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Dr. Pope Superintendent of the Year

Manassas City Superintendent Named Region IV Superintendent of the Year

Manassas City Superintendent Gail Pope has been named Region IV Superintendent of the Year by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS).

 “With all of the time and effort she puts in, I’m not surprised she got it,” said School Board member Tim Demeria.

 Each year superintendents from school divisions across the state compete for one of eight regional titles. As the Region IV winner, Dr. Pope will be considered for the Virginia Superintendent of the Year.

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 Dr. Pope explained that she was not nominated for the award, but rather she, like every other applicant, had to fill out an application.

 “The questions [are based upon] improvements, initiatives, etc. that have been instituted,” she explained. “I was encouraged to complete an application packet so that I could share the wonderful things that are happening in Manassas City Schools.”

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 Among many of her accomplishments Pope created the Preparing the 21st Century Learner platform in 2008 which analyzed the curriculum and how Manassas schools should best utilize their resources. As part of the program, she attended several workforce seminars to learn what skills local employers are looking for in an effort to find better ways to prepare her students for the future.

 Another accomplishment which set Dr. Pope apart was her involvement in the design and development of the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park. The school, which is a collaborative effort between Manassas City, Manassas Park, Prince William County public schools, and George Mason University, emphasizes on STEM subjects-- science technology, engineering and math.

 Recently Dr. Pope revised the school system’s mission and strategic goals in a new six-year plan. In a press release she explained that the plan is designed to be the umbrella under which the system’s work will be documented and reported.

 Even though her name is on the award, Dr. Pope is quick to acknowledge the hard work and teamwork which went into it.

 “The recognitions should really be “School Division of the Year,” Dr. Pope said. “The accomplishments that I noted were achieved through the hard work of our staff, students, and parents and through the unwavering commitment and support of our school board. They should be thanked.”

 The Virginia Superintendent of the Year will be announced at the annual VASS conference in Roanoke on May 3.

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