Courtesy of Prince William County Public Schools

Prince William County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade has been named Region IV Superintendent of the Year, which includes all school divisions in Northern Virginia and extends across Shenandoah and Frederick, down to Orange County. This recognition comes after a unanimous nomination by her Region IV colleagues. 

“This award is a testament to Dr. LaTanya McDade’s exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. She is an inspirational leader very much admired by her colleagues, and she will represent Region IV well in the running for Superintendent of the Year of the state of Virginia,” said Dr. Shannon Grimsley, Superintendent of Rappahannock County Public Schools and Region IV Chair.

Prince William County School Board Chairman At-Large Dr. Babur Lateef said this recognition is well-deserved.

“Dr. McDade’s passion for student success and her commitment to building a high-performance organization that serves its employees and the Prince William community has been evident since she became our Superintendent. We are grateful for her enthusiastic support for our children and our community,” he said.

Dr. McDade was appointed July 1, 2021, to serve as the Superintendent of PWCS. She is the first woman and first African American to serve as Superintendent of the school division. During her first seven months in office, she launched Vision 2025 Launching Thriving Futures. This ambitious four-year strategic plan serves as a framework for improving learning and achievement for all, building positive climate and culture, increasing family and community engagement, and achieving organizational coherence.

Dr. McDade joined PWCS with 23 years of experience in Chicago Public Schools, the third largest district in the nation. A lifelong educator, Dr. McDade is a former teacher, principal, chief schools’ officer, and district leader. She is guided by three core principles that have become the foundation for her work and vision today: excellence, equity, and integrity.

In two and a half years, Dr. McDade has brought clarity, vision, and a steadfast focus on improving teaching and learning to PWCS. In 2023, students outscored the state in four of five Standards of Learning (SOL) subject areas: reading, writing, mathematics, and social studies. Over the last year, science scores have increased by 3%. In elementary schools, reading levels are improving, specifically a 5% increase in Phonological Awareness Literacy Screenings, a comprehensive assessment of young children’s knowledge of literacy fundamentals that are predictive of future reading success.

Additionally, Dr. McDade has promoted multiple pathways for students to earn college credit and industry certification while in high school. Career and Technical Education offers over 135 high school courses which include studies in agriculture, aviation, culinary arts, cybersecurity, and nursing, to name a few. Currently, 53% of graduates earn one or more early college or career credentials. Collaborations with the Virginia Department of Labor, national businesses like Amazon, and local businesses help create opportunities for partnerships, mentorships, intern, and externships for students. Dr. McDade has also ensured 100% of 2023 graduates and beyond will have a postsecondary plan for entering college, technical school, the military, the workforce, or to access community transition services by establishing a college and career counselor at every high school.

Congratulations to Dr. McDade.