School Board agendas are available for review online and at city public libraries by the Monday preceding each meeting. For more information call (757) 591-7416.

Regular Board Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. and Work Sessions at 5:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at the NNPS Administration Building, 12465 Warwick Boulevard (unless otherwise noted). All meetings of the School Board are open to the public.


Newport News School Board

Lisa R. Surles-Law

Lisa R. Surles-Law, Chairman

Ms. Surles-Law is a science education administrator at Jefferson Lab. She is a member of numerous professional and community organizations and is a strong proponent of STEM education and teacher professional development. Ms. Surles-Law was elected to the School Board in May 2018.

(757) 828-5684
[email protected]

Dr. Terri L. Best

Dr. Terri L. Best, Vice-Chairman

Dr. Best is a retired Newport News public school administrator and a graduate of NNPS. She is actively involved in many community activities and is an advocate for youth development. Dr. Best was elected to the School Board in May 2018.

(757) 696-0971
[email protected]

Maritsa Alger

Maritsa Alger

Ms. Alger retired from public education after 32 years of service as a teacher, specialist, assistant principal and principal. She is a member numerous professional and community organizations. Ms. Alger was elected to the School Board in November 2023 for January 1, 2024.

[email protected]

Rebecca Aman

Rebecca S. Aman

Mrs. Aman is an attorney specializing in estate planning, trusts, business and tax law. She is a graduate of Newport News Public Schools. Mrs. Aman was elected to the School Board in May 2020.

[email protected]

Douglas C. Brown

Douglas C. Brown

Mr. Brown is a Director of Data Science for a software company. As a product of public schools, and a former educator, he believes in the power of public education to drive economic growth locally and generationally. Mr. Brown has a passion for STEM education and has served on the School Board since 2014.

(757) 750-0853
[email protected]

Marvin L. Harris

Marvin L. Harris

Mr. Harris is a Training Executive for the Department of Defense with 38 years of continuous service to our nation. He retired from the U.S. Army after 22 years in 2006. He is active in many service organizations and strongly advocates for early childhood education. He believes that "we have to meet every child where they are." Mr. Harris was elected to the School Board in May 2016.

(757) 870-4916
[email protected]

Gary Hunter

Gary B. Hunter

Mr. Hunter is the director of development at Hampton University. He is a member of numerous community organizations and is a strong proponent of preparing students to be college and career-ready. He has served on the School Board since 2014.

(757) 833-7544
[email protected]

Aaron Lin

Aaron Lin

Mr. Lin is the student representative to the School Board for the 2023-2024 school year. He is a senior at Woodside High School. Mr. Lin is the co-founder of Students Say, and is a member of the Math and Music Honor Societies and the Archery Club. A talented musician, he is a member of the Williamsburg Youth Orchestra and serves as student ambassador. He also volunteers for several community organizations.


Clerk of the Board

You may contact Clerk of the Board Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe at (757) 591-7416 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe

Procedure for Citizens Addressing the School Board

The Newport News School Board conducts a regular meeting each month. The Board welcomes input from the public. Each regular meeting provides two opportunities for public comments from individuals addressing topics not appearing on the agenda. The first audience with the public, not to exceed 30 minutes, is at the beginning of the meeting following the opening ceremonies and Board recognitions and honors. The second opportunity to speak is toward the end of the meeting, following the Reports/Information section of the agenda.

Cards are available upon entering the meeting for individuals wishing to address the Board. They should fill out the card with name, address, and the topic on which they wish to speak, and return it to the agenda table. Individuals will be recognized by the School Board Chairman in the order the cards were received. Comments should be limited to a three-minute timeframe. A light system will display a green light when the speaker begins, a yellow light with 30 seconds remaining, and a red light to indicate the end of the three minutes. The Chairman will rule on such matters as the appropriateness of the subject being presented and the suitability of the time for such a presentation.