I have served the Chesterfield County Public Schools community since 2014, and am currently channeling my passion into a lifelong dream: opening the brand-new Deep Creek Elementary School. As a dedicated educator who firmly believes that all children can learn, I am thrilled to lead this new chapter and build a safe, engaging learning environment from the ground up.

My foundational approach to leadership stems from my own childhood inspiration and mentor, my elementary principal, Mr. Tavares who was affectionately known as "Mr. T." He instilled a lifelong passion for learning and modeled the vital importance of truly knowing each and every child. Mr. T taught me the immense value of building authentic relationships with students and families, fostering a deep connection that lasted throughout his lifetime and continues to guide my leadership philosophy today. 

Prior to this exciting endeavor, I served as the Principal of Grange Hall Elementary from 2015 to 2026, after joining the GHES community as Assistant Principal in 2014. My extensive career in education began in the classroom, where I taught second, fourth, and fifth grades across Fredericksburg City, Prince William County, and Hanover County.

A lifelong learner, I earned my Master’s in School Counseling from Central Michigan University and a post-master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. I achieved my ultimate academic milestone by earning my doctorate from Virginia Tech in December 2022. As the proud lead learner of Deep Creek Elementary, my mission remains unchanged: to create a school where students, teachers, and families are beating down the doors to get in each day instead of out.

My name is Amanda Holt, and I am truly honored to serve as the very first Assistant Principal of Deep Creek Elementary School. As a founding member of this community, I am thrilled to help build a legacy of excellence and belonging from the ground up.

Professional Background

I am a proud product of Chesterfield County Public Schools and feel privileged to give back to the division that shaped me. My career in education began in Henrico County as a second-grade teacher after graduating from James Madison University (Go Dukes!) with a Master of Arts in Teaching. While teaching across the elementary grades, I developed a passion for meeting the needs of all learners, leading me to earn an endorsement in Gifted Education from the University of Virginia. In 2014, I joined the Salem Church Elementary team here in Chesterfield, where I served as a teacher, Title I Math Teacher, and Instructional Designer. After completing my Post-Master’s certificate in Administration and Supervision at the University of Richmond, I spent the last five years serving as the Assistant Principal at Clover Hill Elementary. These diverse roles have fueled my commitment to instructional excellence and student growth.

At Home & In the Community

Chesterfield is home for my husband and our three children. When we aren’t at school, you can usually find us at the beach, playing outside, or cheering at soccer and baseball games. We love watching movies together and playing with our energetic Goldendoodle. In my quiet time, I enjoy recharging through reading, crocheting, and crafting.

My Vision for DCES

I believe every student deserves a safe, nurturing environment where they are challenged to become lifelong learners who positively impact their community. My goal is to advocate for every child, support our families, and ensure a rock-solid academic foundation for our students. I am so excited to get to know you and your children as we embark on this journey together. My door is always open, and I look forward to the many conversations and celebrations we will share as we grow our new school community!