Isle of Wight County Schools (IWCS) is pleased to announce the appointments of three experienced educational leaders who will join the division's administrative team for the 2026–2027 school year.
IWCS has appointed Mr. Christopher Hicks as the new Director of Operations and Special Projects. Hicks brings more than 30 years of progressively responsible leadership in facilities management, maintenance operations, construction oversight, and capital improvement planning. His extensive career includes leadership positions with Old Dominion University, York County School Division, Christopher Newport University, and Langley Federal Credit Union. Throughout his career, he successfully managed complex operational functions, capital projects, budgets, contract administration, emergency response, and large teams while collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, code officials, and community stakeholders. In his new role, Hicks will lead division-wide operational services, including facilities planning and maintenance, construction management, safety and regulatory compliance, and long-range capital improvement planning. His experience aligns closely with the division's ongoing commitment to providing safe, efficient, and well-maintained learning environments while supporting strategic initiatives and future growth.
IWCS has also appointed Dr. Sarah Miura as Assistant Principal of Smithfield High School. Dr. Miura brings more than 14 years of experience in public education, most recently serving as Assistant Principal with Gloucester County Public Schools following more than a decade as a high school mathematics teacher and department head with Hampton City Schools. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation for fostering positive school cultures, improving student achievement, strengthening instructional practices, and developing systems that support both students and staff. In her current role, Dr. Miura oversees mathematics, special education, electives, athletics, school safety, discipline, testing coordination, staff supervision, and data-driven school improvement initiatives. As a mathematics department head, she demonstrated exceptional instructional leadership by achieving significant gains in student achievement through targeted interventions, curriculum development, and collaborative professional learning. Dr. Miura holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Education from the State University of New York at Cortland.
IWCS has appointed Mr. Travis W. Felts as Assistant Principal of Hardy Elementary School. Felts brings nearly 30 years of experience in public education, serving in a variety of leadership roles including teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, principal, division-level coordinator, and most recently School Testing Facilitator at Hardy Elementary School. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to instructional leadership, student achievement, positive school culture, operational excellence, and community engagement. Felts holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership from Cambridge College, a Master of Science in Education from Old Dominion University, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Virginia Tech. His broad experience supporting instruction, school operations, and student success makes him an outstanding addition to the Hardy Elementary leadership team.
"We are excited to welcome Christopher, Sarah, and Travis to these important leadership roles within Isle of Wight County Schools," said Dr. Christopher N. Coleman, Superintendent of Schools. "Each brings a wealth of experience, a proven record of success, and a deep commitment to serving students, staff, and families. Their expertise will strengthen our schools and support our continued pursuit of excellence as we work together to make IWCS the premier school division in Virginia."
Isle of Wight County Schools welcomes these outstanding leaders to the division and looks forward to the expertise, collaborative leadership, and dedication they will bring in support of students, staff, and the entire school community.
