This week the Virginia Association of School Superintendents named Richmond's Deborah Jewell-Sherman superintendent of the year for the commonwealth. Jewell-Sherman was a 2004 Commentary Columnist for

The Times-Dispatch, so we are not surprised.

Despite its continuing challenges, Richmond's system has made progress in recent years. When Jewell-Sherman became superintendent, the situation seemed hopeless. Only about 18 percent of the city's public schools enjoyed accreditation from the state. The percentage since has improved to 84.

Richmond's record has attracted attention. For example: Fairfax has sent representatives to Richmond to learn how better to educate at-risk students, a task at which the city's schools do a better job. The Northern Virginia county, remember, is considered by many to have Virginia's most progressive system.

In Richmond, much remains to be done. Educational quality contributes to the reluctance of families with school-age children to move into the city. It also explains why so many families with school-age children leave Richmond for the counties. Still, much good occurs in the schools. The foundation is here.

And it is to the credit of Jewell-Sherman, her team, the city's principals, and its teachers, that they persevere despite the disputatious examples often set by elected officials.