The School Board of the City of Norfolk appointed Dr. James M. Pohl as Interim Superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) on June 11, 2025. A respected educator and strategic academic leader, Dr. Pohl brings nearly 30 years of experience in public education to the role, along with a deep commitment to instructional equity, innovation, and student success.

Dr. Pohl began his career in education as a mathematics teacher at Lake Taylor High School, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2000. His professional journey—rooted in the Norfolk community—has since encompassed leadership roles across several school divisions, with a focus on transforming academic systems and supporting educators at every level.

Prior to his appointment as Interim Superintendent, Dr. Pohl served as Chief Academic Officer for NPS, functioning as the Superintendent’s designee and leading a comprehensive portfolio including curriculum and instruction, federal programs, professional development, instructional technology, special education, school leadership, and assessment and accountability. His leadership in this role helped strengthen academic excellence and instructional equity throughout the division.

Prior to rejoining Team NPS, Dr. Pohl held senior academic leadership positions in both Newport News Public Schools and Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Throughout his career, he has led efforts to enhance division-wide academic programming, career and technical education (CTE), gifted services, and policy development—earning a reputation as a leader who consistently drives improvement in student outcomes and organizational coherence.

Dr. Pohl has served as principal at both the middle and high school levels and was recognized as Virginia Beach’s Middle School Principal of the Year in 2010. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University, where he also serves as an adjunct professor in the Darden College of Education. His academic focus includes professional learning communities and school-based leadership, topics he continues to shape through research, practice, and mentorship.

In addition to his work within school divisions, Dr. Pohl’s influence extends to statewide education policy and innovation. He has served on the Governor’s STEM Education Commission, as Vice-Chair of the #GoOpenVA Advisory Board, and as a member of the Virginia is for Learners Innovation Network. As a sought-after speaker, he has presented at conferences such as iNACOL, ISTE, EdLeader21, VASCD, and the Virginia Department of

Education Assessment Conference, advocating for authentic assessment, inclusive leadership, and transformative learning experiences.