School board approves new/revised policy chapter and appoints assistant principal, all votes unanimous

The Newport News School Board unanimously approved a package of new and revised policies and confirmed a superintendent personnel recommendation during its Jan. 20 meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Mitchell told the board the policy package represents the second cycle in a five-year review of the district's policy manual, focused on facilities planning and support services. The chapters under review included policies touching plant services, custodial services, nutrition and wellness, school safety and security, transportation, technology and warehouse services. After brief board commentary thanking staff and committee members, a motion to approve the new and revised policies passed by roll call vote, 7–0.

Later in the meeting Dr. Mitchell recommended Indira Smith for appointment as assistant principal at Saunders Elementary School, noting her master’s degree in elementary education from Virginia Commonwealth University and prior assistant-principal experience in Texas. The board moved and seconded the superintendent's personnel recommendations and confirmed the appointment on a 7–0 vote.

Board members who spoke during the discussion praised the policy-review process and thanked policy-committee members for several months of review and adjustments. No amendments to the motions were recorded in the meeting minutes.

The votes recorded on the consent agenda, the policy package and the personnel appointment were each announced as "motion passes 7 0." The superintendent and the clerk will follow standard administrative procedures to publish the approved policy updates and to complete personnel onboarding for Indira Smith.