Gov Timothy M. Kaine appointed Dr. Patricia I. Wright as State Superintendent of Public Instruction, effective October 1 on Thursday. Wright currently serves as Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, a position she has held since 2006.

“I am very pleased to appoint such a well qualified and accomplished educator to be the Commonwealth’s Superintendent of Public Instruction,” says Kaine. “Dr. Wright’s previous work in the Department of Education gives me confidence she will continue to produce outstanding educational outcomes for our young people from Pre-K through secondary education.”

Wright has 33 years experience in education, both in administration and in the classroom. Prior to serving as Chief Deputy Superintendent under Kaine, Wright served as Deputy Superintendent and Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction under Gov. Mark R. Warner from 2004 to 2006. She began her career teaching mathematics in Sussex County and Chesterfield County Public Schools.

“I am excited to serve the Commonwealth as the state superintendent, and look forward to working with Governor Kaine, the state Board of Education, and educators across the state to move our public education system forward from competency to excellence,” says Wright. “With support from the Governor, General Assembly, and the Board of Education, we will continue to provide a statewide system of support and accountability aimed at preparing students for postsecondary education, work, and citizenship in a global economy.”

As Chief Deputy Superintendent, Wright has overseen the day-to-day operations of the Virginia Department of Education and facilitated policy development for the Commonwealth’s public education system. She has worked closely with the Governor’s office, local school systems and professional organizations to develop and implement Virginia’s standards-based system of accountability and support.

Wright currently resides in Chester. She is a native of Brunswick County, Virginia, and attended Virginia public schools. She received her doctorate in education from the University of Virginia, her master’s degree in education from Virginia Commonwealth University, and her bachelor’s degree from Madison College, now James Madison University.