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The Norfolk, Va., public schools have attracted national attention for their record in improving achievement for a largely minority, low-income student population. Following are some facts about the district for the 2004-05 school year.
Highlights:
Enrollment: 36,000
Schools (49 Total): 35 elementary, 9 middle, 5 high schools
Fiscal 2005 operating budget: $283 million
Eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch: 60%
Racial/Ethnic Breakdown:
Recognition:
鈥� Finalist, Broad Prize for Urban Education, 2003 and 2004
鈥� U.S. Senate Productivity Quality Award, Medallion for Performance Excellence, 2004, and Plaque for Progress and Performance Excellence, 2003
鈥� Winner of the Washington-based Education Trust鈥檚 鈥淒ispelling the Myth鈥� award, given to five urban districts achieving and improving at high levels and closing racial achievement gaps, 2004
鈥� Chosen by the Stupski Foundation of Mill Valley, Calif., as its East Coast lab site
鈥� Richard R. Green Award, given by the Council of the Great City Schools in recognition of outstanding urban district leadership, to Superintendent John O. Simpson, 2002
鈥�Virginia Superintendent of the Year, given to Simpson by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents, 2004
SOURCE: Norfolk Public Schools
