Van Dyke, Kennedy tabbed as principals for Charles City Elementary School

Edward Van Dyke (left) has been named as the new principal at Charles City Elementary School and Heather Kennedy (right) will serve as assistant principal.

Charles City Public Schools have announced the hiring of a new principal and assistant principal for Charles City Elementary School effective July 1.

Edward Van Dyke, a current assistant principal at Berkeley Middle School in Williamsburg-James City County, has been named as the elementary school’s new principal. Heather Kennedy, a current special education teacher in Chesapeake Public Schools, will assume the role of assistant principal.

“Mr. Van Dyke and Mrs. Kennedy impressed the interview committees with their positive energy and emphasis on connecting with our families in Charles City,” said school board chairwoman Helen Payne-Jones in a press release. “We welcome them and look forward to many years of achievement and success at Charles City Elementary School.”

Van Dyke received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia and his Masters of Science in Education from Old Dominion University. He began teaching in 2005 in Hampton City Schools as a history teacher before continuing the subject matter at Berkeley Middle School in 2007. He completed his administration certification at the College of William and Mary and has held the position of assistant principal at Berkeley Middle School since 2012. He is currently a doctoral candidate in education policy, planning, and leadership at the College of William and Mary.

Kennedy began her teaching career at Greenbrier Primary School in Chesapeake where she taught kindergarten for six years. She transitioned into the role of a special education instructor after completing her certifications and began working as a collaborative teacher at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake. She received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and religion and a Masters of Arts in Education, earning both degrees at the College of William and Mary. She received her special education licensure and educational specialist degree from Old Dominion University.

An open house meet and greet with the two new principals is scheduled for Tuesday, May 31, 5:30-7 p.m. in Charles City Elementary School’s media center.