Danville Schools Superintendent Honored with Catalyst Award

Dr. Angela Hairston recognized for transformative leadership in turning around district.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Future of the Piedmont Foundation (FOTP) presented its inaugural Catalyst Award to Dr. Angela Hairston, Superintendent of Danville Public Schools, in recognition of her extraordinary leadership in driving meaningful change across the Dan River Region. Under Dr. Hairston's strategic focus, all Danville Public Schools achieved full accreditation in 2025 - the first time in more than a decade.

Why it matters

The Catalyst Award recognizes exceptional leadership that sparks transformative change in a community. Dr. Hairston's work in Danville restored faith in the public school system and served as a catalyst for broader regional revitalization efforts.

The details

When Dr. Hairston returned to lead Danville Public Schools in 2020, only two of the district's eleven schools met state accreditation standards. Through her focus on attendance, curriculum, professional development, and community engagement, she was able to get all Danville schools fully accredited by 2025.

  • Dr. Hairston returned to lead Danville Public Schools in December 2020.
  • All Danville Public Schools achieved full accreditation in 2025.

The players

Dr. Angela Hairston

Superintendent of Danville Public Schools, with over 30 years of experience in public education.

Future of the Piedmont Foundation (FOTP)

A regional organization established in 2000 to guide economic transformation in the Dan River Region.

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What they’re saying

“We created the Catalyst Award to recognize the rare moments when a leader's vision and determination spark transformation that reshapes a community's future. This isn't something we'll hand out every year, it's reserved for leadership of genuine consequence. Dr. Hairston walked into one of the most challenging situations in our region and, through sheer force of will and a deep commitment to collaboration, turned it around. She didn't just fix a school system; she restored a community's belief in what's possible. That's the kind of leadership that deserves to be recognized and celebrated.”

— Jeff Haley, Chairman of the Future of the Piedmont Foundation Board of Directors (wakg.com)

“I am honored and thankful for the support of the Future of the Piedmont as we always strive to improve together. Education is the most powerful investment a community can make in its future. Every lesson taught, every student supported, and every door opened multiplies across generations. When we believe in our young people and equip them with knowledge and confidence, we create a future filled with possibility.”

— Dr. Angela Hairston (wakg.com)

What’s next

The Future of the Piedmont Foundation plans to continue supporting Dr. Hairston's efforts to transform education in the Dan River Region.

The takeaway

Dr. Hairston's leadership in turning around Danville's struggling school district demonstrates the power of vision, determination, and community collaboration to spark transformative change. Her work has restored faith in public education and serves as a model for other communities seeking to revitalize their schools and communities.