Mrs. Flemings has over 25 years of experience in public and private education. She began her teaching career at Ruffner in 1997 after completing her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Temple University. She holds a Bachelor's degree from The University of Virginia and an Education Specialist degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Mrs. Flemings has served as a teacher, department chair, instructional specialist, assistant principal and principal in Norfolk Public Schools. Mrs. Flemings took a pause from public education for ten years. During that time, she served as an educational consultant working in schools internationally and across the nation, coaching teachers and administrators. Mrs. Flemings spent six years as the Director of Education at a private residential mental health treatment facility for young adolescents where she collaborated with teachers, clinicians, and mental health technicians, to build a comprehensive school program that was awarded Cognia accreditation, which recognizes school programs that exemplify excellence in education and service to learners. She returned to public education in 2022 and is now the very proud principal of Ruffner School.  

Mrs. Wright began her career with Norfolk Public Schools in 2005 as a health and physical education teacher.  She taught health and physical education on both the middle school and high school levels and has also served in the roles of athletic director and school testing coordinator.  Mrs. Wright received her undergraduate degree from Longwood University in physical education, a master’s degree in education from Old Dominion University, and a post-master certificate in educational leadership from George Washington University. 

Mr. Cenzalli is a proud alumnus of Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University. With over 11 years of experience in elementary and middle school education, he specializes in innovative student choice learning. He is the father of three children and a qualified mental health coach. Additionally, he is the author of Feelings in the Garden, a book dedicated to social-emotional well-being. Having taught in surrounding districts and served as an MTSS coach, PLC chair, and member of the school leadership team, he believes strongly in building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and parents. As an administrator, he is committed to leading by example, fostering transparency, providing essential resources, and guiding students to reach their highest potential while enjoying the journey.

As a new Norfolk resident, Mrs. Perry is ready to serve students and families at Ruffner! Mrs. Perry enjoys spending time outside with her family. She is a double graduate from Longwood University for her undergraduate and graduate work.Go Lancers! Mrs. Perry is originally from Franklin County, VA, where she started her teaching career in a 7^th grade math classroom. After three years, she moved to Richmond, VA, where she continued to teach middle school math and continued to serve as an Elementary Mathematics Instructional Coach. Now, Mrs. Perry is excited to help students succeed in all areas of their education and support families in their child's learning.

Born in Surry, Virginia, Mr. Theodore R. Lunsford II has dedicated his career to supporting students, educators, parents, and academic stakeholders in Portsmouth and Norfolk. He earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Richmond and holds Virginia teaching certifications in Science, Math (K–8), and Gifted Instruction (College of William & Mary). After 18 years in the classroom and completing a master’s degree in K–12 Administration from Regent University, Mr. Lunsford served for five years as an assistant principal in Portsmouth Public Schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. He now continues his commitment to education as Program Coordinator at Ruffner School. Married and passionate about lifelong learning, he enjoys coding, podcasts, hands-on projects, great food, and science fiction.