News, School News

Sovine named WCPS superintendent

 

by Geoff Fox

After narrowing their search to two candidates earlier this month, Washington County Public Schools has announced they have made a decision in who lead the district as superintendent.

On Wednesday, June 22, during a special public meeting, WCPS announced Dr. David Sovine as the new Superintendent of Schools. Sovine has worked in education for over 30 years.

This comes after Boyd Michael announced his retirement in February.

Sovine announced his own retirement from Frederick County (VA) Public Schools on Tuesday, June 21, during their public meeting.

During the FCPS meeting last Tuesday, FCPS board members praised Sovine for his work and service to Frederick County over the last 11 years as superintendent.

“When we go out to Richmond, people move out of the way for this guy,” said board member Miles Adkins said of Sovine. “They know what he brings.”

Sovine’ s retirement is effective June 30. FCPS waived their 90-day notification that was included in the contract with Sovine.

Sovine’ s contract with WCPS begins the next day, Friday, July 1.

Sovine was selected as a finalist for the WCPS superintendent position of the board’ s recruitment effort, which was conducted with the assistance of an executive search firm.

“Dr. Sovine comes to us experienced and accomplished as a superintendent,” said Washington County Board of Education president Melissa Williams said in a press release. “As he is guided by what is best for all students, I am confident that he will build on the success of WCPS and work hard in the spirit of continuous improvement.”

As Board President, Williams said she is eager to begin working with Sovine to build a cohesive and effective governance team and is excited about what lies ahead for WCPS and the students that will be served under Sovine’s leadership.

Vice president Stan Stouffer added that Sovine possesses the credentials, experience, vision, and proven accomplishments to lead WCPS into a new era.

“I look forward to working with him for the highest benefit of our students and ultimately the future of the Washington County community,” Stouffer said.

During his tenure as superintendent for FCPS, Sovine led programs to enhance literacy, expand preschool and kindergarten, provide 1:1 Chromebook devices for K-12 students, and other additional course opportunities in career and technical education.

“I am very proud of the many things that have been accomplished during my tenure,” Sovine said in a release from Frederick County Public Schools.

Sovine began his educational career as a teacher at elementary, middle, and high school levels before becoming a principal at the seconary level. He also served as the executive director of K-12 Curriculum and Instruction and Secondary Education in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

“I am both honored and excited to be selected to serve as the next superintendent of Washington County Public Schools,” Sovine said in the release. “As I begin my role next week, I am looking forward to building relationships with students and their families, school system staff, business leaders, and other members of the greater community.”

Sovine said as he begins working with the Board of Education and community to build on the success of the county’ s “high performing school system,” he is looking forward to engaging with various stakeholders in order to hear their perspectives on the best path forward as they work to serve the community’ s children and prepare them to be successful, engaged citizens.

Sovine holds a Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University Institute of Technology and a Master of Education degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He earned a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Virginia.

At the end of the FCPS meeting and the release, Sovine looked back on his time as superintendent of the school system.

“As I leave my current role, I do so with a great sense of pride in Frederick County Public Schools and the knowledge that my work is not done,” he said.