The Isle of Wight County School Board announced this week that Katrise Perera will join the division as its new superintendent.

Perera currently serves as a school improvement officer in the Houston Independent School District in Texas, where she leads a team of nine principals in curriculum, strategic planning and professional development. Before that job, she spent seven years as a middle school principal in Henrico County. She also has served as an assistant principal, teacher and coach.

“I’m beyond excited about my appointment and am truly looking forward to the opportunity to serve the students of Isle of Wight, the Board, the teachers, the staff and the community of this great district,” Perera said in a news release.

She replaces Dr. Michael McPherson, who is retiring after serving as the division superintendent since 2002.

Perera is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership and policy study from Virginia Tech. She also holds a post-master’s degree in administration and supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Arts degree in teaching from Mary Baldwin College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in merchandising and marketing from the University of Louisiana.

The district began searching for a new superintendent in January with the assistance of the Virginia School Board Association. The School Board conducted a public survey and held community meetings to get input on the selection process.

Of the 29 applicants, the board initially interviewed 12 candidates. The field was narrowed to three finalists who took part in a second round of interviews.

The board selected Perera unanimously from among the finalists, according to the news release.