Norfolk Public Schools, VA

School Board Work Session

School Board Business Meeting

The Norfolk School Board will hold a business meeting on August 19, 2026, starting with a workshop on the Advanced Studies Diploma, followed by a closed executive session for legal, personnel, and student support matters. The board will then reconvene to vote on a consent agenda that includes bills and payroll, facility use, personnel, policy approvals, minutes, crisis plans, and calendar amendments. They will also discuss and vote on the monthly financial report and receive information on a referendum.

• Approval of Bills & Payroll Reports for July 2026
• Policy approvals including updates to AE, CH, EGAA, GCBDZ, GCBE, GCPF, GEA-JOH, IC/ID, IGAI, IGAJ, IJ, JOH-GAE, KGZC, and KLAZ
• Approval of minutes from June 17 and July 14-15, 2026
• Approval of school crisis plans
• Monthly financial report for July 2026 (vote required)

School Board Work Session

The Norfolk City Public Schools Board holds a work session to discuss and vote on policy updates, board norms, and working agreements. Several policies are under review for clarity and legal compliance, with votes scheduled for future meetings. The board will also certify an executive session and receive a technology update.

• Vote on updated policies including Family and Medical Leave (GCBE) and School Year/School Day (IC/ID)
• Vote on Board Norms & Protocols and Board and Superintendent Working Agreements
• Certification of closed executive session under Virginia FOIA
• Technology update on AI readiness (NPS_Technology_Operations_AI_Readiness_Update.pptx)
• Policy updates for Community Use of School Facilities (KGZC) with fee schedule changes

The Norfolk City School Board held a work session on August 5, 2026, where they voted unanimously to approve Board Norms & Protocols and Board and Superintendent Working Agreements. They also discussed policy updates, school crisis plans, and technology updates, and voted to enter a closed executive session to discuss personnel matters. No final votes were taken on policies or other substantive items during the work session.

• Approved Board Norms & Protocols (7-0)
• Approved Board and Superintendent Working Agreements (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed executive session (7-0)
• Approved resolution certifying closed executive session (7-0)
• Approved personnel report (7-0)

School Board Retreat

The Norfolk School Board is holding a retreat to discuss governance norms, chain of command, and the district's strategic plan. The board also proposes a closed meeting to discuss personnel actions and a construction contract.

• Discussion of a Comprehensive Agreement with Heartland Construction, Inc. for a new Maury High School academic building, athletic facilities, and campus
• Discussion of governance norms and protocols
• Discussion of chain of command and communication policies
• Discussion of Board and Superintendent working agreements
• Discussion of the Strategic Plan

During the second day of the retreat, the Norfolk School Board reviewed governance norms, communication protocols, and a new Chain of Command policy. The discussion focused on defining emergency communications, standard responses to public comments, and the steps for handling stakeholder concerns. No motions were voted on or formally adopted.

School Board Retreat

The Norfolk School Board is holding a two-day retreat to discuss academic reports, school support levels, and the budget proposal. The board will also consider a contract for the design and construction of a new Maury High School campus.

• Budget Proposal vote
• Discussion of a Comprehensive Agreement with Heartland Construction, Inc. for a new Maury High School academic building, athletic facilities, and campus
• CIP Review
• Discussion of School Board Goals 2, 3 & 4
• State of the Schools Academic Report

The School Board approved an amendment to the FY 2027 Budget regarding a funding strategy for a 4% salary increase. The Board also reached a consensus to request a 1% sales tax increase via a letter to City Council.

• Approved FY 2027 budget amendment for 4% salary increase (7-0)
• Reached consensus to request 1% sales tax increase via letter to City Council
• Approved entry into closed executive session (7-0)
• Approved resolution certifying the closed executive session (7-0)
• Approved personnel report (7-0)

School Board Business Meeting

The Norfolk School Board will hold a workshop on chronic absenteeism and dropout rates, followed by a closed executive session for personnel, legal, and student matters. The business meeting includes a consent agenda with standard items such as bills and payroll reports, a facilities use report, personnel and student support reports, and approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Discussion of chronic absenteeism and dropout data for the 2025-26 school year (Q4 data)
• Closed executive session to discuss personnel, legal, and student disciplinary matters
• Approval of Bills & Payroll Reports for May 2026
• Facilities Use Report including a rental lease application from Gethsemane Community Fellowship Church
• Approval of minutes from May 6 and May 20, 2026 meetings

The Norfolk School Board approved Academic Calendar A for the 2027-2028 school year by a 5-2 vote, with Vice Chair DiCalogero and Col. Paulson dissenting. The board also unanimously approved the consent agenda, monthly financial report, and appointment of superintendent designees. Two closed executive sessions were held for personnel, student, and legal matters, and a resolution on an employee grievance was approved.

• Approved Academic Calendar A for SY27-28 (5-2)
• Approved consent agenda including bills, payroll, personnel, and policy approvals (7-0)
• Approved monthly financial report (7-0)
• Appointed Dr. James Pohl, Richard Fraley, and Sherry Agnew-Scott as superintendent designees (7-0)
• Approved resolution on employee grievance (7-0)
• Certified closed executive sessions for personnel, student, and legal matters (7-0)

School Board Student Hearing (Cancelled)

The Norfolk City Public Schools Student Hearing scheduled for June 10, 2026, has been cancelled. The School Board is instead meeting to enter a closed executive session to discuss student disciplinary matters and consult with legal counsel.

• Student Hearing cancelled
• Closed executive session for student disciplinary hearings
• Consultation with legal counsel
• Resolution certifying closed session compliance
• Disposition of student appeal (vote required)

School Board Work Session

The Norfolk School Board will hold a work session to discuss a proposed Title I plan for the 2026-27 school year, the academic calendar for 2027-28, and updates to policies on weapons, gang activity, corporal punishment, and suicide prevention. The board will also consider a gifted education plan update and enter closed executive sessions to decide an employee grievance and discuss personnel matters.

• Title I Plan Proposal for SY26-27 (discussion)
• Titles II, III, & IV Plan Proposal for SY26-27 (action consent)
• NPS Academic Calendar for SY27-28 (discussion)
• Policy updates: weapons on school property, gang activity, corporal punishment, suicide prevention, and more
• Closed executive session to decide an employee grievance and discuss personnel promotions and reorganization

The Norfolk City Public Schools Board entered a closed executive session to consider an employee grievance. The board unanimously (7-0) approved a resolution certifying the closed session. The board also unanimously (7-0) adopted a resolution on the employee grievance. No other substantive actions were taken during the work session.

• Motion to enter closed executive session approved (7 yea/0 nay)
• Resolution certifying the closed executive session approved (7 yea/0 nay)
• Resolution on the employee grievance approved (7 yea/0 nay)

School Board Business Meeting

The Norfolk School Board will hold a business meeting and workshop to discuss school consolidation and student transition updates. The board will also vote to enter a closed executive session for personnel and student matters, followed by a public business session.

• Workshop on school consolidation and student transition
• Vote to enter closed executive session for personnel and student matters
• Approval of consent agenda including bills and payroll reports
• Discussion of school facility usage and rentals
• Public comments period

The School Board approved the FY27 budget modifications and a proposal for organizational alignment. The board also entered into a closed executive session to discuss personnel, student support, and legal matters.

• Entered into closed executive session (7-0)
• Certified the executive closed session resolution (7-0)
• Adopted the business agenda (7-0)
• Approved the consent agenda (7-0)
• Approved monthly financial report subject to audit (7-0)
• Approved FY27 budget modifications (4-3)
• Approved organizational alignment proposal (7-0)

School Board Student Appeal of Long-Term Suspension

This is a special meeting of the Norfolk School Board to hear a student's appeal of a long-term suspension. The board will first vote to enter a closed executive session under Virginia law for discussion of student disciplinary matters and legal advice. After the closed session, the board will vote on the disposition of the student appeal. The agenda contains no other business.

• Motion to enter closed executive session for student disciplinary appeal and legal consultation
• Student appeal hearings held in closed session
• Resolution certifying the executive session complied with Virginia Freedom of Information Act
• Vote on disposition of the student appeal

School Board VSBA Governance Training

The Norfolk City School Board is participating in a full-day governance training session. The agenda includes discussions on roles, responsibilities, scenarios, and board norms and protocols.

• Roles and Responsibilities discussion
• School Board Norms & Protocols discussion
• Communications Plan discussion

School Board Work Session

The Norfolk School Board will hold a work session to discuss 20 proposed policy updates, including staff conduct and political activities, and review a draft budget update. The board will also consider entering a closed executive session to discuss administrative reorganization and legal counsel.

• Review of 20 proposed policy updates (e.g., staff political activities, weapons, class size)
• Discussion of draft budget update
• Consideration of motion to enter closed executive session
• Projected Board Vote on policies: May 20, 2026
• Meeting location: School Administration Building, 800 E. City Hall Avenue

The School Board reviewed the proposed SY27 operating budget of over $472 million. Members also approved allowing Chair Tiffany Buffaloe to participate via Zoom and entered a closed executive session regarding administrative reorganization and legal counsel.

• Approved Chair Tiffany Buffaloe's remote participation via Zoom (6-0)
• Entered closed executive session for personnel and legal matters (7-0)
• Certified the conduct of the executive session (7-0)

School Board Student Appeal

A 3-member committee of the School Board will meet to conduct student appeal hearings. The board will enter a closed executive session to discuss scholastic records and consult with legal counsel regarding long term suspensions.

• Student appeal hearings scheduled for 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM
• Motion to enter closed executive session for student disciplinary matters
• Vote on the disposition of student appeals

School Board Student Appeal

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board will hold a hearing for student appeals of long-term suspensions, including a closed session to discuss disciplinary records and legal counsel. The meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2026.

• Student Appeal Hearings (closed session)
• Resolution certifying executive closed session
• Disposition of student appeals (vote required)
• Meeting adjourned

School Board Business Meeting

The Norfolk School Board will hold a workshop on chronic absenteeism and dropout rates, reviewing third-quarter data. The meeting also includes a closed executive session for personnel, legal, and student disciplinary matters. The board will later reconvene to approve a consent agenda covering bills, payroll, and facilities use, and hear public comments.

• Workshop discussion of Chronic Absenteeism and Dropout Data for Q3 2025-2026
• Motion to enter closed executive session for personnel, legal, and student matters
• Approval of Bills & Payroll Reports for March 2026
• Approval of Use of Facilities Report for March 2026
• Public comments accepted on agenda and non-agenda items

The School Board approved the consent agenda, which included bills, payroll, facility use, personnel, and student support reports, as well as textbook and special education plans for FY27. The board also approved the monthly financial report and entered into a closed executive session to discuss personnel and student support matters.

• Entered closed executive session (7-0)
• Certified closed session compliance (7-0)
• Adopted business agenda (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda (7-0)
• Approved March 4, 10, and 18 minutes (7-0)
• Approved textbook adoption (7-0)
• Approved Special Education Annual Plan Proposal FY27 (7-0)
• Approved CTE Annual Plan Proposal SY27 (7-0)

School Board Work Session

The Norfolk School Board will hold a work session to discuss student excellence initiatives including Goal 4 data, textbook adoption, special education and CTE annual plans, and vote on a new superintendent contract for Dr. Rose. The meeting is open to the public with live streaming available.

• Vote on new superintendent contract for Dr. Rose (item 3.01)
• Discussion of School Board Goal 4, Measures 1 & 2 interim data (item 2.01)
• Textbook adoption discussion for ESL (item 2.02)
• Special Education Annual Plan Proposal for FY27 (item 2.03)
• CTE Annual Plan Proposal for SY27 (item 2.04)

The School Board approved the Superintendent's contract and granted permission for Dr. Adale Martin to participate in the meeting via Zoom from Utah. The session included presentations on textbook adoption, special education, and CTE annual plans.

• Approved Dr. Adale Martin participating via Zoom (5-0)
• Approved Superintendent contract (7-0)

CANCELLED: School Board Student Appeal

This meeting of the Norfolk City Public Schools School Board Student Appeal was cancelled. The agenda included a closed executive session for student long-term suspension appeals and a resolution certifying the closed session, but no action was taken due to the cancellation.

School Board Business Meeting

The Norfolk School Board will hold a closed executive session at 4:00 PM for legal, personnel, and student matters, then reconvene at 7:00 PM for the public business meeting. The board will vote on a consent agenda that includes policy approvals, a resolution on removal of portables, and reports on bills, facilities, personnel, and student support. A discussion on Board Goal 3 interim measures is also scheduled.

• Resolution on removal of portables (vote required)
• School Board Policy Approvals: BDD (electronic participation), JJAG (extreme heat safety for student-athletes), BBBB (student representative), GAB-IIBEA (acceptable computer use), and AUP (acceptable use procedure)
• Discussion of Board Goal 3 – Interim Measures #1 and #2 (data provided)
• Approval of minutes from Feb. 4, 18, and 26, 2026
• Bills & Payroll Report for February 2026 ($352K file)

The School Board approved the proposed operating budget for the 2027 school year and the redistricting of three elementary schools. The board also entered into a closed executive session to discuss personnel, student support, and legal matters.

• Entered into closed executive session (7-0)
• Certified the executive closed session resolution (7-0)
• Adopted the business agenda (7-0)
• Approved the consent agenda (7-0)
• Approved monthly financial report subject to audit (7-0)
• Approved SY2027 proposed operating budget (5-2)
• Approved redistricting of Oceanair, Norview, and Mary Calcott elementary schools (7-0)

Joint Norfolk City Council & School Board Meeting

The Norfolk City Council and School Board will hold a joint meeting to discuss the Norfolk Public Schools budget priorities, audit improvements, and a consolidation plan financial analysis. The meeting will also include updates on city planning and future joint communications.

• NPS Budget Priorities and One Time Funds (True Up/Reversion)
• NPS Audit Improvements
• Consolidation Plan Financial Analysis
• City Planning Update
• Future Joint Meetings and Communications

The Norfolk City Council and School Board held a joint meeting on March 10, 2026. The agenda included discussions on NPS budget priorities, audit improvements, and a consolidation plan financial analysis, but no official actions or votes were recorded.

School Board Work Session & Public Hearing

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board will hold a work session and public hearing to discuss the Superintendent's FY2027 proposed operating budget and redistricting plans for three elementary schools. The meeting will also include a review of student excellence measures and board policies.

• Public hearing on Superintendent's FY2027 Proposed Operating Budget
• Public hearing on redistricting of Oceanair ES, Norview ES, and Mary Calcott ES
• Discussion of School Board Goal 2 measures
• Review of student-athlete heat safety and computer use policies
• Discussion of future agenda items

The School Board held a work session including discussions on Goal 2 measures and the FY2027 Proposed Operating Budget. Public hearings were conducted regarding the Superintendent's proposed budget and the redistricting of Oceanair ES, Norview ES, and Mary Calcott ES.

• Held public hearing on the Superintendent's FY2027 Proposed Operating Budget
• Held public hearing on the redistricting of Oceanair ES, Norview ES, and Mary Calcott ES

School Board Special Call Meeting

The Norfolk School Board will convene a special call meeting on February 26, 2026, beginning with a closed executive session to discuss Dr. Rose's licensure, contract, and related personnel matters. Following the closed session, the board will vote on a motion to appoint Dr. Jeff Rose as Acting Superintendent and consider a certification resolution for the closed meeting. Public comments are not accepted at this special call meeting; only procedural and action items are on the agenda.

• Motion to enter closed executive session to discuss Dr. Rose's licensure, contract, and temporary status of another employee
• Resolution certifying that the closed session complied with Virginia's Freedom of Information Act
• Appointment of Dr. Jeff Rose as Acting Superintendent, with a contract attached
• Meeting is a special call meeting with no public comment period

School Board Business Meeting

The Norfolk School Board will hold a workshop to discuss a redistricting plan for Oceanair, Norview, and Mary Calcott Elementary Schools. The board will also review data on chronic absenteeism and dropout rates. A closed executive session is scheduled to address personnel, legal, and student support matters.

• Discussion of redistricting plan for Oceanair, Norview ES, and Mary Calcott ES
• Review of Chronic Absenteeism and Dropout Data Board Report Q2-25-26
• Discussion of Board Goal 5 Measures #1 and #2
• Closed session for personnel actions, student disciplinary actions, and legal counsel
• Vote to adopt the business agenda and approve the consent agenda

The School Board approved the consent agenda, which included bills, payroll, facility use, personnel, and minutes from January 2026. They also approved the monthly financial report subject to audit. The meeting included a closed executive session and recognition of Black History Month.

• Entered closed executive session (7-0)
• Certified closed executive session (7-0)
• Adopted business agenda (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda (7-0)
• Approved January 2026 minutes (7-0)
• Approved monthly financial report (7-0)

School Board Student Appeal

The Norfolk School Board will convene a special meeting to hear appeals of long-term student suspensions. The session will begin with a closed executive session to discuss student disciplinary records and legal counsel, followed by a vote on the appeals.

• Closed executive session for student appeal hearings
• Vote required to decide student appeal outcomes
• Meeting held at School Administration Building, 800 E. City Hall Avenue

School Board Work Session

The School Board will discuss the Superintendent's Proposed Operating Budget for FY 2026-27 during a work session. They will also review School Improvement Grant applications for multiple schools and consider motions to enter closed session for student appeals and to certify that closed session.

• Discussion of Superintendent's Proposed Operating Budget FY26-27 (attachments include budget book and slides)
• Review of School Improvement Grant applications for Chesterfield, Coleman, Jacox, LTS, P.B. Young, RBES, and Ruffner schools
• Motion to enter closed executive session for student disciplinary and scholastic record matters
• Resolution certifying that the closed executive session complied with Virginia FOIA requirements
• Action on disposition of student appeals following the closed session

The School Board approved several school improvement grant applications and three student appeals. The board also entered into a closed executive session to conduct the student appeal hearings.

• Approved School Improvement Grant Applications (7-0)
• Approved entry into closed executive session for student disciplinary matters (7-0)
• Upheld Superintendent recommendation for Student 1 (7-0)
• Upheld Superintendent recommendation for Student 2 (7-0)
• Upheld Superintendent recommendation for Student 3 (7-0)

School Board Special Call Meeting: Appointment of the Division Superintendent

The Norfolk City Public Schools School Board will hold a special call meeting on January 30, 2026, to vote on the appointment of a new Division Superintendent. The meeting will take place at the School Administration Building.

• Appointment of the Division Superintendent (vote required)
• Meeting location: School Administration Building, 12th Floor, Board Room
• Meeting time: January 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
• Public comments must be submitted by email by February 18, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
• Live stream available via https://norfolkpublicschools.swagit.com/live/

The School Board held a special call meeting to appoint the Division Superintendent. The motion to appoint the superintendent carried with a 4-3 vote.

• Appointment of the Division Superintendent approved (4 yea/3 nay)

School Board Student Appeal

The Norfolk School Board will convene a special meeting to hear student appeals of long-term suspensions. The session will begin with a closed executive session to discuss disciplinary records and legal counsel, followed by a public vote on the appeals.

• Closed executive session for student appeals
• Vote required on disposition of student appeals
• Student Appeal Hearings scheduled for 3:00 PM
• Meeting held at School Administration Building, 800 E. City Hall Avenue

School Board Business Meeting

The Norfolk School Board will hold a closed executive session to discuss superintendent candidates, personnel matters, student support issues, and a possible superintendent contract. After reconvening, the board will hold workshop discussions on a High School Specialty Program Update and Superintendent Non-Negotiable #2. The regular business meeting will then begin at 7:00 PM.

• High School Specialty Program Update (discussion)
• Superintendent Non-Negotiable #2 update (discussion)
• Motion to enter closed executive session (vote required)
• Resolution certifying executive session (vote required)
• Public comments accepted in person or by email

The Norfolk City Public Schools board approved its consent agenda, which covers monthly bills, payroll, personnel reports, December meeting minutes, the 2026-2027 calendar, and an appointment for an employee grievance officer. The board also passed the monthly financial report subject to audit and certified its closed executive session covering private personnel and student records. During open discussion, members agreed to evaluate high school specialty programs and review teacher staffing strategies.

• Approved consent agenda (7-0), covering bills, payroll, personnel reports, December minutes, 2026-2027 calendar, and grievance officer appointment
• Approved monthly financial report subject to audit (7-0)
• Certified closed executive session for personnel, student records, and legal matters (7-0)
• Agreed to evaluate high school specialty programs and track enrollment percentages

School Board Student Reinstatements

The Norfolk School Board will meet to hear appeals regarding student reinstatements. The session includes a closed executive session to discuss student disciplinary records and a vote on the appeals.

• Closed executive session for student disciplinary appeals
• Vote on student reinstatement appeals
• Meeting adjourned

School Board Organizational Meeting & Work Session

The School Board will hold an organizational meeting to elect its Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk, and a Superintendent designee. The session also includes discussions regarding the academic state of schools, graduation coach updates, and the draft 2026-2027 meeting calendar.

• Election of School Board Chair
• Election of School Board Vice Chair
• Recommendation for School Board Clerk
• Recommendation of the Superintendent's Designee
• Discussion of Academic State of Schools

The Norfolk City Public Schools Board elected Tiffany Buffaloe as chair and Sarah DiCalogero as vice chair. Members approved the appointment of board clerk Karen R. Tanner and confirmed three superintendent designees. The board accepted the draft calendar for the 2026-27 school year, which establishes dates for staff development and student instruction, before entering a closed executive session to discuss personnel and contract matters.

• Elected Tiffany Buffaloe as School Board Chair (4-3)
• Elected Sarah DiCalogero as Vice Chair (4-3)
• Appointed Karen R. Tanner as School Board Clerk (5 yea, 0 nay, 2 abstained)
• Approved Superintendent designees Cataldo, Agnew-Scott, and Fraley (7-0)
• Accepted draft School Board Calendar for SY26-27
• Entered closed executive session to discuss personnel and contract matters (7-0)