Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) has announced the postponement of its October 13 community update on transportation, zoning, and magnet and specialty programs. The event will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced.
According to NNPS, leadership plans to provide updates on these topics and will offer a recorded version of the event along with a survey for feedback. Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell said that the updates and survey responses will guide the school division’s planning and next steps, ensuring community input informs decisions.
The Newport News Public Schools Transportation Department, led by Executive Director Shay V. Coates and Operations Supervisor Sharon L. Moore, provides student bus services and resources for families. Through the Bus Stops and Zones Webquery system, parents and students can find the nearest bus stop, view schedules, and access neighborhood maps. Students are required to arrive 10–15 minutes early, wear student IDs on buses and campus, and follow safety guidelines. Families can track buses in real time using the Here Comes the Bus app, and the department works with the Police Department to ensure bus stop safety.
NNPS offers magnet and specialty programs for elementary through high school students, providing focused curricula in areas such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), environmental science, communication and performing arts, aviation, global studies, and health sciences. Programs may be school-wide or housed within larger schools, serve students citywide, support participation in gifted programs, maintain racial balance, and include transportation. Options also include the International Baccalaureate program, An Achievable Dream academies, Point Option for non-traditional learners, and the Virtual Learning Academy for grades 6–12.
Newport News Public Schools serves approximately 26,000 students across 40 schools including early childhood centers; elementary; middle; high; and combination schools. Over 1,500 students speak a language other than English. The district employs roughly 3,900 teachers, administrators, and support staff with a focus on preparing all students to graduate college-, career-, and citizen-ready. NNPS provides early learning programs as well as advanced science labs and educational technology to support student success. The seven-member elected School Board governs the district with Dr. Michele Mitchell serving as superintendent.
