Isle of Wight School Superintendent Katrise Perera has announced a variety of administrative changes, including the selection of new principals for both Hardy Elementary and Westside Elementary schools.

Tawana Ford will leave her position as assistant principal of Smithfield High School to become the new principal of Hardy Elementary School.

Ford comes to Hardy Elementary School with more than 21 years of experience in public education. Before coming home to her alma mater, Smithfield High School, she served as assistant principal intern, assistant principal and interim principal in various Suffolk Public Schools.

Prior to that, she was also a career and technical education teacher for nine years. Ford will be available for a meet-and-greet session with the Hardy Elementary staff on Aug. 5 at 4 p.m. and for a community session at 6 p.m.

“My goal at Hardy Elementary is to ensure that reading continues to be a priority,” said Ford. “My expectation for this school year is to plan and promote continuous school improvement.”

Clint Walters will leave his position as former assistant principal and interim acting principal of Hardy Elementary School to become the new principal of Westside Elementary School.

Walters has spent his entire 11-year career in Isle of Wight County Schools. He began teaching biology, anatomy and physiology and advanced placement biology at Smithfield High School. For the past two years, he has served as assistant principal at Hardy, while also participating in the School-University Research Network Principals’ Academy at the College of William and Mary.

Walters will be available for a meet-and-greet session with the Westside Elementary staff Aug. 6 at 4 p.m. and for a community session at 6 p.m.

“I am excited about this opportunity to join the Westside family and to work with the excellent staff as we empower students to meet their academic potential,” Walters said.

Perera also announced the following administrative changes:

• Bryan Thrift has left his position as assistant principal of Smithfield High School to accept a professional advancement opportunity outside the school division.
• Alice Graham has left her position as assistant principal of Smithfield Middle School to accept a principal’s position outside the school division.
• Lynn Briggs will become associate principal of Smithfield High School.
• Kimberly Vick will return to Smithfield Middle School as the assistant principal.
• Casey Roberts has been selected as a new assistant principal of Smithfield High School.

The assistant principal position at Hardy Elementary School and the split assistant principal position for Windsor Middle School/Westside Elementary School will be filled through interviews of internal and external applicants.

“Change is a natural part of growth and I look forward to collaborating with our new leaders as we strive to meet the needs of our 21st-century learners,” Perera stated in a press release announcing the changes.