At its work session on May 20, the Lynchburg City School Board approved the appointment of Dr. Kristy Somerville-Midgette as the next Superintendent of Lynchburg City Schools (LCS). Dr. Somerville-Midgette currently serves as the Division Superintendent for Brunswick County Public Schools. Interim Superintendent Dr. Benjamin Copeland will continue to lead Lynchburg City Schools until Dr. Somerville-Midgette steps into the role on July 1.
“The Board was very quick to identify Dr. Somerville-Midgette as our top candidate,” said School Board Vice Chair Dr. Martin Day during the Board meeting. “She is straightforward, sincere, a quiet but strong leader who seeks to cultivate teamwork.”
This appointment marks a significant homecoming for Dr. Somerville-Midgette. She is a proud graduate of Lynchburg College (now the University of Lynchburg), where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education. Early in her career, she served as a Special Education teacher for Lynchburg City Schools from 2003 to 2006. She later received her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Liberty University. Her return signifies a dedicated commitment to the students and families of Lynchburg.
“This city, this school division—it shaped me as a teacher, as a leader, and as a person,” said Dr. Somerville-Midgette. “I truly return to you with gratitude, a sense of purpose, and excitement, and I’m committed to serving the students and the community that helped me build the foundation of my career.”
With more than two decades of experience in public education, Dr. Kristy Somerville-Midgette has served in a wide range of instructional and leadership roles, including Assistant Principal in Cumberland County Public Schools and Principal, Director of Secondary Instruction and CTE, and Assistant Superintendent in Mecklenburg County Public Schools. She became Superintendent of Brunswick County Public Schools in 2018.
Dr. Somerville-Midgette’s dedication and impact have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the 2024 Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) Leadership Excellence Award for Outstanding Service, the Evelyn P. Bickman Outstanding Undergraduate Alumni Award, the Woman Education Leaders in Virginia (WELV) Mentor of the Year Award, the Brunswick NAACP Educator of the Year Award, and the 2022 Region VIII Superintendent of the Year.
In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Somerville-Midgette has held key leadership positions throughout the commonwealth, including President of VASS, Vice President of WELV, and Virginia Governing Board Representative for the American Association of School Superintendents. She is also a former Clarksville Town Council Member.
The appointment of Dr. Somerville-Midgette follows a comprehensive search process conducted by the School Board and its Superintendent Search Committee, along with the assistance of McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., who helped identify and screen prospective candidates throughout the nation.
