Roanoke County Schools Superintendent Ken Nicely announced Wednesday he will retire at the end of the academic year, after 33 years with the division, including the last eight years as its leader.
This coming summer will end a 35-year career in education for Nicely, whose replacement will be sought out by the Roanoke County School Board. That process will begin in the coming weeks, according to an announcement from the division Wednesday afternoon.
“I am grateful for the opportunities I have had with Roanoke County Public Schools and could not be prouder of the incredible team we have developed,” Nicely said in the announcement. “Together we have accomplished much, but it is the joy of working with students and seeing the difference our staff makes for children every day that I treasure most.”
Nicely started in Roanoke County in 1993 as a Spanish teacher at Cave Spring High School, later becoming a principal in 2006. He was named the division’s 16th superintendent in 2018.
“Prior to returning to the Roanoke Valley in 1993, Dr. Nicely and his wife lived and worked in Central America in Managua, Nicaragua, serving as the founding teachers and director of an international school that still thrives today,” the announcement said.
As superintendent, Nicely led with an educational philosophy of preparing students to become “opportunity ready,” the announcement said.
“During Dr. Nicely’s tenure as superintendent, Roanoke County Public Schools has kept the safety and wellbeing of students as a top priority,” the announcement said. “School nurses were restored to full-time status, and school resource officers were added to every school, through a supportive partnership with both the police and sheriff’s office.”
Cave Spring and William Byrd high schools both received complete renovations during his tenure, as did W.E. Cundiff and Glen Cove elementary schools, the announcement said. Also, a new career and technical education school is beginning construction.
“He is the recipient of the 2019 Virginia ASCD Leadership Award, the 2012 Ted Sizer Dissertation Award from National Association of Secondary School Principals, and 2001 Virginia Excellence in K-12 Teaching Award from the Foreign Language Association of Virginia,” the announcement said. “In 2025, Dr. Nicely was named the Virginia Region VI Superintendent of the Year.”
In the announcement, Roanoke County School Board Chair Shelley Clemons said the board appreciates Nicely’s work and accomplishments.
“He led the school division through some challenging times, especially during the pandemic,” Clemons said. “Through his leadership, Roanoke County students continue to excel.”
Luke Weir (540) 566-8917
luke.weir@roanoke.com
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