VDOE Outlines Reorganization to Center Operations Around Student Outcomes

The Virginia Department of Education presented a reorganization Jan. 8 intended to align staff and functions around delivering measurable outcomes for students.

Superintendent Gullickson said the agency is organized around four branches: (1) Academics & Innovation, (2) Operations, (3) Early Learning & Specialized Populations and (4) External Partnerships. Deputy Superintendent Tiara Booker Dwyer described offices under Academics & Innovation (educator workforce; instruction and standards; assessments and accountability; school improvement; excellence and best practices). Chief Christina Burda described moving human resources under operations, stood up a centralized grants administration office, and the creation of an accreditation office that will integrate facility and finance data with academic accreditation.

Chief Jenna Conway explained that early‑childhood oversight consolidated birth‑to‑five programs into the Department of Education and noted the addition of staff and assistant superintendents who will work on child care, Head Start collaboration, and early learning standards.

Board members pressed for clarity on cross‑unit coordination (CTE/apprenticeships, accreditation, seat‑time flexibility). Staff said units will colocate and collaborate and that several positions remain in progress. VDOE staff signaled follow‑up technical assistance and webinars for divisions on topics such as seat‑time flexibility and apprenticeship implementation.

Why it matters: The restructure centralizes grants administration and creates a visible accreditation function, both aimed at reducing duplication and improving service to school divisions.