Prince William County Schools Name New Superintendent

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — The Prince William County School Board approved LaTanya McDade as the school division's new superintendent at a meeting on Wednesday. McDade will replace the retiring Superintendent Dr. Steven Walts on July 1, 2021.

McDade is currently the chief education officer for Chicago Public Schools in Illinois.

McDade was approved by a unanimous vote of the school board. McDade will be the first Black woman to lead Prince William County Schools.

Dr. Babur Lateef is the chairman-at-large on the school board. “We believe she will be a strong leader dedicated to our academic and extracurricular mission," Lateef said in a news release. "The Board was impressed with her record of committed collaboration, transparent communication, and sense of accountability."

During the meeting, Lateef said the search for a new superintendent included 48 candidates from 16 states. The search began in October, and was led by the BWP & Associates search firm.

Ultimately, McDade was the candidate who the board identified as the best fit. "Her extensive experience at all levels of education, and her commitment to equity and opportunity for all students, provide the foundation for boldly leading our school division into this decade and beyond,” Lateef said.

McDade has worked with Chicago Public Schools for more than 20 years, according to a news release. She has worked as a teacher, principal, and district leader. Now, she joins the second largest school division in Virginia.

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve PWCS students and lead a school division with a storied history steeped in tradition and excellence,” McDade said. "I am excited to engage deeply with Prince William County students, families, communities, and staff to realize our shared vision for advancing achievement for all students and closing opportunity gaps for those most underserved."

McDade will finish a doctorate degree in educational leadership and supervision at Lewis University this spring, before starting at her position in Prince William County in July. McDade, who is the daughter of immigrants from Belize, felt she is uniquely qualified to help the diverse student body in Prince William County.

"As a daughter of immigrants, I understand firsthand the importance of providing students with access to rich opportunities that affirm their identities, strengthen their unique skills and talents, and support their aspirations," McDade said. "PWCS shares my fierce commitment to ensuring equity remains at the center of a world class education."