"It's
just about the kids," Billy K. Cannaday, Jr., said. Children have
been a top priority during Cannaday's entire career. During a 12-year
period, he served as the superintendent of two of the largest public
school systems in Virginia: Chesterfield County Public Schools and
Hampton Public Schools.
When
Cannaday led the Chesterfield County Public Schools — the first
African American to do so — the school system went from less than
50 percent of its schools being fully accredited by the Commonwealth
of Virginia to 100 percent of the county's comprehensive schools being
fully accredited. During this period, Cannaday knew the names of each
high school senior who possibly was not graduating. He personally called
all of them at home to discuss a plan of action to help them earn a high
school diploma.
It was a historic moment in 2006 when Cannaday was
appointed to a four-year term as Virginia's superintendent of public
instruction by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.
Billy K. Cannaday, Jr.
Cannaday is the first African American to serve in this
position. As superintendent, Cannaday is the chief executive officer of the
Virginia Department of Education, which is the administrative agency for the
Commonwealth's public schools. He is also secretary of the Virginia Board of
Education.
"Aim high and
don't let the doubts
of others cloud your vision."
Cannaday has served his community through service
on the College of William & Mary Gifted Advisory Board, Greater Richmond
Community Foundation Board of Directors and University of Virginia Teacher
Education Advisory Committee. His significant achievements were recognized
by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents when he was named Virginia's
2005 Superintendent of the Year. Also, Cannaday has been honored twice as a
regional superintendent of the year and was named the 2000 College of William & Mary
Professional Educator of the Year.
A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Cannaday received
a bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Virginia Tech in
1972, a master's degree in educational administration from Hampton University
in 1980 and a doctorate in educational administration from Virginia Tech in
1990.
Cannaday encourages students to "aim high
and don't let the doubts of others cloud your vision."
