Click here to watch the Spotlight on Education, WJLA ABC 7 News interview with Dr. Kevin Newman, new superintendent for Manassas City Public Schools.
MANASSAS, Va. (ABC7) — Manassas City Public Schools students and their superintendent are getting a fresh start.
Dr. Kevin Newman is passionate about improving performance. The former special education teacher and principal now presides over nine schools that serve more than 7,800 students who have some of lowest pass rates on standardized tests in the state.
“Even though it is a big challenge for us, it’s going to take some little tweaks on how we look at our instruction,” Newman said.
The 40-year-old married father of two is visiting schools and asking questions. He’s counting on teachers and principals to help him understand what students need to succeed.
Sixty-four percent of students in Manassas City Public Schools are Hispanic and many speak English as second language. Newman is determined to meet the needs of every student but cautions turning things around will take time.
“It’s not going to be solved overnight, but I can tell you I’m here for the long run,” Newman said.
The educator who played football at Bridgewater College and went on to successfully lead Colonial Beach Public Schools in Virginia says the game plan is simple.
“Taking care of the little things and then watching the big success happen,” Newman said.