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Lakeland High School Principal Lori White announced Feb. 14 she will be taking on a new role as Director of Secondary Education for Isle of Wight County Schools, effective March 17.

In a letter she wrote to the Lakeland Cavaliers, White wrote she has mixed emotions about her departure from Suffolk Public Schools.

“While I am excited about this next step in my career, leaving this incredible school and community mid-year is not an easy decision,” she wrote. 

She expressed gratitude for the Lakeland teachers and staff, students, families, and community partners and acknowledged the academic and extracurricular milestones achieved under her leadership. 

According to a comment from Isle of Wight County Schools, White has 22 years of education experience. With SPS, she has worked as a special education teacher, compliance specialist, data specialist, assistant principal and principal at both the elementary and secondary levels.

A comment from SPS stated an opening for a new Lakeland principal has been posted and they are “committed to selecting the best candidate to support the school community.” They will be following the established Human Resources hiring process. 

In her letter, White wrote she will continue to work with district leadership in the upcoming weeks to ensure a smooth transition and she is confident in the school’s ability to continue to flourish under new leadership.

“Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as your principal,” she wrote. “While my professional role may be changing, my support and admiration for this school and its people will never fade. I look forward to staying connected and celebrating your future successes from afar.”

White did not respond to an interview request in time for publication.