A Message from the Board
Dear Newport Community Members,
There are a lot of changes in store at Newport Independent Schools — from the Central Office, where several key players have retired; to each of our schools of which three will start the new school year with new principals— many changes have already been seen and many others are yet to come.
While change can often be uncomfortable, it can also be exciting and that is the case here. We are energized by recent events and determined to reverse the path of education in Newport!
The reassigning of staff has begun, including rewriting job descriptions and policies where immediate changes are needed. Plans are also being made for other long-term changes as well. This includes starting the search for a superintendent capable of leading NIS to the level of success we know it can achieve. These first steps toward positive and sustainable changes take time and effort, and the road to that success will be long and challenging, but we are confident we are on the right track and eager to start the journey.
The board and staff at Newport Independent Schools hope you will support us through these initial changes and beyond. Because success in school starts at home and in the community, we can’t do it without you, and we look forward to sharing the journey with you.
Meet Our Board Members
As elected custodians of the Newport Independent School District, your board members are interested in your views and opinions. Phone messages can be left for any board member by calling 859-292-3004. Board members may also be contacted directly via email.
Interim Superintendent Pamela Rye can be reached via email at: pamela.rye@newport.kyschools.us
School Board Vice-Chair: Dr. Julie Smith Morrow
email: julie.smith-morrow@newport.kyschools.us
 Dr. Smith-Morrow was first elected to the Newport School Board in November 2007 - having been appointed to a vacant board seat in August, and re-elected in November 2008. Dr. Smith-Morrow is currently employed as the Vice President of the FreestoreFoodbank. Julie attended college in Minnesota; Texas Tech; and has a Ph.D. in plant molecular genetics with a focus on food crop improvement. Prior to joining the Board, Dr. Smith-Morrow was recognized by NIS for her work in initiating, a weekend food program in the Newport Schools through the FreestoreFoodbank
School Board Member: Ms. Ramona Malone
email: ramona.malone@newport.kyschools.us
Ramona Malone is a former resident of Cincinnati, Ohio. After marrying George “Mike” Malone in 1985, he asked her to move back to his hometown of Newport, where her love for this city developed through her husband’s love for his hometown and the warm welcome she received from her neighbors. Ms. Malone is a graduate of Woodard High School; and attended the University of Cincinnati and Southern Ohio College. Ramona pursued a career as an insurance professional and earned an SCLA (Senior Claims Law Associate) degree and is currently employed by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, as a senior claims specialist. Ramona is the mother of four children; two have graduated from NHS and two are currently attending NHS, which gives Ramona a history with all the Newport Schools. Along with being an active advocate for the NIS district, Ramona has a personal stake in the success of our school district as a parent and as a resident of the Newport community. Ramona is very excited about her recent appointment to the School Board and is looking forward to this opportunity to serve our children and the community.
School Board Member: Ms. Melissa Sheffel
email: melissa.sheffel@newport.kyschools.us
Originally from Eastern Ohio, Melissa moved to Newport in 2000 following her marriage. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Ohio State University and works as a freelance writer and communications consultant.
Melissa has two sons at Newport Primary School, where she is also president of the PTO and volunteers as a reading tutor. She previously served as PTO president and member of the Site-Based Council at Mildred Dean Elementary and on the 2009 District Planning Committee. She also previously served as Secretary for the Clifton Neighborhood Group and the Newport Citizen's Advisory Council, and as a member of the Newport Recreation Commission.
Melissa is a 2009 graduate of the Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership and strongly believes parent involvement plays a major factor in the success or failure of Newport's schools. She encourages every parent to 'up' their involvement just one extra notch and watch the tide begin to turn.
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