Northam appoints Dr. James Lane as Superintendent of Public Instruction

Governor Ralph Northam has appointed Dr. James Lane as Virginia’s next State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

“Public education is the foundation of this Commonwealth’s economy and the quality of life we offer every family, and no one has as much responsibility for setting the direction of our public education—from early childhood through 12^th grade—as the Superintendent of Public Instruction,” said Governor Northam. “Dr. Lane’s experience as a superintendent, school administrator and teacher has given him the deep grounding in education that a state superintendent needs. I want Virginia to be a state where every child, every person, in every community, has access to opportunity, and that includes the opportunity for a great education. I believe Dr. Lane is the person to carry out that commitment and ensure that Virginia’s students are getting the best education in the nation.”

Dr. James Lane has served as a superintendent in three Virginia school divisions, including his current position in Chesterfield County—Virginia’s fifth-largest, and one the Commonwealth’s highest performing, school divisions. He previously served as Superintendent for Goochland County Public Schools and Middlesex County Public Schools. Dr. Lane holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of School Administration degree from North Carolina State University and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Virginia.

“I want to thank both Dr. Steve Staples, who retired as our state superintendent in January, and Dr. Steve Constantino, who stepped in to serve as the acting superintendent during these past few months,” Northam added. “They both built a great team and did admirable work for our education system. I’m also glad to say that Steve Constantino will continue to serve as chief academic officer, and we look forward to continuing our great collaborative working relationship.”

“James Lane has the right experience and vision to open a new chapter of equity and success for Virginia students in every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni. “Our team is ready to get to work with Dr. Lane and his team, as well as the Virginia Board of Education and school board members, administrators, educators and support personnel around the Commonwealth.”

“I am honored to be selected for this important position, which plays such a vital role in the direction of our Commonwealth’s education system and our economy,” said Dr. Lane. “I look forward to supporting Governor Northam’s vision for an education system that gives every child a shot at a successful life, no matter who they are or where they live.”