Hampton Board of Education: Shaping the Future of Education

The Hampton Board of Education plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of Hampton City Schools (HCS). Composed of dedicated members, the Board is committed to enabling all students to achieve their highest potential through challenging educational experiences. This article delves into the structure, responsibilities, and perspectives of the Hampton Board of Education, highlighting its commitment to students, staff, and the community.

Structure and Meetings

The Hampton School Board consists of seven members, with the Chair and Vice Chair selected annually at the Organizational Meeting in January. School Board meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The first meeting of the month is a regular meeting and is televised live on Cox Cable Channel 46 and FIOS Channel 20. This meeting is held at Jones Magnet Middle School, 1819 Nickerson Blvd. The second meeting of the month is a work session and is not televised. The Hampton Board of Education holds regular monthly meetings, usually on the forth Wednesday of each month. Special meetings are held as needed. Agendas for all meetings are posted at the Hampton Elementary School, Town Hall and on the Town of Hampton web site.

Mission and Beliefs

The Hampton Board of Education believes that in our democratic society each person, without exception, is an important resource to our nation. The mission of Hampton Public Schools is to enable all students to achieve at their highest potential by challenging them through a variety of educational experiences. Through partnerships with family and community, our schools will promote the pursuit of lifelong learning, responsible citizenship and decision making in a culturally diverse world. The Board believes that the educational process in our schools should be supported by educators, students, parents/guardians and the entire community, for a commitment to today’s education is a commitment to society’s future. The Board recognizes that the community shapes the quality of local education.

Board Member Perspectives and Contributions

Several board members have shared their motivations for serving and their perspectives on the strengths of HCS. Here's an insight into some of their views:

DR.

Background: Has over 25 years of experience as an educator and in leadership positions with community-based organizations.
Strengths of HCS: Believes HCS is fortunate to have a Superintendent that is innovative and proactive. Also proud to see that HCS is on the cutting edge of 21st century educational and leadership models. HCS-Academies of Hampton are preparing our students for the workforce and to be career ready.
Contribution to HCS: A firm believer of service above self. Wants to contribute effective policy decisions for Hampton City Schools and local neighborhoods to strengthen and better align resources to ensure academic excellence for all communities.

DR.

Family: Wife, Dr. Kellie A. Mason, PhD; son, Richard M.
Why Run for Election: To share knowledge and life experience to benefit the children and citizens of Hampton. To represent different groups in the community and ensure that others have a voice in making educational and administrative decisions. To be a channel for the concerns and interests of teachers and parents.
Contribution to HCS: Background in mental health and counseling will help in understanding the policies and procedures that are necessary to service the student population as a whole but especially those with special needs. Additionally, can also help with the development and understanding of policies that affect the teachers and employees in the division.

DR.

Family: Wife, Sheila S.
Why Run for Election: Decided to run for the Hampton School Board for several reasons: 1) It is an opportunity to share my knowledge and life experience to benefit the children and citizens of Hampton. 2) It affords me the opportunity to represent different groups in the community and I can ensure that others have a voice in making educational and administrative decisions. (3) As a member, I can be a channel for the concerns and interests of teachers and parents.
Contribution to HCS:

JOSEPH C.

Background: Hampton native, a graduate of Hampton City Schools, and was elected to the Hampton City School Board in May of 2010. Served as both Chair and Vice Chair.
Contribution to HCS: Can contribute by collaborating with the Board to ensure the performance goals of the superintendent are effectively established and clearly communicated. Also feels it is important that we, as a Board, support the Division's strategic goals. Will expand my knowledge of issues related to public education.

JASON S.

Family: Wife, Keisha M.
Community organizations/affiliations: Served the City of Hampton with the Department of Human Services as a Social Worker in many capacities to include Foster Care, Child Protective Services, and Adult Services.
Contribution to HCS: By utilizing my leadership skills as a program director and social worker to have open and honest conversations with parents, teachers, stakeholders, investors, administrators and fellow School Board members, to identify the much-needed resources necessary to support our young people and our schools.

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Family: Husband, Adetokunboh Afonja; three children, William C. Jackson III (Bethel High School c/o 2020), Jada N. Jackson (Bethel High School), and Ayoni A.
Community organizations/affiliations: Chair Elect Hampton Neighborhood Commission, Hampton NAACP Member, Board Secretary for Girls Influenced by Righteous Living Club (G.I.R.L.S.
Why Run for Election: Grew up in Hampton and attended Hampton City Schools. I have three children that have or will be educated in this school division. I have personal experience with accessing special education services for my child. I am energized by the tremendous progress in our division and am excited about joining such a progressive team.
Contribution to HCS: I have worked with youth for over 23 years in varying capacities. I have developed, managed and improved numerous services for youth that are strength based and solution focused. I have often supported parents, of disabled youth, to successfully obtain the right compliment of support for their children. I have over 17 years of Board and team experience, contributing direct knowledge and skills to the success of these Boards. Moreover, I’d like to help the business community and schools develop more meaningful relationships and I believe I can be very instrumental in this due to my vast business experience. I am a servant leader who believes in creating endless possibilities for the success of all students. Since retiring from Hampton City Schools, I have been asked by many community leaders to seek a seat on the school board.

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Background: As a product of Hampton City Schools, my commitment to quality education began well over 30 years ago, while serving as a Board member of the Peninsula Literacy Council.
Contribution to HCS: My campaign theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Futures”, speaks to my major interests, which include the critical need for total transparency throughout the school division, incorporating best practices that will ensure all our schools are fully accredited, and addressing teachers’ salaries.

Student Representatives

The Hampton City School Board also includes student representatives who provide valuable insights and perspectives. Some notable student leaders include:

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Kaleb Lucas: A senior at Phoebus High School, serves as drum major, academy ambassador, and is in his second year as the student representative to the Hampton City School Board. Elected as the 2026 Virginia Youth in Government Association Model General Assembly Attorney General, Kaleb has also been recognized as a Hampton Roads “Top 20 Under Twenty” honoree and National Guide Right High School Student of the Year.
Saige Holden: A junior at Bethel High School in the Academy of Law and Public Safety, serves as vice president of the Hampton 4-H Teen Club, a LEAD academy ambassador, and a representative on the Academy of Law and Public Safety Advisory Board, while also playing varsity volleyball for Bethel and Virginia Wave Volleyball Club.
Ava Tanner: A senior at Bethel High School, serves as lead ambassador for the Academy of Law and Public Safety, president of Alternative World Changers, treasurer of the Student Council Association, and she recently completed her term as junior class president. Recognized nationally for her academic achievements and leadership-including congressional recognition, the National AP Scholar Award, and participation in the CADCA Conference-Ava has also contributed over 200 hours of community service.

Key Priorities and Initiatives

Based on the perspectives of the board members, some key priorities and initiatives for the Hampton City School Board include:

Transparency: Ensuring total transparency throughout the school division.
Accreditation: Incorporating best practices to ensure all schools are fully accredited.
Teacher Salaries: Addressing teachers’ salaries to attract and retain quality educators.
Strategic Goals: Supporting the Division's strategic goals and ensuring the performance goals of the superintendent are effectively established and clearly communicated.
Resource Allocation: Strengthening and better aligning resources to ensure academic excellence for all communities.
Community Engagement: Developing more meaningful relationships between the business community and schools.
Special Needs: Understanding and addressing the policies and procedures necessary to service the student population as a whole, but especially those with special needs.
21st Century Education: Remaining on the cutting edge of 21st century educational and leadership models, such as the Academies of Hampton, to prepare students for the workforce and career readiness.

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