Education Matters: Surry County

On this edition of Education Matters, Dr. Jeff Rose is in the studio. He is the newly appointed Superintendent for Norfolk Public Schools. Dr. Rose previously lead school divisions in Oregon and Georgia and recently works for a non-profit that helps educational institutions further their mission for productive learning. In Norfolk, he takes over a division facing challenges in closing and cosolidating schools. He's in studio to talk about that, his plans to boost test scores and graudation rates, and answer your questions. Norfolk Public Schools is a member of HRETA, which holds the license for WHRO stations.

On this edition of Education Matters, Dr. John B. Gordon III visits us again from Suffolk. Superintendent Gordon has been at the helm of Suffolk Public Schools since 2019 and was recently recognized as Virginia's Superintendent of the Year. He disucsses his path to statewide recognition, the initiatives the division has taken during his tenure, and his advice for parents preparing their children for a successful school year. He also answers your questions. Suffolk Public Schools are a member of HRETA, which holds the license for WHRO stations.

On this edition of Education Matters, Dr. Anthony Vladu, Superintendent of the Gloucester County Public Schools, joins Dr. Barry Graham. Dr. Vladu assumed head of the division in 2023 after serving in the military, and after beginning a career in education as a classroom teacher, school principal, and division administrator. They discuss the state of Gloucester's schools now, what initiatives are being implemented to ensure student success, and what's included in the newest budget. Gloucester County Public Schools are a member of HRETA, which holds the license for WHRO.

On this edition of Education Matters, Dr. Daniel Keever, Superintendent of the Williamsburg James City County Schools discusses how the unique jointly run system is moving forward after it briefly talked of dissolving. Also, what is the division doing to address absenteeism, teacher recruitment, and new History SOLS? Dr. Keever discusses his vision for the division on Education Matters. Williamsburg James City County Schools are a member of HRETA, which holds the license for WHRO.

Dr. John Caggiano is the Deputy Superintendent of Hampton City Schools. He also serves as the Chief of Staff for the division - and on this installment of Education Matters, we speak with him about how parents can keep their children engaged in learning over summer break, the impact of Hampton Schools Academies on college and career readiness, and the statewide award the division won for its unique instructional toolkit. Hampton City Public Schools are a member of HRETA, which holds the license for WHRO.

Dr. John B. Gordon III has been the Superintendent of the Suffolk City Public Schools since 2019 and he joins host Doug Boynton on this edition of Education Matters. They discuss the unique challenges facing Suffolk schools - between fast growing populations, national teacher shortages, and the new accoutability system set by the State Board of Education that has received some controversial feedback. Suffolk City Public Schools are a member of HRETA, which holds the license for WHRO.

Dr. Elie Bracy, Superintendent of the Portsmouth City Public Schools, joins host Doug Boynton on this program. Dr. Bracy has been at the helm of the district since 2015. He discusses the State’s proposed new accountability system, the on-going struggle to recruit and retain qualified teachers, and other challenges facing both Portsmouth and schools nationwide. Portsmouth City Public Schools are a member of HRETA, which holds the lisense for WHRO.

We are continuing the discussion with area educators about the issues facing today's classroom teachers. We spoke with Dr. Herbert Monroe, the newly appointed Superintendent of Surry County Public Schools. We sat down to explore how the district is faring in the fight against chronic absenteeism, the ways they address teacher and student mental health, and several other factors school divisions across the country face today. SCPS is a member of HRETA, which holds the license for WHRO.

The reading disorder dyslexia affects roughly 1 in 5 students- adding to the challenge classroom teachers face engaging students to read and write. What are the strategies teachers are using to improve reading and writing skills? Heidi Lewis, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Portsmouth Public Schools and Tony Quaranta, who was diagnosed at an early age with dyslexia and has mentored students, are the in-studio guests.

What's it like to teach on Virginia's Eastern Shore? Like other divisions, attracting and keeping teachers is an on-going issue in Northampton County Schools. They started this school year with a shortage. Also, the large migrant population of the region creates unique challenges for students and teachers when English is a second language, so what are some of the solutions? And, the division broke ground on a new middle and high school facility, but what are the politics of convincing the public to invest in school infastructure? In this installment of Education Matters, we tackle these topics and more with Dr. Lisa Martin, Superintendent of Northampton County Schools. NCPS is a member of HRETA, which holds WHRO's license.