| Old | New | Differences | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2025 SESSION | |
| 2 | 2 | ||
| 3 | - | ENROLLED | |
| 3 | + | INTRODUCED | |
| 4 | + | ||
| 5 | + | 25106704D | |
| 4 | 6 | ||
| 5 | 7 | SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 263 | |
| 6 | 8 | ||
| 9 | + | Offered February 12, 2025 | |
| 10 | + | ||
| 7 | 11 | Commending Olwen Herron, Ed.D. | |
| 8 | 12 | ||
| 9 | - | Agreed to by the Senate, February 13, 2025 | |
| 13 | + | ||
| 14 | + | ||
| 15 | + | PatronMcDougle | |
| 10 | 16 | ||
| 11 | 17 | ||
| 12 | 18 | ||
| 13 | 19 | WHEREAS, Olwen Herron, Ed.D., an esteemed education administrator who most recently served as superintendent of Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, retired on January 31, 2025; and | |
| 14 | 20 | ||
| 15 | - | WHEREAS, over a distinguished, 43-year career in education, Olwen Herron has served in various leadership roles in the Commonwealth, as well as in Northern Ireland, Oklahoma, and Texas, as a teacher, school administrator, director of organizational development, chief accountability officer, chief academic officer, deputy superintendent, and superintendent; and | |
| 21 | + | WHEREAS, over a distinguished, 43-year career in education, Olwen Herron has served in various leadership roles in the Commonwealth, as well as in Northern Ireland, Oklahoma, and Texas, including as a teacher, school administrator, director of organizational development, chief accountability officer, chief academic officer, deputy superintendent, and superintendent; and | |
| 16 | 22 | ||
| 17 | 23 | WHEREAS, after five years as the deputy superintendent and acting superintendent of Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools (WJCCPS), Olwen Herron was formally named superintendent of the school division in February 2017; and | |
| 18 | 24 | ||
| 19 | - | WHEREAS, under Olwen Herron's leadership and guidance, WJCCPS realized academic growth across all grade levels, subject areas, and demographic groups | |
| 25 | + | WHEREAS, under Olwen Herron's leadership and guidance, WJCCPS realized academic growth across all grade levels, subject areas, and demographic groups, addressed chronic absenteeism, improved graduation rates, lowered drop-out rates, and achieved full accreditation at all of its schools; and | |
| 20 | 26 | ||
| 21 | 27 | WHEREAS, Olwen Herron promoted early childhood education by spearheading the planned construction of two new pre-kindergarten centers and enhanced health and wellness instruction through a partnership with the Williamsburg Health Foundation; and | |
| 22 | 28 | ||
| 23 | 29 | WHEREAS, Olwen Herron fostered her students' ability to achieve their full potential both in and out of the classroom by increasing the availability of workplace-ready experiences and creating new academic pathways through the Restorative Center and Learning Lab; and | |
| 24 | 30 | ||
| 25 | 31 | WHEREAS, Olwen Herron greatly supported faculty and staff at all stages of their careers through initiatives such as her Teacher and Support Employee Forums, the Teacher Supply Shop, and mentoring and professional learning programs; and | |
| 26 | 32 | ||
| 27 | 33 | WHEREAS, Olwen Herron made an impact at the local, regional, and state level as chair of Region II Superintendents and as a member of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents board of directors, the WHRO-FM board of directors, the WJCC Schools Foundation board, and the University of Virginia K-12 Advisory Council Leadership Steering Committee; and | |
| 28 | 34 | ||
| 29 | 35 | WHEREAS, in recognition of her exemplary service, Olwen Herron was named Region II Superintendent of the Year in 2024; and | |
| 30 | 36 | ||
| 31 | - | WHEREAS, through her selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the students, staff, and families | |
| 37 | + | WHEREAS, through her selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the students, staff, and families she served, Olwen Herron has made a profound and lasting impact on the Williamsburg and James City County communities and earned the praise and admiration of all Virginians; now, therefore, be it | |
| 32 | 38 | ||
| 33 | 39 | RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Olwen Herron, Ed.D., superintendent of Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, hereby be commended on the occasion of her retirement; and, be it | |
| 34 | 40 | ||
| 35 | 41 | RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Olwen Herron, Ed.D., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's appreciation for her contributions to Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools and the Commonwealth and best wishes for a joyful and fulfilling retirement. |