Mrs. Naomi Dunbar, PrincipalMrs. Dunbar is excited to serve her 9th year as the proud principal at Indian River High School. She began her teaching career 32 years ago with Chesapeake Public Schools. Mrs. Dunbar taught for nine years (1990-1999) as a math teacher at Western Branch Middle School. In 1999, she was assigned to her first administrative position as the assistant principal of Indian River Middle School. Six years later, she became the principal and served from 2005 until 2014.
After graduating from Western Branch High School, Mrs. Dunbar received her B.S. from Norfolk State University in Electronics Engineering and M.A. in Urban Education and Ed.S from The George Washington University in Administration and Supervision.
Mrs. Dunbar resides in Chesapeake with her husband Michael and children. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and reading. Mrs. Dunbar’s favorite quote is by Dr. James Comer: “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.”
Dr. Pedro Martinez, Assistant Principal for Instruction
Dr. Martinez is the Assistant Principal for Instruction (API). He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, a Master’s degree in Engineering Management and a Doctorate Degree in Educational School Leadership from Regent University.
Dr. Martinez has been in education for 12 years. He has been with Chesapeake Public Schools since 2015, starting as a Math teacher at Western Branch High School. Before then, he taught Mathematics for four years at Blair Middle School in Norfolk. He was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where he served as a Civil Engineer during his professional career prior to becoming an educator.
He enjoys spending time with his wife and two teenagers at home in Chesapeake. He believes in the quote by Victor Hugo: “Perseverance, secret of all triumphs.”
Mrs. Kerri Lancaster, 12th Grade Assistant Principal
Mrs. Lancaster serves as the 12th-grade administrator and is beginning her 24th year with Chesapeake Public Schools. She first served as a biology teacher in the district for six years and then became the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Coordinator in 2005, a position she held for 17 years.
Mrs. Lancaster earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from James Madison University, a Master’s degree in Education from Old Dominion University, and an Educational Specialist degree from Regent University in K-12 School Leadership.
Mrs. Lancaster’s additional duties will include working with the English, Business, and Marketing departments as well as the Media Center. She also supports the SCA, Student Activities, and senior events such as prom and graduation.
Mrs. Lancaster resides in Chesapeake with her husband and two sons and enjoys photography, live music, and being outdoors. She feels we should never stop learning and growing, and her favorite quote is, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”
Dr. Tee Bunch-Boney, 11th Grade Assistant Principal
Dr. Tee Bunch-Boney, an educator for 18 years, is the 11th-grade administrator. Her responsibilities include overseeing the math department, special education department, and section 504. Some of her additional duties include AVID program administrator, MTSS program administrator, and Black History Month.
Dr. Bunch-Boney holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from Old Dominion University, a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctorate Degree in Advanced Educational Leadership from Regent University. Before transitioning into school administration, she was an exceptional math teacher at both Hickory High School and her alma mater Oscar Smith High School. She has served as VTSS Chairperson and Senior Class Sponsor.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, she is a food enthusiast, and she enjoys spending time with her family. Dr. Bunch-Boney’s favorite quote is “Sometimes what your students need most, right now, has nothing to do with what’s on your lesson plan”. She is excited to enter her fourth year as assistant principal for the Indian River Community.
Mr. Aundray Darden, 10th Grade Assistant Principal
Mr. Darden, is entering his first year as the 10th grade administrator at Indian River High School. His responsibilities will include athletics, building utilization, the custodial team and United Way.
He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia State University and a Master’s degree from Norfolk State University. Mr. Darden has over 20 years of educational experience as a teacher, coach and an administrator.
Mr. Darden is a graduate of Chesapeake Public Schools and currently resides in Chesapeake. He enjoys reading and exercising during his free time. Mr. Darden believes in the quote, “What stands in the way becomes the way.” – Marcus Aurelius
Mr. Doug Connolly, 9th Grade Assistant Principal
Mr. Connolly will serve his 2nd year at Indian River High School as the 9th grade administrator. Prior to 2021, he worked for 15 years as a middle school assistant principal at Crestwood and Hickory Middle School. His responsibilities include working with 9th grade students; the History, PE, and ROTC departments; and safe school concerns.
As a graduate of Chesapeake Public Schools, Mr. Connolly believes that school should empower all students to feel confident in who they are; and that with hard work, students can create their own success in life.
Mr. Connolly lives in Great Bridge with his wife and two sons. He is active in Boy Scouts, exercise, bike riding, and generally having a good time.