[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6261189,"mediaKeyId","3124463-5678f818641b90098206f71ce700bf84","parentId",3124463,"title","Suffolk Public Schools highlights honor graduates, CTE and Teachers for Tomorrow successes","audioSeconds",683,"startMs",728000,"endMs",1411000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3124463-5678f818641b90098206f71ce700bf84&start=728&end=1411","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3124463-5678f818641b90098206f71ce700bf84/thumbnail_728000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6261189/Virginia/Suffolk-Public-Schools-highlights-honor-graduates-CTE-and-Teachers-for-Tomorrow-successes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6261189-6e1c7124e3b886b35f76960d380a8007/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143771&Signature=ahcuXX-zsWROvsJWlyiUpfIX5fsGhFwmBQCBC9QhUR8oPqQPcbt3DMlexDRVCy2qU0xnG7JW11TXXCI3-RlYVoXrJL8V6hnHL6UJ9J689l2Ne8asA0PvQy2N4m4ONCJ-0Fs3oKBw-uZIUPw8paZ~AZEpdXkcgzsBYftMueHvhFt-zL8dcAL7d3pKoI3XmsKj25R5hLHSIk8wEke1~sVO-G5Mb4F1LuHK4XpBiMvX5yAGO7GXU8pJsBQEjdSKkOpDm8ocdvab0J4lm9v4nKI~3UxRLUtUxkQlv7L8YeHYKuhgj3d3~~h9Disbs9idFDlHXmFy0ERisXTyZtq-EE4GbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Suffolk City Public School","date","2025-04-25T14:37:13Z","article","The board recognized student accomplishments and program milestones from across the division during the superintendent's report and a series of presentations.

Nansemond River High School Principal Dr. Sean Green and counseling director Kimberly Reed presented the school's honor graduates for the class of 2025 and told the board the school had 204 honor graduates this year. Reed reported the students had recorded more than 430 college acceptance letters on file and had received over $4.5 million in scholarship offers so far; she noted those totals were growing as additional acceptances and awards arrive.

Superintendent Dr. Gordon highlighted several division recognitions: the Little Feet meet and Champions Together unified track meet (special education athletics), National Junior Honor Society student service to the Suffolk Humane Society, and a Lakeland High School students' original music rescore of Nosferatu that received an honorable mention at the Bleeding Tree International Film Festival.

The board also heard from Amy Blythe, the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow teacher at Nansemond River High School, and three students who attended the Educators Rising Virginia Leadership Conference; three students placed at the state event and two were invited to nationals in Orlando. Blythe described the program as a dual-enrollment pathway (12 college credits) that includes internships and capstone projects; the superintendent noted the district is exploring letters of intent, guaranteed contracts and signing bonuses to encourage participants to return as employees.

In addition to program recognitions, the division presented 46 third-quarter SPS Star Achiever awards to staff members across buildings and recognized three local businesses (Amadis Industries, Star Motors and Barton Ford Suffolk) on the VSBA business honor roll for support of CTE programs.

Board members collectively praised students, families and staff and reminded the public that graduation is scheduled for May 31 for the Nansemond River High School class of 2025.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 24, 2025 - School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At the April 24 meeting the board recognized 204 honor graduates from Nansemond River High School, heard about career and technical education (CTE) business partners and a Teachers for Tomorrow team that placed at state competition and qualified students for nationals.","taxTitle","SUFFOLK CITY PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia","taxId",14519,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6261194,"After bus incident report, district outlines hand-to-hand policy, tags and pilot ID badge scanning",436,6361000,6797000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3124463-5678f818641b90098206f71ce700bf84&start=6361&end=6797","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3124463-5678f818641b90098206f71ce700bf84/thumbnail_6361000.jpg","/articles/6261194/Virginia/After-bus-incident-report-district-outlines-hand-to-hand-policy-tags-and-pilot-ID-badge-scanning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6261194-d64fd4ce035b1c046702ffc8108a308b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143771&Signature=OkP69JvCSc9K0snAScQapNZZjc5VkmOBUjsqqdbhJG8LNwkRgvFFT4z6iOoCulUGqNZqfX7RBRB0wK-dA1y0nx1jeykVf0su8~Vha9fg-XVXtrLEkPxcrUPIUDkgDajL5Kzx1gpTyhAkDNWhTzWDB0jfVapX-VUfId~QYsgb3NMr3a6KWRZgbx7JmQNTIdmJ99oQEQFekXLGynJk1V6N~Qsj0Pz5c0ZHL2Az3o1fFLlS~SGRu5FgJhOazkUD~fQQh6aMXFQxh9syyqNn-3WEjzhWbEA1kF2M99nSZr-oLMKV91310zbzn4nXeChriTSxrVi5Hzzh3AVWnLQWMNNu5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board discussed a school-bus incident that was previously reported in local media and heard an overview of transportation protocols and planned safety measures from district staff.

Vice Chair McGee introduced the item to focus discussion on system improvements rather than on any individual employee. Chief of Administrative Services Dr. Rodney Brown reviewed existing protocols: prekindergarten and kindergarten students must be handed to an adult at the stop under current policy, and those students are assigned bright tags on backpacks so substitute drivers can identify them. Brown said drivers are required to keep these students in the front of the bus to maintain visibility and reduce distractions.

Brown described the operational response when a parent is not present: drivers notify dispatch, dispatch notifies the school, and the student typically is brought back to the school where the parent picks them up. He said the division will meet with drivers next week to reiterate protocols and obtain input.

Transportation staff described a pilot system observed in Chesapeake Public Schools that uses student ID badges with barcodes. When a child boards and exits, a bus-mounted scanner records the barcode and sends a notice to parents with the time and stop; the system also generates reports for staff. Superintendent Dr. Gordon said the district is in early stages of examining quotes and implementation costs for badge issuance and bus scanners and that the division will return with cost estimates.

Chief Financial Officer Wendy Forsman and the superintendent noted the badge-and-scanner option carries additional cost; staff emphasized the protocol changes and driver retraining are immediate steps the district can implement while it develops longer-term technology options.","Following a news report about a school-bus incident, the board heard from transportation leaders about existing hand-to-hand protocols for pre-K and kindergarten students and plans to pilot a barcode ID badge system and other measures to reduce errors.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6261199,"School board sets monthly agenda spot for student performances",661,5698000,6359000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3124463-5678f818641b90098206f71ce700bf84&start=5698&end=6359","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3124463-5678f818641b90098206f71ce700bf84/thumbnail_5698000.jpg","/articles/6261199/Virginia/School-board-sets-monthly-agenda-spot-for-student-performances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6261199-3ef4b13a388ca9a8c8c2b3f0da894824/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143771&Signature=cFIUhZJW0VQFZhmAobCaJUVuVrPgJfce~OPadQC82~yafELxsZc0K0eMCZ5VyrJd2w3hnI9GT21SxnFfDaqWzwtCfzu26KK1T4q-tfB4PCQfpRFidOfGxbsJtQb0Im6LKnlRZ7ATapq7Oe1jmpN4xhbxyzkwyRn6-9YKbKyRk9b6ly6yMPaGgXLxWd4a41POS8vFeL8txdZVEurlu-prHLFZ9xnP0DvQ~QQlfuPCDcg3AsAKIuiM25Mki6RUxlszFYlHvyPAf7rRJAqh9MF-H67TB9lAnoMGgmGPDij5pHRh3rrz-YrcbuG6F9BkejPXlPN9WOQh2U6iRP8jLql4iQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Suffolk City School Board voted unanimously to add a recurring agenda item to allow students to showcase learning and performances at one meeting per month.

Board member John Riddick (motion) and Board member Fields (second) moved that the board's agenda include a fixed spot for student performances. The board amended the motion to specify that the fixed position appear immediately after the board's approval of the meeting agenda. Members said the practice had been done previously and provides regular public visibility of student work and the district's return on instructional investments.

Staff and board members clarified the item is intended as a business-meeting feature and that fine-arts departments would coordinate schedules with the superintendent's office to avoid overburdening schools during heavy performance or testing seasons. Board members emphasized flexibility; a number of members said the monthly slot should be used when feasible rather than required if timing conflicts arise.

The motion passed with a recorded vote casting yes from Board members Dr. Brittingham, Fields, Jenkins, Riddick, Slingluff, Vice Chair McGee and Board Chair Howell. The superintendent's office will collaborate with the director of fine arts to publish a schedule for the coming school year.","By unanimous vote the board approved a standing agenda slot, immediately after agenda approval, for monthly student showcases; staff will coordinate scheduling with fine-arts leaders to avoid seasonal conflicts.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6261204,"Board approves state funding appropriation for FY24-25 staff bonuses; debate continues over tax treatment",761,4854000,5615000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3124463-5678f818641b90098206f71ce700bf84&start=4854&end=5615","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3124463-5678f818641b90098206f71ce700bf84/thumbnail_4854000.jpg","/articles/6261204/Virginia/Board-approves-state-funding-appropriation-for-FY24-25-staff-bonuses-debate-continues-over-tax-treatment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6261204-59c2fcb1020af4bf3cb97ce2a480918f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143771&Signature=G9wllNX1XZEn2YWAOYv19LODGAVrmxLHGbYzPHPPYdbBUWYAb-hrDxgbOvqzen~Rj~NlzgsE-oWd9qp-vzS2BkRXz7Hme0iGL11p6ENFJUH~ucZ7qM6rQB6ygRAgSJN~3vV8CZtbVtMawLGe9lh3Dld4-quAfmFdCAPbor0C6LpyQ2Yq8EqdUsH9VOeN0Uzj6FKwaeSFcWa8vkyxL9emOlua~oIm77FD~uvLD8JL4xoAe-cK69PhBp~jQyUyrQsEQ97qdG71MWqoKgh59nHr85su3veJNyf8lblW-hv~uaLaoa5HtbwoAfhBnowo83QqdjApccwEMYRHHuoXXDs9Dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Suffolk City School Board voted to appropriate state funds received for staff bonuses for fiscal year 2024-25, clearing an initial round of funding the city had already approved.

Board members voted to accept the state-provided funds so the division could pay the bonuses within the current fiscal year, a necessary administrative step the superintendent said was required to distribute the money by June 30. The motion to appropriate the funds was made by Board member Jenkins and seconded by Board member Fields; the recorded vote was unanimous among members present.

During discussion, several board members asked whether the district could absorb the employer-side payroll taxes or otherwise increase the amount employees receive after withholding. Chief Financial Officer Wendy Forsman warned that covering the tax cost would substantially increase the appropriation the board must approve: the line item staff referenced in materials (marked with a red asterisk) for the division's share was described in discussion as approximately $723,500. Forsman said covering the payroll-tax burden for about 2,300 employees would add roughly $1.15 million to the appropriation, which would reduce funds available for other year-end priorities.

Superintendent Dr. Gordon and Forsman said staff would produce cost scenarios and a tiered set of options for the board to consider at the next meeting. Board members asked staff to model partial tax-absorption scenarios (for example, covering a portion of payroll taxes) and also requested that staff explore noncash or operational incentives (additional carryover personal days, wellness rebates, and other benefits) as alternatives for increasing employee value beyond the direct bonus amount.

The recorded vote to appropriate the state funds was: Dr. Brittingham — yes; Board member Fields — yes; Board member Jenkins — yes; Board member Riddick — yes; Board member Slingluff — yes; Vice Chair McGee — yes; Board Chair Howell — yes. Staff said the city-appropriated portion enables the district to proceed with payments once payroll and administrative details are finalized.","The school board approved appropriation of state funds for staff bonuses, with staff and board members discussing the cost of covering payroll taxes and possible additional measures to boost take-home pay.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6261209,"Suffolk school board votes to suspend local equity policy and ratify Title VI certification amid federal directive",5980,2294000,8274000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3124463-5678f818641b90098206f71ce700bf84&start=2294&end=8274","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3124463-5678f818641b90098206f71ce700bf84/thumbnail_2294000.jpg","/articles/6261209/Virginia/Suffolk-school-board-votes-to-suspend-local-equity-policy-and-ratify-Title-VI-certification-amid-federal-directive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6261209-c0e3007b4fa8f736bd660766f2f1b7b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143771&Signature=QUis6-afNJSnihLrFu0ys-MGyZ8isTgTeAd94NqLSBRveW0ZuOVmJyHMtBKgjEGy3o0U3JXtIlQpjw0rOxQNA1KXU6xc5Cb4-D35BMh9sWUA37r4TMPjM8XPQ28iuCnSWOJwjZu63jxqpW150ARe2D6afCBDSg3wvJhnQzejT4-lo05z2tpc-xp6lO~uEE62O2a42dcvdCAr2ReFT4OLyHpM1N7-c-llT7HXIAB13iAe4Y~JRgxlYIONGyoN9rzOcd4AEP6pul5nXQS0bJCjizBZWVDT3MJ9OaqXiI5VcGb34PdgJWI1jmK6Phdf-JK7YNIdJdgBDxSTCvG4HVi17g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Suffolk City School Board voted to suspend school board policy section 1-5.1:2 and ratified a Title VI certification after contentious public comment and a divided board vote.

The measure, moved by Board member Slingluff and approved by a 4-3 roll call, suspends the school division’s local education equity policy identified in board materials as “1-5.1:2.” The vote followed public comment about a federal directive and a letter from the U.S. Department of Education that speakers said would require school divisions to pause certain diversity, equity and inclusion activities or risk losing federal funds.

Supporters of keeping the policy in place warned of immediate harms to students. “This is bigger than policy. It’s about our people, our children, the souls of our schools,” parent Tonya Hughes said in public comment, adding that Suffolk had previously entered a consent order with the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at desegregation. Valerie Boykin, president of the NAACP Suffolk Branch, urged the board to consider the potential financial impact and civil-rights implications before changing course.

Those who supported the suspension cited the federal letter and the risk to funding. Superintendent Dr. Gordon told the board legal counsel and staff had advised that the division’s options were constrained by recent federal guidance and litigation; school attorneys had recommended action to align the division with the U.S. Department of Education’s certification process.

Board members who opposed the suspension said removing the equity policy reduces tools the division uses to identify and respond to disproportionality and to provide supports targeted to students who need them. “If it wasn’t necessary, we would have never put it into writing,” Board member Riddick said during debate. Other board members said they were sympathetic to both the legal and the financial pressures on the district.

Superintendent Gordon and the board’s attorney said the suspension is an emergency compliance step and that the division will review services and programming over the summer to determine adjustments and next steps, depending on legal developments and any further guidance from the state or federal agencies.

The resolution passed with the following recorded votes: Dr. Brittingham — yes; Board member Fields — no; Board member Jenkins — no; Board member Riddick — no; Board member Slingluff — yes; Vice Chair McGee — yes; Board Chair Howell — yes.

The board and staff said they will report back with more detailed plans for how programs and supports will be administered while the suspension is in effect and as legal proceedings evolve.","After public comment and divided debate, the Suffolk City School Board voted 4-3 to suspend school board policy 1-5.1:2 (education equity defined) and ratified the superintendent’s Title VI certification to comply with a U.S. Department of Education directive; opponents said the move risks programs for historically disadvantaged students.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Suffolk Public Schools highlights honor graduates, CTE and Teachers for Tomorrow successes

After bus incident report, district outlines hand-to-hand policy, tags and pilot ID badge scanning

School board sets monthly agenda spot for student performances

Board approves state funding appropriation for FY24-25 staff bonuses; debate continues over tax treatment

Suffolk school board votes to suspend local equity policy and ratify Title VI certification amid federal directive