where he provided strategic direction for more than 25,000 students in 24 schools. He will assume his new duties in York County beginning November 1.

“On behalf of the School Board, I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Shandor to York County,” stated Mark Medford, School Board chair. “He exemplifies the qualities and characteristics that our staff and community prioritized during our search process and stood out to each board member as the candidate to lead our division to new successes.”

Shandor has more than 20 years of public education experience as a teacher, principal and district administrator. During his tenure in Fulton County, he initiated successful programs for students, such as an initiative for at-risk students that resulted in increases in graduation rates. His commitment to preparing students to be college and career ready extends beyond the school walls by engaging community members to support student outcomes. Recognizing a need to provide professional growth for current staff members, he also launched a leadership challenge program for assistant principals. As a result of the program, many participants now hold positions as principals.

Before joining Fulton County Schools in 2011, Shandor served as the director of Exceptional Children's Programs for Cabarrus County Schools for six years. In this role he balanced a budget, which had a significant deficit before his tenure, led the district in considerable compliance improvement, and was the driving force behind graduation and drop-out prevention initiatives. His extensive experience in the field of special education also includes five years as the principal of the Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs (SECEP), located in Norfolk.

“The York County School Division has an outstanding reputation for excellence along with a commitment to students, staff and community involvement,” said Shandor. “As an educator and a father, I am impressed with the array of opportunities provided to meet the needs of every student. I look forward to working with the staff and community in promoting success for all students.”

Shandor, a 1992 graduate of California University in Pennsylvania, began his career in education as a teaching assistant. It was this initial experience that led him back to the classroom to pursue a master’s degree in Exceptional Education from Old Dominion University. He has also earned an education specialist degree from George Washington University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Wingate University.

Dr. Shandor grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. He and his wife, Melissa, have three school-aged children. They are excited to return to Virginia, where he first discovered his passion for education.

August 22, 2014 - YCSD Superintendent Search Update

The York County School Board has completed the interview portion of the selection process for the division's next superintendent. The Board is now scheduled to vote and appoint a new superintendent during the regular monthly meeting scheduled for 7 p.m., August 25, at York Hall.

July 2, 2014 - Application Screening Complete for Superintendent

The York County School Board has completed its screening of applications for the position of Division Superintendent. The deadline for applications was June 13, 2014. Of the 34 potential candidates who inquired, 24 submitted a formal application. "We are very pleased with the applicant pool, their experiences and qualifications," said Mark Medford, School Board Chair. "The Board is looking forward to beginning the interview process to find our next superintendent. The qualifications and desired characteristics we received from ALL stakeholders have been very helpful in the process and will continue to benefit us as we move forward." Eight of the applicants are current or former superintendents; 12 are assistant or deputy superintendents; two have central office experience; and two have other experience. The applicants include 16 men and eight women; 11 of the applicants are Virginia residents.

The School Board will interview candidates from late July to early August and plans to announce their selected candidate in September 2014.

May 12, 2014 - Interim Superintendent Named

At the March 12 Special Meeting, the York County School Board named Dr. Carl L. James as interim superintendent, effective July 1. Dr. James will serve until a new superintendent is named later this year.

Dr. James has worked for the York County School Division for 41 years, with the last 25 of those years in various administrative roles. He has held the position of Chief Operations Officer for the Division since 2008.

May 9, 2014 - Survey Findings Reviewed & Application Process

The York County School Board held a special meeting on Friday, May 9 to review results from the community survey and Public Hearing to determine the preferred qualities sought in a new superintendent.

The Board providing the following criteria to the Virginia School Boards Association for inclusion in the application process:

• Successful record of expertise in instruction, curriculum, educational technology, and school reform
• Extensive knowledge of budget and finance with lobbying experience at local, state, and federal levels
• Proven leadership to include team building, management, facilitation, motivation, organization and strong decision making skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, engage, and unify division-wide constituencies including staff, families and community
• A visionary who believes EVERY student has value and the ability to learn, and a leader who possesses a passion to advocate on behalf of ALL students
• Preferred experience as superintendent
• Required experience as classroom teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent/or equivalent central office administrator
• Preferred Doctorate and Virginia experience

The Virginia School Board Association is assisting the board in its search and has posted the vacancy announcement and application on its website.

April 21, 2014 - Superintendent Search Proposed Timeline

April 16, 2014 - Superintendent Search Launched

The York County School Board has launched a nationwide search for the division's next superintendent to replace Dr. Eric Williams, who will be leaving at the end of June. As the selection of a superintendent is one of the most important functions of a School Board, the board has engaged the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) for professional assistance in successfully managing the entire process.

The superintendent search process will be thorough, transparent and in partnership with all of our stakeholders. The School Board has developed a plan for stakeholder involvement in order to ensure the board selects a leader who will build upon the excellence our community expects of our school division.

The first step will be asking parents, staff and community members to participate in a survey that will help develop the preferred leadership characteristics sought in our next superintendent. This survey is now available online and will be open through May 7. Copies are also available at each school and local libraries, and can be returned to the School Board Office, 302 Dare Road, Yorktown, VA 23692.

In addition, the School Board has scheduled two Public Hearings to gather additional feedback:

• 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 30 at Bruton High School - Cancelled due to weather
• 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 7 at York High School

These events will give community members an opportunity to address the board directly regarding the preferred criteria for a new superintendent. The board will use the information garnered from the survey and Public Hearings as they interview potential candidates for the superintendent position, and make their final decision on who will lead the school system.