Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) has announced that its rescheduled Update to the Community will take place on October 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Hines Middle School. During this event, division leaders will provide updates on transportation, zoning, and magnet and specialty programs.
According to NNPS, leadership plans to inform community members about 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 help 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 collaborates with the Police Department to ensure bus stop safety.
NNPS offers magnet and specialty programs for elementary through high school students with focused curricula in areas such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), environmental science, communication and performing arts, aviation, global studies, and health sciences. These programs may be school-wide or housed within larger schools; they serve students citywide while supporting participation in gifted programs, maintaining racial balance, and including transportation options. Other offerings 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 as well as elementary through high schools. 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 alongside advanced science labs and educational technology to support both student success and teacher effectiveness. The district is governed by a seven-member elected School Board with Dr. Michele Mitchell serving as superintendent; board meetings are public events that include structured opportunities for citizen input.
