Superintendent Application Information

The Newport News School Board invites applications and nominations for the position of division superintendent.

City Information

Newport News is a thriving and diverse city with a population of 186,247 residents. Its rich history in shipbuilding and military bases has led to its growth into the fifth largest city in Virginia. Today, it is a hub of technology and advanced manufacturing with a strong industrial base that includes Newport News Shipbuilding and Canon Virginia, making it one of the state's largest private employers.

Located on the banks of the Hampton Roads harbor in southeastern Virginia, Newport News offers a mix of modern subdivisions and historic neighborhoods listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The city is also home to the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, one of the nation's most advanced physics and research centers, as well as nearby NASA Langley Research Center, which provides opportunities for high-tech research.

Higher education opportunities abound in the area with institutions like Christopher Newport University, Hampton University, Virginia Peninsula Community College, and The College of William and Mary offering cooperative programs with Newport News Public Schools.

In addition to its strong economy and educational opportunities, Newport News offers a variety of recreational activities. Residents and visitors can enjoy local beaches, great parks, unique local retailers and restaurants, national chains, nationally recognized museums, numerous performing arts venues, and a host of outdoor activities. And for those looking for even more to explore, Newport News is just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg and a short drive to Virginia Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.

The School Division

The Newport News School Board is the official governing body for the school division and derives its authority from the Code of Virginia. The Board is comprised of seven members who are elected by Newport News constituents for staggered four-year terms, with one member elected at large.

Journey 2025: A Strategic Plan to College, Career and Citizen-Readiness was created to guide the future and evaluate student results. The five strategic goals, focusing on student success, student and staff wellness, employee expertise, enhanced partnerships and stewardship of resources, serve as the framework for student success.

Mission: Ensuring that all students graduate college, career and citizen-ready.

Core Values: The school division believes that all children have the capacity to learn and that "smart is something you become" through resilience and a commitment to youth development.

Student Population: 26,562

  • Black – 53%
  • White – 20%
  • Hispanic – 16%
  • Asian – 2%
  • Multi-Race – 8%
  • Economically Disadvantaged – 64%
  • Students with Disabilities – 13%
  • English Language Learners – 8%

On-Time Graduation Rate (4-year cohort): 96%

Educational Structure

Newport News Public Schools offers an array of magnet and specialty programs at all grade levels; a Career Pathways program; service learning and youth development initiatives; STEM learning in all grades; dual-enrollment; and Early College and Early Career programs.

  • 3 Early Childhood Centers
  • 24 Elementary Schools
  • 7 Middle Schools
  • 1 Middle/High Combination School
  • 5 High Schools
  • 1 Virtual Learning Academy
  • Magnet & Specialty Programs at the elementary, middle and high school level with focuses in areas such as environmental science; health sciences; communications and performing arts; aviation; global studies; and science, technology, engineering and math
    • 5 elementary magnet programs
    • 3 middle school magnet programs
    • 5 high school magnet programs
    • 3 specialty programs (An Achievable Dream, Point Option, and International Baccalaureate Program)
  • Number of Advanced Placement Courses Offered: All students have open access to 37 courses in 22 subject areas
  • Teacher Population: 1,719
  • Elementary school teachers with Master's Degrees & higher: 452
  • Middle school teachers with Master's Degrees & higher: 227
  • High school teachers with Master's Degrees & higher: 314
  • Curriculum & Instruction Coaches and Specialists: 99
  • National Board-Certified Teachers: 26
  • Total Number of Employees: 5,873

Budget

  • Operating Budget: $357.44 million

  • Per Pupil Cost: 14,780

Website

www.nnschools.org

Salary

Commensurate with experience and qualifications, as determined by the School Board.

Application Procedures

The board will receive applications from May 1, 2023 to May 26, 2023.

Qualifications

After seeking input from its Board members, parents, staff, students and community, the Newport News School Board seeks an educational leader with outstanding qualifications and characteristics, as reflected in the following profile:

  • Experience as a principal is required.
  • Experience as a teacher is strongly preferred.
  • Experience working at the director level or higher is required.
  • Experience as an assistant superintendent or equivalent position is preferred.
  • Highly qualified candidates will have prior Superintendent experience.
  • An earned doctorate is required.

The successful candidate will have evidence of significant accomplishment within a comparably demanding public school setting. He/she must demonstrate the following:

  • Areas of Expertise – A knowledge of school safety laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; experience in strategic planning and continuous improvement; strong knowledge of curriculum and instruction.

  • Leadership and Management Skills – Creates a collaborative team atmosphere; is comfortable with shared decision-making; is a visionary, creative thinker and a decisive leader.

  • Personal Characteristics – A good listener who is accessible, accountable, consistent, and caring.

  • Board-Superintendent Relations – Effectively mediates and accommodates different perspectives; understands differences between policy and administration; and considers initiatives and recommendations of the Board. The successful candidate provides multiple options and recommendations to the Board.

  • Staff Relations – Creates an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect; maintains open channels of communication with staff; experience in developing and implementing safety policies for a school division.

  • School Safety- Knowledge of and experience in implementing and maintaining effective school safety measures.

  • Climate and Culture- Cultivates a division-wide culture of safety, visibility, transparency, and accountability.

  • School Community – Visible in all areas of the school community, including extracurricular events and opportunities.

  • Community Relations – Effectively advocates for school issues and needs; communicates effectively on both private and public levels; relates well to a variety of community groups.

  • School Finance – Advocates for school funding on behalf of the division at the local and state levels; develops the budget and explains its rationale to the Board and local officials; and offers creative funding solutions. (Virginia school divisions do not have taxing authority.)

The candidate selected must agree to become a resident of Newport News after accepting the position.

Candidates must meet the legal requirements to be licensed or be eligible for licensure as a superintendent in Virginia. Questions concerning the eligibility requirement should be directed to the Office of Professional Licensure, State Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, VA 23218-2120, Telephone: (804) 371-2522.

Candidates should not contact school board members. Inquiries should be directed to Gina Patterson, Executive Director, Virginia School Boards Association, 200 Hansen Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911, 434-295-8722 or [email protected].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Newport News School Board is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, gender, age, marital status or disability.