Fredericksburg City Public Schools has begun the process of finding a new principal at Hugh Mercer Elementary School. The school’s current principal, James Snyder, will assume responsibilities with facilities and operations at the division level.
Effective Feb. 14, Courtney Wheeler will serve as interim principal at Hugh Mercer Elementary School while the division searches for a permanent replacement.
According to a press release, Wheeler most recently served as principal of Lafayette Elementary School until December 2024 and was appointed as principal of Gladys West Elementary School in August 2024. In January, she began work to open a third elementary school this fall.
Wheeler graduated from UVA-Wise in 2007 with a degree in education and endorsements in elementary education and middle school history, mathematics and science. Following nine years teaching mathematics and science in Spotsylvania, Wheeler joined Fredericksburg City Schools as a teacher and administrator at both Lafayette and Hugh Mercer Elementary Schools before becoming principal at Lafayette in 2019.
In the press release, the division characterized Snyder’s upcoming work in the facility and operations areas as “critical and timely.” Currently, FCPS is working to open a middle school in Idlewild and a new elementary school in the current Walker-Grant Middle School. Additionally, work is underway to expand new career and technical education (CTE) programs to include associated learning spaces. Future projects include a new transportation/maintenance facility and finding a use for the historic “1935 Building.”
The division is actively searching for candidates to fill the full-time role of Hugh Mercer Elementary School Principal. Candidates can apply online on the FCPS employment website.
