At a special called board meeting June 8, the Henry County (Virginia) School Board appointed Dr. Amy Blake-Lewis as the school division’s superintendent, succeeding the retiring Dr. Sandy Strayer, the school system announced in a press release.
Blake-Lewis’ contract is effective July 1 and runs through June 30, 2026.

Dr. Amy Blake-Lewis was hired as Stanly County School’s assistant superintendent for curriculum in June 2020.

“I would like to thank Chairman Martin, Vice Chairman Gravely and the members of the Henry County School Board for this opportunity to serve as your next superintendent,” Blake-Lewis said. “I look forward to collaborating with the Board, community stakeholders, staff and all of the great administrators and teachers in the division to implement an educational program that will prepare all of our students to meet the exacting demands of the 21st century.”

Blake-Lewis’ contract stipulates that her annual salary will be $170,000, effective July 1.

Blake-Lewis has more than 20 years of experience in education. She’s served in a variety of capacities, including teacher, curriculum facilitator, assistant principal, elementary and high school principal, education consultant and school transformation support coach.

She currently serves as deputy superintendent for Stanly County Schools, a position she’s held since June 2020.

Following a national search yielding 18 applicants, the board conducted four public listening sessions as well as a community survey, six first round interviews and three finalist interviews, resulting in the selection of Blake-Lewis.

Blake-Lewis earned a doctor of education degree in educational leadership from Wingate University; a master of school administration from Fayetteville State University; and a bachelor’s degree in middle grades education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

She holds a division superintendent license from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, as well as North Carolina licensure endorsements in academically or intellectually gifted, language arts 6-9, social studies 6-9 and a school administrator’s license to serve as principal.

Blake-Lewis is eligible for licensure reciprocity in Virginia and is working with Henry County Schools to add her Virginia license as quickly as possible.

“The Board is very excited to have Dr. Blake-Lewis joining us to lead Henry County Schools,” said Teddy Martin II, school board chairman. “Dr. Blake-Lewis brings a tremendous amount of experience, and I’m certain she will continue the tradition of academic excellence and high expectations for student achievement.”