Who are the 2025-26 school superintendents in Central Virginia?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News is your Back to School Headquarters, and with a brand-new school year beginning across Central Virginia, parents may wonder who is leading the school districts in the area.

For Charles City County Public Schools, Katina Otey is the new superintendent after holding positions at Henrico County Public Schools, Chesterfield County Public Schools and Charlottesville Public Schools, with three decades of public education experience.

Travis Ridley began his first year as Colonial Heights Public Schools' superintendent after serving as the district's assistant superintendent of instruction. Ridley has 22 years of experience in public education, which he began by serving as a teacher and coach in Colonial Heights Public Schools.

In Greensville, Yardley Farquharson was recently appointed as superintendent following the departure of Kelvin Edwards, who had “concluded his tenure” with Greensville Schools on July 14. The reason behind Edwards’ departure was not shared.

Farquharson has been with the school district for more than five years and brings nearly three decades of educational experience to her new role, per the school district.

In addition to new superintendents beginning the 2025-26 academic year, multiple school leaders are entering their first full year in their roles after being appointed mid-year during the 2024-25 school year.

Lisa Pennycuff, who had been the acting superintendent since August 2024, was named the superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools on April 8.

Meanwhile, Goochland County Public Schools' superintendent Andrew Armstrong was appointed back in April.

John Murray is returning to Chesterfield County Public Schools. Murray previously assumed the role permanently in January, following his appointment as interim superintendent in September 2024.

Yolanda Brown officially became the superintendent of Petersburg City Public Schools in October 2024, after serving as acting superintendent since July of that year.

In Prince George County, Douglas Wayne Lyle Jr. is returning as well after he was appointed as superintendent of the school district in September 2024.