Hechinger Institute on Education and the Media

Ashby Kilgore

Superintendent
Newport News Public Schools
12465 Warwick Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23606

Dr. Ashby C. Kilgore began her career as a government teacher in Hampton, Virginia, City Schools and later served as a principal in Hampton and in Newport News, prior to being appointed assistant superintendent of instruction and then Chief of Strategic Planning and School Improvement in Newport News Public Schools. After serving as Deputy Superintendent and Interim Superintendent, the Newport News School Board appointed Dr. Kilgore as Superintendent in May, 2007. As Superintendent, Dr. Kilgore promotes Smart, Safe Schools and 21st century learning by building a foundation of high expectations, rigorous content, and persistent support for students and teachers, using increased time for instruction, technology tools, and literacy and mathematics coaches. During her tenure as superintendent, Newport News Public Schools has made strides in enhancing academic performance, significantly raising achievement levels, increasing enrollment in rigorous coursework, boosting the percentage of students taking SATs, moving students into higher-level math, expanding preschool access, and narrowing achievement gaps.