Martinsville City Public Schools has named Robert Dalton interim principal of Albert Harris Elementary School for the upcoming school year.
Dalton brings more than three decades of experience to his new role, including 19 years’ experience as a building administrator. A Martinsville High School graduate with deep ties to the community, Dalton attended Albert Harris Elementary as a student and has spent much of his career serving the students and families of Martinsville City Public Schools.
“Albert Harris Elementary School will be receiving a person who has dedicated his professional and personal life to encouraging people young and old to do better than even they believe they can,” Dalton said. “Education is the key ingredient for success in life, and I am committed to serving our students, our families, and our community.”
Dalton returned to MCPS last year as assistant principal at Martinsville High School after serving in leadership roles across schools in Danville and Henry County. Throughout his career, he has worked in a variety of positions including dropout prevention coordinator, school counselor, alternative education teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, and head track and football coach for Martinsville High School. Each of these roles has given him an opportunity to mentor generations of students both in and outside of the classroom.
“Our MCPS family is excited to have Mr. Dalton return to our community where he participated as a student and an athlete,” said Superintendent Dr. Zebedee Talley. “He has a wealth of experience and phenomenal core values. I am confident Mr. Dalton will create a great academic atmosphere at Albert Harris where students and learn and flourish.”
Dalton earned a Bachelor of Science in sociology and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Averett University. He also completed graduate licensure in educational leadership through Longwood University.
Dalton said returning to Martinsville City Public Schools holds special meaning for him because of his personal connection to the division and the community.
“I chose to come back to Martinsville City Schools because working and eventually retiring from the same division I attended, the division that helped make me the person I am today, would be the ultimate lifetime achievement for me,” Dalton said. “Being a servant to my community, the community I call home, means a great deal to me.”
As interim principal, Dalton said his vision for Albert Harris Elementary is centered on student growth, opportunity, and compassion.
“Inspiring young minds to dream boldly, learn joyfully, and grow into compassionate leaders of tomorrow,” Dalton said.
