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Our Schools

Offices

Leadership Team

Chang, Shareyna

Shareyna Chang

Chief of Staff

Email: schang@rvaschools.net

Shareyna Chang has spent her career advocating for educational equity for all students regardless of race, socio-economic status, or the neighborhood they live in. Most recently, Shareyna served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Indianapolis Public Schools. In collaboration with parents, students, and community stakeholders, she led the development and codification of a 7 year reorganization plan that reimagined the structure of the district.  

Shareyna began her career as an elementary teacher. She then worked in the Indianapolis Mayor's Office of Education Innovation where she monitored and analyzed the academic and governance health of the city’s public schools. From there, she joined the Indianapolis Public School team, and worked in district talent strategy and school quality evaluation. Shareyna earned her Bachelor's in Environmental Affairs from Indiana University and her Master's in Teaching from Marian University.

Wiggins, Leslie

Leslie Wiggins

Chief Academic Officer, Elementary Education

Email: lwiggins@rvaschools.net

Dr. Leslie Wiggins has spent her career working to increase educational equity and excellence in schools for students historically underserved and marginalized. She believes this work must be done while creating a culture and climate where building authentic, trusting relationships among stakeholders is a priority.

Dr. Wiggins joined Richmond Public Schools as an elementary principal director. Previously, Dr. Wiggins has served as an elementary and middle school exceptional education teacher, assistant principal, principal, and reading supervisor in Chesapeake, Virginia. Dr. Wiggins earned her bachelors degree from Elizabeth City State University and masters degree from East Carolina University focusing on educating students with disabilities.  She completed her educational specialist degree and doctorate in Educational Administration and Policy Studies at The George Washington University.  She also serves as a professorial lecturer for The George Washington University providing instruction to future leaders in instructional leadership, equity, and social justice.

Jefferson, Solomon

Solomon Jefferson

Chief Academic Officer, Secondary Education

Email: sjeffer2@rvaschools.net

Solomon Jefferson has spent his career working to expand the educational opportunities for the scholars who have fewer life prospects and opportunities than their more fortunate counterparts. He has also focused on developing strong teacher and school leaders that make a significant impact in their scholar’s lives. Jefferson’s commitment to education spans more than 23 years. He began his career as a Teach for America corps members in Eastern North Carolina, teaching upper elementary scholars and later served as a literacy coach, assistant principal and as a principal.

Prior to his work as Chief Academic Officer for Secondary, Jefferson served as the Principal Director of Middle Schools in Richmond Public Schools (RPS). In this role he supported and supervised ten secondary principals through coaching and thought partnership. Jefferson is dedicated to life-long learning and has several degrees and certifications: a bachelor’s degree in political science from Radford University; a master’s degree in middles grade education from Mercer University; and earned his certification for educational leadership from Georgia State University. His love for education was inspired at an early age by his elementary and middle school teachers in RPS. Jefferson’s teachers worked closely with his parents and consistently held him to high standards and they were deeply committed to his achievement. His work is fueled by his experiences as a student and his commitment to providing the same high-quality opportunities for all.

Harris, Shadae

Shadae Harris

Chief Engagement Officer

Email: sharris1@rvaschools.net

Dr. Harris has spent her career building authentic and meaningful relationships with families and community, and working towards educational equity for all students, especially communities of color and those who have been underserved.

Prior to joining RPS in 2018, Dr. Harris completed her Doctorate of Education Leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education where she had opportunity to collaborate with Richmond Public Schools (RPS), Virginia’s Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Virginia Governor's Children’s Cabinet to implement policy and program improvements for RPS students whose education has been interrupted due to a court charge. Previously, Dr. Harris served as an elementary school principal, and she began her career as a 4th grade teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s in Education and Child Study from Smith College and holds a Master’s in Education from Harvard University.

Fox, Dana

Dana Fox

Chief Operating Officer

Email: dfox4@rvaschools.net

Dana Fox has spent her career advocating for gender equity in industries where women have traditionally been under-represented. Most recently, Dana served as the Director of School Construction at RPS, where she has led the work to design and build a new George Wythe HS, renovate Clark Springs ES, and rebuild Fox ES.

Dana began her career in commercial construction, building the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building on James Madison University's campus. She has also led critical construction projects in Henrico and Goochland Counties. Dana earned her Bachelor's in Construction Management from East Carolina University, and is currently serving as Virginia's 2023 Emerging Leader for the Southeastern Association of School Business Officials. 

Clemmons, Maggie

Maggie Clemmons

Chief Talent Officer

Email: mclemmons@rvaschools.net

Maggie M. Clemmons is committed to ensuring that teachers, school leaders, educational professionals, and all those who champion our school community are knowledgeable, engaged, and supported. With a focus on increasing the educator pipeline, elevating the profession, enhancing school culture and the learning environment, empowering teams to improve processes, and ensuring innovative practices, Maggie hopes to make a meaningful impact at Richmond Public School. Prior to coming to RPS, Maggie spent six years at the Virginia Department of Education, first serving as the Director of Organizational Development and Advancement, and then as the Director of Licensure and School Leadership, as well as a staff liaison for the Board of Education’s Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure.

Maggie started her career as a classroom teacher, moved into a leadership role as a building level administrator, and then became part of a school division’s central office staff. In addition, she previously worked for the House of Delegates as the Director of Legislative Education and Development. With almost 20 years’ experience in both rural and urban school divisions and private schools, she is committed to ensuring that every student in RPS has access to a diverse team of highly qualified professionals who lead with love and will maximize the potential of all learners. 

Parks, Renesha

Renesha Parks

Chief Wellness Officer

Email: rparks1@rvaschools.net

Renesha Parks has spent her career improving social-emotional and academic outcomes for students with specialized needs, particularly those in urban and alternative settings. Most recently, Renesha served as the Director of Exceptional Education for RPS. As a result of her leadership, RPS was able to exit our VDOE-mandated corrective action plan for exceptional education.

Renesha began her career as a teacher with Henrico County Public Schools and has also served in various instructional and administrative roles in North Carolina, Louisiana, and New York City. Renesha earned her Bachelor’s in Education from Elizabeth City State University and holds a Master’s in Education with a focus on mild/moderate disabilities from Southern University and A & M College. Renesha also holds a Post-Master's in Educational Leadership from VCU.