Suffolk Public Schools is proud to announce that Superintendent Dr. John B. Gordon III has been named the Virginia Superintendent of the Year, one of the highest honors bestowed upon educational leaders in the Commonwealth. This recognition follows Dr. Gordon’s earlier selection as Region 2 Superintendent of the Year.

Since becoming Superintendent in 2019, Dr. John B. Gordon III has led Suffolk Public Schools with a clear student-centered vision focused on academic achievement, workforce readiness, school culture, and meaningful community partnerships. Under his leadership, the division has launched several transformative initiatives, including the creation of the Center for Performing and Production Arts at Lakeland High School and the development of the STEM Academy at Booker T. Washington Elementary School, Virginia’s only elementary lab school. In partnership with 21st CentEd, Dr. Gordon led the charge in the division’s first book “It Takes a Village to Raise a 21st Century Graduate: Suffolk, VA Edition”, in which community members, parents, staff and Suffolk Public Schools students shared their perspective on strengthening student engagement for the 21st-century workforce. The book later inspired the division’s first-ever documentary. 

Dr. Gordon has expanded business and industry partnerships, enhanced opportunities that prepare students for success beyond graduation, and championed efforts to make Suffolk Public Schools a Purple Star school division in support of military-connected students and families. He has also worked closely with Suffolk City Council to advocate for critical capital improvement funding to replace one school facility and expand another, helping ensure students learn in modern, high-quality environments.

“On behalf of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS), our deepest congratulations go to Suffolk Public Schools Superintendent Dr. John Gordon on being named the 2027 Virginia Superintendent of the Year,” says VASS President and Portsmouth Public Schools Superintendent Elie Bracy, III. “A passionate leader who brings great enthusiasm and energy to his role, Dr. Gordon is a proven advocate for children. He works each day to ensure that every student has the best educational environment in which to learn and grow.”

In addition to his role in Suffolk, Dr. Gordon serves in leadership capacities within regional and state educational organizations, contributing to broader conversations and initiatives that support public education across Virginia. 

As Virginia Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Gordon will now move forward for consideration as National Superintendent of the Year.