Dr. Jared A. Cotton, Superintendent of Chesapeake Public Schools, has been named Region II Superintendent of the Year by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS). This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Cotton’s exceptional leadership and dedication to improving student outcomes in Chesapeake and supporting educational initiatives statewide.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by my colleagues,” Cotton said. “I am proud to lead such an outstanding school district and am continuously grateful for the hard work and dedication of our entire school community. Together, our goal is to inspire, engage, and empower the next generation of leaders.”
Dr. Cotton has a strong background in strategic planning and curriculum and instruction. As superintendent, he facilitated the development of the Empower 2025 Strategic Plan that promotes educational excellence by engaging all students in meaningful and innovative learning experiences.
He is also passionate about providing valuable career exploration opportunities for students through programs that provide real-world practical experience. The J. A. Cotton Career Scholar Awards ($1,000) are presented annually to seven high school seniors to help them begin their chosen careers after high school.
Cotton has served in several regional and state leadership capacities, including co-leader of the Executive Coaching Program for the state of Virginia and as a Legislative and Professional Development Representative for Region II.
“Dr. Cotton is a leader of leaders and he is the ‘go to’ for guidance for his Region II peers,” said Olwen Herron, Superintendent - Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools and Region II Chair. “He is widely known for his innovative thinking, student-centered leadership, collaborative approach and his expertise as an instructional leader. We know he will do an outstanding job of representing the region as our Superintendent of the Year.”
Cotton also holds positions on the ACCESS College Foundation Executive Board, United Way Executive Board, WHRO/Hampton Roads Educational Telecommunications Association, and the UVA K12 Advisory Committee.
He has more than 30 years of public education experience and has served in various instructional and leadership roles and was named Superintendent of Chesapeake Public Schools in 2018.
The Virginia Department of Education’s Region II is made up of 16 school divisions, including all of Hampton Roads. All total, there are eight regions in the Commonwealth. Cotton will now be considered for Virginia Superintendent of the Year, an honor he previously received in 2019.