Albemarle County’s Assistant Superintendent Billy Haun has been named chief academic officer at the Virginia Department of Education.
Steven R. Staples, Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction, said he is “delighted” to have Haun on board.
“He has extensive experience in all areas of public education and will be a real asset as we move forward with educational reform that will prepare Virginia students for the future,” Staples said.
Haun said he’s “enthusiastic” to work with school divisions across the Commonwealth.
“Steven Staples has talked with me about his goal of developing more meaningful assessments of student learning than simply [Standards of Learning] tests,” Haun said. “I am excited about the potential these improvements have to better prepare all students for college and career success.”
A graduate of Virginia Tech, Shenandoah University and the University of Virginia, Dr. Haun began his teaching career in Pulaski County in 1980. In 1994 Haun moved to Albemarle County Public Schools, where he later served as assistant principal of Western Albemarle High School, and principal of both Walton Middle School and Monticello High School.
During his tenure in Albemarle, Haun bolstered the division’s professional development offerings and advocated for project-based learning.
“The most transformational challenge in public education today is bringing our instructional models up to 21st century standards,” said Pam Moran, superintendent of Albemarle County Public Schools. “Dr. Haun has been instrumental to our ability to provide programs that offer deeper learning opportunities for all students—programs that develop creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.”
In his new role, Haun’s responsibilities will include oversight of pre-K to grade 12 instruction and the development of college- and workforce-readiness programs, amongst other tasks.
Moran said the future of Virginia public education is bright as a result of Haun’s move to Richmond.
“I have known Dr. Haun since his early days as a principal, and his leadership capabilities easily were obvious,” Moran said. “He not only has a deep commitment to student-centered learning, but also is a leader who is able to turn that drive into meaningful programs that change young lives.”
Despite the excitement of his new post, Haun said he will look fondly on his years in Albemarle.
“Having been here for 20 years, I often met young men and women who I taught or knew as a principal and who now have their own families. Some of these former students are now teachers in our division,” Haun said. “These relationships teach me every day about why we’re in this profession and why it is so rewarding.”
