Resignation effective at end of ’24-’25 school year; search for new superintendent of Page County Public Schools begins immediately
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Jan. 24 — Dr. Antonia Fox issued a statement around 11:30 a.m. on Friday announcing her retirement at the end of the 2024-25 school year. The superintendent of Page County Public Schools was first hired in May 2021 and has lead the local school system through the latter portion of the COVID pandemic and the division’s recovery, a trend of rising test scores and better performing schools, and a time of higher, more competitive compensation for teachers, faculty and staff.
“After 30 years in public education and after careful reflection and extended consideration, I am writing to share that I will retire at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. It has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve as the Superintendent of this wonderful school division,” Dr. Fox stated in the Jan. 24 letter.
“For the past four years, I have given my all to Page County Public Schools, and I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made. However, none of our achievements have been accomplished alone — they are the result of strong partnerships between our schools, families, and community,” the letter continues. “I want to thank you, our families, for your trust, support, and commitment to your children and their education. You play an essential role in the success of our schools, and your encouragement has been a cornerstone of our shared accomplishments. Page County is a truly special place, and I am continually inspired by the strength and resilience of our community. It has been deeply rewarding to partner with families in support of the growth, learning, and achievement of our students.”
When she was hired in May 2021, Dr. Fox replaced Dr. Wendy Gonzalez, who’s three-year contract expired on June 30, 2021. The previous January, Dr. Gonzalez had notified the school board that she would not be seeking renewal of that contract. Now, Dr. Fox is following that trend and giving the school division ample time to find an adequate and competent replacement.
“I have assured the School Board of my commitment to working diligently over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition for the next Superintendent and for our division,” Dr. Fox states in Friday’s letter. “Public education is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our communities, and I encourage you to continue supporting and celebrating the positive pathways it offers. I look forward to continuing to support public education and PCPS in any way I can in the future.”
The Page County School Board will begin the search for a new superintendent immediately, according to the Jan. 24 letter, “with the goal of hiring someone to start on July 1, 2025.” A survey will soon be distributed to gather input from all stakeholders in the community and determine priorities for the search process.
Dr. Fox signed a three-year contract on July 1, 2021 and then a one-year extension last summer. She came to Page County after serving as the assistant superintendent of Poquoson City Public Schools.
After starting off in the classroom teaching biology and chemistry at York High School for a decade, Dr. Fox served as a principal at the middle and high school levels, including recognition as the Virginia High School Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 2012. The next year, she received the School Administrator Professional Learning Award from the national organization Learning Forward. The Virginia Student Council Association recognized her as High School Administrator of the Year in 2010.
Prior to becoming assistant superintendent for instruction and support services at Poquoson in July 2016, Dr. Fox served as the director of curriculum and instruction for Portsmouth City Schools.
“While I look forward to the opportunities and adventures that retirement will bring, I will deeply miss the energy, inspiration, and connections that come from being part of this remarkable school community. Public education has been my calling, and I leave this profession with a heart full of pride and gratitude for all we have achieved together,” Dr. Fox states in Friday’s letter.
During her four-year tenure in Page County, teachers have seen multiple raises; as opposed to a previous eight-year stretch with no increases in compensation. The superintendent lead the local school division through an era of rising test scores, better performing schools, and unprecedented progress in capital projects (albeit, through the use of federal funds post-COVID). Dr. Fox negotiated heated debates about remote learning and mask mandates, while also taking heat for several school board decisions over administrative changes. Through it all, the superintendent seemed to maintain a professional persona and even-keeled appearance.
“I wish each of you and your children nothing but the very best,” Dr. Fox states in her letter. “I also wish for our entire division to continue to grow and thrive in the years to come. I will always be cheering for PCPS!”
For more information on Page County Public Schools,
visit https://www.pagecounty.k12.va.us/o/pcps
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