Roanoke superintendent announces 2026-27 retirement; board names Christopher Perkins as designate

Superintendent Dr. White told the Roanoke City School Board on June 23 that she will retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year, ending a 35-year career in public education and seven years leading Roanoke City Public Schools. "I will be retiring at the end of the upcoming 26-27 school year, which will mark my 35th year in public education and my seventh year as superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools," she said, adding she remains committed to "ensuring a stable transition and supporting this board in your forthcoming search process."

Because she will miss the July 14 board meeting and will take a professional learning week later this fall, the division recommended formally appointing a superintendents designate and authorizing other senior staff to sign state documents in the superintendents absence. The board approved a motion to appoint Christopher Perkins, whose title effective July 1 is Chief of Staff and Operations, to serve as the superintendents designate for July 14, 2026 through July 13, 2027.

The board also approved authorizing signatures for state documents during Dr. Whites absence to the following officials for the same dates: Christopher Perkins (Chief of Staff and Operations); Dr. Cynthia Williams (Chief Academic Officer); Archie Freeman III (Chief Student Support and Organizational Engagement Officer); and Kathleen Jackson (Chief Financial Officer). Dr. White told the board the Virginia Department of Education requires documented designation of an acting superintendent and authorized signatories, which prompted the formal vote.

Dr. White said she plans to continue leading through the transition period and that the trip she mentioned to Oxford, England will be paid personally and not with taxpayer funds. The board did not engage in extended debate and approved both the designate appointment and the signature authorizations by voice vote.