Norfolk Public Schools serves the City of Norfolk, the cultural and financial hub of southeastern Virginia. Home to the world’s largest Navy base, Norfolk covers approximately 66 square miles with nearly a quarter-million citizens. The Hampton Roads metro area is home to approximately 1.5 million people. Norfolk Public Schools includes 33 elementary, seven middle, and five high schools in addition to a variety of auxiliary facilities (early childhood centers, a career and technical center, a pre-IB 3-8 school, and other support facilities) and serves more than 33,000 students. The school system employs approximately 6,278 staff members, including more than 2,511 teachers. NPS is the cornerstone of a proudly diverse community. As such, we will: - ensure full accreditation; - increase academic achievement of all students; - improve climate, safety, and attendance; - become a School Board of Distinction; - promote Norfolk Public Schools to reflect outstanding accomplishments of staff, teachers, and students develop and coordinate a capital improvement plan for facilities and technology to enhance teaching and learning; and - attract, retain, and help to develop strong academic families and highly qualified teachers and staff. The mission of Norfolk Public Schools, the cornerstone of a proudly diverse community, is to ensure that all students maximize their academic potential, develop skills for lifelong learning, and are successful contributors to a global society, as distinguished by: - courageous advocacy for all students; - family and community investment; - data-driven personalized learning; - strong and effective leadership teams; - shared responsibility for teaching and learning; and - access to rigorous and rewarding college and career readiness opportunities.