Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The Roanoke County School Board has named Dr. James “Jamie” Soltis as the next superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools, effective July 1, 2026.
The announcement was made Oct. 23. Soltis will succeed Dr. Ken Nicely, who announced his retirement in September after a 35-year career in education, including 33 years with Roanoke County Public Schools (RCPS).
Soltis currently serves as deputy superintendent for the division. He began his RCPS career in 1999 as a science teacher at William Byrd High School. In 2007, he was named assistant principal at Glenvar High School, then became principal of Glenvar Middle School in 2012. Five years later, he returned to Glenvar High as principal.
In 2018, Soltis joined the RCPS central office as director of secondary instruction. He later served in Salem City Schools, where he was promoted from director to assistant superintendent before returning to Roanoke County as deputy superintendent in 2024.
Soltis holds a bachelor’s degree from Longwood University, a master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Virginia, and a doctorate in education from Radford University.
“We knew when we named Dr. Soltis as deputy superintendent in 2024 that he would be the perfect person to continue the excellent educational opportunities that Dr. Nicely has championed for many years,” said School Board Chair Shelley Clemons. “We are delighted that he has accepted the role as superintendent, and we are confident this outstanding school division will continue to thrive and excel under his leadership.”
Soltis said he is honored by the opportunity to lead the division where he began his teaching career.
“When I began with Roanoke County Public Schools in 1999, I had no idea I might one day become superintendent of this amazing school division,” Soltis said. “Over the many years of my career, I’ve worked with countless teachers and staff who have made RCPS one of the best school divisions in Virginia and the nation. I am deeply honored to lead such an incredible team of professionals.”
He added that he looks forward to continuing the mission established under Nicely’s leadership “to ensure every student is Opportunity Ready — prepared to take advantage of whatever opportunities may arise after high school graduation.”
Nicely, who has served as superintendent since 2018, will continue to lead the division through June 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
Courtesy photo
Soltis
