District Administration

Senior Leadership

Superintendent - Mrs. Tammi Ward

Mrs. Ward has enjoyed a long and very successful career in education in three different northeast districts in North Carolina. She has held a diverse range of roles spanning from the classroom, student support, school administration, and district office. Previous experiences at the district level in CTE, human resources and curriculum combined with the roles of assistant superintendent and interim superintendent provide crucial experiences for Edenton-Chowan schools.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Ward has championed a philosophy that combines high expectations and collaboration with robust community engagement to foster student success within nurturing environments. Mrs. Ward is committed to fostering strong relationships with all stakeholders, including local and state agencies, secondary education institutions, and the business community. Her leadership has consistently been praised for its inclusivity, positive communication, and emphasis on equity and social-emotional learning.

In addition to her practical experience, Mrs. Ward boasts a robust academic background, holding a bachelor’s degree in office administration and accounting from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, a master’s in business administration from Old Dominion University, a master’s in school administration from East Carolina University, and an education specialist’s degree from Gardner-Webb University.

Mrs. Ward is eager to assume leadership of ECPS and actively engage with the community. Over the past three decades, Mrs. Ward and her husband, Kenny Ward, have benefited from strong values of a rural community related to their faith, family and friends. Throughout the years, their nuclear family of four children has grown through the addition of spouses and grandchildren. Mrs. Ward balances her work and family life through her enjoyment of sports, reading a good book and when possible relaxing at the beach.

“We all want our community, schools and students to succeed. I am dedicated to a culture focused on ‘Hearing Every Voice, Shaping Every Future’ to build on past success and navigate us toward our future accomplishments,” said Mrs. Ward. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work alongside the Board, education professionals, students, parents, and community for Edenton-Chowan Public Schools.”

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Auxiliary Services - Dr. Jana Rawls

Dr. Rawls began her career in education in the Edenton-Chowan School system teaching English-Language Arts and Social Studies at Chowan Middle School.

Dr. Rawls previously served as the Director of Human Resources, Accountability, and Transportation in Tyrrell County Schools. Prior to that she served as a Principal in Tyrrell County Schools for fourteen years at Columbia Middle and High Schools, as well as Tyrrell Elementary School.

Prior to becoming a school administrator, she taught middle school for seven years. Dr. Rawls is a former North Carolina Teaching Fellow and a former North Carolina Principal Fellow. She has also served as a coach and team leader.

During her career she has served on East Carolina University’s Selection Committee interviewing prospective doctoral students and served on a Cross-Functional Team at East Carolina University to revise the Master of School Administration degree standards. In 2016, she authored a publication titled “Understanding the Perceived Affect of a Master of School Administration Program (MSA) on Instructional Leadership, the Scholarship at East Carolina University.” She co-authored “The Role of School Leaders in Teacher Leadership Development,” a research article published in the Rural Educator Journal in 2013.

Dr. Rawls earned a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from East Carolina University. She also holds an Educational Specialist degree as well as a Master of Education (MaEd) in K-12 School Administration, Curriculum and Instruction from East Carolina University. She earned a Bachelor of Middle Grades Education at East Carolina University. Dr. Rawls is a public school graduate, graduating from Columbia High School.

Chief Academic Officer - Dr. Mindy Vickers

After growing up in the Midwest, Dr. Mindy Vickers began her educational career in Cumberland County Schools as a student teacher at Westover High School. Upon completion of successful student teaching through Methodist University in Fayetteville, she graduated from Illinois State University with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry Education and Psychology. She taught Chemistry and coached at Westover for five years before moving on to be a Principal Fellow through Fayetteville State University. After completion of a Masters in School Administration she was an assistant principal at Jack Britt High School, the inaugural principal at Cross Creek Early College High School, and principal at Terry Sanford High School all in Cumberland County. After eleven and a half successful years in school leadership, she was promoted to central office to be an Executive Director for School Support. During this time, she supervised as many as 31 schools of all levels with the final two years of the job dedicated to supporting all 18 high schools in Cumberland County. During this time, she earned her Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Fayetteville State University. In 2019, Dr. Vickers was named Central Services Employee of the year for Cumberland County Schools.

After 10 years of service at central office in Cumberland County, she was promoted to Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Federal programs in Sampson County. In Sampson County she supervised all areas of academics, led School Improvement processes, led principal and assistant principal professional growth and support (18 principals and 13 assistant principals), carried out AVID District Director responsibilities, and was directly responsible for all aspects of federal programs.

Chief Finance Officer - Mrs. Sandy Pittman

Mrs. Sandy Pittman served counties in northeast North Carolina as a finance officer for 15 of her 18 years in government finance. During her tenure, she has been responsible for overseeing finance divisions such as accounting, payroll and benefits, risk management, procurement, utility billing, and customer service.

Mrs. Pittman began her career as the Finance Officer for Gates County in 2008 and led the finance team for eight years. She then transitioned to Hertford County serving as the Finance Director for three years. In 2019, Mrs. Pittman joined the team at Gates County Public Schools where she was appointed as the Chief Finance Officer, serving in the position for four years before accepting the opportunity to join the Edenton-Chowan Public Schools family. Mrs. Pittman has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Strayer University. She holds certifications as a North Carolina School Finance Officer and Local Government Finance Officer. Mrs. Pittman and her husband are the proud parents of three adult children and enjoy golfing and cruising in classic cars during their free time.

Instructional Services

Director of Career and Technical Education - Mrs. Tracy White

Mrs. White returns to ECPS from Tyrrell County Schools where she served as Director of Career and Technical Education and Innovative Grant Programs. She previously worked in CTE with Edenton-Chowan Schools as Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator, Career Development Coordinator, and Special Populations Coordinator. She taught Business and Marketing Education in high school and middle school and has 22 years of experience in education. Mrs. White holds a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership/School Administration from Gardner-Webb University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from East Carolina University. She is excited to have the opportunity to serve the students, parents, and staff of Edenton-Chowan Schools once again. In her free time, Mrs. White enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying her two boxer dogs, Waylon and Willie!

Director of Elementary Education - Mrs. Michelle Newsome

Mrs. Newsome is a dedicated educator committed to fostering student success. A graduate of Chowan University with a B.A. in Elementary Education, she began her teaching career in Hertford County Schools before transitioning to Gates County Schools, where she taught grades 3, 5, and 6 for 12 years.

In 2018, Mrs. Newsome joined White Oak School as assistant principal and later earned her M.S.A. from East Carolina University in 2019. She became principal in December 2020 and, in 2023, transitioned to the role of elementary director as part of the district’s move to the Team WOW model, focusing on collaboration and student achievement.

Mrs. Newsome believes in building relationships and trust to create a strong foundation for learning. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, playing with her kids, and bike riding.

Director of Exceptional Children - Mrs. Lori Heginbotham

Mrs. Heginbotham serves as Director of Exceptional Children for Edenton-Chowan Public Schools. She previously served as Director of the West Virginia Family-to-Family program at West Virginia University's Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Formerly, she taught special education and general education at Chowan Middle and D.F. Walker Elementary School. Prior experience also includes serving Bertie County Schools as an assistant principal. Ms. Heginbotham earned her Master of School Administration and Curriculum Development from Frostburg University of Maryland. Ms. Heginbotham shared that "her greatest joy is when I play a role assisting someone to become their absolute best self or when I can assist a team of people in achieving their goals."

Director of Federal Programs - Mrs. Sharon Meads

With over 26 years in education, Mrs. Meads brings a wealth of experience to her role as Federal Programs Director for Edenton-Chowan Schools. She spent 15 years as a high school science teacher, including time in Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Schools, where she was recognized as the 2013 District Teacher of the Year. She later transitioned into school administration, serving for 8 years in Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Schools before joining Edenton-Chowan Schools. Most recently, she was the principal of Chowan Middle School for 2.5 years, leading efforts to improve student achievement, implement strategic instructional initiatives, and foster a positive school culture.

Mrs. Meads is a National Board Certified Teacher and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s in School Administration, which she completed in 2013. Her deep understanding of instruction and leadership equips her to oversee federal programs that support student success, equitable access to resources, and continuous school improvement across the district.

Beyond her professional work, Mrs. Meads enjoys spending time with her family. She is the proud mother of two children, her son serves in the U.S. Coast Guard, and her daughter is a student at Campbell University. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and has recently taken up embroidering and sewing.

Director of Special Populations - Mrs. Virginia Jones

Mrs. Virginia Jones has experience as an educator teaching elementary and special education. She began teaching at D.F. Walker Elementary in 2007 as an exceptional children’s teacher. She has served as Exceptional Children’s Department Chairperson, a representative for the Responsiveness to Intervention Team, Corrective Reading Lead Teacher and Trainer, North Carolina School Improvement Project Reading Lead Teacher and Co-trainer for Foundations of Reading. Prior to her experience with Edenton-Chowan Schools, she was an elementary teacher in Perquimans County.

Mrs. Jones earned a Master of Science degree in School Administration from East Carolina University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Elizabeth City State. She is a licensed educator in the areas of elementary education K-6, academically gifted K-12, mentally handicapped K-12, and holds National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification. Mrs. Jones is a Reading Foundations Trainer and a Corrective Reading Trainer.

Director of Technology - Ms. Samantha Sissell

Ms. Samantha Sissell was named Director of Technology in July 2024. Prior to her current role, she served as the district-level Digital Learning Coach for Edenton-Chowan Schools. Previously, Ms. Sissell was an educator in Newport News, Virginia, where she worked as a Virtual Learning Specialist, supporting teachers, students, and families in the district's K-12 virtual program. Her time in Newport News also included roles as an Instructional Technology Coach and an Elementary Teacher.

Ms. Sissell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with a concentration in Math, Science, and Technology from James Madison University, where she also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching. Additionally, she has an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University. Ms. Sissell is an ISTE Certified Educator and is passionate about leveraging both instructional and informational technology to enhance learning experiences and empower educators, students, and staff.

Auxiliary Services

Director of Maintenance - Mr. Ben Layton

Mr. Ben Layton was named the Director of Maintenance in February 2025.

Child Nutrition Director- Mrs. Stephanie Patsel

Mrs. Stephanie Patsel is the Director of Child Nutrition for Edenton-Chowan Schools. Prior to this position she served as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist for Albemarle Regional Health Services for seventeen years. During her tenure with Albemarle Regional Health Services, Mrs. Patsel regulated food service facilities, child care facilities, schools and institutions as an authorized agent for the State of North Carolina. She is also well-versed in kitchen facility maintenance and design, HACCP and the FDA Food Code.

Mrs. Patsel is a certified ServSafe Instructor/Proctor and Safe Plates Instructor. She is a member of the North Carolina Public Health Association and the Northeastern North Carolina Environmental Health District. Mrs. Patsel received her BS in Environmental Biology from Chowan University.

Director of Transportation - Mrs. Amanda Goodwin

Mrs. Amanda Goodwin was named the Director of Transportation in July 2017. She as been employed with Edenton-Chowan Schools since 2006. Mrs. Goodwin started her career in the transportation department as a TIMS/BSIP Cost Clerk and later served as the Office Manager for the transportation and maintenance departments. She has extensive experience in planning and managing the day-to-day operations of the transportation department. Mrs. Goodwin holds an Associates in Business Administration from College of the Albemarle where she was on the Dean's List and an All American Scholar; she is a graduate of John A. Holmes High School. She is a member of the National Association of Pupil Transportation Supervisory Program; a certified Maris Programmer for TIMS Geocode mapping; and a certified BSIP advanced certification and District 8 Trainer. Prior to working with Edenton-Chowan Schools, Mrs. Goodwin was employed as a Customer Service Representative with Bank of America and worked in accounting and payroll and United Piece and Dye Works.