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.”

Director of Human Resources- 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 and later to Edenton-Chowan Schools. Over the course of her career, she has served both as a classroom teacher and as an administrator, experiences that have strengthened her commitment to serving her community and supporting students in multiple ways.

In 2018, Mrs. Newsome joined White Oak Elementary School as assistant principal and went on to earn her M.S.A. from East Carolina University in 2019. She was named principal in December 2020 and, in 2023, transitioned to the role of Elementary Director as part of the district’s Team WOW model, emphasizing collaboration and student achievement. She now serves as the Human Resources Director, where she focuses on supporting staff and organizational culture.

Mrs. Newsome believes that strong relationships and trust are the foundation of effective learning communities. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, biking, and spending time with her 4 children.

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 Curriculum - Mrs. Victoria Brinson

Victoria Brinson is an accomplished educator and instructional leader with more than 15 years of experience in secondary education. She currently serves as Curriculum Director at Edenton-Chowan Schools. Victoria began her teaching career in 2010 as a high school social studies teacher in Richmond County, later bringing her passion for student-centered, rigorous instruction to Chowan Middle School and John A. Holmes High School. Over the course of her classroom career, she taught a wide range of courses including AP U.S. History, American History I & II, and Civics and Economics, while integrating technology to enhance learning in both in-person and blended environments.

Victoria holds a Master of School Administration with a Curriculum & Instruction Specialist focus from East Carolina University, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Social Studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Education from Juniata College.

With her strong foundation in curriculum, instruction, and leadership, Victoria is committed to fostering teacher growth, elevating instructional practices, and ensuring all students have access to meaningful, high-quality learning experiences.

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 Technology- Mr. Aaron Blanchard

A graduate of Edenton-Chowan Public Schools, Class of 2013, Mr. Blanchard went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from East Carolina University and an Associate in Information Systems with a Concentration in Cybersecurity from Pitt Community College.

Mr. Blanchard began his career in education technology in 2019 as a Technical Support Analyst with Bertie County Schools before joining Edenton-Chowan in 2020 as a Technician III. Through dedication, innovation, and leadership, he has now stepped into the role of Director of Technology, overseeing the district's technology vision and infrastructure to support teaching and learning across all schools.

Outside of work, Mr. Blanchard enjoys reading, traveling, exercising, and working on technology projects.

Auxiliary Services

Director of Maintenance - Mr. Ben Layton

A proud graduate of John A. Holmes High School in 2014, Mr. Ben Layton continued his education by completing the HVAC program at College of the Albemarle and the Electrical Systems Technology program at Wake Technical Community College. He joined Edenton-Chowan schools on December 4, 2017, beginning his career in general maintenance. His dedication, strong work ethic, and technical expertise led him to transition into the HVAC position, and he now serves as the Director of Maintenance.

With over eight years of service, Mr. Layton takes great pride in ensuring that all facilities are maintained to the highest standards. He believes in taking pride in every task and striving for excellence in all aspects of his work.

Outside of work, Mr. Layton enjoys spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and exploring whenever possible.

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.