HAMPTON – Hampton City Schools named Raymond Haynes as its next superintendent.
Haynes will replace Jeffery Smith, who is retiring after leading Hampton schools for the last eight years.
Haynes was the division’s chief of secondary school leadership, serving in that capacity since 2019. Previously, he was executive director of schools. Haynes began his education career with Hampton’s school division 28 years ago. He has served in numerous roles, including as an educational enrichment specialist for K-12, an elementary assistant principal, and a principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
The board approved Haynes’ appointment in a 6-0 vote Wednesday evening. Board member Ann Cherry was absent.
“It is with immense pride that I embrace this role in the city where I was born, raised and have dedicated my entire career as an educator,” Haynes told the board after the vote. “This city, our city, has shaped the very fabric of who I am. It is here that I developed my love for learning, nurtured by inspiring teachers and mentors who believed in me even though sometimes I did not necessarily believe in myself.”
Haynes said student success would be his highest priority.
“Excellence with intentionality will guide our every decision and action,” he said. “We will strive not only for high academic achievement, but also for the holistic development of our students in a safe and nurturing environment.”
Haynes promised to meet with students, parents, teachers and community members in the coming months.
“I stand here today not only as your next superintendent, but also as your advocate and ally. I am committed to creating an inclusive and nurturing environment that encourages open dialogue and active engagement from all stakeholders. We will listen, we will learn and we will evolve together.”
Before the vote, board member Joseph Kilgore noted that the board used community input as it created a profile of desired qualifications before posting the position. The board received 27 applications, half of whom were from outside Virginia.
In a press release sent out after the vote, Board Chair Richard Mason said: “Throughout his professional career with Hampton City Schools, Dr. Haynes has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to foster innovation, drive results, and inspire others. His strategic thinking has been instrumental in transforming our schools, enabling us to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable growth. Dr. Haynes’ steadfast leadership is what we need in a superintendent to continue our legacy of greatness in Hampton City Schools.”
Haynes earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Christopher Newport University, a Master of Social Work from Norfolk State University, and a doctorate from Old Dominion University.
Salary and contract information for the new superintendent were not made available Tuesday evening.
