Northampton Schools Announces New Administrative Leadership Team

Northampton County Public Schools has announced four administrative appointments for the 2026-2027 school year, including new leadership at Northampton High School and the division’s Central Office.

Dr. Kati Smith has been named director of student services. Smith has more than two decades of experience in public education and most recently served as an early-learning principal. She previously held division-level leadership positions in gifted education and specialized student programming.

Justin Wheeler has been appointed principal of Northampton High School after serving as principal of Northampton Middle School. Wheeler has 14 years of experience as a teacher and administrator.

Courtney Kreft and Vernon Woodard will serve as assistant principals at Northampton High School.

Kreft is a retired U.S. Army veteran who served for 21 years overseeing global animal-healthcare operations. She later entered education and has more than a decade of experience as a secondary science teacher and school administrator.

Woodard brings 14 years of public education experience to the position. He worked as a classroom teacher before moving into school administration in 2025.

“Mr. Wheeler, Ms. Kreft, Mr. Woodard, and Dr. Smith each bring proven leadership and instructional expertise to our division,” Superintendent Dr. Lisa Martin said. “Together, they will play a key role in fostering supportive, high-quality learning environments where every student can thrive.”

The appointments take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.