Meeting Agendas
School Board meeting agendas are available for review online and at city public libraries by the Monday preceding each meeting. For more information call (757) 591-7416.
Times & Location
Regular Board Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. and Work Sessions at 5:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at the NNPS Administration Building, 12465 Warwick Boulevard (unless otherwise noted). All meetings of the School Board are open to the public.
The seven members of the Newport News Public School Board are elected through a district system for staggered four-year terms, with one member elected at large. Newport News students also elect one non-voting student representative.
Lisa R. Surles-Law, Chairman
Ms. Surles-Law is a science education administrator at Jefferson Lab. She is a member of numerous professional and community organizations and is a strong proponent of STEM education and teacher professional development. Ms. Surles-Law was elected to the School Board in May 2018.
Central District
(757) 828-5684
Lisa.SurlesLaw@nn.k12.va.us
Dr. Terri L. Best, Vice-Chairman
Dr. Best is a retired Newport News public school administrator and a graduate of NNPS. She is actively involved in many community activities and is an advocate for youth development. Dr. Best was elected to the School Board in May 2018.
South District
(757) 696-0971
Terri.Best@nn.k12.va.us
Maritsa Alger
Ms. Alger retired from public education after 32 years of service as a teacher, specialist, assistant principal and principal. She is a member numerous professional and community organizations. Ms. Alger was elected to the School Board in November 2023 for January 1, 2024.
South District
(757) 591-7416
Maritsa.Alger@nn.k12.va.us
Rebecca S. Aman
Mrs. Aman is an attorney specializing in estate planning, trusts, business and tax law. She is a graduate of Newport News Public Schools. Mrs. Aman was elected to the School Board in May 2020.
Central District
(757) 817-2720
Rebecca.Aman@nn.k12.va.us
Douglas C. Brown
Mr. Brown is a Director of Data Science for a software company. As a product of public schools, and a former educator, he believes in the power of public education to drive economic growth locally and generationally. Mr. Brown has a passion for STEM education and has served on the School Board since 2014.
North District
(757) 750-0853
Douglas.Brown@nn.k12.va.us
Marvin L. Harris
Mr. Harris is a Training Executive for the Department of Defense with 38 years of continuous service to our nation. He retired from the U.S. Army after 22 years in 2006. He is active in many service organizations and strongly advocates for early childhood education. He believes that "we have to meet every child where they are." Mr. Harris was elected to the School Board in May 2016.
North District
(757) 870-4916
Marvin.Harris@nn.k12.va.us
Gary B. Hunter
Mr. Hunter is the director of development at Hampton University. He is a member of numerous community organizations and is a strong proponent of preparing students to be college and career-ready. He has served on the School Board since 2014.
At-Large
(757) 833-7544
Gary.Hunter@nn.k12.va.us
Razvan S. Verde
Razvan S. Verde is a senior at Warwick High School and brings a wealth of leadership and team building skills to the position. He is the founder/president of the Warwick UNICEF Club and a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Key Club, Governor’s School Student Advisory Board, tennis and golf teams, and volunteers for several community organizations.
Clerk of the Board
You may contact Clerk of the Board Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe at (757) 591-7416 or by e-mail at Tiffany.Moorebuffal@nn.k12.va.us.
The Newport News School Board conducts a regular meeting each month and welcomes input from the public. Each regular meeting provides two opportunities for public comments from individuals addressing topics not appearing on the agenda. The first audience with the public, not to exceed 30 minutes, is at the beginning of the meeting following the opening ceremonies and Board recognitions and honors. The second opportunity to speak is toward the end of the meeting, following the Reports/Information section of the agenda.
Cards are available upon entering the meeting for individuals wishing to address the Board. They should fill out the card with name, address, and the topic on which they wish to speak, and return it to the agenda table. Individuals will be recognized by the School Board Chairman in the order the cards were received. Comments should be limited to a three-minute timeframe. A light system will display a green light when the speaker begins, a yellow light with 30 seconds remaining, and a red light to indicate the end of the three minutes. The Chairman will rule on such matters as the appropriateness of the subject being presented and the suitability of the time for such a presentation.
