Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) has announced an Update to the Community event scheduled for October 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Hines Middle School. The purpose of the event is to share information and updates with local residents.
According to NNPS, leaders will provide updates on transportation, zoning, and magnet and specialty programs. A recording and survey link will be available afterward for community feedback. Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell said, “We’ll share updates at the event and ask for your opinions in the survey,” emphasizing that community input will guide the district’s planning and next steps.
The Newport News Public Schools Transportation Department, led by Executive Director Shay V. Coates and Operations Supervisor Sharon L. Moore, offers 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, with cooperation from the Police Department to ensure bus stop safety.
Newport News Public Schools provides magnet and specialty programs for students from elementary through high school levels. These programs offer 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; they serve students citywide while supporting participation in gifted programs, maintaining racial balance, and including transportation options. Additional 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.
NNPS serves approximately 26,000 students across 40 schools that include early childhood centers as well as elementary through high school institutions. The district employs around 3,900 teachers, administrators, and support staff with a focus on preparing all students to graduate college-, career-, and citizen-ready. NNPS also provides early learning programs along with advanced science labs and educational technology to support both student achievement and teacher success. Governed by a seven-member elected School Board with Dr. Michele Mitchell serving as superintendent; board meetings are public events that offer structured opportunities for citizen input.
