The York County School Board is partnering with the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) to conduct a nationwide search for the next superintendent of the York County School Division. The Board plans to name a permanent superintendent by February 2026.
Informational updates on the search will be posted on this page as new information becomes available.
The York County School Board will be conducting second round interviews for the position of superintendent, at an undisclosed location, from February 9, 2026 to February 23, 2026. These interviews will be held in accordance with the Code of VA Section 2.2-3712.
January 9, 2026 - Superintendent Interviews
The York County School Board will be conducting interviews for the position of superintendent, at an undisclosed location, from January 10, 2026 to January 24, 2026. These interviews will be held in accordance with the Code of VA Section 2.2-3712.
December 18, 2025 - Application Screening Complete for Superintendent
The York County School Board has completed its screening of applications for the position of Division Superintendent. The deadline for applications was December 10, 2025. The Virginia School Boards Association, contracted to conduct the candidate search, provided board members with the following summary of applicants.
Summary of Applicants*
Of 25 inquiries, there were 14 full applications.
- 6 current/former superintendents
- 5 assistant/associate/deputy superintendents
- 1 central office administrator
- 2 principals
- 10 men; 4 women
- 10 Virginia applicants
- 4 out-of-state applicants: from AZ, IA, MD, NC
The School Board will interview candidates beginning in January 2026 and hope to announce their selected candidate before the end of February 2026.
*summary of applicants provided by VSBA
November 5, 2025 - Survey Findings Reviewed and Application Process
During a special meeting on Wednesday, November 5, the York County School Board established the desired characteristics for the division’s next superintendent. These characteristics were developed based upon the results of a community survey and comments received during a public hearing.
The Board providing the following criteria to the Virginia School Boards Association for inclusion in the application process:
- Required experience as a classroom teacher, preferably at the elementary level and preferably with special education experience
- Preferred experience as a principal, superintendent/assistant superintendent/or equivalent central office administrator, or CEO
- Doctorate strongly preferred and Virginia experience preferred
- Extensive knowledge of budget and finance, and ability to advocate at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and be a good listener; is accountable, respectful, accessible, caring, fair and consistent, and involved.
- Proven leadership and expertise in strategic planning, student achievement, curriculum and instruction, staff development and evaluation, and school reform
- Decisive, data driven leader who is not just a team builder but also a team player who is highly visible and involved in the school community.
- A motivator with the passion to advocate on behalf of ALL students and staff and inspires community confidence.
The Virginia School Boards Association is assisting the Board in its search and will accept applications through December 10, 2025. The School Board will review applicants at a special meeting on December 18, 2025.
October 10, 2025 - Community Survey and Public Hearing Announcement
The York County School Board announced on Wednesday that it will begin the process of hiring a new superintendent by seeking public input on qualifications.
The school board has created a survey related to superintendent criteria, which is available online and on the home page of the division website. Hard copies of the survey will also be available at the school board administration offices and at each school. The deadline for surveys to be completed is October 31, 2025.
In addition to the survey, the board will hold a public hearing to receive comments from the community:
Date: October 27, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: York Hall
"The selection of a new superintendent is one of the most important responsibilities of the school board, and we are dedicated to ensuring the community’s voice is part of the process,” stated Kimberly Goodwin the Chair of the School Board. "We encourage parents, staff, and community members to share their input by completing the survey and attending the upcoming public hearing."
The school board selected the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) to assist the board with the superintendent search.
Take the Superintendent Search Survey
September 17, 2025 - Interim Superintendent Named
The York County School Board and Superintendent Dr. Victor Shandor have reached an agreement regarding his retirement date, which will be effective December 31, 2025. Dr. Shandor will also step back from day-to-day responsibilities on September 30, 2025 but will continue to serve as an advisor to the newly appointed interim superintendent. In preparation for this transition, the Board unanimously appointed Dr. James Carroll as interim superintendent, effective October 1, 2025.
Dr. Carroll has served the York County School Division since 2014, first as Chief Human Resources Officer and later as Chief Operations Officer. His leadership has guided key initiatives in student safety, employee recruitment and retention, capital improvements, and operational efficiency.
Dr. Carroll has 35 years of total experience in public education starting his career as a substitute teacher, middle school special education teacher, and then high school social studies teacher before moving into school administration. He served school divisions in Florida and North Carolina as an assistant principal and principal before joining YCSD.
The Board has engaged the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) to conduct a nationwide search for the next permanent superintendent. This process will include opportunities for public input and community engagement to ensure the selected leader reflects the values and priorities of YCSD.
Updates on the search process, including timelines and opportunities for involvement, will be posted to this page as they become available.
August 18, 2025 - YCSD Superintendent Announces Intent to Retire
During a closed session of the York County School Board on Monday, August 18, 2025, Superintendent Dr. Victor Shandor announced his intention to retire. While an official retirement date has not been set, Dr. Shandor shared his plans so the Board could begin developing a transition plan in the best interest of the school division.
"Throughout his tenure, Dr. Shandor has led with vision, compassion and an unwavering commitment to student success," said Kim Goodwin, School Board Chair. "His leadership has strengthened our schools, inspired our educators, and enriched our community. We thank Dr. Shandor for his outstanding contributions and wish him the very best in retirement."
Dr. Shandor, the division's ninth superintendent, has served York County since 2014, making him the longest-tenured superintendent currently serving in Hampton Roads. Under his leadership, YCSD has consistently ranked among the top school divisions in Virginia for academic achievement and on-time graduation rates.
Read the full press release.
