ISLE OF WIGHT
Rashard J. Wright, executive director of K12 Schools, Leadership Development and Alternative Education, has announced his departure from Isle of Wight County Schools, said spokeswoman Kenita Bowers. Wright has accepted a promotion with Virginia Beach City Public Schools as Chief Schools Officer.

“As I reflect on my time here in Isle of Wight County Schools, I smile thinking about the bright students that I have talked to in classrooms, the incredible teachers that I have had the honor to visit, as well as our dedicated staff and leaders that I have collaborated with,” said Wright. “I leave knowing that a lot of progress has been made over the past three years and that this school division is in good hands. IWCS will always be a major part of me.”

Wright starts his position with Virginia Beach City Public Schools on Monday, March 2. In this new role, he will lead the Department of School Leadership, which is responsible for 86 Virginia Beach elementary, middle and high schools. He will also oversee school improvement, leadership development and equity services through out the school division. Isle of Wight County Schools plans to fill his position internally on an interim basis until June 30.

“Mr. Wright has been an integral part of the recent successes that we have accomplished in this school division,” said Division Superintendent Dr. Katrise Perera. “While his passionate commitment to achieving educational excellence will certainly be missed, we wish him the absolute best in his new position. I appreciate all of his hard work to cultivate a culture of true leadership that has ignited our students to become even more engaged in their education.”

Wright becomes the third school administrator to leave the IWCS this year. Perera and Christine Berta each announced in early December that they were leaving. Perera has said a family situation requires attention, and she’ll leave at the end of June. Berta went to become the chief financial officer for the Williamsburg and James City County School System beginning in January.