Superintendent Mervin B. Daugherty announced April 9 that he is retiring. June 30 will be his last day on the job. Dr. Daugherty has spent nearly 50 years in education.

“It has been my honor to lead Chesterfield County Public Schools. Our students, teachers, families and community are second to none,” he said. “I will miss being part of this outstanding organization.”

“Dr. Daugherty’s dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on Chesterfield County Public Schools,” said Chesterfield County School Board Chair Dot Heffron.

“He has exemplified unwavering commitment to our students, teachers, families and community while fostering inclusivity and excellence. Under his guidance, our district has earned accolades and recognition on both state and national levels. We wish him the very best for the future.”

Chesterfield County School Board said it will share information in the next few days about the process to find a new superintendent.

Earlier this year, Dr. Daugherty was named Superintendent of the Year for Region 1 of Virginia. He joined Chesterfield County Public Schools as superintendent on Nov. 1, 2018. Leading central Virginia’s largest school district with the motto that “all means all,” his initiatives included opening Virginia’s first recovery high school program and Virginia’s first K-8 virtual school; significantly improving employee compensation and hiring practices; and expanding communication to families, employees and community.

During his leadership, Chesterfield County Public Schools has met Virginia accreditation standards each year and won state and national recognition, including National ESEA Distinguished School Awards (2019, 2021 and 2023) and National Blue Ribbon High School Award (2019).

Dr. Daugherty began his career as a high school social studies teacher in Queen Anne’s County, Md., where he also coached football and basketball. He advanced within school

districts in Maryland and Delaware to become athletic director, principal, director of professional development, assistant superintendent and superintendent.

Before joining Chesterfield County Public Schools, Dr. Daugherty served 2009-2018 as superintendent of Red Clay Consolidated School District (Delaware’s largest and highest-achieving school district) and was named the Delaware Superintendent of the Year 2015-16.