[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6228092,"mediaKeyId","3477695-5474a2f0c9b520bbc7ec3a76ad1b3f45","parentId",3477695,"title","Lakeland High honor graduates limelight: class of 2025 earns $9.5 million in scholarships","audioSeconds",110,"startMs",1088040,"endMs",1198840,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3477695-5474a2f0c9b520bbc7ec3a76ad1b3f45&start=1088&end=1198","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3477695-5474a2f0c9b520bbc7ec3a76ad1b3f45/thumbnail_1088040.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6228092/Virginia/Lakeland-High-honor-graduates-limelight-class-of-2025-earns-95-million-in-scholarships","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228092-11517a4ecbcae6966bb138ea286a5bcd/orig.mp4?Expires=1775517589&Signature=LSICkW~pEBMcBeT0OIhApDaBWxY4OHfHPq0VrS2sied59z59pgVt8bfFTKqbesaLVlJQJdXSPr2cz9VDxrVhCZqo51PYy9xZtbUON7vAoXBKU~r0TeU4vABlrANKY6vBBpEtXLORD-13~f15piU9XbVdjCop~hU2QCv~xYoIA5OTOaNhshXS5ZMKHsT1tRoyu4tgKHfRCBKFaJfBYDcjgciH9z5oaTd11E65aRuv8rmo5g0jdIeesdewbEZssqHTn2Wa~Y-cA7L3sTfSDBu8NIwzhePMcn8aoYXY0BcW95xJFknzHsEU3sPiFoksSHYnuJFSSKKjGz~immPrla7cdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Suffolk City Public School","date","2025-05-24T00:37:00.723Z","article","Lakeland High School celebrated 90 honor graduates at the Suffolk Public School Board meeting on May 22, where administrators and the superintendent highlighted the class’s academic achievements and collective scholarship awards totaling about $9.5 million.

Acting principal Ricky Ealy told the school board the graduating class numbered 224 students and that the class had accumulated roughly $9,500,000 in scholarship offers. Sheila Williams, Lakeland’s school‑counseling director, introduced the honor graduates and noted the class had demonstrated academic excellence and perseverance through challenges including the pandemic.

Students who addressed the board named their post‑secondary plans, including attendance at Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, James Madison University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Liberty University and George Mason University, and career plans ranging from nursing and cybersecurity to theater education and aviation.

Superintendent Dorothea Gordon and several board members offered congratulations, emphasizing the students’ resilience and the role of families and educators. The board recognized student Emily Monument for winning first place in the 2025 Virginia School Boards Association regional student art contest; staff presented her award at the meeting.

School leadership reminded the community that graduation is scheduled for May 31 and noted summer calendar items and district recognitions, including consecutive NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) honors for music education and Project Lead The Way distinctions for Nansemond River and Lakeland high schools.

The board’s recognition at its regular meeting highlighted both individual student plans and districtwide program awards as the school year concludes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 22, 2025 - School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Lakeland High School honored 90 honor graduates May 22; the superintendent and school leaders celebrated the class of 2025’s academic achievements and announced collective scholarship awards of about $9.5 million.","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},6228096,"Speakers press Suffolk schools for forensic audit and FOIA transparency; athletic and nutrition controls questioned",7209,2567095,9776920,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3477695-5474a2f0c9b520bbc7ec3a76ad1b3f45&start=2567&end=9776","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3477695-5474a2f0c9b520bbc7ec3a76ad1b3f45/thumbnail_2567095.jpg","/articles/6228096/Virginia/Speakers-press-Suffolk-schools-for-forensic-audit-and-FOIA-transparency-athletic-and-nutrition-controls-questioned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228096-8d281188ea5068b7c6b8e2787c9b7f37/orig.mp4?Expires=1775517589&Signature=QWwiO6djqwnJQerawbLjYbtOTXjWZo6OumfvmCZvuiNFLE8nIsTu9~v-bx-syw3kRmC9AoU87BPG8BO9~x4yeXp0y7-u6sPRuvKQWRAPThkRcPxyNgVR~c-XJTUf34APMbFHu3uvkQhH~m1VPsBsHs7IRnWNaA51yQK7jeqya~nVfZU0XDHpH~H1Srra1pYCU7kSjdXnjY1xVqxDqd-ACS4zWVsAw2XnPSwwnkJ~Yk1TSNtOvvLgfQMzK7SHn~S2swwut8X2AUE2UMTGFevQxTv76HaxVB10tMvN7vJkGJoh-syoQv6srweNW4nkZ8-0vkU7SJ75BOVHXa~Tkkls0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several community members used the public‑comment period at the Suffolk Public School Board meeting on May 22 to call for greater financial transparency, an independent forensic audit and improvements to the division’s FOIA process.

Travis McKinney recounted a recent FOIA request that, he said, encountered inconsistent routing and delayed response; he told the board he had taken the exchange to the FOIA Council and planned to submit a fuller package of documentation in July. McKinney asked the board to ensure staff understand the required FOIA intake and routing procedures.

Elizabeth Morningstar urged a forensic audit focused on three areas: overall school‑division governance and oversight; athletic‑department financial controls (she raised concerns of missing funds tied to Lakeland High School concessions and fundraisers); and school‑nutrition program governance. Morningstar said the division currently has more than 60 purchasing cards in circulation with limited monthly oversight and outlined standard controls the division could adopt, such as preauthorization protocols, receipts and random internal reviews.

Speakers also voiced strong support for bonuses for essential support personnel — including bus drivers, aides, custodians and cafeteria staff — and described operational strains such as multiple daily bus runs and difficult routes. Sandra Wright, speaking on behalf of bus drivers and aides, told the board drivers often do double or triple runs, manage student behavior on crowded routes and lack air conditioning on some buses.

Board members acknowledged the remarks and asked staff to respond. Superintendent Gordon and finance staff said the division applies for grants when available, tracks encumbrances and will report back with audits of purchasing‑card usage and recommended controls. The board agreed there is public interest in a deeper review; some members said they had campaigned on promises to support a forensic audit and asked staff to outline options for an independent review.

No formal audit was authorized at the meeting; speakers asked the board to act on requested reviews and to provide timely responses to FOIA process concerns.","Public commenters at the May 22 Suffolk Public School Board meeting urged an independent forensic audit and fixes to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) processes, citing purchasing‑card oversight, athletic department fundraising concerns and nutrition program accountability.",{"_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},6228100,"Suffolk board adopts revised transgender policy; debate centers on training and student supports",139,7876615,8016005,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3477695-5474a2f0c9b520bbc7ec3a76ad1b3f45&start=7876&end=8016","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3477695-5474a2f0c9b520bbc7ec3a76ad1b3f45/thumbnail_7876615.jpg","/articles/6228100/Virginia/Suffolk-board-adopts-revised-transgender-policy-debate-centers-on-training-and-student-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228100-a046da9ca65e2d5ceb5ee29125ff4ae8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775517589&Signature=HMlqjZJWrQYQJkut9OWBL4JQooBnE8xymXmDAssxU6tk0swUP9nqO7Wt8QKH7L05eMIT690dgLM18DgcMpd~oWAz7A4wXdtJs3v0apLuF~BqeR9wIa5xJZaAJhVsAoq4RoZLGJa9gCE-Vy7eDImZNs3CAdj504flEvbG914ZJJh3xEUZdiCvGjG7m~vw4ys67LlmSeW~F~0FA43pUmWRYEWEf~fQOzYs6hr7oZX0D1U4uR3n-xvx5p~D~bD0Fae2DQPjPgJr6beL6TZAgraYl98gRziSYHSUSmvjEG2DG-D6gQly8bj2pHz7cHunt2maSdqXmOmR5PXZtDAqf3aelg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Suffolk Public School Board on May 22 approved Ordinance 25‑86, a second reading that revises the district’s policy on transgender students, after committee edits prompted debate over removed language related to staff training and administrative regulations.

The ordinance — presented as a comprehensive rewrite of chapter 1, article 6, section 1‑6.2 — covers definitions, nondiscrimination, counseling services, use of name and pronouns, access to records, dress codes, extracurricular activities and restroom and locker‑room access. The board’s committee removed a clause that would have authorized the superintendent to adopt implementing regulations and also deleted an explicit line encouraging annual training for school mental‑health professionals on serving LGBTQ+ students.

Valerie Boykin, president of the NAACP Suffolk branch, urged the board during public comment to retain definitions, anti‑bullying language and training, and cited a Trevor Project report noting high suicide‑ideation rates among LGBTQ+ Virginia youth. Boykin said removing training and supportive language “sends a message” and would leave students without protections she described as life‑saving.

Board discussion focused on the committee’s intent to mirror a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) model policy. Attorney Waller explained that because the committee’s edits left no room for discretionary regulations, the superintendent was no longer authorized to issue implementing guidelines in the ordinance text. Supporters of the revision said the committee sought to align the local policy with the VDOE model and to make the policy’s requirements clear in ordinance language rather than leaving items to regulation.

Opponents pressed for language that would explicitly require annual training for mental‑health staff and for clearer procedural supports for students. Superintendent Gordon told the board that counselors and school staff would continue to provide student support, but acknowledged the process would change under the revised language and said the division regarded student support as important even as the policy language shifted.

The ordinance passed on a recorded vote: Brittingham, Slingla (Slinglove in some roll calls), Vice Chair McGee and Chair Howell voted yes; Fields, Jenkins and Riddick voted no. Several board members and community speakers asked staff to return with implementation details explaining how training and student supports will be provided under the new policy.

The board’s action replaces the prior local policy with the newly adopted ordinance effective July 1, 2025, and staff said they will brief the board on the administrative process and the supports planned for students and families.","After a contentious second reading, the Suffolk Public School Board voted May 22 to adopt Ordinance 25‑86 updating the district’s transgender policy; members and public speakers disputed the removal of staff training and certain procedural language.",{"_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},6228106,"Suffolk school board prioritizes John F. Kennedy furniture, bonuses and security in year-end spending plan",2096,2364015,4460600,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3477695-5474a2f0c9b520bbc7ec3a76ad1b3f45&start=2364&end=4460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3477695-5474a2f0c9b520bbc7ec3a76ad1b3f45/thumbnail_2364015.jpg","/articles/6228106/Virginia/Suffolk-school-board-prioritizes-John-F-Kennedy-furniture-bonuses-and-security-in-year-end-spending-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228106-80b8568fd8cdb1f919274e32a4ccb0c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775517589&Signature=H6Spirw0eLeoBt~EmTck3~c195J81bRF95L-LmrHdVjxmtNLpuvKKo1t~T71mzuuLI4d2WUIPUb18IQASpeBCAlLm3EVIy2zLV~JnsqRjm98sgVY7r3L9lnsmir25~8pu7QPSqiVCDi91PsrYnI1wN-U6ENvRMQ8XPhCHmhkPfrsgA6P4ujm1V61~kQrX2S7Ah7uOAdViuz5o7PCRVoRcTA3A~odDE999DKFRe9m~7hh5f7oN-TzHU-Oiu1kiNSG~VG6NQ7R7KEosFi4Nd5IWykKCF282laRWV5sZ8K9Psb8~752IbA-s8sgZix5bdO-Ja4Xc-yesDgqcC0xr9J3VQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Suffolk Public School Board on May 22 voted to use remaining fiscal-year funds first for staff bonuses, then to fund new furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new John F. Kennedy school, and to replace district security cameras.

Board members approved a motion placing staff bonuses first, JFK furniture second, security cameras third, repairs at Oakland fourth and roof painting at Lakeland and Nansemond River high schools fifth. The board also adopted Resolution 24/25‑27, giving Superintendent Dorothea Gordon authority to obligate remaining appropriated funds before the fiscal year ends June 30 for board‑approved repairs and purchases.

Board members and staff described the practical problem behind the vote: the city’s capital‑improvement process historically has not provided funding for furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) on replacement schools, leaving the division to find roughly $1.4 million to outfit the entire JFK building. Chief facilities staff and the superintendent said they proposed a two‑year phase and asked the board to commit roughly $500,000 now to get closer to the estimated total. Board members urged the district to press the city to cover the remainder or to reallocate other projects such as the innovation center.

The board discussion ranged over tradeoffs the division faces when using limited year‑end funds. Facilities director Miss Forsman told the board the city had largely stopped delivering turnkey furnishing for replacement schools; when a building is a straight replacement, the district typically must reuse sound furniture and buy what it lacks. Superintendent Gordon said a half‑million dollars this year would move the district toward the $1.4 million target and that encumbered funds would be added to the JFK CIP line if the board approved the money now.

District technology staff reported roughly 300 security cameras are past manufacturer end of life; many remain functional but have lower resolution and diminishing vendor support. Technology director John Littlefield said the district’s Cisco phones are also beyond warranty and some models are no longer supported by the manufacturer, meaning replacements will eventually be required.

Board members pressed several funding options: shift funds from the innovation center, seek additional city appropriations, or delay less‑urgent projects. Several board members cautioned that any decision this year will push other maintenance or improvement projects into next year because preventive‑maintenance funds are limited.

The motion on the priority list passed unanimously: board members Brittingham, Fields, Jenkins, Riddick, Slingla, Vice Chair McGee and Chair Howell voted yes. The board then approved Resolution 24/25‑27, authorizing the superintendent to obligate encumbrances for the approved list before June 30; that motion also passed on a recorded vote.

Board members asked staff to return projected dollar amounts of any proposed purchases as year‑end encumbrances and to continue discussions with city council about additional funding. Superintendent Gordon said staff will report back on the amount that can be encumbered this fiscal year and bring remaining items to the October joint city‑school meeting if needed.

Community members spoke during public comment on related topics. Several speakers urged the board to press the city for funds so the new JFK building does not open with reused furniture; others urged prioritizing structural repairs such as sinkhole remediation, which staff said has already consumed substantial district funds.

The board’s action directs staff to begin encumbering funds for the approved top items immediately and to return subsequent updates at upcoming meetings.","The Suffolk Public School Board voted May 22 to prioritize staff bonuses, new furniture for the John F. Kennedy (JFK) school, and replacement security cameras using remaining fiscal-year funds and authorized the superintendent to encumber the money before June 30.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lakeland High honor graduates limelight: class of 2025 earns $9.5 million in scholarships

Speakers press Suffolk schools for forensic audit and FOIA transparency; athletic and nutrition controls questioned

Suffolk board adopts revised transgender policy; debate centers on training and student supports

Suffolk school board prioritizes John F. Kennedy furniture, bonuses and security in year-end spending plan