Newport News Public Schools public meetings in 2021

SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION - 5:00 P.M.

The Newport News School Board will hold a work session to discuss two agenda items: a presentation on Eureka Math and a proposed school calendar for the 2022-2023 year. No votes are scheduled; the session is for information and discussion only.

• Presentation on Eureka Math elementary curriculum
• Proposed 2022-2023 school calendar

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board approved a consent agenda that included minutes, financial reports, a personnel report, and a resolution to participate in an opioid settlement. The board also approved a new Unmanned Aircraft course for Denbigh High School for the 2022-23 school year and the proposed FY22 Legislative Program. Reports were received on monthly school updates, attendance, and membership.

• Approved participation in opioid settlement resolution (Resolution 21-03)
• Approved new Unmanned Aircraft course at Denbigh High School
• Approved FY22 Legislative Program
• Approved November 2021 financial and personnel reports
• Received monthly school update, attendance report, and membership report

NOTICE OF ASSEMBLY OF SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

The Newport News School Board is gathering for a ceremonial 'Take Your Legislator To Schools' event at Warwick High School. The notice indicates no formal business or decisions are scheduled.

• School board physically assembles at Warwick High School at 8:30 a.m. for community engagement with legislators

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

This is a special meeting of the Newport News School Board with the sole substantive item being a closed session to discuss personnel appointments and promotions for specific positions, including Assistant Principal for Newsome Park Elementary and Marshall Early Childhood Center, Administrative Assistant for Denbigh Early Childhood Center, and Supervisor of Academic Planning and Data Analysis. The board will then return to open session to certify the closed session and adjourn.

• Closed session to discuss personnel for Assistant Principal at Newsome Park Elementary and Marshall Early Childhood Center
• Closed session to discuss personnel for Administrative Assistant at Denbigh Early Childhood Center
• Closed session to discuss personnel for Supervisor of Academic Planning and Data Analysis
• Certification of closed session vote

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board is meeting to consider several action items, including approval of new/revised policies on cybersecurity, abusive work environments, student safety, and community use of school facilities. The board will also vote on the Southeast Community Resource Area Master Plan for the Huntington site, which received a split vote of 4-3. Additionally, the board will receive monthly school updates and approve consent agenda items including minutes, financial reports, personnel report, and budget transfers.

• Approval of proposed new/revised policies: Cybersecurity Program (EH), Prohibition of Abusive Work Environments (GBN), Student Safety (JLI), Community Use of School Facilities (KFB, KFB-E), Community Use of Todd Stadium (KFC)
• Approval of Southeast Community Resource Area Master Plan for Huntington site layout (passed 4-3, with Eley, Harris, Best voting nay)
• Consent agenda includes approval of minutes from joint meeting with City Council (Oct 12), regular session (Oct 19), special meeting (Oct 19), work session (Oct 19)
• Financial reports for October 2021 revenue, expense, and child nutrition reports; personnel report; budget transfer
• Board recognition: General Stanford Elementary School awarded 2021 Purple Star Designation

SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL MEETING - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board held a special meeting to consider and vote on a proposed update to the 2021-2022 school calendar. The board voted 6-1 to approve the calendar adjustments as presented. The meeting also included public comment and procedural items.

• Vote 6-1 to approve proposed 2021-2022 school calendar updates (motion by Lisa Surles-Law, second by John Eley; nay: Rebecca Aman)

NOTICE OF ASSEMBLY OF SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

This is a notice of assembly for School Board members to participate in a Board Governance Training with the Virginia School Board Association. No business decisions or discussions are scheduled; it is a procedural training session.

• Board Governance Training with Virginia School Board Association in Charlottesville, VA

SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION - 5:00 P.M.

This work session is primarily procedural, with a call to order and adjournment. The only substantive item is a presentation on Cooperative Strategies, filed as a PowerPoint. No decisions or votes are scheduled.

• Presentation on Cooperative Strategies (discussion/information only)

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board is holding a regular session with a consent agenda that includes approval of previous meeting minutes, financial reports for September 2021, a personnel report, and a budget transfer. The meeting also includes opening ceremonies and public comment protocol. No substantive policy decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from multiple prior meetings (Work Session, Regular Session, Special Meetings)
• Financial reports: Revenue, Expense, and Child Nutrition reports for September 2021
• Personnel report for October 2021
• Budget transfer within NNPS Operating Budget
• Board recognitions for VSBA Academy Awards and NSPRA Communications Contest

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

The School Board is holding a special meeting primarily to convene a closed session to discuss personnel appointments and promotions (specifically the Newport News Education Foundation Director position) and potential litigation. After the closed session, the board will vote to certify it, then adjourn. No other business is on the open agenda.

• Closed session to discuss prospective candidates for employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation (Education Foundation Director) and legal consultation on potential litigation

SCHOOL BOARD JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL 4:30 P.M.

This joint meeting of the Newport News City Council and School Board is called to discuss the Southeast Community Resource Area Plan (SECRA Master Plan), as listed for information and discussion. The meeting begins with a call to order and will adjourn afterward.

• Discussion of the Southeast Community Resource Area (SECRA) Master Plan

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:30 p.m.

The Newport News School Board holds a special meeting to receive a presentation on the School Safety Plan for Heritage High School and Huntington Middle School. No votes are scheduled; the item is listed for information only.

• Presentation of School Safety Plan for Heritage High School and Huntington Middle School

SPECIAL MEETING CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 p.m.

This special meeting consists solely of a closed session under Virginia Code §2.2-3711(A)(7) for consultation with legal counsel and staff briefings on actual litigation. The board voted unanimously to enter closed session, and the meeting concludes with certification and adjournment. No public business or decisions are scheduled.

• Motion to convene closed meeting under Virginia Code §2.2-3711(A)(7) for litigation consultation
• Motion carried with all six members voting yea: Douglas Brown, John Eley, Terri Best, Lisa Surles-Law, Rebecca Aman

CANCELLED - NOTICE OF ASSEMBLY OF SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

The scheduled October 1, 2021 school board meeting was cancelled. Board members were to attend a Board Governance Training with the Virginia School Board Association in Charlottesville, VA at 9:00 a.m. No agenda items were considered or decided.

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board is meeting to approve a consent agenda that includes minutes from August 2021 meetings, financial reports for June and August 2021, a personnel report, authorization of signature in absence of the division superintendent, and a Purple Star School Resolution. The board also recognizes a media honor roll recipient and provides opportunities for public comment via mail, email, or online form by 6 p.m. on the meeting day.

• Approval of financial reports: Revenue and Expense for June and August 2021, Child Nutrition for June 2021
• Approval of personnel report (5,929 KB PDF)
• VDOE Authorization of Signature in Absence of Division of Superintendent
• Purple Star School Resolution
• Recognition of Katie Collet from WAVY-10 for Virginia School Board Association Media Honor Roll

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

The School Board will hold a closed session under Virginia FOIA to discuss prospective candidates for employment, appointment, and promotion for specific positions: Program Administrator II for the Warwick High School Magnet Program, Employee Relations Supervisor, and Assistant Principal. Following the closed session, the board will return to open session to certify the closed session and then adjourn.

• Motion for closed meeting to discuss personnel appointments and promotions
• Specific positions: Program Administrator II for Warwick High School Magnet Program, Employee Relations Supervisor, and Assistant Principal
• Certification of closed session and adjournment

SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION - 5:00 P.M.

The Newport News School Board will hold a work session to discuss the proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget. The agenda includes a presentation on the CIP budget as an information item, following procedural opening and adjournment.

• Proposed Capital Improvement Plan Budget (presentation and discussion)

SPECIAL CALL MEETING - 6:30 p.m.

The Newport News School Board is holding a special meeting to reconsider Policy JB, Equal Educational Opportunities, which failed to pass on August 17, 2021. Following a presentation on the policy and its procedures, the board may vote to approve it. Other agenda items cover standard procedures, public comment protocols, and remarks from the superintendent and board members.

• Reconsideration of Policy JB, Equal Educational Opportunities
• Review of attached procedures and draft guidelines for transgender students
• Public comment protocol and submission deadlines
• Superintendent and board member remarks

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

The Newport News School Board met in a special meeting to discuss personnel matters in closed session. The board voted unanimously to enter closed session to consider candidates for Interim Chief of Finance and Operations, Supervisor of Hearing Impaired/Visually Impaired/Speech Language Pathologists, and Assistant Principal. After the closed session, the board certified that the meeting complied with Virginia law and adjourned.

• Closed session to discuss personnel appointments for Interim Chief of Finance and Operations, Supervisor of Hearing Impaired/Visually Impaired/Speech Language Pathologists, and Assistant Principal
• Motion to enter closed session by Lisa Surles-Law, second by Gary Hunter, carried unanimously
• Certification of closed session voted unanimously

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board is meeting in regular session. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, financial reports, personnel report, budget transfer, and 2021-2022 school board norms. The main action item is a vote on revisions to the Equal Educational Opportunities Policy regarding treatment of transgender students.

• Consideration of revisions to the Equal Educational Opportunities Policy concerning transgender students (Action Item 4.01)
• Approval of minutes from June 15, 2021 regular, work, and special meetings, and July 1, 2021 organizational meeting
• Approval of July 2021 revenue and expense financial reports
• Approval of personnel report and budget transfer
• Approval of 2021-2022 School Board Norms & Protocols

SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION - 5:00 P.M.

The school board will hold a work session to review the Cares Act III budget for the district. The discussion will reference the NNPS ARP Act ESSER Plan presentation attached to the agenda. No formal actions or votes are listed for this item.

• Discussion of Cares Act III budget (NNPS ARP Act ESSER Plan 2021F.pptx attachment)

SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL MEETING & RETREAT - 9:00 a.m.

The Newport News School Board convened a closed session to discuss personnel and legal matters, then certified that session. The board voted to approve the Superintendent's personnel recommendations, including administrative transfers, appointments and promotions for the 2021‑2022 school year. It also approved the 2021‑2022 School Board meeting calendar. The remainder of the retreat featured presentations on capital improvement, strategic planning and policy topics.

• Motion to convene a closed session for personnel and legal matters (carried)
• Certification of the closed session (carried)
• Approval of personnel recommendations for the 2021‑2022 school year (carried)
• Approval of the 2021‑2022 School Board meeting calendar (carried)
• Capital Improvement discussion presentation

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING - 9:00 A.M.

The School Board held its organizational meeting, electing Douglas Brown as Chair and approving a consent agenda that included minutes, appointments of clerk/deputy clerks and agents, a VPSA reimbursement resolution for technology purchases, and Impact Aid authorization. The meeting also included an invocation and pledge led by the Divisionwide Teacher of the Year.

• Douglas Brown elected 2021-2022 School Board Chair; vice-chair not specified in agenda
• Appointed Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe as Clerk and four Deputy Clerks (Roaseau, Powell, McMullen, Wilcox)
• Appointed Mary Lou Roaseau as agent and three deputy agents for examining claims under Va. Code §22.1-122
• Approved reimbursement resolution allowing early spending of Virginia Public School Authority (VPSA) bond funds for technology
• Authorized superintendent and assistant superintendent to file federal Impact Aid applications under PL 103-382

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

The Newport News School Board voted to hold a closed session to discuss prospective personnel actions such as employment, assignment, performance, salaries, appointments, or promotions. After the closed session, the board certified that only matters exempt from open‑meeting rules were discussed and that the session complied with Virginia law. The meeting then adjourned.

• Motion to convene a closed session for personnel matters (motion by Lisa Surles-Law, seconded by Terri Best)
• Certification that the closed session complied with Virginia law
• Adjournment of the special meeting

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board held a regular session primarily to approve a consent agenda of routine items: minutes from May meetings, financial reports (May 2021 revenue, expense, child nutrition), personnel report, academic progress report, benefit report, investment report, the Kiln Creek/New Horizon lease, and budget transfers. The board also heard public comments and recognized student representatives.

• Approved minutes from Regular Session, Work Session, and Special Meeting on May 18, 2021
• Approved Financial Reports for May 2021: Revenue, Expense, and Child Nutrition
• Approved Personnel Report (attachment: Personnel Report F.pdf)
• Approved Kiln Creek/New Horizon lease and budget transfer
• Recognized Student Representative to the School Board for service

SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION - 5:00 P.M.

The School Board will hold a work session on June 15, 2021, with a primary agenda item being a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget update presented as information. No voting or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is a discussion session.

• CIP Budget Update presented as an information item

SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 P.M.

The School Board approved personnel actions including appointments of principals for Denbigh High, Huntington Middle, and Richneck Elementary, and several administrative transfers. The board also discussed a lease agreement for the Kiln Creek/New Horizons property.

• Approved Michelle Huffstetler as Principal of Denbigh High
• Approved Ebony Griffin as Principal of Huntington Middle
• Approved Eric Goodman as Principal of Richneck Elementary
• Announced administrative transfers for Troy Latuch, Malinda Price, Teri Pittman, Nyema Gibbs, and Jesse Dunton
• Discussed lease for Kiln Creek/New Horizons (dollar amount not specified)

SPECIAL MEETING - 5:00 p.m.

This special meeting of the Newport News School Board consisted solely of a closed session to discuss a petition for revocation of a teacher's license, the performance and discipline of a former teacher, and prospective candidates for employment. The board voted to enter closed session and later certified that the meeting complied with Virginia's open meetings law. No other public business was conducted.

• Closed session under Virginia Code to consider a petition recommending revocation of a teacher's license
• Discussion of the performance and discipline of a former teacher
• Discussion of prospective candidates for employment, assignment, or promotion
• Board certification that closed session complied with Freedom of Information Act requirements

SCHOOL BOARD JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL 5:00 P.M.

The Newport News City Council and School Board hold a joint meeting to discuss a presentation from Quinn Evans Architects on the Southeast Community Resource Area Development. The meeting includes procedural opening and will adjourn after the discussion.

• Presentation by Quinn Evans Architects on Southeast Community Resource Area Development

SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION - 5:00 P.M.

The Newport News School Board holds a work session to receive informational reports on the Minority Male Mentoring Program and a policy chapter review. No votes or decisions are scheduled; these items are for discussion only.

• Minority Male Mentoring Program overview presented by Carlton Ashby
• Proposed revisions to school board policies and procedures, including Support Services, Facilities Planning, and Student Safety
• No action items or votes on the agenda

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The School Board met to approve several consent agenda items including financial and personnel reports. The Board also acted on a recommendation to rename Epes Elementary.

• Renaming of Epes Elementary to Stoney Run Elementary
• Approval of April 2021 revenue, expense, and child nutrition reports
• Approval of April 20, 2021 regular session minutes
• Approval of April 20, 2021 work session minutes
• Approval of April 27, 2021 joint meeting with City Council minutes

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

The Newport News School Board held a special meeting, convening a closed session to discuss personnel matters such as candidate employment and salaries. The board later voted to certify the closed session as compliant with Virginia law. The meeting then adjourned with no other public business.

• Closed session for personnel matters (employment, salaries, appointments)

SCHOOL BOARD JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL 4:30 P.M.

The Newport News City Council and School Board are meeting jointly to discuss school accreditation and improving student outcomes, based on a presentation. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is an information and discussion session.

• Accreditation discussion with a presentation on improving student outcomes

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board will vote on the 2021-2022 school calendar, the Special Education Annual Plan, and a Health Insurance Credit Resolution. The board will also receive updates on Return to Learn, the PTA annual report, and preschool planning for next year. Consent items include minutes, financial reports, and a personnel report.

• Approval of the 2021-2022 School Calendar
• Approval of the Special Education Annual Plan for 2021-2022
• Health Insurance Credit Resolution for employee benefits
• Return to Learn update on learning resources and services
• Pre-School Update: relocation of classes from LHECC, new classes at Denbigh Early Childhood Center and General Stanford Elementary

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board approved a post-Labor Day start for the 2021-2022 school year and adopted revised Chapter F policies on facilities planning. The consent agenda, including financial reports, personnel report, and budget transfer, was also approved unanimously.

• Approved 2021-2022 school calendar with post-Labor Day start
• Adopted revised policies from Chapter F (Facilities Development, Evaluation of Facilities Planning, Temporary Measures to Meet Housing Needs)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, financial reports for January and February 2021, personnel report, 2020 VSBA Business Honor Roll, and budget transfer
• Recognized 2019-2020 WISE Gold Star Teachers Tiffanie Smith and Michael Bellamy, and NAEA 2021 Southeastern Region Educator Award recipient Patricia Franklin

PUBLIC HEARING - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board is holding a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed FY22 Operating Budget. The public may comment in person, via livestream, or by submitting written comments by 6 p.m. on March 16, 2021. Comments are limited to three minutes in person or via the online form.

• Public hearing on the proposed FY22 Operating Budget
• In-person comments require a Speaker Request Card; comments limited to three minutes
• Electronic access via NNPS-TV, nnpstv.com, Roku, and Apple TV
• Written comments accepted via online form until 6 p.m. on March 16
• Masks and social distancing required for in-person attendance

SPECIAL MEETING & WORK SESSION - 6:30 P.M. PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET PRESENTATION

The Newport News Public Schools board will hold a special meeting to present the proposed FY 2022 operating budget. Superintendent George Parker III and Assistant Superintendent Mary Lou Roaseau will deliver the budget report, which addresses compensation, academic programs, and school environments. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for March 16, 2021, and the superintendent will recommend approval at the March 23, 2021 board meeting. No vote is indicated at this work session.

• Presentation of Proposed FY22 Operating Budget by Superintendent George Parker III and Assistant Superintendent Mary Lou Roaseau
• Public hearing on the FY22 budget scheduled for March 16, 2021
• Superintendent will recommend budget approval at the March 23, 2021 school board meeting
• Budget documents available online at www.nnschools.org and at the School Administration building
• Budget presentation file: "Final Supt's budget presentation School Board 30921 F.pptx" (18,490 KB)

SUPERINTENDENT'S PUBLIC BUDGET INPUT FORUM 6:00 p.m.

Newport News Public Schools is holding a virtual public input forum to gather community ideas and priorities for the 2021-2022 school year budget. The School Board may attend. Comments can also be submitted online.

• Seeking public comment on 2021-2022 budget development
• Forum held virtually on March 4, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
• Online comments accepted at http://www.nnschools.org/budget

SCHOOL BOARD JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL 4:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board and City Council will hold a joint electronic meeting to discuss the schools' budget estimate of needs and strategic alignment between the city and schools on educational goals. The meeting is held virtually due to the COVID-19 emergency as per city ordinance.

• Budget Presentation: Estimate of Needs
• Strategic Alignment between City and Schools on Educational Goals

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board voted to approve a revision to the policy on naming or renaming a school or facility. The board also received an update on the Return to Learn plan, which covers learning resources and supports during the COVID-19 pandemic. A proposed 2021-2022 school calendar was presented for discussion, developed collaboratively with other peninsula school divisions. Several consent agenda items were approved, including minutes, financial reports, a personnel report, and a budget transfer.

• Approved Naming Facilities Policy Revision (item 4.01)
• Received update on Return to Learn (Phase 2) learning resources and supports
• Proposed 2021-2022 school calendar presented for discussion
• Approved consent agenda including January 2021 Child Nutrition Report and Personnel Report
• Budget transfer approved as part of consent agenda

SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION - 5:00 P.M.

The Newport News School Board holds a work session with presentations on human resources annual update and budget priorities for fiscal year 2022. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion and information session.

• Human Resources Annual Update – recruitment presentation
• Budget Priorities Update for FY22 – presentation by Assistant Superintendent Mary Lou Roaseau

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News Public Schools Board will vote to adopt a set of revised Fiscal Management Chapter D policies and to adopt a revised Policy BEE for electronic participation. The Board will also approve the consent agenda, which includes minutes from December 15, 2020 meetings, December 2020 financial reports, a personnel report, and a budget transfer. Additionally, the Board will receive informational updates on the Return to Learn program and the district's strategic plan.

• Approve revised Fiscal Management Chapter D policies (multiple policy documents listed)
• Approve revised Policy BEE (Electronic Participation in Board meetings)
• Adopt consent agenda items: minutes from work, regular, and special meetings on Dec 15, 2020
• Approve December 2020 financial reports (revenue, expense, child nutrition)
• Approve budget transfer from the operating budget

SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION - 4:00 P.M.

The School Board will receive a presentation on the impact of the Governor's proposed budget for FY21-2022. This is an informational discussion item only; no vote is scheduled. The meeting is a work session with procedural opening and adjournment.

• FY21-2022 Budget Presentation summarizing the Governor's proposed budget

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

This special meeting of the Newport News School Board consists almost entirely of a closed session to discuss the performance of a specific public officer, as permitted by Virginia law. Following the closed session, the board will return to open session to certify the discussion and then adjourn. No other public business is scheduled.

• Closed session to discuss performance of a specific public officer under Va. Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1)
• Certification vote on closed session
• Meeting adjournment