PULASKI COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)– District officials in Pulaski County announced their new superintendent, just a month after Dr. Kevin Siers resigned from that spot to take the same position in Franklin County.
Out of 20 applicants, the school board chose Robert F. Graham, who resigned as superintendent of Radford City Public Schools only a few days ago.
This decision, according to Vice Chair member, Tim Hurst, needed to be made as soon as possible.
“Hiring a superintendent in the middle of the school year is almost impossible. Trying to hire a superintendent in the middle of January is almost impossible. Why should we wait if we can get the right person right now?” said Hurst.
Dr. Siers agrees with Hurst’s comments, calling Graham the best person to keep the momentum going.
“I could not think of anyone better suited to come into Pulaski County and take on the good work we have going on here,” said Dr. Siers.
After the announcement, Graham spoke saying he will do everything in his power to further the education of the students in the district.
“I truly look forward to working with all of you and I also want to thank the citizens of Pulaski who showered me with support over the last few days,” said Graham.
He is also no stranger to the land of the Cougars, with more than 2 years working for the district, starting back in 2003.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be back in Pulaski County Public Schools. I want to thank Dr. Siers for encouraging me to apply for this position,” said Graham.
His position at Pulaski County Public Schools will begin on July 1.
Here is the statement from the school district:
Pulaski, VA – Robert F. Graham was appointed as the next Superintendent of Pulaski County Public Schools at today’s school board meeting. His new position will be effective July 1, 2023. Graham has more than 30 years of experience in public education in Virginia, most recently as Superintendent of Radford City Public Schools for the past eight years. He was named Virginia Region VII Superintendent of the Year for 2022-2023.
Graham began his teaching career in public education with Fairfax County Public Schools in 1993. He came to Pulaski County Public Schools in 2003, serving as both Assistant Principal of Dublin Elementary School and as Principal over the Pulaski County Pre-Kindergarten program. He then served as Coordinator of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in Pulaski County from 2005 to 2006. Following his tenure with Pulaski County Public Schools, he began his career with Radford City Public Schools, serving as Principal of McHarg Elementary School from 2006 to 2010 and as Assistant Superintendent from 2010 to 2015.
“I am both honored and excited to be returning to the Pulaski County School Division as the superintendent of schools. I still have very fond memories of my time I spent in PCPS as a building administrator and curriculum instruction coordinator from 2003-2006. I look forward to building even more wonderful memories with the outstanding students, talented and skilled staff and supportive school community members! I am grateful to the school board for believing in me and giving me this fantastic opportunity! I will do everything I can to provide the children in Pulaski County with the best education possible!” said Graham.
Tim Hurst, Vice-Chairman of the Pulaski County School Board, believes Graham will be a great fit for the division. He stated, “We are extremely pleased with our choice of Rob Graham as the next Superintendent of Pulaski County Public Schools. Our search began in early May, and there was high interest as more than 20 candidates applied for this position. With his history working in Pulaski County and the success he experienced with Radford City Public Schools over the past eight years, we felt Mr. Graham was the perfect fit for Pulaski County Public Schools. And while the School Board may have chosen Rob Graham, we thank Rob for choosing Pulaski County. As we tend to say here, ‘Once a Cougar, Always a Cougar’.”
Graham holds an Ed.S. in School Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia, a master of science from George Mason University, and a bachelor of arts in education from Emory and Henry College.
Graham currently lives in Radford, VA with his wife Kris and daughters Logan, Sophie and Madison. Logan is an accountant in Abingdon, VA while Sophie and Madison will be a senior and freshman at Emory and Henry College. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis, pickle-ball, and spending time with his family and friends at Claytor Lake.”
Pulaski County Schools
