Hampton City Schools names new chief of secondary school leadership, chief of academics, and director of community and government relations

During the June 27, 2023, meeting of the Hampton School Board, the Board appointed Ms. Shameka Pollard as the new chief of secondary school leadership, Dr. James Harris as the new chief academic officer, and Ms. Jennifer Oliver as the new director of community and government relations, effective July 1, 2023.

Dr. Raymond Haynes, Hampton City Schools’ incoming superintendent shares, “These three dynamic individuals will serve on the Hampton City Schools Division Leadership Team. Promotions to a leadership team are not just about titles or positions; they represent a recognition of exceptional talent, dedication, and the ability to inspire others towards a shared vision. It is a testament to one's skills, and capacity to navigate challenges, lead with integrity, and empower individuals to unlock their fullest potential. A promotion to a leadership team signifies the opportunity to shape the future, make a lasting impact, and create an environment where collective success thrives. I am excited I was able to select and bring forward Ms. Pollard, Dr. Harris, and Ms. Oliver to the School Board for approval to serve as members of our Division Leadership Team. Most importantly, I am looking forward to working alongside each of them in this important work.” 

Chief of Secondary School Leadership

As chief of secondary school leadership, Ms. Shameka Pollard will lead efforts to improve student learning through the direct supervision of school administrators. She will be responsible for supporting, guiding, problem solving, and coaching school administrators in instructional leadership, building a positive and effective school culture, and management of personnel. In addition, in this position, she will guide, support, coach, and develop school administrators with instructional practices that support the mission and vision of the division. This senior level position is also responsible for overseeing the Academies of Hampton and the continued transformation of teaching and learning through the lens of the Ford Next Generation Learning model, as well as dual enrollment, on-time graduation and dropout prevention, alternative education, and athletics.

Pollard shares, “I am humbled about the opportunity to serve as Chief of Secondary School Leadership. Working alongside dedicated and passionate educators in Hampton City Schools has molded me into the leader I am today. I am excited about the future of our schools and our community as we continue our partnership to ensure all students leave us embodying the qualities of the Portrait of a Hampton Graduate.”

Pollard has served the Hampton Crabbers for the past seven years, four as the executive principal and three as an academy principal. Prior to her leadership roles at Hampton High School, she served as an administrator in Portsmouth Public Schools, and an assistant principal at Phoebus High School and Kecoughtan High School. She started her career in education as a math instructor at Hampton High in 2004.  

 

She has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Virginia State University and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Regent University.

Chief Academic Officer 

As chief academic officer, Dr. James Harris will lead efforts for directing, coordinating, evaluating, and improving the educational program in grades PreK-12 to include innovative curricula and instructional programs that directly benefit students and support teachers in the division. He will be responsible for recommending policies and practices which are designed to enhance the educational opportunities offered to our students. Serving in this senior level position, Harris will ensure achievement of applicable goals and objectives as outlined in the division’s strategic plan to include programs and opportunities that are of the highest quality commensurate with the resources provided. The chief academic officer is also responsible for developing and directing the implementation of long-range and short-term goals and objectives, and monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of instructional outcomes. 

He shares, “I am honored to be able to serve as the Chief Academic Officer for Hampton City Schools.  Moreover, I am extremely humbled to be able to lead efforts to continue to transform what it means to teach and learn in Hampton City Schools and to maximize every child's learning. Hampton City Schools is at the forefront of innovative approaches to teaching and learning and I am eager to embark upon this journey to ensure academic excellence for every child.”

Harris has served as Phoebus High School’s executive principal for the past four years. Prior to this leadership role, he was an academy principal for four years at Bethel High School as well as a social studies teacher and instructional leader at Hampton High School.

 

He is a graduate of Phoebus High School and a Gates Millennium Scholar. He has a Bachelor of Arts in History and a master’s in teaching and education, both from Hampton University. Harris further pursued his education and earned his Ed.S. in educational leadership and administration from The George Washington University and his doctorate of education from Virginia Tech.

Director of Community and Government Relations

As the director of community and government relations, Jennifer Oliver will represent the division during legislative sessions and assist in the implementation of a comprehensive community relations plan. She will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials and staff, national educational organizations, businesses, as well as faith, civic, and social organizations and other governmental bodies. In this role, Oliver will serve as the school division’s official representative to various boards and commissions, as well as the liaison to local military installation representatives and the Hampton Education Foundation. In addition, she will oversee the division’s volunteer process in conjunction with the Title I family engagement coordinator, coordinate the division’s annual Community Priorities Workshop, and assist the superintendent with the Teachers’ Advisory Committee.  

Oliver has served as the Academies of Hampton (AoH) Administrator of Business Partner Integration since September 2021. As a part of that leadership, she has been responsible for supporting the management of the AoH Business Partnership Integration strategic plan that integrates teachers, business partners, and civic leaders. In addition, she has been responsible for leading and organizing community participation in the AoH by developing integrated relationships with over 300 businesses, postsecondary and community partners for all academies and pathways. Oliver’s other professional experiences have included the director of education and online development for Centura College, the associate director and campus director for Saint Leo University, and a grant coordinator for GEAR UP. Additionally, Oliver served for nine years as a Hampton City Schools college and career coach/dual enrollment coordinator. 

“Collaboration with our community is at the heart of Hampton City Schools,” shares Oliver. “It is truly an honor to serve alongside families, local businesses, policymakers, and city leaders who are deeply committed to transforming education for our students. Together, we can continue to forge a strong, vibrant future that reflects the values and diverse aspirations of all community members, ensuring our students thrive for generations to come.”

She has a bachelor’s in human development and a master’s in student development, both from the University of Rhode Island. She is furthering her education and is currently in a doctoral program with Northcentral University.