Principal
Email Mrs. Naomi Dunbar

Mrs. Dunbar is excited to be serving in her 11th year as the proud principal at Indian River High School. She began her teaching career over 34 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.  She is extremely passionate about her students, student achievement and building quality relationships. Mrs. Dunbar’s favorite quote is by Dr. James Comer, “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.”

Assistant Principal for Instruction
Email Mrs. Kerri Lancaster

Mrs. Lancaster serves as the Assistant Principal for Instruction. She is has been with Chesapeake Public Schools for 26+ years. She first served as a biology teacher at Oscar Smith High School for six years and then became the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Coordinator there 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 include working with the English, math, and school counseling departments as well as the Media Center. She also supports the AVID Program and helps to facilitate SOL, Industry Credential, and AP testing.

Mrs. Lancaster resides in Chesapeake with her husband, two sons, and chocolate lab, Bodie. She enjoys photography, live music, traveling, 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.”

12th Grade Assistant Principal
Email Mr. Doug Connolly

Mr. Connolly serves as the 12th 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 Seniors, 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.

11th Grade Assistant Principal
Email Dr. Courtney Van der Linden

Dr. Van der Linden serves as the 11th grade administrator and special education administrator. She has a bachelor’s degree in English, Secondary Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Old Dominion University. Additionally, she has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech. Prior to joining the Chesapeake Public Schools family, she worked as an English teacher, an English Instructional Specialist, and an Assistant Principal. She has served on state committees for curriculum, partnered with MTSS to support schools, served on dissertation committees, and collaborated across divisions to support students.

In her spare time, she enjoys rock climbing, running, watching/playing sports, and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Van der Linden likes to focus on spreading positivity and supporting students through their academic journeys before they venture out into the world. She is excited to be able to support the Indian River community this upcoming school year.

10th Grade Assistant Principal
Email Mrs. Natasha Halsey-Holland

Mrs. Halsey-Holland serves as the 10th grade administrator. She has been an educator for 21+ years starting out in Norfolk Public Schools at Norview High School where she taught Biology for fifteen years. After that time she joined the Chesapeake Public School System as a Physical Science teacher at Oscar Smith Middle School. Mrs. Halsey-Holland has been a part of the Indian River family for the last four years teaching Biology, Anatomy & Physiology and Marine Science. She also served as the Science Department Co-Chair and the MTSS Coach.

Mrs. Halsey-Holland earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Norfolk State University, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Averett University, and an Educational Specialist degree in K12 Leadership from Regent University. Her responsibilities are to oversee the science and foreign language departments. Some of her additional duties include guiding the communication team, new student orientation/open house, and the school website.

In her spare time she enjoys trying new restaurants with her husband, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite quote is by Sydney J. Harris: “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” She is excited to enter her first year as an Assistant Principal and remain serving the Indian River Community.

9th Grade Assistant Principal
Email Mr. Aundray Darden

Mr. Darden serves as the 9th grade administrator at IRH. His responsibilities 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