Superintendent

Superintendent walking with three students down the school hallway

Dr. Mervin B. Daugherty joined Chesterfield County Public Schools as superintendent on Nov. 1, 2018. Leading central Virginia’s largest school district with the motto that “all means all,” his initiatives include opening Virginia’s first recovery high school program and Virginia’s first K-8 virtual school; significantly improving employee compensation and hiring practices; and expanding communication to families, employees and community. During his leadership, the school district has met Virginia accreditation standards each year and won state and national recognition, including National ESEA Distinguished School Awards (2019, 2021 and 2023) and National Blue Ribbon High School Award (2019).

Engaging and charismatic, Dr. Daugherty states as his philosophy: “A leader is only as strong as the leadership he develops in others. Demonstrated leadership is vital to staff development and the success of the school district. Student achievement will improve when there is a persistent effort of excellence in teaching and learning throughout the organization, as well as a commitment of accountability for all students.”

He began his career as a high school social studies teacher in Queen Anne’s County, MD, where he also coached football and basketball. He advanced within school districts in Maryland and Delaware to become athletic director, principal, director of professional development, assistant superintendent and superintendent. Before joining Chesterfield County Public Schools, Dr. Daugherty served 2009-2018 as superintendent of Red Clay Consolidated School District (Delaware’s largest and highest-achieving school district) and was named the Delaware Superintendent of the Year 2015-16.

Dr. Daugherty earned his doctorate in leadership in education from Wilmington University; his master’s degree in administration and supervision from Salisbury University; and his bachelor’s degree in education from Frostburg State College.

Dr. Daugherty and his wife, Kim, have two children and three grandchildren.