Dr. Angela Hairston, superintendent of Danville City Public Schools, is the 2026 Virginia Region VI Superintendent of the Year. Region VI includes 14 public school divisions stretching from Alleghany County to Pittsylvania County. Hairston will join seven other regional superintendents of the year who are now in consideration for the 2026 Virginia Superintendent of the Year to be announced later this year.
A Danville native with more than 30 years in education, Hairston has been the superintendent at Danville City Public Schools since 2020. At the time she became superintendent, the school division was facing challenges with low academic achievement. Under her direction, the school division developed and executed a comprehensive strategic plan to address achievement gaps. As a result, the school division has experienced significant growth in student achievement and improved student engagement and behavior.
“I am profoundly honored to be named Region VI Superintendent of the Year,” said Hairston. “This recognition belongs to far more than one person. It is a testament to the extraordinary dedication of our staff, the resilience and promise of our students, the unwavering support of our families, and the strength of a community that believes deeply in its schools.”
Hairston also has worked to rebuild community support and trust in the school division. She collaborated directly with faith-based organizations, nonprofit partners, and business leaders to rebuild confidence in Danville City Public Schools and to align community resources around student success. This renewed community support has reinforced a shared belief that Danville’s children can and will achieve at high levels, and that support led to a new revenue stream supporting capital improvements including a new elementary school, major renovations to George Washington High School and a permanent facility for Galileo Magnet School.
“Every day, this team shows up with heart, purpose, and an unshakable commitment to excellence,” said Hariston. “I am incredibly proud to serve alongside such passionate people and to champion the work we do together on behalf of our children and our future.”
“The School Board is very proud of Dr. Hairston,” Danville School Board Chair Ty’Quan Graves said. “This recognition is a true testament to her leadership, hard work, and dedication to the school district. We look forward to her continued success and the positive impact she will continue to make on our students, staff, and community.”
Four superintendents were nominated this year to be recognized, and each of them has an inspiring story of leadership within their school district.
“Dr. Hairston’s work in Danville is a great example of what can be accomplished when a community is brought together to support our schools,” said Dr. Ken Nicely, Superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools and the 2025 Region VI superintendent of the year. “Four superintendents were nominated this year to be recognized and each of them has an inspiring story of leadership within their school district. We are fortunate to have such incredible superintendent leadership in this part of Virginia, making a difference for children and families in our region.”