Your browser does not support JavaScript! 2024 Sisterhood Spotlights | First Lady of Virginia - Suzanne S. Youngkin Skip Navigation

Sisterhood Spotlight

2024-sisterhood-Verletta-White
Dr. Verletta White
Superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools

Dr. Verletta White is a visionary leader and passionate advocate for students, serving as the Superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools since July 2020. Widely recognized for her ability to unite communities in support of educational excellence, Dr. White was named Virginia’s 2024 State Superintendent of the Year and is regarded as one of the nation's top five superintendents to watch by K-12 Dive. Her deep connection to Roanoke, which she fondly calls "the sweetest City on earth," reflects her commitment to fostering student success and community engagement. Dr. White's impressive academic background includes degrees from Towson University, Notre Dame of Maryland University, and Morgan State University, and she and her husband, Sidney, are proud parents of two daughters who are graduates of public schools.


What inspires your approach to leading a school district, and how do you define success in education?

As the Superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools, my leadership approach is rooted in a commitment to student success. I am motivated by the potential within every student and the belief that, through thoughtful leadership, we can provide pathways for them to thrive. My approach is to focus on empowering our teachers, creating supportive learning environments, and removing barriers that hinder student success.

I define success not merely by academic metrics, such as student performance data and graduation rates, but also by the growth and preparedness of our students to graduate with a diploma and a resume of skills and experiences that will benefit them for a lifetime. My goal is to provide every student with the tools they need to succeed in higher education, their careers, and as engaged citizens. In Roanoke City, success also means building strong partnerships with families and community organizations and creating a collective effort toward supporting students’ academic and personal growth. It’s about ensuring that each student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to excel and meet their full potential. 

How do you create opportunities for students to thrive, both academically and personally?

In Roanoke City Public Schools, we are committed to providing students with what they need to succeed — both academically and emotionally —by focusing on high-quality, effective first instruction. This ensures that from the moment students enter the classroom, they are engaged in a highly effective learning environment that is tailored to meet their academic needs.

We also provide our students with services that ensure they receive the support they need, such as our partnership with Hazel Health, which provides students with access to no-cost mental and physical health services. This is a partnership that was borne out of a suggestion made by my Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.

Similarly, our Staying Safe by Staying Connected initiative offers programs like athletic camps, fine arts academies, and job fairs that help students stay connected to positive influences and build valuable life skills. By fostering an inclusive environment that prioritizes both education and well-being, we empower all students to dream, excel, and reach their full potential.

In your experience, what role does the community play in supporting student success?

Our community is a key partner in supporting our students' success. Through strong partnerships with families, local businesses, and organizations, we are able to provide a network of resources that enrich students' educational experiences. For example, our Community Builders program connects middle school students with community partners who help them develop leadership skills and engage them in service projects that benefit the community. These partnerships show our students that they are supported both inside and outside of school.

Additionally, through my conversations with the community, I have been able to identify common pain points. For example, it was through walking tours during my first week as Superintendent of RCPS in 2020 that I learned that our students didn’t have equal access to Career & Technical Education (CTE) programming, which ultimately led to the creation of our second CTE center, the Charles W. Day Technical Education Center (DAYTEC). The opening of DAYTEC allowed RCPS to double our CTE seat capacity, expand the career pathways offered, and increase our emphasis on workforce development, benefitting generations of students.

What are some of the key challenges you’ve encountered in education, and how have you addressed them?

One of the most significant challenges across the nation is teacher attrition. In Roanoke City Public Schools, we are proud that we do not have a teacher shortage. Thanks to the hard work of our Human Resources team, and with our School Board’s support, we’ve been able to provide our educators with the salary, structure, and support they need and deserve. We’ve also worked with our local higher education institutions to create teacher pipeline programs so our students can earn their degrees and then return to teach in Roanoke City.

School safety is also an ongoing focus, and we have a comprehensive and layered approach to school safety and security. This includes the implementation of 25 additional safety enhancements that our School Board approved two years ago, such as funding for School Resource Officers in every school, a panic alarm app for staff, and a 24/7 safety tip line.

What are some resources you would recommend for those interested in pursuing a career in education?

There are many opportunities for students to get involved while they are still in high school through programs such as Teachers for Tomorrow. Many of our colleges and universities throughout Virginia also offer teacher pipeline programs that provide mentorship and classroom experience, giving aspiring educators a strong foundation on which to build their future. Additionally, joining professional organizations and attending conferences can help you expand your professional network and stay connected. Mentorship, continuous learning, and building a strong support network are key to a fulfilling and impactful career in education.

About Dr. Verletta White

A results-driven, student-centered, visionary leader, Dr. Verletta White was appointed Superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) on July 1, 2020. She has been recognized regionally and nationally for her ability to bring together communities for the benefit of students. In 2023, she was named Virginia’s 2024 State Superintendent of the Year, Virginia’s Region VI Superintendent of the Year, and was also touted as one of the five superintendents in the nation to watch by K-12 pe. 

Often referring to Roanoke City as "the sweetest City on earth," Dr. White is involved and engaged within the community.  She serves on boards and advisory councils for many local, regional, and state organizations. 

Dr. White holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Towson University, a Master of Arts degree in leadership in teaching from the Notre Dame of Maryland University, and a Doctor of Education degree in urban educational leadership from Morgan State University. 

Dr. White and her husband, Sidney, are the proud parents of two grown children, Victoria and Bethany, both of whom graduated from public schools. 

< Previous | Next >