Gaston to retire as superintendent of Charles City schools at conclusion of academic year

Charles City superintendent of schools David Gaston announced that he will retire from the position effective June 30, 2020.

Gaston made the announcement at Tuesday night’s regular school board meeting that will also see the departure of Helen Payne-Jones, Herbert Johnson, and Steve Fuhrmann as members.

“Four years ago when I renegotiated my contract, the timing of this contract was such that it would coincide with my 30th year of service to students across the four divisions that I have cherished serving over that time,” Gaston said in his superintendent’s report. “This outgoing school board was the board that essentially hired me and the one that has provided me with opportunity to lead this division to success and accomplishments that is has enjoyed.

“Over the next six months, I look forward to working with the new school board to complete the FY21 budget process and to assist with the successful and smooth transition to a new division superintendent,” he continued. “This decision is bittersweet. Our children in Charles City County represent some of the finest students that I Have had the pleasure to serve over my career. My CCPS (Charles City Public Schools) family has been the most wonderful group of individuals with whom I have had the pleasure to work with.

“I look forward to helping in every way possible to ensure that this transition process provides CCPS with the continued strong leadership and vision, both from a new school board and superintendent, that it decidedly deserves.”

Gaston commented about the decision in a brief interview after the meeting.

“I have been blessed to be in this position and will finish it out at six years,” he said. “That is double the expectancy of a superintendent in current Virginia school systems.

“I sat back and reflected, and it just felt like this was the right time,” Gaston continued. “I want to spend time with my family, especially my parents and mother-in-law who are now in their 80s. I want to give the time they sacrificed to me back to them.

“I am forever grateful to Charles City County Public Schools, the school board, the staff, and the students for the opportunity to work and serve them,” Gaston said as he wrapped up his interview. “It is truly an honor to become not only a servant of this community, but to be able to bond with them, interact with them, and provide our most precious resources, our students, the opportunities that they so rightfully deserve.”