Two Longwood alums in the running for state Superintendent of the Year award

“I am thrilled to be one of two Longwood alumni being considered for statewide honors,” Cashwell said. “My professional foundation and core values as an educator were shaped, in part, by my experiences at Longwood. The university has a legacy of excellence and a sterling reputation for the highly skilled teachers who are the product of Longwood’s education program.”

The Virginia Department of Education divides local school divisions into eight regions. Region 1 covers 15 localities in central Virginia, including Richmond and Chesterfield, while Region 8 includes 12 school divisions in central and Southside Virginia, including Prince Edward County.

“I am honored to have been selected by my Region 8 colleagues to represent them as the Superintendent of the Year,” Jones said. “They are great leaders who provide many opportunities for their school communities.”

During Jones’ tenure, Cumberland schools’ yearly accreditation and Standards of Learning (SOL) scores have improved. Fifty-eight percent of students passed the Math SOL test this year, compared with 33 percent last year.

Jones stepped into the role of superintendent in July 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. This is his 18th year working for CCPS; he previously worked for Nottoway County Public Schools. He has served in the roles of assistant superintendent, director of finance and operations, elementary principal, elementary assistant principal, and elementary and middle school teacher.

Cashwell was named HCPS superintendent in 2018, becoming the first female to serve in the position. She is a champion for innovation and personalized, student-centered learning. During her tenure, she has focused on creating multiple pathways to academic success and fostering opportunities for students to gain life-ready skills. Under her leadership, graduation rates have increased, students have earned more in scholarship money, and the number of industry certifications opportunities for students continues to grow.

Jones earned an associate’s degree from Southside Community College in Keysville and a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education in administration and supervision from Longwood. He completed his doctorate in educational leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Jones said he is proud to be an alumnus of two Southside Virginia schools and that his experience at Longwood continues to guide him in his career.

“It helped me to better connect with my passion of helping others and to always keep learning,” Jones said. “I made—and continue to make—connections that are valuable as I collaborate with others. It is an honor to lead in a community that has been such a great support to me throughout my career.”

Cashwell graduated from Longwood with a degree in liberal studies and education and then earned a master’s degree in education administration and supervision and a doctorate in education administration and policy studies from the George Washington University. Prior to joining HCPS she worked in Virginia Beach City Public Schools as a teacher, principal and chief academic officer.

“Virginia’s public schools are filled with caring and committed teachers and leaders who give tirelessly of themselves every day to create personalized, deeper learning opportunities for students,” she said “I am proud to be part of that important work in Henrico County and incredibly humbled to be selected by my peers as Virginia’s Region 1 Superintendent of the Year.”

If Cashwell or Jones is named Virginia Superintendent of the Year they will be eligible for the National Superintendent of the Year Award, which will be presented next year.