Civil Municipal Magazine - Dec 2023

340 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 12 Distinguished School Division, and even Dr. Gordon himself was named 2022 Superintendent to Watch by the NSPRA. The Suffolk Public School District emerges as a community anchor. “People want to be associated with something successful,” Dr. Gordon explains, “and when they see the great things happening… that’s [what] really adds credence to the overall message.” And the message is clear: Suffolk’s innovation will continue to set a standard for academic excellence that reverberates far beyond the classroom. developed with Pharrell Williams, as well as the Yellow Program led by Dr. Joleen Neighbours, Coordinator of Fine Performing Arts. Aspirations of Continued Excellence With this level of a multi-faceted effort poured into the Suffolk Public School District, it’s no surprise that its resulting divisional achievements have been nothing short of brilliant. As an institution, it is currently ranked 5th in the state for highest growth rate for student achievement. Adding to that, Suffolk Public Schools currently has 95% of its schools accredited, with plans to achieve 100% in the near future. The school division also has a National Blue Ribbon School for Excellence in Northern Shores Elementary School. Thanks to its uniquely high-profile promotional efforts, the district’s community engagement team has also been officially recognized by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). EVERFI also recognized the district as a PREFERRED VENDOR/ PARTNER n Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University www.odu.edu/eps.