ON FEBRUARY 21, 2026, FROM OUR COMMUNITY WE RECOGNIZE

DR. L, BERNARD HAIRSTON

Dr. L. Bernard Hairston’s journey reminds us of how everyday actions can grow beyond expectations as agents of change. Every step is capable of leaving a footprint. His footprints began in this community as the associate principal of Western Albemarle High School to appointed principal of Burley Middle School in 1997. He refused to participate in what was perceived as a race bias process after several interviews. Burley was transformed from the bottom quartile of student achievement to the top quartile among the five middle schools. It maintained the second highest percentage of minority educators in the division. He championed the division’s first formal anti-bullying program and Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines in partnership with Dr. Dewey Cornell, parent and Professor of Education, UVA. A focus on lower rates of suspension and racial disparities.

He was later appointed the second African American assistant superintendent in the 163-year history of Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS). A bold and passionate leader who confronted and made a difference with issues that others talked about. He is the founding president to two non-profit organizations that focused on equity, achievement gaps, minority hiring and retention.  The African American Teaching Fellows (AATF) has become a primary recruitment source for Charlottesville City and ACPS.  The 100 Black Men of Central Virginia in partnership with ACPS has received the prestigious National School Boards Association Magna Award twice for its innovative M-Cubed: Math, Men, Mission program. An evidence-based model to close achievement gaps for Black males. The chapter was recognized twice by the 100 Black Men of America as Chapter of the year for mentoring and education under his leadership. Often regarded as the most impactful mentoring program in the area.

He spearheaded a homegrown, bottom-up evidence based culturally responsive teaching initiative to offset achievement gaps. These efforts were recognized by the Virginia Department of Education as the first Mary Peake Award for Excellence in Education Equity. His insistent focus on equity, discrimination and anti-racism efforts resulted in the adoption of the first anti-racism policy by a school division in the Commonwealth and nation.

 Right click on this anti-racism policy hyperlink for inspiration to continue the journey to offset discrimination and racism.  https://youtu.be/K_em8blAwgk