NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Dr. Michele Mitchell is the Newport News Public Schools’ next superintendent.
The school board unanimously voted to approve the decision to make Dr. Mitchell the next division leader. She has served as the interim superintendent since the board decided to fire former Superintendent Dr. George Parker.
The announcement Thursday night was met with a standing ovation in the packed school board chamber.
"I look forward to continuing my service to this great school division. I remain focused on my commitment to rebuild and advance Newport News Public Schools," said Mitchell.
The decision comes seven months after police say a first-grade student shot his teacher at Richneck Elementary School. Parker was at the helm during that shooting and two others in 2021.
In September 2021, two students were hurt at Heritage High School. Then following a basketball game at Menchville High in December 2021, a Woodside High student was killed.
He was ousted amid criticism over how he responded to those crises. Mitchell has been in charge ever since.
"She did not just keep the bus on the road, she moved us forward through the challenges that we were having," School Board Chair Lisa Surles-Law said Thursday night.
Michele Nordeen, the parent of a Menchville freshman, said she’s happy with the board’s decision.
"Dr. Mitchell did a very good job of coming in during a difficult time and leading us out of the darkness," she said. "She's very family-focused. She's very PTA-focused. I think she'll be the answer that we're looking for."
Nordeen isn't alone. Other parents of NNPS students took to social media, congratulating Dr. Mitchell on the position, some saying, "Newport News is in good hands."
However, a few other parents who spoke with 13News Now off-camera said they wished the school board would have hired an external candidate to bring a fresh set of eyes to the school division.
Dr. James Graves, Newport News Education Association President, said she fits the criteria that he and other staff members were looking for.
"Wanted someone to be approachable, someone who has the interest of our students and staff and parents involved," he said. "A lot of teachers and staff members know her to be a straightforward person, so we're going to see what happens, but I think it's a good choice."
School Board Chair Lisa Surles-Law said they look forward to seeing more of what they’ve seen over the past seven months.
"She has a vision for us. It includes our academics, it includes our safety and, first and foremost, our culture and climate because without that, we are not going to be able to provide the best for our students and our staff," she said.
Surles-Law said they chose Mitchell out of 54 candidates because she exemplified what parents and staff said they wanted to see during public input sessions: good communication, accountability, safety, academics, and a positive culture and climate.
"I would say welcome aboard, but rather I will say move to the bridge at the front of our ship!" Surles-Law told Mitchell.
Mitchell most recently served as the Executive Director of Student Advancement for 11 years. In total, she’s worked for the division for 32 years.
According to Mitchell's contract, the newly appointed Superintendent will receive a salary of $235,000. That is less than what Dr. George Parker III was getting paid at more than $250,000 at the time of his severance.