Virginia Department of Education Superintendent of Public Instruction, Lisa Coons, has resigned less than two years after taking on the role. She had replaced former superintendent Jillian Balow. Coons joined the department in April 2023, aiming to improve student proficiency in math and reading after leading Tennessee’s revisions for English Language Arts instruction.
Chief Deputy Secretary of Education Emily Anne Gullickson will step in as the acting state superintendent following Coons’ departure. Coons was appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to assist Virginia in achieving educational goals outlined by the Board of Education’s focus on “restoring excellence” in public schools.
Coons’ decision to resign comes as a surprise and the reason for her departure has not been disclosed. The news of her resignation was first reported by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided on the Virginia Mercury website.
This development marks a significant change in the leadership of Virginia’s education system and raises questions about the future direction of the Department of Education. The community will be watching closely to see how Gullickson steps into her new role and continues the efforts to improve student outcomes in the state. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.
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