Martinsville City Public Schools has named Dr. Renee Brown Director of Pathways and Graduation Success, beginning with the upcoming school year.
This newly established role provides leadership, coordination, and oversight for the division’s alternative education programs and student graduation monitoring systems, ensuring that students identified as at risk of academic failure or non-completion have access to high-quality instructional pathways, targeted interventions, and supports that promote engagement, credit attainment, and on-time graduation.
A graduate of Martinsville High School, Brown brings more than three decades of experience in education, including more than 33 years serving the Martinsville community at MCPS. Over the course of her career with the division, she has worked as an elementary teacher, business and computer technology teacher, assistant principal, and, most recently, principal of Albert Harris Elementary School, a role she has held for the past eight years.
"Dr. Brown has deep roots in our community and strong relationships with our families,” Superintendent Dr. Zebedee Talley Jr. said. “She has worked with multiple generations of Martinsville families and is distinctly qualified to work with at-risk students and their families. This will be a great asset to our students and our community.”
The Director of Pathways and Graduation Success role reflects a growing need within the division to ensure all students have access to meaningful pathways toward graduation and long-term success. While Martinsville High School maintains one of the highest on-time graduation rates in the state, additional focus is needed to support students in alternative education settings and those facing attendance challenges.
"Our Our goal is to educate all of our young people and put them on the path to success,” Talley said. “All means all. If we truly believe no child should be left behind, this position is a critical part of that effort.”
In her her new role, Brown will work to strengthen the division’s alternative education program, improve graduation outcomes, and address barriers such as chronic absenteeism. She will also focus on increasing student engagement and building stronger connections between schools, families, and the community.
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Brown was raised in Martinsville by her grandparents. After graduating from Martinsville High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Winston-Salem State University, a degree in psychology from Radford University, and a degree in administration and supervision from the University of Virginia. She later earned her Doctor of Education in leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech.
Brown said her career has been guided by a commitment to student success and community impact.
"Serving Martinsville City Public Schools has shaped my passion for ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed,” Brown said. “I am honored to continue that work in this new role and to support our students and families in reaching their goals.”
Dr. Talley said that Brown’s experience, relationships, and dedication make her uniquely suited to lead this effort.
"When you’ve worked with four generations of families, that speaks volumes,” Talley said. “Dr. Brown will help us lower our dropout rate, increase student engagement, and ensure every student has a place in education and an opportunity to succeed.”