New Virginia Secretary of Education Jeff Smith outlines focus on early childhood and career-technical pathways

Jeffrey O. Smith, the newly named Virginia secretary of education, told a Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee education subcommittee that his priorities include early childhood education and strengthening career-technical pathways for students.

Smith, introduced to the subcommittee on the Senate floor and speaking at length, described a 32-year career in public education that included 15 years as a superintendent in Hampton and West Point and service as executive director of the Virginia Air and Space Science Center. He asked the panel to welcome Jenna (last name not provided), identified in the hearing as the state superintendent of public instruction, and Deputy Secretary Connor Andrews, both of whom he said will be part of his senior team.

Smith highlighted results from his time in Hampton City Schools, saying all 29 schools there ‘‘earned full accreditation’’ for the first time, graduation rates rose ‘‘from 88 percent to nearly 98 percent,’’ and dropout rates fell ‘‘from 5 percent to below 1 percent.’’ He also said the district expanded dual-enrollment opportunities that allowed students to earn more than 25,000 college credits and, in some cases, an associate degree.

On policy, Smith said the administration will ‘‘elevate’’ credentialing and transferable skills aligned to ‘‘high demand, high wage’’ jobs, using what he described as a ‘‘backwards design’’ approach that starts with workforce needs and builds education offerings to prepare students for those roles. He emphasized early childhood as a foundational area and said the work will aim to ensure equitable access to a high-quality education.

Senator Ralph asked how the administration plans to promote trades and technical education as an alternative to a four-year college degree and to help students avoid heavy loan burdens. Smith replied that the state plans to expand career and credential pathways so students have multiple options and skills employers value.

Senator Obin Shein welcomed the emphasis on hands-on opportunities and said technical education should be made available to students on all academic tracks. In response to a question from the committee chair about how academies work, Smith described a high-school academy model that moved from four academies to ‘‘wall-to-wall’’ academies, said the district increased career pathways from 18 to 44 offerings, and noted transportation supports that let students attend programs across schools.

The subcommittee did not take any formal votes; the chair closed the session and reminded members that the full finance and appropriations committee would meet later to hear member budget amendments. The education subcommittee adjourned afterward.