Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) has announced that Menchville High senior Kyla Leggette will serve as the School Board student representative for the 2025–26 school year.
Leggette, known for her leadership and teamwork skills, is actively involved in several honor societies, the marching band, Model United Nations, and archery. She also founded a junior circle supporting Sunflower Children’s Hospital while volunteering in the community. The Newport News Education Foundation named her Menchville High’s top 11th-grade student for 2024–25. She previously served on the Student Advisory Group on Education, where she met with the superintendent to provide student perspectives. Leggette will continue in this role as co-chair alongside Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell this school year, according to NNPS.
“As I’m sworn in today, I’m extremely honored and grateful for this opportunity,” said Leggette after taking her Oath of Commitment at the August 19 School Board meeting. “I promise to strive to ensure every student’s voice, experiences and concerns are honored and valued to ensure we strive to a better future.”
Menchville High School is located at 275 Menchville Road in Newport News, Virginia. It serves students in grades 9–12 under Principal Jason Hollar and Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell. Accredited by the Virginia Department of Education, the school enrolled 1,709 students in 2024–2025, with class sizes ranging from 384 seniors to 422 sophomores. The school’s mission focuses on developing 21st-century skills and encouraging students to take personal responsibility for their education, while its vision emphasizes respect, achievement, and maximizing available opportunities. Menchville High also hosts a Dual Language Immersion program that supports bilingual learning and prepares students for a global society.
NNPS serves approximately 26,000 students across 40 schools including early childhood centers, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and combination schools. Over 1,500 students speak a language other than English within the district. NNPS employs roughly 3,900 teachers, administrators, and support staff with a focus on preparing all students to graduate college-, career-, and citizen-ready. The district provides early learning programs, advanced science labs, and educational technology to support student and teacher success. Governed by a seven-member elected School Board with Dr. Michele Mitchell as superintendent, board meetings are public and include structured opportunities for citizen input.
