Stafford County Public Schools Profile: Daniel Smith Appointed as New School Superintendent
Jan 30, 2025 10:17AM ● By Martin Davis
Stafford County Public Schools
- Number of Students: 31,105
- Number of Teachers: 2,340.75 (FTE)
Daniel Smith Appointed as New School Superintendent
Editor’s Note: Daniel Smith was named Stafford County Public Schools’ new superintendent in mid-November. The following highlights his background and vision for the future of the school system.
Daniel Smith joins Stafford County from Loudoun County, formerly the fastest-growing school division in Virginia. Now, Stafford County holds that distinction, and Smith brings with him valuable experience managing growth in rapidly expanding school districts.
“We were building schools left and right,” Smith said in an interview with The Advance on Monday evening, shortly after the School Board approved his appointment in a special meeting. “I’m able to bring those experiences to Stafford.”
Smith’s experience also includes leadership in smaller, rural divisions, such as Page and Shenandoah counties.
“It’s not so much comparing as it’s about figuring out what’s the best way to go about things for this school division,” he said.
Smith begins his tenure as superintendent on Dec. 9. He succeeds Thomas Taylor, who left Stafford to become superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools in June. Smith most recently served as chief of staff in Loudoun County and held the role of acting superintendent from 2022 to 2023, navigating the school division through a turbulent period following the dismissal of his predecessor.
During his time in Loudoun, Smith oversaw significant improvements in student outcomes, including higher graduation rates and reductions in chronic absenteeism.
“He’s known for championing forward-thinking initiatives, such as the establishment of specialized academies in health and medicine, dual-language immersion programs, and expanded student mental health services,” said School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund during Monday’s special meeting. “He has been a lifelong advocate for Virginia’s public schools and works to ensure that every voice is valued.”
Smith has spent more than 20 years in Virginia’s public education system, with the exception of one year teaching middle school health and physical education in Alaska. He said his established relationships within the Virginia legislature will aid in advocating for increased funding for Stafford schools.
While in Loudoun, Smith helped improve what he described as a “contentious relationship” between the School Board and the Board of Supervisors. His efforts secured the division’s first fully funded budget in six years.
“I come with the spirit of being completely honest,” Smith said of his approach to working with Stafford’s Board of Supervisors. “I’m looking forward to reaching out and meeting them.”
Smith plans to spend his first two weeks visiting as many schools as possible before the winter break.
“On Day 1, I’m just going to be in the schools meeting the staff,” he said. After that, he plans to create opportunities to hear from the community about what the division is doing well and where it can improve.
Stafford’s strategic plan—focused on meaningful post-secondary outcomes, academic performance, safe and welcoming environments for students, and investing in staff—was a key factor in Smith’s decision to join the division.
“One of the things that excites me most about joining is how closely my own educational philosophy aligns with our district’s strategic plan,” he said during Monday’s special meeting. “Stafford’s vision [is] inspiring.”
On a personal level, Smith expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities Stafford offers his daughter, who will enter ninth grade in the fall, particularly through the division’s new specialty centers.
Smith and his wife of 21 years are currently searching for a home in Stafford and “looking forward to being a part of the community.”
Key Dates
- Winter Holiday: Dec. 23–Jan. 3
- Spring Break: March 24–31
- Last Day of School: May 29
Important Websites