May 24, 2023

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Major Warner has been named the new superintendent for Fauquier County Public Schools. The appointment was announced following a closed session during a special school board meeting on May 24. Effective July 1, Warner, 54, will fill the position Dr. David Jeck held for the past ten years.

“It is the utmost honor to be named the Superintendent of Fauquier County Public Schools, where I grew up and call home. I cherish this community and will work tirelessly to make it a better place for all,” Warner said.

“We are extremely pleased and excited for the selection of Dr. Major Warner as our next Superintendent of Fauquier County Public Schools,” Board Chairman Stephanie Litter-Reber said. “Selecting a superintendent is the most important decision the School Board makes, and we know that we have selected a visionary, inclusive, and results-driven leader who shares our values and expectations of openness and transparency, academic excellence, and school safety.” 

Born and raised in the Markham area of Fauquier County, Warner attended Northwestern Elementary (now Thompson), Coleman Elementary, Marshall Junior High and Fauquier High School. He remains deeply grateful to the teachers, coaches and administrators in Fauquier County who saw something in him that he didn’t see in himself. 

“I had teachers and coaches who never compromised in keeping me on the right path,” Warner said. “I had some really, really good teachers through elementary school and junior high and at Fauquier; some of my teachers saw something in me that I didn’t see at that time. I grew up, by today’s standards, in poverty, but there was really a sense that ‘We’re not going to let this kid fail.’ …There was a real village mentality around me. The people around me saw something in me long before I ever saw something in myself.” 

After high school, Warner attended Emory & Henry College, earning a bachelor of arts in economics and business. Following graduation, he spent two years as an admissions counselor at Emory & Henry. Visiting high school guidance offices all over Virginia and working with counselors and students motivated him to apply to graduate school to become a high school counselor. He completed a two-year program in a year and a half at Tennessee Technological University. After completing some coursework through the University of Virginia, Dr. Warner later earned his Postgraduate Licensure in Administration and Supervision.   In 2021, Dr. Warner earned his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. Additionally, Dr. Warner holds certifications in marketing education, middle school counseling, secondary counseling, and division superintendent. 

Dr. Warner is finishing his 28th year in public education, with twenty-one years spent as an instructional leader in the building and central office. He began his career as a school counselor in Loudoun County Public Schools, then at Liberty High School from 1996-2000. After returning to Loudoun as a school counselor, he spent two years as assistant principal at Park View High School. Following his time in Loudoun, he served as an assistant principal at Battlefield High School in Prince William County Public Schools for three years before returning to Fauquier County Public Schools as the Principal of Kettle Run High School. Dr. Warner successfully led Kettle Run High School for ten years before being appointed Deputy Superintendent of Fauquier County Public Schools. While serving as the chief academic officer of Fauquier County Public Schools, Dr. Warner helped increase graduation rates, enhance programmatic opportunities for students, and mentor principals and staff.

During Dr. Warner’s career in education, he has received numerous awards and special recognitions. He has received the Washington Post Distinguished Leadership Award, Principal of the Year Award, and the Board of Education Distinguished Achievement Award, to name a few.

Dr. Warner resides in Fauquier County with his wife of 25 years, Lisa. Mrs. Warner has dedicated her entire career to public education in Fauquier County Public Schools and is finishing her 29th year of teaching at Coleman Elementary School. Their son, Tré, a Kettle Run High School graduate, recently graduated from Coastal Carolina University, where he majored in marine conservation. In his spare time, Dr. Warner enjoys serving his community, playing golf, and spending time with his friends and family.

Dr. Warner is committed to building strong relationships with parents, students, staff and community members. A series of family forums will be scheduled for July and will continue throughout the school year. These meetings will allow Dr. Warner to connect with families to learn about their ideas and hopes for FCPS.