The appointment of eight new principals in Virginia Beach City Public Schools became effective on July 1st for the 2014-2015 school year.
- Dr. James Avila is the new principal of Tallwood High School. He joined VBCPS as a teacher at Kellam High School in 1997 and later served as administrative assistant at Virginia Beach Middle School before being named assistant principal there. He was later named principal of Salem Middle School. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Old Dominion University. Avila also earned a degree in educational administration from The George Washington University and a doctorate in instructional leadership from NOVA Southeastern University.
- Dr. Kelly Hedrick is the new principal of the combined Kemps Landing/Old Donation School. Hedrick taught in several schools in Virginia before joining VBCPS in 1994 as a teacher at Salem Middle School. She later served as a teaching specialist in the division’s Office of Gifted Programs and then as coordinator of gifted education and director of gifted programs, respectively. Hedrick’s most recent post was as principal of Old Donation Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Longwood College, a master’s degree in educational psychology and gifted education from the University of Virginia and a doctorate in gifted education.
- Dr. Sherri Archer is the new principal of Windsor Oaks Elementary School. Archer began her career as a teacher at Chesterfield Academy in Norfolk in 1994 and continued teaching at other Norfolk schools before being named principal of Camp Allen and later Jacox elementary schools. Archer holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Norfolk State University. She returned to the university to receive a master’s degree in urban education/administration. Archer earned her doctorate in educational leadership from NOVA Southeastern University.
- Bruce H. Clarke is the new principal of College Park Elementary School. Clarke began his career in VBCPS in 1999 as a teacher at Newtown Elementary School. From there he was promoted to administrative assistant at Holland Elementary School and later to assistant principal at Christopher Farms and College Park elementary schools, respectively. Clark holds a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and a master’s degree in education from Old Dominion University. He received a certificate in educational leadership from The George Washington University.
- Matthew A. Orebaugh is the new principal of Windsor Woods Elementary School. He began his teaching career in Rockbridge County in 2001 before joining VBCPS in 2003. He has taught at College Park and Diamond Springs elementary schools and most recently was the assistant principal at Thoroughgood Elementary School. Orebaugh holds a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Radford University. He also earned a master’s degree in sport management and an educational specialist degree in educational leadership, both from Old Dominion University.
- Jacqueline Y. Sargent is the new principal of Strawbridge Elementary School. Sargent began her career in education in 1984 and has taught in the United States and abroad. She joined VBCPS in 2002 as a teacher at Rosemont Elementary school. She later worked as a teacher specialist before being promoted to assistant principal at Alanton Elementary school. Sargent holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in mathematics from Florida State University, a master’s degree in educational administration from Kansas State University and an educational specialist degree in mathematics leadership from Regent University.
- Dr. Sharon L. Shewbridge is the new principal of Kingston Elementary School. Shewbridge began her career in VBCPS in 2000 as a computer resource specialist at Hermitage Elementary School before moving to Seatack Elementary School. She was the assistant principal at Thoroughgood Elementary and most recently was a coordinator with the Office of Elementary Teaching and Learning. Shewbridge holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, a master’s degree in English and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Virginia Tech.
- Linda L. Sidone is the new principal of Three Oaks Elementary School. Sidone began her career in VBPCS in 1983 as a teacher at Newtown Elementary School. She taught in several schools before being promoted to assistant principal of Strawbridge Elementary School in 1993. She later served as principal of Linkhorn Park and King’s Grant elementary schools, respectively. Sidone holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from James Madison University and a master’s degree in education from The George Washington University.
