Gloucester Public Schools’ Superintendent Ben Kiser will become the new executive director of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) when he retires from the school system July 1. 

Kiser, who is a past president of VASS, will replace Steven R. Staples, former VASS executive director and former superintendent for York County Public Schools. Staples was recently appointed the State Superintendent of Public Instruction by Gov. Terry McAuliffe. 

“VASS is a well-respected professional association of visionary leaders that has directly influenced Virginia’s conversation in recent years regarding a more reasonable approach to standards, assessment and accountability,” Kiser said in accepting the position. 

“I’m looking forward to supporting superintendents in my new role as they strive each day to provide the best possible educational services to Virginia’s children.”  Kiser began his career as an indust...