Rebecca Aman is a candidate for Newport News School Board – Central. Her name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Aman, who currently sits on Newport News School Board, is running against Christopher Worthington for Newport News School Board – Central.
The first day of in-person early voting at your local registrar’s office for this election is Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Click here to see who is on your ballot.
10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.
Biography: I was raised in Newport News, Virginia, and graduated from Ferguson High School in 1992. The education I received from Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) prepared me to attend Stanford University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1996. After graduating, I returned to Virginia to pursue my legal studies and earned my Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2000. To further specialize in estate planning, I completed an LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center. Additionally, I have taught as an adjunct professor at Christopher Newport University in recent years.
My husband, Tom, and I returned to Newport News in 2005, where we are raising our two sons, Thomas and Robbie. When we’re not working or volunteering in the community, we enjoy supporting Thomas as a member of the Menchville High School golf team and encouraging Robbie as he explores various sports and interests. We believe Newport News is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
My mission on the NNPS School Board is to ensure that the division serves all students and families as well as it has served mine. Together, I am confident we can strengthen and preserve the NNPS legacy for future generations.
Why are you running for this office?
As a current member of the Newport News School Board for the Central District, I have witnessed firsthand the positive changes NNPS has made recently, such as enhancing security measures, adopting improved curricula, and fostering stronger relationships with students, families, and the broader Newport News community. I am running for re-election because I want to continue guiding these initiatives to ensure that all students receive an excellent education in a safe environment that collaborates with them and their parents to help them succeed in life.
What is the top challenge facing Newport News Public Schools, and how would you address it?
The top challenge facing Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) is achieving accreditation without conditions for all schools. While we have made significant progress in improving school safety, our primary focus must be on achieving academic excellence across all grade levels. To address this challenge, NNPS has implemented new English and Math curricula, which have already shown promising results. By continuing to enhance these changes, we can drive further progress not only in grades K-8 but also in high school. However, implementing new curricula is a significant undertaking for our teachers and staff. My efforts will therefore focus on continuously reviewing academic results and gathering feedback to ensure these changes are effective. Additionally, I will work to provide strong support for our educators, ensuring they have the necessary resources and assistance to successfully implement the new curricula and help our students excel.
What do you believe still needs to be changed following the Grand Jury’s Report on Richneck Elementary School?
Following the Grand Jury’s report on the incident at Richneck Elementary School, there are still several changes needed within NNPS. The division is actively working to complete physical modifications to enhance the safety of school entrances. Additionally, NNPS should continue to review and refine its safety and communication protocols to ensure that current improvements are upheld and to identify further enhancements as needed. Ongoing evaluation and adaptation are essential to maintaining a safe environment for all students and staff.
Do you believe parents of other students should be informed of disciplinary action in the classroom?
The Code of Virginia restricts access to specific student records. This means that informing parents about disciplinary actions taken against students other than their own would likely violate these legal protections. However, if a situation arises that requires class-wide changes—such as a reminder for all students to pay attention—then general communications can be sent to families, provided they do not identify or single out any particular student or group of students.
How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?
I believe every constituent deserves to have their voice heard and their concerns valued, regardless of differing opinions. Throughout my current term, I have engaged with community members who hold various perspectives, often shaped by their unique experiences within NNPS. Listening to these diverse experiences has been invaluable, as it has helped me identify areas where the board or administration might consider new approaches or policies. When faced with differing positions at the policy level, I also consult with the board’s legal advisors to understand the rationale behind existing policies. This helps me provide thoughtful and informed responses to inquiries, ensuring that all voices are considered in the decision-making process.
What is your view on the Governor’s Executive Order to ban cell phone use?
The Governor’s Executive Order to ban cell phone use aligns with the existing NNPS policy, which already prohibits students from using cell phones during regular school hours. Reducing distractions from social media and cell phones can enhance student learning and improve mental health. This Executive Order supports NNPS’s ongoing efforts to maintain a focused and productive educational environment.