Sean McGee, Suffolk School Board

03/25/2026

🚨 Chromebooks in K–3… keep them or remove them? 🚨

Quick clarification: The discussion this Thursday is focused on Chromebooks for K–3, not K–2.
Please use K–3 when voting and sharing feedback. Thanks for the input so far.

This Thursday, the School Board will be discussing Chromebook use in elementary schools.

⚠️ No decision is being made, this is just a discussion.

Board member Slingluff will be leading this discussion.

I want to hear from you:

👇🏽Comment below:
YES – Keep Chromebooks in K–3
NO – Remove Chromebooks in K–3

Parents and teachers, what are you seeing?

💬 Share your thoughts
🔁 Please share to help us hear from more of our community.

03/18/2026

🚨 SUFFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS TAKES ACTION 🚨

We just approved a forensic audit of our school division.

This is a deep dive into every dollar.

Why?
👉🏽 It’s YOUR tax money
👉🏽 Accountability matters
👉🏽 Strong systems build stronger schools

Let me be clear.
This does NOT impact classrooms, teachers, or students.

We are using end-of-year funds to get this done right.

This has never been done at this level in Suffolk. It’s time.

Bottom line.
If something needs to be fixed, we will fix it.
If something can be improved, we will improve it.

No excuses. Just action.

This is accountability. This is leadership. This is doing what’s right for Suffolk.💪🏽

Please see link in comments below.

03/16/2026

⚠️ Severe Weather Awareness for Tomorrow

I have received calls and messages this evening from parents and grandparents about the potential for severe weather in our area tomorrow. Many families have expressed concerns about children riding the bus and students who attend classes in mobile trailers.

As a father of five children in Suffolk Public Schools myself, I completely understand those concerns.

For clarity, the School Board does not have the authority to close schools. That decision falls under the responsibility of the Superintendent, Dr. Gordon, who manages the day-to-day operations of the school division, including weather-related decisions.

I have shared the concerns I am hearing from families with school leadership.

I have also heard from several parents who plan to keep their children home tomorrow due to the forecast. I respect that decision. Every parent should make the choice they feel is best for the safety of their child and their family.

Please continue to monitor the weather and any updates from Suffolk Public Schools.
Stay safe everyone 🙏🏽

02/26/2026

This Black History Month, I want to take a moment to honor a true American hero from our own community — Colonel Fred Cherry of Suffolk, Virginia 🇺🇸

Colonel Cherry was a decorated U.S. Air Force pilot who endured nearly eight years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War after his aircraft was shot down in 1965. Despite brutal conditions and isolation, he demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience, and leadership.

One of the most powerful parts of his story was his strength in unity. While imprisoned, Colonel Cherry was intentionally paired with fellow POW Porter Halyburton, a white naval aviator, in an effort by their captors to create division and exploit racial tensions back home. Instead, the two formed a lifelong bond of friendship, trust, and survival — proving that character, faith, and shared hardship are far stronger than any attempt to divide people.

Colonel Cherry served our nation during a period in American history marked by significant social and racial challenges. Yet, even in the face of division at home and unimaginable hardship abroad, he represented the very best of our country — courage, dignity, resilience, and unity. His story reminds us that progress is built through sacrifice, perseverance, and a shared commitment to something greater than ourselves.

As a Suffolk community, we are proud to call him one of our own. His legacy is a powerful example for our students — showing that resilience, integrity, and courage can overcome even the darkest circumstances.

Let us continue to share his story, honor his sacrifice, and ensure future generations understand the strength and history that helped shape our nation.

02/18/2026

02/17/2026

It is hard for me to understand why a School Board Code of Conduct would receive resistance.

When colleagues expressed concerns about ethics statements, I took initiative and drafted a Code centered on professionalism, alignment with the Code of Virginia, and clear expectations for how we serve the public.

This was not about control. It was about clarity and accountability.

Our community expects high standards from its elected officials. I will continue to advocate for transparency, professionalism, and a Board culture that reflects the seriousness of the work we do for 14,000 students and 2,500 employees.

Leadership requires stepping forward — even when it is uncomfortable.

Please see the comment section for a copy of the proposed Board Code of Conduct.

After split votes and disputes over Chair Sean McGee’s proposed Code of Conduct and his role in drafting it, the school board sends the conduct policy, norms and protocols to the Policy Review Committee.

02/12/2026

🙌🏼🙌🏼🎉🎊🥳

02/05/2026

Congratulations to Dr. John B. Gordon III on being named Region 2 Superintendent of the Year! 🎉

As Chairman of the Suffolk Public Schools School Board, I’m proud to see our division recognized and appreciate the work being done each day to serve our students, staff, and families. Wishing him continued success at the state level. 👏🏽

Suffolk Superintendent Dr. John B. Gordon III has been named 2027 Region 2 Superintendent of the Year, recognized for his leadership and program expansion across Hampton Roads.

01/28/2026

Hello, everyone!
On February 12th, the school board will vote on next year’s school calendar. The Superintendent’s staff has presented two options, and I want your input!

Parents and teachers, please let me know which option you prefer or if there’s anything you’d like me to advocate for that’s different from these two options. Feel free to comment or send me a DM.

This decision directly impacts you, and your feedback is critical. Let’s work together to ensure the best outcome for everyone!

01/19/2026

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

His words remind us that true leadership is revealed not in comfort, but in moments of challenge and controversy. Character, courage, and conviction matter most when decisions are hard and the stakes are high.

As a community and as leaders, may we continue striving for unity and equal opportunity for every child and every family. 🇺🇸

01/14/2026

I’m honored to serve as Chairman of the Suffolk School Board for the 2026 calendar year. This role matters because it helps set the tone for how the Board leads, and I take that responsibility seriously.

I will lead with Honor, Integrity, and Excellence. This position does not carry more power than my fellow Board members. This role is about stewardship, not control. My approach will remain the same: listen, ask hard questions, and put students first.

My commitment is to the parents and students of Suffolk. You are who I work for. My loyalty is with you. Every student, regardless of zip code, deserves representation and a seat at the table.

Sean McGee and Heather Howell were elected 2026-27 Suffolk School Board chair and vice chair in split 4-3 votes after competing nominations at the Jan. 6 organizational meeting.