Prince William Schools Superintendent To Be Named By School Board

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — The Prince William County School Board has selected the district's next superintendent, according to a news release from the school district. The new superintendent will be approved and announced at a school board meeting on Wednesday, March 24.

Steven Walts, the school system's current superintendent, will retire when his contract expires on June 30, 2021. Walts was the superintendent of Prince William County Schools for 16 years.

"A nationwide search generated a number of remarkably well qualified candidates," the news release said. "The Prince William County School Board has identified the candidate who best meets the criteria and qualities for superintendent reflected in the PWCS Leadership Profile developed by the school community."

Walt's retirement comes after the school board declined to renew his contract during a vote in June 2019. In 2020, Walts was embroiled in controversy when Ryan Sawyer, a former school board chairman, filed a lawsuit alleging defamation of character, according to InsideNoVa. The lawsuit is still active, according to the Prince William County Circuit Court system.

Prince William County's new superintendent will take over a school system that is planning to offer full-time in-person learning for students to start the 2021-2022 school year. By May 5, Walts is expected to provide a plan that will allow for fully expanded in-person learning, as noted in the school board's agenda. The agenda noted that the plan should also allow students to opt-in to virtual learning, as well.

The Prince William School Board began its search for a new superintendent in October, according to a news release from the school district. The search was conducted by BWP & Associates, a national search firm.

The meeting can be viewed on channel 18 for Comcast customers, or channel 36 for Verizon Fios customers. The meeting will also be available online.