Newport News Public Schools set a record on-time graduation rate of 98.06% for the Class of 2026, up from 97.26% in 2025, according to the district’s news site. The Virginia Department of Education released the School Performance and Support Framework ratings Oct. 7, sorting schools into four categories from Distinguished to Needs Intensive Support. The district’s dropout rate was 0.24%.
Every school in the district remains fully accredited for the second consecutive year, and 81%, or 30 of 37 schools, in Newport News meet or exceed Virginia’s academic performance expectations, the district’s news site reported. Booker T. Washington Middle School and Woodside High School joined Deer Park, General Stanford and Hilton elementary schools as Distinguished schools. The three elementary schools earned the designation for a second straight year.
The district’s news site reported that 25 schools received a lower overall designation based solely on federal student-group accountability requirements. Superintendent Michele Mitchell said the lower designations were not because of a decline in the schools’ overall performance. She added that the district remains committed to improving outcomes for every student, including student groups where achievement gaps exist.
Statewide, the department reported that schools gained 4 to 5 points on average on the framework in its second year, and 38% improved their performance category. A record 16 of 49 federally identified schools exited Comprehensive Support and Improvement status, and three of every four schools reduced chronic absenteeism. Among the state’s more than 1,800 schools, 99% are fully accredited.
Newport News Daily Brief, October 9, 2026
Education
Freshman Erin Rigby Sings With Broadway Stars and Virginia Symphony
Christopher Newport University freshman Erin Rigby, a music and theatre student, performed a solo with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Broadway stars Erika Henningsen and Santino Fontana before 1,700 people at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, just two weeks into her first semester, CNU’s Kelley McGee reported Oct. 8.
NNPS Teacher Andrea Williams-Roots Named Adapted Physical Educator of Year
Newport News Public Schools adapted physical education teacher Andrea Williams-Roots was named 2026 Adapted Physical Educator Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, NNPS reported Oct. 5. She serves the district’s middle and high schools and will be recognized Oct. 24-25 at the association’s convention in Lynchburg. Williams-Roots became a physical education teacher in 1992 and moved into adapted physical education in 2015. Adapted physical education is instruction specially designed for students with disabilities. She calls herself an “edu-carer” who builds relationships and helps students become lifelong physically active participants.
Business
BayPort Reopens Downtown Newport News Branch, Only Financial Institution There
BayPort Credit Union, the only financial institution with a branch in downtown Newport News, reopened its renovated 37th Street location, its first-ever branch, BayPort said in an Oct. 5 press release. The overhaul added drive-thru and walk-up interactive teller machines, and BayPort gave The Mariners’ Museum $25,000.
Community & Services
Community listening tour on justice
Angela Reason, Clerk of the Newport News Circuit Court, will host a Community Listening Tour on October 20 in partnership with the Virginia Access to Justice Commission. Residents can share experiences about access to justice with judges and legal community members. Community organizations will provide resource tables at the free event held at City Council Chambers.
Waterworks to host science focused event at Tradition Brewing
Join Newport News Waterworks on October 16 at Tradition Brewing Company for “A Scientist Walks Into a Bar,” a free event exploring water science and beverage making. The presentation will cover water treatment, quality, and brewing processes, followed by water-themed trivia and prizes.