Civil Municipal - January 2026

PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University www.odu.edu/education Nestled in Norfolk, Virginia, the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies is part of Old Dominion University, an esteemed R1 research institution. We are committed to inclusivity and high academic standards, and we aim to nurture future leaders across our programs, ranging from innovative teacher education to diverse professional studies. Recruitment and retention will require continued innovation, especially in hard-to-fill positions such as special education, math, and science. STEM expansion will continue across K–12, with increased alignment between school programs and real employment opportunities, including internships that lead directly to workforce entry. Gordon also notes a broader challenge: keeping political extremes from disrupting the core mission of education. He believes schools must remain focused on student achievement, supportive environments, and well-rounded development— ensuring classrooms remain spaces of learning rather than battlegrounds of ideology. Ultimately, Suffolk’s direction is driven by consistency. Students first. Strong staff support. Real partnerships. Modern tools. And clear pathways from school to career. For Suffolk City Public Schools, that is not just a plan. It is the expectation. 446 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01

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