• Tanners Creek Elementary School:

    A Legacy of Excellence

    Tanners Creek Elementary School has proudly served the Norfolk community since June 26, 1989, when construction began under the direction of Hathaway Duke Construction Company. The school's design was the result of a unique collaboration between Williams, Tazewell & Associates (Architects), along with input from parents, teachers, administrators, specialists, and school plant personnel. The result: a state-of-the-art facility built to support every instructional program.

    Originally opened to alleviate overcrowding in Norfolk’s eastern region, Tanners Creek welcomed students from Sherwood Forest, Larrymore, and Norview Elementary Schools. The original staff—hand-selected by the founding principal—represented top educators from both Norfolk and surrounding areas.

    The school’s first administrative team consisted of Principal Carolyn P. Sands and Assistant Principal Kenneth Russell, appointed by the Superintendent to lead the newly formed Tanners Creek community. The school adopted the Koala as its official mascot, a symbol of its nurturing and inclusive spirit.

    Leadership Through the Years:

    • 1994–1995: Inez A. Blount-Mason was appointed principal.

    • 2003–2004: Mrs. Blount-Mason transitioned to Lake Taylor Middle School, and Kathleen R. Mein became principal.

    • 2012: Dr. Mein retired, and Maritsa Alger was appointed after eight years of service at Willard Model Elementary.

    • 2019: Ms. Alger retired after seven dedicated years at Tanners Creek. On July 1, 2019, Ms. Rhonda Harris was appointed the fifth principal of the school.

    Today, Principal Rhonda Harris and Assistant Principal Julia Wilshire bring over 50 years of combined experience to the leadership team. Their shared mission is to ensure every student succeeds and thrives in a safe, supportive environment.

    Our School Today:

    Tanners Creek Elementary continues to serve Pre-K through 5th grade students with a commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and responsible learning environment. The school community takes pride in cultivating:

    • Independent readers

    • Critical thinkers and problem solvers

    • A deep appreciation for the arts

    • Student leaders prepared for the future

    At Tanners Creek, the Koala spirit lives on—reflected in the dedication of our students, staff, and families who work together to build a strong, vibrant community of learners.