Dr. Tony Francis of Bedford County Public Schools will be the next superintendent of Buena Vista City Public Schools. Francis will replace Dr. John Keeler, who is set to begin his retirement in June.

The Buena Vista School Board appointed Francis at a special meeting on Thursday, April 29.

Francis currently serves as the Director of Secondary Programs & Career Technical Education (CTE) for Bedford County Public Schools and 17 years of administrative experience.

Francis served as the assistant principal at Jefferson Forest High School from 2000 to 2003.  In 2003, Dr. Francis became the principal at Jefferson Forest High and held that position until 2014.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Randolph-Macon College in Biology and a Master of Education in Education and Leadership from Lynchburg College.  He holds a Doctorate of Education from Lynchburg College in Leadership Studies.

Francis has lived in Bedford County for 24 years and is married with two children.