Alan Seibert, who recently retired after more than 30 years of service to Salem City Schools in Virginia, has embarked on a new path with the Roanoke City Public Schools.

The first man in his family to earn a college degree, Seibert, the grandson of a sharecropper, started his education career as a student teacher in Salem. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 1991, he rejoined Salem City Schools as an earth science teacher. During his tenure as a teacher, he earned a master’s degree from Radford University, which led to his first administrative role as an assistant principal at Andrew Lewis Middle School in Salem.

Seibert earned his doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from the Virginia Tech School of Education in 2000. He then served as an assistant principal at Salem High School for five years and principal of South Salem Elementary School for three years before being tapped by the school board to serve as the school division’s superintendent in 2006.

“At each step of my leadership journey, I was mentored and encouraged by colleagues, principals, division leaders, and board members,” he said. “They all supported innovation and were truly student-centered in their decision-making.”

During his 15-year tenure as superintendent, Seibert served in a variety of key positions with both Region IV and statewide superintendents, building relationships with legislators in Richmond and Washington, D.C., that have benefitted the Salem City School Division and enhanced its offerings.

At the time of his retirement at the young age of 53, he said he anticipated being able to provide many more years of service to children and their families.

His commitment to championing public education will continue in his new role as constituent services and government relations officer at Roanoke City Public Schools. There he will act as an independent, confidential resource for students, families, employees, and community members, offering informal help to resolve concerns, problems, complaints, and other student-related issues.

His duties will also include serving as liaison between Roanoke City Public Schools and state and national policymakers, including the Virginia General Assembly and the Virginia State Board of Education, to achieve the school board’s legislative goals and to promote its positive leadership in education policy and financing.

“Dr. Siebert embodies Virginia Tech’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve),” said Kristin Gehsmann, director of the Virginia Tech School of Education. “We’re proud of him and wish him well in this next chapter of his advocacy for students.”

Written by Sharon Flynn Stidham