Newport News Public Schools public meetings in 2023

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

This is a procedural special meeting. The Newport News School Board will convene a closed session to discuss personnel matters for an administrative assistant position and consult with legal counsel on potential litigation, then vote to certify the closed session and adjourn.

• Closed session under Virginia Code §2.2-3711.A(1) and (7) to discuss personnel and legal matters

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board will consider approving the 2024 Legislative Priorities, which outline the district's advocacy goals. Members will also vote on a consent agenda including minutes, financial reports, personnel report, and a budget transfer. Several informational reports are scheduled on attendance, membership, construction, and new course proposals.

• Approval of 2024 Legislative Priorities (agenda item 4.02)
• Consent agenda includes approval of November 2023 revenue/expense and child nutrition reports (3.04)
• Personnel report and budget transfer in consent agenda (3.05, 3.06)
• Action on personnel: Michelle Gunter for admin assistant at Stoney Run Elementary (4.01)
• Reports on 'Take Your Legislator to School' event and FY24-25 new course proposals (5.01, 5.02)

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

The Newport News School Board is holding a work session focused on training with the Virginia School Board Association on norms and protocols. No other substantive business is scheduled; the meeting includes procedural opening and adjournment.

• School Board Training with Virginia School Board Association on norms and protocols (discussion)

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

This is a procedural work session of the Newport News School Board. The agenda includes remarks from the superintendent, board discussion, and planning for future topics. No votes or public hearings are scheduled.

• Remarks from the Superintendent
• Discussion by the Board
• Suggested future topics for board consideration

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

The Newport News School Board convened a special meeting to enter a closed session under Virginia FOIA exemptions to discuss prospective candidates for several administrative positions (Director of School Counseling, Executive Director of Elementary School Leadership, assistant principal) and to consult with legal counsel on probable litigation. The board then voted to certify the closed session as lawful and adjourned.

• Closed session to discuss candidates for Director of School Counseling, Executive Director of Elementary School Leadership, and assistant principal
• Closed session included legal consultation on probable litigation
• Motion to enter closed session carried unanimously (6-0)
• Certification of closed session approved unanimously
• Meeting adjourned after certification

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The School Board will consider new safety-related policies on threat assessments, weapons possession, gun-free buildings, and employment of security officers. They will also vote on personnel appointments, financial reports, a Todd Stadium maintenance agreement, and budget transfers.

• New safety policies: threat assessments (EBB), weapons on school property (ADHA, ADH), gun-free buildings (ADHB), school security officers (ADHC)
• Personnel appointments: Lisa Evan as Director of School Counseling, Chayron Purnell as Assistant Principal at Knollwood Meadows, Angela Seiders as Executive Director of Elementary Leadership
• Todd Stadium turf maintenance agreement
• Financial reports for October 2023: revenue, expenses, child nutrition
• Budget transfer

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

The Newport News School Board is holding a work session with one substantive item: an academic update presented as a report. The meeting includes procedural opening and adjournment.

• Academic Update (PowerPoint presentation attached)

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board will consider adopting the FY25-29 Capital Improvement Plan. Consent agenda includes approval of September financial reports, personnel actions, and the board's code of conduct. The board will also receive information on new safety-related policies regarding weapons and school security officers.

• Adoption of proposed FY25-29 Capital Improvement Plan
• Approval of September 2023 revenue, expense, and child nutrition reports
• Personnel report and actions
• Budget transfer
• New safety policies: weapons possession, gun-free buildings, school security officers, threat assessments

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

The Newport News School Board is holding a special meeting to discuss prospective candidates for two administrative positions. The board will convene a closed session under Virginia FOIA to consider candidates for Executive Director of Student Services and Assistant Principal. After the closed session, the board will return to open session to certify the discussion and then adjourn. The meeting is procedural and focused on personnel decisions.

• Motion to convene closed session for discussing candidates for Executive Director of Student Services and Assistant Principal
• Certification of closed session upon return to open session
• Adjournment of the special meeting

NOTICE OF ASSEMBLY OF SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

This is a notice of assembly for the Newport News School Board to participate in a Board Governance Training session on September 22, 2023. No decisions or public business will be conducted; the meeting is purely for training purposes.

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

The School Board is convening a closed session under Virginia law to discuss prospective candidates for the positions of Principal and Assistant Principal, including employment, assignment, and promotion. Following the closed session, the board will return to open session to certify the closed meeting and then adjourn. The agenda contains no other substantive business.

• Closed session to discuss candidates for Principal and Assistant Principal positions
• Certification of closed session upon return to open meeting
• Adjournment following certification

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 Budget for fiscal years 2025-2029. No votes are expected; the item is for information and discussion only.

• Proposed Capital Improvement Plan Budget (FY25-29) presented for discussion

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board will hold a regular session to vote on consent agenda items including budget transfers, personnel actions, and financial reports for June and August 2023. The board will also hear reports on back-to-school enrollment, construction projects, and student membership. A closed meeting is scheduled for personnel matters.

• Action item on personnel actions (3.01)
• Consent agenda includes financial reports for June and August 2023 (4.03)
• Budget transfer approval (4.06)
• Back to School Report (5.01)
• Construction Report on building/renovation projects (5.03)

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

This is a special meeting of the Newport News School Board, consisting primarily of a closed session under Virginia FOIA to discuss prospective candidates for assistant principal and principal positions. The board will then return to open session to certify the closed session and adjourn. No other public business is scheduled.

• Closed session to discuss candidates for Assistant Principal and Principal positions
• Motion to convene closed session under Va. Code § 2.2-3711.A(1)
• Certification vote to affirm closed session followed by adjournment

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board will approve a consent agenda including minutes, financial reports, a personnel report, the VSBA Media Honor Roll, and the final design for Huntington Middle School. Separately, the board will vote to appoint principals for Booker T. Washington Middle, Achievable Dream Middle/High, and one assistant principal. The meeting includes recognition of the Newport News Police Department and a student representative oath.

• Financial reports for July 2023 (revenue and expense) approved
• Personnel report approved covering staff changes
• VSBA Media Honor Roll resolution adopted
• Huntington MS final design approved
• Appointment of Karen Bazemore-Person as principal (Booker T. Washington MS), Ramona Brower as principal (Achievable Dream Middle/High), and Delrose Adlkinson as assistant principal (Booker T. Washington MS)

SPECIAL MEETING - 5:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board held a special meeting to appoint a new division superintendent and approve several administrative personnel actions for the 2023-2024 school year. The board also convened a closed session to discuss candidates for administrative positions as permitted by Virginia law.

• Appointment of Dr. Michele Mitchell as Division Superintendent with board approval of her contract
• Approval of Colleen Budlove as Administrative Assistant at Hidenwood Elementary School
• Diamond Gee appointed as Assistant Principal at Menchville High School
• Antoinette Griffin appointed as Assistant Principal split between Marshall Early Learning Center and Denbigh Early Childhood Center
• Rolando Pierce appointed as Assistant Principal at Ella Fitzgerald Middle School

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING - 9:00 A.M.

The Newport News Public Schools Board will elect a chairman and vice‑chairman for the 2023‑2024 school year. It will also approve a series of consent‑agenda items, including appointments of clerks, agents, and tuition rates for out‑of‑division and non‑Virginia resident students. Additional items include a reimbursement resolution for VPSA funding and adoption of a proposed meeting calendar.

• Election of chairman and vice‑chairman for 2023‑2024 (Item 1.03)
• Appointment of Clerk (Tiffany Moore‑Buffaloe) and Deputy Clerks (Scarlett Minto, Kimberly Powell, Jennifer Loftin, Amy McMullen, Kami Wilcox, Len Wallin, Michelle Price) (Item 2.01)
• Appointment of Agent (Scarlett Minto) and Deputy Agents (Amy McMullen, Kimberly Powell, Jennifer Callabero) (Item 2.02)
• Approval of 2023‑2024 out‑of‑division student tuition at $6,165 per student (Item 2.06)
• Approval of 2023‑2024 tuition rate for non‑Virginia resident students at $11,650 (Item 2.07)

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

This special meeting of the Newport News School Board consists primarily of a closed session to discuss prospective candidates, employment, performance, and other personnel matters. Following the closed session, the board will vote to certify the session, then adjourn.

• Motion to convene a closed session under Virginia Code for personnel discussions
• Certification vote to confirm the closed session was lawful

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

This is a work session of the Newport News School Board with one substantive item: a safety update presentation. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is largely procedural.

• Safety Update – presentation and discussion on school safety, with an attached assessment summary (5,685 KB PowerPoint)

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board will consider and vote on multiple action items including federal funding applications for Title I and other programs, revisions to numerous personnel policies, and a proposed plan for Huntington Middle School. The board will also receive reports on updates to the Rights & Responsibilities Handbook and proposed 2023-24 student fees. Consent agenda items include approval of minutes, financial reports, personnel report, and a Stronger Connections Grant.

• Vote on federal funding applications for Title I, Title II, and Title IV programs
• Vote on new/revised human resources policies (employee conduct, ethics, etc.)
• Vote on Huntington Middle School Proposed Plan for 2023-24
• Report on proposed 2023-24 student fees
• Report on revisions to the Rights & Responsibilities Handbook

SPECIAL MEETING - 5:00 p.m.

The School Board convenes a closed session under Virginia FOIA to discuss prospective candidates for principal and assistant principal positions. After the closed session, the board will return to open session to certify the discussion and then adjourn. No other business is scheduled.

• Closed session to discuss candidates for Principal and Assistant Principal positions
• Certification of closed session in open meeting
• Adjournment following certification

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

The Newport News School Board is meeting to consider and approve personnel actions for the 2023-2024 school year, including principal reassignments and new hires for safety and crisis planning. The board will also discuss a VSBA legislative proposal. Standard procedural items such as opening and adjournment are on the agenda.

• Jackie Barber reassigned from principal of Sedgefield Elementary to principal of Richneck Elementary
• Carl Murray Jr. appointed as Director of School Safety
• Robert Stewart Jr. appointed as Executive Director of Crisis Planning, Prevention and Response
• Diane Willis appointed as Director of Elementary Leadership
• Discussion of VSBA Legislative Proposal (attached files)

PUBLIC HEARING ON HUNTINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL - STUDENT ASSIGNMENT PROPOSAL - 6:00 P.M.

The School Board will hear public comments on a proposal regarding the academic plan and assignment of students from the former Huntington Middle School attendance zone for the 2023-2024 school year. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Public hearing on proposed Huntington Middle School student assignment plan for 2023-2024

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

The Newport News School Board voted to hold a closed meeting to consult legal counsel and staff about actual or probable litigation, as allowed by Virginia Code §2.2-3711A subsection (7). The board then adopted a resolution certifying that the closed meeting complied with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and Code §2.2-3712(D). The meeting was subsequently adjourned.

• Motion to convene a closed meeting for legal counsel consultation on actual or probable litigation – motion carried
• Resolution certifying the closed meeting complied with Virginia law (Freedom of Information Act and Code §2.2-3712(D)) – motion carried
• Adjournment of the special meeting

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

The School Board holds a work session with one informational item: a Finish Strong update presentation. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the session is for discussion only.

• Finish Strong Update presentation (PowerPoint attached, 43,432 KB)

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The School Board approved a consent agenda that included minutes from prior meetings, April 2023 financial reports, a personnel report, a VSBA Nominating Committee nominee, and a budget transfer. The board also received a monthly school report and information on federal funding applications. No separate action items were on the agenda.

• Approved Financial Reports (revenue, expense, child nutrition) for April 2023
• Approved Personnel Report (details in attached file)
• Approved Budget Transfer (amount not specified in agenda)
• Approved VSBA Nominating Committee Members At Large Nominee - Douglas Brown
• Heard report on Federal Funding Applications (Title I, Part A, etc.)

NOTICE OF ASSEMBLY OF SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

The School Board will hold a closed session to discuss qualifications for the next superintendent with the Virginia School Board Association. This is the only item on the agenda.

• Discussion of qualifications for next superintendent with Virginia School Board Association

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:30 P.M.

This is a special meeting of the Newport News School Board with a closed session under Virginia law for consultation with legal counsel on actual or probable litigation. The board will also consider a certification that the closed meeting complied with open-meeting requirements, then adjourn. No public business decisions are scheduled.

Community Input Forum Regarding Superintendent Search 10:00 a.m.

The Newport News School Board is holding a community input forum for residents to comment on the qualities they want in the next superintendent. The forum takes place at Heritage High School on April 22, 2023. This is a public comment opportunity, not a decision-making meeting.

• Community input forum regarding superintendent search at Heritage High School
• Public invited to comment on desired qualities for next superintendent

Community Input Forum Regarding Superintendent Search 6:00 p.m.

The Newport News School Board is holding a community input forum for NNPS staff to comment on the qualities they want in the next superintendent. No decisions will be made at this session; it is solely for gathering feedback.

• Community input forum for NNPS staff at Warwick High School on April 20, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

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

This is a work session with no formal votes. The board will receive a safety update and an academic performance update, both for discussion and information only.

• Safety update presentation
• Academic performance update presentation

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

This special meeting of the Newport News Public Schools School Board is primarily a closed session to discuss candidates for the position of Executive Director of the Education Foundation, as authorized under Virginia law. The board will then reconvene in open session to vote on certifying that the closed session complied with legal requirements, followed by adjournment.

• Motion for closed meeting to discuss prospective candidates for Executive Director Education Foundation
• Vote to certify the closed session after returning to open session
• Meeting adjournment as the final item

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The School Board reviewed several administrative items including financial, personnel, and construction reports. The board also approved the annual Special Education Plan.

• Approval of the Annual Special Education Plan
• Consent agenda approval for minutes, financial reports, and personnel reports
• FY2023 School Construction Grant Program review
• Monthly school report and attendance report updates

Community Input Forum Regarding Superintendent Search 6:00 p.m.

The Newport News School Board is hosting a community input forum. Residents are invited to provide comment on desired qualities for the school division's next superintendent.

• Community input session regarding superintendent search

Community Input Forum Regarding Superintendent Search 6:00 p.m.

The Newport News School Board is holding a community input forum to gather public comment on the qualities and characteristics residents want in the next superintendent. This is a listening session only; no decisions or votes are being taken at this meeting.

• Public comment period on desired qualities for the next superintendent

SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION - 1:00 P.M.

The Newport News School Board will hold a work session to discuss the 2023 Superintendent Search Process Overview. This is an information and discussion item, with supporting documents including a timeline and application announcement. No votes are expected at this session.

• Discussion of 2023 Superintendent Search Process Overview
• Review of attached search timeline and application documents
• Procedural opening and adjournment items

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News Public Schools Board approved a consent agenda that included meeting minutes, financial reports, a personnel report, a budget transfer, and an easement for the CNI Ivy Avenue Road Reconstruction Project. The Board also adopted the proposed 2023‑2024 school calendar. Finally, the Board approved the FY24 operating budget totaling $409,360,234.

• Approval of consent agenda items: minutes, financial reports, personnel report, budget transfer, and easement for CNI Ivy Avenue Road Reconstruction Project
• Adoption of the 2023‑2024 proposed school calendar
• Approval of FY24 proposed operating budget of $409,360,234

SCHOOL BOARD STUDENT APPEAL HEARING - 5:00 p.m.

The Newport News School Board is meeting for a student appeal hearing. The board will enter closed executive session to hear the appeal and later vote on a disposition. No details about the student or the appeal are provided in the agenda.

• Student appeal hearing in closed executive session (specifics not disclosed)
• Vote on disposition of the student appeal

PUBLIC HEARING - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed FY 2024 Operating Budget. Comments are limited to three minutes and must be submitted by 6 p.m. on March 14. The Board also convened a closed meeting to discuss the assignment, appointment, demotion, and performance of specific administrators, and certified that the closed session complied with Virginia law.

• Public hearing on Proposed FY24 Operating Budget – comments limited to three minutes
• Closed meeting to discuss assignment, appointment, demotion, and performance of specific administrators (Virginia Code §2.2‑3711A)
• Certification that the closed meeting complied with Virginia Freedom of Information Act requirements

SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION - 5:30 P.M.

This is a work session of the Newport News School Board. The single substantive item is an information update on Huntington Middle School. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Huntington Middle School update (information item)

SPECIAL MEETING & WORK SESSION - 6:30 P.M. PROPOSED 2023-24 OPERATING BUDGET PRESENTATION

The Newport News School Board holds a work session to review the Superintendent's proposed FY2024 Operating Budget. A public hearing is scheduled for March 14, and the Board will vote on the budget at the March 21 meeting. The budget addresses compensation, academic programs, and school environments.

• Proposed FY2024 Operating Budget presentation by CFO Scarlett Minto
• Public hearing on budget set for March 14, 2023
• School Board vote scheduled for March 21, 2023
• Budget focuses on achievement, advancement, and youth development

SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION - 4:30 P.M.

The School Board will hold a work session to discuss the FY23-24 operating budget. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding a school safety survey.

• FY23-24 Operating Budget Discussion
• School Safety Survey

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board will consider and vote on a set of human resources benefits policies (items GBC, GCBA, GCBEA, GCBEB, GCBEC) regarding teacher salary placement and other post-employment benefits. The board will also approve consent agenda items including prior meeting minutes, January 2023 financial reports, a personnel report, and appointment of deputy clerks. A public comment period is scheduled before the consent agenda.

• Action item 4.01: approval of human resources benefits policies including teacher salary placement and other post-employment benefits
• Consent agenda approval of January 2023 revenue, expense, and child nutrition financial reports
• Consent agenda approval of personnel report
• Appointment of Michelle Price and Len Wallin as deputy clerks
• Recognition of Virginia School Board Clerk Appreciation Week

SPECIAL MEETING - 5:30 P.M.

This special meeting is called to appoint a new school board member. The board will also convene a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel regarding litigation, followed by a certification of compliance with Virginia law.

• Appointment of School Board Member (no name specified)
• Closed meeting pursuant to Va. Code § 2.2-3711A(7) for legal consultation on litigation
• Certification of closed meeting compliance with Virginia FOIA

Special Meeting - 5:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board will convene a closed meeting to interview prospective School Board members and discuss the performance of an employee, as permitted by Virginia law. The board will also certify that the closed meeting complied with state open-meeting requirements, then adjourn. No public votes or decisions on policy, budget, or operations are scheduled.

• Motion to enter closed meeting under Va. Code §2.2-3711(A) subsections 1 and 2 for interviewing board candidates and employee performance discussion

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

The Newport News School Board held a special meeting to discuss and vote on a separation agreement and severance for the Superintendent, and to appoint an Interim Superintendent. The board approved the separation agreement 5-1 and appointed Dr. Michele Mitchell as Interim Superintendent 5-1, with an additional 25% base pay.

• Approved separation agreement and severance with Superintendent (5-1 vote)
• Appointed Dr. Michele Mitchell as Interim Superintendent with 25% additional base pay (5-1 vote)
• Closed session held under Virginia Code for discussing separation agreement and interim appointment

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

The Newport News School Board held a special meeting to convene a closed session under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711A(1) for discussing the assignment, appointment, and performance of specific administrators. Following the closed session, the board voted to certify that the meeting was conducted lawfully. The meeting was purely procedural, with no public discussion or action on other items.

• Motion to convene closed session for discussing administrator performance, carried 5-0
• Certification of closed session as compliant with Virginia FOIA, carried 5-0

SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 p.m.

The Newport News School Board is holding a special meeting solely to enter a closed session under Virginia Code to discuss the performance of an administrative employee. After the closed session, the board will vote to certify it, then adjourn. No public policy decisions or financial items are on the agenda.

• Motion to convene closed session under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711A(1) to discuss employee performance
• Certification of closed session vote upon return to open session

REGULAR SESSION - 6:30 P.M.

The Newport News School Board will consider approving multiple human resources benefits policies, including leaves, insurance, and sick leave accrual. They will also receive updates on Richneck Elementary School, a WHRO presentation, attendance, membership, and construction projects. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, financial reports, personnel report, and a budget transfer.

• Vote on 14 human resources benefits policies (leaves, insurance, sick leave, etc.)
• Update on Richneck Elementary School following recent incident
• WHRO annual impact presentation
• Construction report on building and renovation projects
• Consent agenda includes December financial reports and budget transfer

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

The Newport News School Board will hold a work session with a single substantive item: an update on Richneck Elementary School. The meeting includes procedural items such as call to order and adjournment.

• Update on Richneck Elementary School (discussion and information)

SPECIAL MEETING - 2:00 p.m.

This special meeting consists solely of a closed session to discuss the performance of a specific officer, a required certification vote, and adjournment. No other business is scheduled.

• Closed session under Va. Code § 2.2-3711.A(1) to discuss performance of a specific officer
• Vote to certify the closed session upon return to open session