3 Norfolk school board members selected

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The official decision won't be announced until next week, but WAVY.com has learned the names of the three new members of the Norfolk School Board .

They are:

• Dr. Noelle Gabriel, a pediatrician at Children's Hospital of The Kings Daughters.
• Rodney Jordan, a technology consultant and director of Community Impact for One Economy Corporation.
• Joseph Lindsey, an attorney.

City Council members selected Gabriel, Jordan and Lindsey following individual interviews with 10 candidates Tuesday. The interviews were conducted in a public session at City Hall. Council will officially vote next week.

Members serve a two-year term, and Mayor Paul Fraim said it's highly unlikely the decision would change.

In several Hampton Roads cities, voters decide who is selected for the school board, but in Norfolk, City Council appoints the seven-member school board.

"We respect diversity, experience, folks that have been involved in our school system and we tried to come up with the right mix," Mayor Fraim said.

The candidates said they are ready to start their terms.

"I would not be here if this wasn't a commitment I was ready and willing to make," Lindsey said.

Gabriel already had goals in mind.

"I think we need to get more involved in the classroom," Gabriel said.

Jordan touted his volunteering experience as good background.

"I bring 19 years of volunteering in the schools," Jordan said.

Dr. Linda McCluney interviewed for the position because her two-year term was up, but lost her seat. McCluney lost her seat.

Other candidates who interviewed were:

• Martha Ambler, Accountant
• Wendy Brodsky, Bank of America SVP
• Karen Fox, Karen Fox Contracting
• Reverend Edward Haywood, Pastor Urban Community Church of Norfolk
• Matthew Paddock, Director of Social Strategy and PR Dominion Enterprises

Jesse Scaccia, Editor-in-Chief and Co-Owner Altdaily.com