Candidate Profile: Reginald Woodhouse (Hampton School Board)

Biography: I have been a Hampton resident since 2022. I have always had a soft place for children and hope to share my knowledge, talents, and abilities with them. I taught at the Newport News Public Schools. I believe that education creates stability and security. With these two things in mind, I felt compelled to pursue my studies. I have been blessed to earn five degrees. A bachelor’s degree in Urban Ministry Management from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Two master’s degrees: one from Roanoke Theological Seminary in Elizabeth City, North Carolina in Theology, and another from Virginia Union University’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology in Richmond, Virginia in Divinity. Two doctorates—one from Virginia University of Lynchburg in Healthcare Administration and one from Providence Bible College and Theological Seminary in Ministry.

I have always been highly involved in the community. I have previously served on the following boards and organizations: Tidewater Peninsula Baptist Association (Past Moderator), Virginia State Baptist Convention Executive Board (Served as Treasurer), Metro Baptist Ministers Conference, International Who’s Who of Technology, International Who’s Who of Professionals, Urban League of Hampton Roads, Inc. (Prior Board Member), former President of the Peninsula Baptist Pastor’s Council, Peninsula Office of Human Affairs, Chairman, Hampton Grievance Board, HR CAP, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. I am also a former military man, serving in the U.S. Army (3 years active duty, 3 years active reserve duty, 8 years reserve)

I am the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Jefferson Park in Newport News, Virginia, where I have served for the past 25 years.

I am married to the former Sheila N. Smith. I have five children (Tawanda, Cornell, Candice, Alysha, and Reginald), the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren and I am the oldest of five children born to the late Elder Thomas R. Woodhouse and Dr. Mary L. Woodhouse.

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for re-election to this school board office because, in 2016, our schools were in default of accreditation that was appropriate for our school system’s capability. At that time, our schools were less than 50% accredited but are currently 100% accredited. Therefore, I ran for the school board in 2016 and 2020. I want to continue to share my time and talent to improve our school division vision of every child, every day, whatever it takes. Since becoming a Hampton City School Board member, the school division has made significant academic strides. I have been able to share my business knowledge, education, and life experience to benefit our school system. Holding the district accountable for results is vital to strengthening the ties between the school division and other stakeholders. I feel I can continue to help influence the fiscal health of the school district and ensure that voters’ tax dollars are spent wisely. I believe in quality public education for students currently and in the future. If I am blessed to be re-elected, I will continue building on this work we have begun. I am dedicated to ensuring that the city of Hampton school system continues to thrive and reach greater heights in the future. I know that the future depends upon our city’s thriving educational system.

What is the top challenge facing Hampton Public Schools, and how would you address it?

There are many challenging issues facing Hampton public schools. There are safety issues, teacher recruitment, student safety, and the safety of students with disabilities, as well as changes to the state accreditation. However, like many other school systems, the Hampton public school system has a crucial challenge in chronic absenteeism. This issue affects many schools within the state and is even more significant in urban school divisions. Hampton’s percentage of absentee students is one of the best within the Hampton Roads area. I feel that improvements can still be made in this area. We can do more to partner with families to ensure they are receiving the basic life necessities that we often take for granted. As a school division, we must ensure that families know the resources available within the community and provided through our school system. We should also partner with local mental health facilities to ensure that students’ cognitive needs are being addressed. Hampton has also created mentorship programs for all students within our division, and we have to do more to remove the barriers that prevent students and families from being unable to focus on attending school and receiving a quality education.

How do you feel about the politicization of public education?

I believe education is suffering due to the constant politicization of public education today. Some laws and policies set by political parties do not allow teachers to reach their students and provide the best for them with the quality of teaching every child should have and everyone is entitled to. Our Elected officials must be able to put aside their political interests and do what is best for the children of our community. Sometimes, those decisions may be unpopular, but what’s best for our students is most important.

How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?

I believe everyone has a right to their own opinion and to be heard. I feel that all views should be respected and considered within reason. As a City of Hampton School Board member, I constantly speak with community members and stakeholders to see what can be done to help our schools move forward in the right direction. I often share the communities’ views with my fellow board members. If I talk with my constituents and we may disagree with a policy issue for the school system, I listen to understand how they view things and see what common ground we can agree upon. I have found that sometimes my views may be changed by listening to those who are my constituents because what they’re saying makes sense. I have also seen my fellow board members with different views change and agree with me.

What is your view on the Governor’s Executive Order to ban cell phone use?

Hampton public schools currently operate under a cell phone-free learning environment and have established regulations and guidelines for our schools and families to follow. I feel the governor’s executive order shows the importance of education and educating students in an environment that is free from unnecessary distractions and disturbances. This is important, and I am glad that Hampton continues to be a proactive community rather than reactive. We are constantly reflecting on ways to better our schools and create a flourishing and progressing learning environment.