Norfolk Schools Names Finalists for Superintendent Position
Locales: North Carolina, UNITED STATES

Norfolk, VA - February 27th, 2026 - Good morning. Today's Sunrise Brief covers developments across Hampton Roads and expands into a significant economic story unfolding in North Carolina, alongside emerging details from a high-profile legal deposition. Let's delve into each of these key events.
Norfolk Public Schools Superintendent Search: Finalists Announced
The search for the next leader of Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) is entering its final phase. After months of community forums, interviews, and careful consideration, the NPS School Board announced three finalists this morning. The candidates - Dr. Anya Sharma, Superintendent of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools in North Carolina; Mr. David Chen, former Deputy Superintendent of Chicago Public Schools; and Ms. Maria Rodriguez, currently the Chief Academic Officer for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system - will be participating in a series of public meet-and-greets over the next two weeks. Each candidate brings a unique skillset and vision for the future of NPS, focusing on areas such as closing achievement gaps, fostering innovative learning environments, and enhancing school safety.
Dr. Sharma's focus appears to be on data-driven instruction and creating equitable access to resources. Mr. Chen, a veteran of large urban school districts, emphasizes community engagement and tackling systemic challenges. Ms. Rodriguez is a champion of personalized learning and utilizing technology to improve student outcomes. The School Board has stated they anticipate making a final decision by mid-March, with the new superintendent assuming the role on July 1st, 2026. Community input remains crucial, and residents are encouraged to attend the scheduled forums and share their feedback. The full candidate profiles, including resumes and statements of educational philosophy, are available on the NPS website. This decision is critical for the future trajectory of Norfolk's public education system, especially as the city continues to experience population growth and shifting demographics.
Hertford County, NC: TitanTech Announces $350 Million Manufacturing Facility
In a significant boost to the rural economy of Northeastern North Carolina, TitanTech, a leading manufacturer of advanced battery components for electric vehicles, announced today a $350 million investment in Hertford County. The new facility, slated to be built on a 250-acre site near Ahoskie, is expected to create over 800 jobs within the next three years. This represents one of the largest single private investments in the county's history.
The decision to locate in Hertford County was influenced by a combination of factors, including competitive land costs, access to a skilled workforce through partnerships with local community colleges, and a proactive approach from state and local officials. TitanTech cited North Carolina's growing commitment to renewable energy and its position as a hub for advanced manufacturing as key drivers. The facility will initially focus on producing solid-state battery components, which are considered a next-generation technology poised to significantly improve the performance and safety of electric vehicles. State officials estimate the project will generate over $30 million in annual tax revenue for Hertford County and the state. This investment signals a broader trend of companies looking to diversify their manufacturing base and invest in areas outside of traditional industrial centers.
Clinton Deposition: New Details Emerge Regarding 2016 Email Practices The deposition of former President Bill Clinton, taken last week as part of the ongoing legal case brought by conservative legal group "Transparency Now" regarding the handling of official emails during Hillary Clinton's tenure as Secretary of State, is generating significant media attention. While the full transcript remains under seal, key excerpts released today reveal previously unknown details about the Clinton's personal email server setup and security protocols.
Mr. Clinton testified that he was largely unaware of the technical details of the server, stating that the management was "handled by staff." However, he acknowledged receiving emails on the server containing sensitive information and confirmed that he and his wife discussed official matters using personal email accounts. The deposition also revealed a discrepancy regarding the frequency of security audits conducted on the server. While Hillary Clinton previously stated regular audits were performed, Bill Clinton admitted he was unsure if those audits occurred consistently. Transparency Now argues these revelations bolster their claim that the Clintons intentionally circumvented federal record-keeping laws and endangered national security. Legal experts note that while the deposition doesn't necessarily prove wrongdoing, it provides valuable context and could influence the outcome of the case. Further court filings and potential testimony from key IT staff are expected in the coming weeks.
Read the Full WTKR Article at:
[ https://www.wtkr.com/news/sunrise-brief/nf-superintendent-update-company-invests-in-hertford-co-clintons-deposition-sunrise-brief ]