PENDER COUNTY — Two educators are working in new roles to lead the Pender County Schools district.
Rhonda Smith, with 25 years in education, is named principal of Cape Fear Elementary School. Sonya Oates, a Wilmington native, has become the new director of elementary education.
Smith — who graduated from Campbell University and Grand Canyon University — has worked for Pender County Schools since 2020. She served in the assistant principal position at Heide Trask High School and Pender High School.
“It is my mission to ensure that every student has a positive and rewarding educational experience here at CFE,” she said in a press release. “Together, we will work to build a nurturing and successful learning environment.”
Smith is taking over as principal at CFE from Oates, who is moving into a position that will support school principals, teachers, and staff in delivering high-quality instruction to elementary students throughout the district.
Oates has worked in all areas of elementary education — starting out as a teacher’s assistant before becoming a teacher, then assistant principal and principal. Oates is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, Gardner-Webb University, and High Point University.
“I believe collaboration among educators, parents, and community partners is essential to creating a thriving school environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed,” Oates said.
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