Ronald L. White is a candidate for Norfolk School Board – Super Ward 7. His name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
White is running against Alfreda Thomas for Norfolk School Board – Super Ward 7.
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: Dr. Ronald White is an honors graduate of Norfolk State University (B.S. in Mathematics; M.S. in Gifted Education). Additionally, he has postgraduate training in Educational Psychology from Regent University and a research doctorate (Ph.D.) from Hampton University with a concentration in STEM Leadership. His teaching experience began in 1995 as a high school math teacher and since that time, Dr. White has interned as a 4th grade gifted math resource teacher, taught GED/ Adult Education classes, taught in an alternative school, taught at the University level, and served as a program director. His governing board experience is varied from the Wellington Oak’s Homeowners Association to the Tidewater Council of Teachers of Math. Even in his early twenties, he was recognized by the City of Norfolk with an Outstanding Youth Award for the creation of an after-school enrichment program for local neighborhood youth. Finally, Dr. Ronald White is a proud product of Norfolk Public Schools. He has served as Chair and Vice-Chair for the Norfolk Public Schools Gifted Education Community Advisory Committee, trained teachers, and provided support for high-stakes teacher proficiency tests for Norfolk Schools. That said, Dr. White knows the issues facing Norfolk schools and will accept nothing less than excellence. His philosophy is that every child deserves to attend a quality school. As a board member, he will focus on student outcomes: College and Career Readiness, Academic Progress and Proficiency, restorative discipline, and school safety. A recognized leader in the field of Education, he is the most qualified candidate for the City of Norfolk’s School Board, Super Ward 7.
Why are you running for this office?
My son was fortunate this year to have been selected to attend one of Norfolk’s celebrated schools via a random draw. However, I am saddened to know that there were others who were not selected, disqualified, or not aware of the division’s specialty schools. That said, I believe every student deserves to attend a quality school that will provide a safe environment where their potential can be nurtured and protected regardless of their exceptionalities or differences.
What is the top challenge facing Norfolk Public Schools, and how would you address it?
Equal access to safe and quality schools should be the division’s top priority. With the Governor’s new initiative to distinguish schools with a new rating system, I want to use my post, in a collective voice, to advocate for critical evaluations and needs assessments to ensure each school receives high marks. That is, rather than a blanket approach, I will advocate for the use of community advisory boards and differentiated approaches to develop equitable growth plans.
Do you believe parents of other students should be informed of disciplinary action in the classroom?
Yes
Do you feel Norfolk Public Schools leadership does a good enough job being transparent with the public?
As a parent, I feel sufficiently aware of opportunities to be involved, challenges, and new programming. However, I am concerned that other parents who may not be native English speakers, have access to communication technology, or have access to different forms of media have the same advantage. For that reason, there is certainly cause for identifying new ways to connect with parents and the community-at-large in order to fulfil transparency goals.
How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?
All citizens of Norfolk are all stakeholders in the public education system and consequently, all perspectives should be included and used to create ethical and equitable policies.
What is your view on the Governor’s Executive Order to ban cell phone use?
Given issues with national and local security, I believe students should have access to their phones and be supported by a school culture that promotes self-regulation.