BATH COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — Two months after Bath County Public Schools invited people to submit applications and nominations for superintendent, the district announced during Tuesday night’s school board meeting the identity of the person selected to assume that role.
According to officials, Dr. Ricky N. Bolling is currently the principal of a school in Wise County, but he will take on his new position as superintendent of Bath County Public Schools on July 1.
You can read the division’s full statement from Wednesday, May 4 below:
Dr. Ricky N. Bolling, Jr. was announced as the next superintendent of Bath County Public Schools at last night’s School Board meeting. His new position will be effective July 1, 2022. Bolling is presently the principal of J.W. Adams Combined School in Wise County. With more than 21 years of experience in education, Bolling previously served as a principal, assistant principal, school counselor, and teacher.
“I am extremely honored to be selected as the superintendent of Bath County Public Schools,” said Bolling, “I look forward to serving the students and community of Bath County. I am excited and blessed by this opportunity. The family atmosphere of Bath County Schools provides strength as we move forward. My goal is to make a difference by serving the schools and community. I will begin my tenure by listening, and I want all stakeholders to feel comfortable coming to me to share ideas and concerns. I am excited for my children to attend our schools.”
Bolling has presented at regional conferences on school climate, school improvement, and data-driven instructional practices. Further, he has been selected as “Best of the Best” principal in the Coalfield Progress region two times. He teaches graduate courses in school leadership. In addition, J.W. Adams Combined School was one of 63 schools selected to receive the 2017 National Title I Distinguished School Award for closing the achievement gaps among subgroups under his leadership. Yet, Bolling says creating a school with a positive culture that students enjoy attending and learning is his greatest accomplishment.
Karen Hise, chairman of the Bath County School Board, believes Bolling will be a great fit for the division. “We are truly blessed to have Dr. Bolling as our new Superintendent. He is energetic, easy to talk to, and will move us forward.”
Bolling earned his Doctor of Education in educational leadership from The University of the Cumberlands and Educational Specialist Degree in administration and supervision from The University of Virginia, a Master of Education in counseling from Lincoln Memorial University, and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from The University of Virginia’s College at Wise.
He and Nikeshia have been married for 18 years, and they have two children, Noah, 13, and Lauren, 12. Nikeshia is a nurse working toward her Family Nurse Practitioner license.
The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) assisted the school board with the superintendent search process.
Statement released on May 4, 2022 by Bath County Public Schools
