Roanoke County School Board announces Dr James Soltis as successor to retiring superintendent
Roanoke, Virginia – The Roanoke County School Board has announced that Dr. James (Jamie) Soltis will become the next superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools (RCPS), with his new role officially beginning on July 1, 2026. Dr. Soltis will take over from Dr. Ken Nicely, who revealed his retirement plans in September 2025 after a distinguished 35-year career in education, including 33 years of dedicated service to RCPS.
Dr. Soltis is no stranger to the school division. He currently serves as deputy superintendent for RCPS, a role he has held since 2024. His long-standing connection with the division began in 1999, when he started as a science teacher at William Byrd High School. From there, his career steadily advanced: in 2007, he was appointed assistant principal at Glenvar High School, followed by his promotion to principal at Glenvar Middle School in 2012. He returned to Glenvar High School in 2017, this time as principal.
His leadership journey continued in 2018 when he transitioned to the RCPS central office as director of secondary instruction. He later joined Salem City Schools in 2019, where he served first as a director, then as assistant superintendent by 2021. His return to Roanoke County in 2024 as deputy superintendent was seen as a clear signal of his rising leadership within the district.
Dr. Soltis holds a Bachelor’s degree from Longwood University, a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia, and a Doctorate in Education from Radford University.
School Board Expresses Full Support for Incoming Superintendent
The School Board voiced full confidence in Dr. Soltis’s ability to guide the school system forward. “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 Shelley Clemons, Chair of the Roanoke County School Board. “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.”
Dr. Soltis responded with humility and appreciation for the community he has long served. “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,” he 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 emphasized his commitment to the division’s goals, stating, “Together, we will continue building upon the mission Dr. Nicely started — to ensure every student is Opportunity Ready — prepared to take advantage of whatever opportunities may arise after high school graduation.”
Dr. Nicely to Remain Through June 2026
Dr. Nicely, who has served as superintendent since 2018, will remain in his position until June 2026, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition of leadership.
With a legacy rooted in dedication and excellence, the leadership handoff between Dr. Nicely and Dr. Soltis marks a new chapter for Roanoke County Public Schools, promising continued success and innovation in education for years to come.
