Superintendent Dr. Royal Gurley today announced that Dr. Anna Isley will become the interim Chief Academic Officer for Charlottesville City Schools.

“Dr. Isley has served Charlottesville City Schools in almost every instructional role, from teacher to principal to instructional coach to professional learning coordinator,” Dr. Gurley said. “I am confident that she will serve us well in the role of Interim Chief Academic Officer.”

Dr. Isley has worked for Charlottesville City Schools for nearly two decades. She began as a teacher at Burnley-Moran Elementary (now Sunrise) in 2007, then was assistant principal and principal at Clark Elementary (now Summit) before becoming instructional coach at Greenbrier Elementary. In 2023 she became CCS’s Coordinator of Professional Learning and Gifted Instruction.

Dr. Isley succeeds Dr. Katina Otey, who held the role from 2020-25 and was recently named Superintendent of Charles City County Public Schools.

Isley is a “quadruple Hoo,” having earned four degrees from the University of Virginia, most recently her doctorate of education in curriculum and instruction. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at UVA’s School of Education and Human Development.

“I am thrilled to step into this role,” said Dr. Isley. “Having served in many positions throughout the division, I believe my experiences and perspectives will help me move our district forward. I look forward to continuing to serve the Charlottesville City Schools community.”