Welcome our new Superintendent of Schools

 

Welcome to Goochland Michael T. Cromartie

At a special called meeting on July 13, the Goochland School Board unanimously voted to approve the selection of Michael Cromartie, Ed. D. as the division’s next superintendent.

After the departure of former superintendent Jeremy Raley in April the board set an ambitious schedule to have his successor in place before the start of the next school year on August 14.

For the past few weeks, school board members gathered in closed sessions, often outside the county, to interview applicants. Board member Angela Allen said that the board was very pleased with the high caliber of the candidate pool, which reflects well on the quality of our school division.

The demeanor of the board before the meeting began—Chair Sandra Barefoot-Reid, District 1, took part remotely due to a family illness—was very like children on Christmas morning anxious to open presents.

In fact, John Wright, District 5, accidentally spilled the beans, mentioning Cromartie’s name instead of making a routine motion to approve the agenda. This enthusiasm bodes well for the future of Goochland Schools. A bit later, Wright, after saying how enthusiastic he is about the most important agenda item of the meeting, moved to approve a contract with Michael T. Cromartie to be the next superintendent of Goochland Public Schools.

Board member Karen Horn said that she is thrilled that such a dynamic leader is coming to Goochland schools to continue the amazing work in this division. She said it was nice to see support from the families who attended the meeting. “I know students look forward to seeing you in their classrooms. We welcome your family as well and know that they will thrive in Goochland.”

Barefoot-Reid welcomed Cromartie to the Goochland team.

Mike Newman, District 4, and former principal of GHS, added his welcoming wishes. “This was a tremendous process that we all participated in. Every step of the way was exciting and something was learned with every interaction we had. I tried to think about this process not as who the next superintendent would be, but, as a former principal, could I work for this person. The answer is a resounding yes.”

Allen said it was a pleasure to welcome Cromartie. “As I think about how you and your family will join our family, I have high expectations of you and know that you will rise to the occasion and be the next leader that our students, staff, and families, deserve. It is truly an honor to welcome you.”

Wright said the board has made a fantastic choice for the people of Goochland county and hopefully the Cromartie family as well. He read a letter from Barefoot-Reid stating that Cromartie’s skills, experience, and character make him a great fit for our culture. “He clearly epitomizes our core values, and we know he will positively impact our community’s schools.”

Addressing the Board, Cromartie thanked the board for the confidence it expressed in his appointment as superintendent “I’m excited to join the Goochland community. My wife Elizabeth and I have been out all day looking at houses in the sweltering heat, and boy, did we find some gems.” He said that they have a daughter who will begin her scholastic journey in kindergarten in Goochland and a 14-year-old “Rolling into ninth grade and eager to start high school.” Two adult Cromartie daughters will not live here but will visit often.

“Goochland, we all, have a lot of which to be proud,” Cromartie said. “I will be a beacon to continue and reinforce that work. I will not let you down.”

Of his twenty-seven-year education career in Virginia, two decades have been spent at school based and district level administration. “As I shared with you during the interview process, I’m the first to roll up his sleeves to get things done. I have a collaborative spirit and am goals and solutions driven. I welcome members of the community to welcome us, to get to know us, to give us a chance. I promise again, we will not let you down.”

Interim Superintendent Andy Armstrong, on behalf of the faculty and staff thanked the board for its thoughtful and outstanding selection of Cromartie. “He is clearly a highly credentialed individual who will lead our division in the great direction we’re going right now. Goochland County public schools is a gem and there’s no other place where anyone would want to be a superintendent. Congratulation

Cromartie comes to Goochland from the position of Chief Schools Officer for Portsmouth Public Schools. He started his career in education as a high school English teacher and has served public school divisions as an assistant principal, principal, director, and Deputy Superintendent. He earned his bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the College of William & Mary.

As an adjunct professor with the Darden College of Education at Old Dominion University, Cromartie was honored by his students and colleagues as the recipient of the 2018 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award. Cromartie has served as a member of the Executive Board of Directors for Communities in Schools of Hampton Roads, a member of the Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men, and a contributing member to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.