Leadership
Duane Samuels
Principal
I am pleased to serve the J.B. Fisher Elementary community as principal this school year! This is my eleventh year in educational leadership. Before becoming principal, I had many beautiful experiences serving our Richmond Public School students. These include lead teacher, grade-level chair, assistant principal, and summer school principal, to name a few. Even with these exciting experiences, I will always serve our community through the heart of a teacher. I also have twelve years of classroom teaching experience with Richmond Public Schools. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education grades (PK-6) from Cheyney University, a Master’s of Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Certificate of Administration and Supervision Leadership (PK-12) from Virginia Commonwealth University. I intend to inspire our students to become lifelong learners as their journey will continue far beyond their time spent with our Flamingo Family.
I am also the proud father of two exceptional children, Sharif Samuels and Sanaa Samuels. They are the batteries that keep my engine moving. I have the same expectations for them as I do for your children, especially since my son was a member of the Flamingo Family from kindergarten to fifth grade. Our responsibility is to help them excel, become productive human beings, and provide them opportunities to become whatever they want to be when they grow up.
Amey Blount
Assistant Principal
I am delighted to be the assistant principal of JB Fisher Elementary School. I have worked in the Richmond Public School System for over 24 years. At Fisher, I have served in the capacity of exceptional education teacher for eight years, and then a few years later as our instructional compliance coordinator. I have facilitated family literacy programs as well as taught math instruction at the middle school level.
I earned a Master of Arts in Education with a Major in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. My genuine passion is for teaching and supporting other educators. I am committed to building relationships and creating a safe, nurturing, and welcoming learning environment for students and teachers. I am grateful to be part of the Flamingo Family community and part of a leadership team that leads with love. I am eager to serve JB Fisher and work collaboratively with its staff, families, and the community to create lifelong learners.