The Lynchburg City School Board has approved the superintendent’s recommendation to hire Karen Capozzi as the new Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Reid Wodicka as the new Deputy Superintendent for Operations & Strategic Planning, Samuel Coleman as the new Chief Academic Officer, and Dr. Annitra Leigh as the new Principal of Sandusky Middle School.
Most recently, Mrs. Capozzi served as the Business Manager for the Berlin Central School District in Berlin, New York. In this role, she established and directed a system of control for budget execution and all financial accounting for the Berlin Central School District. Among other duties, she established accounting systems, procedures, and codes necessary to provide administrators with accurate financial data for the basis of formulating policies and decisions.
Prior to that role, she served as the Eligibility Determination Clerk for Health and Research, Inc. in Albany, New York. In this role, she was recognized by management for her quick and efficient grasp of all aspects of the Uninsured Care Program, related IT systems, and general HIV/AIDS information.
Her professional qualifications include:
- Business Management
- HR Practices
- Financial Auditing
- Budget Analysis
Mrs. Capozzi has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Campbell University, in addition to a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting from Liberty University.
Most recently, Dr. Wodicka served as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Lynchburg. In this role, he led key operational and infrastructure departments which has led to improvements in service delivery, in addition to leading critical capital and operating budget planning efforts resulting in an improved capital improvement plan development process.
Prior to that role, he served as the Deputy County Administrator for Bedford County. In this role, he facilitated the creation of the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Priorities, and led the development of the County’s first capital improvement plan.
His professional qualifications include:
- Community Development
- Economic Development
- Communications
- Public Engagement
Dr. Wodicka has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration and a Master’s in Public Administration from James Madison University, an Executive Master’s of Science in Cities from The London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Doctorate in Public Policy from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Most recently, Mr. Coleman served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Shorewood School District in Shorewood, Wisconsin. In this role, he coordinated district-wide instructional strategies and supported the successful implementation of the school district’s strategic plan. Among other duties, he coordinated district-wide professional learning and oversaw resource allocation and budget for instructional and curriculum resources.
Prior to that role, he served as Director for Equity for the Shorewood School District in Shorewood, Wisconsin. In this role, he designed and coordinated district-wide talent development and capacity-building strategies to eliminate institutional inequities.
His professional qualifications include:
- Motivational Leadership
- Public Education
- Organizational Leadership
- Public Service
Mr. Coleman has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch University, a Master’s in Education Counseling from Concordia University of Wisconsin, and a Master’s in Education Leadership & Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin Madison.
Most recently, Dr. Leigh served as the Assistant Principal at Sandusky Middle School. In this role, she served as special education liaison, instructional and academic evaluator, and student support services personnel. Among other duties, she was responsible for coordinating daily activities, planning class schedules, and assisting with maintaining school safety procedures.
Prior to that role, she served as the Principal of North Elementary School in Roxboro, North Carolina. In this role, she served as leader and support to school personnel, students, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Leigh stated, "I'm elated to continue this journey at Sandusky Middle School. Sandusky is a special place with great kids whose potential matches the best in the nation, and a unique staff who show up every day giving their absolute best to the students they serve. I’m excited to continue to strengthen the relationship with families, staff, and students, and I see nothing but optimism, success, and excellence in our future!"
Her professional qualifications include:
- Instructional Leadership
- Parental Engagement
- Administration
- Education
Dr. Leigh has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from Virginia State University, a Master’s in Educational Administration/Supervision, an Education Specialist Degree in Teaching and Learning, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University.