Staff Reports

Edenton-Chowan Schools Superintendent Tammi Ward has announced the following organizational changes and promotions.

“These changes reflect our commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a school system that our community can be proud of,” Ward said. “By working together with our dedicated teachers and staff, we are taking meaningful steps toward becoming a district of choice.” 

Before introducing these folks, please congratulate any Chowan Middle School Bulldogs for their academic achievement — earning a spot on the Honor Roll for the 2nd Quarter.

Ben Layton, Maintenance Director 

A graduate of John A. Holmes High School, Ben Layton has dedicated the past seven years to the district’s Maintenance Department, bringing experience and  building expertise in HVAC systems. 

In his new role, Layton will lead the Maintenance team in ensuring that Edenton-Chowan Schools’ facilities are well-maintained and continuously improved  to provide a safe and supportive learning environment. 

His commitment to excellence and attention to detail  make him a valuable asset to the district as we ensure our facilities remain in top condition. 

Reflecting on his new position, Layton shared he  gains inspiration from his faith and a personal philosophy that has guided his work: “Be it big or be it small, do it right or not at all.” He emphasized his dedication to not only our

facilities’ visual appearance but also maintaining the highest standards in maintenance and upkeep. 

The district welcomes Mr. Layton to his new role and looks forward to his leadership in maintaining high-quality facilities for students, staff, and the community. 

Sharon Meads, Federal Programs Director 

In this role, Sharon Meads will join the Central Office team, bringing her strong organizational skills and  instructional expertise to support the district’s federal  program applications and monitoring processes. 

With approximately 2.5 years of experience in  Edenton-Chowan Schools, Meads has demonstrated a deep commitment to student success and instructional excellence. In her new role as  Federal Programs Director, she will assist with  streamlining federal funding initiatives, effective  allocation of resources and monitoring the impact on   student learning and teacher support. 

“At my core, I believe in the power of education to change lives, and I’m excited to serve as the Federal Programs Director for Edenton-Chowan Schools,” Meads said. “My priority will always be supporting students and teachers, ensuring they have the resources to create meaningful learning experiences that leave a lasting, positive impact.” 

The district looks forward to Meads’ advancing its mission of providing high-quality education and maximizing federal resources to benefit students and staff. 

Brittney Lopez, Interim Principal of Chowan Middle School 

Brittney Lopez, who currently serves as the school’s Assistant Principal, has been a dedicated member of the administrative staff for approximately 2.5 years. She has demonstrated leadership, strong connections with students, faculty, and families, and a commitment to educational excellence. 

“As a leader, I want our school to be a place where every student, teacher, and family feels supported and valued,” Lopez said. “Becoming interim principal gives me the opportunity to build on the work I’ve done over the past few years, ensuring that Chowan Middle School remains a place where students learn, teachers grow, and our school community works together for success.” 

Reflecting on her upbringing in a large family, Lopez emphasized the values of hard work, resilience, and the importance of a strong, supportive community.

“As interim principal, I am committed to ensuring that every student experiences a sense of love and belonging at school—where they feel valued, encouraged, and inspired to reach their full potential,” she added. 

Edenton-Chowan Schools looks forward to Lopez’s leadership at Chowan Middle School and her continued efforts to foster a positive and thriving learning environment. 

Casey Spear, Health Sciences Academy Coordinator 

In this role, Casey Spear will lead efforts to support middle and high school students interested in any  career within the healthcare industry. 

With 15.5 years of service in Edenton-Chowan and other roles in the healthcare industry, Spear brings valuable experiences to this new position. Her leadership will be instrumental in preparing students for all careers required to maintain and operate healthcare facilities through hands-on learning experiences and professional development opportunities. 

“This academy will open up amazing leadership, scholarship, and community involvement opportunities for our students,” Spear said. “There will always be a need for healthcare professionals, and this is a way to grow our own. Students will be recruited beginning in Spring 2025, with the academy officially launching in Fall 2025.” 

Spear is particularly excited about the academy’s partnership with ECU Health and other local community organizations.

“These collaborations will provide students with opportunities to job shadow, volunteer, intern, take specialized courses, develop essential workplace skills, and build meaningful relationships with healthcare professionals,” she added. 

Edenton-Chowan Schools looks forward to the positive impact of the Health Sciences Academy under Spear’s leadership, helping to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals in the community.