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Erin Davis has been named the new principal at Randolph Henry High School.

Davis will succeed Shep Critzer, who will be moving to the position of director of student services.

“Mrs. Davis is going to do an excellent job of leading Randolph-Henry in the coming years,” Critzer said. “She brings a great deal of energy, knowledge, and innovative spirit to the position and will continue to be a tremendous asset to the high school and the division.”

Before being named as the new principal, Davis served at RHHS as the assistant principal and secondary special education coordinator for two years.

Davis will be entering her 14th year in education during the 2020-2021 school year taught earth science, ecology, astronomy, life science, physical science, and reading in Mecklenburg County, Lynchburg City, and Charlotte County school systems.

“My last three years of teaching were at Randolph-Henry High School, where I taught earth science, ecology, and astronomy in grades nine through 12,” Davis said. “After 11 years of teaching, I decided to enter the realm of school administration.”

The Red Oak native says she is honored to be serving her community as principal of the high school.

“I knew at an early age that I would spend my career in education, serving students,” Davis said. “I am proud to be a product of this community, and I feel passionate about serving the students and families of Charlotte County Public Schools. As a mother, I understand that when parents place their children on the bus each day, they are sharing with us their most precious gifts.”

Davis said she is ready to accept the challenge that parents have given the school system of caring for and keeping their children safe.

“Parents are entrusting us to care for their children by keeping them safe, healthy, and helping them grow,” she said. “I accept this challenge and take a child-centered approach to every decision that I make. I believe that success looks different for everyone, but everyone can be successful with the proper supports.”

As for her goals, Davis hopes to be a strong instructional leader who always works for the best interests of children.

“I believe that our school is more than a place where learning happens. Schools of today serve the whole child, meeting instructional needs, yet reaching beyond to do so much more,” Davis said. “An effective school provides a high-quality learning environment that prepares students to be productive citizens. In doing so, staff members instill character traits, good manners, knowledge of health and self-care practices, and those essential ‘life skills’ that we all employ as adults.”

For Davis, she will be entering her new role in an era of the COVID-19 pandemic and schools and instruction could very well look a little different.

“I think the question on everyone’s mind is what will school look like after the COVID-19 pandemic?” she said. “And we will all have to wait and see how things unfold this summer. Nonetheless, I think that this pandemic has taught us some valuable lessons that will surely impact education forever.”

According to Davis, students can expect to see more technology integrated into all schools next year.

“This virus has taught us to live in a constant state of preparedness so that when the doors are closed, education can continue,” she said.