Newport News Boosts Teachers with Half‑Million Dollar Grant
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Newport News Secures $500K Grant to Retain Teachers
The city of Newport News has been awarded a $500,000 grant to combat teacher turnover in its district. Funds will support a two-year "New Teacher Institute", offering mentorship, professional development, and community engagement initiatives to help educators thrive. The program has already made an impact—teacher turnover dropped from 36% last year to just 16%.
The grant is a collaborative effort between:
- BayPort Foundation
- Ferguson
- Newport News Shipbuilding
- Virginia Natural Gas
New Leadership Takes the Helm at New Kent County Airport
Russell Lee Peaden, a veteran with 25 years at Richmond International Airport, has been named the new manager of New Kent County Airport. In his previous role, he oversaw a $15 million annual food-and-retail program, and now he will manage property operations and concessions at the smaller county airport.
York County Celebrates Business Excellence
Several local businesses in York County were recognized for their contributions to growth and community development:
- Primrose School of Yorktown – Business of the Year
- Pappas Orthodontics – Revitalization Award
- Shorty’s Diner – Expansion Prize
- Worley’s Home Services – Small Business of the Year (Chamber of Commerce)
Virginia Port Logistics Park Earns Prestigious CSX Designation
The Enterprise Center at Virginia Port Logistics Park in Suffolk has achieved CSX Select Site status, marking it as a shovel-ready location for rapid industrial development. The 124-acre site can accommodate up to 1.5 million square feet of industrial space, accelerating project timelines for manufacturers.
Open Grant Opportunities Until April 30
Two key grant programs are still accepting applications:
- Keep Virginia Beautiful Green Grants – Supporting environmental initiatives.
- Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Infrastructure Grant – Aiding local farmers in expansion and modernization.
