Candidate Profile: Christopher Worthington (Newport News School Board – Central)

Name: Dr. Christopher Avery Worthington

Age: 51

Website: Dr. Christopher Worthington for School Board

Biography:

Early Life

My journey began in a tumultuous environment marked by deep-seated challenges.
Growing up in a home where love was overshadowed by neglect, abuse, and hatred, I felt the
burden of a mother who seemingly did not want me and who likely suffered from
unrecognized mental illness. My formative years were rife with fear and insecurity, shaping
my perspective on the world. My father, who was in his mid-40s when I was born, was more
than twice my mother’s age at the time of my birth.

My earliest memories do not begin with feeling the love of my mother. Instead, I have
memories of severe abuse from a very young age. From the ages of 11 to 13, I attended
Dunbar Erwin Middle School, now Achievable Dream Elementary. Unfortunately, that was a
time when my life was a harrowing cycle of bullying and physical violence. Each day, I made
the half-mile trek to and from school, only to be relentlessly chased by groups of 7-10
children. For two solid years, I faced this dread. The only reprieve I experienced came when
I pretended to be sick to avoid school—a strategy that ultimately backfired, as it resulted in
hunger and more severe beatings at home. These personal challenges were compounded by
an absolute lack of guidance in basic self-care and hygiene, as my mother offered little to no
direction or support regarding basic self-care.

The School Experience

When I was a child, I was labeled as “mentally retarded” by a school authority figure,
a phrase that I have always found deeply offensive and disgusting. Despite my father’s
passionate defense, his limited education (only up to the 5th grade) left him unfamiliar with
the complexities of the school system. Since I had no one other than my father to advocate
for me, I remained silent at school. I knew I wasn’t the label the school assigned me and did
not have any learning disabilities. The truth was that I was terrified, not incapable. My silence
was not an indicator of learning disabilities but rather a response to an environment that was
unsafe and unwelcoming. For two years, not a single teacher or administrator inquired about
my strange behavior or the evident signs of distress that surrounded me. Instead, I became
a statistic overlooked by a system that failed to protect me.

On a daily basis, I endured bullying and harassment that left an indelible mark on my
psyche. The anxiety that flooded my mind as school let out led to a panicked sprint toward
home, where I hoped to escape the torment inflicted by my peers. Each brush with hostility—
like the many incidents when I would get kicked into the spiny sandbur bush while walking
home—only served to deepen my sense of isolation.

Turning Point

It was a pivotal moment in my life when my father finally took custody of me. For the
first time ever, I felt a semblance of safety and stability that had long eluded me. However,
that newfound security was fleeting. As my father’s health began to decline, the weight of
uncertainty crept back into my life. After his fatal massive heart attack, I found myself facing
an unimaginable reality—homelessness at just 16 years old.

This experience was heart-wrenching, yet it ignited a fire within me. I was forced to
confront the world on my own terms, developing a resilience that many might not have
thought possible under such circumstances. Each day was a battle, filled with challenges
that would have broken the spirit of many. Yet, I learned to navigate life’s obstacles, forging
an identity grounded in strength and determination.

In the face of grim realities, I resolved to strive for a better life. I discovered the
importance of self-sufficiency and adaptability. Every setback became a lesson, every
hardship a stepping stone. I channeled my pain into purpose and became fiercely committed
to transforming my situation. Despite the overwhelming difficulties, I embraced my journey,
understanding that my past experiences, while painful, provided the foundation for my future
successes. Through grit and perseverance, I began to carve a path toward hope, healing, and
ultimately, empowerment.

Education and Career Achievements

Determined to rewrite my narrative, I pursued education fervently. I earned a Ph.D. in
Education with a focus on postsecondary and adult education, alongside several postmaster’s certificates in Public Safety and Adult Education. My academic journey also
included a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration on Justice Administration,
a BA in Political Science, a BSGA in Governmental Administration, and an Associate of
Applied Science in Legal Assisting.
With over 20 years of experience in the education and Criminal Justice sectors, my
journey began as a tutor at the Boys and Girls Club and progressed through various roles,
including:

• Juvenile Correctional Officer
• Data Specialist at Hampton University
• Adjunct Professor at Hampton University-University College
• Mental Health Counselor
• Special Education Teacher
• Magistrate in Newport News

I also held the position of Case Manager Supervisor with Good Steward BBC and most
recently, an instructor for University Instructors at B.C. Charles and Hines Middle School.

Personal Life and Advocacy

The birth of my first-born son became the catalyst for forgiving my mother and
reuniting with her. I firmly believe that forgiveness is a crucial trait—one I instilled in my
children throughout their lives. It’s easier to forgive than to carry the burden of grudges or
hatred, especially when circumstances are beyond someone’s control. With a ‘forgiveness”
mindset, my mother and I became very close and remained close until her passing.
Today, I take pride in being a mother to four children, all of whom graduated from
Newport News Public Schools. My eldest son served in the Navy and is now pursuing an
Executive MBA at UCLA on a prestigious scholarship. Meanwhile, my youngest son
graduated from Achievable Dream Academy. My family’s influence continues to drive my
advocacy work, particularly in enhancing mental health services within schools. These
efforts stem from my personal experiences of growing up in an abusive household. Through
resilience and determination, I transformed adversity into empowerment. My story serves as
a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of education.

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

In my opinion, collective bargaining is the most significant challenge facing Newport
News Public Schools. This issue not only affects the relationships between administration
and educators but also has a direct impact on student learning and overall school climate.
Here are the reasons why collective bargaining is crucial and how I would address it:

Why Collective Bargaining is a Challenge:

1. Teacher/staff Retention and Morale: Many educators and staff are feeling undervalued
   and overworked, leading to high turnover rates. An effective collective bargaining process
   will address wage disparities, workload concerns, and working conditions, ultimately
   fostering a more supportive environment that retains talent.
2. Lack of Communication: As an educator in the classroom, there is a perception that the
   School Board is not interested in what the educators and staff think. Regrettably, that
   perception has led to a disconnect between the administration and the educators, which
   inevitably has led to misunderstandings and grievances. A robust collective bargaining
   system encourages open dialogue, ensuring that teachers feel heard and valued in
   decision-making processes.
3. Resource Allocation: Negotiations often revolve around budgetary constraints,
   impacting resources allocated for teaching materials, classroom supplies, and
   extracurricular programs. A structured bargaining process can prioritize these issues,
   ensuring that funds are spent effectively and equitably.

How I Would Address It:

1. Facilitate Open Dialogue: I would advocate for establishing open lines of communication
   between the school board, administration, and teacher representatives. Regular forums
   and school board meetings can provide a platform for educators and staff to voice their
   concerns and suggestions, fostering transparency and collaboration. On another note, I
   will maintain the communication lines I have established during my role as an instructor.
   As a current educator with University Instructors, educators and staff will have access to
   me.
2. Promote Collaborative Negotiations: I would support a collaborative approach to
   collective bargaining that emphasizes mutual respect and understanding. By involving
   educators and staff in the decision-making processes, trust will be built while we work
   towards solutions that will benefit teachers, staff, and students.
3. Invest in Professional Development: I would prioritize negotiations that focus on providing ample professional development opportunities for teachers. Investing in their growth not only improves classroom experiences but also boosts morale and job satisfaction.
4. Develop Data-Driven Solutions: I would advocate for using data to inform bargaining
   discussions, ensuring that decisions are based on solid evidence rather than
   perceptions and/or speculations. Gathering input from teachers and staff through
   surveys would help identify key areas of concern and opportunities for improvement.
5. Build Community Support: I would work to engage the wider community—parents,
   students, and local organizations— in advocating for better collective bargaining
   practices. By highlighting the importance of supporting our educators and staff, we will
   foster a united front that demands accountability and positive change.

By addressing collective bargaining with a collaborative mindset and a focus on open communication, we can create a healthier, more productive environment for educators and staff, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for students. My goal is to advocate for a fair and equitable system that values the contributions of all stakeholders, ultimately enhancing the educational experience in Newport News Public Schools.