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Celebrating the life of Rita Bishop, Ed.D.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026
WHEREAS, Rita Bishop, Ed.D., an esteemed educator and education administrator, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and beloved member of the Roanoke community, died on May 23, 2025, leaving a legacy of service, learning, and love; and
WHEREAS, a native of Ashland, Oregon, Rita Bishop's academic pursuits included a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Nevada, a master's degree in counseling psychology from Santa Clara University, and ultimately a doctorate of education in educational leadership from the University of Southern California; and
WHEREAS, Rita Bishop embarked upon her distinguished 50-year career in education as a teacher in Salinas, California, where she worked tirelessly to help her students succeed both in and out of the classroom; and
WHEREAS, as a testament to her leadership and dedication, Rita Bishop transitioned to education administration and served as a vice principal, principal, and assistant superintendent in Campbell, California; and
WHEREAS, Rita Bishop relocated to Roanoke in 1993 and served as assistant superintendent for instruction with Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS); then, after three years as superintendent of schools in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she devoted the last 15 years of her career to RCPS as the division's superintendent until her retirement in 2019; and
WHEREAS, guided by her steadfast belief in the transformative power of education, Rita Bishop made a profound and lasting impact on countless students and the communities she served over her half-century of service as an educator and education administrator; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of her achievements as an education leader, Rita Bishop was named Virginia Superintendent of the Year in 2014 and received the Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award the following year; and
WHEREAS, Rita Bishop will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her loving husband, Lewis; her children, Gordon and Johnathan, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Rita Bishop, Ed.D., a revered member of the Roanoke community whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Rita Bishop, Ed.D., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.