NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Newport News School Board at its meeting Thursday night voted to make Dr. Michele Mitchell the next superintendent of the system.
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Newport News School Board ousts superintendent
The school board voted to fire the previous superintendent, Dr. George Parker III, in January following the shooting at Richneck Elementary School.
Afterward, it was announced Dr. Mitchell would serve as the interim superintendent.
“She did not just keep the bus on the road, she moved us forward through the challenges that we were having,” said school board chair Lisa Surles-Law.
In public forums leading up to the board's decision Thursday, Surles-Law said parents and teachers deemed communication, accountability, safety, academics, and climate and culture as top priorities.
“Dr. Mitchell did a very good job at coming in at a difficult time, and leading us out of the darkness is what I would call it,” said parent Michele Nordeen.
Since the Richneck shooting a few safety measures have been added, including metal detectors and mandatory clear backpacks for the 2023-2024 school year.
President of Newport News Education Association James Graves told News 3 he's hoping this coming school year will be a refresher.
“We hope that she will come in and move it forward, and gather with the teachers and staff of our school system along with along with the parents and students, and fix things that need to be fixed and continue to move on with their lives,” said Graves.
Mitchell addressed the board and attendees Thursday evening after the announcement.
"I am truly humbled and excited to be named the superintendent of Newport News Public Schools," said Mitchell.
Mitchell has been with the school system for more than 29 years, serving in multiple roles including teacher, assistant principal, middle school principal, director of special education, and interim chief academic officer.
