Civil

Norfolk Public Schools’ Elects Its First African-American Woman Chair

In a historic move, Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe is elected as the first African-American female chair of the Norfolk Public School Board. The appointment comes a year after her initial appointment to the board and signals a significant milestone in the school district’s leadership. Alongside Vice Chair Dr. Noelle Gabriel, the newly elected leaders express their commitment to the students, staff, and families of Norfolk Public Schools.

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NORFOLK

A year after she was appointed to the Norfolk Public School Board her colleagues voted to elect Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe as chair and Dr. Noelle Gabriel as its vice chair.

She was elected the first African-American female chair of the board during its January 17, meeting, for a term ending December 31, 2024.

Moore-Buffaloe, who represents Ward 4, served as vice chair of the School Board for the past year after being appointed to the School Board in January 2023.

“I’m excited and I know this School Board is going to do great work this year, and I look forward to seeing what Norfolk Public Schools can be, and will be,” Moore-Buffaloe said. “We will be having many important conversations and really tackling the work. I am just thankful that I have the opportunity to lead this group.”

Vice Chair Gabriel, who was first appointed to the School Board in 2012 and elected to the Board in 2016, represents Superward 6.

“I am honored to resume my role as vice chair for Norfolk Public Schools,” Gabriel said. “These marks my 12th year of dedicated service as a school board member. Whether in the capacity of past chair, vice chair, or board member, my commitment remains steadfast in serving our students, staff, and families.”

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Moore-Buffaloe has been a resident of Norfolk, Virginia for over 30 years.

A graduate of Norview High School, she has spent the last 25 years working and serving in the public school system and her community. She began her career as a long-term substitute teacher and parent volunteer. She is currently serving as the executive assistant to the superintendent of Newport News Public Schools and the Clerk of the School Board. Moore-Buffaloe completed her Bachelor’s Degree from Norfolk State University (NSU) and her Master’s Degree from Strayer University.

As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Gethsemane Community Fellowship Church, and the Beacon Light Civic League, she provides service to the community by getting involved in initiatives that help people.