Development News for Norfolk, Virginia

School Board Reviews Policy Updates, Discusses Governance and Alternative Education

The school board discussed and reviewed proposed policy updates, including major revisions to policies on weapons on school property (JFCD), gang activity (JFCE), and parental involvement in education (KP). Other policies with minor changes included corporal punishment (JGA), public conduct on school property (KGB), and school visitors (KK). Several policies require annual board approval, such as seclusion and restraint (JMZ), which has a strong policy in place that other divisions are looking to as a model. The board also discussed the upcoming chain of command policy, board norms and protocols, and the need for a review of the alternative education program, including disciplinary practices, trauma-informed approaches, restorative discipline, and curriculum access for students in alternative settings. Concerns were raised about the district's approach to bullying, including standardized methods of addressing it and ensuring feedback on resolutions. The importance of accountability in policy implementation at the school level was emphasized.

School Board Debates 2027-2028 Calendar Options, Weighing Instructional Time vs. End-of-Year Date

The school board discussed two calendar options for the 2027-2028 school year, with Option A starting two weeks before Labor Day and including 177 full and 3 early release student days, totaling 1959 instructional hours. Option B also starts two weeks before Labor Day but includes 175 full and 4 early release days, totaling 1951 instructional hours. Option A offers more teacher planning time and longer holiday breaks, while Option B ends the school year earlier. Survey data indicated a preference for Option B (55%) primarily due to the earlier end date, while Option A was favored by 45% for its additional teacher workdays and longer breaks. Teachers, however, showed a stronger preference for Option B (66% to 33%), valuing an earlier end date and fewer perceived excess workdays. The board discussed the impact of the calendar on instructional time, AP testing, and the potential for inclement weather days. Legal requirements for starting the school year and holiday breaks were also reviewed. The administration will present a recommendation on June 17, 2026. A discussion also touched upon the feasibility of starting the school year earlier than two weeks before Labor Day, which would require state board approval.

Norfolk Public Schools Reviews Preliminary Grant Applications for 2026-2027 School Year

The school board reviewed preliminary Title I, Title II, Title III, and Title IV grant applications for the 2026-2027 school year. The Title I application proposes maintaining full funding for all current Title I schools, with a decrease in the number of schoolwide Title I schools due to consolidation. The Title II grant focuses on professional development for teachers and principals, totaling over $1.8 million, with a portion of Title IV funds being transferred to supplement this. The Title III grant, under $24,000, supports English Learners, and the Title IV grant, just under $1.2 million, funds various positions and programs including student transition support and anti-bullying initiatives. A significant portion of Title IV funds will be transferred to Title II for professional development. The board will vote on the applications on June 17, 2026, with submission to the Virginia Department of Education by July 1, 2026.