Portsmouth Public Schools is launching Spark Schools, a new initiative to help support school campuses that have experienced ongoing challenges related to staff retention and teacher vacancies. Staff members selected to work at a Spark School will receive a net of $30,000 in stipends after taxes over the course of three consecutive years.
The division’s first Spark School is Douglass Park Elementary School, and it will begin in the 2025-26 school year.
“Douglass Park has a rich history within our city and our school division,” said Portsmouth Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Elie Bracy, III. “We see the immense talent and promise of our students and staff. That is why we are committed to taking these steps to help the school reach its full potential and to spark greatness ahead.”
Douglass Park has more than 500 students in grades kindergarten through six. In addition to being a PPS Spark School, Douglass Park is both a Title I school and hosts the RESET program, which is funded through the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).
As a Spark School, Douglass Park will also receive infrastructure upgrades, customized professional development for staff members, targeted parent and family engagement programming as well as enhanced central administration support throughout the year.
The Spark Schools initiative is for classroom teachers as well as other instructional roles based at the school including the library media specialist, school counselors, assistant principals and principal.
Those interested in being considered for placement at the Douglass Park Spark School site can learn more about this innovative opportunity and apply online at ppsk12.us/SparkSchools.