CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – Dr. Lisa Coons has resigned from her position as Virginia’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, effective immediately. Coons was appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin on March 22, 2023, and served as the executive officer of the Virginia Department of Education, overseeing public schools statewide.

Before taking on this role in Virginia, Coons served as Chief Academic Officer for the Tennessee Department of Education, where she led K-12 academic programming and early childhood education initiatives. She also held leadership positions in Metro Nashville Public Schools and the Tennessee Department of Education.

In response to Coons’ resignation, the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) recognized her service to the state’s educational system. “Her efforts in fostering collaboration with local school boards helped address both state and local educational needs, contributing to a stronger education system in Virginia,” said VSBA Board President Dr. JoWanda Rollins-Fells.

Dr. Coons’ resignation brings an end to her tenure as Virginia’s 27th superintendent of public instruction.