Nichols takes helm as new superintendent for New Kent County Public Schools

It takes something special for a person to leave a job after 23 years working in the same school system. But when the position of superintendent of schools became available in New Kent County, it was one that Brian Nichols couldn’t resist not applying for.

That enthusiasm along with a stellar resume’ factored into Nichols being named as the new superintendent of New Kent County Public Schools during a May 30 special called meeting. His duties will begin effective July 1.

Prior to his new position, Nichols has spent all 23 years of education tenure in Newport News Public Schools system. Among positions he held include a teacher, assistant principal, principal, executive director, and interim acting superintendent. Since 2013, he has occupied the role of Chief Academic Officer for the school system. In that position, he has expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, provided more courses to students, establish health science programs to earn certificates, and improve the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) culture in the division.

Nichols earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Christopher Newport University before obtaining his Master of Education in Leadership from the College of William and Mary. He is currently working on his Doctorate’s Degree in the field of curriculum and education from the College of William and Mary.

“I’m very humbled and honored,” Nichols said as he addressed New Kent School Board members, office personnel, and school employees. “Education changed my life and it opened doors for me.

“I am really here to serve,” he continued. “I’m a teacher and I will always be a teacher. A teacher changed my life. I am honored to be not only your new superintendent, but a parent and a community member as well.”

After the formal introduction, Nichols commented about his decision to apply to the vacant position.

“New Kent was the only position I was interested in,” he said. “It was a perfect match for my beliefs and my skill set.

“This school system has a strong education program, cohesiveness from the school board, along with a lot of technical programs where I have a strong background in,” Nichols added, pointing to his time in creating the Discovery STEM Academy in Newport News. “Between Code RVA, Bridging Communities, and our schools, there is a lot of potential and growth for this community.

“I want everyone to know that every facet of each [school] building is important to me,” he continued as he wrapped up the interview. “I want to be open to the community and I am grateful for this opportunity to serve New Kent.”

District 4 and school board chairwoman Sarah Grier Barber talked about ciphering through 39 applications in a compressed time span that led to the appointment of Nichols.

“We [school board] could all sense that he had that extra desire of him wanting to be a part of New Kent and make it better,” the school board chairwoman said. “He has unbridled enthusiasm to take New Kent to the next level.

“He understands our strategic plan of New Kent and fluently integrated it,” Barber continued. “He articulated it with great clarity and his vision to move our schools forward.

“The thing that we heard from comments about him from other people is that if children are around, he’s engaged,” the chairwoman began as she wrapped up her comments. “If the children are playing basketball, he’s on the court. If there is a show, he’s attending it. Those are the dynamic characteristics we look for in a leader.”