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Newport News reports gains on SOLs, graduation rises to 97% and a 2030 strategic plan aims for higher proficiency
Summary
School leaders told the joint session the division saw double-digit science gains, an on‑time graduation increase from 93% to 97%, reduced chronic absenteeism and a five‑part strategy (foundations, teacher support, tiered school support, student interventions, leadership) to boost outcomes toward a 2030 goal.
At a joint work session Sept. 23, Newport News school officials reported districtwide academic gains and outlined a multi‑year strategy aimed at increasing student proficiency.
Dr. Kip Rogers, the districtacademic chief officer, said the Virginia Department of Education has implemented a new accountability system that combines accreditation, mastery, growth and readiness metrics and that the state has not completed all growth calculations. Rogers said that despite recent changes in state standards, the district did not experience the typical performance drop that can follow a standards shift.
Rogers highlighted what he described as "double digit gains" in science and said about 58% of schools would have been identified as accredited without conditions under the old method. He reported the on‑time, four‑year graduation rate increased from 93% to 97% and that chronic absenteeism declined (a cited decrease from about 21% to 18%). Rogers said the divisionis pursuing five areas of focus: strong foundations, supporting teachers, tiered school supports, targeted student interventions and leadership development.
Officials noted targeted interventions and partnerships: the district is working with a firm (Edgescentric) to provide more intensive support to 24 schools and is replicating successful strategies used at Newsome Park, where third‑grade reading increased by 23% after an intentional plan. The division also reported a high parent survey response rate in pilot schools with about 90% expressing overall satisfaction.
On technology, Rogers said an AI task force spent last year developing guidance for staff and students; senior staff will receive the plan, with broader rollout and training to follow. Board and council members asked about potential enrollment effects from charter schools and vouchers; Rogers said the division is actively working to attract and retain families and has reclaimed some families who had been homeschooling.
School leaders emphasized continued coordination with city partners, higher teacher pay relative to neighboring districts as a recruitment asset, and plans for replicating schoolssuccessful interventions across the district.
