Danville, Va. – Dr. Angela Hairston was been named as the new superintendent of Danville Public Schools, effective December 1, 2020.

Hairston is no stranger to Danville.  Much of her early career was spent in Danville Public Schools as a math teacher, assistant principal and principal.

Hairston has over 30 years of experience working in public education in Virginia, Georgia, and North Carolina. She has served as Superintendent for Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools since 2019 and previously served as Superintendent in Augusta, Georgia.

The announcement of Hairston’s resignation in North Carolina was made public minutes before the Winston-Salem school board met in an emergency meeting that was closed to the public to discuss personnel matters.

Hairston said in a statement that the position she accepted in Danville is “dear to my heart.” She grew up in Danville and taught math in schools there in the early part of her career. Her husband, Ronald Dean Hairston, is an officer on the Danville police force.

Dr. Hairston was the seventh superintendent for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and the first African American to serve in the role. She is the district’s second female leader. She started with WS/FCS in September of 2019.

“I am honored to be selected as the next superintendent of Danville Public Schools,” said Hairston. “I am excited to have this opportunity to work collaboratively with the school board, staff and the community in Danville.”

Hairston earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Tech, a Master of Arts in Secondary School Administration from Hampton University and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Business Management from Averett University.

The Virginia School Boards Association assisted the school board with the superintendent search process.