The Richmond Public Schools (RPS) community is absolutely heartbroken following the sudden passing of Solomon Jefferson, the esteemed Chief Academic Officer for Secondary Education. Jefferson died peacefully at home on Sunday, November 23rd, and his loss has left a profound void across the district. For countless students, educators, and families, this isn’t just the loss of an administrator; it’s the loss of a true champion whose compassion and dedication literally changed the trajectory of education in the city.
Superintendent Jason Kamras shared the immense sorrow felt by everyone, describing Jefferson as a man of “unwavering heart and vision.” The message made it clear that the district—from the School Board to every last classroom—is mourning a leader known not just for his intellect but for a kindness that radiated to everyone he met. He was the kind of person who focused entirely on lifting others up, always with a quiet grace that spoke volumes about his character.
The drive to uplift others was forged right here in Central Virginia, as Jefferson was a native who grew up attending the very school system he would one day help lead. After graduating from Meadowbrook High School, he took his foundational knowledge to Radford University. He then joined Teach for America in North Carolina, and that’s where his life’s true work began. He found his calling in advocating for and empowering underserved students, whom he affectionately and respectfully referred to as his “scholars.” This commitment became his unwavering guide.
His journey was one of a relentless lifelong learner. Before returning to Richmond, Jefferson taught in several states, constantly pursuing his own academic growth. He earned a master’s degree and a certificate in educational leadership and was incredibly close to completing his doctorate. This pursuit of knowledge wasn’t just for a title; it reflected his deep-seated belief that educators must continue to grow and evolve right alongside the students they serve. Colleagues consistently speak of him as someone who fundamentally valued knowledge as the most powerful tool for empowerment.
Jefferson made his powerful return to Richmond in 2018, signing on as the Middle School Principal Director—one of Superintendent Kamras’ earliest and most impactful hires. His leadership was quickly recognized as indispensable. By 2023, he had earned the critical role of Chief Academic Officer for Secondary Education, and his impact was immediate and profound. He oversaw a period where RPS achieved its highest graduation rates in nearly a decade, including remarkable, record-setting gains for Black students and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
What truly defined his leadership, however, was his humility. Despite these massive, measurable accomplishments, Jefferson never once sought the spotlight or took the credit for himself. He always—and without fail—redirected every shred of praise back to the hard-working teachers and principals on the ground. He believed in the power of the team and fostered an environment where the successes of the “scholars” were the ultimate victory for all.
As the entire Richmond community pauses to reflect on this sudden and heartbreaking loss, Solomon Jefferson’s legacy is crystal clear. It shines through the thousands of young lives he touched, both directly and indirectly, through the systems he refined and the culture he inspired. He leaves behind an incredibly powerful example of hope, humility, and an absolutely unwavering belief in every single child’s potential. His spirit—the one that defined a true servant-leader—will continue to shape Richmond Public Schools for countless years to come.
