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WINTON – The Hertford County Board of Education announces several key leadership appointments and transitions within Hertford County Public Schools (HCPS) effective July 1.

The School Board says these strategic moves underscore the district’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence, leadership development and student-focused progress.

Superintendent Dr. Jesse J. Pratt expressed his confidence in the leadership team, stating,

“I believe these appointments reflect what’s best for our students, staff and school communities,” said HCHS Superintendent Dr. Jesse J. Pratt, expressing his confidence in the leadership team. “We are aligning our leadership with the needs of our district as we continue to move forward with purpose.”

The following will begin their new jobs on July 1:

Dr. Takeda LeGrand will serve as the new Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. LeGrand is a seasoned educator with over 22 years of leadership experience spanning the classroom, school, district and state levels.

She holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Gardner-Webb University, an Executive Juris Doctorate in School Law from Concord Law School at Purdue University Global, a Master of Arts in Teaching from North Carolina A&T State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Wesley Dudley will transition into a new leadership role as Director of Operations for HCPS where he will continue to support the district’s mission and drive systemic success on a broader scale.

Dudley has served as the principal of Hertford County High School since October 2023.

Dr. Robert Tripp will become Principal of Hertford County High School. Dr. Tripp currently serves as the principal of Columbia Middle School in Tyrrell County, bringing nearly two decades of service and leadership to the field of education.

His professional journey began with six years in the U.S. Army where he cultivated a foundation in discipline, service, and community engagement. Following his military service, Dr. Tripp dedicated the past 13 years to education, serving as a teacher, administrator, and student advocate. His leadership roles have included Assistant Principal positions in Dare and Pasquotank counties, as well as Dean of Students.

Dr. Tripp earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.

Terrell Deloatch is the new Principal of Ahoskie Elementary School. She is a licensed educator with two Master’s degrees and 18 years of experience in secondary education. She has worked with HCPS since 2006. Since 2021, Deloatch has served as the principal of Hertford County Middle School.

Elenia Riddick will move from Ahoskie Elementary School to the Principal’s office at Hertford County Middle School. She has worked for the past 16 years with HCPS. Since 2019, she has served as the principal of Ahoskie Elementary School where she led the school out of low-performing status.

Deedee Powell-Beverly will become the Assistant Principal at Hertford County Middle School. She has more than 11 years of experience in education. Over the past five years she has served as the Assistant Principal at Ahoskie Elementary School, where her impact has been evident in the school’s academic growth and collaborative spirit.

Shavonda Smith-Jimenez will become Assistant Principal at Ahoskie Elementary School

Smith-Jimenez, a native of Gates County, earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy from Elizabeth City State University. She began her teaching career at Hertford County Middle School where she has served for the past 15 years and the Assistant Principal since 2024.

Smith-Jimenez received her teaching certification from East Carolina University and later earned a Master’s degree in education from Capella University. She holds certifications in Science (K–12), Reading and Literacy, and Curriculum & Instruction.