Myers hired as new superintendent of New Kent schools

New Kent’s School Board announced at its May 5 meeting that Dr. David A. Myers will become the new superintendent of schools.

The board unanimously approved Myers’ hiring after the completion of a six-month search. Myers is currently the assistant superintendent of Henrico County Public Schools and brings 18 years of experience with him to New Kent. He also currently works as adjunct faculty at the University of Richmond.

“It’s been a natural progression to get to where I am today,” Myers said in a Monday night interview. “New Kent has always had my eye and I thank the board for giving me this opportunity.”

Myers started his educational career as a teacher in the state of Colorado before relocating to Virginia. His educational background includes receiving his bachelor’s degree in history from Colorado State University, a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in school administration and supervision, and a doctorate of philosophy in educational leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.

He has served as an assistant principal and principal at schools in Richmond, as well as an activities director during those stints.

As the assistant superintendent, Myers has led Henrico County’s school division to a 57 percent increase in advanced placement (AP) enrollment over his four-year tenure, while also having a 30 percent decrease in truancy.

The incoming superintendent spoke about his instant love for the county when he heard about the position becoming open.

“New Kent has a sense of community and I love that,” he said. “It’s at a place where it has the convenience of being in a rural area, but still in an area located close to towns and cities. I had to go for [this job].”

School board chairwoman Leigh Quick commented on the hire through a press release, believing Myers will be a great fit for the division.

“We are very excited about Dr. Myers joining New Kent County Schools,” she wrote. “His skills and expertise will assist us in continuing our history of excellence.”

And that history is something Myers is very aware of.

“I have a collaborative style and I am very focused on getting to know the people and I want them to get to know me,” he said. “I have worked in a vast array of areas and I look for areas to continue growth and how to collaborate with others.”

With his wife and two children present, Myers received a thunderous round of applause when introduced to the public for the first time, something far greater than what he imagined.

“New Kent is a real special place,” he said. “This area is real strong when it comes to a sense of community, activities, and extra-curricular affairs.

“I went to a softball game and spoke with a gentleman who had a child who recently played against the New Kent High School softball team,” Myers said. “He said that when he came over here [New Kent] that they had the athletic fields prepared for the game and the people were really hospitable. All I could do was chuckle and think that if this place is getting compliments from others, then it’s definitely the place for me.”

Myers will work alongside outgoing superintendent of schools Rick Richardson to initiate the transition process into his new role. Myers’ tenure as superintendent of schools begins Aug. 1.